Daily Yellowstone journal. [volume] (Miles City, Mont.) 1882-1893, 1888-05-25

ulaDa sDOuld DOt be put IN the attitude
of spurning any proposals made in
good faith looking 10 peaeeable ad-
justment of the differences between
the North aud South. To that end he
aided in procuring the assent Of the
Indiana legislature TO the proposal of
the legislature of Virginia for confer
ence Of representatives OF the border
states at Washington. Indiana sent
her representative men to that confer
ence, the labors of which shortly after
ward were blown into space by the
guns which opened against Sumter.
That, however, did not make the
measure an impolitic one. It's wis
dom became apparent afterwsrd in its
effect upon members OF the democratic
party In Ohio and southern Indiana,
who much more willingly declared
themselves for the Union when they
saw every means Of pehceAble adjust
ment exhausted.
THE CIVIL WAR.
The Inauguration Of Mr.. IAucoln
followed and the civil war burst upon
the country. 1t had been expected by
all thoughtful minds aud the leaders
Of the Republican party had done all
they could in the way OF preparing to
defend the country from the assaults
OF Its enemies. Though so young 4
man Walter Gresham by this time
was looked upon as slesder, safe, judi
clOus and strong, giving promise Of be-
ing In the not distant future one Of
the most valued OF the nations coun-
cillors. His previous success as law
yer aud politician led many to believe
that his especial place was in the coun-
ellis of the country, but the military
instincts of his family led him at once
10 the camp. He was well versed in
the tactics and in military affairs, and
for some time bad been captain Of .
local company in Corydon, the county
seat Of Harrison county. Upon the
expiration Of his legislative duties be
was commissioned by Governor Nor
ton-that sstute Judge Of men-a lieu
tenant colonel OF the 3sth Indiana, but
before IL got into active service he was
appointed colonel Of the 53rd Indiana,
receiving bis commission in Deem
ber, 1861.
He Joined Grant at Savannah, Ten
oessee, and was assigned TO Veatch's
brigade in Hurlbut's division. While
stationed at Savannsh he attracted
the attention both Of Grant and Gen.
Rawlirs, Grants chief of staff, who
were much impressed with his sbili-
ties. He participated, after Shiloh, in
Grant campaigns, and after the fall
of yicksburg was commissioned briga-
iier general and placed In charge of
the Natchez district, with his head
quarters at Natchez. The wonderful
executive abilities he displayed here,
the unusual acumen be exhibited in
checking and doing away with all
kinds of fraud, and the judicious man
ner in which he governed the district
attracted the notice aud commanded
the admiration OF friend and foe alike,
aud marked him ~ one Of the leading
minds Of the war. Here be proved in
u thousand instances his incorruptibls
integrity. Had he been so disposed
he could have become ten times mil
lIonsire by listening to the devices
employed to tempt him by the thou
sands Of spectators who flocked TO the
army there. But Gresham was incor-
ruptible. He was a monument of in
tegrity, NJ deaf to the seductions Of cue
pidity Ms Iphicrates was to the fsscin-
stions OF Lsis, and soon became re-
garded as one whom ii would be un-
safe TO approach in any but the most
strictly honorable way. He was too
keen and able to be deceived, too pure
and honest to be corrupted. His ad-
minlstration OF affairs at this point lie
lasting monument Of glory TO his
honor and his purity.
In the spring Of 1854 he was placed
Ia command Of a division Of the 18th
corps of the Army of the Tennesse
and participated in all the terrific
labor OF that gallant army up to the
Goth Of July, 1854, at the battle Of Leg.
gerts Hill, where he was severely
wounded and had to be sent homo
He was in bed for year. but, finally,
careful nursing saved him and his
wound healed, though he 10 still
slightly lame.
AFTER THE WAR.
After the war Gen. Gresham re-
sumed the practice Of his profession
with marked success. The republican
party. however, claimed his services
and he was pltted against Michael q.
Kerr for congress. Kerr was the most
popular democrat that ever lived In
Indiana. and u remarkably able and
pure man. Nevertheless. Gresham