The National tribune., 1892-07-21

the Army of the Potomac, the latter place
against his protestations; for he was frank
enough to say to Mr.. Lincoln and Mr. Stanton
he was not equal to the demands of the hour,
ing he declared his willingness to undertake
any duty.
TO the President, who coupled with the pro-
motion an early attack of Lees army, lying at
Fredericksburg. he said: II greatly fear am
not equal to it," Nor was he. 1t is doubtful
whether one could have been found at the mo-
ment who would have shown himself equal to
the task placed upon Burnside. His failure
hardly for moment impaired the confidence
reposed in him. for he was never long without
an important command and an important duty
to perform pursuant to the orders OF those
who knew his qualities as man and soldier.
But it was not 80 much of Burnside as sol.
der as his personal characteristics and appear
| ance that propose to write. Who that ever
saw him arrayed for the field will ever forget
his splendid figure! Arrayed in his fatigue
outft-hat that became no one SO we'll, blouse
| of blue belted in a manner that illustrated the
true use of the belt, gauntlets that signified
that nothing else would have served SO well,
tOp-boots that made every one ambitious to
| encase his own legs in like fashion, Burn
side was at once, and in all eyes, the true ideal
soldier. 1t was at the same time entirely true
not even the slightest amount of fuss and
| feathers" entered into his composition. He
was earnest without arrogance. never asking
of others what he was not ready to undertake
himself. Well versed in the science of war,
his plans were always intelligently formed, and
there was never any want of personal courage
| in executing them. Nevertheless, as at Fred
ericksburg, he could not do impossibilities.
The expedition led by Burnside which by
way of Hatteras Inlet entered the North Caro-
lima Sounds, and in connection with the navy
destroyed the rebel feet of gunboats COM
manded by Lynch of Dead Sea memory, dis
persed and captured the rebel land force under
Wise, captured New Berne and frustrated the
rebel purposes in that important quarter, was
probably Burnside's most important independ-
| emit performance. While this expedition was
attended by extraordinary delays and vexatiODs
as the result of almost criminal mistakes by
others, it was on the whole probably Burnside q
most successful undertaking and drew out
more fully than anything else his capacity as
| an "all-round" soldier. Confronted at the
outset with the fact that of the scores of ves-
sells composing the expedition that were ex-
| pected to operate in Albemarle Sound, there
was one only that did not draw more water
than it was expected to operate in. Burnside
did not despair, but set to work to dig chan.
mel through the "swash" at Hatteras by work.
ing gunbOats stem foremost against the bar or
"swash" until the channel had worn deep
enough to allow the whole feet to pass over.
1t took weeks to do this during which time
the rebels had ample time to erect their
defensive works and collect their forces.
At the very outset of this delay Burnside saw
the propeller New York, heavily laden with
the ordnance stores on which he depended for
success, 90 down and disappear off Hatteras, as
the result of the amazing, not to say criminal,
act of incompetency of sending vessel draw.
ing 20 feet to pass over bar where there was
barely IL feot of water. Many another man
would have thrown up his hands in despair,
but Burnside hardly flinched. He waited and
worked until all difficulties had been overcome.
During this waiting period Burnside displayed
extraordinary qualities of head and heart.
Cooped up on transports it required the best
qualities OF leader to preserve discipline and
insure the morale needful for subsequent
events on Roanoke Island and after.
AS proof Of Burnside's magnanimity and
sense Of justice, it can be related that when all
things were ready for attacking the rebel force
on the Island according to the plan, in con-
nection with the naval force under Commodore
Goldsborough. which he had labored SO long
and hard to bring to the point of execution,
Burnside stood aside and gave his Colonels,
Foster, Reno, and Parke, the opportunity to
win glory and promotion. II have my rank
already" he said to these subordinates. "You
are as worthy as am, and opportunity comes
only by chance. 1t is my happiness to afford
it to you. The plans are all laid by myself
You know them. Now go in and execute them,
and your promotion will be sure" Hardly
had the last gun been fred that rendered the
victory complete by the capture and dispensing
OF the rebel force on the Island, when Burnside
was off for Washington, the bearer of the first
word of the tidings to Mr. Lincoln. The Presi.
dent, almost overjoyed, could not embrace
Burnside enough to fifty express his thanks
and appreciation. That done, said Lincoln:
Now. General, what can do for you person
allyn" "Nota thing, but you can do great deal
for my Colonies by giving them the promotion
they have earned. Make them Generals, and
! will in an hour be off to tell them of it, and
in time be back with more good news" This
was Burnsides reply. Agreed" said Lin
coin. Give me their Names"
Forthwith it was done. Foster, Reno, and
Parke were, in the shortest time handed the
evidences of their promotion for gallant SER
vices from Burnside's own hands. Of them
all probably Burnside was the happiest man as
they met again on Roanoke Island.
Though not in the complete sense great
leader, Burnside always had the confidence of
such really great ones as Gems. Thomas, Sheri-
dan, and other actors, who were glad to secure
his o-Operation-as Grant and Thomas were in
Tennessee. Entire docility and almost womanly
modesty, and at the same time unquestonable
personal bravery, were among Gen. Burnside's
leading qualities. He was man of education,
with qualities that, with all his soldier instinct,
made him a favorite in society and attached to
him hosts of friends of every grade that could
appreciate him. 1t Was OF this account that
when the war was over he rose Immediately
to political distinction by Being elected United
States Senator from Rhode Island, the colleague
of Senator Anthony, the two Senators who,
until the latter's death, were as inseparable as
loving brothers. ,f4-sy
single incident will serve to illustrate
Burnsde's personal popularity and magnetism,
and the sensation hs produced wherever he
went. In the midst of the war important pri.
vate business called him to New York. One
morning, at an early business hour, he ap-
peared III Wall street, arrayed in that famous
blouse and belted, booted and spurred as
though he had been injected into the famous
financial center from. the tented field! In
moment he was recognized by the passing mass
of human beings Thene4t moment the street
was blocked, and shout after shout went up
from the vast crowd that had gathered and was
Still gathering Burnsids9was on the elevated
steps of bank and never did man appear to
better advantage. His establishment was great
and sincere. Turning on an instant to the
crowd, and bestOwing one of those smiles that
were peculiar to him only, he waved his hand,
saying: Ny friends, you must believe l am
glad to see you; but must not tarry. Urgent
business only has brought me here; good-by!"
He disappeared through a window, and the
next hour was off ito the 'front.'"
space in permanent history, IS it is yet 10 be
written, he fills large one in the hearts of all
who knew him. Though no Burnside statue