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[167] Without any apparent effort of self-discipline, a certain natural rectitude and soundness pervaded the operations of his mind and character. His truthfulness was ingrained. He was no more capable of any form of cant, imposture, or insincerity than of falsehood. His faithfulness to trusts was most conscientious; and in the discharge of duties no one could be more solicitous to do the utmost that could be done. His manners, while good-natured and unconstrained, were those of one accustomed to receive and pay respect. He was a gentleman in heart and courtesy. As a friend, he was intimate with few, but steadfast and most cordial in his fellowship. To those who were nearest and dearest to him, he was tender, considerate, and dutiful. He was warm in his affections, though reserved in the expression of them, except in acts of thoughtful kindness. In this reserve of character, the instincts of self-reliance and modest self-respect were equally blended. It is a quality that always impresses the imagination by the suggestion of unknown resources, and is a charm of great power in military command, or any form of leadership. His personal appearance admirably embodied the strength and refinement of his character, and illustrated his eminent fitness for his new vocation. Tall, athletic, and commanding in stature, self-reliant in bearing, prompt and energetic in every bodily movement, with light Saxon hair, a face of smooth and delicate fairness almost feminine, but a spirit fit for battle glancing from clear blue eyes, he might well stand as the typical young soldier of the North. Six days after receiving his commission, Lieutenant Russell, with his regiment, left camp at Readville for Washington. After remaining encamped in Washington two days, on the 3d of September they were ordered to cross the Potomac and report for duty to General Fitz-John Porter. Upon doing so they were assigned to Brigadier-General Martindale, who commanded the first brigade of General Porter's division, and was stationed near Fort Corcoran. Here they were employed in drilling, and working on intrenchments thrown up for the protection of the capital, until September 26th, when the whole
Sever and Francis, 1866.
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