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Gladly be left a life of splendor and tasteful luxury for the hardships of the camp. To fight for the principles for which he had so vigorously spoken was now his chief desire. The President met his wishes, appointed a successor to the Spanish Court, and commissioned Schurz a Brigadier-General of volunteers. [Applause.]
Schurz's first service was under Fremont, the rugged “Pathfinder,” for whom, five years before, he had made his first public speeches in America as the champion of the Slave. Shortly afterwards he was with Sigel's command, fighting conspicuously and bravely at the Second Bull Run, from early morning until the day fell, and constantly inspiring his troops to greater effort. From that day till the war ended, Schurz was rarely at rest. In the spring of 1863 he was commissioned a Major-General, for meritorious services, and assigned to the command of the Third Division of the old Eleventh corps. In April, President Lincoln, reviewing the Army of the Potomac, pronounced that division the most soldierly in the line. [Applause.]
Then came the Chancellorsville campaign, with Hooker in command of the Union forces. The story of those days is written in the history of the nation, but will, perhaps, bear repetition here. The first successful movement to the south Rappahannock bank will be remembered. To the south the Union line was formed, the Eleventh corps—three small divisions of ten thousand men, holding the right. Lee sent Jackson, with 25,000, the flower of his army, to attack that thin right line. The plan was discovered and reported. Schurz pleaded earnestly for permission to change front to the west and northwest, but his request was denied. He
