General Charles King is no doubt Wisconsin's most voluminous
writer. He was born in Albany, New York, in 1844; was
graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1866:
was made captain of a company of cavalry engaged in Indian
warfare in 1879, and was retired on account of wounds in June
of that year. He came to Wisconsin in 1882 as inspector and
instructor of the Wisconsin National Guard.
Besides serving in Indian warfare, he has also seen action in
the Philippine Islands. His military life has been active
enough to consume the energies of most men, but not so with
this soldier. He is the author of more than fifty books, most
of which deal with exciting and dramatic episodes, which come
from his pen with the conviction and clarity that result only
from actual knowledge and observation.
Perhaps the best known of all his many books are "The
Colonel's Daughter" and its sequel, "Marion's Faith." The
first selection here given is one frequently quoted from the
latter book, but the second is from one of his more recent
volumes, entitled, "The Real Ulysses S. Grant," and it is
characterized by crisp, clear statement and by a feeling of
intense sincerity and conviction.
General King is a familiar figure both on the streets of
Milwaukee and in every town in Wisconsin that boasts a
company in the National Guard. His erect carriage and his
whole bearing indicate youth and strength. He is a delightful
lecturer, and a talk with him is an experience that one does
not readily forget. He practically never mentions his own
exploits, though they were many; but his accurate memory and
his excellent powers of description are brought into play
when the deeds of others are concerned.
[Illustration: GENERAL CHARLES KING]