The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-06-21
GEN. R0SSER AND
THE PRESIDENT.
How the Virginian Came to Be APP
pointed.
OLD FRIENDS REMEMBERED HIM.
Appeals Came From the West and One
From a Bank President Whom He
Started on the Road TO Fortune.
May Ride a Mule.
OLD FRIENDS REMEMBERED HIM,

There is a very pretty little story IN
connection with the recent appointment
Of General Thomas L. Rosser to be
brigadier He was bitterly opposed to
this war. After it had been declared, he
wrote to the President, expressing with
characteristic frankness his views on
the subject He added that war having
been declared, he wanted 10 sec the
United States whip Spain as quickly as
possible, and his services were at the
disposal Of tho Government
President Mckinley requested Senators
Daniel and Martin to ask General Rosser
10 come to Washington. The General
went. and. in company with the Senator'S
visited the White House. Mr.. Mckinley
gave him a most cordial greeting. Inc
President asked the General II he would
accept a -generalship, saying ne
would like TO make him major-generaL
but could not do so just then. lie told
General Rosser that he would be pro-
NOTED just as early as possible. GeheraI
Rosser accepted
HAD BEEN APPEALED TO.
The President said that scores or peo-
pie out in Minnesota and the Dakotas had
urged him TO give General Rosser
command, and he had been greatly mn
pressed by these letters.
General Rosser was the engineer IN
charge Of the construction OF part OF
the Northern Pacific road. He was out
in Minnesota when his old classmate
N West Point. General Custer, was mas
sacred He offered TO lead an army 70
avenee the crime. His friends have not
forgotten this. and they appealed to the
President 70 honor Rosser with hlsh
commission
a RANKEKS INFLUENCE.
But there was appeal for the Virginian
from another source. IL came from ).
w. Raymond. a wealthy bank president
I'm Minneapolis Hosser gave Raymond
his start on the road TO financial success.
During one OF those fearfully cold snaps
that the West often experiences trans
were tied up Tor three months on the
Northern Pacific. General Rosser was
Instrumental In Raymond getting the nrst
cars loaded with eatables through TO BIS
marck. Raymond struck gold NINE.
lie has not forgotten his benefactor.
ROSSER IN WASHINGTON.
Among the Virginians who have recent
" visited washington there has been no
more striking figure. and none on wnom
more eyes were turned in admirins gaze,
than the stalwart form ana sunouth1
swarthy countenance OF General IhoInas
l.. Rosser. .-,.., l,,.,.
fairly goes into raptures in relating the
meeting he had with the Prince or
Albemarle." as he has christened TINS
daring and dauntless hero OF a hundred
dasperate cavalry engagements IN the
civil war. 10 was after IL had become
known The tho President had named him
for n brigadiership. During the inter
view with our enthusiastic narrator
newly appointed officer came up ana
asked Rosser where he was going 20
have his uniforms made. Iney VIII
cost YOU a lot OF money said he. Il
have had six suits made ana lney COST
me seven hundred dollars"
"sI will only need" responded Rosser
"a flannel shirt which ! can buy mere
anywhere on the avenue; pair of shout
der straps. and O string or piece OF braid
around my hat 20 designate that l am an
officer
MAY RIDE A MULE.
you will have TO get fine horse
General" continued the interlocutor.
general Butler has had a four hundred
dollar black stallion presented 10 him.
and other generals have secured me
horses
We'll" replied ROsser. II nave some
good stock down on my farm Out from
what l can learn horse will not be the
suitable thing in Cuba; 1 think a mule
will be best. and It IS my expectation
10 ride n mule"
II may be that this Confederate vete-
ran with his flannel shirt and string
around his hat bestriding n mule, VIII
not be exactly in trim to court an amor
Gus looking glass or caper nimbly IN
lady's chamber 20 the lascivious pleasing
of q lutte: but for a Black Douglas ready
FOR the devils own work In desperate en-
counter commend US 20 the prince OF
Albemarle."