Page:History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century Volume 2.djvu/101

 CHAPTER V OVERNOR KIRKWOOD had, at the beginning of the war, no experience in military affairs and most of his aides were necessarily civilians. His first aides-de-Camp, John Edwards, Rush Clark, Wm. B. Allison, A. H. Sanders, D. B. Hillis, and Cyrus Bussey were men of excellent judgment, but were without military training. He was most fortunate in the selection of an Adjutant-General. Jesse Bowen, who held the position when the war began, resigned in June, and the Governor appointed as his successor, ex-Governor Nathaniel B. Baker, then a Democrat member of the Legislature from Clinton County. At the extra session in May, called to put Iowa on a war footing, Governor Baker led the war wing of his party in support of all of the important message. He had served as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Governor of New Hampshire, and possessed rare executive ability. He was eloquent and outspoken in urging vigorous prosecution of the war for the suppression of rebellion. Ignoring partisan considerations and grateful for the patriotic support of the “War Democrats” in the Legislature and in recognition of the hundreds who were offering their services a soldiers, Governor Kirkwood tendered the position of Adjutant-General to Governor Baker. He promptly accepted and at once entered upon the arduous duties of that office. He speedily developed a remarkable talent for organization and throughout the year was a tower of strength to Governor Kirkwood’s administration. His energy was unbounded and his office soon became a model of system and efficiency. Hiram Price was appointed Paymaster-General.