Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

large. Mr. Saunders, since his connection with the Department, has been indefatigable in introducing and disseminating a large number of useful plants. Some of these have not proved valuable; many have not realized the full expectation that was hoped for; but enough has been done to satisfy the most skeptical that the effort in this direction is of the greatest importance to the nation. It requires time to acclimatize these exotics, and constant attention to become acquainted with the mode of culture necessary for them. It is a work that only the Government can properly carry out, and, while his efforts in this and other directions are fully appreciated by the people of the country, it is hoped the Government will take no steps calculated to disappoint the wishes of the agricultural masses in respect to these matters.

CHAPTER XXXI.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GEN. W. H. JACKSON,

EARLY LIFE.

William H. Jackson was born in Paris, Henry Co., Tenn., Dec. 1st, 1835. His father, Dr. A. Jackson, and his mother, Mary W. Hunt, both natives of Virginia, were married in 1829, and removed to West Tennessee in 1830. The only surviving children of this marriage were Wm. H. and Howell E. Jackson, the latter now an eminent lawyer of Memphis, Tenn.

The subject of this sketch was reared amid good and wholesome precepts in the home circle, and sound instruction in the school and church. He gained fast friends for his high spirit and the zeal with which he espoused the cause of the weak or younger children in his schoolboy days. His school broils all originated in his fervor in defending the weak against the strong. Naturally of a sanguine temperament, it required the severe military training of West Point, where he graduated, to subdue this fiery spirit. The future of his manhood was early foreshadowed in the impetuous youth, noted more for energy of action than intensity of application. His fondness for field sports often conflicted with the strict discharge of the duty required in his early school days.

16*

(369)

AT WEST POINT AND IN THE ARMY.

In the spring of 1852, being at that time a member of he senior class of the West Tennessee College at Jackson, ne received the appointment of cadet at West Point. This change brought about higher aspirations, stronger efforts, and new associations. In 1856, he graduated with the very large class of that year, his standing being highly creditable.

After enjoying at home the usual furlough of graduated cadets, he reported, in the autumn of 1856, to the cavalry school of instruction, at Carlisle, Pa., to Colonel Charles May, of Mexican war fame. He remained there one year, and, in the fall of 1857, as second Lieutenant, he joined his regiment of Mounted Rifles, in the United States Army, then stationed at various points in Texas and New Mexico. Lieutenant Jackson was on this service under Col. W. W. Loring from 1857 to the spring of 1861, giving full scope for adventures in following Indian trails, and in the pleasures of the chase.

During this time he was frequently complimented, not only from the headquarters of his regiment, but also from general headquarters, for persistence in duty and gallantry

in action.

WAR BREAKS OUT.

At the commencement of the Civil War, he was operating against the Apaches in the vicinity of Fort Staunton, New Mexico. In the breaking up of old relations incident to the struggle between the North and South, our then young cavalry officer was actuated by motives which, from the stand-point of that day, were most honorable. His parents, relatives, and dearest friends were all Southerners; and, while separating with regret from companions in arms who

[merged small][merged small][graphic]

GEN. W. H. JACKSON,

President National Agricultural Congress.

had with him stood the brunt of many an Indian onslaught, or had participated with him in the fierce attack on savage hordes, without hesitation he decided to go with his native State in the conflict. Many of us now feel that the mere accident of birth has more to do in shaping our destinies than we might before have realized. The past has been fought out, and the honest and earnest men of North and South alike are again united in fostering the true aims and integrity of the reunited nation, and in developing the resources of the country.

In pursuance of the resolve to aid his native State, Lieutenant Jackson tendered his resignation, turned over to the proper officer of the United States Army every cent of government funds and every description of public property in his possession, and, in company with Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, made his way into Texas, ran the blockade at Galveston, arrived in New Orleans, sent in the tender of his services through Major Longstreet, to the Confederate Government, and was at once commissioned captain of artillery by the governor of Tennessee.

After performing various duties, he was assigned at New Madrid, in 1861, to the command of a battery of light artillery. At the battle of Belmont, his battery having been disabled, Captain Jackson, by order of his general, led an infantry charge against a portion of the United States troops and was wounded in the side with a Minie ball, which he still carries a striking reminiscence of the horrors of war. After recovering from what at the time was supposed to be a mortal wound, he was promoted to a colonelcy, and assigned to the command of the Sixth Tennessee and First Mississippi Cavalry, operating in West Tennessee and Northern Mississippi.

At the taking of Holly Springs, Col. Jackson, for gallant

« AnteriorContinuar »