The National tribune., 1894-05-03
, his genial moments he was delightful

In his genial moments he was a delightful
companion. Some instances in his military
life he talked about with great freedom.
In 1861, '62, the Chicago Times was furious
in its opposition to the war. An order was
issued for its suppression, and Gen. Ammer
had charge of its execution. The excite
ment in Chicago at this time was great, and
many of the loyal people were fearful Of
retaliation and mob rule. At their solicita-
| ton President Lincoln revoked the order.
At this Gen. Ammen felt Inundated. He
! always insisted that the crisis had passed
when the order was revoked and that nc
trouble would have resulted. He had his
military force well in hand and had taken
the precaution to place it where he could
hurl it at the mob if necessary.
The other incident about which he talked
was Gen. Buell's arrival at Pittsburg Land
ing the night of the first days fight. Gen.
| Buell. had been criticized for being tardy in
advancing to Gen. Grants relief, but Gen.
Ammen insisted that the charge did Gen.
Buell. gross injustice. Gen. Ammen COM
manded the advance brigade on the march
on the 9th of April, 1862. He said if any
body was to blame he was the man. He in
sisted that Gen. Buell. went to Gen. Grants
relief as promptly as was possible, and that
being able to participate in the next days
fight on the 7th saved the Union army from
an inglorious defeat, and that, instead of
being criticized and censured, Gen. Buell.
should be applauded by his loyal country
men.
In his quiet moments Gen. Ammen was
as kind and gentle as woman. When
aroused he was a lion in his rage.
Around Madisonville at that time lowered
a good many disloyal people, who gave the
enemy information of our movements. Some
of these were arrested, taken to Loudon, and
imprisoned. The guards conducted them
to Headquarters for examination. At his
request we assisted Gen. Ammen in this
work
Once Judge of high repute in his locality
was arrested. In his examination Gen. Am
men and myself were alone with the Judge,
and after time we left the room. The
General came out and asked us to return
and labor with the Judge While talking
to the latter the General came in and
stretched himself at full length on lounge,
lying on his back, but taking no part in the
talk. The Judge made a remark that irri-
tated the General. Like a tiger he sprang
from the lounge. He poured upon the
Judge volleys of denunciation; it was tor
rent, an avalanche of invective. Gen. AM
men with other things told the Judge he
would place him at hard labor on the forti-
fcatioDs then being built, attach ball and
chain to him, and feed him On bread and
water.
The Judge wilted. He cried like child.
After his impassioned outburst, and the Gen
eral had grown calm, we discussed what was
best to do with the Judge. We advocated
kind treatment, with permission to return to
his family on his parol of honor. To this the
General readily assented. The Judge went
home, and was never again reported for dis
loyalty, so far as we know.
Thirty years ago Gen. Ammen seemed to
be feeble and lacking in physical power.
he was strong and full of resources.
He was unassuming and had many traits
of true nobility. Peace to the memory
of the gallant old soldier and true-hearted
citizen. Like Gen. Thomas, he was Vir-
ginian by birth, and loyal to the core.-H.
9. Connolly, Major, 14th Ill. Cav, Rock Is
land, Ill.