The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-08-31
FOR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
Col. Charles p. Lincoln, the Choice of the
Department of the Potomac.

Col. Charles p. Lincoln, the Choice of the
Department of the Potomac.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Charles Perez
Lincoln. of Washington, ID. c., was born in
QuincN Mich his father, Perez Lincoln. being
one of the pioneers of that State, having located
there in 1883, before the State was admitted
into the Union. His father was farmer, and
the boy grew up accustomed to agricultural
pursuits; his early education was obtained at
tho District school nearby, and at 10 years of
age he entered Hillsdale College, Hilsdale.
Mich, where he was pursuing his studies when
President Lincoln issued his call for $4,000
(three-mOnths) men.
Young Lincoln had for some time been con-
nected with a company Of Coldwater (Mich.)
lads of about his own age in a military organ
iZation, and had taken much pride and interest
in their drillings and evolutiOns. Fired with
patriotism at the insult to the flag at Sumter,
he was among the first of these boys to respond
to the call, and upon the 18th of April, when
but II years of age, enlisted as private. Be-
fore tho company left for Washington he was
made Orderly Sergeant of Co. C. 1st Mich,
commanded by Gen. Orlando i. Wilcox.
Sergt Lincoln was present with his regiment
(the first TO cross the Potomac over Long
Bridge into Virginia May "a, 1907 at the
capture of Alexandria and the battle of Bull
Run.
Returning to Mich igan soon after the expira-
ton Of the three months enlistment he entered
Hilsdale College again, hoping TO pursue his
studies to completion. Young Lincoln's pat
riotism and desire again to be at the front soon
overmastered his determination OF then obtain
ing collegiate education, and procuring au-
thority from tho Governor, Austin Blair, he
recruited and was made Captain of Co. G, 10Th
Mich.
His was one of the regiments composing the
brigade commanded by Gen. John Coburn, of
Indiana, which was captured at the battle of
Spring Hill, Tenn. Capt. Lincoln was held for
several months prisoner OF war at the famous
Libby Prison at Richmond, Va. With his regi
ment he was engaged actively in the cam paigns
of the Army of the Cumberland until the Sum-
mer of 1864, when he was forced by ill-heath
to resign.
Subsequently, Capt Lincoln was commits.
stoned Colonel of National State Guard; was
elected and served nearly four years as Chan
Gerry Court Clerk was for several years in the
Internal Revenue service, and in 1875 was ap-
pointed by President Grant as Consul to Can
ton China which Office he filled with ability
In 1881 he returned to this country and his
home in Michigan. He subsequently resumed
the practice of law in Washington, ID. c., and
was so engaged in 1889 when the position of
Deputy commissioner of Pensions was rendered
him by President Harrison. He accepted this
office and filled it with ability until March 81,
1893, when his successor was appointed by
President Cleveland. Col. Lincoln won hosts
of friends during his incumbency of this office
by his careful. painstaking method of transact
ing business and his universal courtesy TO ALL
He is we'll and favoraby known in Grand
Army of the Republic circles, having served
two years as Commander of the famous Kit
Carson Post and one year as Commander Of
the Department of the Potomac. He is an
easy, fluent. and forceful speaker. and as such
has often done valuable service for the Grand
Army of the Republic Since his retirement
from Office no has resumed the practice of law
in Washington, d. G.
The recent interview with Col. Lincoln, pub
lished in the New York Press, in which he
showed conclusively that the action of the
Secretary of the Interior and the Commissioner
| of Pensions in the wholesale suspension of PEN
sions is in direct conflict with law, has met
with marked favor and attention among the
| soldier element of the country.
The late Encampment of the Department of
the Potomac unanimously Endorsed him for the
position of Commander-in-C hief.-A. S. T.,
| Washington, ID. q.