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At tbt Battle of Buena Vlata—Rnleln* the LoutevlUe Brlgtd»-lli* la* ttrrltw With PresidentJUnooln—Hit life.fWritten for The Indianapolis Jfews.1Am acquaintance of twenty years, and theintimacy existing between our families, fare me an opportunity to learn much of the true character and instinct* of the man—General Lor el H. Rouweau. He was of French extraction, as the name would plainly indicate, and inherited much of the French temperament, being warm-hearted and impulsive, quick to resent an insultand equally quick to make the amende hon-orable when wrong. His greatest fault was his too-confiding and liberal disposition; be was eaeily imposed upon by those unworthy his confidence. He was a native of Louisville, Ky., and was proud of the city of his birth, hence his over-weaning desire in after years to save the city from the blight incident to war. Genersi Rousseau, after receiving a common English education, studied lavr in Louisville. After finishing his studies (as he expressed it to me) he took a copy of Blackstone in one hand, and his wardrobe tied in a cotton handerchief in the other, and walked to Bloomfield, Green County, Indiana, and joined his brother Richard, who had preceded him and had begun the practice of law in that town.The Rousseaus built up a lucrative practice; they were employed on almost every case in that judicial district, either on oue side or the other. When the Mexican war broke out Lovel H. Rousseau raised a company aud was attached to the Second Indiana Regiment, which was commanded by Colonel Jowls (of the Knights of the Golden Circle notoriety). Captain Rousseau was at the bead of his company on the battle-field of Buena Vista fighting like a tiger when an unfortunate order to retreat was given by the Colonel of the regiment. It was the report to the War Department, emanating from Jefferson Davis, of the conduct of this regiment on the battlefield that caused the eternal enmity of Rousseau to Jefferson Davis. The wrong the regiment received had rankled and festered in his bosom for thirteen years.After the Mexican war was over Rousseau returned to Bloomfield. So great was his popularity he was triumphantly elected to the State Senate, athough the county was largely Democratic. He was about the first Whig that was ever honored so much in the county. There are many citizens of Indianapolis yet living who well remember the two Rousseaus who were members of the Legislature in 1848-9, one in the Senate, the Other in the House of Representatives. Two liner looking men were scarcely ever seen within the legislative Hails of any State.Lovel H. lvousseau was a fine criminal lawyer; indeed it has been said of him byhigh legal authority that he had but few| equals and no superiors. A country town was not the field for that line of practice. In 1849 Rousseau returned to his native city and commenced practice. In a short time his brother followed him. As in Indiana, they were eiployed on nearly all the important cases that came before the courts of Louisville. One of these I well remember, for 1 was a spectator during parts of the trial. In 185^ a whole family by the name of Joyce, living near Louisville, were murdered with the exception of one, a young man; the house was burned. .Suspicion fell on the negroes of an adjoining plantation. The friends of the murdered family took the negroes at night and huug them until they could scarcely be resuscitated in order to extort a confession from them, but without effect. They then took the one that manifested the most trepidation, tied him to a stake and piled brush and other fuel around him. As these preparations were going on the negro confessed that himself and Che three other negroes had committed the murder. The four were then taken to Jail to awtit trial. The owner did not believe them guilty and determined to emplov the best counsel he could procure to defend. In the meantime the friends of the murdered family, knowing that Rousseau would be applied to, went to him and advised him to have nothing to do with the case, as the people were determined to hang the negroes even if they were acquitted.Sure enough, the first application the owner of the negroes made was to Rousseau. After asserting his belief iu the iu-noceqce of the negroes be appealed to Rousseau to defend them. The latter excused himself on account of a great press of business, and referred him to several other lawyers. The man went away, but in the evening he returned. Rousseau asked him what success he had met with. The man replied, “Louisville has got to be a nice city; counsel can not be procured to defend innocent negroes. You can’t find a lawyer in Louisville with nerve enough to take thecase.”Rousseau then said, “I will do this; I will appear for them and remain until the evidence is all in; 1 will see that there is no manufactured evidence introduced. If, when the evidence is concluded,” continued Rousseau, “I think them guilty, I will submit the case to the jury without argument. In that event I will charce you no fee. If on the other hand, there is no evidence to convict them, I will stand by them, and they shall be acquitted, by heavens!” “This was all I required,” relied their master. In the meantime usseau interviewed the negroes in the jaiL He satisfied himself of the fact that the negroes were innocent, at least there was no evidence upon which they could becounted. I was in the court when the negroes were brought iu for trial, but left before it began. 1 was afterward told that the evidence of the confessing negro was so contradictory that some of the jury could not refrain from showing disgust during the trial. During the trial young Joyce drew a large bowie knife and sprang toward the prisoners, and called on his friends present to help him hang the negroes. It was but the work of a momeut for Rousseau to place himself between Joyce and the negroes. With one hand hethrottled Joyce and with the other grasped the arm that held the knife.In an instant the Judge ordered the bailiffs to call in the police to protect the prisoners. “No, no/ cried out Rousseau, “that is unnecessary* while the mob are hanging the negroes, I will attend to this young man's case.” This had the desired effect, It restored order in the court room. All knew Rousseau too well to go further. As the trial proceeded, Rousseau made only a few remarks showing the danger of courts entertaining such evidence and juries relying upon it to couvict. “Why,” said Rousseau, “there never was a Roman inquisition that would rely upon •uoh evidence for a moment.” The'negroes were acquitted without a why or wherefore, but that night they were taken from the jail, where they had been returned for protection, and all four hung upon the trees of the City Hall vard.I instance this case merely to show Rous-u’s coolness in danger, and thathe would do what he thought was right even at the hazard of his life. It is not ray purpose to follow General Rousseau in hu private career in Louisville any further, although with him almost daily from 1*55 to the time he left for the field in 1861. In June,1861, I met him in the street at Cincinnati. He told me he was on his return fromWashington, where he had been to learn something about for what purpose the war was being waged; that he had been prevailed upon to lay over one day, end make a speech at mpbt. He said that “the people were deceived in regard to the intention of the Government toward the South, and that it was necessary that they should learn from some person, who had conferred with the President, how far the war wouldbe carried, and for what punose Iked with him to the Burnand he told me that he had had a casual ac-I walked with him toett House,rectlv, and If the views of the President concurred with his, he wished authority to raise troops in l^ouisville. Ky.“Mr. Chase expressed nis gratification to meet me on such business and assured me of his (Chase) assistance in every way itmight be required, to attain such an obiect.The desired interview was to take place next morning. After Secretary Chase hadintroduced me he requested me to call at ttye Treasury Department on my return to his hotel. I then made known my business to the President and wished to know how far the war would be carried *aud for whatThe President assured Mr.purposeKuusseaI usseau that the “war would be waged in no spirit of oppression tlt;n»ard the South; would be aggressive only to far as was neoessary to enforce the laws,and show the South that secession was a delusion in theory and would be a failure in practice.” ‘This met m hearty approval, said General Rousseau. He then asks the President for authority to raise a brigade in Louisville. “1 saw at once that the armed neutrality’ sentiment of Louisville had preceded me to Washington. The President thought that the movement was premature aud hazardous, taking into consideration the excited condition of the people of Louitville, but at the proper time I *nould be clothed with authority ‘to prets the entire population into the service if I wished—women, children, old men;’ and this remark was made with a smile by the President.” “This won’t do,” replied Rousseau; “now or never.” The President invited him to another interview the next dav.At the Treasury Department Rousseau met Secretary Chase per appointment.“Well, my friend?” said theSecretary.“Ah!” exclaimed Rousseau, “The marplots of ‘armed neutrality’ have preceded me to the White House.”Secretary Chase invited Rousseau to walk with him to the War Department. After introducing Rousseau to Secretary Cameron, Chase told Cameron Rousseau’s business. Cameron inquired of Rousseau what “armed neutrality” meant. Rousseau replied that Kentucky was then arming what they called the Stale Guards, under the immediate supervision of Simon B. Bucker and Governor Beriah McGoffin, for the purpose of keeping the armies both of North and South from invading Kentucky soil. “This would seriously interfere with the passage of Uuion troops to the seat of war, as Kentucky’s front ou the Ohio River is nearly seven hundred miles long. But this is not the only object. By the time the next Legislature meets they will have the people educated up to their secession move, and Kentucky will be led out of the Union and their damned ‘armed neuterality’ will be turned over to the rebel army.”Cameron then said: “You shall have authority to raise all the meu you want.*' He then requested Rousseau to call at the War Department in the morning before he saw the President. Accordingly, Rousseau called. Cameron granted him a kind of running commission to raise a brigade in Kentudty to be called the Louisville Legion. Said Cameron: “Tell the President that it is the earnest desire of myself and Secretary Chase that he should affix his signature to this.”When Kousseati handed the paper to the President, the President atter reading it, said laughingly: “Well, you have made a Union mau of iny Secretary of War,” and affixed his signature and took Rousseau by the hand and said: “God bless you! 1 am certain I shall hear a good account from you in your glorious work.” “And we parted,” said Rousseau tome: “You know, John, I have a little unsettled score with Jeff Davis; when I return from the battlefield ail will be settled aud wiped out.”General Rousseau spoke to a large and enthusiastic audience that eveniug in Cincinnati. He referred to what he learned from President Lincoln j tonally were the pur-oses for M'hich the war would be waged, , |e then spoke of the position of his own State, the aims and purposes of its so-called “a/med neutrality,” its effects upon the commerce of all the towns and cities and country bordering on the Ohio River. Pointing toward Newport and Covington, he said those beautiful little cities would be occupied by armed Rebels, the river along the Kentucky line would be blockaded, but “by the eternal,” said General Rousseau, “we will avert such a calamity ifftuaistance with Secretary Chase, and£Shim sought an introduction to the m he wished to interview di-whoujwe can.General Rousseau then paid his respects to Beriah McGoffin, then Governor of Kentucky; Generals Simon Boliver Buckner, Roger A. Hanson aud Humphrey Marshall, whom he charged with being the projectors of the scheme for the purpose of annoying Union troops in their passage through Kentucky to the seat of war. General Rousseau closed by saying: “This rattle-snake concern must and shall be wiped from the land.” When General Rousseau returned to Louisville he found great opposition to raisiug troops.A meeting was caljed of some of the well-known citizens, whose instincts were naturallv Union, but who were timid aud afraid that the attempt to raise Union troops at that time would fire the public mind and bring the trouble to their doors immediately. Kousseau was invited to the meeting, and made a brief speech, in which he spoke of his purpose to raise the brigade at all hazards, and then retired aud left them free to act untrammeled by his presence. They then passed Resolutions expressing their greatest confidence iu Rousseau, aud said that when the proper time arrived be was their choice to lead the movement, and closed by saying it was inexpedient at that time. A copy of the resolutions was shown Rousseau next dav. He exclaimed: “D—n your confidence! f wantyour Kentuckv Union men; and, by G—d, I’ll have themr'A minute later General Rousseau met George D. Prentice, of the Louisville Journal. Prentice approached him, remarking: “I hardly know how to address vou since your return from Washington.” lio usseau replied: “You cau call me plain Rousseau, but after I drill and march my brigade through your streets vou can address me as General Rousseau.” Prentice said nothing, but undoubtedly thought that time far in the future.Rousseau lost no time in visiting his old friend, Samuel H. Patterson, of Jeffersonville. After laying his plans before his friend Patterson invited him to quarter his troops on his farm adjoining the falls, just below Jeffersonville, on the Indiana shore, where there was plenty of good spring water. This offer was readily accepted by Rousseau, “but,” said he, “the credit of the Government is so bad in Louisville I don’t believe a barrel of flour could be bought.” Patterson replied: 4*My credit is good both in Louisville and Jeffersonville. If it is not my money is. I will subsist your troops, and if it is necessary I will arm and equip them for the field.” These were the only encouraging words he had received in the vicinity of the Falls. He immediately issued an address to the people of several of the adjoining counties ot Kentuckv, asking for troops to aid in saving the State from seceasion. In this address he reiterated* what he had said in his Cincinnat i speech. He unmasked the “itrrned neutrality’*project. His enemies had reported that it was Rousseau’s intention that when his brigade was full and ready for the field to turn them over to a Yankee or abolition commander. This Rousseau denied and said it was his intention to stick to his brigade until the rattlesnake concern was wiped out. With this address he sent his emissaries through Kentucky. It worked like a charm. In a few days recruits began to pour into his camp, first by scores, then by hundreds. They were amply provided for as fast at they came. Mra.*Patterson sent all the bed clothing and carpets she could spare, and all »he could borrow from her neighbors (guaranteeing then)) to the camp. In the meantime General Rousseau had communicated with the War Department setting forth the difficulties he labored under. He received assurance that all his wants should be speedily supplied, and that particular attention would be paid to all the wants of the Kentucky brigade. A few days later a steamboat load of aruiv stores arrived from Cincinnati. This was truly gratifying to Rousseau. He once remarked to me, “I will succeed in spite of all the ‘damned marplots can do.’ ” In the meantime the brigade was filling up, and active dfilling commenced. His camp was a favorite place of resort for his friends of Louisville on Sunday*, • Rousseau having supplied his brigade with a fine military band.General Rousseau named his camp “Joe Holt,” in houor of Geuer*l Joseph Iluii, atthat time Judge Advocate General of the army, formerly Secretary of War. Rousseau was almost daily in receipt of iusulting audthreatening letters, of course al wavs anonymous. These letters threatened him with assassination if he ever attempted to marchhis troops through Louisville, or drill themon Kentucky soil. Rousseau paid no attention to them, but was determined at the proper time to show the writers of them how little he regarded or feared them. Meantime General Rousseau had his two regiments finely equipped and ready to meet a like number of men, under any circumstances whatever. The time had arrived for him to show the rebel “marplots” of Louisville and their that neither he nor his troops were to march through the priucipal city of thetrmrtive State. When the intention of Rousseau was made known in Louisville, a delegation of rebel and timid Union men waited on him and begged him to desist from his putpose. Rousseau’s mind was made up and would not be changed. He had received too many insulting and threatening missives to pass them unheeded.One Saturday evening General Rousseau returned to his camp from Louisville. A* the ferry office he notified the Superintendent of the ferry boats that he wanted all three of the boats at the Indiana wharf at a certain hoar the next morning, fie ordered the proper authority at the camp to furnish each man with forty rounds of cartridges, and for the troops to be ready to* march early* next morning. Rousseau was a great lover of music, being a fine performer on the violin himself. He had great confidence in the effect of music on the mind. He instructed his military band as to the pieces tft play at certain points. The next (Sunday) morning martial music was heard in the streets of Jeffersonville, two thousand bayonets littered in the light of a September sun. jrue, it was Rousseau’s brigade en route toparade in Louisville. Manv were the speculations as to the result and fears expressed for the safety of Rousseau iu particular. Rousseau rode one of Kentucav’s finest blooded horses, of herculean buila. It was difficult to tell which of the two was the more noble looking of their kind, the horse or the rider. As the regiment, marched through Jeffersonville the band was playing “The Girl I Left Behind Me.” When the boats reached the Kentucky shore the whole wharf was densely packed with citizens. General Rousseau spurred his horse forward and was the first to stand on Kentuckv soil. With a gentle wave of the haud, he requested the crowd to fall back and give him an opportunitv to form his troops. Theis were disembarking and formingband plaved the “Star Spangled Brequest was instantly obeyed. While the troops were disembarking and forming theplayed the “Star Spangled Banner,” many of the people joining in the chorus. The troops formed inplatoons of companies and marched almost iu solid column. When the brigade reached Main street, the band played Rousseau’s favorite music when drilling his troops, “March in Norma.” The sidewalks were densely packed with ladies. Handkerchiefs and miniature Union Hags were waved; womeu were seen to weep like children. The march through the principal streets of the city was uninterrupted, and they returned to the ferrv-boats, the band playing “Dixie.”It was conceded that no event of the war developed the Union sentiment of Louisville as that Sunday’s march of the Kentucky brigade through its streets. From this time the citizens looked to this brigade to protect them from rebel invasion, norI wilditl thev have to wait long, which best describes the event: “But ereere auote a speech of George D.iWPrentice at a banquet given to Rousseau,long there came to us a night of inysterv and terror. Suddenly the electric telegraph between our city and Nashville ceased to give forth its signs, and the railroad trains anxiously awaited for hours came not. in every loyal soul there was a deep presentiment of * impending calamity. It pervaded and burdened the atmosphere. Brave men gazed into each other’s facet, and whispered their fears. Then it was that all loyal e£8 and hearts turned instantly to General Rousseau and his brigade. A signal apprised him of apprehended danger, and in an incredibly brief space of time, iu less than two hours, he crossed the Ohio aud passed with his brigade so noiselessly through our streets that persons within thirty yards of his march did not hear him, and before midnight he was far on his way to meet the expected invader. He took his position between Louisville and the rebel army, which would have seized and despoiled her. He was our shield and our sword.”Thus spake George D. Prentice, who but a year before thought Rousseau’s movements premature and impolitic. The tpace in a newspaper article will not permit of my following General Rousseau any further in detail. Suffice it to say he was always found in the front ranks in battle at Shiloh, Perryville, Donaldsonville, where he won distinguished honors. He was the first in the war to be brevetted Maior-General for gallantry ou the field; and “When the wild war’s deadly blast had blown,” like Cincinnatus, he returned to his home and profession. But he was not permitted to Jive in retiracy long. He was triumphantly clected to Congress from his district; and while in Congress he was solicited to suffer his name to be used before the Kentucky Legislature for the United States Senate. This he strenuously refused and at the close of his Congressional term he received a Major General’s Commission in the regular army and was assigned to duty at New Orleans, where, after a few months’ service, he sheathed his sword, surrendered to the Great Commander of the universe, and now sleeps with his kindred in Cave Hill Cemetery, near his native city. It has Seen said of Rousseau, by one high in the Union army, that his battles were always “quick, decisive and bloody.”In writing of General Rousseau I have beeu governed almost entirely by personal knowledge and observation, and what I learned from his own lips. In my own declining years I love to ruminate upon the character and add tnbute to the memory of the friends of my early life. I conclusion Iwould say that a braver man never led a charge against an enemy or drew a sword in defence of his countrv than General Lovel H. Rousseau. J. H.li. Nowlaxd.■Founder of the nmithionUui.iKew York bun. IFew of the New York photographers who ill make the pilgrimage to Washington inAugust to see the Daguerre monument unveiled in front of the Smithsonian Institution are aware that the institution owes its existence to the generositv of the son of an English peer. Hon. James Smithson, vounger son of the Duke of Northumberland and brother of that Earl Percy who brought up the British reinforcements at Lexington and led a division in the attack on Fort Washington in this city, through a bequest of $515,169 “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.” founded the institution which keeps his name and iq^mory green at the capital of the American republic. The armorial bearings of the Smithson family number nearly 900, and among these are branches of tlie sovereign houses of England, Scotland, France and Spain, and the ducal house of Normandy and Brittany, forming heraldic honors almost without a parallel. James Smithson, however, cared little for such distinctions, and was a pretty good republican. He devoted his life to study, taking an honorary degree at Of ford the same year in which his brother Hugh, Earl Percy, became Duke of Northumberland. It was his one boast that his name would outlive those of his family who possessed inherited titlesand honors only, and his prophecy it altogether likely to prove true.■ -- , ■■ ....... —— .......Railway Across the Sahara.Mr. Stanley is reported as warmly in favor of the scheme for the construction of a trans-Saharan railway, to be built actoss the desert by French capitalist! in ten years at a cost of $40,000,000. He thinks that the construction of such a thoroughfare is not an impossibility, if the rails are laid with the speed usual'to Americans in building railways, and that it will be of the first importance to the French Government iu controlling Algeria and in extending civilization into Central 4frfra. » mr*e For Fat Men.I New York Hon.1 ^ ,“And that itout son of yours, what ia he doing?lie's a hammock tester.”
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Indianapolis News
Indianapolis, Indiana, US
Tue, Aug 19, 1890
Page 6
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USA 05 Jul 2020
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