a, was made sergeant-at-arms.
Mr. Blaine was re-elected speaker of the House, and immediately confronted a galaxy of as able men as were ever in that body.
His first duty was to solve a most difficult problem in assigning the chairmanships of the committees, with such men to choose from as Logan, Garfield, Banks, Schenck, Dawes, Allison, Windom, Holman, Brooks of New York, Williams, Orth, Myers, O'Neil, Shellabarger, Wilson of Indiana, Wilson of Iowa, Butler, Lochridge, Bingham, Stoughton, Paine, Wheeler of New York, Ingersoll, Cook, Cullom, Farnsworth, Frye, Hale, Judd, and a legion too numerous to mention.
Mr. Blaine was then young and vigorous, and probably the most promising statesman of the nation.
His administration of the speakership was, without doubt, the most brilliant in the history of Congress, spanning the most important epoch of the nation.
There were then, perhaps, more critical occasions when the great skill, knowledge, and quick perception of the speaker were nec
rehensive for the city, but for the fate of those who were defending it, and their feeling was too deep for expression.
The same feeling, perhaps, which makes me write so much this morning.
But I must go to other duties.
Ten o’Clock at night, 1862.
Another day of great excitement in our beleaguered city.
From early dawn the cannon has been roaring around us. Our success has been glorious!
The citizens-gentlemen as well as ladies — have been fully occupied in the hospitals.
Kent, Paine & Co. have thrown open their spacious building for the use of the wounded.
General C., of Texas, volunteer aid to General Hood, came in from the field covered with dust, and slightly wounded; he represents the fight as terrible beyond example.
The carnage is frightful.
General Jackson has joined General Lee, and nearly the whole army on both sides were engaged.
The enemy had retired before our troops to their strong works near Gaines's Mill.
Brigade after brigade of our brave men were h
