HON. OLIVER PILLSBURY.
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��brought daily before the governor and his council for decision. The exigen- cies of the government would not suf- fer delay. Not only great permanent interests, but the very life of the na- tion was in peril, and large and frequent demands were made upon the states for supplies of men and money, when every resource seemed exhausted. In such times means must be invented and resources created. Criticism be- comes silent, and waits for the return of peace to awaken into unreasoning activity. Under the pressure of such events, weak men are likely to be par- alyzed, avaricious men corrupt, and bold men to abuse power.
The qualities which Mr. Pillsbury developed in these trying circum- stances ought to make his name his- toric. The writer has received com- munications from two gentlemen who were associated with him in the coun- cil, and whose services to the state are universally acknowledged, and, as they express more forcibly than any words of mine can do, the part which the subject of this sketch took in that eventful period, I take the responsi- bility to publish such portions of their respective letters as bear specially up- on the subject of this paper. The known character of the writers will give additional weight to their strong language of encomium.
Hon. John W. Sanborn, of Wake- field, writes as follows :
" Learning that you are to prepare a biographical sketch of Hon. Oliver Pillsbury, I take pleasure in saying that I formed acquaintance with him in 1863, being then associated with him in Gov. Gilmore's council. His great executive ability, patriotism, honesty, and integrity won the respect and admiration of all his associates. At that time the country was engaged in that terrible war for the support of the government and its own salvation, and grave questions came before us relative to the prosecution of the same. Although an ardent Republican, he never let partisan feelings warp his judgment in his official acts. He had
��strong convictions of right, but was always ready to discuss all questions with that frankness and fairness which characterize men of noble minds, and he fully appreciated the opinions of his opponents. I had the honor to serve with him on the military com- mittee of the council, which had im- portant matters to consider, — ques- tions involving the rights and interests of the soldiers, their families, and the state. The duties of this committee were arduous and often difficult, but I can attest to the fidelity and untiring energy with which he performed his part. He took great interest in the welfare of the soldiers, particularly the sick and wounded, and was ever ready to minister to their wants. In a word, he was a model councilor for the time in which he served, and the future historian will class him among our ablest and most efficient men."
Hon. John W. Noyes, of Chester, who was also in official association with Mr. Pillsbury, says :
" I was with him a very considera- ble portion of the time for two years, while we were members of Gov. Gil- more's council, during the war. He was the most important member of the council, on account of his expe- rience and familiarity with the duties of the situation ; in fact, his informa- tion and good judgment were exceed- ingly valuable to the governor and all the other members of the council.
" I regard Mr. Pillsbuiy as one of the best-informed and most compe- tent business men in this state. I hardly think there is another man in the state that could fill his present position as well as he does. I told Gov. Stearns, before he made the ap- pointment, that, if he knew Mr. Pills- bury as well as I did, he would not need recommendations, but would urge his acceptance of the place."
It would be idle to add any thing to such commendations.
In 1869, Mr. Pillsbury was appoint- ed insurance commissioner, by Gov. Stearns, for a period of three years, and has been re-appointed, from time
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