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to speak to you, gentlemen, as the former comrade of General, in the armies of the Union. The regiment that I led was part of his command in many a memorable campaign. I knew him first as soldier, and to his qualities and worth as a soldier, I am glad to offer here the heartiest tribute.

When, in the spring of 1861, following the inauguration of as President, the rebellion broke out in State after State, and when finally Sumter fell, was one of the first to answer the call to arms. He hurried to New-York, and there raised the first regiment of volunteer cavalry enlisted for the war, and was commissioned as its Colonel. Before he might lead his men to the front, another duty called. expressed the wish that he should go to Spain, as Minister. Our relations with the Spanish Government were of a delicate nature. The recognition of the Confederacy was feared, and a man endowed with a rare development of the diplomatic instinct was needed. was chosen, and with the wish of was a command. His regiment was given to , and the brilliant young patriot—our friend was then but thirty-three—hurried to the Court of Madrid. Six months later he secured a recall, eager to join the rapidly gathering armies of the Republic.