Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1897-05-26
A PRESENT TO THE POST.
WcmAns Relief Cor p, Donates Picture OF
Gen. JOAN BafoEd.

Gen. JOAN Blford.
A handsome liie-sized picture OF
Gen. John Buford was presented to
the Grand Army post last evening by
the Womsn's Relief Corps. 1t was
the monthly meeting Of the post. and
the presentation was in the nature of
q surprise, the corps. accompanied
by the Sons Of Veteran md the La
dies Aid society, comii in on the
old soldiers during tht progress OF
their meeting. Mrs. " P. Quayle
made the presentation speech, saying:
Comrades Of the G. A. R.-Your
auxiliary w. r. C. 66, comes into
your presence this evening with the
avowed purpose of surprising you.
We present to you the portrait of that
brave soldier, Maj. Gen. John Blu
ford. 1t has been q pleasure to pre-
pare this for your beautiful hall. We
know how proudly you cherish the
memory of the comrade for whom
you named your post. 1t is fitting
that in this, the soldiers memorial
hall. his picture should have the
place Of honor. The city of Rock
Island is justly proud Of Gen John
Bufsrd, for he was her son. Here
his boyhood was passed. He was
born in Kentucky March 4, 1926, and
came of revolutionary ancestors,
early showing preference fer mill
tary life. He was appointed q cadet
from Illinois to the United States
military academy at West Point in
1874. He graduated with honor in
1913, and was commissioned second
lieutenant First U s. dragons. July
1. 184S. He saw his first service at
Jefferson Barracks, Mo-, and served
in Mexico ana Texas. In 1855 he was
promoted first lieutenant. Gen.
Buford received praise In the Utah
expedition of 1878 from Gen. Horney,
Gen. A. S. johnson and other officers
above him. In 1860 he was made a
captain in the second regiment of
dragons. Caot. Buford was in 1861
promoted major and assistant in
sPector general of the United States
army. He served in the defense Of
Washington until 1862, when his
abilities as cavalry leader caused
his appointment by the president as
brigadler general of volunteers. and
assigned him to command q brigade
of cavalry in Virginia. From this on
he was in active service. Gen. Blu
ford was a fearless leader and q be-
loved commander. He was brilliant
~ distinguished at the cavalry bat
ties of Kelly's Ford, August, 1862;
Thoroughfare Gap. Aug. 20, 1862.
and at Manassas. Aug. 1880, 1862.
where he was severely wounded
Gen. Buford was engaged in the bat
ties of South Mountain and Antietam
in September, 1862, the battle of
Fredericksburg Das. Is, 1862. and on
Stoneman's raid toward Richmond
April and May, 1868 He was espec-
tally distinguished for hi. bravery at
the battle Of Beverly Ford June 9.
1868. And finally he struck the first
blow at Lees confederate army on
the first day at Gettysburg.
A dashing officer, he inspired his
men. His cry was 90 ahead BOOM
ing. Although severely wounded at
Manassas, he returned to the field in
less than month. He was con-
scious that his days were mum bered.
and that he had but scan. time to
finish his work in that fl arena of
war. Gen. Buford was very truth
the highest ideal of Il thoroughly
educated, experienced and talented
officer of the old United States army.
He retired from the field in the win
ter OF 1868 to secure better treat
ment for his wounds in Washington
than could be given him in camp.
There he steady grew worse, and on
the day the president signed his
commission as major general of the
army. namely. the 10th day of De-
cember, 1868. his gallant spirit
passed from earth. In the cemetery
at West Point they laid his form to
rest. Above his remains now rises a
beautiful marble column, erected in
loving memory Of him by the soldiers
OF the First Cavalry division. High
upon our soldiers monument here
IN court house square first on the
marble sculptured roll of the dead
stands OF right the name of Maj
zen. John Buford. It's the loving
tribute of the veterans of the war to
hang wreaths Of honor every Memer-
lal day above his name. When the
old soldiers have passed away, let
the Sons Of Veterans cherish the
memory OF Buford's life. 1t will
give them strength and courage for
the future when their manhood may
be put to the best, should danger
ever asssil our beloved country"
MAI. h. c. Connolly responded in
behalf OF the post. heartily thanking
the ladies for their generous gift.
He also paid an eloquent tribute to
the noble character Of Gen. Buford.
The ladies served refreshments at
the conclusion of the meeting.
Buckien's ARnics saive,
The best Salve in the world for