The Last of the War Governors A BIOGRAPHICAL APPRECIATION OF COLONKI. WILLIAM SPRAGUE Governor of Rhode Island, 18eO-18R3, With Special Reference to His. Participation in the Loyal War GovernorB' Conference . at Altoona, Pennsylvania, September. I.S(»2 By HENRY W. SH0EMAKE:R Lientonant-Colonel and A. S- <"¦. National Guard of Pennsylvania THK LOGAN HOUSK. ALTOONA. Publishect by tho Altoona Tribune PubliAhin^ Co., AUooriH. Pa. ('opyrifihtod. All Ri^htn HfBervecl. 191« The Last of the War Governors A BIOGRAPHICAL APPRECIATION OF COLONEL WILLIAM SPRAGUE Governor of Rhode Island, 1860-1863, With Special Reference to His Participation in the Loyal War Governors' Conference at Altoona, Pennsylvania, September, 1862 By HENRY W. SHOEMAKER Lieutenant-Colonel and A. D. C National Guard of Pennsylvania We uncomniiserate pass into the night From the loud banquet, and departing leave A tremor in mtn's memories, faint and sweet And frail as music. Features of our face. The tones of tlie voice, the touch of the beloved hand. Perish and vanish, one by one, from earth: Meanwhile, in the hall of song, the multitude Applauds the new performer. One, perchance, One ultimate survivor lingers on. And smiles, and to his ancient heart recalls The long forgotten. Ere the moirow dies. He too, returning, through the curtain comes. And the new age forgets us and goes on. — R. L. STEVENSON ALTOONA, PA. Published by the Altoona Tribune Publishing Company 1916 Copyriglited. All Rif^hts Reserved WILLIAM SPRAGUE, War Governor of Rhode Island. From a Photograph Taken About the Time of the Loyal War Governors' Conference in Altoona, 1862. (Frontispiece) INDEX OF CHAPTERS. Chapter Page I. Introduction 3 JI. Birth of Parentage C III. The First Volunteer 9 I\' In United States Senate 12 \'. Lincoln's Confidante 15 \1. The Conference Assembles 18 \'II. Opinions and Results of Conference 20 \'III. Later Years 24 IX. Altoona's Pride 37 X. Stories of the Conference ;>2 XL Death and Funeral G3 XII. His Place in History 99 I. INTRODUCTION. A FEW weeks ago there passed away, at his com fortable home in Paris, France, a most remark able man, ^\'illiam Sprague, First A'olunteer of the Civil War, War Governor of Rhode Island, twice L'nited States Senator, splendid gentleman, ardent patriot, loyal friend. The separation of miles, the lapse of 3'ears, the forgetfulness of rising generations had caused his name, once a watchword of all that was noblest in American ideals, to become unfamiliar to many, but his death and funeral forcibly recalled "his name and fame" to all, emblazoning it again in history; graven deep 'lest we forget.' ' It was the writer's priv ilege to have passed considerable time with this mag nificent American during the months of July and Au gust, 1!>13, and to have heard from his lips some of the inside history of the Civil War, especially as re lating to the Loyal War Governor's Conference held at Altoona, Pennsylvania, in September, 1862. With a mind undimmed by the inroads of age, though physi cally very weak from the efifects of a stroke of paraly sis, the aged ^^'ar Governor related the marvellous incidents of his immortal career, interspersing them with jokes and other signs of good humor. Though some of the information related to him does not cor respond in every respect with written history, it is probably more correct as intimately reflecting the times as they actually occurred to the chief actors — the life behind the scenes. In Civil War times as in the pres ent Great War censorship existed and to an extent the public was allowed to hear only what was thought best for them. Historians too often accepted these guarded or garbled statements as facts, and built their foundations upon them. This was particularly true of the Altoona Conference; its real purposes were necessarily kept from press and public, but unfortu nately too long, as historians had little to grasp at when sitting down to indite their final estimates. Fortunate indeed was it that Governor Sprague survived into the present day, so that his story might be recorded, and place the War Governors' Conference in the light it deserved to be — the pivotal and deciding point of the Civil War — and to properly describe the parts played by each of the great actors in it. At one time Colonel Sprague was at work upon a lengthy article dealing with the Altoona meeting, but the manuscript was lost with other papers when his beautiful home, "Canon- chet," at Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island, was de stroyed by fire several years ago. The aged states man almost lost his life in trying to rescue his manu scripts and papers, but the cruel flames made a clean sweep of the mental gleanings of a lifetime. If this manuscript had been preserved, the Sprague \-ersion of the War Governors' Conference would have been given to the world ere this and the account written of it by Governor Austin Blair, of Michigan, might have had a valuable supplement. But once destroyed it could not be rewritten; the old Rhode Island patriot was too frail to take up the pen again ; his story of the historic meeting bid fair never to see the light of day. It was therefore with pleasure that Colonel Sprague recounted some of the incidents of the Conference and the circumstances leading up to and following it, when the writer saw him two years ago. Fragmentary as compared to the written account, lacking perhaps in some salient details due to the forgetfulness incidental to over half a century, yet it stands as a frank state ment of a great man's part in a momentous historical event. To the writer it stands as well as a happy memory of one of the most charming acquaintance ships formed in life's pilgrimage, of hours spent with a noble and lovable soul. Heniiv W. Shoemakek. AlT()(iX.\ TlUBUXE Ol'FIi'E, XoVEMBEK l."), 1915. II. WILLIAM SPRAGUE'S BIRTH, PARENTAGE AND EARLY LIFE. WILLIAM SPRAGUE, the subject of this sketch, was born at Cranston, Rhode Island, on Sep tember 12, ISiSo, the son of Amasa and Fanny ^lorgan Sprague. He was named for his great-grandfather, the first William Sprague, the founder of the family fortune. Destiny early marked him as her own, bring ing into his life great events, some tragic, some heroic, but all unusual. As a small boy he was filled with military ardor. At ten he was drilling his classmates, much as his younger contemporary, Ellsworth, the New York State ¦ tailor's son was wont to do. William Sprague's start in life was most auspicious. His father was the wealthiest and most prominent mill owner in the state of Rhode Island ; the son inherited his parents' New England brilliancy, added to which was a handsome person and rare charm of manner. Ills early education was obtained at Cranston, East (ireenwich, and Scituate, in his native State, at all of which places he managed to organize his schoolmates into military bodies. In recalling these early military days, he was fond of comparing the training he sought to give his boy friends to the work of the modern Boy Scnuts, which organization he admired greatly. His education w;i> completed at the Irving Institute, at GOVERNOR SPRAGUE IN iVIIDDLE LIFE. THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. 7 Tarrytown, Xew York, while Brown University, at Providence, gave him the honorary degree of A. M. in 1861. Early in life his father, the wealthy mill owner, was murdered by an angry striker, and the slayer paid the death penalty, being the last man ever hanged in Rhode Island. This tragic episode made a profound impression upon young William Sprague. It with drew him from the gaieties which as a rich man's son he might have drifted into ; it turned his thoughts more intently upon his military and commercial ambitions. In 1815, at the early age of fifteen years, he took up the responsibilities of life b}- entering his uncle's mer cantile house, succeeding to the entire business in 1856, when only twenty-six years of age. As he had previously done at school, he proceeded to organize his employes- into military companies, acting as their com mander and drillmaster. He was an early apostle of preparedness. He possessed a strong belief in the effi cacy of the Xational Guard, being one of its real founders in the United States. It is said that as early as the middle fifties he foresaw the Civil War, which spurred him on to greater efforts to do his share to preserve the Union. His fortune, which was consi dered a great one at the time, enabled him to organize a Rhode Island militia. Though small in numbers, the organization was splendid!)- drilled and equipped. \\^illiam Sprague paid all the bills, besides devoting much time to the details and general administrative work. His vast business interests and mihtary affilia- 8 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. tions brought him into contact with politicians, and he ultimately took an active interest in the councils of the old Democratic party. His ability and personal popu larly resulted in his election as Governor of Rhode Island in the fall of LSiiO, he being but thirty years old at the time, and the youngest Governor ever elected in the State. In order to receive the nomination som= of his friends stated the year of his birth as 1829, but he finally was able to establish the fact that he was born a year later, "to discard that extra year, as he laugh ingly stated it to the writer of these pages. \t the time of his first election to the Governorship, he was described as the handsomest man in Xew England. He was of medium height, about five feet eight inches, slenderly but athletically built, with erect carriage, and proud poise of the head. His eyes were of a peculiar color — "stone color," some called them ; they seemed brown sometimes, blue at others, yet could never be called hazel. Plis hair was brown in color and wavv. the complexion fair and delicate as a voung girl's. The fine lines of his mouth were not concealed bv the slight mustache, and the smile which lit up CA-es and mouth was fascinating to behold. III. THE FIRST VOLUNTEER. WHEN, on April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter was bom barded, William Sprague, trained soldier and with an efficient command back of him, telegraphed to President Lincoln, "Will you accept First Rhode Island Regiment?" To which Father Abraham sent the characteristic and prompt reply, "Yes ; send them quick." The regiment was in AVashington ready for service on April 18, a few hours after the arrival of the "First Defenders" from Reading and Al- lentown, Pennsylvania, but Sprague had been the first individual to volunteer in the mighty conflict. As a military leader, Sprague was in his element. His courage was magnificent, his strategy that of a born general. He led his troops at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1S61, and distinguished himself for gallantry under fire. As President Lincoln had ad mired the brave Colonel Ellsworth, he made the young and dashing Sprague his ideal after Ellsworth's tragic death. He frequently consulted with the young Rhode Islander on important military matters. He was so impressed with his capabilities that he urged him to accept a commission as Brigadier General, but Sprague declined as he felt that he had duties to per form at home. However, he served with distinction during the entire Peninsular campaign. Pie had been first elected Governor of Rhode Island in the fall of 10 THHE LAS OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. ]86(), he was re-elected by a big majority in 1861, and re-elected for a third time in L8(i2. At the third election, out of a total of 11,261 ballots cast, he re ceived 11,199, or the biggest majority ever given to a gubernatorial candidate in his State. AWiile still Gov ernor he was, on ^May 2S, l.S(i2, elected United States Senator from Rhode Island. He resigned as Gov ernor on March 3, lcS6o, and took his seat in the sen ate. When he resigned the colonelcy of the First Rhode Island regiment he sought about for a capable successor. A shrewd judge of men, he studied the qualities of many- before he finally decided upon a young Frenchman named Devries, who had served in Algeria, who has been described as a "second Sprague." He made an admirable officer, maintain ing the efficiency of his command. He won fame as an artillerist, ultimatel}- being commissioned a Brig adier General. The period of the Civil war was a busy one for "The First \'olunteer." At one time he was practically a Colonel in active service. Go^-- ernor of a state. United States senator, confidante of President Lincoln, head of a ^-ast manufacturing con cern, trustee of Brown university and head of the re cruiting bureaus in his section of Xew England. Plow one man could do all these things and more, and do them well in a time nf stress is hard to conceive. But William Sprague was in addition "captain of his soul," everything '-eemed eas}' to one with such an orderly intellect. As confiilante to the President he THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 11 was one of the first to point out General ]\IcClellan's inefficiency, and steadfastly urged his removal. As a X^ew Englander, he had pronounced anti-slavery views and had much to do with drawing of the Emancipa tion proclamation, and, incidentally, the documents re lating to the Conference of Loyal War Governors' at Altoona. Yet with all these honors and responsi bilities he was a modest man, he never talked or wrote of his work; others less qualified seized credit for things which belonged to him. But Colonel Sprague was one of nature's true nobility, he knew that pos terity would give him his proper place provided the work he did proved of value. And in the midst of these epoch-making scenes, he found time to have a beautiful romance with Kate Chase, belle of Wash ington, the daughter of Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the Treasury in President Lincoln's cabinet. Their marriage was another chapter in his eventful and stormy life. l^W' IV. IN UNITED STATES SENATE AND WEDDED AT WASHINGTON. PRESIDENT LINCOLN was highly pleased when informed of Colonel Sprague's election to the United States Senate. He had desired that the young officer remain at the front, but the next best thing would be to have him with him at the capitol. Lincoln and Sprague were much together and a strange sameness of purpose existed between them. Meanwhile the young senator was perfecting the plans for his marriage with the fascinating Kate Chase. The entire country paused from its concern over the war to read of the details of the magnificent ceremony. On November 12. ]S63, the wedding took place at Washington, even the socially retiring Lincoln being much in evidence at the affair, while the edifice was thronged with cabi net officials and their families, diplomats, soldiers, sen ators and congressmen. The capitol had never wit nessed such a ceremony and never did a young couple start out in life under more brilliant auspices. Col onel and Mrs. Sprague, after a necessarily brief honey moon, became social leaders in Washington, their home being the centre of the brains and beauty of the' day. In addition to their house at the capital, they maintained a country residence at Narragansett Pier, which they called Canonchet, after an old chief of the Narragansett Indians. Kate Chase Sprague util- 11' 4f ANDREW GREGG CURTIN, War Governor of Pennsylvania. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 13 ized her talents at decorating the country home, spending vast sums of money to beautify the struc ture and lay out the grounds. But despite these social distractions, William Sprague maintained his leader ship in national affairs. He was a recognized leader in the senate. He was an attractive speaker, with the gift of winning the sympathy of his audiences. As President Lincoln's friend he wielded a great influence with men of all parties. Everything in life seemed bent to advance his happy progress. He had been first elected to the senate in 1862, was re-elected in 1868. Out of a clear sky clouds of disaster commenced gathering. About the time of his second election to the senate his financial affairs showed signs of be coming involved. Jealous politicians and business rivals aided the impending trouble, which took much of the senator's time during his second term in his vain efforts to stem the inevitable. }vlatters reached a climax in the panic of 1873, the crash came and the great Sprague milhng corporations suspended. An inventory of his property taken at the time showed assets of $16,000,000. and liabilities of $14,000,000. It was not a bad failure, only ready cash was lacking. That might have been supplied but for the personal hostility of certain of the banking interests. But trouble never comes singly. Domestic trials began to assert themselves in palatial Canonchet. The young statesman-financier coming home tired from his futile battles against financial ruin met a situation that v^^ould 14 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. have broken the heart of a weaker man. Three chil dren, two daughters and a. son, had been born to bless the union and all should have been serene. Perhaps if it had been, the suspension of 1873 might have been averted. But it was too late, the shadows were gath ering fast. Enemies appeared on all sides to strike at what they thought a broken man. When Sprague's term as United States senator expired in 1875, he de cided not to seek re-election, the nation thereby losing one of her most useful lawmakers. 1^1^ V. WAS LINCOLN'S CONFIDANTE IN TRYING DAYS OF STRIFE. THE inception of the Loyal War Governor's Con ference held at the Logan house in Altoona, Pennsylvania, September 24-, 1862, was probably the result of ¦ a visit which Governor Sprague paid to President Lincoln at the White House several weeks before the promulgation of the Emancipation Procla mation. As stated previously, "Father Abraham" had the highest respect for the young governor's judg ment, and consulted him on almost every important topic. And at this stage, William Sprague's own words best describe the incident. "The time had come to free the slaves, but it was difficult for the president to foreshadow the result of this move upon the people of the north. Some of Mr. Lincoln's friends were opposed to it altogether as it might have a bad effect on the army, which at that time, was suffering a series of defeats. But on the other hand, some favored it as a bad blow at the riches of the south. The President was desirous of having his action officially approved in the north, for if the leading men went on record for it the rest of the people were apt to follow. One night when I was at the White House, President Lin coln said to me, 'Governor Curtin has been conspicu ously loyal, he is able, he can be trusted. I have been thinking of asking him to call a conference of 1.-1 16 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Loyal Governors to ratify the Proclamation. \A hat do >-ou think of it,' Instantly I replied that the plan was a splendid one, that I, too, shared the high opinion of Curtin, and added that Pennsylvania was a good strategic, central point for the Governors to assemble in. }ilr. Lincoln then called one of his secretaries and the preliminarv steps were taken to get in touch with Governor Curtin. So good was the president's judgment in the matter that the idea found instant approbation from Curtin. Altoona, on the main line of the Pennsylvania railroad and not far from Curtin's home, was the place selected for the meeting. Gov ernor Andrew, of Alassachusetts, was next taken into confidence. Pie, too, became enthusiastic over the idea. Air. Lincoln, Governor Andrew and myself contributed ideas to the 'Address' which the Loyal Governors' were to send to the President. To Gov ernor Curtin was entrusted the task of sending out the invitations and m'aking the other arrangements. I ha\-e heard it said that Governor Andrew suggested the idea of the conference to President Lincoln. I believe that if the full correspondence of the time could be gone over it would be found that Andrew did write some letters to Air. Lincoln on the subject of the forthcoming Proclamation, which may have put the idea of a conference into the President's head before he talked the matter over with me. And Governor Curtin may have written about the momentous paper for all I know. But I believe that if the idea of the THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 17 Altoona conference originated in the mind of any of the governors, it was with John A. Andrew. But my opinion is that the idea was solely Lincoln's. It was a great idea, and in my opinion was the pivotal point of the Civil war. The Emancipation Proclamation was sent out on September 22, the Loyal Governors ratified it on September 24, the people of the north then fell into line as a unit, and the President with a united people back of him, pushed the war to a successful conclusion." ?^^ VI. CONFERENCE OF THE LOYAL WAR GOVERNORS ASSEMBLES. IT was a bright, crisp morning when the Governors assembled in Altoona. They came by different trains, some who got in the night before being met at the Logan House by Governor Andrew, who had been selected at host of the party. Governor Curtin, al though stopping at the hotel, was one of the last to appear in the lobby at the appointed hour. When all had assembled the party, led by Curtin, who knew the historic structure well, adjourned to the east parlor, where they seated themselves at a round walnut table. Governor Andrew called the meeting to order and was elected chairman. Pie recited the purposes of the meeting and was elected chairman, being empowered to draw up resolutions to be sent to the President. He drew them up so quickly that it would look as if they were "cut and dried," the work of Air. Lincoln. When Andrew with a final flourish of his pen fin ished the document, he read it hastil}' to the assembled Governors. They were adopted unanimously, with out discussion, and then Governor Andrew handed them to the doorkeeper, who took them across the street to the telegraph office, which was located in the Pennsylvania Railroad building directly at the rear of the Logan House, to be sent in full to Air. Lincoln. The meeting, which began at eleven-thirty in the morn ing, was adjourned at fifteen minutes past twelve, when President Lincoln's reply, acknowledging the receipt of the resolutions and inviting the Governors l.s AUGUSTUS W. BRADFORD, Governor of iVIaryiand, 1862. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 19 to confer with him in Washington, was received. The party then left the room, some of them lunching in little groups in different parts of the dining room. Some of the Governors did not wait to have any lunch, but went out to inquire about the departure of trains. Accompanied by his aide Governor Sprague started for Washington that afternoon. Railway travel was uncertain, the fear of attack at the hands of Southern sympathizers made it desirable for dignitaries to travel unknown and in different trains. Sprague and his aide rode in a box car, and at night fell asleep on the rough floor of the car, wrapped in their military blankets. AA'hen they got hungry they notified the conductor, who stopped the train near some hospitable farm house. The journey consumed three days. It was not without incidents of an exciting character. Southern sympathizers fired on the train a number of times, but no one was hurt. After the conference ad journed and also the night before the conference, the Governors stopping at the hotel discussed military cjuestions at length. Governor Curtin's persuasive personality was then much in evidence. Though silent during the actual conference in the "east par lor," he threw much "oil on troubled waters" in soft ening the bitter remarks made by many of the Gov ernors in reference to the conduct of the war, and concerning some of the generals. He saw to it that all left the hotel in a tolerably happy frame of mind. He expressed himself as absolutely convinced as to the outcome of the war. and raised the faith of those Gov ernors who were inclined to pessimism. VII. OPINIONS AND RESULTS OF THE CON FERENCE. HISTORIANS and statesmen have been unani mous as regards the importance of the Altoona conference. John Russell Young, diplomat, editor, author, had this to say concerning it : "The Altoona conference was, next to the Proclamation of Emanci pation, the most decisive civil event of the war. It aroused the latent fires of the Union, brought discom fiture to those in the North who opposed the L'nion, taught the insurgent South that it must deal witli the United North, that President Lincoln spoke as the voice of the American people. It gave new strength and hope to our brave soldiers in the field, and made sure that the Union cause would succeed.'' The elo quent Colonel Alexander Kelly AlcClure, in a meet ing held at Harrisburg on January 20, 1895, in mem ory of Governor Curtin, made these remarks as to the momentous importance of the conference : "One of the most important events of the war, in which Governor Curtin played a most conspicuous part, is little known in history, and but imperfectly known even by those who observed the great move ments that have transpired. I refer to the Altoona Conference of the Governors of the North. The reader of histor}- will simply note the fact that the 20 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 21 Governors of the loyal States met there, conferred, issued an address, presented it to President Lincoln, and called upon him to make requisition upon their respective States for fresh troops to strengthen our armies for victory ; but who is there today, save a very few yet surviving, who knew the inner story of that conference ? Who can tell why that conference was held. "The Army of the Potomac had been defeated in the seven days' battle in front of Richmond, and Pope had met with disaster on the plains of Alanasses, and had been driven into the defenses of Washington. \'ol- unteering had ceased ; no national conscription law was then in existence ; and there was a distress bordering on despair in the hearts of the loyal people of the North. Governor Curtin was in New York, an invalid in the care of his physician and surgeon, and for bidden to leave his sick room, or to consider official affairs. Secretary Seward was in Xew York, ap parently paralyzed by the darkness that enveloped the countr}'. Governor Curtin, forgetting his illness and the admonitions of his physicians, accepted Seward's invitation to a conference, and Seward repeated to him only what he well knew before, that the depressed condition of the loyal people who supported the Gov ernment was such that the President believed it to be perilous to issue a call for additional troops, which all knew were absolutel)- necessai"}- to prosecute the war successfully. 22 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. "It was at this conference that Curtin suggested a meeting of the loyal Governors at an early date, and that they, speaking for their States, should ask the President to issue a call for 300,000 men, with the assurance that the States would promptly respond to it. The despairing Secretary of State readily grasped so hopeful a proposition, and before they separated, dispatches were sent to and received from nearly every Governor of the North, all of whom heartily joined in the movement. The conference was fixed at Altoona, and was fully attended, and it was that conference and its heroic and patriotic utterance, penned by Andrew G. Curtin, and John A, Andrew, of Alassachusetts. that inspired the nation afresh, that promptly filled up the shattered ranks of the armies, and thus saved the Republic. "In a conversation with the ex- Wee President of the Southern Confederacy, some years after the war, he told me that the severest blow the South received in the early part of the conflict was the Altoona confer ence of the loyal Governors, that rallied the patriotic ]3eople to the support of their armies when the South believed that they had won the decisive battles of the war." While there is no one who could wish to detract from the noble part played by Governor Curtin in the events leading up to the conference, Sprague's part, less generally known, places him on the plane with Curtin, and a little 1)elow Lincoln in the final estimate THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 23 of the great achievement. Some one once said : "By far the most interesting news is the news that never gets printed." The unpublished history of the causes leading up to the conference, as related by Governor Sprague, show clearly the parts played by Lincoln, by Curtin, and by Sprague himself. Each was necessary to the success of the movement; each played his part well. For half a century the country looked upon the meeting as a spontaneous outburst, instead of, as it really was, one of Lincoln's deeply laid coups. Well conceived by its author, carried out by master minds like Curtin, Andrew and Sprague, it served its pur pose, it saved the Union. And a nation's gratitude is not too much for such heroic men. Our happiness, our prosperity, our boundless future, all had their real inception that frosty morning on the Alleghenies when the Union was saved. All honor to Lincoln, Curtin, Sprague, and Andrew. TIFT^ VIII. JOY AND SORROW IN LATER YEARS OF WILLIAM SPRAGUE. GREAT joys and great shadows alternated in AMl- liam Sprague's later years. A good Xew Eng land ancestry had given him a sound constitution, the augury of long life. Pie came manfully through his business and domestic difficulties, the last named being settled by the divorce court. He was again looked upon as the leading citizen of Rhode Island; friends flocked about him, and even strangers sought his ad vice. In 1883, a new romance came into his life, open ing up fresh vistas of happiness. It seemed as if the rich flower of his life was to bloom anew. It was in that year that occurred his marriage with Inez \\"eed Calvert, of A'irgiiiia, the devoted helpmate of the evening of his life. With renewed hopes he was again in- the political arena. The Democrats and Independ ents nominated him for Governor of Rhode Island. But he failed at the polls by a small majority. After that he resolved to stay out of politics and devote him self entirely to his vast business enterprises. He became essentially a home man. The gay social life with his first wife had brought him only misery. There was nothing in it for him. The new wife was all tb,at a heartsick man could wish for. Beautiful, refined, gentle and considerate, she made his home life ideal in every sense of the word. "Canonchet" was still the 24 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 25 scene of much entertaining, but it was all dignified in character, and therefore of less interest to readers of the society columns of the newspapers. For nearly ten years the brave old War Governor, his fine head of hair growing snow white, pursued the even tenor of his way, admirably handling his business affairs and enjoying the tranquility of a happy home. Then came another holocaust, the dreadful fire which consumed "Canonchet," together with all its priceless art treas ures and historic books and documents. Despite his age. Governor Sprague rushed into the burning build ing, but was overcome and sank down on the floor un conscious. Brave firemen rescued him, but it was many months before he fully recovered from the shock. A trip to Europe was decided upon, away from the scenes of former joys and sorrows. Then came another tragedy that so far overshadowed the destruc tion of "Canonchet" as to make it seem insignificant. That was the sudden death of the War Governor's only son, whom he affectionately called "Willie." It was a staggering blow, one from which the veteran never fully recovered. Xot long after it another ro mance developed in the family. It was the one be tween the deceased son's only daughter, Inez Sprague, and a young Rhode Islander, the son of a noted politi cian, who had been instrumental in encompassing Colonel Sprague's defeat for the Governorship in the campaign of 1883. Desiring this grand-daughters happiness above all things, the magnanimous states 26 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. man gave his consent to the marriage. It ended un happily. However, a little girl was born, who became a joy to the old Governor in his last days. In that way the unlooked-for romance brought its compensations. But the world did not seem as gay as of yore, his friends were dying fast. The home was gone. Life in Europe seemed the panacea for many disappoint ments ; so, accompanied by his devoted wife, William Sprague removed to Paris, leasing an elegant abode on the Rue de la Pompe, not far from the residence of their dearest friends. Captain and Airs. Frank H. Alason, the former the dovcii of the American Con sular Service. Ti^TF JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor of iviassachusetts, 1862. IX. ALTOONA IS PROUD OF BEING LOCA TION. IX Altoona there has always been intense local pride over the fact that the famous conference was held there. Hon. J. D. Hicks, former member of Congress and one of Altoona's foremost citizens, has summed up the results of the conference in the following words : "Xo incident in the civil phases of the Rebellion is more notable than what was known as the Altoona conference. It took place at the darkest hour of the war. Apart from one or two successes in the west — Donelson, for instance, the South had shown herself in the field masterful and dominant. Lee had inflicted upon us the disasters of Alanasses, had driven AIc- Clellan from the Peninsula, and our armies under Pope were huddling under the Washington fortifica tions. Antietam proved to be a drawn battle, a check to the South, but not in any fruitful sense a victory to the Xorth. European powers, headed by Xapoleon III, were proposing intervention. Over the North spread a sentiment of despair, intensified by the abnor mal activity of that large section of the North which sympathized with the Confederacy and would have rejoiced in its success. There was an impatience with President Lincoln in Commonwealths like Alassachusetts and \'ermon1. 2S THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. They saw a supposed lassitude on the question of slavery. Xew York, a commercial State, with her own special interests always in view, had been proud, re served and indifferent. There was, furthermore, in New York, a volcanic element, menacing, resenting the war, threatening mutiny, and soon to break out into those wanton draft riots, ever to be deplored as the one ignominious experience of the war. Curtin, ever an optimist, ever worshiping the Union with an almost Oriental fervor, enthusiastic, untiring, magnanimous and resolute, always seeing with the eye of the statesman and from Pennsylvania's point of view, that prudence was the highest wisdom, and that the Union would only be preserved by reconciling the opinions and consolidating the forces that composed the Union, divined the thought that Air. Lincoln could have no surer support than that would come from a conference between the Governors of the loyal States. It would at least result in a frank and genuine ex change of opinions, the attainment of a common ground upon which the North could stand as a unit. The suggestion of Governor Curtin was the genius of compromise and common sense. He saw, as Henry Clay had seen before him, that in compromise alone could the ultimate success of the Union cause be at tained. The only known record of this conference is that of Governor Au.stin Blair, of Alichigan. The Governor deemed it desirable that the story should be told by THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 29 one of those who took part in it. It was wholly private and informal. No records were kept of its objects or its doings, and no reporters were present to give to the public what was said and done. The only historv attainable, therefore, rests upon the memory of the gentlemen who took part. There was no formal organization, no secretary, 'and no record even made at the time of the names of those present who formed the conference. As will be seen, there were Governors of the loyal States absent, because of public reasons, but in entire sympathy. The majority of them were present, and took part in the deliberations. The names of twelve of those appear attached to the address to President Lincoln, and some of them subscribed after the ad journment. The invitation and correspondence were by tele graph entirely, and began at the instance of Governor Curtin, addressed to Governor John A. Andrew, of Alassachusetts, dated September (5, 1862, as follows: "In the present emergency, would it not be well if the loyal Governors should meet at some point in the border States to take measures for a more active sup port of the government?" To this Governor Andrew replied on the same day, that, should a meeting be called, he would attend. On the 14th day of September, 1862, a call was issued in these words : 30 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. "We invite a meeting of the Governors of the loyal States, to be held at Altoona, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fourth instant." A. G. CuETix, Pennsylvania. D.wiD Tod, Ohio. F H. PiERPOXT, Virginia. In response to this invitation a meeting was held at Altoona, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1862, at which meeting an address was drawn up to the President of the United States, which was signed by twelve Governors of the loyal States, as follows : A. G. CUETIX. John A. Andbew. Richard Yates. Israel W.vshbuen, Jr. Edward S.vlomox. SaMUEIv J. KiRKWOOD. O. P. AIoRTON (by D. G. Rose, his representative). WlI,IvIAM SPR.\(iUE. F. H. PlERPONT. David Tod. N. S. Berrv. Austin Bl.mr. The document was then sent to the Governors who were unable to be present for their signatures. Governor Ogden, of New Jersey, declined to sign the address. Governor Gibbs, of Oregon, and Gov ernor Robinson, of Kansas, assented to the sentiments THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 31 contained therein. Governor Gamble, of Alissouri, declined on account of his ''apprehension of any good from the Proclamation of the Emancipation." Gov ernor Robinson, of Kentucky, approved of many of the sentiments contained in the address, but dissented from that portion which endorsed the Emancipation Proclamation. Governor Ramsey, of Alinnesota, as sented to the address. Governor Borden, of Delaware. declined to sign the same, not believing in the Emanci pation Proclamation. Governor Buckingham, of Con necticut, approved the address, as well as Governor Holbrook,. of \'ermont. Governor Alorgan, of Xew York, dissented, because "it would be more in accord ance with his sense of propriety to express his views in another manner than subscribing to the proceedings of a meeting at which he had not been present.'' Several days later Governor Andrew read the ad dress to President Lincoln. The President made a short and pleasant reply. After the address had been presented, and the reply of President Lincoln had been made,- Governor Kirk- wood, of Iowa, addressed the President, opposing the continuance of General George 15. AlcClellan. Con siderable discussion was had between the President and the Governors." X. STORY OF THE CONFERENCE AS TOLD BY THE TRIBUNE. A TERSE description of the results of the Confer ence of Loyal War Governors was given as fol lows in the Altoona Tribune, under date of September 24, 1912: The conference was informal. There were no newspaper men present ; there was no secretary and there was no minutes of the proceedings recorded. It was held just two days after President Lincoln had issued the Proclamation of Emancipation. Altoona was chosen as the meeting place because it was cen tral to those governors who had accepted the invita tion sent out by Governors A. G. Curtin, of Pennsyl vania; David Tod, of Ohio, and F. H. Pierpont, of ^^irginia. It was held in the famous old Logan house and those of our citizens who remember the most notable civic event of the rebellion and gazed upon the assemblage through the windows, say that the governors were a lot of dignified and solemn look ing men. They were in the city two days — Septem ber 23 to 24 — and on the following day. September 25, presented their framed address to President Lin coln at the White Plouse in \\"ashington. On September 6, 1,S62, Governor Curtin presented the matter of a conference of the governors of the loval states to Governor Andrew, of Alassachusetts. 32 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 33 He approved the plan and on September 14, the invi tations were despatched by wire, for a conference in Altoona on September 24. In response to this call twelve governors assembled in the Logan house, and they were : Curtin, of Pennsylvania ; P'od, of Ohio ; Pierpont, of A'irginia; AA'ashburn, of Alaine; Andrew, of Alassachusetts; Sprague, of Rhode Island; Berry, of Xew Hampshire ; Alorton, of Indiana ; Yates, of Illinois; Blair, of Alichigan; Salomon, of Wisconsin, and Kirkwood, of Iowa. Of these Governors, but one survives — William Sprague, of Rhode Island. Governor Austin Blair, of Alichigan, was a Xew York boy, who had gone west, grew up with the state and became its chief executive. He was the historian of the conference. \Wien its semi-centennial anniver sary was approaching, Altoona people began plan ning for its fitting celebration. From the family of Governor Blair, was secured his manuscript of the story of the conference that he had written for publi cation. While complete in facts, it is likely incom plete in detail. He gave up the task in his older days and likely, had he completed the story, it would have been one of greater detail and interest and disclosed the far-reaching effect of the conference and possibly more in detail of the part played by the various gov ernors present. The story as written by Governor Blair follows : 34 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Preamble. "It has been thought desirable that the story of this conference should be told by one of those who par ticipated in it, and it is the object of this paper to meet that desire as fully as the material at our dis posal will permit. The conference was wholly informal and no record seemed to have been kept either of its objects or its doings, and, therefore, its history rests mainly in the memory of the governors who attended it. The Call. The call for the conference originated with Gov ernor Andrew G. Curtin to Governor John A. Andrew, of Massachusetts, on September (>, 1862, as follows: 'In the present emergency would it not be well that the loyal governors should meet at some point in the border states to take measures for the more active support of the government?' To this. Governor Andrew replied on the same day that should any meeting be called he would at tend. On the 14th of September the call was issued in these words : 'We invite a meeting of the Governors of the loval states to be held in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on the 24th inst.' This call was sent to all the governors by telegraph and was accepted by most of them. It was signed bv Andrew G. Curtin, of Pennsylvania; David Tod, of Ohio, and F. H. Pierpont, of A'irginia. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 35 Reason for the Conference. The situation of the country at the time undoubt edly occasioned this call and the conference that followed. The campaign of 1862 had opened in the spring with brilliant prospects for the union army. General McClellan with a great army carefully organized and drilled, and splendidly equipped and supplied, had started out to capture the confederate capital. From this army and its commander, the people had expected the grandest results — no less than the speedy fall of the confederate capital and the col lapse of the rebellion. How completely these antici pations were disappointed ! How failure was after wards written upon every movement of this army up until its final retreat to the James river and back to Washington, is current history now. The gloom that overspread the loyal states on account of these disasters, the movement of General Lee's victorious army north for the invasion of the border states, occa sioned great depression in the public mind. It was then that the conference of the governors was called to meet what seemed to be a great emergency. To inspire the people again with confidence, to fill the depleted ranks of the army with new recruits, and to add new armies, if need be, to the immense forces al ready in the field. The Loyal Governors. The breaking out of the great rebellion in April, 1861. immediately brought the Governors of 36 THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. the loyal states into great prominence. Upon them devolved the raising of all the troops called for by the president in defense of the government. To them directly every call was sent. They enlisted the volunteers, organized them into regiments, commissioned all the officers and sent them so organized to the front. The importance of this service could not be overestimated. It brought the loyal governors at once into very close touch and inti mate relation with the president, and the secretary of war. They became, many of them, trusted advisers of the president and in all matters relating to the war and especially to the raising of troops in their several states. They were deeply interested in the quotas in their state and were in the habit of visiting the de partments in Washington where these quotas were discussed. Conventions among themselves were very frequent ly held in a perfectly informal manner as they came together in Washington upon similar errands. Before the actual commencement of the war, a conference of the governors of the northwestern states was called by Governor Dennison, of Ohio, at Cleveland, which was attended by the governors of Indiana, Illinois, Alichigan and Wisconsin, or their representatives. It was then that some of us heard for the first time of General George B. AlcClellan, whom Governor Denni son told us, he had secured to be major general of the Ohio troops. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 37 Air. Greeley in his book, "The American Con flict," has a plate including pictures of seventeen eminent loyal governors, as he styles them. The plate does not include quite all of them, but most of them whose names were oftenest heard. Effect of the Conference. As to what effect the conference had upon the country and upon the administration is mainly a matter of inference. That it had some influence in restoring the confidence of the people in the ability of the government to sustain'itself is undoubted. That it promoted enlistm'ents in the states and infused greater activity into the recruiting service and tended greatly to strengthen the armies in the field and to silence discontent among the disloyal elements in the states there can be no doubt. It was also very evident at the time that the unani mous agreement of the loyal governors to sustain the administration in its efforts to increase the army rapidly and promote its strength both in numbers and activity was very grateful to the president and not by any means without its influence upon the policy of the administration. There had existed from the commencement of the war a considerable party in the northern states who professed to believe that the south could not be con quered, but that at last a compromise would have to be made that would leave to the south its institutions 38 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. of slavery entact and with more efficient guarantees for its protection in the future. This party was greatly encouraged by the failure of AlcClellan in the Peninsular campaign and the disasters that followed it. The unanimity and vigorous address of the con ference in favor of a more vigorous prosecution of the war together with the Emancipation Proclamation of the president, had a great effect to shut the mouths and paralyze the efforts of this so-called peace party. Some ill-informed persons asserted that the call for the conference had occasioned the issue of the Eman cipation Proclamation though the Proclamation itself was issued and published two days in the country before the conference assembled. This was certainly not true. It was well understood by all men at all conversant with the views of President Lincoln that he had for a long time contemplated the Proclamation and only waited for a favorable occasion to put it forth. On the 25th of June, 1864, the conscription bill being under consideration, a discussion occurred in congress upon this subject. It was begun by Air. Alallory, a member of the House of Representatives from Kentucky. He was attacking the policy of the administration in regard to slaver}' and in that con nection said : "A set of factious governors from northern states, after having, in conjunction with leading radical trait ors, in vain argued and pressed the president to change THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 39 his policy, met at Altoona, in the state of Pennsylva nia, and informed the president that unless his pohcy was changed, unless the extermination of slavery was made the object and purpose of the war and not the restoration of the authority of the constitution and laws over the rebellious states, that if slavery was not put in process of extirpation, they would stop the- war ; that not one of their states would rally to the standard we had raised for the purpose of vindicating the constitution and the laws ; then, as if by magic, the policy of the government changed. I say. Air. Speak er, that it was that meeting of factious governors at Altoona and the pressure they then brought to bear, and had previously with others broughc to bear, on the president of the United States, who is weaker than a man ought to be who sits at the head of our govern ment and holds the reins of power in a nation like the United States, that caused him to abandon his original policy, which was successful, which was admirable and to take up that other which has failed and which gen tlemen on the other side acknowledge to have failed." How utterly ridiculous this was fully appears in the preceding portion of this article. It is evident that Mr. Alallory knew nothing truly concerning the con ference at Altoona ; had never read the address to the president nor considered the fact that the Proclama tion was issued before the conference assembled and was, in fact, the act of the president alone. Before the discussion closed Air. Boutwell, of Alas- 40 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. sachusetts, corrected the theory of the gentleman from Kentucky fully, except that Air. Boutwell also fell into the error of admitting that the conference assem bled at Altoona previous to the 22nd of September, whereas, in fact, it did not assemble until the 24th day of September, two days after the Proclamation was issued. But his statement that the conference had nothing to do with the issuing of the Proclamation was entirely true. The whole history of that Proclamation, its consid eration by the president and his cabinet and its final issue on the 22nd of September, 1862. is now well known as a matter of current history. Governor Curtin states that he first suggested action by the governors of the loyal states to William H. Seward, secretary of state. This occurred in the city of New York immediately after the disaster in the peninsula. The Governor was in New York and Air. Seward sent for him and they met at the Astor house. Air. Seward had with him the mayor of Phil adelphia, had called upon the mayor of X^ew York and was intending to visit Boston to interest the mayor of that city also upon some plan for increasing of the army and for a more vigorous prosecution of the war. At this interview the Governor suggested to Air. Seward that it would be better that the governors of the loyal states should request the president to call for additional troops and recommend to him a more vig- THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 41 orous prosecution of the war. They telegraphed to Air. Lincoln and he warmly approved of the plan. All the governors that were known to be friendly were immediately communicated with and approved the movement. Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, at first hesitated to join in the movement, but he after wards waived this and heartily assented. Thus the call originated and was promulgated. Object and Purpose. It has already been made to appear very clearly what was the purpose of this conference. No partic ular publicity was given to the call at the time. It was sent by telegraph to the several governors and it had no other object than those stated in the paper signed by the governors of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia. It was, however, set forth in very general terms and was intended, no doubt, to allow a great latitude to those who should attend the conference in reaching conclusions as to what should be recommend ed to the president in the way of a more vigorous prosecution of the war. Probably a majority of the Governors beheved that the time had fully arrived for proclaiming the freedom of the slaves and that question might fairly have been considered by the conference. Many sub jects were discussed that are not mentioned in the address. Governor Kirkwood, of Iowa, in an article recently published in the Iowa Historical Record, says : 42 THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. "We discussed the condition of military affairs and especially the fitness of General AlcClellan's military command. On this point there was some difference of opinion that the public welfare would be promoted by his retirement from the command of the Army of the Potomac. But, as there was not the same accord of opinion as there was in regard to the Emancipation Proclamation, it was decided that the address should not include any expression of opinion in regard tr; General AlcClellan and that we should go to A\'ashing- ton, and on the 25th day of September the governors called in a body upon President Lincoln at the AA'hite House. They were received very kindly and heartily by the president in his usual manner. Governor John A. Andrew, of Massachusetts, read the address in full, as follows : Address to the President Read by Governor Andrew. To THE President : Adopted at a meeting of Governors of loyal States, held to take measures for the more active support of the Government, at Altoona, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fourth day of September, 1862. After nearly one year and a half spent in contest with an armed and gigantic rebellion against the Na tional Government of the U'nited States, the duty and purpose of the loyal States and people continue, and must always as they were at its origin — namely, to restore and perpetuate the autlmrity of this Govern- THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 43 ment and the life of the nation. No matter what con sequences are involved in our fidelity, its work of re storing the republic, preserving the institutions of the democratic libert}', and justifying the hopes and toils of our fathers, shall not fail to be performed. And we pledge, without hesitation, to the President of the United States the most loyal and cordial sup port, hereafter, as heretofore, in the exercise of the functions of his great office. \\^e recognize in him the chief executive magistrate of the nation, the Com mander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy of the-United States, their responsible and constitutional head. whose rightful authority and power, as well as the constitutional powers of Congress, must be vigorously and religiously guarded and observed, as the condition on which alone our form of government and the con stitutional rights and liberties of the people them selves can be saved from the wreck of anarchy, from the gulf of despotism. The submission to the laws which may have been, or which may be duly enacted, and to the lawful orders of the President, co-operating always in our own spheres with the National Government, we mean to continue in the most vigorous exercise of all our lawful and proper powers, contending against treason. rebellion and the public enemies, and whether in public life or private station, supporting the arms of the Union until its cause shall conquer, until final victory shall perch upon its standard or the rebel foe shall yield a dutiful, rightful and unconditional submission. 44 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. And, impressed with the conviction that an army of reserve ought, until the war shall end, to be con stantly kept on foot, to be raised, armed, equipped and trained at home, and ready for emergencies, we respectfully ask the President to call for such a force of volunteers, for one year's service, of not less than one hundred thousand in the aggregate, the quota of each State to be raised after it shall have filled its quota of the requisitions already made, both for volun teers and militia. We believe that this would be a i)ieasur-e of military prudence, while it would greatly promote the military education of the people. We hail with heartfelt gratitude and encouraged hope the Proclamation of the President, issued on the twenty-second instant, declaring Emancipation from their bondage all persons held to service or labor as slaves in the rebel States, whose rebellion shall last to the first day of January now next ensuing. The right of any person to retain authority to compel any por tion of the subjects of the National Government, to rebel against it, or to maintain its enemies, implies in those who are allowing possession of such authority to rebel themselves ; and therefore the right to estab lish martial law or military government in a State or Territory in rebellion implies the right and the duty of the Government to liberate the minds of all men living therein by appropriate proclamations, and assur ances of protection, in order that all who are capable, intellectually and morally, of the loyalty and obedi ence may not be forced into treason as the unwilling THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 45 tools of rebellious traitors. To have continued indefi nitely the most efficient causes, support and stay of the rebellion, would have been, in our judgment, unjust to the loyal people whose treasure and lives are made a willing sacrifice on the altar of patriotism — would have discriminated against the wife who is compelled to surrender her husband, against the pareent who is to surrender his child to the hardships of camp and the perils of battle, in favor of rebel masters permitted to retain their slaves. It would have been a final decision alike against humanity, justice, the rights and dignit\' of the Government, and against sound and wise national policy. The decision of the President to strike at the root of the rebellion will lend new vigor to the efforts and new life and hope to the hearts of the people. Cordially tendering to the President our respectful assurance of personal and official confi dence, we trust and believe that the policy now inau gurated will be crowned with success, will give speedy and triumphant victories over our enemies, and secure for this nation and this people the blessing and favor of Almighty God. We believe that the blood of the heroes who have already fallen, and those who may yet give their lives to their counti-y, will not have been shed in vain. The splendid valor of our soldiers, their patient en durance, their manly patriotism, and their devotion to duty, demand from us, and all their countrymen, the homage of the sincerest gratitude and the pledge of our C(.nstant reinforcement and support. A just re- 46 THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. gard for the brave men whom we have contributed to place in the field, and for the importance of the duties which may lawfully pertain to us hereafter, has called us into friendly confidence. And now, present ing our National Chief Alagistrate this conclusion of our deliberations, we devote ourselves to our country's service, ai d we will surround the President with our constant support, trusting that the fidelity and zeal of the loyal States and people will always assure him that he will be constantly maintained in pursuing with the utmost vigor the war for the preservation of national life and the hopes of humanity. A. G. Curtin, Pennsylvania. John A. Andrew, Alassachusetts. Richard Yates, Illinois. Israel Washburn, Jr., Alaine. Edward Salomox, Wisconsin. S.\MUEi. J. Kirkwood, Iowa. O. P. AIoRTON (by D. G. Ross, his representative), Indiana. William Sprague, Rhode Island. F. H. Pierpont, \"irginia. David Tod, Ohio. N. S. Berry, New Plampshire. Austin Bl.mr, Alichigan. It was disposed of, however, by the Proclamation of the President before the conference assembled. On the twenty-fourth day of September, in pursu ance of the call, the Governors met in Altoona. In the meantime the situation had greath- changed. The THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 47 skies had brightened and the hopes of the loyal people had revived. On the seventeenth day of September, 1862, the great battle of Antietam had been fought and a sub stantial victory won. General Lee was retreating, and the Proclamation of Emancipation had been issued on the 22d of September, 1862. The danger was not passed by any means, for Lee had got away with his army still in fair condition. The conference was wholly informal and no records of its actions were kept, but its results were embodied in an address to the President, which was drawn up by Governor Andrew and signed by most of the Gov ernors present, and it was afterwards sent to those who were not able to attend, with a request to sign, if they approved of it." Thus ends Governor Blair's brief but lurid narrative of the conference. Personnel of Conference. John Russell Young, in speaking of the personnel of the conference, said: "There was Sprague, of Rhode Island, the boy of the conference, and with some sad thought and fancy 48 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. the last survivor of the company. Head of one of the great manufacturing institutions of New England, 'wearing a military fatigue cap.' sa^'S a New York reporter, looking like a boy of eighteen, silent, taciturn, famous for a personal courage under fire which he had shown at Bull Run, an original, intrepid, if not at times an eccentric genius." Young, in speaking of the adjournment of the conference to meet in Washington, says: "It was also resolved that the Governors should visit Wasliington and meet President Lincoln, and that each should be at liberty to say to him what he thought best on that or any other subject. The Al toona conference adjourned on the second day of its meeting, to meet again in Washington on the ext day. In pursuance of that resolution the Governors visited Washington and called on Air. Lincoln in a body. President Lincoln received the Governors and the in terview was entirely private. There were no reporters present, not even the President's secretaries. No re port of what occurred or what was said at the inter view was made public outside of the address, which was read to President Lincoln by Governor Andrew. After the Washington meeting the address was sent to all the loyal Governors. Governor Sprague accepted tlie same day." Thus it will be seen that Sprague was in conference with the President at the earliest inception of the con ference, and remained with him until it had been fully accomplished. If it had failed, doubtless he would have taken the blame. But few ideas from the brain HON. J. D. HiCKS. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 49 of Lincoln and approved by the brain of Curtin fell ^hort of correctness. Reminiscences. I'he Altoona Tribune, date of Saturday, August 24, 1912, contains, some interesting personal remin iscences of the conference, from the lips of one of the eyewitnesses. The article runs as follows : "Chairman J. D. Hicks, in opening the meeting, introduced to the committee "Squire John Alarkley, of Juniata, who, as a boy, peered upon the famous con ference of Governors at the Logan House in 1862. lie was born in Bald Eagle A'alley on April 9, 1847, and settled in Logan Township in 1862. Mr. Markley, in relating his story of the meeting, stated that it oc curred in the room now occupied as a parlor in the Logan House. He said : "I was very much agitated about the war at the time the famous meeting was held here. I had almost given up the Union side, and was milch distressed the way the war was going. I cried and even prayed for the success of the Union army ; it was all I could do, being but a boy fifteen years of age at the time. I did my duty and worked at home for the support of my people. In 1862, in September, as a boy, I worked in the Elias Baker mill, at Allegheny Furnace, and one evening, after work, Air. Parks sent me to Altoona for a grate for an old egg stove. I went to Virginia Street (now Eleventh Avenue), between Eleventh and 50 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Twelfth Streets, for the grate, and, after getting it, started for home, but was attracted by a crowd at the Logan House. Going into the crowd, I asked what was going on, and was told that the Governors were talking over the war, and, having a desire to see what a Governor looked like, I worked my way to a window and looked in. AVhat I saw was a body of men seated about a table. They seemed in deep thought and appeared a sober and intelligent lot of men. I looked quite a while, and was impressed with the manner in which they were conducting themselves. You could not hear what they were saying. AA'hile I was watch ing them, some one said to me : 'You're a boy from the country?' and when I answered that I was, a man told me that a crowd of city boys were going to whip me. I took my grate and started for home, and on the way out of the crowd met and asked a young man if he was one of the fellows who was going to whip me, and when he said that he was not, I went on home. I understand that there were one or two others that looked in upon the Governors at that time. In closing I want to say that I wish that all of you will ever keep in mind and heart the love of the Stars and Stripes." The Altoona Gazette, date of June 12, 1912, contains another interesting reminiscence of the stirring event. It is as follows : "Among the prominent citizens of Altoona wdio were here in September, 1862, and have a distinct recollec JOHN iViARKLEY. THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. 51 tion of the events in connection with the famous con ference of the Loyal War Governors, soon to be fit tingly celebrated, is Michael B. McGrath, the well- known coal dealer at 1006 Green Avenue. Mr. AIc- Grath was not a resident of this city at that time, but he was here the entire time the conference was in session. At the time of the Civil War, Air. AIcGrath resided in the Broad Top region, in the southern part of Hunt ingdon County. Then, as always, he manifested a great interest in public affairs. Intensely interested and loyal to the Union cause. Air. AIcGrath kept in close touch with events on the field and in the realms of statesmanship, and when he learned that the Gov ernors would meet in Altoona he resolved to come here, where he could come into contact with some of the leading spirits of the Union cause. It was a time of the deepest gloom and depression throughout the North. "You have no idea of the sense of depression that pervaded the loyal people of the North at that time," said Air. AIcGrath today, in speaking of the events which were transpiring then, to a representative of the Gazette. "Our armies had met with reverses everywhere, sadness pervaded many homes, and owing to the high prices that prevailed, and the fact that the mainstays of many families were in the army, thousands of families were suffering for the necessities of life, and it was necessary for others to contribute to their support. 52 THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. "As soon as I learned that the Governors were to meet in Altoona, I resolved to come over so that I could get in close touch with the situation. When I came here I heard many rumors as to the possible course the Governors would pursue. One of the rumors was to the effect that they would make a strong appeal for peace and bring the war to a close on the best terms possible. I afterwards learned that of all the Governors who were here there were but seven who entertained ideas of making proposals for peace, and they only favored it on the condition that had been prescribed by President Lincoln, of the restoration of the Union. Leading spirits of the conference were Governors Curtin, of Pennsylvania ; Andrew, of Alassachusetts, and Alorton, of Indiana. AA'e on the outside soon learned that these three men were for a vigorous prosecution of the war. and thus there was no surprise when it was announced at the close of the conference that they had resolved to stand by the President and the National Government, with the men and resources of the States of which they were the heads." A'Ir. McGrath states that he has a distinct recollec tion of Governors Curtin, Andrew and Alorton. Curtin and Andrew were handsome men and were conspicu ous among the throng about the Logan House when the conference was not in session. Alorton was any thing but handsome, but he was a big man, physically and intellectually, and was always the center of a group about the Logan House while he was here. Air. M. B. iVlcGRATH. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 53 AIcGrath says that he remembers Alorton's denuncia tions of some of the Union Generals whom he censured for the reverses the army had sustained, particularly General Pope, who had just been defeated by General Lee at the second battle of Bull Run. Despite Alc Clellan's reverses in the Peninsular campaign, it was generally believed that he was the man to retain as the leader of the army. "Along with the Governors, there were many army officers here on that occasion," says Air. AIcGrath. "Some of them were members of the Governors' staffs, some were recruiting officers and provost mar shals in this section, and others were officers home on leave of absence after the battle of Antietam. All were in uniform, and some of them bore evidence of service on the field of battle. "The greatest interest was manifested by the people throughout this section in the proceedings of the con ference. While the people were hoping that there might be a way found to bring the strife to a close, there was no inclination among the loyal people to yield any principle for which the North was fighting. Peace at any price was only advanced by those whose sympa thies were with the South, of whom there were man)' in every Northern community." Speaking of some of the other events of war times. Air. AIcGrath said that far more humiliating to the loyal people than the loss of any battle was the neces sary surrender by our Government of the Southern 54 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. envoys to Great Britain, Alason and Slidell, sent by the South to that nation. They had been taken prisoners by the commander of a Union vessel, and, although it was felt that the Government did right in giving them up, and thus averting a war with England, it was, nevertheless, very humiliating. ''In those days," says Air. McGrath, ''there was a deep-seated hatred of England among Americans in general and the Irish people, who prior to the war, had come over to this country by tens of thousands and all of whom were devoted to the Union cause, there would have been no regret if the opportunity had offered to strike a blow at England." Air. McGrath has a very retentive memory and has a very distinct recollection of the events that occurred here fifty years ago. He says that he can scarcely realize that half a century has gone by since then and he looks forward with much interest to the coming jubilee. D. K. Howe, one of the city's highly respected and esteemed citizens and who has spent many years of his life in the upbuilding of the city and its schools, gives another reminiscence of the AA^ar Governor's conference. Air. Howe was but young in years at the time of the conference. Pie heard that the loyal governors were in the city and holding a meeting at the Logan House. Pie with some other visited the hotel and remained about for a couple of hours. "I looked in one of the D. K. HOWE. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 55 windows and couuld plainly see the governors sitting and standing about," said Air. Howe. "They were talking with each other but nothing could be heard of what they were saying. There seemed to be an air of solemnity to the conference and each man carried himself as though he was carrying a great weight upon his shoulders. Governor Curtin seemed to be the centre of importance but there were several others who apparently were taking a great interest in the discussion. I remember one young man, likely Gov ernor Sprague, of Rhode Island, who was walking about the room. He seemed but a youth, but his face was strong and all his actions seemed marked with the fire of patriotism. At no time was there a great crowd about the hotel for the governors came quietly into the city and as quietly went away. It was not until later that the importance of their conference here be came known to the public. Governor Sprague's Letter. Following is a letter written in 1910, by Governor Sprague to the committee in charge of the Loyal War Governors' Conference Semi-Centennial at Altoona : "Providence, February 9, 1910. — Gentlemen: — I have lived over again, since receiving your various communications the days preceding and following the conference and resolutions of the Governors of the loyal states, of whom two-thirds at least were present the 23-24 of September, 1862. I can speak of the 24th day only. 56 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. "On that day, assembled in a room by ourselves. Governor John A. Andrew was nominated and elected chairman and directed to formulate the resolution, which he wrote out in our presence, to wit : Re solved, That after the Proclamation of Emancipation is promulgated we pledge the unanimous support of our respective states. There was no discussion or re mark, otherwise save its unanimous passage ; that each governor should sign the resolution and the chairman send it by telegraph to the President at Washington. "In a short time, hardly three-quarters of an hour, a telegraph messenger knocked at the door. A governor admitted him. He inquired if Governor John A. Andrew was present, who responded. A message was Iianded him, which he read, then read it aloud. 'John A. Andrew, Governor of Alassachusetts, at Altoona Conference of Governors of the Loyal States : The Emancipation Proclamation has been promulgated. Come to AA'ashington for further conference. A. LINCOLN.' "Thereupon the Governors reassembled or came to order, Governor Andrew presiding, and then voted to furnish every man and every dollar of our respective states to maintain the Union cause; that a committee of three governors convey it to the President at AA'ash ington. There are unnumbered reasons, as facts, to show that meeting of its effects made it possible for the Union armies to win. Nor is there one fact or reason to successfully controvert it. One of its effects THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 57 was the enlisting of the Xegro as a soldier, while General Lee ineffectually urged the Confederate con gress to give him a like power to enlist the Negro for the Confederate service. Every non-slaveholder of the south when the mercenary value of the slave receded, because cold in their support of the Confederate cause. Hence it is that no monument as fitting as the one proposed at Altoona has been conceived or can be otherwise named, to commemorate the greatest phase of the great conflict. The Confederate strength waned "with the fading away of the mercenary value of the slave, and a period was put to the mercenary bent, alike of our army and people, by this potential adverse touch of the conference of and resolutions of the Loyal Governors at Altoona, Sept. 23-24, 1862. \^ery respectfully, WILLIAM SPRAGUE." 1^1^ 58 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Wording of Official Program of the Semi-Centennial Loyal War Governors' Conference, Altoona, Pa., September 24, 25 and 26, 1912. The Altoona Conference. Until recently, comparatively few people were aware that Altoona was the scene of one of the most important events in connection with the Civil war. It was an inform'al conference of governors of a number of the northern states. There were no newspaper men present. The meeting had no secretary, and no min utes of the proceedings were recorded. Coming, as it did, when the country was talking and reading of the Proclamation of Emancipation, issued by Presi dent Lincoln just two days before the conference was held, it is not surprising that so little is known of the meeting held in the Logan House, Altoona, on Sep tember 24, 1862. With the passing years, however, historians have unearthed the details in connection with the meeting held in this city, and as the result of the information wdiich they have brought to light, it is now generally conceded that next to the Proclamation of Emanci pation, the Altoona conference was the most decisive civil event of the war. To Andrew Gregg Curtin, then governor of Penn sylvania, belongs the credit for conceiving the Altoona conference and carrying it into effect. Almost one year and a half had been spent in a contest between CAPTAIN J. C. LONG. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 59 the national government of the United States and an arnted gigantic rebellion against it. It was the darkest hour of the war. Excepting one or two successes in the west, the south had shown herself in the field, masterful and dominant. The Army of the Potomac had been defeated in the seven days' battle in front of Richmond, and Pope had met with disaster on the plains of Alanasses, his army now huddling under the Washington fortifications. The Union forces had checked the advance of the south, but seemed unable to win a decisive victory. There was a sentiment of despair throughout the north, this being intensified by the abnormal activity of that large section of the north which sympathized with the Confederacy and would have rejoiced in its success. It was in this dark hour that Governor Curtin, with a deeper insight into the public heart than perhaps any statesman of the time, saw that what the govern ment needed more than material aid was the moral reinforcement that would come from an expression of confidence on the part of the governors of the loyal states. On September 6, Governor Curtin presented the matter to the governors of several adjoining states, and on September 14, he, in connection with Governor Tod, of Ohio, and Governor Pierpont, of \'irginia, is sued a call for a meeting of the governors to be held at Altoona on the 24th day of September. In response to his call, twelve governors met in the Logan House, Altoona, on September 24, and, as has been stated. GO THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. there is no official record of the proceedings of that conference. It is knOwn that some subjects were pre sented for discussion on which the opinions of the governors differed. For instance, there was not a unanimity of view relative to the Emancipation Procla mation which was issued by President Lincoln on September 22. All the governors present did realize the urgent need of their hearty support to the presi dent in the exercise of the functions of his great office, and accordingly, on the day of the conference, there was prepared an address to the president, in whicli the governors tendered their assurance of personal and official confidence, suggesting that he call upon them for additional volunteers for the army, and promised to surround him with their constant support in his pur suit of the war for the preservation of the nation's life. Such is the event which Altoona will celebrate on September 24, 25 and 26, of this year, the Semi-Cen tennial of the Loyal War Governors' conference. Within the last few )'ears a number of citizens who have come to realize the importance of the Altoona conference have originated a movement to establish in the city a permanent memorial in honor of the confer ence. The support of both state and national govern ments will be invited to assist in establishing such a memorial, and it is expected that the celebration next September will aid largely in the success of the pro posed memorial. It is the purpose of the various com mittees now arranging for the Semi-Centennial Anni versary to make it an event surpassing any ever seen THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 61 in this city, and rarely equalled in any city. Governor Tener, of Pennsylvania, has already expressed his willingness to be in Altoona to participate in the cele bration, and to aid in any way possible in making it a success. President Taft has stated that, in his opin ion, the Altoona conference was one of the most im portant of the Civil war, and has agreed to aid in its proper celebration at Altoona. Numerous other prom inent men throughout the country have indicated their interest and their intention of visiting Altoona to take part in the celebration. You are cordially invited to participate. Program. Tuesday, September 24 — Home Coming Day. 12 Noon — Opening of Celebration and Reception to A'isitors. Band Concerts. 4 P Af. — Decorated Automobile Parade. T.")() P. AI. — Band Concerts. Patriotic Carnival and Historical Tableaux, followed by Informal Dance. Wednesday, September 25 — President and Governors' Day. 9.:i() A. M. — Parade of Schools and Alilitary. 3 P. AI. — Public Aleeting in Commemoration of Loyai AA ar Governors' Conference. I'.oO P. AI. — Reception to the President of tiie United States, the Governors of the t^everal States and Other Invited Guests, followed by an Informal Dance. Thursday, September 26 — Civic and Industrial Day. 9.3(1 A. AI.— Parade. Afternoon — Band Concerts, Races and Excursions to Nearby Points of Interests. 6 P AI.— Close of Celebration. XI. DEATH AND FUNERAL. WHEN the Great War broke out in August, 1914, Governor Sprague was residing in Paris with his family. In delicate health though he was, he took a keen interest in the gigantic struggle. In the latter part of August, when the Germans reached Chantilly, and it seemed a foregone conclusion that they would repeat their visit of 1870 to the French capital, the old War Governor's faithful wife concluded that it would be better to remove him to the sea coast, to avoid the supposed inevitable bombardment. Through influen tial Parisian friends, special permit to pass through the French lines was secured. There were no auto mobiles or taxicabs to be had so a dilapidated fiacre, drawn by a rheumatic horse, and driven by a coacher who looked to be 90 years old, was secured to convey the refugees to a point twenty miles from the -city, beyond the lines. Governor Sprague realized that it was to be a perilous journey, so he asked that a large American flag be packed in his suit case "to wrap my body -in, in case anything should happen," he remark ed with a grim smile. The drive was tedious, but no untoward incidents occurred. Outside the lines a swift automobile was waiting to take the governor and his wife to Trouville. They had not proceeded far in the big machine when a German aeroplane ap- 62 AUSTIN BLAIR, Gove.r.or of IVlichigan, 1862. Historian of War Governors THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 63 peared overhead. It commenced following the car. Governor Sprague noticed it, and unpacked his Amer ican flag. "They will not hurt us if they see this," he said, as he coolly draped it over the back of the tour ing car. The observer in the aeroplane saw the Em blem of Freedom, and soon the course of the birdmen was stered away in another direction. The aged war governor stood the journey well, in fact he enjoyed it. He remained on the coast until the German peril was dissipated and the would-be invaders turned back, then he expressed a desire to return to his comfort able quarters in Paris. The return trip was made in safety, and the automobile landed him at the door of his mansion. After his return, he continued to take a keen interest in the progress of the war. He loved to watch the marching soldiers, whose gay uniforms reminded him of Civil war times. His wife and Cap tain and Mrs. Mason were assiduous in their atten tions. His last days were full of love and serenity. Those nearest and dearest to him could not help but note that the physical dechne was becoming more rapid. It was a pleasure to be with him and enjoy the splendor of the personality of that soul which so soon was to be released in Infinity. During the sum mer of 1915, it was realized that the end was near. The dying man expressed one wish and that was that he might survive until his 85th birthday, which would occur on September 12. Some of his ancestors had lived that long, it was his final ambition. "I am ready to go," he told his family, " any time I am called, but 64 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. life is sweet, and parting is sad." The Grim Time keeper was measuring his allotted span carefully. As Fate would have it, the sand ran out on the night of September 11. The great war governor went to his reward peacefully, surrounded by his family and his dear friends. Captain and Mrs. Alason, There was universal sorrow when the news was flashed out. The tributes of press and of public men were seemingly endless in number, and beautiful in the extreme. Rhode Island asked for the honor of being the final resting place for his remains. Following are some of the press accounts of the death, funeral arrangements and press notices of the state obsequies — in all a digni fied final chapter to a magnificent career. 1^^ EDWARD SALOMON, Governor of Wisconsin, 1862. New York Herald, September 12, 1915. WILLIAM SPRAGUE, "NOTED WAR GOV ERNOR," IS DEAD. Famous Chief Executive of Rhode Islsuid Passes Away In His Home At Paris. Special Cable to the New York Herald of September 12, 1915, from the Herald Bureau, No. 49, Avenue de I'Opera, Paris. MR. WILLIAAI SPRAGUE, "war governor of Rhode Island and twice United States Sena tor from that state, died at his home here today. He had been ill for more than five years with the infirmi ties of age. Meningitis developed a few days ago, and his physical condition was so weak that he soon suc cumbed. With him when he died were his wife and his old friends. Captain and Mrs. Frank H. Mason. Mrs. Inez Stiness, his granddaughter, is expected to leave New York today for Paris. Mr. Sprague had lived in Paris since 1910. Simple funeral services will be held at the residence, after which the body will be taken to Rhode Island for burial. Air. AA'illiam Sprague, the last of the twelve war Governors who upheld the hands of President Lincoln through the perils of the opening days of the Civil war, was three times governor of Rhode Island, and 65 66 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. was twice elected to the United States Senate. He had the distinction of having received more votes in the election of a governor of Rhode Island than any other nominee ever received, when, in 1863, he re ceived 11,199 votes out of a total of 11,261 ballots cast. When first elected as governor of Rhode Island he was only twenty-nine years of age, and was the young est governor of any state in the Union. Born at Cranston, R. I., in 1830, Air. Sprague was the son of Amasa and Fanny Morgan Sprague, from whom he inherited what was in those days considered a great fortune. His great-grand fathej-, the first William Sprague, started his business career in a humble way on the Pocassett river, where he built a saw mill and grist mill. From this business grew the Sprague fortune. Mr. Sprague was named for his great-grandfather. After graduating from the Irving Institute at Tarrytown, N. Y., he entered politics, and for many years was the most important political leader in Rhode Island. Prepared For Civil War. As governor of Rhode Island Alr.Sprague foresaw the Civil war, and his state was the first to prepare for the coming conflict. He organized a state mihtia and maintained it at his own expense, and these troops were among the first to be enrolled in the army which was called for in President Lincoln's Proclamation. He led his troops at the battle of Bull Run and dis tinguished himself for gallantry under fire. THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. 67 Soon after the battle of Antietam, President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling upon slave owners to lay down their arms. A few days later the famous meeting of governors of the loyal states was held. Governor Sprague attended it, and was one of the men who approved the Emancipation Proclamation of Lin coln, and to issue the address to the President that commended him for his stand and urged him to prose cute the war with all vigor. He was most active in raising troops to fight for the Union, and was one of the staunchest supporters of President Lincoln. Air. Sprague married Aliss Catherine Chase, daugh ter of the Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln, and afterwards chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. Their wedding in Washing ton in November, 1863, was attended by the President, his cabinet, the foreign diplomatic representatives in Washington and members of congress. It was said to have been the most brilliant wedding that ever took place in Washington. Air. and Mrs. Sprague became social leaders in the national capital. They maintained a residence there, and later built a country home at Narrangansett Pier, which they called Canonchet, after the Narragansett Indian chief. Was Re-elected in 1868. Air. Sprague was elected to the United States Sen ate in 1862 and re-elected in 1868. At that time his fortune had become more or less involved. There was a political fight on in Rhode Island, and this. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. combined with commercial rivalry between Mr. Sprague and other larger Rhode Island commercial interests, finally caused his retirement from active poli tics. In the financial panic of 1873 Mr. Sprague's business was suspended, but even in those days of depression his property was valued at close to $16,000,000 and his habilities at about $11,000,000. Married Second Time. Mr. Sprague married Mrs. Dover Inez Calvert, of Greenbriar County, W. Va., in 1883. She survives him.. Soon after his second marriage, he again be came a candidate for political office, and was the Dem ocratic and Independent nominee for Governor of Rhode Island. He was defeated in the election. Canonchet, the Sprague country home at Narragan sett Pier, which was one of Rhode Island's show places, was destroyed by fire in 1902. The place was Mr. Sprague's pride. THE TRIBUNE EDITORIAL. Editorial by W. H. Schwartz in Altoona Tribune, Septem ber 14, 1915. The Late War Governor. The death of former Governor William Sprague, of Rhode Island, which was announced yesterday morning, removes the last of the War Governors. He was elected Governor of Rhode Island as a Dem ocrat in 1860, and re-elected as a Republican. The Civil War broke out during his first term, and as he NATHANIEL S. BERRY, Governor of New Hampshire, 1862. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 69 resolved to stand by President Lincoln and the Union, the Republicans were glad to turn in and re-elect him. He was an officer during the war and was elected to the Senate of the United States for three terms. Young, rich and handsome, he seemed to have before him every prospect for a career of extraordinary bril liancy. The shadows began to fall athwart his pathway quite early in his career. His first trouble was a do mestic one. He married Kate Chase, daughter of Salmon P. Chase, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, but the union did not prove a congenial one. There was considerable trouble, some scandal, and a dissolution of the union. Later on he met with business reverses, and a good many of the later years of his life were spent abroad. He lived on, however, attaining a great age, and dying on the day before he would have begun his 86th year. Pie had many friends who continued to regard him with afifectionate interest, but his political career ended long ago. At the time the preparations were on foot for the semi-centennial celebration of the meeting of the War Governors in this city an efifort was made by some of the old soldiers to get into communication with him in order to secure from his lips some reminiscences of that memorable conference of the Governors of the great loyal States of the North. A visit was made to him, but he was just recovering from a severe illness, and neither his physical nor his mental powers were 70 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. equal to the occasion. Pie could remember nothing of importance in connection with the meeting in 1862, and it was feared he never would. But he recuperated and went to Paris, where he resided until his death. Later, during a visit of Colonel Henry W. Shoe maker, President of the Altoona Tribune Company, to Europe, he had the pleasure of an interview with Gov ernor Sprague and published a very vivid and in tensely interesting account of it on the editorial page of this paper. He found the Governor fully recovered from his rather serious indisposition, with a mind as brilliant and a recollection of the past as enduring as could have been expected. It was a great and rather unexpected privilege which Colonel Shoemaker en joyed of listening to this venerable man as he reviewed the history of that conference as well as of the striking scenes and incidents of that troubled time. The country was particularly fortunate in its War Governors. Andrew G. Curtin was Governor of Pennsylvania, and no man did more to help Air. Lin coln or to aid the Union cause. John A. Andrew, Governor of Massachusetts, was another mighty force on behalf of political righteousness, and so was Rich ard Yates, of Illinois, and Oliver L. Morton, of In diana. In fact, all the Governors of the great North ern States were men of exceptional strength of character, and they seem to have been set apart for precisely such a time as that. Americans may well be grateful that the executive officers of the loyal States were such men as they were, and it is a great satisfac- THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 71 tion to recall their heroic services on behalf of the Union. Without the splendid help they rendered, victory would have been delayed. And now the last of them has taken a final farewell of earth. Governor Beeckmain's Cablegram. Cablegram sent to Airs. William Sprague, by Hon. R. Livingston Beeckman, Governor of Rhode Island : Pkovidence, R. L, Octobee 8, 1915. Mes. William Spe.\gue, 115 Rue de la Pompe, Paris: I wish to meet Governor Sprague's body when it arrives in Providence. The First Battery, Grand Army of the Republic, myself and staff, want to escort the body to the burying ground. Will have a member of my stafif at dock when steamer arrives. Please cable name of steamer, date of sailing, and what other arrangements are. R. LnTNGSTON Beeckman, Governor. Mrs. Sprague's Reply. Reply from Airs. Sprague sent to Governor Beeck man : P.\i!TS, Octobee 8, 1915. GovERNOE R. L. Beeckman, Providence, R. I., U. S. A. : Accept with deep appreciation proffered invitation for pubHc funeral. Body will leave on steamer Roch- ambeau, October 22d. I. C. SPEACiUE. 72 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Sprague's Body Coming Here. Prom the New York Sun. Paeis, Octobee 22. The body of AVilliam Sprague, War Governor of Rhode Island and ex-United States Senator, who died at his home here on September 11, will be sent to New York on the French liner Rocharribeau, which will sail tomorrow from Bordeaux. Airs. Sprague, the widow, and Mrs. Inez Stiness, a grand daughter, will accompany the body. Miss Elizabeth Thackera, daughter of Consul- General Thackera ; A. W. Schall, a munitions agent ; M. Ortiz, representing the Poiret firm ; Charles Dalm'ores, the opera singer, and G. W Stephens, are among the 300 passengers booked to sail on the Roch- ambeau. Tribute for War Governor. Prom the New York Sun. Peovidence, Octobee 26. By order of Governor Beeckman, Rhode Island will pay high honor to AVilliam Sprague, last of the War Governors, on Friday next, when his funeral is to be held from Grace Church. Governor Beeckman has ordered a State ceremony, with National Guard and Grand Army escort. Bishop Perry is to officiate. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 73 To Meet the Body of the Late Governor Sprague. Prom Providence, R. I., Journal, November 1, 1915. Executive Secretary Henry Renter and Colonel Michael J. Lynch, of Governor Beeckman's staff, are in New York, awaiting the arrival of the French steamer Rochambeau, on board of which is the body of the late William Sprague, Rhode Island's famous Governor, and the last of the War Governors. Col onel Lynch and Mr. Renter are personal representa tives of Governor Beeckman. The Rochambeau was due to arrive in New York today, but according to the latest marine news it will not reach that port until tomorrow. The body of the late Governor Sprague will then be taken to Narra gansett Pier, where there will be a funeral service Thursday for personal friends of the late Governor at St. Peter's Church. The body is scheduled to arrive at the Union Sta tion in this city at 11 o'clock Friday, where it will be met by Governor Beeckman and his full staff, the Rhode Island Light Battery, the veterans of the G. A. R., the veterans of the Providence Marine Artil lery, of which Governor Sprague was at one time Colonel, and a full parade of the Coast Artillery Regi ment. The funeral procession will proceed to Grace Church, where Rt. Rev. James De Wolf Perry, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, will hold the Episco palian funeral service, after which the body will be conveyed to Swan Point Cemetery, where interment 74 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. will take place in the Sprague family plot. The casket will be carried on a gun carriage, and a salute of sev enteen guns will be fired by the battery at the time of burial. Ex-Governor Sprague's Body Reaches New York. Prom Providence, R. I., Journal, November 2, 1915. The steamer Rochambeau, bearing the body of for mer Governor William Sprague, arrived in the lower harbor at New York last night, and will reach her dock about 8 o'clock this morning. J. Henry Renter, Executive Secretary to Governor Beeckman, and Colonel Alichael J. Lynch, a member of the Governor's staff", will board a United States revenue cutter at 6 o'clock this morning and will go down the bay to the steamer, where the body will be placed aboard the cutter and brought ashore. Undertaker Horace B. Knowles is with the party, and as soon as the necessary formalities at the pier are concluded, the body will be taken on a train and carried to Narragansett Pier, where the first funeral services will be held. Assurances that everything possible would be done to expedite the delivery of the body of the former Governor to the Rhode Islanders who went on to re ceive it were received yesterday by Collector of Cus toms Frank E. Fitzsimmons from the customs officials at New York. In response to a request from Air. Renter, Collector WILLIAM BURTON, Governor of Delaware, 1862, THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 75 Fitzsimmons wrote Dudley Field Malone, Collector of the Port of New York, asking that the New York department make a special effort to facilitate the trans fer of the body from the ship on which it arrived from France to the party which is to accompany it here. Yesterday the Rhode Island Collector received a letter from Chief Deputy Collector H. C. Stewart, informing him that Collector Malone was absent from the city, but stating that all the machinery of the office would be used to assist the Rhode Island party. "As a matter of fact," Mr. Stewart wrote, "we shall issue the permit for the. delivery of the body in ad vance of the arrival of the steamer, and the customs formalities on the dock will, therefore, be almost nil." Body of Governor Sprague on Train En Route to Pier. From Providence, R. I., Bulletin, November 2, 1915. The body of War Governor William Sprague, who died in Paris, September 11, will arrive at Narra gansett Pier about 5 o'clock this afternoon. It left New York today at 1 o'clock by train, having been landed from the steamer Rochambeau at ;).30 this morning. Mrs. William Sprague, Airs. Inez Sprague Stiness and Miss Alice Stiness arrived from Paris with the body. They were met at the dock by J. Henry Renter, Secretary to Governor Beeckman ; Colonel Alichael J. 76 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Lynch, of the Governor's staff, and A. Studley Hart, of Narragansett Pier. The casket was draped with an American flag, upon which rested the flag of the State of Rhode Island. A wreath from Governor Beeckman was also upon the casket. Through the courtesy of the New York offi cials, the body was landed without any trace of cus toms formalities, and was taken in charge by Air. Renter and others. It was shipped to the depot and at 1 o'clock started upon its way to Narragansett Pier. Undertaker Horace B. Knowles personally assisted in receiving the body at New York, The state funeral will be held in this city Friday. On Thursday there will be a funeral service in St. Peter's Church, Narragansett Pier, for relatives and personal friends. Governor Sprague's body will arrive in this city at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon and will be met at the depot by Governor Beeckman and his entire staff, the Rhode Island Light Battery, veterans of the G. A. R., a National Guard detachment and the Providence Al^arine Artillery, of which Governor Sprague was a Colonel. There will be a procession to Grace Church, where Rev. Frank Warfield Crowder, rector, will conduct the services, assisted by Bishop James De Wolf Perry. Burial will be at Swan Point Cemetery, in the Sprague family lot, where Rev. Dr. Crowder will officiate. The casket will be carried on a gun carriage, and a THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 77 salute of seventeen guns will be fired by the battery over the grave. At a meeting held last evening in the old Armory on Benefit Street, the members of the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery Veteran Association voted to attend the fuenral on Friday. The former Governor was deeply interested in the organization, and at one time was its commander. A committee, consisting of Commander Henry W. Ne^vton, Edgar R. Barker, George B. Peck, George C. Nightingale, and Thomas AI. Aldrich, was appointed to draw up a set of resolutions upon the War Gov ernor's death. The members voted to meet at the Armory at noon on Friday, and from there they will proceed in a body to the general meeting place of the organizations which are to attend the funeral. At a special meeting of the Narragansett Town Council yesterday forenoon it was voted : That AA'. Herbert Caswell, representing the town of Narragan sett, and James D. Caswell, representing Edgwick Post No. 7, G. A. R., be requested to proceed to New York to meet the body of ex-Governor Sprague and to give any aid possible to Airs. Sprague. It was further voted that the Council attend the funeral in a body. Flags have been ordered at half-staff Friday on State buildings, the day of the funeral. In accordance with custom in such cases, the colors will be raised about 8 o'clock in the morning and remain at half-mast 78 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. until the time of burial, late in the arternoon. The order was issued today at the office of Adjutant Gen eral Abbot. Body of the State's War Governor Now at the Pier. Prom Providence, R. L, Journal, November 3, 1915. The members of the Town Council of Narragansett acted as an escort of honor while the body of former Governor William Sprague was taken from Kingston to St. Peter's Church, Narragansett Pier, yesterday afternoon. Governor Sprague's body arrived at New York from Paris in the forenoon, and was brought by train to Kingston, arriving at 5.34 in the afternoon. Here it was met by the Narragansett officials and was es corted to the church. Tomorrow there will be a service at the church for immediate friends and relatives, and on Friday a state funeral, with full mihtary and civic honors, at Grace Church, in this citf. Brown University has selected the following offi cials to represent it at the state funeral: President W. H. P. Faunce ; C. S. Sweetland, Treasurer of the Corporation; Rev. Henry M. King, D. D., pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church, and William \V. Douglas, former Chief Justice of the State Supreme Court. With the Narragansett Town Council acting as an escort of honorary bearers, preceded by a squad of COLONEL WILLiAlVl SPRAGUE IN LATER LIFE. Published with Permission of Providence (R. I.) Tribune. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 79 police, the body, borne hy eight bearers, was taken from the station to St. Peter's Church. The bearers were Stephen T. Browning, James D. Caswell, Charles F. Bocherle, James G. Burns, John H. Cranston, Joseph G. Johnston, Freeman P. W. Tefft, and Gustav Walter. The procession was met at the- church by Rev. Walter H. B. Allen, the rector, who will conduct the funeral services tomorrow. Sedgwick Post No. 7, G. A. R., will attend the services in a body, as will the members of the Town Council and the Narragansett Volunteer Fire Department. A delegation of Boy Scouts will also be present. Airs. Sprague, Mrs. Stiness and Aliss Avis Stiness are with Mrs. Wenceslao Borda, at Ocean Spray, Narragansett Pier. In the general order through the office of the Adju tant General by Lieutenant Governor San Souci, act ing Governor and Commander-inChief, directing flags to be placed at half-staff in honor of former Governor Sprague, it is stated : "The Commander-in-Chief announces with pro found sorrow the death of former Governor William Sprague, which occurred at Paris, France, on Septem ber 15. At the time of the Civil War, Governor Sprague rendered most valuable service in equipping and forwarding troops for the preservation of the Union, and had the unique distinction of being the last surviving War Governor. Afterward, in the United States Senate, he represented the State faithfully and 80 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. ably, and his name will go down in history as one of its most distinguished citizens. "In respect to his memory, it is directed that the flags on all State Armories shall be displayed at half- staff on the day of the funeral, Friday, the 5th inst." Honored by Townspeople. The body of War Governor William Sprague, which reached Narragansett Pier yesterday, now rests in St. Peter's-by-the-Sea, guarded by day by members of the Grand Army of the Republic, of which he was a member, and at night by the police of the town of Narragansett. The Town Council of Narragansett had a special meeting Alonday morning to inake arrangements for the funeral of the War Governor, and it was voted to attend the services in St. Peter's-by-the-Sea tomorrow in a body. A resolution was also adopted that AA'. Herbert Caswell, representing the town of Narragan sett, and James D. Caswell, representing the Grand Army, should meet the steam Rochambeau on its arri val in New York and accompany the body to the Pier. The body arrived at Kingston yesterday at 1.34 P. AI., accompanied by the widow and grand-daughter. Airs. Sprague and Mrs. Inez Sprague Stiness. and her little daughter. In the funeral party were also A. Studley Hart, of this city, representing Airs. Sprague, and Henry Renter and Colonel AI. J. Lynch, represent ing Governor Beeckman, and the Messrs. Caswell, THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. 81 representing the Narragansett Town Council and the Grand Army, respectively. The funeral party was met at the Kingston station by the following men of Narragansett, who are to act as bearers at the funeral Thursday noon : Stephen T. Browning, James D. Caswell, Charles F. Botcherle, James D. Burns, John H. Cranston, Joseph G. Johnston, Freeman P. AV. Tefft, Gustav Walter. On arrival at the Pier, the casket was taken in charge by the bearers, who formed a bodyguard to the church, walking on either side of the hearse, the pohce marching ahead. Alembers of the Town Council also walked in the procession. The body was received at the church by the rector. Rev. W. IT. B. Allen, who will conduct the services tomorrow. The members of Sedgwick Post, G. A. R., of Narra gansett, will attend the funeral in a body, and also the Boy Scouts, together with the Narragansett Town Council and Volunteer Fire Department. Airs. Sprague, Airs. Stiness and her daughter are the guests of the mother of Mrs. Stiness, Mrs. Avice Wheaton Borda, at her villa on Ocean Road, where she has been spending the summer and fall, having recently been joined there by her husband. Air. AVen- ceslao Borda, of Porto Rico. The body is scheduled to arrive at the Union Station in this city at 1 o'clock Friday, where it will be met by Governor Beeckman and his full staff", the Rhode Island Light Batterv, the veterans of the G. A. R., the 82 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. veterans of the Providence Marine Artillery, of which Governor Sprague was at one time Colonel, and a full l^arade of the Coast Artillery Regiment. The funeral procession will proceed to Grace Church, where Rt. Rev. James De AVolf Perry, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island, will hold the Episco palian funeral service, after which he body will be con veyed to Swan Point Cemetery, where interment will take place in the Sprague family plot. The casket will be carried on a gun carriage, and a salute of seventeen guns will be fired by the battery at the time of burial. Church Services Held at Pier for Governor Sprague. From Providence, R. I., Bulletin, November 4, 1915. The first of the funeral services for Rhode Island's War Governor, who died in Paris on September 11, was held in St. Peter's Church, Narragansett Pier, at noon today. To-morrow, in Grace Church, this city, there will be a state funeral, at which full military and civic honors will be paid. St. Peter's Church was filled with relatives, intimate friends and many of he residents of Narragansett Pier who had acquaintance with Governor Sprague. The service today was simple. There was no music or singing. The procession up the center aisle, accom panying the casket, was made up of the ushers, bearing the casket, the family, and delegations from the Rhode Island Boy Scouts, the G. A. R. and the Narragansett Pier Fire and Police Departments. ISRAEL WASHBURN, JR., Governor of Maine, 1862. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 83 Rev. W. H. B. Allen, rector of the church, gave Scripture reading; followed by a prayer. He preached a brief sermon. This was followed by prayer by Rev. Philip M. Prescott, of Washington, a summer resident of the Pier. The bearers were Stephen T. Browning, James D. Caswell, James G. Burns, Charles F. Botcherle, Gustav Walters, John H. Cranston, Joseph G. Johnston, and Freeman W. Tefft. The ushers were John J. Benson, I. Irving Denico, Frank L. Caswell and William C. Earrow. Isaac A. Allen had charge of he many floral tributes which had been sent to the church. Among those present at the service were Airs. Wil liam Sprague, Airs. Inez Sprague Stiness, Airs. Amasa Sprague, and Air. and Airs. A. Studley Hart. Others present included the members of the Narragansett Town Council and members of the General Assembly and the Judiciary for that section of the State. Among the floral tributes were a large cross, extend ing the entire length of the casket, of lilies-of-the- valley and Easter lilies, from Airs. William Sprague; a wreath of Easter lilies, from Governor Beeckman ; a wreath of pink and white chrysanthemums, from the East Greenwich Academy ; standing wreaths of white chrysanthemums, from Airs. Avis Borda, a sister of Mrs. Sprague, and Airs. Frank Browning, a daughter. The G. A. R. also sent a wreath of white roses. There were many individual tributes. 84 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. State House to Close in Former Governor's Honor. Providence Journal, November 4, 1915. The funeral of former Governor William Sprague will be held today from St. Peter's Church, Nar ragansett Pier, immediate friends and relatives being invited. Tomorrow the body of the state's war gov ernor will be brought to this city and a state funeral, with full military and civic honors, will be held from Grace church. Acting Governor Emory J. San Souci will announce today that the state house will close at 1 o'clock on Friday afternoon in honor of the former governor. The capitol building will remain closed for the en tire afternoon. Brown University has selected the following offi cials to represent it at the state funeral : President W. H. P. Faunce, C. S. Sweetland, treasurer of the corporation; Rev. Henry M. King, D. D., pastor emeritus of the First Baptist church, and William W. Douglas, former chief justice of the state supreme In the general order issued through the office of the adjutant general by Lieutenant Governor San Souci, acting governor and commander-in-chief, directing flags to hep laced at half-staff in honor of former Governor Sprague, it is stated : "The commander-in-chief announces with profound sorrow the death of former Governor William Sprague, which occurred at Paris, France, on Sep tember 11. At the time of the Civil war Governor Sprague rendered most valuable service in equipping THE. LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 85 and forwarding troops for the preservation of the union, and had the unique distinction of being the last surviving war governor. Afterward, in ttie United States Senate, he represented the state faithfully and ably, and his name will go down in history as one of its most distinguished citizens. 'Tn respect to his memory, it is directed that the flags on all state armories shall be displayed at half- staff on the day of his funeral, Friday, the 5th inst. Rhode Island State Will Honor Governor Sprague. Providence State Journal, November 5, 1915. Funeral services for War Governor WiUiam Sprague, of Rhode Island, will be held at Grace church in this city at 1.30 this afternoon, when full military and civic honors will be paid. The former governor died in Paris on September 11, and his body arrived in this country on Tuesday. Yesterday noon the first services were held in St. Peter's church, Nar ragansett Pier. Governor Sprague's body will arrive in this city early this afternoon and will be met at the Union station by Governor Beeckman and his entire staff, the Rhode Island Light Battery, veterans of the G. A. R., a detachment of the National Guard and the Providence Marine Artillery, of which the former governor was a colonel. A procession will be held to Grace church, where Rev. Frank Warfield Crowder, rector, will conduct 86 THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. the services. He will be assisted by Bishop James DeWolf Perry. Burial will be at the Sprague family lot at Swan Point cemetery, and Dr. Crowder will officiate. The casket will be borne on a gun carriage and a salute of seventeen guns will be fired over the grave by the battery. Services at Pier. At Narragansett Pier yesterday St. Peter's church was filled with relatives, friends and many residents of the Pier who were acquainted with ex-Governor Sprague. The service yesterday was simple. There was no music or singing. The procession up the centre aisle accompanying the casket, was made up of the ushers, bearers of the casket, the family, and delegations from the Rhode Island Boy Scouts, the G. A. R., and the Narragansett Pier fire and police departments. Rev. W. PI. B. Allen, rector of the church, gave Scripture reading, followed by a prayer. He preached a brief sermon. This was followed hy prayer by Rev. Philip M. Prescott. of AA'ashington, a summer resident of the Pier. Many Floral Tributes. The bearers were Stephen T. Browning. James D. Caswell, James G. Burns, Charles F. Bochterle, Gustav Walters, John PI. Cranston, Joseph G. John ston and Freeman W. Tefft. FRANCIS H. PIERPONT, Governor of Virginia, 1862. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 87 The ushers were John J. Benson, J. Irving Denico, Frank L. Caswell and William C. Farrow. Isaac A. Allen had charge of the many floral tributes which had been sent to the church. Among the relatives present were: Mrs. William Sprague, Mrs. Inez Sprague Stiness, Mrs. Amasa Sprague and Mr. and Airs. A. Studley Hart. Others present included the members of the Narragansett town council and members of the general assembly and the judiciary for that section of the state. Among the floral tributes were a large cross, extend ing the entire length of the casket, of lilies-of-the- valley and Easter Hlies, from Airs. AA'illiam Sprague; a wreath of Easter lilies from Governor Beeckman; a wreath of pink and white chrysanthemums from the East Greenwich academy ; standing wreaths of white chrysanthemums from Mrs. Avis Borda, a sister of Airs. Sprague, and Airs. Frank Browning, a daughter. The G. A. R. also sent a wreath of white roses. There were many individual tributes. Resolutions Adopted. Resolutions of sympathy were passed by the Vet eran Association of the Providence Alarine Corps of .Artillery at a special meeting held at the old arsenal Monday evening and were sent to the family of ex- Governor Sprague. The letter follows : 88 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. To the Family of the Late E.v-S enatorWilliam S pragnc : Ladies : Since death has removed from earth our late commander. Colonel William Sprague, we desire to place on record our profound appreciation of the services rendered by him to the state of Shode Island, as its "boy" War Governor, in promptly meeting the responsibilities thrown upon him at the outbreak of the Civil war, especially by advancing funds neces sary for the equipment of troops required for imme diate service and by accompanying them into the field, thus affording a conspicuous example of patriotism and of courage that was an inspiration to all ; also of the peculiar honor confererred by him upon the Provi dence Marine Corps of Artillery by making it the medium through which an entire regiment of light artillery was raised whose field officers were chiefs of artillery of army corps and whose battery com manders were in demand by the leaders of every ex peditionary force. "We tender to his family our sincere sympathy in their bereavement, at the same time respectfully indi cating their great consolation is to be found in the circumstance that his name is indissolubly linked with the proudest epoch in the history of his native state. "CoL. Heney W. Newton, "George C. Nighting.\le, "Edgar R. Barker, "Thomas W. Aldrich, "George B. Peick, "Committee. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 89 'Tn behalf of and by vote of the Veteran Associa tion of the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery at a special meeting held at the old arsenal on Monday evening, November 1, 1915. "Attest : Geo. B. Peck, "Adjutant. "Providence, R. I., Nov. 1, 1915." State Honors War Governor Sprsigue. Providence, R. I., Tribune, November 6, 1915. A Governor's salute of seventeen guns over the grave of William Sprague at Swan Point Cem etery yesterday afternoon was the last tribute paid to Rhode Island's famous War Governor. Burial fol lowed a State funeral at Grace Church. Full military honors characterized the services, which were attended by representatives of every walk of life. The body of the former state executive was borne upon a gun carriage, and was escorted by Bat tery A, Rhode Island National Guard, from the Union station to Grace church, arid later to the ceme tery. In addition to the governor's salute fired over the grave, three salvos were fired by the entire battery as the body was lowered into the grave. A bugler sounded "taps." The First Artillery District Band played funeral dirges as the procession marched to the church and to the cemetery. 90 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Rev. Frank Warfield Crowder, rector of Grace Church, conducted the services in that edifice, assisted by Bishop James De Wolf Perry. The Episcopal ser vice was followed, and the full choir furnished the music. The church service commenced shortly after 1.30 o'clock, as soon as the body came from the Union Station, where it arrived at 1.01 o'clock. In the church was a gathering of citizens of the State representative of all of its people. The Justices of the Supreme and Superior Courts, former Govern ors, State officials and members of the General Assem bly, delegations of military organizations and Provi dence city officials were in attendance. Flags at Half-Mast. Throughout the entire State, flags upon every public building hung at half-staff, and almost without excep tion every other flagstaff on private buildings in Rhode Island displayed the American bag lowered in mourn ing. The City Hall main entrance was hung in mourn ing, the display consisting of the flag of the State, amid black and white bunting. The limited train from New York, due here at 1.01 o'clock, made a special stop at Kingston in the fore noon for the body of Governor Sprague and immediate relatives, who came from Narragansett Pier, where there was a funeral service Thursday at St. Peter's Church. AVith the body came Airs. William Sprague, RICHARD YATES, Governor of Illinois, 1862. THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. 91 Mrs. Inez Sprague Stiness, Avice Stiness, Mrs. Amasa Sprague, Mr. and Mrs. Amasa Sprague, Jr., Airs. Borda and Mr. and Mrs. A. Studley Hart. Arriving at the Union Station here, the car contain ing the body was stopped at the west end of the depot. The casket was carried from the train through a guard of honor, consisting of delegations from the Grand Army of the Republic and the Providence Alarine Corps of Artillery, to the gun carriage from Battery A, waiting in the street. The members of Battery A who carried the casket from the train to the gun carriage were Sergeants W. G. Thurber, Duncan Langdon, Theodore S." Butter- field, Richard Shaw, Crawford Allen, Bernard Barry, C. D. Alayhugh and Corporal H. G. Nelson. Captain Everitts S. Chafee was in command of the Battery. At the head of the procession were six mounted po lice, in command of Lieutenant Kent, and twenty-four officers on foot, under Inspector AIcGann. Sergeant Linehan had charge of the poHce detail handling the crowds. The funeral procession had previously formed out side the station, and left in the following order : First Artillery District Band, playing a funeral dirge ; mem bers of the Grand Army of the Republic and members of the Providence Marine Corps of Artillery ; Battery A in its entirety, with the casket upon the last gun carriage in line; carriages containing the family and relatives; Lieutenant Governor E. J. San Souci and staff. 92 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Draped over the casket was a large American flag, across the centre of which was laid a smaller flag of the State of Rhode Island. The procession went down the incline to Washington Street and there turned up to Alathewson, thence to Grace Church. Rev. Dr. Crowder, assisted by BisHop Perry, con ducted the Episcopal funeral service. The full choir sang several selections. A. Lacey-Baker, organist, directed the choir. The following selections were given : Selection from the seventh symphony of Beethoven, "Ave Alaria," "Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand," "Lord, Thou Hast Been Oi"ir Refuge," "I Heard a A^oice from Heaven," "Lead, Kindly Light," and "Jerusalem, the Golden." Chopin's funeral march ended the service. Leaving the church after the services, the procession formed as before, and marched as far as the entrance to the East Side Tunnel, where those on foot dis banded. The band, in automobiles, was hurried to a point about a quarter of a mile from the cemeterv en trance, and there waited for the procession. The body, carried on Battery A's gim carriage, and followed by the members of the family, special details from the G. A. R., and the Providence Alarine Corps, the Lieutenant Governor and staff, and Executive Sec retary J. Henry Renter, in carriages, proceeded to the cemetery. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 93 Seventeen-Gun Salute Fired. As the casket was taken from the gun carriage, the band played "Nearer, Aly God, to Thee," and while Dr. Crowder was reading the burial service. Battery A, a short distance away, fired the Governor's salute of seventeen guns. As the body was lowered into the ground, three salvos by the entire Battery were fired and "taps" sounded. A crowd of over three hundred gathered at the cem etery, in spite of the weather, to pay tribute to Gov ernor Sprague. The band, leaving the cemetery, played the old martial hymn, "Onward, Christian Soldiers." The members of the family who were in attendance included the widow. Airs. William Sprague; Mrs. Inez Sprague Stiness, Air. and Airs. A. Studley Hart, Airs. Amasa Sprague, Air. and Airs. Amasa Sprague, Jr., Air. and Mrs. Norman, Walter F. Angell, Air. and Airs. Byron S. Watson, Air. and Airs. Charles Fletcher and Air. and Airs. AI. Freeman Cocroft. Airs. Amasa Sprague was escorted by Captain Davis G. Arnold, of the Governor's staff. Accompanying the Lieutenant Governor were Adjutant General Charles W. Abbot, Jr., Colonel Alichael J. Lynch, and Captain Thomas A. Roberts. The ushers were Colonel Andrew Weeks Anthony, Colonel William AIcLeod, Colonel Charles T. Clines, and Colonel Nathaniel A\'. Smith. J. Henry Renter and A. Studley Plart had charge of the funeral arrangements. 94 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Delegates representing the field, staff and line of the United Train of Artillery, in the guard honor, in cluded Colonel Robert Bain, Sergeant Major Edwin S. Thompson, Lieutenant James McKinnon, Captain William Davenport, of Company A, and Lieutenant Colonel J. Prior and Colonel R. A.- Green, of the Vet eran Association. Prominent Men Present. Among those present at the services in the church were six former Governors of Rhode Island — Abram J. Pothier, James H. Higgins, Charles Dean Kimball, Lucius F. C. Garvin, Charles Warren Lippitt, and D. Russell Brovra. There were present also all of the Judges of the Supreme and Superior Courts, Lieuten ant Governor San Souci, Secretary of State Parker, General Treasurer Reade, Deputy Secretary of State Ernest L. Sprague, State Librarian Herbert O. Brigham, President Faunce, of Brown University; Speaker Frank H. Hammill, of the House; Judge James E. Dooley, of the Eighth District Court; Judge George B. Bliss, of the Seventh District Court; Repre sentative Jacob A. Eaton, Alderman Joseph Balch, Congressman George F. O'Shaunessy, Sheriff Hugh McCusker, Sheriff Alichael B. Lynch, of Kent County; Representative Thomas Lynch, former Mayor P. J. McCarthy, Alayor Gainer, Frank J. Clinton, Richard W. Jennings, Frank E. Fitzsimmons, Charles A. Wil- SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD, Governor of Iowa, 1862. THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 95- son, Waldo AI. Place, AVilliam AI. P. Bowen, Rev. Dr. Samuel W Irwin, President, W. E. Smith, Secretary, and Rev. J. Francis Cooper, Trustee of East Green wich Academy, representing that institution, of which Governor Sprague was a graduate in the class of 1818, and many others, filling the church. Jury trials in all the rooms in the Superior Court were suspended yesterday during the hours of the funeral services. State Honors William Sprague. From Providence, R. I., Journal, November 5, 1915. It is fitting that the funeral of AA'illiam Sprague today should be accompanied by full military and civic honors. Rhode Island is still in his debt for the ser vices he rendered it and the nation in the crucial days of 1861. The "War Governor" made a name for himself and for Rhode Island by the patriotism, promptness and industry with which he addressed himself to the task of raising an adequate body of soldiers from this State fifty-four years ago. The whole country marked with enthusiasm the example he set to the executives of other States. His action was vigorous and personally States. He did not count the cost or delay over details. His one great object was to enable Rhode Island to respond at the earliest possible moment to Lincoln's call for troops. 96 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. Governor Sprague lived long enough to see the two divided sections of the country thoroughly reunited. He survived, indeed, every other War Governor. His life was extraordinarily varied; it had more than its share of vicissitudes. But he retained to old age his intellectual vitality and his capacity for appreciation and enjoyment. The European War touched him closely, and his death at the capital of one of the belligerent nations, in the midst of the great struggle. afforded a dramatic close to a career that opened like wise amid the boom of hostile guns. Tribute to William Sprague. Editorial in Providence Bulletin, November 5, 1915. The memory of the last of the American War Gov ernors was honored today in the military funeral of William Sprague. It was a tribute which no Rhode Islander would wish withheld from the man whofee patriotic energy in 1861 placed the smallest State among the foremost in readiness to defend the Union and give cause for perpetual pride on the part of every son of Rhode Island. AVhat he did as Governor and citizen was an encouragement to the whole North. His time, strength and fortune were ready for any calls for his country. In his long life, busy career and checkered experiences nothing could have given him more satisfaction in after years than remembrance of his success in enabling his State to make a ready re sponse to President Lincoln's appeal and knowledge THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 97 that his own and succeeding generations were grateful and appreciative of his services in a time of great national need. Providence Evening Tribune, November 8, 1915. In Today's Mail. To the Editor of the Evening Tribune : I am quite sure that I express the sentiments of the older citizens of our State in thanking Governor Beeckman for according ex-Governor Sprague a State funeral. I contrasted the procession Friday with the one in 1861, when the young Governor, at the head of 1,000 men whom he had armed and equipped at his own personal expense, marched through our streets to the relief of our national capital. His generous and patri otic action meant much more than the 1,000 men by its example and inspiration to other States to go also to the help of President Lincoln in that trying period of our nation's history. Again to our Governor Beeckman and others in authority we return the thanks of a grateful citizen ship. The members of the Grand Army showed their appreciation by turning out so strong in numbers on such a stormy day. I well remember my last talk with the Governor at his home in Paris in the early spring of 1914. I found him very feeble in body, but keenly active in mind as to the events of the day, both as to the European matters and his native State's welfare. As I was taking my leave I asked : "\A'ell, Governor, have you any mes- 98 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. sage for the people of Rhode Island?" "Yes," he said ; "give them my regards and tell them that I love them still." That was his message to us. The State Friday showed by its demonstrations that it still appreciated his noble act. T. W. Watekman. Pkovidence, Novembee 6. l^lf' OLIVER P. MORTON, Governor of Indiana, 1862. XII. HIS PLACE IN HISTORY. TIME, the eternal Nemesis of injustice, has had Governor Sprague's name in mind for many years. The friend of the modest, the unassuming, the unheralded, it metes out the exact amount of fame due to all. As an advisor to President Lincoln in matters leacHng up to the Emancipation Proclamation and the Loyal War Governor's Conference, history must accord William Sprague a very high place. Through his efforts to preserve the Union he has won an undying fame, but in three respects he stands out in history as a unique figure. First, as the first volunteer of the Civil War; second, as a stalwart advocate of emancipation; third, as one of the originators of the Altoona Confer ence. A man with three such claims to greatness stands among the highest in our National Hall of Fame. And yet only in friendly chat did he mention these momentous episodes ; he sought to detract from no man's fame, leaving Time, the just judge, to ar range all. It has been said that part of the greatness of men like Lincoln is their ability to surround them selves with capable advisors. They could seek advice and abide by what was given them, as they trusted their intimates. Lincoln was a man accustomed to thinking for himself, but Emancipation was some thing so unprecedented and so vast that he must of necessity open his heart to a few of those he trusted 99 100 THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. most. Sprague, far-seeing New Englander, grasped the situation. He saw victory ahead if the President adhered to his mighty intention. It has also been said that the only advice people like to hear is the advice they want to follow. But Lincoln was no such man; he would have listened if his closest friends had warned against the Proclamation. But they were unanimous — those whom he trusted most — that he should go ahead, and Sprague was one of the corner stones of his inspired act. And as a necessary corol lary to the Proclamation the War Governors' Confer ence passed muster in the young Rhode Islander's keen brain. It supplemented and cemented the Procla mation in the public esteem. It was the keel to the boat of freedom. The first volunteer had helped to steer the ship of American civilization and progress through the shoals and reefs into calm waters. The tide had turned. Father Abraham at the helm was captain enough for the rest of the journey. The modest young pilot had done his duty; he stepped aside, with the feeling that while it was work well done, it was "all in the day's work." He wanted no fulsome praise, no rewards, no memorials; he wanted his loved nation to live and prosper — that was all. And Time, eternal Nemesis of injustice, gave him long life to see that the fruits of this work was worth while, that his dreams had been realized. And now in death a more personal fame may be his; the name of William Sprague will be emblazoned with that of the immortal coterie whose souls were the light of the THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 101 nation in which we live. In conclusion, a poem on the Altoona Conference, reproduced below, shows the fine flights of fancy which the great event inspired in the mind of a gifted poetess. "MY COUNTRY'S CALL." By ANNA PIERPONT SIVITER, Daughter of the War Governor of Virginia. (In commemoration of a meeting of the Loyal War Gov ernors at Altoona, in 1862, after severe union reverses, for the purpose of pledging the support of their States to President Lincoln, enabling him to call for 300,000 addi tional troops, thus insuring the success of the North.) My country, O my country! dark and drear now war clouds lower. And the traitor's hand has seized you; you are yielding to his power, And our mighty Leader trembles: In Columbia's great land Is there none to send him succor, or uphold his weakened hand? Never was there direr peril; never was there greater need, When a nation's life is threatened, shaken like a broken reed; When her cry for help is stifled — choken by deadly craven fear ; Victory has fled her standards, and defeat draws swiftly near. All the world is watching, waiting, for an end that seems not far — When the hope of oppressed people dies as does a shooting When a nation that was founded for the freedom of man kind Shall be racked and torn asunder by foul slavery, fierce and blind. 102 THE LAST OF THE WAR GOVERNORS. But our God is still in Heaven, and His purpose may not be Thwarted by mdn's dumb endeavor. He it was made Liberty! Loyal States have come together, led by leaders wise and brave, Who have pledged their best and strongest that the Union they will save! Hark! Their cry for help is ringing — scarce a cry, ' tis more a prayer: And the answer to their summons seems to come from everywhere. Every loyal State is hastening, gladly sending forth her best, Never braver men have answered to stern Duty's swift request. West Virginia boys are coming, from her mountains, swift and strong — • Thousands upon thousands marching — you can hear their battle song; You can see their banners waving! O, my country, 'tis for thee That they lift their voices, chanting, "Mountaineers are always free!" Pennsylvania sends battalions — hundreds upon hundreds more; Massachusetts men are moving, from her hillsides and her shore; Maine, Vermont, and staunch Ohio, catch the battle-cry, and go — How the Lord of Battles led them forth to victory well we know — How they saved the mighty Union, how they gave their lives that we In the paths of peace might wander, ever blessed, ever free. So we come to pay them homage, praying,"0 Thou Lord of Light, Help us, as Thou helped our fathers, to climb up to Free dom's height. Greed and Lust and Wrong are waiting to withstand us on our way; Send us leaders. Lord of Wisdom, to uphold and guide Thy way." THE LAST OP THE WAR GOVERNORS. 103 If a man is known by his works, then all who have lived since the Civil A\'ar know and love \A'illiam Sprague. .J^ "^^ FINIS '«' m r 1 iM u ^ YALE UNIVERSITY L 3 9002 08866 0460 ^" ,- *» Vt ¦^.dC' '' &* w-*^