Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-08-06
THE Cate GENERAL ]. q. WALKER
Interesting "Reminiscences In His military
and Diplomatic Career.
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lNtlktoh Iof tuo bihphton'I
General John George Walker was very
remarkable man. Born IN Missouri he was
of Virginia lineage, kinsman of our Gen.
eral Lindsay Walker, and o descendant OF
that DR.. Thomas Walker from whom so
many well known Virginia families claim
descent. He was of the Committee OF
Public Safety OF Virginia during the kevo-
luton. At his house were Madison, Jeffer-
son. and Patrick Htnty when 1arleton
made his dash upon the Legislature then
removed to Aibemarle
Afterwards Or. Thomas Walker served
as Colonel Walker upon Washington
staff.
When in 1916 the regiment OF Mounted
Rifles WINS organized John q. Walker was
appointed first lieutenant of IL. He was
at the time In the Clerks Office of the State
of Missouri, at jefferson City. aud was
well prepared by years of liberal study
and ASSOCIATION TO take the prominent part
he did in that very active corps of mount
ed rifemen.
A few weeks suficed TO learn the tactics
and incessant activity in the Mexican war
made him one of the ablest officers OF his
rank In the army.
In Oregon Walker was captain and was
present IN the affair with the Rogue-riyer
Indians. in which Captain Jammie Stuart,
has bosom friend, was killed. Walker 5
troop had scattered band Of the Indians.
who took TO the river, where the men fol-
lowed them.
FAMOUS CAPTAIN JACK.
One of the Rifles while searching the
banks saw a pair of gtimmering eyes
shining through the roots of an over
hanging tree, ana hauled out by the legs
a young Indian lad. whom they carried
along until they were where he could
a Ia han ILoIr hoH
him. unfortunately, turned loose. IL was
the famous Captain Jack, the Moiock
chief
In Texas and New Mexico Walker was
necessarily active. and when the war be-
tween the States broke out he at once
sent IN his resignation, his native State
having seeded. He served with great dis
tinction In the Army Of Northern virginia,
bore q conspicuous part 10 the capture OF
Harper's Ferry, and was III the very nick
of time st Sharpsburg, where his CON-
mand took an effective part IN the final
defeat of McClellan's assault upon Lees
lines.
MAJoR-GENERAL.
For this he was promoted to major
general and sent TO the transmlsSisslppl,
where he was In the most important ac-
tlons of that army, arriving on the held at
Mansfield IN time TO enable Dick Taylor to
inhict upon Banks that final and crushing
defeat at Pleasant Hill. Since the var his
lite seemed a constant struggle against
adverse fortune, until Mr.. Cleveland ap-
pointed him Consul-Generai aud Secretary
of Legation to the United States OF Co.
iombIa.
From this post be was detached upon
automatic missions of delIcacy and i'm
portauce, in all of which be acquitted
himself with ability and hrmness. High
courage was the characteristic OF the man,
combined with a gentleness of nature
which never gave occasion tor complaint
70 any.
AN INCIDENT AT scUTARI.
Being at Scutari during the opening
Crimean war, be was pleasantly acqualnt-
ed with some Of the British naval officers.
one day at the table oboe number OF
them we're assembled. and q bright young
lieutenant who liked him said. " Come.
now that you are away from your own
people and can say what you please,
don't YOU think ours better form
of government tEan your own "
With his accustomed ease and huency
Walker replied, oil of the company listen
ed respectfully. until an old post captain
nj the head of the table blurted out with
the usual English delicacy, Tut. tut, tut.
am aware that opinions such as those
have been advocated by some young men
and by a very disreputable class of politi-
clans" Walker arose IN his quiet way,
plead guilty To being young, but called the
company to bear HIM witness that mid,
die age was not exempt always from bad
binding"
BY this time the old man had discovered
his blunder, and said: Beg ten thousand
pardons; thought you were one of US"
In au association of many years always
found hun gentle and brave and true. His
experiences in many lands and under many
trials would make book of rare interest
and value.
After life's ftful foyer he sleeps we'll. "
DABNEY Ii. MAuaY.