Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-06-29
GEN. HOWARD ON BLAINE
The Famous Soldier Speaks of His Early Days in
Augusta Commandant of Arsenal.

Near the last Of Nay ! received 4
telegram from Blaine. the purport Of
which was "Will you, # elected. accept
the colOnelcy of the Third Maine?"
Before answering this Mrs. Howard
and l had a serious talk. We agreed
that 1 might fill the position of major,
or as Warren did. OF lieutenant col
onelcy, but that the position Of a col
onel was a little too high step to be
taken at once. / went Immediately to
consult with the commandment of ca
diets, John F. Reynolds. at that Tina
having the local rank Of lieutenant col
onel Reynolds was Il man of great
seriousness, always very genteel in his
dress and appearance and very polite
to his fellow officers, always kind AMI
cordial in commanding the cadets. l
sat down with him, as l recall 1t. on
the small porch Of his quarters. / ask
ed him what he thought should be my
answer to that dispatch of Blaine's.
He replied. Accept Of course" 1
showed him that I had never COM
manded more than a company. He re-
piled, What of that? Don't you think
YOU could do as well rs "A doctor or
lawyer who has had no experience In
military affairs?" He then sent for the
"Army Drill Regulations" book that
i had no occasion to study very much
prior to this time. He called my atten-
ton to the paragraph which showed
how to organize regiment, marked
passages and turned down the leaves.
After 1 left Reynolds I mustered UP
enough courage to reply to Blaine
Yes, II elected l will take the COL
onelcy."
1t was not many days before l had
met my fate. l had parted with my
family, resigned my army commission
and organized the first three years reg
iment from my native state. How well
l remember being introduced to the
governor by Mr.. Blaine. Governor
WashDurn was a shOrtish man, quick
in motion and rapid in speech. He
appeared to me to enjoy the prom-
nence and the power which the great
conflict already on had brought him.
He was thoroughly patriotic soul. and
prepared to give all the strength ne
had to sustain Mr. Lincoln and keep
the flag flying.
AS difficulties increased Blaine was
cooler and more thoughtful. Perhaps
couple of days after my arrival was
walking with him at evening along the
main street. After period of silence
between us thinking of the existing
state of affairs, Blaine suddenly re-
marked, Howard, you will be the first
general officer from this state" OF
course I did not think so for l was just
then Juggling away as hard as I could
at the duties of a colonel, and not very
sOlicitous for any promotion. Blaine
seemed to be ever watching over my
interest. He congratulated me when
promoted; he wrote a sympathetic let
ter to my step-father when l was
wounded; he congratulated me upon
the vote Of thanks of Congress after
Gettysburg and with his superior tall
ent he defended me when attacked in
the newspapers on account of our de-
feat at Charlottesville. OF course /
watched Blaine's career with ever in
creasing interest, sympathizing with
him, and wanting to see him President
of the United States. He has become
SO we'll known to his cOuntrymen in his
superb craftsmanship and in his able
writings and magnificent work in Con-
gress. that it would be like carrying
Goals to Newcastle to tell you of these
things. But from my personal inter-
course I had some knowledge of the
kindnesses of his heart and the warmth
of his affection. to which l love to tes-
tifv