The San Francisco call., 1896-05-31

of Twiggs. His clear intellect foresaw that TO
remain at his post the South, including his
own State would despise him and the North
distrust him. But his honor, which he held
dearer than life, and his conscience admon-
ished him that his oath OF allegiance 10 tne
Union registered in heaven. Come veal,
come woe, no earthly powe could swerye him
from the path designated by honor and con-
science.
The flash of the first gun fred on Sumter
lighted up as the MONDAY sun that path. He
followed it with unerring fidelity, until the
Goddess of Liberty assumed her reign over the
Major Thomas promoted to the grade of
colonel May g. 1861, lost no time in reorganiz,
ing his regiment, and on May IA reported
ready for duty. Ordered South, he COM
manded brigade in the Shenandoah Valley,
at Failing Waters Martinsburg and Bunker
Hill July 3 and Is. In opposition to the dis
trust entertained of him by the Secretary OF
War he was, through the recommendation OF
General W.T.. Sherman, promoted In August by
President Lincoln 10 be brigedier-general.
December 81 he moved against the enemy,
threatening the flank OF General Bragg's
army In 1862. January 10 and 20, he de-
feated .he enemy at the battle of Mills Springs.
He had but 1000 men while his adversary had
10000 This was the first Federal victory OF
The battle of Mills Springs proved Thomas
a soldier and accomplished general. Gen
eral Buell., recognizing the consummate gen.
eralship displayed. thanked hlm for achleV1ng
the brilliant victory. But, strange to say, the
Secretary of War, though greatly pralslng the
glorious achievements OF the united States
This victory, due to the superior skill of Gen
eral Thomas was far-reach1ng IN It's results. II
secured Kentucky to the Union. General
Thomas was engaged in the movement on
Nashville February and March; IN the Ten
nessee and Mississippi campaign, Mareh ana
April: in the march on Pittsburg Landing; IN
the advance upon the siege OF Corlntn, from
April to May 80, when he commanded the
right wing of the Army OF tennessee; IN com com
mand a Corinth, June D to ~, snd IN opera
tions in Alabama Tennessee and Kentucky;
During the siege of Corinth, April %, 1867,
Thomas received his promo ton as maJor-geI-
eral of volunteers in recognition of his excel
lent services at Mills Springs. On the advance
into Kentucky he was second IN command Oh
the Army of Ohio; commanded the right wing
at the battle OF Perryvillc, october ., ana SUD-
sequent pursuit OF the enemy.
General Thomas commanded the center d1yl-
sion OF the Fourteenth Army Corps, under
Rosecrans, and withstood the furious assaults
OF the enemy in the battle of Stones River.
The first day December 81 OF this great battle
| seemed decidedly against the Union army.
| General Roseerans was greatly alarmed. Con-
/ templating retreat he aWoke General Thomas
/ at night and asked:
"Will you protect the rear on retreat?"
Starting out of his slumber Thomas ex-
s'This army can't retreat" and at once fell
That answer determined Rosecrans (his own
| words) ''to fight or die" This battle ragged
between the armies-each 10000 strong at
! frst-until the night of January 3, 1868,
| when General Bragg rapidly retired to the
! south with the remnant of his defeated army,
| leaving 1OO 600 of his dead on the field. The
| Union loss was $500. Thomas was the hero
of the occasion.
general Thomas" says Van Horne, "gained
/ greater distinction IN other battles, but never
| did he meet a crisis with more promptness and
| skill"
1868, January g. General Thomas was as
! signed to command the Fourteenth Corps of
| the Army of the Cumberland. The order was,
| Forward to Chattanooga" Passing unuo-
! ticed the occurrences OF the march, suffice it to
! saw that the Union and Confederate armies
nearly 100, 900 each-were brought face to
| face in battle array at Chickamauga. Septem-
| ber 10, 1858. Owing TO General Rosecrans'
misconception of General Braggs plans the
forces of the Union were placed at disad-
| vantage.
General Thomas commanded the right and
center The attack OF the enemy was with
tremendous force and consummate skill. Dur
ing the 18th, the flanks of the Union forces
were severely pressed and driven back mile
and upward. but the center stood firm, and
returned blow for blow during the entire day.
On the 20ih the assaults of the enemy seemed
redoubled in strength and fury.
The right and left of the Union forces broke
and fell TO the rear. General Rosecrans tele-
graphed to Washington: "My army has been
whipped and routed" He abandoned the field,
and sent word TO Thomas to use his discretion
in Withdrawing the army. Thomas laconically
replied:
"It will ruin the army to withdraw it now !;
this position must be held till night"
Hold it he did. He, with %, 1000 men, with