The morning times., 1895-11-24

Gen. Edwin Vose Sumner, the distinguish
ed commander and heroic leader of the
Second Army Corps in many hard-rought
battle on the peninsula" during the war
of the rebellion, is soon to have monu-
ment erected TO his memory in Washington.
The movement to erect a monument to
the memory of General Sumner was in
augurated at a meeting of the Second Army
Corps Association of the District, held very
recently, and has already taken definite
shape. At tho meeting referred to Gen.
James u. Brady presided and DR.. G. X.
Hayes and Coils W. L. Bramhall and C.
Z. Troutman were appointed committee
10 take the initiatory steps.
As yet the committee has had no formal
conference on the subject but personally is
OF the opinion that the sug gestion will meet
with the hearty approval and cooperation
of the surviving members, and friends of
the Second Army Corps. II is proposed
to erect a monument, the equal, If not the
SUPERIOR from an artistic standpoint, of
any of the many beautiful memorials to
departed heroes, which adorn the city.
Congress will be petitioned for an appropria-
ton TO assist in this patriotic undertaking
and that having been secured the work VIII
be pushed to completion as rapidly as pos
sible.
AN EQ UESTRlAN STATUE.
The monument will be an equestrian
statue OF the same style as those of Thomas
and Scott, and will represent General
Sumner as he appeared on the field during
the battle of Fair oaks. The mounting
will rest on base OF granite about twenty
feet square, the whole rising TO Il height
OF nearly fifty feet. No place has been
selected for the placing OF the monument
nor can there be until Congress convenes.
a.. la..
public reservations in the central part OF
the city and will, No doubt, attract great
attention and admiration.
General sumner, the subject or Tins
tribute, to patriotism and heroism, was
born in Boston. Mass, on the 30th of Jan
uary, 1897 and dicd March 21, 1868, in
the siXty-siXth year of his age. from
diseases contracted during his campaign
on the peninsular lS62-'63. He was ap-
pointed To the command OF the Second Army
Corps March Ii, 1862, by President Lin
coin, which position he held until his
death. In the corps he was familiaTly
known as "Ob Bull' not because of what
is generally knG wn as obstinacy but rather
on account of his Ntcadfa ness OF purpose
Of whatever was undertaken. He was
never hasty of action. on the contrary
was deliberate in formulating his plans
Of march and attack, but once formed
he had an abiding faith in their ultimate
success ana with all his strength hc fOllOwc
them to the end.
PRIDE OF THE EASTERN ARMY.
The corps was a grand body. the pride
of the eastern army. lis career was un-
parallelcd in the history OF the war in the
east. and from the time of its orga MIA
ton. March 13, 1869, it maintained an
unbroken existence until peace was de-
clared in 1865. As a fighting corps 1t
stands conspicuously in the front. In an
the great struggles Of the war OF the
rebellion in which it took part it was
always in the thickcst of the fight. But
this was not done without great loss. for
while in these engagements the Second
Corps captured no less than forty Cunfed-
crate flags, these trophies were bought
with the blood of 0.O0O heroes, left
dead or wounded on the field.
At the breaking out of the civil war Gen.
Sumner was doing active duty on the
plains. He entered the regular army in
1919 as second lieutenant. He took an
active part in the Black Hawk war, and
for gallantry was promoted to Captaincy.
In 1916 he was promoted TO the rank OF
major, and in 1S47, with conspicuous
bravery and in the face of almost certain
death. led the charge at Ccrro Gurdo,
where he was wounded. AT C"ntrcros and
Cherubusco he won a proud distinction and
honorable mention, and at Molino del Rey
was given entire command Of SCott's
cavalry.
From the close of tie Mexican war until
the breaking out of the war of the rebellion
Gen. Sumner saw much service on the plains,
taking an active part in the Kansas border
troubles. In 1855 he was made Colonel of
he First United States Cavalry.
GOVERNOR OF NEW MEXICO.
Shortly after lie was appointed governor
of New Mexico, which position he held until
the close of the year 1853 During the fol-
lowing year he was commissioned by the
Government to go to Europe and make
thorough investigation as to the improve
ments and innovations in cavalry tactics.
He remained in Europe some time. making
personal Investigations at all the prin-
cipal academies of military instruction in
the country. On his return lie submitted
lengthy and ella borate report of the result
OF his Investigations. In connection with
his report he adva need many suggestions as
to the revision of the cavalry tactics. Sew
eral of his suggestions were accepted and
Incorporated in the new tactics.
On any point relative tn this branch of
the service his opinion was considered of
the highest authority. For, besides having
had many years practical service and ed
ucation, he was for many years, from ! S3S,
superintendent of the school of cavalry at
Carlisle, Pa.
In the war on the peninsula Gen. Sumner
played daconspicuouspart. a TheSccund Army
Corps, of which he was the comma ndcr, was
engaged in nearly all the great battles
fought on that territory, and more than
once did the Second Corps turn the tide of
battle in favor of the Union, often changing
what appeared to be certain defeat to
glorious victory.
AT FAIR OAKS.
At all times he was ready to move, es-
pecially if the call was to the front. AT
the battle of Fair Oaks when General Nc
Clellan's forces were divided, General Sum-
ner was ordered to cross the ChickahOminy
and reinforce him. The order found him
with his corps drawn out and ready to move
at once, which he did, and 1t was owing to
this prompt action that great loss of life
was avoided and the Union Army enabled
to hold its position of advantage.
At his own request, in 1863, be was re-
lieved of his command in the East and-ap-
pointed to the Department of the Missouri.
1t was on his way to assume charge of that
department that he died, his last words
as he, with great effort, waved a glass of
wine above his head, being, God save my
the United States"
Gen. Sumner left two sons, both of