The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1891-10-08

s'aN oaNt "CtC blopOSi-
tions, his positions were always ably
defended, and with rare exceptions,
kept intact. Important lines Of com
mnnication to tho government between
the east and the west, both for defon-
sivc ana offensive movements, were his
special care protecting them from the
lire In Tho rear rs well as from the raids
OF the cnemp In the front, were practi-
cally utilized during the entire war.
Acting mainly on tho defensive he
neither had the men or the opportun-
n.y. to prominently show In the great
battles east OF the mountains. Tho
lesser fights In the rough district en-.
ornced in his department where hnrdi-
hood, celebrity OF movement, readiness
to see the opportunity and seize it.,
combined with courage, wero the quail
tiles demanded and constantly dis
played. And his efforts were almost in.
yariab.ly rewarded by success in either
defending his position. or making re-
priaals OH the enemy.
The public, MS may be inferred, does
not realize how much tho countryi Is In.
debtcd to General Kelley and his com.
mand for tho exemption from
the dangers incident to civil
war. Gradually, however, us time
passes and the actual events
become historical, his tact, labor and
vigilance will receive their proper
credit. And higher value Wilt be
placed upon his services, though prob.
ably lacking in startling cvents ind,
possibly, brilliancy Of coloring.
General Kelley, 1t is almost supcrnu.
GUS to say to those who had tho honor
OF his acquaintance, was warm hearted,
generous and iorgiving. Exacting in
the limo OF duty towards all. social,
genial and companionablc when relieved
OF It's demands, but perhaps the strong
est feature in his makeup, tho salient
point of his character, was his patriotic
impulses. Nothing in man, in his es-
timation, could compensate for Il lack
OF love OF country. Nothing too much
to demand OF n manfor his country's
cause, and no sacrifice too great when
serving his country. Though we'll up
in years when incommnnd OF military
department, he was always ready to
sacrifice personal feelings and comforts
for the cause he loved and served. There
were meny men who. in n
moment OF thoughtlcssness, des-
pcration or recklessness, had violated
some one or more OF the articles OF war
struck an, officer, abscntcd himself
from his command without leave, or in
some way violated the rules and regl-
lntions for maintaining discipline.
When appeals were made to tho COM
handing general in behalf OF tho men
the warm heart OF General Kelley has
needed and responded, and his iorgiving
disposition has proved stronger prob
ably ut the time than his judgment.
Upon the soldier expressing sorrow for
the act and promise to do better in
future, the penalty was not enforced,
but probably the man was told to go
and sin no moro. Faithful to duty,
strong in his love of country, that
country the broad land defined by the
boundaries Of the Union, love for
mankind, and possessing heart
open to the appeal OF the 4 down.
trodden and unfortunate; never, de-
spairing, toiling on, tenacious Of purpose,
cheerful and hopeful to the end was
our commander, comrade and friend.
"l'ar dcarcr the grave or the prison,S
llluncd by patriots name.
Thnn the trophies OF nil who have risen
On libcrty's ruins TO fame"
The members OF his old regiment and
OF his general command tender this as
an evidence of love and respect.
G. j. r.