Benjamin James St Fry of the 63rd, is extremely popular as a preacher, author, and newspaper reporter.
His general appearance is not remarkably prepossessing; his voice is somewhat inharmonious, and his action has but little dignity or grace. What Seneca says of the style of one of his contemporaries may be applied to Mr. Fry:
"He is a man of exact judgment, steady to his purpose, and of strong eloquence, not fervent in his words, but his sense is masculine and vehement." Indeed he has occasionally some very brilliant sentences and many powerful and eloquent appeals to the conscience and the heart. It is delightful to meet such men in the army; men who, while they are uncompromising in their reproof of army vices, can yet speak a word to the weary. Vigilance and zeal in the discharge of his duties as a chaplain, and an ardent affection for the soldiers, were prominent traits in his character.
Chaplain Coony, of the 35th Indiana, is one of the oldest army Chaplains. His regiment was among the earliest to leave Indiana for the field, and the good Priest never left his fighting boys. Father Coony is a splendid looking man. He is of the middle size and of handsome figure. His fine open countenance wears the glow of health. The withy Chaplain, in every battle, was in the thickest of the fight, signalizing himself by his exertions in behalf of the wounded and dying. Ireland, that ill-fated country, has not a more ardent or more staid friend than she has in Chaplain Coony. Sound in the doctrines of his character, he is a faithful and persuasive expounder of the same. In discussing on religious subjects, especially on the privileges of the Christian's reward, here his heart is enlarged; his speech tells of heaven, and having himself fed on "angel's food," he is anxious to impart to his hearers the same celestial gift. There it is, in strains as sweet.
“As angels use, the Gospel whispers peace.
Chaplain Bennett, of the 32nd Ohio, is one of those fighting parsons who have won honors in the war. He entered his regiment originally as a private soldier, sacrificing a lucrative and pleasant position. He fought himself up to a Chaplaincy. In every engagement he shouldered a rifle, fighting bravely with his comrades, and inspiring them by his own martial conduct. He has received at different times, several complimentary testimonials from his superior officers. Chaplain Bennet is a man of superior intelligence, sound judgment and varied information. In battle he is cool and calculating, always taking deliberate aim, and generally sure of his object. In personal appearance, Mr. Bennett is plain. He has nothing fashionable or affected about him. He is a fine specimen of a clever, generous, good-natured fellow. As a pulpit orator, his general strain is remarkably mild and persuasive — sincere and affectionate.
Among those Chaplains who have rendered efficient service to the country, the Rev. Chaplain Chittenden, is not the. Least zealous or successful. That Mr. Chittenden entered the service of the Republic from very decided impressions of Christian duty, and from a full conviction that he was specially called into this field of service— we think he has given abundant proof. The fidelity with which he discharged the various functions of an army minister, make it evident, that he was the right man in the right place. That such a preacher should be both popular and useful, is no matter of surprise. "I love," said the amiable Fenelon, "a serious preacher, who speaks for my sake, and not for his own, and seeks my salvation, and not his own glory." This praise is due to Mr. Chittenden. Bigotry seems to be his aversion — with a noble independence of sects and parties, he delights in the Excellencies of all good men, and is on friendly terms with ministers of various communions.
CHAPLAIN SPRINGER
The name of this heroic Chaplain will long live in the memories and affections of all who knew him. His regiment, the 3rd Wisconsin, being sorely pressed at the battle of Resaca, he shouldered his musket and fought with glorious gallantry, until literally covered with wounds, he was borne to the Field Hospital, where he rounded his noble life in prayers for the success of Hooker's splendid corps, then busily enraged with the enemy. Thus died Chaplain Springer. His last words presented a beautiful and sublime finish to his memorable life. The deep drawn sigh, and copiously falling tears of his comrades in arms, thrillingly attested the veneration in which he was held.
As a Christian, Chaplain Springer was pre-eminent for piety. He walked in the truth, and was therefore, holy and happy. As a minister, he was devoted and diligent. His mind was peculiarly vigorous, capable of a comprehensive grasp, minutely discriminating, and of very considerable retentive power. His sermons were redolent of the Gospel theme. He did not deal in scholastic philosophy, nor in the efficacy of what men call the sacraments, nor in the icicle beauty of mere morality.
As a laborer and visitor among the members of his regiment, brother Springer will ever be embalmed in the heart of hearts' of his fellow soldiers. Faithfully did he unfold to them their privileges; kindly did he inculcate their duties, while his shepherd-like care of them, proved he performed one of the most difficult parts of a Christian’s life.
As a fellow laborer, he was much beloved by his brethern in Sherman's army. His death, they feel, has removed from their midst, a burning and a shining light. Seldom did they meet without virtually, as with one voice exclaiming:
"Forgive the wish that would have kept thee here!"
A friend who saw him in his last hours writes: "I visited Chaplain Springer and found him dying. To a question of mine, he firmly, but sweetly rejoined, I have no triumph, but l am in peace. I feel I am moving slowly through the dark valley, but Christ's presence cheers me. He then expressed his gratitude that he was permitted to do, and dare, and die for his beloved country. We shook hands and wept together. Emotion for several seconds, checked utterance— the founts of fraternal feeling were stirred to their depths in each bosom. At last, he broke the silence by saying: "It is all well" and again held out his pallid hand, giving to mine, a last pressure of ineffable tenderness. Speak, I could not, but gently withdrew, with my heart full of David's elegy on Jonathan."
“Oh! My brother, very pleasant hast thou been to me!”
We would have had much pleasure in extending our notice to the names of Sewell, Gardner, the McFarlands, Ross, Compton, Kliphart and other worthy and useful Chaplains.
CHAPTER XIV.
Army Correspondents. — J. B. McCallough, D. P. Connyngham, Volney Hickox A. J. Dougherty, &c.
It is one of the remarkable peculiarities of the war that it called forth a class of men, who accomplished great and important results for the country, though occasionally marked for proscription or persecution in some form or other. These correspondents were in many instances, young men of talents, courage, patriotism, and of the brightest culture. Many of them had ample means at home, and had fine success in professional life. It was no mercenary or sordid motive that actuated them in the occupancy of their unpleasant position. No other nation has ever produced, in times of civil war, more generous or self-sacrificing spirits. Though indispensable parts of the machinery of war, yet how meanly and scandalously treated by certain commanding officers. What is peculiarity honorable in them, is the fine principle from which they entered the service, and the generous manner in which they have labored to make immortal, the gallant deeds of the armies. Placed by a combination of extraordinary circumstances in situations of extreme difficulty, responsibility and danger, the public have seen with a lively sense of pride and pleasure, these men playing their part in a series of great and rapid events, with a wisdom and discretion, and with a force and energy of character, that has been equaled by few, and surpassed by none. The army correspondence was, speaking generally, pure in spirit, while it abounded with important information to the friends at home, and was clothed with an eloquence which would charm a senate.
A person without experience in the field, can form no adequate idea of the multifarious labor performed by the correspondents, or of the heavy responsibility resting on their shoulders. They must not only be familiar with the rules and articles of war, with the legislation of Congress, as it affects the army, the orders and publ
ications of the Secretary of War, but they must understand the organization of the army, the composition and strength of its several departments, the civil and military law as applied to troops in the field. Indeed there is no duty appertaining to any department of the army, of which they should not have a general, if not a specific knowledge, from the projecting of a campaign, the provisioning of an army, the fighting of a battle, and down to all the details of camp life.
J. B. M’CULLOUGH ("Mack") of the Cincinnati Commercial.
Few persons occupy so prominent a place in newspaper literature as the gentleman, whose name heads these biographical outlines. There is no city, or town, or scarcely a village in all this land, where his name is not known. This young man, so widely known, is a native of Ireland, and sailed for this country in his eighteenth year. He entered the Freeman's Journal office, New York, to learn the art of printing. All his leisure time he devoted to the science of phonography, which fairly won him from the types. His patience, industry, and steady perseverance, achieved everything for him that he has subsequently won. His example to young men is chiefly valuable in this regard. It may be safely said, that as a short hand writer, he has no superior. He stands at the head of his profession, and has devoted more time and study to it than any other man. While in New York, he wrote several articles for the leading journals, which were much admired. His friends augur great things from him, and, when it is remembered that he is only in his twenty-seventh year, his past success justifies their most sanguine expectations. He is well informed on American politics; and is fortunate in turning his knowledge to good account. His intellectual resources are ample; few men can improvisate better; it does not appear to cost him an effort to write.
Two years after his arrival in New York, he came to the West, and was employed on the staff of the Cincinnati Commercial. In 1861, he wrote a number of letters from Halleck's Army to his paper, which, for wit, nice description, sarcasm, keen insight into army life, raciness and brilliant illustration, have never been excelled. He was at the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, where he showed so much courage and heroic devotion that his efforts were highly commended by commanding officers. He happened to be the only individual in the Queen of the West, when she went down, who received no injury. A writer in Harper's Magazine pays a beautiful tribute to his gallantry and presence of mind, on this occasion. He accompanied Grant in his movement in Mississippi, and was present at the surrender of Vicksburg. In this campaign he discharged his duties with judgment and efficiency. He continued at intervals in the army.
"Mack" now resides in Washington, attracting the attention of statesmen and politicians by his accomplished, interesting and piquant articles for the Cincinnati Commercial and other leading journals.
He devotes all his time and energies to the discussion and criticism of men and measures, frequently using ridicule and cutting sarcasm. He was recently offered the appointment of private phonographer to President Johnson.
Mack's personal appearance is quite boyish— fancy a person, rather under the middle size, squarely and finely built, shoulders low and neck short, forehead high, face sharp and angular, eyes small and of a greyish hue, countenance tranquil and intelligent, features regular.
This is a tolerably accurate idea of the man, whose Washington correspondence is read and admired by thousands, in every State of the Union. He is one of the smallest legged, smallest bodied and most attenuated figures of the human form divine that one could meet in a crowded city, during a day's walk. One, ignorant of his splendid fame, who, for the first time sees him, has no very exalted opinion of the gentleman as he sits with his head drooping upon his shoulders, busily engaged in preparing his dispatches for the Associated Press. He is a young man of great decision of character, and of great determination of purpose.
As a writer, his style is simple, perspicuous, earnest and sincere. He is one of the most prolific, racy, original and versatile writers. His well-known articles are characterized by directness, great fertility of illustration, caustic sarcasm. He very often indulges in sarcasm, which is generally very felicitous. He is plausible when most in error—when it suits himself, he can make points like the point of a diamond; when to evade that point is deemed most politic, no man can wander from it more widely. He knows the valuable secret of stopping when he is done. Should he turn his attention to bookmaking he would display much elegant literature, and an acute and critical mind. Mack's merit is only equaled by his modesty, and it may probably somewhat discompose the quiet of his shrinking spirit to find himself thus ensconced in our pages; but we are sure our readers will thank us for thus gratifying an innocent and rational curiosity to know something of the man of whom they have read and heard so much.
CAPTAIN D. P. CONNYNGHAM, NEW YORK HERALD.
The signal service rendered to the cause of the country by the splendid volumes of this gentleman, has much endeared his name to the gallant soldiers who made the grand march from Atlanta, to the coast. It cannot, therefore, be, uninteresting to my to my readers to know something of the man who, as correspondent and soldier, performed his part bravely, in the suppression of the rebellion. Captain Connyngham is a native of Ireland, and, by birth, is connected with one of the most patriotic families of the Connemaras. He is related to Charles J. Kickham, a most accomplished and talented Irish poet.
Connyngham was placed at an early age in the academy of a celebrated teacher of the classics. Here he continued with great advantage, until he resolved to prepare himself for the more active duties of life. His literary career began very early, the peculiar bent of his mind, impelling him towards politics. Warmly espousing the democratic side, he wrote a few carefully finished articles for the Dublin Irishman. He thoroughly understood and appreciated the terrible sufferings of his countrymen. Associating with peasants and laborers, partaking of their frugal fare, he knew their customs, habits and prejudices. In 1848, when the "Young Irelanders," Meagher, Mitchell, O'Brien, raised the banner of revolt, Connyngham, fired by the enthusiasm which then existed, shouldered his musket, and served in the famous fight of Ballengarry. James Stephens and John O'Mahoney, the celebrated Fenian leaders, were also engaged in this encounter with the British soldiers.
The London Government being victorious, and no concessions being made to the oppressed and unhappy people, our friend, disgusted with the state of things, resolved to abandon Ireland forever.
He came to this country in 1860, and was soon engaged on the staff of the New York Herald. Such an appointment is an incontestable evidence of the superiority of his talents, and the high reputation he had acquired, even then, for scholarship and ability. He made his first debut as war correspondent, with the Army of the Potomac. His letters, descriptive of the battles in Virginia, were sprightly and vigorous. For gallant conduct he was commissioned Captain by the Governor of New York, and appointed on the staff of General Meagher. He served in all the leading engagements of the Potomac Army, including the sanguinary battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorville, which he has so vividly described.
He also accompanied Sherman in his brilliant march through Georgia and the Carolinas. At the battle of Resaca, he acted as aid de camp to General Judah, receiving from him a complimentary order for patriotic and heroic daring.
In literary pursuits, Captain Connyngham has displaced taste and refinement. He has written several skillfully contrived stories, delineating the customs and habits of the Irish peasantry. His narrative of Sherman's campaign is a book of eloquent descriptions. He is now engaged in producing a history of "Meagher's Irish Brigade," and we have reason to know that he is the writer of some able reviews in the magazines, which reflect great credit upon his fancy and talents. He is at present editing a New York paper.
In personal appearance he scarcely reaches the middle height, is compactly built, and has a robust constitution. His countenance is mild and pleasant, and has a highly intellectual expression. He is only thirty years of age, and a fine specimen of juvenescent health. His forehea
d is well developed. He is a pure Celt— with a true Milesian countenance— large, cheerful, winning, plump and ruddy, and as genial a companion as ever Lever painted in any of his novels.
Volney Hickox (V. H.) of the Cincinnati Commercial, is a very young looking man, and has decidedly, a literary appearance. The career of Mr. Hickox, affords an encouraging and commendable example of talent and energy, struggling triumphantly over opposing circumstances. It has always been a source of great satisfaction to the writer, to reflect on the character and success of self-made men. The majority of our public men have made themselves, and are emphatically self-made men. Volney Hickox owes little to colleges and universities. In early life, he learned the noble art of printing, winning his education, while engaged in setting type. He worked hard, studied diligently, and soon became known as a fluent and forcible writer. He is pronounced by some of the best judges, as the most interesting and piquant correspondent, connected with the Western Press. He was all through the war, and his letters from the army, abounded with spirited and beautiful descriptions, and are highly graphic and readable. He is a thorough unionist in his feelings, principles, prejudices, and rejoices that he is such.
After the war, he traveled through the far South, writing a series of brilliant articles on Southern society. These letters were full of quaint humor and quiet satire. His satirical lash is keen, but not venomous. He has been more recently in Mexico, and his pictures of Mexican life, are not only well painted, but they are well drawn. These delightful letters have the charms of freshness, raciness, and naturalness. Hairbreadth escapes, disasters, successes, are depicted in a style remarkably clear, vivid, and picturesque. Hickox is a great satirist. Less genial than Mack, he is more true to human nature. He takes delight in using the scalpel on society, and in exposing the foibles of fashionable life. Never was there a man on better terms with himself. The sunshine of benevolence, always irradiates his globularly formed face; while his ruddy cheeks, shining teeth, flowing beard, winning smile, small bright eyes, peering triumphantly from under a broad-brimmed Quaker hat, and if one, adds to this figure, clothes that are neither fashionably cut, nor fastidiously adjusted, the reader will have a tolerably rough idea of Volney Hickox's outer man. Hickox is in the prime of life. His manliness, talents and courtesy, have secured for him, a wide circle of friends to whom he is endeared by his amenity and warm heartedness.
Personal Recollections of Sherman's Campaigns in Georgia and the Carolinas Page 20
