The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-11-21

a Gallant Soldier and Faithful Public Serv-
ant Who is Candidate for Clerk of tbs
House of Representatives.


a Gallant Soldier and Faithful Public serv-
ant Who is Candidate for Clerk of the
House of Representatives.
Gen. ThOs J. Henderson, of Illinois, who
is thought to he the leading candidate for
the position of Clerk of the House of Repre-
seniatives has many and very strong claims
upon the recognition of the Republican
party He was born in Tennessee, but at
the age of II his her moved TO Illinois to
grow up with the young State, and settled
in Stark County. As Gen. Henderson grew
up to manhood he became deeply interested
in politics, and was one of the pioneer
Republicans Recognizing his abilities, his
neighbors elected him County Clerk, and
then Representative in the Legislature, in
which positions he gave such satisfaction
that he was elected to the State Senate, in
which he served four years. When the sec
ond call for volunteers came ont he exerted
himself TO raise the 10th Ill, of which he
was elected Colonel, and at once led the regi-
ment to the field. Though he had never had
the least military training, his natural abili-
ties speedily made him one of the best Off
GERS in the army, always ready for duty,
always sound i'll conception OF what was
required of him and his men, and always
brave resolute and skillful in the execution
of his orders.
He Joined the Army of the Ohio, under
Burnside, and he made his regiment so eff
cient that it was paid the compliment of
being selected for mounted service. 1t went
with Burnside into East Tennessee and rem
dered good service in many of the battles
fought there, suffering heavy losses at Knox
vile and Kelly's Ford.
In the Spring of 1854 the 10th ILL., was
returned to infantry duty, and joined Sher-
mans army at Buzzard Roost for the Atlanta
campaign. At Resaca, Col Henderson was
badly wounded, but rejoned his regiment
before he had recovered, and was promoted to
the command of brigade, consisting of his
own regiment, the 63d, 120th, and 12Sth
Ind, and the Sth Tenn. This brigade,
known by his name, speedily made repu-
tation for itself as one of the steadiest and
most reliable in the army. 1t was on duty
and practically under fire every day for the
months that the campaign lasted, and took
large share in the last operations, by which
Hoods communications south of Atlanta
were cut, and his army pursued as far as
Lovejoy's Station.
When Hood started on his northward
raid, Hendersons Brigade was part of the
forces in his front which disputed his prog
ress, and fell back only when forced to by
superior numbers. 1t held an important
part of the line at Franklin, and its steady
well-directed fire wrought havoc in the
rebel masses. Gen. Henderson had been
suffering from illness for several days pre-
vious to the battle, and was confined to his
bed. But as soon as the firing began, he
rose up and Joined his command, and direct
ed it throughout the battle. Gen. j. ID. Cox
reported:
h.. 4 Go Io,r
i'll, rejoined his brigade, and both he and
Stiles directed the firing, which, sweeping
along the ground, moved down all before
itn
Gen. Henderson was specially mentioned
in General Orders for his gallantry, and his
promotion was asked for by his superior
officers. The brigade also rendered specially
good service, and afterward in North Caro-
lima.
Gen. Henderson was elected to Congress
from Illinois in 1874 and reelected for nine
consecutive terms, making 90 years continu-
Gus service. He made record in Con-
gress such as might have been expected
from that he made in the field. He was
always in his place, alert and ready for duty.
He carefully famliarized himself with every
thing required OF his position, and conscien-
ti0usly filled every requirement. He was
alike watchful of the interests of his con-
stituents and of the country, and never failed
to be on hand and do the right thing when
needed. He was held in the highest esteem
by all his colleagues, and though stanch,
uncompromising Republican, had no lack of
friends in the opposing parties. He was
principally identified with the work of the
Rivers and Harbors Committee, of which he
was continuously a member, and the Chair
man when the House was Republican. He
was the author of the Hennepin Canal prof.
eet, and worked for years to achieve it's
success. No man can be better fitted for the
place of Clerk than he is, and if the election
could be determined by the votes of the
older members, who know him best, he
would get it by acclamati0n.