Evening star., 1901-08-26

and sincere sorrow in military circles as
well as among many civilians who had
learned to know and love him. over his sud
den taking off. He was a typical gentle
man. brave, honorable chivalrous and just
and his career was marked by brilliant and
creditaDle service in various fields of ac-
tivity on the battlefield as well as in the
office of adjutant general of the army. lie
was true and tried friend of the soldier,
and was the author of many important re-
forms for his benefit.
Gen. Williams was appointed to West
Point from Virginia, in which state he was
born in 1929 He was graduated in 1851,
and was made brevet second lieutenant of
the 1st Dragons. in July. 1853, he was
appointed second lieutenant, and June Z,
1855. he was promoted to first lieutenant.
Handsome. dashing and brave, he made
an Ideal cavalryman, and because of his
proficiency in that branch he was detailed
to duty at the West Point Military Acad-
emy instructor in cavalry tactics.
While he was holding that important post
the civil war broke out and his native state,
Virginia, seeded from the Union.
His Loyalty Tried.
A strong effort made to induce him
to Join the cause of the confederacy, but
he resisted his natural inclination to cast
his lot with his state and remained loyal
to the Union. Early in 1861 he was brevet-
ted captain and assigned to duty in the
War Department as assistant adjutant gen.
eral. About that time the governor Of
Massachusetts notified the Secretary of
War that he had organized a cavalry regi-
ment for the defense of the Union and
asked the Secretary (Stanton) to designate
a competent officer to take command of the
new organization. Secretary Stanton re-
piled to this communication by designating
Captain Robert Williams of Virginia as
colonel of the Massachusetts regiment, say
ing that he was an ideal cavalry officer and
the best available man for the place Col
Williams held that command for one wear
! and took part In the battle of Antetam.
shortly afterWard he was made major in
the regular establishment and was detailed
to special duty in the adjutant generals
department at Washington. In September
1864, he was brevetted lieutenant colonel
for meritorious and faithful services during
the war, and in the following March he was
brevetted colonel and brigadier general for
dillgent, faithful and meritorious services
in the adjutant generals department dur
ing the war
Course Adjutant General.
After the close of the war General Will
liams rendered important service in vari-
Gus parts of the country. He was adjutant
general of the Department of the Mis-
souri, at Chicago for many years and
part of the time had the present
Adjutant General Corbin as his assist
ant. He reached the grade of colonel
in July, 1881 and on July ), 1892. he sue
ceeded Brigadier General J. c.. Kelton as
adjutant general of the army serving I'm
that capacity until his retirement for age
November >, 1893. His appointment as adj
Jutant general was made by President Har-
risen. and his administration was marked
by much Improvement in the status and
condition of the enlisted branch of the
army. we'll as by improvements in the
service generally.
Notwithstanding the fact that for many
years of his life General Williams was af-
flcted with nervous trouble resembling
81. Nltus dance, causing an almost con-
stant trembling throughout his frame, he
was known and acknowledged to be the
best pistol shot In the army.
Wonderful Skill.
His skill with the pistol was something
wonderful when his natural handicaps are
considered. In his early military DAYS,
when the code deullo prevailed to more or
less extent in the military service Cen
eral Williams participated in several duels
on the field of honor, and invariably demon
strated his iron nerve and perfect skill with
the pistol. He never provoked a quarrel,
but never avoided one when forced upon
him, and always to the injury sorrow of
his opponent.
While at West Point General Williams
and Stephen A. Douglas were rivals for
the hand of Miss Addie Cults, a famous
belle OF that day, and reputed to be one
of the most beautiful women in the coun-
try. She favored the suit OF Douglas and
became his bride.
Finally Won His First Love.
|. Soon after the death of that illustrious
statesman Gen. Williams renewed his suit
for the hand of his first love, and finally
won her his wife. The marriage was a
| most memorable one in the social history
| of the United States The groom was as
| brave and handsome the bride was
beautiful and accomplished and their union
| was an ideal one from every standpoint
Mrs. Williams. who had always been a
| great social fayorite. died In 1899 and as
| already stated, was buried in Arlington
| cemetery. SIX children resulted from their
union. three sons and three daughters all
of whom survive both their parents. The
| sons are First Lieut.. Robert c. Williams Of
the 18th Cavalry, stationed In Montana :;
| Second Lieut.. j. c. Williams of the 18th
/ Cavalry. stationed at Manila. and Lieut..
| Philip Williams, U. s. N, also at Manila.
| The daughters are Mrs. J. B. Patton, wife
1 al Iienf Patton nd