The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-05-11
GEN. GEO. EfI THOMAS.
Gen. Lamdram Pays Tribute to the Memory
Of the Great Nirginian.

OF the Great Nirginian.
The picture of Gen. George II. Thomas in a
! recent number of T1fE NATIONAL TRIBUNE,
| showing that distinguished officer in bivouac
/ on the field of Chickamauga on the night pre-
cediug the last days fight, is one that never
! fails to call forth praise from the thousands Of
! admirers of that eminent patriot and soldier.
| The painting from which the cut is taken is by
Gen. Price, of Kentucky. who was himself a
! gallant soldier, and the artist has in that pro-
duction earned reputation that will be SIS
| lasting rs the fame of the hero whose form and
features he has so faithfully portrayed on
canvas. 80
Gen. Thomas is one of the few distinguished
soldiers of Southern birth who remained true
to the nag, Notwithstanding every effort pos
sible was made to lure him from what he con-
ceived to be the post of duty There is scarcely
any doubt that he was offered high position
in the Confederate army and his State pride
As q native of Virginia, was appealed to in
order to induce him to quit the Federal serv-
ice. 1t has been stated that his relatives in
Virginia were very bitter in their denunciation
of the General for what they considered rs his
obStinacy IN refusing to unite his fortunes with
the South.
The fact remains. however, and stands out
prominently in history that he resisted al the
Establishments and temptations that were
thrown in his way, and that his career sue
cesstul loader was such as to place him among
the most illustrious commanders who figured
on either side III the war of the rebellion.
1t was fortunate for the cause of the Union
that this great man stood firm in his devotion
to the nag, for, without attempting to detract
from the merits of the many distinguished SOL
diers IN the Confederate army, it is not too
much to say that he was the equal of any of
them aud possessed characteristics and qualitie
superior TO most of them.
1t was the pleasure of the writer TO have
known Gen. Thomas in the Mexican war. and
TO have witnessed his gallantry at Buena Vista,
when as Lieutenant in the battery of r. w.
Sherman he assisted III driving back the we'll
trained columns of Lombardni's infantry, that
had pierced the center of Taylor's army, and.
IN the language of Thomas turning us round
like gate" This acquaintance was renewed
at Camp Dick Robinson, in Garrard County,
Ky, in 1861. when Gen. Thomas came to
lieve Gen Nelson Mt that camp
The victory at Wild Cat while not of any
special significance, nevertheless of suth-
Gent importance to drive Zollicoifer back into
Tennessee and to prevent his taking possession
OF central Kentucky. The battle of Mill
Springs, however, that resulted in the plete
destruction of entire army, was worthy Of
notice, being the first victory of any magui-
tudo achieved by the Union arms. Both Of
these victories were won by Thomas.
IL WAS not his fault that he did not reach the
battlefield Of Shiloh in time to take part in the
engagement Monday. He was sometimes
accused of being slow but he was at the same
time always regarded as sure.
1t is said that lie was aroused from his slum-
bers on the night preceding the last days fight
at Stone River, and asked by council of war
convened by Rosecrans. whether the army had
better remain and fight or retreat.
This army cannot retreat" WAS his reply,
and resuming his sleep. the determination to
remain was the decision of the council, and
victory WAS tho result.
At ChickamanEa, when Rosecrans. Critten-
den and McCoob had driftcd with the tide aud
thousands of demora!ized troops had sought
refuge IN Chattanooga. the gallant Thomas
stood like rock. and saved the army that
aiterward swept Bragg and his eci0ms from
the rock bound nights Of Missionary Ridge
No subimer spectacle has ever appeared in the
history OF the world than that of Thomas in
that sanguinary engagement. The grand Nr-
glnan was master of the situation, aud God
seemed TO spare llim for tho great emergency.
lis response to Grant 'Wc will hold Chatta-
nOoga until we starve." was characteristic of
the man, and those who knew him well had no
doubts as to the sincerity Of his ntteraDces
Nashville rounded up the series of his vic
tories. never having met with defeat. Care
ful Of his men, he never rushed his troops into
battle simply to .aina name for himself. His
only aim was TO achieye success at as little cost
OF life as possible aud he always shared in the
dangers to which his troops were exposed.
In camp or OH field of battle lie was always
appr1achabe and never ostentatious or over
bearing. As brave the bravest. he was never
theloss genial in his intercourse with the off
GERS ana soldiers OF his command. and always
had word OF encouragement for the deserving.
As time passes this great soldier becomes
only the more conspicuous for the part he
played in the great drama that resulted in the
restoration of the Union. Those who have
survived him and bad the honor of serving
under this superb commander will never cease
to cherish his memory and hear testimony to
tho greatness CT his character.--W. J. Lam
DRAM. Lancaster, KY, Brevet Brigadier- Gen
eral, u. $. Vols.