The herald., 1894-02-25
GhE CT HIS WAR COMRADES
yells Some "reminiscences
About Gen. Grant.
Valuable Paper by Gen. Chetlain
of Chicago.
Some Intsrestine Facts About the Great
Comm nder bv Man Who
Wa Ills Close
Friend.

hall was we'll filed by an audience who
met to listen TO paper on General
Grant.
Up to the beginning OF the war Gen
eral Chetlsin, now of Chicago, was Iiv-
. ing at Galens, and was we'll acquainted
with i.apt. This paper described incl
dents witnessed by General Chetlain, IN
which Grant was an actor, at Galena,
and attesward at other places.
Because Q: detective sight the writer
of the paper requested his friend, Rev.
DIR. Edwards of New York, who was
present, TO read for him. Following 10
synopsis:
Wien the war began Grant was q
clerk IN a business house of which his
tathe: was a partner His salary was
not large, but it was enough to support
Me family in comfort and decency. He
was modest in manner and rather retir-
ing in habits, but not unsocisl. He
took no part in active politics. but wac
~ close observer OF all matters OF public
interest. He would talk freely enough
among his acquaintance about the great
questions in which all were then 80
deeply interested. He was highly re-
spected in Galena for his probity, mod
esty and good sense.
When news Of the attack upon Fort
Sumpter reached Galena public meet
ing was called to discuss what should be
done.
A large hall was closely packed with
men and the mayor OF the city was
called to preside.
When the mayor called the meeting
to order he made a. brief address, argu-
ing that the north should not make war
upon the south, and that the govern
ment should try to make some sort OF
compromise with the confederates.
This was received with loud cries OF
dissent, and many voices were heard de-
manding that the mayor leave the chair
and give place to some one else TO pre-
eide.
The mayor said that in speaking as he
did he thought he was voieing the opin-
ion OF the people present, out finding he
was mistaken he would not oppose other
views.
E. B. Wash burn, congressman OF the
district, was present; he offered set OF
resolutions TO the effect that the citizens
Of Galena would Loyalty support the
government in enforcing the laws and
protecting the flag. Under the flag we
had enjoyed she blessings of liberty, and
ii necessary, We would die in its defense.
The resolutions were adopted with en-
chm was issued calling tor. volunteers to
8 suppress the rebellion. A. few DAYS
aiterward another meeting was called at
Galena. Grant was made chairman.
Volunteers were called for. Chetlain
stepped forward and was the fret to be
enrolled.
Other meetings were held and q COM
pany OF so men was formed and offered
their services to the governor. Chef
lain was elected captain. 1t was pro.
posed to elect Grant captain, but he de-
clined on the ground that his military
training ct West Point and several years
OF active service in the army fitted him
for more important duties. For several
days Grant drilled the company, the
msn using sticks, not having guns. He
Huperintended the organization of the
company and gave instructions until
G they were ordered to report at Spring
field.
When the company left Galens
Grant accompanied them. Among all
rrthe people present when the men were
iileaving, no man was less conspicuous
than Grant. Plainly dressed, with a
.esmall carpetbag in his hand, he looked
! the least likely of all men to be master
spirit and destined to become one of the
greatest men of all time.
NO man ever rose to greatness under
more discourRging circumstances, more
bitter and persistent opposition than
Grant, On arriving at Springfield he
called upon Governor Yates and pre-
sented letter OF introduction. Yates
looked at him c0oliy and said he did not
know Of anything for him to do; but
alter asking lew questions, and finding
that Grant had some knowledge of mill
4tary matters, Yates put him to work as
q clerk. Four days afterward Captain
Chetlain called upon the adjutsnt.gen.
erai of Illinois and asked for Grant: he
wess directed to corner in one of the
rooms, where he found Grant sitting at
a email table, writing. The work was
purely routine and such as any ordinary
clerk could do. Grant was diseusted !
and said he would quit and 90 back to !
Galena. Chetlain urged him to bear
with neglect little longer the country
needed him and ais opportunity would |
come. Soon after this the Twelfth regi-
ment OF Illinois volunteers was Or !
officers to elect Grant colonel. This was
bitterly opposed by a politician, and
politicians methods made this mau
colonel.
in the meantime camp had been
established near Springfield, and in
nonor OF the governor it was called
Camp Yates. Much disorder prevailed;
there was but little discipline main
talned. The governor appointed Grant
10 command the camp. In very short
tiine order was establis led method
took the place OF confusion and the men
we're taught to respect and obey their
officers.
Other forces that had been raised
were organized and put in order by
Grant during this time.
Soon after this Grant went TO st,
lonls 70 consult with General LYON.
While there Lyon attacked the rebel
camp thai bad been established near
the city, and Grant was present,
On bis way back from St. Louis to
Grant called upon Chetlain'
who. IN the meantime, had been elected
HeutenRnt-colonel Of the Twelfth reQi.
ment.
Grent was diagnsted and discouraged
civilians were appointed to important
military Commands. while he, trained
soldier, WAS neglected and there an.
reared to ue no place for him where be
could eerys his country. He eaid ~
n b 4 ~ r