New-York tribune., 1901-12-28
SKETCH OF SENATOR SEwELL

nao+b came 10 General Sewen almost before he
had time to enjoy the unique distincdion OF oelhs
the absolute and unquestioned leader or MS party
in New-Jersey. When he was first elected to the
Irrttad States Senate in 1881 the party was split
into factions each more tenacious and unyleldlns
than the other. For many years after that out
spoken opposition to General Sewell was prevalent
e1ervwhere throughout the northern end of the
State Even in 1895 the general was not elected
again to the United States Senate without strug-
gle which, in it's earlier stages, threatened his
defeat All this had changed. however, by the time
that the Senator up for reelection In January
1901 There not whisper OF opposition 10 MN
even from such counties as Essex Morris ana
Rergen which had been noted for anti-SeTellism.
and he was reelected by the unanimous Republican
vote Time had softened his methods OF dealing
with those who could not see eye to eye with him
in all things and it had given his critics oppor-
tunities of better knowing and appreciating the
character of this strong. silent man. whose loyalty
to his friends and his party never wavered. And
once it became known that he was sick unto death
it was plain that he had won the regard OF his
fellow Jerseymen irrespective of politics.
General Sewell born in Ireland in 1885. and
came to this country at early age. In August,
1861 he entered the army as captain of the 9th
New-Jersey Regiment and was engaged in most OF
the battles of the Army of the Potomac down to
the battle OF Spottsylvania. in 1864. He pro-
inoted rapidly and when General Mott wounded
at Charlottesville. the command of the brigade
fell upon General Sewell. He led his brigade for
ward a critical moment with great success, cap
turing eight colors from the and retaking the
regimental standard of a New-York regiment He
also distinguished himself at Gettysburg and other
points. and was wounded at Charlottesville and
Gettysburg He made lieutenant colonel of the
5th New-Jersey Regiment in July. 1862, and colonel
in the following October. In September 1864 after
a short period of rest, made necessary by exposure
he became colonel of the 3Sth New-Jersey Regiment
with which he remained in the field until the
of 1865. He made brevet brisadier general
of volunteers for his services at Chancellorsville
and at the close of the was made brevet major
general. On the election of Governor Parker, in
1872 he at appointed General Sewell as a mem
ber of his personal staff he then held his army
rank in accordance with special of the legis-
i1ture He made brigadier general of the
National Guard at the beginning of the railroad
riots in 1877. and to his energy and prudence the
prevention of any loutbreak in New-Jersey is
ascribed In 1899 he was appointed major general
of the New-Jersey National Guard. At the outbreak
of the Spansh-Am American War President Mckinley
appointed him a major general of United States
Volunteers, but he obliged to decline this
bonor as acceptance would have necesaitated his
resignation as United States Senator.
General Sewe first elected to the New-Jersey
State Senate from Camden County in 1873. and twice
reelected In 1881 and again In 1885 and 1901 he
elected United States Senator Five times he was
chairman of the New-Jersey delegation at Repub-
iican national conventions. He was connected with
the various enterprises OF the Pennsylvania Rail
road Company and made his home in Camden.