HIS EARLY LIFE AND MILITARY CAREER.
IF, as has been said, "success is the test of merit," then indeed has the subject of this biography fairly earned the warmest encomiums, and the sincerest respect and admiration, not only of his fellow-countrymen, but of the entire world. Rising from humble life by rapid yet regular grades of promotion, to the most exalted. position within the gift of the Republic, his personal history is one which, like that of the "Father of his Country," can never fail to attract the deepest interest of the people who now, and through all time to come, shall enjoy the rich fruits of his labors, his skill, and his patriotism." Deeds, not words," seems to have been the motto of this grave, unassuming, and reticent man, who cheerfully accepts any responsibility which his superiors see fit to lay upon him, and gives to the work in hand all the best energies of his mind, and all the unwearied devotion of a patriot soldier. "Posterity delights in detail;" and, both in the present and future time, throughout the length and breadth of the land which he has so largely contributed to save intact from the attacks