The patriot boy : or, The life and career of Major-General Ormsby M. Mitchel

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THE

Preface

The '' Young American's Library " would indeed be wanting in one of tbe most instructive and encouraging examples of the highest success ui the midst of disheartening trials, of a resolute will and hopeful spirit, without the life of General Mitchel.

This volume is from authentic sources ; and it is believed that in no important statement will the truthfuhiess of the narrative be questioned. Still the portraiture drawn must fall below the splendid original. For, while th§ records of his life are not full as we could wish, and as the " great departed " intended they should be for the sake of his family, it is no idle task to present, with fidelit}^, a life and character in successful activity and moral excellence so far above that of the majority of distinguished men.

Some latitude has been taken in the introduction of incidents and explanations, which, if not directly connected with General MitcheFs career, shed light upon the strong points in his nature, and on the conflict in which he sacrliiced his noble life.

b PEEFACE.

The autlior is indebted to Abbott's " History of tlie Kebellion," Pittinger's " Daring and Suffering," and to those who knew and loved General Mitchel, for many important facts.

Brief extracts illustrative of his brilliant oratory, and remarkable power to make astronomical science simple and attractive to the common mind, are taken from his " Sidereal and Planetary Worlds," " Popular Astronomy," and the " Bible and Astronomy," the only published works of the lamented author.

The most difficult part of the delightful task of writing the biography has been to give interest, and adapt to the juvenile mind, that portion of it which relates to his scientific career, without resorting to imaginary facts or conversations.

It is devoutly hoped that the narrative may stimulate to manly effort., and Christian fidelity, many youthful hearts in our land of "fiery trials," and of a glorious futm-e.

NOTE.

The next volume in the " Young American's Library of Modern Heroes " will be the "Miner Boy and his Monitor," or the extraordinary life and achievements of Captain John Ericsson, the American-Swede^ by the same author.

CON'TEISTTS.

CHAPTEE I.

PAGE

The Hero before the War— His Birthplace— An Orphan— The Family remove to Ohio — The Life-struggle hegins— Clerk and Errand Boy- Leaves his Employer — He wouldn't be called a Liar— Drives Team — A Noble Spirit, .... 18

Chapter II

Spare Moments Improved — Ormsby goes to West Point— Foot travel over the Country — His career resembles that of General Grant— His Student-life— Writes Home — Graduates with honor— Wants to go to France and fight — Joins the Army in Florida — Eesigns — Is Married — Domestic Enjoyments, 25

CHAPTEE III.

Anecdote of our Hero— Is Elected Professor in Cincinnati College — His Enthusiasm in Astronomy— Is a Captain— He wants an Observatory —What is that? 84

CHAPTER lY.

The New World waked up to the Importance of Watch-towers for the Stars— A Wonderful Sight>— Observatories* Built— Professor Mitchel's great Enterprise— The First Lecture— Onward 43

CHAPTER V.

PAGE

An Eclipse— Who first solved the awful Mystery ?— What are Comets?—

Danger of burning the Earth— Other Wonders — The Dream, . . 54

CHAPTEE VI.

The Astronomer a Business Man — ^His Noble Energy — Two Eules of his Life— Starts for Europe — Voyage — The Stranger in England — In Paris — Munich— The Treasure — The Professor in Greenwich — A Curious old Town — Its Lions, 62

CHAPTEE VIL

Professor Mitchel leaves England— Eeaches Cincinnati — Disappointment — ^Not Discouraged — He Toils on — Mr. Longworth's Gift — The Corner Stone of the Observatory is Laid— Interesting Ceremonies — The Astronomer at work with the Mechanics — The Watch-tower Einished. . 72

CHAPTEE VIIL

The beautiful Monument of Faith and Work — A new Trial — The Conflagration— Turns Lecturer — The first Effort — Lectures in New York — The influence of his splendid Oratoiy, 81

CHAPTEE IX.

He becomes Eaikoad Engineer— A new course of Lectures— Examples of his Oratory— He is appointed Adjutant-General of the State of Ohio — Various Honors— Inventions, 96

CHAPTEE X.

Professor Mitchel called to Albany— Makes a War Speech— Thrilling Anecdote related by him — Intense Enthusiasm — His influence at Albany— WTiatJs the use of Observatories ?— The laigest Telescope— A Poet's Hymn, 104

CHAPTEE XI.

PAGB

The Preparations for Conflict— The attempt to Assassinate the President-elect—The Secret History of the Inauguration — The Commencement of Hostilities, 119

CHAPTER XII.

Mitchel enters the Field— Goes to Cincinnati— Takes Care of the City— Ealses Volunteers— Visited by the Secretary of "War— Noble Words— The Sad Failure — General Mitchel's sources of Power over Men— " Old Stars " — His pure Ambition, 12T

CHAPTEE XIII.

General Mitchel as a Disciplinarian — His Division unrivalled in Drill — Proud of their Chieftain — Eeady for Active Service — General Mitchel desires to lead them to the Field — Brave and Patriotic Language- National Victories — General Mitchel breaks up Camp — Fine Spectacle — Splendid Marching, 185

CHAPTEE XIV.

Bowling Green — Forced Marches — The first Gun— Crossing the Eiver — Consternation and flight of the Eebels — Scenes in the City — Despatches—Visit from General Buell — Nashville Occupied — Scenes there— General Mitchel calls on Mrs. James K. Polk, .... 148

CHAPTEE XV.

General Mitchel's plan of Campaign — Its Sublime Daring — ^Moves to Murfreesboro'— Scenes near Corinth — Eebel Contempt of the Flag of Truce — Eebel Woman's Letter — General Mitchel's Justice and Humanity — Guerrillas — Suffering Union Men — ^A Fight — The value of Seconds, . 158

CHAPTEE XVI.

A daring Adventure under General Mitchel — The leader of the band de- 1*

10 conteot:s.

PAGE

tailed to conduct it— Perilous TraveUing— Partial Success— The Flight

for Life— Arrest of the "Engine Thieves," 1T3

CHAPTEE XYII.

A brave Boy — ^The Dungeon — Iron Cages — ^The escape and arrest of Andrews— The Death-warrant — Deep Experiences — General Mitchel blameless in the whole affair, 186

CHAPTEE XYIII.

The advance of the Third Division to Fayetteville — The Old Planter — The Slaves— The Grand March— Scenes by the "Way — In the Eiver — The mysterious Mght March — The Prize Secured, .... 195

CHAPTEE XIX.

General Mitchel enters Huntsville— The Union Flag and the Loyal Judge — The Scenes in the Town— Bridges Burned— Bridgeport— Decatm* — Tuscmnbia — Congratulations — A brilliant attack on the enemy at Bridgeport— Advancing in the cheerful morning air, ... . 203

CHAPTEE XX.

Practical Questions — The Enemy must pay the Army Expenses— The TrLals of Loyalty — General Mitchel believed in crushing the Eebellion — The Cotton Bridge — Slavery— Negroes reliable — Anecdote, . . 213

CHAPTEE XXI.

General Mitchel's views of Slavery— The abuse of its power— An Illustration— General Mitchel deals promptly but justly with the citizens of revolted States — A "Genteel War "—General Mitchel's plans and policy— He is ordered to "Washington, 224

CHAPTEE XXII.

General Mitchel at "Washington — The Secretary of "War and the President are his friends— The Secret Expedition — The Patient Inactivity— The

PAGE

Order to Port Eoyal— The History of his new Department— The Naval Attack — Scenes which followed, 284

CHAPTER XXIII.

The impression made by the Major-General in his Southern Department — Expeditions — ^Daring Adventures— The progress of the Contrabands — Anecdotes — The Mortal Sickness, 240

CHAPTER XXIY.

The Scenes of the Sick-Room— The kind and Christian words spoken— The Victorious Death— The Burial— The testimony of noble Friends — Elegy, 265

CHAPTER I.

The Hero before the "War— His Birthplace — An Orphan — The Family remove to Ohio — The Life-struggle begins — Clerk and Errand Boy — Leaves his Employer— He wouldn't be called a Liar — Drives Team — A Xoble Spirit.

^Y young readers who are very far in their " teens," heard of Professor Mitchel before the civil war made him a general. Nearly aU of our officers were men but Kttle known previous to the rebellion. Professor Mitchel, the astronomer and lecturer, was widely popular in the time of peace. He was justly admired for genius, and a character as bright, pure, and uniform, as the globes of light whose marches and motions he enthusiastically watched,

" "UTaen marshalled on the nightly plain, The glittering host bestud the sky."

This fact wiU lend a charm to the record of his career, so worthy of your imitation.

The Mitchel family were originally Virginians. The father of our hero was an unassuminsf, intelligent, and enterprising man, of no ordinary mind. With a fine mathematical genius, he had a decided taste for astronomical studies ; and, like many other youths who have not enjoyed the means of education, he might have gained a high position in the walks of science had he received the indispensable culture — ^perhaps have rivalled his honored ' son in splendid attainments. His wife was a remarkable woman. Over natural powers of a high order, and an attractive person, was shed the lustre and loveliness of unaffected piety. Mr. Mitchel was at one time in possession of a handsome property ; but, besides raising a large family, by unavoidable reverses, he saw it pass hopelessly from his hands. Discouraged, and having sons who had never known the pressure of poverty, and were therefore unfitted to assist him in his eftorts to retrieve his fortunes, he decided to leave Virginia, and go to the far West, to begin life anew. He disposed of his effects, and travelled slowly and wearily through what is now West Virginia, until he struck the Ohio River. The country was unsettled and wild. There were no railroads, and the only means of transportation was upon the flatboats of the Ohio. Upon one of these the family embarked, and went on their way to Kentucky. In this State Mr. Mitchel resolved to find a home. He bought land near Morganfield, Union County, erected a temporary house, and fairly commenced pioneer life.

In the new Kentuckv dwelling, which the strangers from the " Old Dominion" called their own, in the year 1809, was born Ormsby McKnight Mitchel. The father was a planter, and, consequently, had slaves to work the land ; but often expressed his hatred to the system of labor that made it apparently necessary to own the negroes, and at his death gave them their freedom.

This noble act, in advance of the public feeling even at the North, contributed largely to the embarrassment in business, which, with sickness attending a change of climate, had much to do with the life-struggles of the infant boy, all unconscious of the changes about him. There was nothing in Ormsby's experience different from that of other children until three years of age, excepting a premature interest, perhaps, in the moon and stars, calling forth exclamations of singular beauty. Then Mr. Mitchel was taken sick. The boy still played, unheeding the suffering and peril of the father.

Day after day disease did its work. Ormsby knew there was something strange and new in the dwelling. Mother's sad face, the physician's frequent calls, cast a shadow even upon the spirit of the child, g^nd when he was told that father was dead, and touched the cold face, ' and then saw the coffin borne away, the boy wept with a grief which was caught from the faces about him — a passing shower of tears, succeeded by sunny smiles and laughter. It T\'as years after, that he learned what he had lost — -the meaning of the word orijTian.

16 LIFE OF GENEEAJL MITCHEL.

It is a sad thing, and a great misfortune in a liuman view, to be left early an orphan. But God often oyerrules it for the highest benefit of the bereaved. This was evidently true in Ormsby's experience.

Having no nurse to aid the burdened mother, the youngest boy was taken care of much of the time by an older brother, who ever after cherished a strong affection for the object of his peculiar interest. Adversity had marked this household for peculiar trial. The chosen spot for a habitation proved to be sickly, and nothing of an earthly kind seemed to prosper.

Mrs. Mitch el and her family lived in Kentucky when it was a vast hunting ground. Some of the brothers became familiar with the romantic adventures of those early years. They often threaded the wilderness with the rifle. One of them served in the war of 1812 with the " Hunters of Kentucky."

The family, afflicted, and the means of support by the Providential discipline greatly reduced, broke up the sadly interesting associations in the Kentucky home , and started for that garden State of settlers from the East and South, Ohio.

Leaving^pn horseback, they travelled through the wilds of Kentucky to the banks of the Ohio. Little Ormsby rode in front of his eldest brother. At night they not unfrequently stopped in the forests where the Indian prowled around, fearing they should be murdered before morning.

LIFE OF GEXEExVL l^nXCHEL. 1<

They finally found tliemselves on the banks of the Ohio, and on the spot where Covington now stands, opposite Cincinnati, then only a feAV houses along the river side.

Under the very shadow of the hill upon which the Mitchel Observatory stands, the family attempted to cross in row boats. A fearful thunder storm burst upon them, and they all came near being lost. The first boat, containing the older brother, had gained the landing ; and he, the head of the family in fact, stood upon the bank watching the imperilled little bark. It finally reached the shore in the face of the tempest, wind, and current. After some hesitation, they concluded not to stop at Cincinnati, but pushed forward to Miami, a pleasant little toT\Ti in Clermont County, in which, at Point Pleasant, you recollect, Lieutenant-General Grant was born.

Not long after, another move took the widow and her children to Lebanon, a thriving village in Tm'tle Creek township, and the capital of Warren County. It is between thirty and forty miles northwest of ]\Iiami. The country around Lebanon, which now contains three thousand inhabitants, is very beautiful and fertile.

A few miles east of the village, on the Miami River, is a great curiosity, which Ormsby often saw with wonder. It is an ancient fortification, nearly a mile in length, enclosed by a wall of earth. This enclosure is in some places ten feet high. It has more than fifty gates, or openings. By whom, when, or for what piu'pose the sin-

18 "^ LIFE OF GE]STEEAL MTTCHEL.

gular defences were built, is unknown. You know that all over the great western valley are scattered these relics of the past. Men of genius and culture have studied them, and volumes have been printed containing their speculations. Still we are in the dark. God limits our curiosity and knowledge on every hand. Wherever we turn, in our explorations, a voice comes at length to our inward ear, " Thus far and no farther."

Oi-msby climbed over these memorials of past ages, as wise as the philosopher, in regard to their history, beyond plausible theories. Still his holidays were few, for he had neither time nor money to spend.

He had all the while a treasure more precious than a fortune ; a gifted, devout, and loving mother. She threw over him an influence which was the true source of his success and greatness in after life. This he delighted to acknowledge through his whole history. Though left alone with her cherished offspring, and struggling to feed and clothe them, the heavenly atmosphere of her faith and love surrounded him continually.

We shall not know on earth the debt of gratitude which the Church and State owe such mothers — quietly, and caring not for human applause, doing their mighty work — then retiring into obscurity while their sons ascend to liigh positions.

Ormsby passed most of the years of early boyhood in Lebanon. Soon as the boy could earn money, he was

LIFE OF GEXEEAL :^^TCHEL. 19

ready to embrace every opportunity of adding a penny to the common treasmy. Here his early school-days were passed. But the schools there were then poor. Ormsby, however, progressed rapidly. When eight years of age he was reading Yirgil, and soon surpassed his country teachers. He often would say with regard to one of them, that after translating the most difficult passages he would ask him to read them ; and upon his failure to do it, rendered them himself. At the age of twelve he entered a store as a clerk.

"We come now to the most important crisis in his experience— the fountain of his highest eloquence — the seal of his true greatness and eternal destiny. He took his position in the world as a Christian. Thus early did he connect his studies, his ambition, his life, his everlasting state, with the cause of the Redeemer of mankind ; and borrowed from Him strength " to will and to do."

His entire history from childhood till fourteen, is one of noble self-denying effort to lay a good foundation for success in life. His ambitious, aspiring heart, struggling with poverty, felt it no disgrace to stoop to what many would think a menial service. At one time you might have seen him running to the chamber or cellar of the store to get a broom, or gallon of molasses, for a customer. Then again you would have found him in his employer's house, doing the "chores" in and around it. The Kentucky orphan was the general waiter of the Ohio country mercliant. A humble beginning for an astronomer and a major-general. But in this country, where we have no inherited nobility, our noblemen come oftener from the humblest and obscurest homes, than the mansions of the rich. I will let our hero tell his own story of this rough experience :

" I was working for twenty-five cents a week, with my hands fuU, but did my work faithfully. I used to cut wood, fetch water, make fires, scrub and scour in the morning for the old lady before the real work of the day was commenced. My clothes were bad, and I had no means of buying shoes, so was often barefooted.

" One morning I got through my work early, and the old lady, who thought I had not done it, or was especially ill-humored then, was displeased.

" She scolded me, and said : ' You are an idle boy. You haven't done the work.'

" I replied : ' I have done y,'^hat I was told to do.'

" ' You are a liar,' was her angry reply.

" I felt my spirit rise indignantly against the charge ; and, standing erect, I answered : ' You will never have the chance of applying that word to me again.'

" I then walked out of the house to reenter it no more. I had not a cent in my pocket when I stepped into the world.

" What do you think I did then, boys?

" I met a countryman with a team. I boldly and earnestly addressed him, saying : ' I will drive the leader if you will only take me on.'

" He looked at me in surprise, but in a moment said, ' I don't think you'll be of any use to me.'

" ' O yes I will,' I replied ; ' I can rub down and watch your horses, and do many things for you, if you will only let me try.'

" ' Well, well, my lad, get on the horse.'

" And so I climbed upon the leader's back, and commenced my teamster-life. The roads were deep mud, and the travelling very hard, and consequently slow. We got along at the rate of twelve miles per day. It was dull and tiresome you wfU believe ; but it was my starting^ jjoint. I had begun to push my way in the world, and went ahead after this. An independent spirit, and steady, honest conduct, with what capacity God has given me — as he has given you, boys — have carried me successfully through the world."

And now hear and always remember what he says to boys who have like himself, in early life, no friends to help with money, and must enter the busy world penniless. They are noble, inspiring words, spoken to a large assembly of lads in one of our cities :

" Don't be down-hearted at being poor, or having no friends. Try, and try again. You can cut your way through, if you live, so please God. I know it's a hard time for some of you. Yoa are often hungry and wet with the rain or snow, and it seems dreary to have no one in the city to care for you. But trust in Christ, and He will be your friend. Keep up good heart, and be [letermined to make your own way honestly and truly through the world. As I said, I feel for you, because I have gone through it all : I know what it is. God bless you."

The fatherless boy had thus far been in a school of sad trial, yet blest with the kindly influences of home. In one \dew, he had no childhood ; but took his place very early among men, to battle with poverty and pay his way.

The indignant and unceremonious desertion of his employer, you will notice, was not a rebellion against even tyrannical authority, nor a petulant refusal to do a servant's work in the honest endeavor to secure the needed compensation. It was the charge of falsehood, of unreliable character, which made him a homeless orphan. He felt even then that he could not, and would not, brook the insult to his sense of justice and his conscious integrity of purpose. The association with a nature so narrow and harsh was beyond endurance, and he went forth the loenniless possessor of a fortune ; he had the wealth of a fine mind, lofty principle, and tireless energy of character. Brave young spirit ! God will bless always such a venture upon His providence.

And no part of Ormsby's life has a more important.

LITE OF GENERAL IVnTCHEL. 23

useful lesson for you, my young reader, than tliis very experience. It laid the foundation, so far as native character is concerned, of all his greatness. Those habits of patient industry, self-denial of present, transient pleasures, and a regard to the endless future which distinguished him, and gave him the noblest success, were formed in his boyhood. It reminds me of a youth in Yale College many years since, of similar spirit, who blacked the boots of the richer students to aid in the payment of his current expenses. One day they were around him at his Avork, talking over their future plans, when

one of them said : " "Well, K , what are you going to

be?" K brushed away, and quietly replied, " Governor of the State of New York." A laugh went round the little cii'cle at his expense. The merry young men went forth from the college halls to be either a burden to society or comparatively unknown. The boy who was not ashamed to black boots to pay his debts, was heard in Congress, and was elected Lieutenant-Governor of the Empire State.

I must give you one more true and encouraging story.

Thirty years ago, in the small academy at B , was a

boy faithfully devoted to the culture of his mind. But he was jpoor. Opening the drawer to his table you would have wondered and smiled, to see a howl of molasses well sprinkled with crumbs. This was the student's whole provision for board. A loaf of bread, and the bowl with its contents, was the simple living. Now that lad is a popular author, whose beautiful cottage stands on the green banks of the glorious Hudson.

CHAPTER n.

Spare Moments Improved — Ormsby goes to "West Point — Foot travel over the Country— His career resembles that of General Grant — His Student-lift — "Writes Home — Graduates "with honor — "Wants to go to France and fight — Joins the Army in Florida — Eesigns — Is Married— Domestic Enjoyments.

^OUNG Mitchel had improved his leisure moments. He early learned the value of these golden sands of time. Were you ever in the United States Mint ? If so, you noticed a perforated floor, where the work in gold is done. Under this wooden net-work is the polished stone which catches the small particles. The woodwork can be removed, and the gold dust swept up and saved. The guide will tell you that nearly forty thousand dollars are thus saved every year in these sweepings. Young Mitchel caught the little fragments of time, and used them well.

When thirteen years old, Ormsby had acquired a considerable knowledge of Greek and Latin, in addition to English branches, including mathematics. He panted 2

26 LITE OF GENEEAL MITCHEL.

for opportunities to cultivate his mind in the halls of a college. A penniless lad, what could he do ?

Unlike the youthful and equally aspiring Grant, he had no father to help him seek a place for this discipline of his powers. Still he had a will to do, and had also friends, who became interested in him. The Military Academy at West Point offered the twofold attraction of the highest intellectual training, and an allowance by Government to pay all the expenses of the rare advantages. He resolved to go there.

His gifted mother was a relative of the most excellent and distinguished Judge McLean, then a prominent citizen of the rapidly-growing State of Ohio. Through his influence he received the appointment. Not long afterwards he was at the house of one who had been most prominent in procuring his appointment, when that gentleman thus addressed him : " We have had many of our boys go to West Point, but few of them get through." Ormsby di-ew himself up, looked him in the eye, and merely said: " I shall go tJirougJi, sir !" Such was the favor he won, that not only did he obtain the appointment, but, as a special indulgence, was admitted when only fourteen — a year before the time fixed by the rules of the institution. The way was opened to get into the Academy, but he had no money to go to it. This did not discourage him. Putting into a knapsack his small outfit, he started for the distant goal of his aspirations.

The distance to be travelled over from Ohio to West Point, at that early period, was like a pilgrimage to a foreign land ; the wilderness covered the largest part of the intervening States. Sometimes Ormsby travelled on foot, sometimes on horseback, ^with Indian guides, and then again on canal boats. The latter part of the journey was upon one of these safe but slow navigators. Friendless and alone, he had no one to sympathize with him. The captain of the boat noticing this, took a fancy to him, and in every way within his power cheered him on his way. But who the lad was, and where he was going, nobody knew, for he told no one his secret. Upon leaving the boat, however, he took from his pocket his cadet's warrant and showed it to the captain. This stated that the little stranger was a member of one of the first institutions in the country, and at once gave him great importance in the captain's view.

Ormsby arrived at Albany on Saturday night, and there remained over the Sabbath vdth relatives. On Monday morning he went aboard a boat, and landed in the evening at West Point, unwavering in his purpose, and cheerful with hope, his knapsack on his back, and twenty-five cents in his pocket. His first thought was, how he should pass the examination. This troubled him, for he had not prepared especially for it. He was leaning out of his window the next day, thinking how he should get through, what he should do in case he could not i^ass

— far from home, without money and without friends, which way he should turn if he were rejected.

While he was looking thoughtfolly from his window, watching a sentinel pacing up and down, that stranger spoke kindly to him, asking him " if he was prepared for examination," and offering him all the assistance in his power. " Tell me what books I am to be examined in," said Ormsby, " and I will take care of the rest." Soon he was posted by his friend in regard to the text-books used in the severe trial before him. In a few days he had passed the ordeal with flying colors.

Being very young when he entered the Academy, his greatest ambition was to make each recitation as nearly perfect as possible. He had not been accustomed to the routine of study, like many of his classmates, who had reached even manhood. But his progress was steady and rapid. In his class was Robert E. Lee. Jefferson Davis Avas in the Academy at this time ; and being somewhat older than Mitchel, used to take him with him in his walks amid the magnificent scenery on every hand.*

From the cadet's barracks, where the young men had their rooms, he went to recitation, military di'ill, and uic^s hall or boarding-house, with promptness and regularity. His perfectly correct and abstemious habits kept him from the finely-construoted and managed hospital belonging to the Academy. He was no stranger in the engineering and model rooms, which contain the costly and * See note on last Tr'::o.