His Birth--Parentage--Youth--Slight Educational Opportunities--
Shiloh Academy--Enlistment for the Mexican War--Fearlessness--
Promotion--Additional Studies--Enters on the Profession of
Law--Clerk of Jackson County--Prosecuting Attorney--In the
Legislature--Presidential Elector--On the Stump--A False
Allegation--Surrounded by Rebel Sympathizers--Lincoln’s
Election--In Congress--Raises a Regiment--Brilliant Career in
the Army--Rapid Elevation--Major-General within a Year--“I Have
Entered the Field to Die, if Need be”--At the Head of the
Fifteenth Army Corps--“Atlanta to the Sea”--Lincoln’s Second
Election--Johnston’s Surrender--The Grand Review--Resignation
from the Service--Declines Mission to Mexico--Repeated Elections
to Congress--On the Impeachment Committee--Chosen United States
Senator--His Eloquence--Helps Found the Grand Army of the
Republic--First National Commander--Action on Financial
Measures--His Modest Mode of Life--A Noble Wife--His Children--
Stalwart Supporter of General Grant--Nominated for the
Vice-Presidency--Conclusion 409
[Illustration: “OLD HICKORY IS COMING”]
[Illustration]