The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-10
CHAMPION Of RIGHT
JUDGE ELL TORRANCE READS A
PAPER ON THE MILL
TARY
CAREER OF GEN. G. H. THOMAS
LOYAL LEGION ENTERTAT MED
WITH A CAREFUL BIOGRAPHY
OF THE HERO.
GAVE UP HOME AND KINDRED
To Take Part in the Cause of the
Internationally Business
Meeting.

COMPANIONS
the Loyal Legion last evening in a
very interesting paper upon the mill
tary career of Gen. George H. Thomas
The paper was very complete and
brought out the life Of the distinguish
ed leader in something of a new light
Although the speaker had never served
under Gen. Thomas, he was always an
admirer Of him, and was always a
defender when others accused him. The
reading of Judge Torrance's paper oc-
cupied nearly two hours.
An excellent dinner was served to
$50 members of the order in the ordi-
nary Of the Ryan hotel at 7:30 o'clock,
prior to which there was a stated meet
ing. Henry Allyn Norton, captain Of
the Twelfth United States colored in
fantry, and Clinton Burnet Hersey
were elected to membership.
At o'clock the companions of the
order listened to the address Of the
evening. Among other things Judge
Torrance said in part:
George H. Thomas was born in Southamp-
ton county Virginia, July 81 1916. and died
at San Francisco, CAL March 28, 1870, in the
54th year Of his age. He was of Welsh -Iugue-
not descent. From his father he inherited the
rugged, steadfast traits of the Welsh char
acter, and from his mother that kind, gen
tie and patient disposition which made him
beloved 3e by all who knew him. His father
died at the age of As and his mother at co.
both from accidents. He had three sisters
and two brothers, none Of whom he after
the commencement of the war with the ex-
ception of his brother Benjamin.
His fidelity to the cause of the union caused
a permanent separation between him and his
family. In remaining loyal to his country he
gave up home and kindred and friends and
slands, and severed ties which many Of us
found to be the strongest bands to hold us
to our heavy task as soldiers. 1t Is said that
his sisters never mentioned his name from
the day he refused to follow the great army
of cOnspirators who sought the overthrow Of
the government
But few incidents have been preserved con-
corning his early life. At the age Of 10 he
became law student, and shortly thereafter
was appointed deputy clerk of the court of the
county in which he lived. In 1886 he entered
the military academy, receiving his appoint
ment at the hands of President Jackson.
He graduated twelfth in class of A. among
whow were William T. Sherman, George W.
Getty and Richard S. Ewell.
During the Mexican war he served in the
battery commanded by Capt. Bragg, toward
whom he afterwards sustained a very differ
ent relation, when one fought for the preser-
walton of the country and the other for its
overthrow.
Within a period Of about five years he won
three brevets, distinction attained by very
few in the history Of the army up to that
time. In April, 1851, he was detailed as IN
Point, where he continued the duty three
years. While there he became acquainted
with Miss Kellogg, of Troy, N. Y, to whom
ne was married in November, 1852 She sur
vived him almost twenty years Among those
who came under his instruction at West Point
were Mcpherson, Sheridan, Slocum Stanley,
Kruger, Hood, Howard and J. E. B. Stuart, ali
OF whom won great distinction as officers
during the Civil war.
In 1855 the army was increased by the ad-
dition Of two cavalry regiments, and Thomas,
then junior captain Of artillery was appoint
ed major of the famous Second cavalry, now
known as the Fifth Both were exceptionally
fine regiments. Great care was taken in the
selection of the officers. Jefferson Davis, then
secretary of war, was responsible for most of
the appointments When the war commenced
Thomas was As years CT age. He had reached
the full maturity of manhood, and was
equipped, by education and experience for any
duty that might be demanded Of him. For
more than twenty years he had been in the
military service of his country and from his
graduation, in 1840 to the fall Of 1860 he
had had but one leave Of absence. In August !
1860, he applied for second leave of absence |
which was granted IN November Of the same
year. He visited his old home, and on his !
way to Washington was seriously injured in a |
railroad accident, and for six weeks was I'M |
able to travel. While suffering from his in !
jury, and fearing that he would never be |
able for active service again. the following |
advertisement was brought to his notice: "To !
the graduates Of the U. S. Military acad- |
envy: commandant Of cadets and instructor |
Of tactics Is wanted for the Virginia Military |
should command the best talents and ac-
complishments. Address the undersigned at |
Lexington, Va, until the 10Th of January |
1861. Francis H. Smith, superintendent"
Fearing that his injuries might be perma- |
nent. ne wrote Col. Smith, making inquiry |
as to the salary and allowances pertaining |
to the situation, and upon this letter is based |
the charge that Thomas sought a position in |
the service Of his state because he was I'M |
willing to draw his sword against any state |
struggling for its constitutional rights" 1t |
Is also claimed on the statement Of Fitz |
feelings were strongly Southern; that he ex- |
pressed his intention to resign, and sent a |
letter to Gov. Letcher, offering his services |
to Virginia. Such letter has never been |
produced, nor can any evidence be produced, |
written. oral, that would in the slightest |
Thomas.
What are the facts? During his leave Of |
absence from his regiment Gen Twiggs. of |
wretched memory, who commanded the de- |
partment Of Texas, awaited himself of the |
first opportunity to surrender his command |
TO the state of Texas, which had passed the !
ordinance Of secession in February 1851 |
When Thomas heard Of it, he expressed deep !
est regret that he had not been with his reg !
fment, and when asked what he would have |
done, replied: 81 would have taken command |
Of the men, marched them north unit! we |
reached the loyal states, and the rebels should |
not have taken single prisoner or captured |
cannon or flag" This he doubtless could \
have done, for it will be remembered that |
while many Of the officers betrayed their |
trust and deserted their posts Of duty, not |
a single private soldier could be Induced to |
While no one deprecated a between the |
states more than he, yet he never wavered |
for moment In his allegiance to the nation |
that had educated him, and when asked what