THE WISCONSIN FARMER.



tails of a battle, making an advance, or order-
ing a retreat. In short, he seems to be, and
is, familiar not only with the practical details
of war, but with the prineiples which underlic
this most intricate and comprehensive art.
             GENERAL STEELS.
  Next to Sherman, not in rank, but experience
and ability, comes Major-General Fred. Steele
who, like Grant and Sherman, originated in
that much-quarreled-about institution, West
Point. Were I attempting a philosophical ex-
amination of these gentlemen, instead of a 8a?-
erficial portraiture of a few externals, I could
not get along with General Steele much more
easily. Like a Geneva watch, he presents but
little surface-his merit, the fine machinery,
and exquisite balance are all within. A small
and well knit man of thirty-eight, with a hand
delicate and white as a lady's, light complex-
ion, only preserved from effeminacy by a flow-
ing beard, eyes of a light blue, and a full com-
pact forehead, dress rich, elegant, with a touch
of velvet about the cuffs and collars, always
free from dust and as clean as if just stepping
out of a dress parade at his Alma Mater, West
Point. These are the outward peculiarities of
General Steele. Without ever being over-dress-
ed, he is, I think the best dressed and best
mounted man in the army. Ilis prevailing trait
is quietness-a gentlemanly sort of repose-
which he carries with him,undisturbed,whether
doing the honors of the table to his friends, or
directing the movements of a storming party
amidst the roar of the fiercest battle. Few sol-
diers among volunteers love, but all resrect
him ; as a strict, unyielding disciplinarian, he
frequently excites their dislike,but his unruffled
calmness Then surrounded by tb c surging tides
of battle; his pre-eminent skill in guiding their
movements, and the lightning-like rapidity
with which he adapts himself to the new com-
bination created in a contest, compel their ad-
miration, and have won their highest respect.
  He chats with you unconcernedly up to the
very moment he enters battle, and the instant
it is over he resumes his sociability and dis-
courses upon general subjects, as if the affair
through which he had passed were of as little
account as washing his hands for dinner.
               GENERAL LOGAN.
  Were one to pass our Generals in review,
and endeavor from their countenances to select
the man with the most gunpowder in his
disposition, he would undoubtedly choose Gen.
Logan. He is marked by a square, massive
frame of medium height, a countenance swar-
thy as that of an Indian, jet black hair, and
eyes of the most piercing blackness: The gen-
eral ferocity of appearance is not detracted
from by a heavy moustache, whose ends drop
below his jaw on either side, and this effect is
heightened by a broad, short neck, like that of
a bull or a gladiator. And yet, when the Gen-
eral's countenance is not lighted by the glow
of battle, his swarthy face is sunny with good
nature and his eyes blaze with fun and good
humor. No commander in the army is more



popular with his men than he; their love for
him as a man is only equaled by their confi-
dence in him as a commander.
  During operations he is omnipresent, en-
couraging his men with advice, urging them
on with some funny remark, ever at their head
in battle only happy when moving, and only
completely happy when hurling his invincible
brigade against the enemy.
              GENERAL BLAIR.
  A description of Gen. Blair will almost be
superfluous, ao well known is he from his long
appearance before the public as politician and
legislator. Tall, well formed, £sandy" com-
plexioned, light grey eyes, high forehead,
heavy moustache and clean shaven face, make
up the "points" that will be noticed in a cur-
sory glance at his person. He is slow and de-
liberate in speech, like one who has been ac-
customed to speak to large audiences, and per-
forms everything, from leading an assault to
uncorking a bottle of champagne, with calm,
dispassionate manner and dignified movement.
I do not think he knows what fear is-if he
does, he learned to conceal the fact so com-
pletely, that its existence can, on no occasion,
be discovered. In conversation he is a good
listener, and, when he speaks. an engaging,
an unassuming talker.
  Beneath all his calmness he has a character
of tremendous force, and a brain of wondrous
power; the momentum with which he threw
his brigade against the rebel heights at Chick-
asaw Bayou, and the revolution which his
course has produced in the political character
of Missouri, abundantly prove both of these
assertions. He, too, is popular with his divis-
ion; he is careful to supply them with every-
thing that will add to their convenee and com-
fort, and when face to face with the enemy he
asks no man to go where he will not lead.


   NEWS SUMMARY.

        STATE MATTERS.

  From all parts of the State we get good ac-
counts of the winter wheat crop, and, from
present appearances, we should judge that
spring wheat will not hereafter hold such a
prominent place in the affections of our farm-
ers. The chinch bugs have made their appear-
ance, but we have not heard of any damage
done by them, and it is hoped that the number
will not be large enough to seriously injure
late grain and corn.  The drouth continues
unbroken, at the time of this present writing;
and, although but little damage has been done
yet, another week or so of such dry weather
would probably result in serious injury.



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