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MEMORIAL

OF THE
LIFE AND CHARACTER
OF THE LATE
ROBERT M. A. HAWK,
Of Mount Carroll, Illinois,
Brevet- Major Ninety-Second Regt. Ill, Vols,,
AND
MEMBER OF THE FORTY-SIXTH, AND ALSO FORTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS.
BY

FREDERICK C. PIERCE,
n*
-.MEMBER OP THE CHICAGO, WISCONSIN, KANSAS, NEW ENGLAND, OLD COLONY, NOTA SOOTIA,
MAINE, ALABAMA, NEW LONDON, NEW YORK, RHODE ISLAND,
AND OTHER HISTORICAL SOCIETIES,
ALSO AUTHOR OF THE
HISTORY OF GRAFTON, HISTORY OF BARRE, PIERCE, PEIRCE, HARWOOD AND GIBSON
GENEALOGIES.

" The boast of heraldry, the pomps of power,
And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave,
A wait alike the inevitable hour,
The paths of glory lead but to the grave."

ROCKFORD:
GAZETTE PRINTING OFFICE.
1883.

YALE

TO
MRS. MARY G. HAWK,
Widow op the Late Hon. K. M. A. Hawk,
THIS VOLUME
IS dedicated by the compiler,
HER FRIEND.

PREFACE

Few men of sterling worth have in recent times been the subjects of
public encomium ; men whose courage, patriotism and love of country
prompted them to acts of heroic daring in the field ; whose pure lives gave
no room for vituperation and slander ; and who towered above others as the
colossal embodiments of honesty, generosity and magnanimity, virtues ever
akin to greatness. It is gratifying to know that the subject of the forth
coming chapters lived beloved, admired and honored, and passed away from
earth in the zenith of his brief though glorious public career, sincerely
mourned by the many friends at home and at the Nation's capital, all fully
appreciating his rare worth and promising usefulness to the country.
Few of our public men can prove a better subject for the pen of the
respectable writer of fiction than he whose life we have endeavored to
sketch in the present work. Stricken down in his young life, in battle, with
a mangled limb, rendering immediate amputation necessary, at the peril of
his life ; releasing her, his affianced, loved one from her marital pledges in
a letter, while helpless and hopeless of the future, and even life ; —
these incidents form ground for a narrative which could not fail to delight
any romancer. But his future public life was yet to come, which at the out
set foreshadowed a fame few public men ever anticipated and realized.
We submit this volume to the generous as well as discriminating reader.
Whatever omissions or inaccuracies occur may be attributed partially to the
haste in furnishing material for the work, in the shape of speeches on im
portant measures in Congress, and the numerous laudatory notices of our
hero's marvelous progress toward a lasting fame in the newspapers of his
own Congressional district, as in the dailies of Washington and other Eastern
publications. The hurry in the preparation of the work, referred to, resulted
from other necessary daily labor apart from it, and we would crave the
indulgence of the public and a modicum of approval in this result of our labor.
FRED. C. PIERCE,
City Editor Daily Gazette.
Rockford, May, 1SS3.

'TABLE OF CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Biography, its Purposes. — Preliminary Remarks. — Sketch of the Life of
Robert Moffett Allison Hawk.— Sketch of his Father and Mother, William
Henry and Hannah (Moffett) Hawk ; his Grandfather and Grandmother,
Andrew and Mary (Myers) Hawk; his Great-Grandfather and Grand
mother, William Henry and Catherine (Wren) Hawk. — Robert's Early
Education, — While attending Eureka College, in 1862, he Enlists in the
Service of the United States.— His Marriage to Mary G. Clark. — Their
Children. — Major Hawk's Business Qualifications. — As a Citizen, he was
Worthy to Studied and Followed  5—12
CHAPTER II.
Robert M. A. Hawk Enlists at the Breaking out of the Rebellion as a Private
Soldier. — Chosen First Lieutenant of Company C, 92nd Regiment Illinois
Volunteers. — A Concise Sketch of the Command from its Departure from
Rockford, with Short Accounts of the many Engagements in which it
Participated. — Lieut. Hawk Promoted to Captain of his Company.— The
Engagement of Swift Creek, near Raleigh, N. C. — Hawk Shot from his
Horse at the Head of his Company, and Left for Dead on the Battle-
Field. — His Survival. — His Right Limb Amputated near the Knee by
Surgeon Clinton Helm. — His Discharge. — Breveted Major "for Faithful
and Meritorious Services" by President Johnson. — Dr. Helm's State
ment of the Wound and Amputation. — A Record of the Case made at
the Time of the Surgical Operation. — Capt. E. T. E. Becker's Statement
of the Engagement at Swift Creek. — Re-unions of the Regiment at Polo,
Freeport; Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Lena, and Byron.— Major Hawk's Address
at the Fourth Triennial Gathering  13 — 53
vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii
CHAPTER III.
Major Hawk nominated at Freeport, in 1878, on the Five Hundred and
Seventeenth Ballot, to Succeed Hon. Horatio C. Burchard. — Elected
Nov. 5th, by nearly 2,000 majority. — Takes his seat in the Forty-sixth
Congress, March 18, 1879. — Bills and petitions presented.— His maiden
speech on the Army Appropriation Bill. — Second session convenes in
December. — Bills, petitions and speeches. — Third session in December,
1880. — The elevator in the south end of the Capitol, "Hawk's Car-
riage." — His speech on the apportionment. — One on the re-organizing,
arming and disciplining of the militia, one of the best of the session. —
Press comments on Maj. Hawk as a Congressman. — Clippings from
papers in the District relating to his probable re-nomination. — Unani
mously re-nominated. — His remarks before the convention. — Re-elected
by nearly 6,000 majority. — He takes his seat in the Forty-Seventh Con
gress. — Resolutions, bills, petitions and speeches. — His speech on the
bill to restrict Chinese immigration. — Remarks on the Agricultural Bill. —
Speech on the improvement of the Mississippi river and tributaries. —
Congressman Hawk's last remarks in Congress on improving Galena
river and harbor. — Granted a ten days' leave of absence. — He visits his
home in Mt. Carroll. — His return to Washington. — His death June 29th,
1882. — The announcement in Congress. — Resolutions in the Senate and
House. — The Delegation which accompanied the remains to Mt. Carroll.
—The Washington Republican and Philadelphia Press articles on his
demise  54 — 129
CHAPTER IV.
Major Hawk on the Chinese Question. — Press Clippings on his Third
Term. — Delegates instructed for Hawk. — Five Counties in the new Dis
trict instruct Delegates for Hawk. — The Day before the Convention.—
First News of his Death in Illinois. — Copious Press Extracts relating to
his Sudden Death. — The last sad Rites. — The Funeral at Mt. Carroll. —
Resolutions of Respect. — The action of the Congressional Convention at
Freeport. — Speeches and Resolutions  130 — 187
CHAPTER V.
Letters from Dr. Stevens — Mrs. John A. Logan — Congressman Sherwin —
Major Woodcock — Hon. Robert R. Hitt — J. H. Rowell, Esq. — Hon. J.
C. Burrows— Rev. F. D. Powers -Robert Moffatt— Mr. and Mrs. J. M.
Allen— Gen. Charles Waite— Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Adair  188—202

BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL.

CHAPTER FIRST.
Biography, its Purposes. — Preliminary Remarks. — Sketch of the Life of
Robert Moffett Allison Hawk. — Sketch of his Father and Mother, William
Henry and Hannah ( Moffett ) Hawk ; his Grandfather and Grandmother,
Andrew and Mary (Myers) Hawk; his Great-Grandfather and Grand
mother, William Henry and Catherine (Wren) Hawk. — Robert's Early
Education. — While Attending Eureka College, in 1862, he Enlists in the
Service of the United States. — His Marriage to Mary G. Clark. — Their
Children. — Major Hawk's Business Qualifications. — As a Citizen, he was
Worthy to be Studied and Followed.
WHAT photography is to the human countenance, biography is
to the soul. The one, with the marvelous pen of light,
sketches the outward features of our physical being; the other
traces the progressive development of mind from infancy to man
hood, and demonstrates that the diversity of character in individuals
is as limitless in society as the varying physiognomy of man is
marked in the races. It is a common error to suppose that bio
graphy is useful only when applied to extraordinary men. I reter
to Washington, Jefferson, Samuel Adams, Franklin, Newton,
Napoleon, Cuvier, LaPlace, Kant, Luther, Fenelon. Calvin, Huss,
who may be denominated the representative men of nations, of
reforms, of revolutions. They make up a portion of the world's
history; and all their genius and strength have been applied either
to the momentous affairs of government, to reforms, or to the
sublime developments of science. They have mastered in their
time, the great subjects which involved the interests of an age, or
of a generation; but, in the duties incumbent upon a citizen in all
the walks of private life, 'or in the higher demands of public duty,
they have furnished no more examples to be noted for the study of
posterity than can be found scattered throughout the civilized
world, in every society, in every class, profession, and condition.
Whatever is of the most use must be of the most value. But
few men can enjoy the special privileges of genius, of patriotism;

6 MEMOIRS OF
for many generations are permitted without signal opportunities for
men to distinguish themselves, either as philosophers or as patriots.
Humanity does not afford to every generation a brilliant genius to
astonish the world; nor is it the lot of nations to be made the sub
jects of revolution so frequently as to give birth, by opportunity,.
to a numerous band of heroes. Great events transpire but seldom ;
and however full of interest they may be regarded, they are unques
tionably of less consequence, and convey less instruction to the
great masses of the people, than the ordinary occurrences which fall
within the circle of every year, of every season. The wants of
men are similar and common. They are supplied by ordinary and
obvious means, within the reach of all. What is vitally important,.
all have an interest in understanding. Whoever has participated
in the common affairs of life — whoever has done the most to meet
the wants of the many, and to point out the numerous sources oi
comfort and success — whoever has averted and relieved the most
suffering, prevented the most wrong, exhibited the best examples of
duty, taught the greatest amount of knowledge of common things
to common people — is a subject above all others for that biography
which promises and establishes the most good for the greatest
number. I have made these preliminary remarks, that the reader may
be induced to study with more than ordinary care the great princi
ples of character, and justly to appreciate the biography of practical
men. Jn adding another subject to the brilliant catalogue of men
of genius and character, I feel that a new source of motive power
is opened to the aspiring mind,, that new incentives are furnished to
encourage integrity, industry, and exalted philanthropy. Should
these introductory considerations seem to the reader to be somewhat
extended, I have only to remark that the subject of this sketch is
entitled to be invested with all the dignity which principles can
give, and with all the high elements of character which truth can
furnish. Such considerations are due to a representative man.
Robert Moffett Allison Hawk was born on a farm, two
miles and a half east of Greenfield, Hancock county, Indiana, April
23rd, 1839, the son of William Henry and Hannah (Moffett) Hawk.
The parents were both natives of Abingdon, Washington county,
Virginia, the mother being of Scotch-Irish extraction.
The father was born December 2nd, 18C9, the son of Andrew
and Mary (Myers) Hawk, and resided with his parents, working
on the farm and obtaining such limited education as the schools of
that day afforded. He was a school-mate of the renowned General
Joe Johnston, whose parents were neighbors of the Hawk family..

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 7
While not attending school, he was also put to work at the trade of
his father, that of house-joiner. In 1836, November 10th, he was
united in marriage to Hannah Moffett, daughter of Capt. John and
Isabella ( Davis ) Moffett. He was a captain and Indian fighter in
his time, as was his father, who was killed at the battle of the
Great Kanawha. He was a man of considerable influence in his
neighborhood, a Baptist in religious belief, and politically a great
admirer of Thomas H. Benton.
Soon after marriage they removed, about 1837, to Hancock
county, Indiana, where Robert and his two brothers were born.
Here they resided for about seven years, until October 30th, 1843,
when the mother died, leaving the three small children. The
following year the father removed to Freedom, Carroll county,
Illinois, and married for his second wife Margaret E. Davis. The
three children who had been left in the Hoosier State were brought
to the new home in 1846, then quite an uninhabited place. The
father carried on his farm, and, at times, worked at his trade of
house-joiner. Both are now living in the same town in which they
settled, hale and hearty, and by industry and frugality have amassed
a competence. They have reared the following quite large family:
i. Robert M. A., b. Ape 23, 1839, m. Mary G. Clark; died June 29, 1882.
ii. Thomas M., b. June 20, 1841, m. Laura Dearns; res. Lanark, HI.
iii. John A., b. Oct. 17, 1843, m. Isabella Batham; res. Liscomb, Iowa.
iv. Mary G, b. June 30, 1846; res. at home, unmarried.
v. Frances M., b. Feb. 29, 1848, d. Apr. 6, 1849.
vi. Fountain B., b. Sept. 26, 1849, m. Caroline Batham; res. Liscomb, la.
vii. Sarah J., b. May 17, 1851; d. Nov. 30, 1853.
viii. Addison H., b. Apr. 12, 1853, m. Eleanor Puterbaugh; res. Lanark, 111.
ix. Martin L., b. May 3, 1855; d. Apr. 12, 1856.
x. Virginia A., b. Feb. 8, 1857; d. Nov. 14, 1863.
xi. Hugh G, b. Oct. 27, 1858, m. Ella Blake; res. Salem, HI.
xii. Emmett D., b. Jan. 10, 1861; res. at home.
xiii. Norman H., b. Dec. 31, 1862; res. at home.
xiv. William D., b. July 28, 1865; res. at home.
Mr. Hawk, for a man of his years, has great energy of charac
ter, and is distinguished for sound and practical judgment. In his
domestic relations he has enjoyed the highest respect and honor,
because there he is the most intimately known. As a husband
and father, no man could live more highly prized. His interest in
the welfare of his family was tender and intense through all circum
stances, and the loss he has suffered in his son's death is regarded
by him as beyond reparation.
Andrew Hawk, the grandfather, was the son of William
Henry and Catherine (Wren) Hawk, and was born near Fredericks
burg, Frederick County, Maryland, He removed with his father's
family when eleven years of age, to a farm near Stanton, Augusta
county, Virginia; it was here, it is said, he first heard English

MEMOIRS OF

spoken. He was a house-joiner by trade, and followed it until he
was seventy-two years of age. At his death, in Washington county,
seven miles north-west of Abingdon, Virginia, he was buried. His
farm, of three hundred acres, was divided equally among his four
daughters. His children were:

i. Sally, who died unmarried, in Virginia.
ii. Nancy, married Robert Perdew.
iii. Polly, died unmarried.
iv. Madison G, married ¦

v. William H., born Dec. 2, 1809, married Hannah Moffett and
Margaret E. Davis ; residence, Freedom, 111.
vi. Catherine, married George Musick.
vii. Thirza, married Andrew J. Musick.
viii. Rhoda, married Samuel Graham.
The father died in 1850, aged eighty-six, and the mother in
1848, seventy-six years of age.
William Henry Hawk, the great-grandfather of Robert, is
said to have been a native of Holland. The first that is known of
him is his living on a farm near Fredericksburg, Maryland,
subsequently removing to near Stanton, Augusta county, Virginia.
At the time of his removal the county was but sparsely settled. He
purchased what was known in those days as a Tomahawk claim to
a large tract of land. The original settler having notched trees in
the woods with a tomahawk to mark the bounds of his farm.
Their children were: —
i. Henry, who enlisted in the American army during the Revolution
ary war. He was captured by the British as a prisoner of war at
Eutaw Springs, North Carolina, and transferred with a large number
oE others to London, where he died in prison.
ii. Jacob, married Margeret Myers.
iii. Frederick, removed to Kentucky, Scott County, and settled near
Licking River.
iv. John, resided on the old place.
v. Andrew, married Mary Myers.
vi. Abraham, died unmarried.
vii. Elizabeth, married Jacob Grass.
viii. Catherine, married  Shultz.
ix. Barbara, married  Grass.
x. Polly, married' Thomas Gregory and Archibald Campbell; resi
ded, Knoxville, Tenn.
As will be seen by the above, the subject of this memoir was
born in Indiana and was left at the early age of five years without
a mother. The following year he remained with his uncle, Capt.
William Moffett, in Rush county, Indiana. June 4, 1S46, he
removed to Carroll county. The new country, with its limitless
prairie, fertile virgin soil, with the hardships and privations incident
to a pioneer life, was well calculated to develope both the physical
and mental powers of the boy. The social equality peculiar to
the settlement of a new state fosters Kepublican ideas and a love
of country. His early education was obtained in the public schools

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 9
of Carroll county. In 1856 he was placed under the tutorage of a
«ousin, who kept a private select school, and by whom he was pre
pared for college. While in his sixteenth year he was the
instructor in a common school in his neighborhood for a short time-
His early days were given to industry and study. He was
distinguished as a good boy, and was a favorite among his play
mates. His amiable qualities and self-reliant spirit made him a
leader. He did not assume to dictate, nor did he offensively mani
fest an air of superiority. His good temper and ready disposition
to point out the best methods of doing things, or of adjusting diffi
culties, marked him as a guide by common consent. He acquired
leadership by showing how things could be done, and his plans were
practical. His early conceptions were not confined to what he saw,
but they were enlarged by his genius and foresight in the faith of
what he believed he could do. He was not only a natural student, but
a parctical one. When not at work on the farm, his books were
generally his companions. The activity and bent of his mind may be
inferred from the fact, that when he was twenty-two he entered college
for which he had an ambition. Such an education was among the
cherished purposes of his father, but soon after, a change marked
out a new channel for his activity. ,
In September, 1861, he entered Eureka College, in Eureka,
Woodford county; here he remained for four months, until the
breaking out of the rebellion, and while at home on a vacation from
college, he enlisted in a company which was being raised at Mt.
Carroll, by Mr. William Stouffer. His military career is fully
detailed in the following chapter. The reputation men leave behind
them depends materially upon circumstances unconnected with their
services on earth. Where individuals have acted an important part
in moulding the history of their time, posterity, by oft-repeated
siftings and reviews, will in the end generally mete out to each the
proper measure of credit. Still, not a few brave men who sacri
ficed fortune and life in the late civil strife — men held in high
estimation by the most honored of their contemporaries, — have been
allowed a very inadequate place in the national records and the
national remembrance. Some are forgotten because their acts of
heroism were performed in the shadows cast by greater names,
others achieved too much to pass into oblivion, yet fall far short of
receiving their deserts through the modesty or indifference of those
to whom their reputation was more immediately intrusted. This, 1
think, is true of Major Hawk. I believe that the position has not
been awarded to him in the history of the civil war to which his
2

10 MEMOIRS OF
sagacity and valor, his patriotism and distinguished public services-
entitle him.
Before entering the army, he was engaged to a most estimable
young lady, Mary G. Clark, the daughter of Robert Clark, a mer
chant in the town of Eureka, where he attended college. . He was
a native of Christian county, Kentucky, and removed to Eureka in
1855. The daughter was born in Versailles, Woodford county, 111.,.
Feb. 12, 1841. She was educated in the common schools of Eureka,
at "Daughter's College, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and at Eureka
College. While at this latter institution, in Sept. 1861, she first
met Mr. Hawk. For four years she was the principal of the High
School in Eureka, which position she very acceptably and creditably
filled. He returned from the war to his father's home, in June,.
1865, and the following month they were united in marriage by
Rev. Mahlon Martin, pastor of the Christian church. The cere
mony was performed in the presence of quite a large number of
friends, at the residence of his father in Freedom, where they
remained until the latter part of the year, when they removed to
Mt. Carroll. He subsequently purchased the residence now occu
pied by the family, on the corner of Clay and Pleasant streets.
Their children have been:
i. Henry Clark, b. Aug. 17, 1866.
ii. H. Gertrude, b. July 20, 1868.
iii. Robert M., b. Mar. 4, 1872; d. June 15, 1872.
iv. Egbert B., b. Aug. 2, 1875.
His death occurred in Washington, D. C, June 29, 1882, and
is fully detailed in a following chapter.
Major Hawk was a gentleman of large business qualifications.
He was quick to perceive and sure to comprehend the meaning of
things, however they might be involved. He was among the fore
most to favor the right, but no promise of gain would tempt him to
compromise principle. In pointing out and estimating the sources
of character, we are apt to forget the numerous and varied elements
of strength, which are brought together and centered in a single
individual. A remarkable man is generally credited with many
things which are common to all, simply because his good judgement
and knowledge employs the countless agencies to be found in nature
and in the circumstances of life. In studying the character and
interesting career of Robert Hawk, we are first led to consider his
active and comprehensive mind. His record is a remarkable one
for its simplicity, its usefulness, and its grandeur. He was only
endowed as all other men are, with the five senses and with
faculties and sentiments, to observe, to think and to feel. He was
conscious of these varied powers, and he had the will to employ

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 11
them. He used his powers of perception to gather knowledge, and
his powers of reflection to find its uses. He saw from what had
been done, what man was capable of doing. He studied the world
to see what man had made it, and he studied man to see what
remained. to be done by man. He was conscious of high aims, and
he was not ignorant of the fact that nothing could be accomplished
without application and means. He became sensible that he could
not count upon influence without character, or upon success or gain
without frugality and integrity. He did not find himself alone in
the world with only a single problem to solve, and that for himself. He
saw the world in its productive variety, and society in its many wants.
He realized that man was created for domestic and social enjoyments ;
for the elevating and preserving influences of religion, and for the
ennobling achievements of science. He looked upon all these great
sources of privilege, power and advancement, as so many agencies
within the reach of man, to be employed and used as the means of
human progress and happiness. He did not look upon others as
rivals, but as so many gifted aids, each to co-operate in the changing
circumstances and scenes of life, according to his means and capac
ity. That he nobly performed his own part, will be admitted
by all who knew him, and has been seen by all who have had
knowledge of the events of his life.
As a citizen, Mr. Hawk was an example to be studied and
followed. In the midst of his business engagements, he did not
lose sight of the higher duties of citizenship. He understood the
constitution and laws of the country thoroughly. He understood
the duties of the Republic, and the necessary means to preserve and
advance it, as will be seen by his army record. He understood the
nature and duties of republican institutions and the sources of their
life and strength. He was educated in the atmosphere of
Democracy, and prior to the late unpleasantness, was what might
be called a Free Soil Democrat, casting his first vote for Stephen A.
Douglass electors in 1860, but, after the first treasonable act of the
Secessionists he acted in full accord with the Republican party,
sustaining its principles and candidates by speech and vote at every
election, and during all its struggles was undeviating. He regarded
the party as the great party of truth and patriotic duty. He saw in
it the party of principles; the only party that had the. ability and
integrity successfully to administer the government. He was
highly respected by all public men of distinction, and those who
knew him had great confidence in his judgment on public affairs.
He knew the resources of the Nation, the wants and grievances of
the people, and but few were so able as he, to point out the ways and

12 MEMOIRS OF
means to meet them. With all this knowledge, he was possessed
of the higher powers, of the deep sense of religious obligations,
and the lofty influences of honor and integrity. He knew bow to
be noble and generous, and was incapable of injustice. While, he
aimed at the highest duty, he did not forget the lowest. He sought
wealth only for its uses, and while he allowed himself but little time
to administer to his own personal comforts and enjoyments, he
neglected none of his domestic duties, nor turned an indifferent or
impatient ear to the wants of friends or to the wants of society.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 13

MILITARY RECORD.

CHAPTER SECOND.
Robert M. A. Hawk Enlists at the Breaking out of the Rebellion as a Private
Soldier. — Chosen First Lieutenant of Company C, 92nd Regiment Hlinois
Volunteers. — A Concise Sketch of the Command from its Departure from
Rockford, with Short Accounts of the many Engagements in which it
Participated. — Lieut. Hawk Promoted to Captain of his Company. — The
Engagement at Swift Creek, near Raleigh, N. C— Hawk Shot from his
Horse at the Head of his Company, and Left for -Dead on the Battle-
Field. — His Survival. — His Right Limb Amputated near the Knee by
Surgeon Clinton Helm. — His Discharge.— Breveted Major "for Faithful
and Meritorious Services " by President Johnson. — Dr. Helm's Statement
of the Wound and Amputation. — A Record of the Case made at the Time
of the Surgical Operation. — Capt. E. T. E. Becker's Statement of the
Engagement at Swift Creek. — Re-unions of the Regiment at Polo, Free-,
port, Mt. Carroll, Oregon, Lena, and Byron. — Major Hawk's Address at
the Fourth Triennial Gathering.
WHEN the war of the rebellion broke out, in 1861, Robert M.
A. Hawk was a student in Eureka College. The following
year he returned to the home of his parents, in Freedom township,
near Lanark; it was while here his patriotic instincts prompted him
to enlist in the service of his country, which he did, as a private
soldier, in the company raised by William Stouffer, of Mt. Carroll.
This company went into camp in the city of Rockford, July
22, 1 862, and was joined by other companies which were soon after
wards' organized into a regiment. The companies by ballot selected
their commanding officers. William Stouffer was elected Captain,
and Robert M. A. Hawk, First Lieutenant, of Company C, the
latter's commission from Gov. Yates bearing date Sept. 4, 1862.
Ten companies — one each from Byron, Freeport, Rochelle and
Oregon, and two each from Lena, Mt. Carroll and Polo — resolved
themselves into a regimental organization. Smith D. Atkins, of
Freeport, was elected Colonel; Benjamin F. Sheets, of Oregon, was
chosen Lieutenant - Colonel, and John H. Bohn, of Mt. Carroll,
Major.

14 MEMOIRS OF
* This regiment was mustered into the United States service as
the Ninety-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers, on the fourth of
September, in 1862, "for three years, or during the war," and no
finer body of men, physically, mentally and morally, were ever
mustered into a military organization. On the fifth of September,
the first regimental order was issued by the Colonel announcing the
duties of the day. That evening the first regimental dress parade
was held and the first day's soldiering wa^ done. On the sixth,
each man was paid $13, one month's pay. On the eighth, uniforms
were issued, and in the afternoon the first regimental drill was had
without arms. On the eleventh the Colonel left for Springfield, to
draw arms and accoutrements. In two days he returned with
Enfield rifles for his command. The organization was now in com
plete uniform. On the 24th the regiment marched to the Fair
Grounds, in the city of Rockford, where the County Fair was in
progress. On the first of October, knapsacks, haversacks and
canteens were issued. On the seventh, $27 advance bounty money
was paid each man. On the morning of the 9th, the regiment
received its first marching orders.
On the morning of the 10th, in full strength, with blankets
rolled and knapsacks packed, the regiment, with music, and with
colors flying, marched down through the streets of Rockford and
embarked for Chicago; on arriving in the Garden City, they
marched to the Illinois Central Depot and stacked arms. The
same evening they took the train for Cincinnati, and upon arriving
at the Porkopolis, the regiment marched across the Ohio river on
floating coal-barges and encamped at Covington, just across the
Licking river from Newport.
On the 18th of October the regiment marched to Independence.
On the 28th the boys reached Lexington, and on the first of Novem
ber were at Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. On the fourth they held an
informal election for Member of Congress from the then Third
District, and Hon. E. B. Washburne Was elected by an almost
unanimous vote. On the 16th the regiment marched, and on reach
ing Winchester the citizens showed fight. The regiment was
stopped just outside the city, each musket was loaded and bayonets
fixed, and in one of Col. Atkins' stirring speeches he told the boys
"not to fire first; but if fired upon, kill every human being in the
town, and burn every building." Away went the regiment. A
soldier writes home in a letter:
" Lieutenant Hawk had charge of the advance guard, and as
he came sweeping around the square, with his fine, soldierly bear
ing, and fight in his eye, the cowards fell back, putting their 'pistols

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 15
under their coats, knowing full well it was useless to say fight to
the Ninety-second." No molestation was experienced in Winchester. On the 19th,
the regiment went into camp at Nicholasville. They soon after
marched to Danville, where they remained for some time in miser
able quarters. During the year 1862, the regiment marched 770
miles. On the 13th of Jan., 1863, Col. Atkins assumed command
of the brigade, and Lieut.-Col. Sheets of the regiment.
On the 21st, Captain William Stouffer, commanding Company
C, died of typhoid fever. He was a generous-hearted, noble man,
and the regiment deeply felt his loss. Lieut. Robert M. A. Hawk
was promoted to Captain of the company, his commission bearing
date Jan. 21st, 1863. Jan. 31st. the regiment passed through
Louisville, and, while passing the Gault House, a Kentuckian
stepped in between the platoons and grabbed hold of a colored
servant marching there, when a soldier clubbed his musket and
tapped the fellow on his skull, letting out his brains. Not a
word was spoken, not a soldier broke step, and the regiment
marched on. The Ninety-second embarked on two steamers and
landed near Fort Donaldson. The regiment had marched 80 miles
by land, from Danville to Louisville, and had traveled 420 miles by
steamer, and been thirteen days. From this time until May 1st,
nothing of importance transpired. During most of this interval
the boys were in the vicinity of Franklin. June 1st all the sick
were sent to Nashville. On the 11th an attack was made on Triune,
where the Ninety-second lay, Atkins' brigade holding the front.
Only a few rebels were killed, and there were no losses in the regi
ment. On the 28th, the Ninety-Second guarded the rebel prisoners
in Shelbyville. July 3rd, the regiment marched to Wartrace. ' A
short time afterwards this regiment was detached from Gen . Gordon
Granger's corps into Wilder's brigade of mounted infantry, and
supplied with the Spencer repeating rifle. On the 19th, the Ninety-
second, under command of Lieut.-Col. Sheets, made its first
march on horseback, seven miles to Duck river, and joined Wilder's
brigade. Aug. 16th, the brigade moved to University Place, on
the top of Cumberland Mountain. On the 22nd, William C.
Patterson, a member of Co. D, was shot in the arm by a rebel; he
was the first member of the regiment to be hit by the enemy. The
boys of the Ninety-second took a position along the river's edge,
and, concealed by undergrowth, opened a fire on the sentries
leisurely pacing on the top of the rebel rifle-pits.
On the 9th of Sept. the flag of the Ninety-second was waving
over the Crutchfield house, the first Union flag to wave in Chatta-

16 MEMOIRS OF
nooga. Soon after they had an engagement with the rebels near
Ringgold. Only four were wounded of our boys, all from Company
F. Shortly after, the rebels attacked a Union wagon train, who in
turn were attacked by the Ninety-second. The reception our boys
gave them was too interesting for their own good, and they dusted.
Capt. R. M. A. Hawk, with two companies, followed the rebels about
two miles. On the 17th the regiment spent the day scouting.
Charles H. Giles was killed; he was the first man in the regiment
to be fatally shot. The next engagement was with the enemy
near Chattanooga, where several members of the regiment were
killed and others wounded. Another soon followed with Long-
street's corps. Capt. Hawk with his company did courier duty
on Lookout Mountain from Sept. 11th to Dec. 2nd, when' he
again joined his regiment. During this time the Captain
with his company and that of Capt. Woodcock formed a courier
line from Chattanooga to Crawfish Springs, along the base of
Lookout, a distance of sixteen miles; both officers remained with
their reserves at the headquarters of Gen. Rosecranz. Saturday
morning, the nineteenth, the battle of Chicamauga, one of the
bloodiest of the war, commenced. It raged fierce all day, the earth
fairly quaking beneath the thunder of the artillery and incessant
roll of musketry. Capt. Hawk, with his reserves, was engaged in
carrying dispatches to different points in the field. During the
entire night of that terrible Sabbath the tall, noble form of Gen.
Thomas stood erect, watching his line, while his staff officers lay
around him on the ground, worn out and insensible with fatigue.
Capt. Hawk, with his reserve, was during the entire battle with
Rosecranz. When the right of the army was crushed, the General,
followed by Capt. Hawk and his reserve of Company C, dashed
along the broken lines, regardless of shot and shell, endeavoring to
rally the men.
Capt. Hawk, by the General's order, deployed his men in the
rear of the broken columns, and endeavored to halt the retreating
mass; but it was like attempting to stay the ocean's tide by throw
ing pebbles in its way. From the twenty-seventh of Sept. to the
eleventh of October Capt. Hawk's company was employed in carry
ing dispatches to the army surrounding Chattanooga, still remaining
with Gen. Thomas. On the ninth of November by order of this
General, a courier line was formed from Chattanooga to Bridgeport.
Capt. Hawk, with his reserve, was stationed at Bridgeport. On the
fourth of November Hooker fought his battle above the clouds.
On the fourth of December Capt. Hawk was relieved from courier
duty with his company, and ordered to report to the regiment,

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 17
which they found at Caperton's Ferry, Alabama, and were glad once
more to be at home. During the year 1863 the regiment had
marched one thousand five hundred and fifty-eight miles.
At Rossville, the first part of the following year, a large num
ber of recruits joined the regiment, which soon after went into
camp at Ringgold. While here, Lieut.-Col. B. F. Sheets tendered
his resignation, on account of business matters; Major John IT.
Bohn tendered his also on the Surgeon's certificate of disability.
On the 15th of April, Col. R. G. Minty relieved Col. Atkins of the
command of the brigade. On the 17th, Gen. Kilpatrick assumed
command of the cavalry division of the regiment. During the
whole service, the Ninety-second stood among the first for cleanli
ness of camps, care of equipments and soldierly discipline, and was
often complimented in these respects by commanding officers of the
brigades. On the thirtieth, the regiment was mustered for pay,
and received a special order from Gen. Kilpatrick, complimenting
the regiment for its gallant conduct in an engagement the previous
day. On May 20th, Capt. Woodcock was promoted to Major, and
Lieut. Horace C. Scovill, who was taken prisoner by the rebels at
Nickojack, and was still a prisoner, was promoted to Captain of
Company K. From this time, Aug. 16th until the 20th, the boys
engaged in several battles, the most important one being the engage
ment near Lovejoy, Georgia. On the 30th, the regiment, at the
head of the Army of the Tennessee, marched on to Jonesboro, and
had a severe battle with the Rebs, in which a number of our boys
were killed and wounded. Until Oct. 1st, the regiment lay around
Atlanta, near Sandtown and Campbelltown. On the first, the regi
ment struck their tents and marched onto Marietta. Our boys had
an engagement with the Rebs near Powder river, and several were
killed and wounded. On the fourth of November, the division was
re-organized, the Ninety-second being in the second brigade of
Kilpatrick's cavalry, Lieut.-Col. Van Buskirk commanding the
regiment and Col. Atkins the brigade. On the morning of the
14th, began the grand march from the mountains to the sea.
During the march to Millen, Capt. Hawk, with his company,
acted as the rear guard of the regiment, and various were the
devices for decoying the enemy, who were following closely in the
rear. A company of fifty men would form at some point in the
thick brush, with open fields in the rear; in the road a squad of six
or eight mounted men would halt, fire at the enemy at long range,
then turn and retreat on the column; and on would come their
confident pursuers at a gallop. When close up, the fifty concealed
horsemen, cool and quiet from much similar practice, would volley

18 MEMOIRS OF
them with their Spencer repeating rifles. Then the enemy would
imagine a long line of Yankees concealed there, and while the fifty
mounted men were leisurely closing up on the column, the enemy
would deploy his skirmishers, and carefully feel his way, and, find
ing no one, he would come on again more desperately than ever,
again to be repulsed with considerable loss. On the 29th, the
regiment moved on to Louisville, Georgia. At Waynesboro the
boys did tall fighting, and routed the enemy, besides taking
eighty-seven prisoners. The Ninety-second lost seventeen men
killed and wounded. The regiment then marched on to Savannah,
and on the 23rd captured that city with others, where it remained
in camp until Jan. 2nd, 1865. On the 12th, Col. Atkins received
his commission of Brigadier-General U. S. Volunteers, by brevet.
Capt. Hawk, with his company and others, on the 7th, moved
out into the woods and fields near Aiken, and came on the road in
rear of the rebel pickets, killing one, capturing one, securing
six or eight horses, and scattering the rebel pickets without loss to
them. At Aiken, our boys had twenty-six killed and wounded.
On the 10th of April, the Ninety-second was again in the
saddle, and all anxious "to press Johnston hard, and end the war at
once." On the 12th, the brigade in which Capt. Hawk and his
company were located marched into Raleigh, driving the enemy.
At ten o'clock, Swift creek was reached. The enemy had destroyed
the bridge and held the opposite side of the stream, but was dis
lodged by the Ninety-second and the advance wading the stream;
the opposite side was held and the bridge repaired. Just as the
balance of the regiment began crossing the repaired bridge, an officer
on Gen. Sherman's staff' rode up from the rear, bringing the joyful
intelligence of the surrender of Lee's army to Gen. Grant. The cav
alry column was wild with joy, and made the woods echo again and
again with shouts; the band played " Hail Columbia." The Ninety-
second crossed over the bridge; the regiment had scarcely crossed
the creek, when the still stubborn brigade of rebels, holding an
earthwork on the hills opposite, and who had been waiting for a
part of the column to cross to make an attack while no support
could be rendered by the Union cavalry, not yet across the creek,
deemed this their favorable opportunity; and, with a yell, the rebel
brigade furiously charged the Ninety-second, hoping to force it
back into the creek. The Gray-coats had not heard of Lee's sur
render, and evidently did not know that the war was, in fact, over.
On the rebels came; and the Ninety-second, the men still shouting
and laughing with the glad news they had just heard, received the
charge of the rebel brigade with murderous volleys from their ever-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 19
faithful repeating rifles; halted it; turned it back; and, like wild
madcaps, dashed upon the retreating foe, captured their line of rifle-
pits and put the rebel brigade to flight, and pushed on, without
another halt, to the wagon road and railroad, seven miles east of
Raleigh. A soldier who was in the command wrote:
"Brilliant victory! But, oh, the price we paid. I never felt
so sad in battle before, as I did then, when I looked upon the poor
boys who there, after the great war was in fact over and victory was
with our eagles, received such marching orders to report in heaven."
It was in this brilliant charge headlong against the rebel
brigade, that Capt. Hawk received his terrible wound, supposed, at
the time, to be mortal, and more than one soldier's eyes filled with
tears as they saw him, pale and bleeding, by the roadside. His life
was spared; but he gave his limb to his country that day.
His discharge bears date June 21st, 1865, at Concord, North
Carolina, and was given by reason of a general order No. 83,
W. D. C. S.
Capt. Hawk was breveted Major, May 10th, 1866, by President
Andrew Johnson, to rank as such from June 20th, 1865, "for faith
ful and meritorious services." The paper was signed by the Presi
dent, and Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War.
The compiler of this work had an interview with Dr. Clinton
Helm, who enlisted as surgeon of the Ninety-second regiment, and
who was subsequently assigned to duty on the staff of Gen. Kil
patrick, as Surgeon-in-Chief of the Third Cavalry Division. The
Doctor stated substantially as follows to a short-hand reporter:
I knew nothing of Mr. Hawk till our regiment was organized
and we went into camp in Rockford. It was during this encamp
ment that I met him for the first time, but I was with him
afterwards during the whole three years' service. I do not know of
anything very particular occurring that called my special attention
to him before he was wounded, though I remember that he was
always looked upon as a brave and honored officer in every respect;
in fact, he was a favorite officer all through his army career, and
one that could at all times be depended upon. On the death of the
Captain of Co. C — in 1863, 1 think it was — Mr. Hawk, then First
Lieutenant, was promoted to Captain, and I remember well that he
was engaged in nearly all of the skirmishes and battles that the
regiment took part in.
At the battle of Swift creek, near the close of which Capt.
Hawk was wounded, I was on Gen. Kilpatrick's staff, and was
riding in the advance with that officer, and when we came to the
creek we heard tremendous shouting in the rear all along the line.

20 MEMOIRS OF
At first we did not know the cause of this, but we soon learned the
news of General Lee's surrender. Moving forward to the bridge,
we found that the rebels had partially destroyed it, and three
companies were sent on to repair it. After these companies had
finished their work and got nicely over the bridge, and were pre
paring the way for the others, a large force of rebels made a sudden
dash across a field, charging the three companies, who received them
with such volleys that they were soon repulsed and retreating at
full speed. It was during this repulsion that Capt. Hawk was shot.
I rode up to where he lay in less than two minutes after he received
his wound. I found him lying on the ground; a minie bullet had
penetrated the ilium, cut the iliac artery in its passage, and come
out just about the center of the abdomen below the umbilicus. The
Captain was conscious when I got to him, and blood was spouting
from him in large quantities — so much so that I thought he would
certainly bleed to death. Very soon he fainted, and it is here
where the surgical peculiarities of the case come in. He remained
in that faint two or three minutes — so long, indeed, that I supposed
he was dying; but, had it not been for that faint, it would have
been impossible to have saved him, he would not have survived
three minutes. While in that condition, the action of his heart
was so nearly stopped that the blood almost failed to circulate, and
gave time for a clot of blood to form around the wound in the torn
iliac artery, thus preventing further hemorrhage. I do not suppose
there is another case of that kind anywhere, and this made the
matter one of interest to the entire medical fraternity. It was on
account of the singular course that nature had taken to revive the
patient in this particular case, that a report of it was made at the
time for the benefit of the profession.
But to return to the Captain at the time he was wounded. It
was about the middle of the day, and, as I said before, he lay in
that faint for some two or three minutes. Just at the time, there
was no other surgeon with me, but Nathan Stevenson, the assistant
surgeon of the regiment, was soon there. After lying in that state
of syncope for about three minutes, Capt. Hawk began to rally.
We allowed him to lay there some twenty or thirty minutes, and
then, concluding that he had sufficiently revived to be removed, we
carefully carried him into a house that was close by. I do not exactly
remember how long he remained in that house, but I think he was
there one day, after which he was carried to Raleigh. After he
was carried to the house spoken of, I went back and forth to see
him, but after he was taken to Raleigh, I did not see him again till
I went there to visit him. Then I found him as well as could be

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 21
Under the circumstances, except that the blood-circulation was cut
off from the right limb and it was beginning to mortify at the toes.
At this time the Captain was unmarried, but his father camo from
Illinois and remained with him.
1 amputated his limb in Raleigh, on the 25th of April, thirteen
days after the wound, as mortification had reached just up to the
knee. Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Moore were there to assist me. It
has been reported that the limb was amputated twice; this is an
error — it was only amputated once. The only foundation for this
erroneous report was that Dr. Moore expressed an opinion that the
limb should be amputated below the knee; that was the only basis
for such a report.
After the amputation, he was about as well as a person could
be who had lost so much blood in the first place, and undergone
such an operation in the second place. Even then, however, I had
very little idea that he could possibly survive, but by feeding,
stimulating, and the utmost care, he lived along till he got quite
well. Dr. Stevenson stayed there with him, and I was back and
forth at frequent intervals, being called out into camp, fourteen
miles away, by my duties there. I do not remember how long he
remained at Raleigh after the amputation, but I know that he was
kept there till we thought he could safely stand the journey home.
After his arrival home, I was never called to treat him; but he
wrote to me some time after, stating that there was a little discharge
from the limb, which had not entirely healed, and said that he
thought of having me come down to see him. The next I heard
from him was that pieces of bone had come down, which I believe
he took out himself, and after that the limb healed up.
At the time of, and subsequent to the amputation, Dr. Steven
son, since deceased, kept a record of the patient's condition.
Through the kindness of Dr. Helm, I am able to present the fol
lowing, which was prepared soon after the war for a medical jour
nal, as the case was regarded by the medical fraternity as a very
remarkable one: —
The anterior portions of the stump presented appearances of good circu
lation, while the tissues in the ham were exsangilinous. The stump was
dressed with strips of Iehthyocolla plaster to support the stitches, and a
light roller-bandage applied. 10 p. m. — Patient feels weak, but tolerably com
fortable. The smarting in the stump has not- entirely ceased. Pulse 100, soft.
Has drank a cup of milk.
26th — 8 a. m. — Feels weak still; pulse 98, a little stronger. Appetite slight.
Some oozing of bloody serum, and a little uneasiness in stump yet. Applied
water dressing. 4 p. m. — Feels more comfortable than at any time since receipt
of injury. 8 p. m. — Considerable discomfort from flatus in bowels. Exhibited
enema of sol. magnes. sulph., which was followed by expulsion of flatus merely
with temporary relief. No pain in wound or stump, and little soreness in either.
Wound discharging very little. Discoloration about the wound diminishing,
as also the swelling of the scrotum. Continued treatment.

22 MEMOIRS OF
27th.— General condition same as at last report. Complains of uneasiness
in bowels. R.— Hyd. submur. gr. xx. at bed-time, to be followed by castor oil
if necessary. Discontinued quinia.
28th.— Rested well last night. He had to take the oil. Bowels moved
freely. Feels pretty comfortable. Pulse 100, stronger. Appetite improved.
Tongue cleaner. Has still some thirst constantly. Stump easy. Discharge
thin, though otherwise healthy-looking pus. Has a bed-sore forming over right
part of sacrum. Extemporized a circular cushion or ring from a soft blanket
to relieve it from pressure. Resumed quinia.
29th. — Felt pretty well this morning, with a good appetite, but disordered
his stomach with some rich cake, too kindly sent him. Vomited some.
30th. — Feels better again.
May 1st. — Had a slight chill in night followed by fever and restlessness.
Pulse 112, somewhat quick. Tongue coated. Wine having become distasteful
to patient, was discontinued, also the quinia. R. — Tr. cinch, zij. every 3 hours.
2nd. — Better. Continued treatment.
3rd. — Slight feverishness again this morning. Pulse 110. Tongue quite
coated. Discharge from the stump less profuse, thicker and healthy-looking.
No pain or insensibility in the stump or wound; very little discharge from the
latter. Discontinued tr. cinch. R. — Quinia sulph. gr. jss. every 4 hours.
Water dressing continued.
5th. — Strength quite improved. Appetite improved. Bowels moved natur
ally. Talking in the room does not tire him now. Granulation in the stump
well in progress. Continued treatment.
7th. — Patient has been suffering some from disordered stomach for past
two days, causing him to feel somewhat prostrated. Continued treatment.
8th. — Feels better again. His father arrived this A. m. Excitement did
not harm him. Appetite good; relishes beefsteak. Bowels moved naturally.
Stump doing well. Partial union has taken place at the middle and anterior
angle of the commissure. The ligature and the most of the stitches have come
away. Continued treatment.
10th;— Doing well.
13th. — Removed most of the adhesive straps. The flaps are now firmly
united over the end of the bone, the discharge escaping only near the angles of
the commissure. That from the anterior opening appearing quite healthy,
while that from the posterior is of a reddish tinge and still quite thin. Patient
now sits up some in bed.
16th. — Passed rather a restless night, on account of wandering neuralgic
pains, especially in the stump. Bed-sore quite troublesome. Ordered tr. cinch.,
but could, get neither it nor quinia.
18th. — Removed the last adhesive strap. Stump all healed at the surface
except two small fistulous openings, the discharge from the posterior of which
still continues thin and reddish. Appetite indifferent. Bowels now move
naturally once in four or five days. Pulse has averaged 100 for the past several
days. 21st.-- Appetite better again. Troubled yesterday considerably with
neuralgio pains. Removed a large slough from bed-sore. Pulse now averages
86, good strength and steady. Anterior opening of stump has ceased discharg
ing. Discharge from posterior still thin, but healthy color now. Got some tr.
cinch, for him to-day.
22nd.— Neuralgia troublesome again to-day, seeming to be tertiarily peri
odical. Now sits on the edge of the bed occasionally.
24th.— Legs troubled with neuralgia yesterday and to-day. General
condition same as at last report. Considerable restlessness at night.
26th.— Sitting up considerable yesterday and to-day. The persistent
edema of the thigh is slightly increased, but with no increase of temperature,
nor any local symptoms apparent. Discharge diminished in quantity, but still
thin. Patient restless at night, but gradually gaining strength. Ordered
alcohol to bathe with.
27th.— Patient slept well most of the night. Strength rapidly increasing.
Bed-sore troublesome, but healing well. Discharge from stump slightly
increased again, and swelling perhaps slightly diminished. I now consider
him out of danger. Am ordered to report to my regiment for duty immediately.
June 7th.' — Has improved.
In an interview with Capt. E. T. E. Becker, of Mt. Carroll,

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 23
County Clerk of Carroll county, who, during the rebellion, was
captain of a company from his city in the Ninety-second, and who
was with Mr. Hawk during his term of service, and on very inti
mate terms before and since, related the following, substantially:
Capt. Hawk was wounded April 12th, at Swift creek, North
Carolina, about twelve miles from Raleigh, not far from ten o'clock
in the morning. Three companies of our regiment crossed over the
bridge, which had been partially destroyed by the rebels, in advance
of the remainder of the command, as an advance guard, under the
command of Capt. Schermerhorn. Capt. Hawk's company was not
one of the three to cross. As the rebels had taken the planks off
the structure and floated them down stream out of our reach, it was
quite difficult to cross the bridge. The advance guard had a
skirmish with the Rebs and pushed them back, and soon the
remainder of the Ninety-second crossed over and drove the Gray-
coats up a hill . They soon drove Capt. Schermerhorn back, and he
fell back to the main body, the rebels charging him up to the main
line. Thel regiment soon made a counter-charge and drove the
enemy out of their line of works. They had two lines of rifle-pits.
The Ninety-second soon succeeded in obtaining possession of the
first pit, and about this time we received a bugle order to halt and
re-form the line. After the command had been halted, and while
we were waiting for the lines to re-form, Capt. Hawk, as he was
riding up and down in front of his company on horseback, rallying
the boys to stand firm and steady in the face of quite a hot fire, was
shot, just as the bugle sounded the advance, and he fell from his
horse to the ground. He was taken to a house near by as soon as
possible, and then to the ambulance and taken up to the place
occupied by the regiment, where he remained for the first night.
The following day, Dr. Stevenson, Thomas M. Hawk, John Sleer,
and others, were detailed from his own company to wait upon him
and assist in supplying his wants. He was taken to a house near the
wagon road and railroad leading from Goldsboro to Raleigh, where
he remained for three or four days until the regiment had passed.
Being in the enemy's country, and fearing an attack, he was taken
on a hand-car on the railroad and brought to Raleigh about the 18th
or 20th of April. During all this time, the boys had worked hard
to endeavor to keep up the circulation of blood in the right limb.
In the city of Raleigh, he had excellent quarters in a private house,
the detail from his company camping in tents in the yard adjoining
the building, in close proximity to it. On the 25th, the limb was
amputated, and two days afterward his father arrived and remained
with him until he was strong enough to be removed to his old home

24 MEMOIRS OF
in Freedom, Carroll county, Illinois. For some time after his
return he was in quite poor health.
Soon after his return, he was married, as stated in the pre
vious chapter, in July, 1865. In the fall of that year, he was
elected to the office of County Clerk of Carroll county, having been
unanimously nominated by the Republicans of his county. He
was re-elected in 1869, 1873, and 1877. He was very popular
throughout his county, and made an excellent officer, being very
methodical in the discharge of his duties.
A biographical work published in Connecticut has this to say,
in an extended sketch : " He was attached to Kilpatrick's division
of cavalry in the spring of 1864, taking a prominent part in the
marches and battles of the Atlanta campaign. He made the grand
march with Sherman's army 'From Atlanta to the Sea,' and
through the Carolinas, the regiment being constantly on duty, and
almost daily skirmishing with the enemy. At Swift creek, near
Raleigh, North Carolina, April 12th, 1865, he was severely, and as
was supposed, mortally wounded, his wounds resulting in the
amputation of the right limb above the knee. He has never been
able to wear an artificial limb, but relies upon a peculiarly con
structed cane of his own invention."
The first re union of the Ninety-second was held in Polo, Ogle
county, Sept. 4th, 1867. Gen. Atkins made the principal address,
and, in referring to Major Hawk, said:
" Have you forgotten the bright morning when we drove the
enemy across Swift creek, in North Carolina, found the bridge
destroyed, and after part of your regiment had waded the creek so
as to hold the other side, our pioneers rebuilt the bridge, and just
after the Ninety-second began crossing, one of Sherman's staff rode
up with the news that Lee had surrendered to Grant ? No, you have
not forgotten it, and you never will forget it. How your caps
went into the air, how loud your glad voices rang out — how bright
the starry banners we had so long followed looked as you gave
them to the breeze and the sunlight; and never before did bugles
blare and trumpets blow so loud, or music sound so sweet as when
our band struck up 'Hail Columbia!' * * * Little did I dream,
when I saw Major Hawk, under the great oak tree, by the white
farm-house, pale and bleeding with his terrible wound, that I should
greet him here in a reunion of the regiment in our Illinois home.
Long may he live to receive the greetings of his old comrades in
arms ! "
At this reunion a permanent organization was perfected, and
Major Hawk was elected vice president.
The second reunion was held in the Wilcoxson opera house,
in Freeport, Sept. 1st, 1870. Major Hawk was at this time elected
president of the association.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 25
The third re-union was held in Mt. Carroll, the Major's old
home, Sept. 4th, 1873, in the court-house square. President Hawk
presided, Major Woodcock delivered the address, and in the course
of his remarks said:
" April 12th, 1865, you reached a branch of the Neuse river
as the rebs were in the act of destroying the bridge. You drove
them from it. As you halted to repair it news came from Sherman
that Lee had surrendered. O, how the sky echoed and re-echoed
agan with your exultant cheers! The bridge repaired, your crossed.
The rebs charged yon, you repulsed them, and in return charged
them, driving them up the road, over the hill, and away lo the
railroad, and beyond it. While at the railroad a train of cars
came dashing along. You halted it. Ex-Governor Swain and
others stepped out. General Atkins received them, and for the first
time in the Governor beheld his future father-in-law. The Gover
nor was bearing to Sherman the surrender of the city of Raleigh.
The battle fought that day, my comrades, was your last, and your
trusty Spencers there fired the last shots of the war. In it you
lost valuable life. Of the wounded was our respected president,
who fell in the thickest of the fight. Though maimed and deformed
for life, he is loved and respected by his comrades, and esteemed
and honored by the people among whom his lot is cast."
At this time Major Hawk was unanimously elected the orator
for the next reunion. The Major was taken by surprise, and vainly
tried to decline, but the boys would not let him off. He intimated
that they would get the worst of it in the end. One of the boys
said, " Cram in a big load, Major, and we will take our chances in
your firing off yoiir mouth."
The fourth reunion was held at Oregon, Ogle county, Sept. 4,
1876. Col. Sheets presided. Major Hawk, having been chosen
the orator, said :
Comrades : While I sincerely thank you for the honor confer
red in selecting me, three years ago, as your choice, to deliver the
address on this occasion, I feel the great difficulties which beset my
fath in attempting to discharge the duty incumbent upon me, and,
feel too, that you will fully appreciate the perplexities of my task.
When you remember that I have been preceded by our able comrades
at Polo, Freeport and Mount Carroll, and especially will you do so
when you reflect that the history of our dear old regiment has so
recently been written. The ground has been so frequently and so
thoroughly gone over that I can, perhaps, give no better illustration
of my condition at this time than to compare myself with the 92nd
in a potato patch in Dixie, after the Fourteenth Corps had camped
over night alongside of the same. I think it would be hard for the
regiment to find many potatoes, and I think I see you smile almost
audibly, just as though you didn't expect very many potatoes to-day.
You will, however, bear with me patiently for a short time,
while taking a general retrospect of the years which, to many of us,

26 MEMOIRS OF
as we glance back over them, appear like the waking from an ugly
dream, whose spectre-like events as they pass in review, grow more
dim and uncertain with each succeeding year — and while the recol
lection of some of these events remains in memory like oases in a
desert — beautiful and green in their isolation — yet many, very many,
are mingled with tears and anxieties which now appear to fill the
greater space in the history of our soldier life.
And before proceeding farther allow me to say to any soldier
here to-day, not a member of our re-union association, you are
welcome, and we cordially invite you to a seat with us about our
council fire, and should any encouragement be given, pray feel at
liberty to appropriate what there may be in common with us for our
and your good — you are our brothers and we welcome you as such.
To our citizen friends present we extend a hand of greeting,
knowing that your hearts are beating in unison and sympathy with
ours. I feel to-day that I am addressing soldiers, and should I at times
appear emotional or weak, I have no other apology than that the
heart of the true soldier is always full of sentiment, akin to that of
the poet. I can conceive of no more fearful test to which a nation can be
subjected than that of civil war. When treason began to lift its un
sightly head above our national horizon, the most far-seeing of our
countrymen were filled with dire forebodings as to the result. We
were entering upon a period in our history fraught with the greatest
responsibilities to us as citizens, and to every lover of freedom
throughout the world. We looked for precedent to the past but it
furnished nothing by which to guide the ship of state across the
stormy sea of civil strife.
Our nation had nearly always been a peaceful one, and war to
us was filled with peculiar horrors. It was asked with tremblings
and uncertainties by those high in authority, far-seeing in states
manship and full of patriotism, if there was no possible way by
which we could avoid this dire calamity. Alas, the question came
back unanswered, so long had we lived in the piping times of peace
that the question arose with fearful force — where are we to find the
martial spirit with which to supply our armies and do battle for our
country's cause?
Our enemies believed our courage had died out, and was num
bered among the qualities of the past, and that their traitorous
schemes, having for their object the disruption of the Union, would
be of easy consummation. But this, as was shown, was delusive.
Our valor only required to be aroused from the sleep of conscious
strength, and the first thrust at the national life awakened the
patriotic heart and grandly the work of defense went forward.
When the bugle sounded the shrill notes of war every freeman
felt that he had in his good right arm the strength of a legion in
defense of his hearthstone. The most wonderful host known to the
world was called out and arrayed for the defense of our cause, and in
this they were the grandest armies that ever raised a hand to do
battle in any cause in the world's history: Grander than the heroes

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 27
of the time of Washington, and more glorious than the victorious
battalions of the Emperor William, because they were struggling
for their own firesides and the freedom of four millions of human
beings, crowned with reason and made in the image of Almighty
God. It was said that when Caesar came to the banks of the Rubicon
he hesitated but for one moment. He plunged, he crossed, and
Rome was free no more. So we felt that free government was
menaced. Jeff Davis and his hordes paused upon the bank of the
stream of our liberties. They plunged, but here the similarity ends.
The patriot's sword leaped from its scabbard, and freedom and
liberty were safe.
How grandly did our armies sustain the shock of four long,
eventful bloody years, let impartial history attest. On many a hard-
fought battle-field the heroic dead were literally piled in heaps, and
red carnage rejoiced in her most sanguinary harvest. Thousands
are sleeping their last sleep in soldiers' graves with nothing to mark
their resting place save, perhaps, such a monument as nature may
raise up and the gratitude of a nation saved. They fell fighting for
home, country and free government. They are released from the
toils and strifes of this life, soon, aye, all too soon to be forgotten.
And my friends, how we loathe the idea that we shall be for
gotten. How each one of you here to-day, longing for immortality,
hopes and trusts that he can accomplish something for which bis
name may be handed down in history or legend throughout all time.
Yet these dear hearts have ceased to beat ; they sleep their last sleep,
while we, a few of their comrades, are here to-day, and knowing of
their sacrifices, are striving to keep alive the memory of their noble
deeds, and, as much as in our power lies, give them that immortality
for which they toiled, bled and died. Ob, my comrades, let us never
forget that each bunch of bones of these fallen ones, as they- lie
mouldering in their lonely graves on the hillsides and in the valleys
of the sunny south, once contained the soul of a martyr.
And here let us pause and ask the question — for to some it ap
pears to be a question — -have these heroes died in vain? Have they
watered the tree of Liberty with their blood that their children may
only see it famish away and die? God forbid! Be it ours, my com
rades, to perpetuate the greenness of that tree, and cause its branches
to reach out and shelter the oppressed and downtrodden of earth in
every nation and clime, so that posterity, holding to their mighty
deeds and great sacrifices, shall rise up and call their memories
blessed. But let us turn back in memory to that wonderfully eventful
year, 1861.
You remember how it dawned upon the country full of appre
hensions and misgivings as to our national existence. You know
that many of us, while we were, as members of our families and
neighborhood organizations, happy and contented — as citizens of
our common country, we stood with bated breath and aching hearts
awaiting the action of our men in high places. Alas, how almost
the last ray of hope died out within us as we beheld the vacillating

28 MEMOIRS OF
policy of the Buchanan administration, then just expiring, and
showing but too plainly, by its sickening flicker, our enemies had
emptied our arsenals, and were even then openly and boldly going
to and fro upon their traitorous mission.
The 4th of March came and wont, and on that memorable day
was enacted one of the grandest events of tin national history. Our
great, noble-hearted Lincoln was inaugurated President of the United
States of America, despite the threats of then blatant treason —
having, at the peril of assassination, almost stolen his passage to
Washington. Do you remember how grandly he stood on the steps of the
Capitol and begged his erring brethren of the South not to commit
overt acts of treason? And with a pathos, like that of a mother
pleading with her wayward son, how he half begged, half- threatened,
and finallv assured them that the constitution and laws must be
obeyed. Then, soon after, the gloom all over this fair land, caused
by firing upon Fort Sumpter, followed so quickly by a call of the
President for seventy-five thousand three months volunteers, and
almost immediately a call for forty thousand three years men, and
twenty-two thousand regular troops — the charge of Captain Tom-
kins at Fairfax Court House, Va., the death of Col. Ellsworth, fol
lowed by Bull Run and sundry skirmishes and battles, and finally
in the spring of 1862 the terrible carnage of Pittsburg Landing —
and a call of the President for three hundred thousand more.
These were some of the early events, and incidents of the great
struggle. - How the tocsin of war sounded throughout the length and
breadth of the land! How your pulse beat with love of country
pure and noble, and your willing feet kept step to the music of the
union ! Have you forgotten it? No, nor you never can, so long
as your heart's blood continues to pulsate through your veins.
You remember then full well the "sudden partings such as
press the life from out young hearts." The whole country was one
vast recruiting office. It was then mothers gave up their sons, and
old grayhaired fathers yielded to their country the hope of their de
clining years. Sisters kissed their brothers a long — -perhaps a last
good-bye; and there were others parted. Many of you have grown
old since then, but will you — can you ever forget the partings from
those whose memories you cherished as you did your life? Sweet
hearts, tender as the very cords about your hearts. Aye, ladies,
many of you waited patiently, trustingly, nobly, through all those
long and fearful years, and some of you are waiting yet for the
coming of the "rare and radiant youth" who, alas, has not returned;
but whose blood has baptized you anew to that affection which can
only be renewed in heaven.
The Ninety-second was raised under the first call of the Presi
dent for three hundred thousand three years troops; and of its
marches, bivouacs, battles and skirmishes, yon are so very familiar
that you will not expect me to attempt a rehearsal to-day.
I trust I may presume, however, to carry you through a few
of the meanderings of your soldier life by way of remembrance.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 29
I might recount the routine of camp life; the picket, the march,
the scout, the joke, the foraging expeditions, the joyful meeting,
the sad parting, or recall again the voice of the dear old Chaplain,
standing between us, our God and our dear dead comrades. I say
1 might raise again the curtain and biing these back to your mem
ories with their smiles and tears. But it appears to me, much as
we love sometimes to dwell upon these recollections, they would be
uninteresting now; for you have heard and read and talked of them
so much of late, that perhaps you are more familiar with them than
I. I will, however, with your permissson, recall the scenes for a
few moments, and ask if you remember still the thrill which rever
berated through your soul at the sound of the first guns of battle.
You remember how it was. How the columns came, tramp, tramp,
tramp, along into line. How the arrangements were made and the
few terse commands given by the officers in the formation of the
lines of battle. How we all knew, almost by the tone of voice of
those in authority, where to expect the preparations for the contest
were making.
I can see now the lines advanced here, drawn back there, doubled
at another point where it is supposed the attacking party may make
the desperate thrust; and here and there the brigades and divisions
massed in reserve — and the perfect quiet ; no word spoken, no joke
now, no thought except perhaps of home and loved ones; and a
silent prayer for the success and safety of our noble cause and men.
Up to the present we have had only a few picket shots. The op
posing armies are feeling each other like two great giants preparing
for a test of strength.
A staff officer has just reported the enemy massing on one or the
other flanks, and our generals are watching the opportunity to take
advantage of any careless movement. But the chances have not
proved sufficiently open or satisfactory to take the risk, and a divi
sion has been moved en masse to counterbalance the enerny's ma
neuver. There are a few guns fired on the right. It is only a re-
connoitering force, a regiment or two, and they soon retire. Then
a cavalry charge on the flanks, and a few forage or baggage wagons
captured. Night comes on and the pickets of both armies are doubled,
and orders given to shoot at the breaking of a limb or the rustle of
a leaf. All night long vigil is kept in perfect and unbroken silence.
'Tis morning, a beautiful, lovely morning — perhaps the Sab
bath of the Lord. The fog is rising and sweeping up the mountain
side. The scene is soul-inspiring in the extreme. We think it too
fine a day to have its sanctity and quiet broken by the unhallowed
deeds of mad, frenzied men. But let us see. Nine o'clock — no
firing. Ten o'clock — all is silent along the line save a few picket
shots. No fighting yet. We are now in full hope that the day will
pass without a battle. Ten and-a-half o'clock. Hark! The whole
line of pickets are engaged now. There is a general advance of the
enemy. We have heavy firing on the left which has passed through
out and completely involved the lines of battle confronting each
other; and there is a momentary pause, only to burst fdrth again

30 MEMOIRS OF
with all the mad fury of the worst passions of men. The moun
tains reverberate and re-echo the roar. For miles, all nature, ani
mate and inanimate, appears to be awe-stricken at the fearful din.
The very air seerns to rock and reel as though the heavens are falling.
The troops stand grandly. It is a fearful struggle for life and vic
tory. The ground is fought over — taken and re-taken, until it is
slippery with gore. Every sinew is strained to the utmost. The
roar of the musketry is deafening and appalling, only to be over
reached in the fearful din by the pedal bass of a thousand pieces of
artillery. As you stand in the thick smoke and debris of battle, the com
motion of the contending armies shakes the hair upon your head,
and you think with Byron :
"By Heaven ! 'twere a splendid sight —
Had you no friend or brother there ?"
Aye, it is a splendid sight. Men laying down their lives for
liberty and for country.
" How lines of blue and gray advance, retreat and swung,
And hung upon the mountain side, and flung
From thousand iron throats a piece-meal hell
' All o'er the valley ; and then again the surge and swell
Of the blue line against the gray, the charge, the flight and then
The names of those who sleep that sleep no bugle call again can waken."
It has been said, and truly too, that there is no higher favor or
grander patriotism than to die for one's country. And especially is
this true when that country is the great bulwark of civil religious
liberty in the world.
"Come to the bridal chamber, death,
Come to the Mother when she feels
For the first time her first born's breath,
Come when the blessed seals
That close the pestilence are broke,
And crowded cities wail its stroke.
Come in consumption's ghastly fonn,
The earthquake's shockj the ocean's storm ;
Come when the heart beats high and warm,
With banquet, song, and dance and wine,
And thou art terrible ; the tear,
The groan, the knell, the pall, the bier,
And all we know, or dream, or fear
Of agony are thine.
But to the hero, when his sword
Has won the battle of the free,
Thy voice sounds like the prophet's word,
And in its hollow tones are heard
The thanks of millions yet to be."
'Tis the throes of the new birth of freedom. Now the columns
charge and are driven back only in their turn to charge, to be re
pulsed, to rally and hurl back again their enemies. They tug, they
strain every nerve to its utmost for the mastery. They stand poised
like two mortal foes upon the verge of some yawning precipice with
strength in neither to hurl his antagonist to its final destruction.
And so they toil until dark night, ashamed of the scenes qf
bloodshed, draws her sable curtains in an attempt to shut from view

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 31
the fearful carnage; but the darkness does not close the combat.
The battle still rages, with now and then a lull in its fury. Their
force is being spent, and there comes a faint hope for cessation of
' hostilities for the night, but not for rest. The armies glare at each
other through the thick darkness and pall of smoke, like two fierce
tigers ready to spring, yet neither quite certain of his prey.. Vigi-
laut, watchful, careful, the night passes away with no rest to the
weary soldier. Morning comes, the morning of another day. Every
thing moves quietly, cautiously, for fear of some development of
weakness on either side.
At noon there comes a flag of truce, with request for permis
sion to bury the dead. And now we know, for the present the
battle has ended. Bury the dead! How sad, and yet how neces
sary the solemn task we performed : The last duty to a fallen com
rade. Yes, my friends, and this is burying a nation's pride, a nation's
hope, a nation's usefulness. Burying her citizen soldiers is entomb
ing a portion of her dear self. Here lie the hopes of fathers and
mothers, the support and loves of wives, the protection of" sisters,
the hearts of lovers, and the bone, sinew and intelligence of the
country. I see old men before me whose heads are whitened with the
snows of many winters, and I know what brings them here. It is a
strange, a noble yearning and desire to do something. Something —
they know not what, in honor of their dear lost boys. And here
my old friends, fathers of my dead comrades, let me ask you: Did it
pay? Did it pay to come bearing to the old homestead an empty
heart, and an almost distracted brain? Did it pay to break his
mother's heart? Did it pay to lay down the dear bloody sword or
gun and place your hand upon your stricken heart and swear a new
allegiance to this our own noble, grand, great country? Old man, I
see your poor old saddened heart and I see too, that of the dear old
mother, yearning, starving, for a son on whom she feels as able to
throw her arms of love, as when he was an infant on her knee. Yet
that heart, once so full, is empty now, and I can almost feel its ache.
Of the wounded my poor tongue must be forever still, save
this — they did their duty. The missing, let me express it thus:
" Missing, the record stands in silence there.
Where? How? An echo answers, where?
Is she not doubly widowed, knowing not
Where is her dear one' s grave, or how,
Or what sad fate was his? "
Ten years and more have passed since the enacting of these
sanguinary scenes, and the small children of some of these dead
comrades have grown to be young men and women. Yet I feel,
when I look upon them, they are, and should be to some extent, the
nation's wards. We love them all for the sacrifices made by their
sainted fathers.
We might recount, or attempt to do so, the deeds or heroism of
some of our gallant youth; and I now have in my mind an act of
a mere boy, scarcely numbering seventeen summers, who, when he
saw the colors of his regiment fall, and his comrades discomfitted

32 MEMOIRS OF
and demoralized, the bullets of the enemy sweeping the ground and
covering the field with killed and wounded, stepped forward and
raised the emblem of Liberty, his country's greatness, and with
the grandest eloquence that ever fell from lip of mortal, cheered
his terror-stricken and overpowered regiment with, " Rally, boys!
Rally ! Who would not fire another shot for the dear old flag ?"
So. we have seen the youth of this land lie stretched on the
battle field mortally wounded, cheering the charge which was to dis
comfit the enemies of their country. I might be excused for re
counting, if I can, the heroic sacrifices of our wives and girls at
home in their long watchings and anxious waitings; but they alone
can fully realize the suffering through which they passed. The very
dread of opening a letter for fear of news which, should there be
snch as might, would blot out the last hope-of happiness and desire
for life. And the noble deeds of self-sacrifice for the absent ones in
camp and hospital, no tongue can tell. Only can they be fully known
and "appreciated when the battle of life has ended, and the reveille
sounds on the other side in the land of the great hereafter.
" Oh Liberty ! Dame Goddess ! Whensoe'er thou may
Come down to wreathe thy hero's brow with bay,
Wilt thou not bring a chaplet touched with white
For the fair brows who gave their love, their light
To thee ? Wilt thou not crown them great and good,
The highest, holiest type of womanhood ?
Aye, that thou Wilt."
I cannot pass this opportunity without expressing in the light
of history, the hope which might have reasonably been entertained
at the commencement of our great struggle as to its final result.
You know it was with misgiving and doubt that we commenced
the contest, and many a brave heart quailed. But in the light of
all precedent let me ask, did you doubt that the great liberty -loving
northern heart and character would finally conquer and succeed ?
Is it not true that history furnishes no example where a southern
people have successfully coped with, and conquered a people born,
nurtured and developed in a northern climate ? We fail to find
room for even the encouragement of a doubt upon this point. And
yet it was natural to doubt. The institutions of this, our native
land, free government with civil religious liberty nestled so closely
to our hearts that we were fearful lest our darling might be torn
from us, and we left stricken and alone, with not even a ray of hope
for the future; the laughing-stock of monarchs, and the stumbling-
block and by-word of the world. Aye, and there was that in our
late struggle to make us quail. A family divided against itself,
brother's hand against brother, " Greek to Greek." Then indeed
came the tug of war.
The South had been nurtured and been brought up to believe
and trust in her peculiar institutions, and reared up a proud and
domineering aristocracy, and we do not now wonder that they fought
with the fearful desperation of an injured people. To them it was a
struggle for freedom from what they believed to be a brutal tyranny
and a senseless fanaticism. Yet had their statesmen for one mo
ment looked tor a parallel in history, they must have known their

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 33
cause was hopeless. And knowing the characteristics of their people,
must have been conscious from .the outset, that their dash and chiv
alry would be no match for the cool, calculating courage and bull
dog determination of the great, hardy, northern character. Espec
ially must they have known this when they reflected that they were
attempting to build a government upon the basis -of caste, and not
upon the great, broad, substantial principles of human liberty and
human right, without reference to color, nationality or social posi
tion. Their cause was wrong in every respect, and they failed. Our
cause was just and right, and victory was with our eagles, as it must
always be when truth and justice are assailed. I am not of
those who believe in apologizing to the country and our southern
brethren for pushing the contest with such fearful energy to a success
ful issue. But as generous conquerors of a brave foe, it becomes us to
concede to our enemies their share of praise. For them, we can
truly say, they were brave, and as many of us can testify, were foe-
men worthy of our steel. But they were deluded. They rushed to
arms at what they considered a thrust at their honor and an en
croachment upon their rights and liberties. And, submitting to
the arbitrament of war the questions of difference, their stake was
lost, and many bit the dust while history only gave them a passing
notice, as brave men that fell, fighting against all that humanity
should hold dear. They will soon be forgotten, or if remembered at
all, not with that feeling of pride which their courage deserves. And
let us to-day throw over their memories the mantle of charity, and
with deep, heartfelt thanks that their cause did not succeed, pro
nounce over their graves the tribute — "Rest in peace, brave but de
luded heroes." And does history in another respect furnish a spec
tacle like the one here presented? That of peaceful citizens, happy
in the enjoyment of unbroken years of quiet, and almost rocked in
the lap of luxury, at the first sound of war springing to arms and
becoming a host of soldiers ; by ballot electing officers from colonel
down to the lowest in commission, and under their command going
forth to the contest. Producing by the ballot their military rulers,
to be by them disciplined, and under their leadership to go forth
and do battle for their homes and firesides, with almost unprecedent
ed vigor, considering the advantage of their enemies in having robbed
them of their means of defense, crushing out the greatest rebellion
known to the world, and when the war was over manifesting even
greater anxiety to return to the peaceful walks of life. Is there a
record of anything like this in history? Did not those opposed to
our system of government shake their heads and prophesy that
when our war closed we would find in our citizen soldiery an ele
ment of discord and revolution which could not be controlled? which
would disregard and trample upon civil law? Yet how grandly,
nobly, have we demonstrated the falsity of this prophecy, and shown
the world that men are capable of self-government, and that free in
stitutions and true patriotism can arouse the citizen into the soldier,
and make again of the soldier the true citizen. We have, too, a
galaxy of noble names brought prominently before the country and
the world by the war. Lincoln, Thomas, McPherson, Stanton,

34 MEMOIRS OF
Farragut, and many others around whom, though so recently dead,
history has thrown a halo of glory. Then, too, we have our Grant,
Sherman, Sheridan and a host of others whose fame has preceded
them even before their call to the eternal camping ground. Grand,
noble names. Names at whose dazzling splendor the world looks
with bewildered gaze, wondering at the destiny which pushed them
forward and made them the great leaders in our mighty struggle.
Names in the brilliancy and magnificence of whose achievements
those of Napoleon, Cresar, Hannibal and Alexander pale and sink
into insignificance, for their cause was grander, purer and nobler.
We are prone to complain of our government and men in
places of high trust, that these are days of peculiar corruption in
all branches, legislative, executive and judicial. We hear promul
gated by some of our political teachers, and are sometimes almost led
to believe that we have passed the zenith of our national greatness,
and are already on the decline, that we cannot depend upon the hou-
esty and integrity of those whom we have delighted to honor with
positions of great responsibility. We sigh for the renewal of those
dear old days of national and political purity ; when the doctrine of
ever}r man's hand against his neighbor and a blind desire for the
acquisition of wealth and distinction did not choke out and smother
the nobler impulses of our nature. The time when we felt that our
darling country lay near our hearts securely, and without the least
fear of impending ruin. Well, let us search history for the time
when political purity was the rule, and corruption the exception.
Was it in the days when Washington warned his countrymen of
the danger of the corrupt and ambitious subverting the government
and turning it into a monarchy? Was it in the days when the
father of our country and his secretary Hamilton had to call out vol
unteer troops, organize, equip and march them into the interior
portions of the country to suppress a rebellion, when an attempt
was made by the administration to collect a small tax upon ardent
spirits ? Was it in the time of Jefferson, who warned his fellow
citizens and urged upon them, with a force only his own, the neces
sity of curbing and guarding what he considered the corruptions of
his political antagonist, the great Hamilton ? Were the days of
Aaron Burr peculiarly patriotic and peaceful ? Or were not his
schemes scarcely less diabolical and traitorous than those of Jefferson
Davis ?
Let us draw nearer the present, when the clarion voice of Henry
Clay pealed forth in the Senate, and sounded the note of warning
against encroachments upon the rights of his dear Kentucky. And
the ponderous constitutional arguments of the mighty Webster, and
his fine appeals to the patriotism of the country when agitation the
most fearful, was overwhelming it like a mighty wave. We have
passed over the political career of Calhoun without particular men
tion, for, surely the times of our greatest national security and peace
were not when President Jackson threatened him with the loss of
his head if the nullification act of South Carolina was not repealed
instanter. You have not forgotten the fearful agitations which pre
ceded the great rebellion. From 1850 until its breaking forth, the

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 35
country felt that it was smouldering upon a volcano. Then, where
will we locate those halcyon days for which we sigh ?
To day, my comrades. In the great, living present. This is
the day and hour. I know we have in our national legislature,
elements not the most conducive to peace and quiet. Elements
which we as patriotic citizens, would sooner be without. But are
we in worse condition than we have been in the past ? I trust not.
It is to be hoped these agitations which we fear as dangerous may
prove blessings in disguise ; that they may sound a note of warning,
and a check to overwhelming majorities aud the corruption of de
signing and unscrupulous men who have seized upon the general
turmoil occasioned by the war to further their dishonest schemes.
Nay, more: I would here appeal to your own sense of honor and
personal integrity. Are you less honest and conscientious than
were your fathers ? Have you not proven, many of you, your will
ingness to suffer patiently for your country and the good of human
ity ? Have not some, aye many, of you proved your faithfulness in
little things, and shown that you are the possessors of as much of
innate honesty as ever graced the lives and characters of your an
cestors ? You know in your own hearts the feelings which well up
and throng and knock at the inmost recesses of your souls, arousing
you to a full consciousness of your manhood and determination to
uprightness of character and nobility of life.
1 do not believe there are more corrupt times now than many
through which we have passed. I believe the very fact of these dis
honesties being brought to light is a sure indication that our purest
and best sentiments are yet in the ascendency, and must and will
rule and control us as a people. In the light of all this should we
despond ? Is it not the part of wisdom and courage to look to the
future hopefully and trust the state will move on still more grandly ?
And what is the state ? Each freeman with his sense of honor,
personal integrity and his strong right arm in the defense of truth.
This constitutes the state. And at the growth of this sentiment
the tyrant trembles upon his throne. He sees the day not far dis
tant when standing armies, the groundwork and basis of his form of
government, must be disbanded and the rights of his subjects crying
to heaven for justice. Surely the corruptions of the times do not
belong to any particular political party. The people make their
politicians and it is as true now as ever that the stream cannot rise
above the fountain head. Let us then take a hopeful view of our
national condition at this hour. How grandly she moves along.
How nobly does the heart of each patriot in the sound of my voice
pulsate for home, liberty and country.
I have mentioned a few of the events of our early history in a
passing, superficial manner, for the purpose of asking in all sincerity,
if we are not, to-day, the most happy nation on God's green earth ?
True, we have political agitations which disturb our quiet fearfully
at times, but which we hope will purify the great ocean of our gov
ernmental existence. And I look upon these stirring times as
working out only good to us.
Who, worthy to be called a man, does not feel stronger for the

36 MEMOIRS OF
sweeping over him of the waves of adversity ? The great oak only
flings out deeper and stronger roots from being shaken by the
storm. My comrades, ours has been a most wonderful experience.
We have not, it is true, basked in the sunshine of what the world
calls glory, as have many heroes whose names are recorded in the
book of fame ; but we have seen behind the curtain and know how
history is made. Many of earth's great ones have, it is true, reached
forth and plucked the coveted fruits of ambition. Their names
have been sounded down the corridors of time, and the nations of
the earth have stood wondering at the genius which pushed them
forward like destiny itself. But we, as a free people, newly conse
crated to liberty and freedom can, in the light of our experience,
criticise and compare their deeds with ours, and trust to impartial
history for the justness of the decision.
We are here to-day in the full enjoyment of the great boon for
which we toiled and fought ; and any language of mine would be a
poor mockery in an attempt to express my feelings on this occasion.
We have been painting for the national historical gallery, pictures, re
splendent with the concentrated grandeur of the ages. Heroes at the
glitter of whose splendor the world will gaze long after their earthly
tenements have mouldered into dust. A president, second to none
of the great names of earth. A general whose strength was in his
silence ; another, whose military skill reached the highest grade of
genius ; still another, dashing grandly into the fray after a ride of
twenty miles and saving the fortunes of a nation ; and still another,
standing like a rock when the great heart of the nation was leaping
and thrilling at the final struggle at Nashville.
Ships are arrayed, too, and we see them marshalled in lines of
defense upon our coast ; and we see in the distance, a grand old
man lashed to the mast-head and directing his own flag ship into
the thickest of the fight. These are a few of the works of art which
we have assisted in preparing for the embellishments of the great
national historical gallery, and these are our legacies.
Three years have passed since our meeting at Mount Carroll,
and who can tell what another three years may produce in the his
tory of this little band of comrades. Will we meet at our next re
union as happy and free as we now appear ? Will not some — nay
is it not more than probable that many of us will have lain by the
tinsel of life's battle and will have answered to the last roll call upon
the shores of time ? Be it ours then to let the kindliest feelings
prevail to-day, that this may be a sunny spot and a milestone in the
march of life.
Our country stands proudly in the galaxy of nations. Our
ship of state is sailing along upon boisterous seas at times 'tis true;
but we trust not more so, than those which we have as citizen sold
iers contributed our share in bringing her through. We are mak
ing grand strides in population, the arts and sciences, while scarce
yet out of the first century of our age. One hundred years since
our national birth ! How short, and yet, how fraught with won
drous worth to our young life.
By our next re-union in 1879, may we not hope to see our

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 37
country, child of liberty that she is, in the repose of perfect peace,
and pushing forward in a grand and unchecked march of material
and political prosperity. Our duty then : The duty of the hour is
to urge upon our fellows the principles and practice of virtue, tem
perance and morality, and so fit them with ourselves for the highest
grade of free citizenship. In this great work we shall be filling
our highest destiny as citizen soldiers, looking forward to the fruits
of lives spent for our country's good, and that of our friends and
neighbors, and trusting with an unfaltering trust, our great country
will continue to grow more glorious for the enjoyment of our chil
dren and our children's children to the end of time.
May we not then proudly wrap about us the drapery of a duty
well performed, and lie down in the full consciousness that whatever
of national greatness we shall attain, we can proudly point to our
record and claim our full share of the honor of having with pure
hearts given our earliest and best years to the salvation of our
country. I would fain speak to you of the lives and noble deeds of our
loved ones gone before : Stouffer, Colehour, Stephenson, Dawson,
Erb, Merrill, Campbell, Elliott, McSherry, O'Connor, Cattanach,
Downs, Bevins, Carpenter, Halleck, Myers, Lawrence, Gotshell,
Jackson, Scott, Austin, Buck, Reed, Scott, McKeal, Sellers, Giles,
Springer, Aurand, Countryman, Corning, Betz, Rea, Preston, Big
ger, Reynolds, Rhodes, Downs, Lang, Potter, Bioss, Falkner, Lat
ham, Robinson, Sheldon and many others whose names I cannot
now recall. I say I would love to bring up again their memories,
and treasure their last words ; but I can do little to immortalize
their names and still less to call back their dying words. God alone
hath treasured them, and methinks in the resurrection many of these
will come up crowned with chaplets of victory, standing high in the
scale of His own immortal ones, because their lives were given freely
that you and I might live. These are, indeed, a great galaxy of
names, and could I but write their deeds in characters of living light,
on parchment of burnished gold I should consider that I was award
ed a privilege of which the mightiest of earth might well be proud,
and the most exalted feel elevated. But I will not attempt this sacred
duty. Farewell, mighty, noble, pure, upright souls, and may we all
meet to rehearse our sorrows and trials in the great hereafter, where
the white light of the glory that encircles the throne of our Great
Commander shall glorify us.
My comrades, when I reflect upon the sacrifices made for this
our own great country ; when I gaze upon the dear old flag, emblem
of our national greatness, I feel impelled by a strong desire to lay
my hand upon my heart and swear a new allegiance to this, our
grand, great, noble country. And I ask you, my fellow soldiers, by
the memory of these sacrifices, to stand for the right. Let nothing
come between you and your duty to your God and country. Re
vive the memories of these re-unions. Meet to cherish deeds of
patriotism and self sacrifice. Keep them green in memory so that
posterity, cherishing our deeds of heroic duty, shall rise proudly,

38 MEMOIRS OF
holding them up before the nations of the earth in-grateful remem
brance. A vote of thanks was extended to the Major and others for the
able and satisfactory manner in which they had discharged their
duties as a committee, in preparing and publishing the history of
the regiment. The fifth re-union was held at Lena, September 4th, 1879.
Capt. J. M. Schermerhorn, the president, presided. Lieut. P. R.
Walker delivered the address, and in the course of it said :
All went well till the 13th, when we received news of the sur
render of Lee's army just as we had replaced the plank and were
crossing the bridge over Swift Creek. The regiment had not crossed,
when on came the rebels in one furious, desperate charge. We re
charged and drove them before us. We tried to make them under
stand that Lee had surrendered ; we gained the railroad and cut off
Hampton, but at what a cost ! Not one of us dreamed, as we saw
Captain Hawk, of Company C, as he lay there pale and bleeding,
that he would live to represent our glorious 5th District in Congress.
We are proud of him to-day, are glad we have one representative
who will bravely and truly battle lor the right. We know he will
work for the good of the nation as he did for the good of our cause.
May he be successful and receive the honors of a grateful people.
The Lena Glee Club then sang that grand old war song, March
ing through Georgia, after which, in response to loud and repeated
calls, Maj. R. M. A. Hawk, then an honored Representative in the
Congress of the United States, advanced to the front of the rostrum.
His splendid manly bearing, his magnificent physique, excited
the admiration of his old comrades and their visitors ; but more
than all this, the dumb, silent language of the crutch, which sup
plied the place of the limb he had left upon a southern battle-field
and upon which he then leaned for support, spoke volumes to the
hearts and understandings of the assembled thousands. A grand
burst ot applause, commencing at the front, rolled back through
the immense audience to its utmost limits, and then, like a tidal
wave, doubled upon itself and came surging back again to the feet
of the speaker. In those few moments the whole bloody panorama
of that terrible war with its bereavements and sufferings passed be
fore the mental vision of the spectators with the rapidity of a
lightning flash.
When at last this magnificent ovation to the heroes of our
country — for that was its full import — had ceased, Maj. Hawk
said : Combades : — It is hard to realize that seventeen years ago to
day we stood up and took upon ourselves a solemn oath to defend
the Constitution and laws of our country. Most of us were young

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 39
men then with hearts and souls full of the ardor and aspirations of
youth. We are most of us gray now, and have tested many of the
experiences of life, and, may we not say, have been reasonably suc
cessful in our undertakings.
It has been said that patriotism is ebbing in this country ; that
love of country is dying out ; but I do not believe it. JSo, my
comrades, it is not. Around me to-day I see eyes beaming with
patriotism, with that self-sacrificing devotion that a few years ago
fired your hearts and prompted you to leave all you loved and held
most dear and rush to the succor of an imperilled country, knowing
that upon success or defeat depended the perpetuity or utter destruc
tion of constitutional liberty. Oh no ! my friends, patriotism is not
dead, nor is it in the ebb tide. It flourishes, and burns and glows as
bright, as fresh, as glorious as it ever did in the darkest days of war.
But I am not here to stir your blood, I am here merely as a soldier,
one whom you have seen fit to honor beyond deserts, and almost be
yond all reason or propriety ; here merely to participate in the fes
tivities of this occasion, and contribute my portion to the enjoyments
of the day.
Some have claimed that meetings, such as we hold to-day, are
calculated to stir up party sectional strife ; that the tendency is to
array the sections of the country against each other and renew ani
mosities ; but let what will be said by the bitter partisans, our ob
ject is no such thing. We have ever been careful that nothing of a
political character should be introduced into these proceedings to stir
the prejudice ; unless, indeed, the keeping alive the spirit of fratern
ity and patriotism is to be condemned and frowned down ; then
must we stand before the country, as criminals, in that we breed dis
cord among our fellows by thus simply renewing in memorj'- the
stirring events of our early lives.
Much of the history of a great war, such as the one through
which we have recently passed, is not written. The historian only
deals with the great events, battles of wars and the prominent char
acters connected with them. On occasions such as this, many trans
actions that are unnoticed in current history are rehearsed by the
common soldier and under officers, and I know of no good reason
why we may not meet and enjoy these gatherings without having
the shaft of envy and scorn pointed against us.
Fears have been expressed here to-day that we may have an
other war, that we may be called upon to defend again our country
from the forcible encroachments of designing internal plotters. I
do not fully indorse this ; I have not yet been willing to confess
that matters of difference may not be settled wdthout an appeal to
arms, and I can not believe there will be another internal struggle.
We have appealed to that last resort of nations, and we trust have
settled all questions of difference forever. The civilization of the
age will in no sense justify the precipitation of war upon a culti
vated, contented, happy people, and I sincerely believe there is too
much sterling good sense among us to sanction another test of brute
strength or even personal courage. I do not refer to these mat
ters in a political sense, but that I may present some excuse for

40 MEMOIRS OF
the suggestion for an apparent decline of love for our firesides. I
do not believe that were our homes again in jeopardy or our coun
try imperilled from any source whatever there would be a lack of
earnest, brave men, who would bare their bosoms to the storm of
battle, and rushing again into the "imminent and deadly breach,"
plant the banner of liberty in the forefront of the battle, and dare
and die for the perpetuation of constitutional and personal liberty.
My friends, we live on associations ; wives live in the mem
ories of their husbands ; husbands in those of their wives. The
relation of parent and child is very near and dear ; we love our
children, our friends: we dwell upon familiar scenes and sayings;
we love and cherish mementoes of our associates.
Our love for our comrades is, however, a peculiarly dear and
tender regard. We have stood shoulder to shoulder with these
true, brave frieuds through the dangers of many battlefields, and
we know of what kind of " stuff" each one is made. How can
we be blamed, then, for enjoying these soldier associations and liv
ing over again these vivid scenes which to many of us are more
en tertaining than the most carefully written history ?
My comrades, we are growing old. Many of us must soon
" wrap about us the drapery of our couch and lie down."
Our places must be filled by others who are even now press
ing hard upon our steps. The hope, the desire, the wish of my
soul this day is, that our lives may be honorable, bright, blameless
examples to the coming generations.
It is meet also that we should keep in memory those whose
feet have long since ceased to tread the paths our feet are now
treading. 'Tis said: "There is no death so beautiful
As is the white cold coffined past,
This, I may love nor be betrayed,
The dead are faithful to the last.
I am not spouseless :
I have wed a memory; a life that's dead."
So we each, my friends, " have wed a memory," some young
life that has passed away for liberty, " A life that's dead."
The fifth anual reunion of the survivors of the gallant old
92d, was held in Byron, September 5th, 1882, and was the most
successful the regiment ever held. The address of welcome was
made by John S. Kosier, and during his remarks he paid the fol
lowing tribute to Maj. Hawk:
But a few weeks since, you were called on to mourn the loss
of one of your gallant and honored number, Major R. M. A.
Hawk, late Member of Congress from this district. Major Hawk
was a brave and gallant soldier, a just and upright citizen, a kind
and affectionate husband and father, a Christian gentleman, and a
true and fearless legislator. His popularity was fully demonstrat
ed by the tact that his nomination for his third term in Congress
was secured at the time of his death, without any material effort

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 41
on his part. His eulogy I will not attempt ; that will be done by
abler minds than mine.
Capt. E. T. E. Becker, of Mount Carroll, responded to the
address of welcome, and referred to his deceased friend and neigh
bor as follows :
Some who made up our happy number then, are absent now,
and we shall not greet them again until the great re-union in etern
ity. One by one we are called upon to face a more inexorable and
relentless foe than were our enemies of the south. I thank you
for referring to my dear friend, whose sudden and premature death
we so greatly deplore. For twenty years past my relations with
him were of the most intimate and friendly character. Not a day
passed while we were in the army or at home, that we were not in
each other's society. I could not more sincerely mourn the death of
a natural brother. He lost his life in the defense of his country's flag
and honor, as truly as though he had died on that notable 12th of
April, 1865, in North Carolina. We often talked about the re-union to
beheld this year at Byron. He looked forward with bright anticipa
tions of pleasure to this occasion, when he would again hold sweet
fellowship and communion with the boys whom he so dearly loved,
and again exchange greetings with this people, in whose friendship
he had the utmost confidence, and whom he held in the highest
esteem. 1 close with an appropriate and eloquent quotation from
his speech at Lena, three years ago.
"My comrades, we are growing old. Many of us must soon
'wrap about us the drapery of our couch and lie down.' Our places
must be filled by others who are even now pressing hard upon our
steps. The hope, the desire, the wish of my soul this day is, that
our lives may be honorable, bright, blameless examples to the com
ing generations. It is meet also, that we should keep in memory,
those whose feet have long since ceased to tread the paths our feet
are now treading. 'Tis said:
"There is no death so beautiful
As is the white, cold coffined past:
This I may love nor be betrayed,
The dead are faithful to the last.
I am not spouseless, I have wed a memory,
A life that's dead.
So we each my friends 'have wed a memory,' some young life
that has passed away for liberty, — a life that's dead."
Captain Lyman Preston in his remarks, paid the following
tribute: Comrades, time has rolled on, and now seventeen years have
gone and oh, what changes ! Our ranks have grown less. One that
was with us at our last re-union is gone, and while we see his noble,
manly form in mind, we trust to-day he is walking the golden
street, not with his crutch, but has found his lost limb, and with the
golden harp is singing, not "we are marching through Georgia,"
but the glories of the Lamb. He is not drinking from the foul

42 MEMOIRS OF
southern springs, but new wine in our Father's kingdom; yes,
Major Hawk is gone. Others we know not are sleeping in unknown
graves; others receiving the baptism of flowers strewn annually by
loving hands. While these flowers can do no good to the soldier, it
keeps alive our patriotism and reminds our children of the sacrifice
it cost to save our country.
John Gibson in his remarks referred to the deceased as follows :
Then our route led us through Milledgeville toward Augusta.
Early in the morning of the day we covered the rear of Kilpatrick's
Cavalry Divison, while standing guard at the picket post, I heard
firing away off to the right. I aroused the commander, the lament
ed Major, then Captain, Hawk. He would not at first believe it,
but he was soon convinced. From that time on through the long,
long day, away into the evening it was the duty of the Ninety-Sec
ond to guard the rear of the Cavalry Division. How well the
work was done you all remember. That was the grandest achieve
ment of the Regiment during its career.
After music by the band, General Atkins was introduced, and
responded to the toast, "Our heroic dead," as follows:
Comrades: The task imposed upon me by the partiality of
your committee is a difficult one, but one I would not desire to be
relieved of. It is a sorrowful task. "Our heroic dead." On their
graves we rain our tears, but from our falling tears is reflected the
rainbow of National glory.
Can I name them all ? No; I wish I could. They gleam like
diamonds in the IN ational crown of glory, and, so long as the Nation
shall endure, so long as the memory of the Nation survives in heroic
history, they will gleam like stars, glittering, bright with honor.
I believe among the last to fall, if not best beloved, at least
beloved by every brave soldier of the Ninety-Second, was our com
rade Captain R. M. A. Hawk. There were those who envied him
the civil position he filled with so much honor, but we rejoice that
the gallant soldiers of the Ninety-Second bore their wounded com
rade upon their shoulders, and crowned with glory the last days of
Captain Hawk, who heard, just as the angels came to convey his
spirit to the better world, the glad commendation of his comrades
and the people of his Congressional District, "Well done, good
and faithful servant." No one in the regiment rejoices more than
myself that my voice mingled with those of his army comrades,
and the people, in swelling the chorus that must have been glad
music to him. Besquieseat in pace, gallant Hawk. Your fame,
your honor, is safe in the memories of your comrades.
In the evening, after supper, several speeches were made. Mr.
E. A. Irvine, who was selected as one of the orators for the next
re-union, presented Mrs. Hawk, widow of the honored and respected
officer of the Ninety-Second, with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in
a neat speech. He said:
We turn the crank of memory backward to-day until we find
ourselves surrounded by all the paraphernalia of war. Along the

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 43
highway are marching column after column of armed men, battery
after battery of artillery, mile upon mile of ambulance, amunition
and supply train. You hear a spattering fire in front, yon see staff
officers and orderlies riding back and forth; you hear the shrill bugle
and the roll of drum ; you hear the command, deploy as skirmishers;
on the right take intervals. You hear the command draw saber,
fix: bayonet; you see that living avalanche moving irresistibly for
ward; you hear the roar of cannon, and the clash of resounding
arms, the neighing of the frightened steed; you see the ground all
strewn with dead and dying. Of the nine hundred of the Ninety-
Second, who entered the service on September 4th, twenty years
ago yesterday, only four hundred and fifty-eight mustered out with
us at Camp Douglass. Taking the three hundred and fifty recruits
with the original nine hundred, gives us in round numbers twelve
hundred and fifty men, four hundred and fifty-eight of the original
number, and one hundred and forty-eight transferred, gives us six
hundred and six from twelve hundred and fifty, leaves us six
hundred and forty-four unaccounted for. Where are our comrades?
Answer me Kentucky hill-side that has echoed to the tread of
armed men ! Tell me ye proud Tennessee with your broad
rivers and your lofty Lookout ! Tell me ye stately pine and sad
hemlock; tell me dismal swamp or ocean roar, where are they ?
From hillside and valley, from mountain and plain comes the ans
wer, we hold sacred their dust until the Reveille shall sound from
the everlasting encampment, then we will send them forth clad in
their new uniforms, and ye shall stand again shoulder to shoulder,
elbow to elbow. Of the six hundred and six who were mustered
out with us or transferred, only one hundred and sixty have ans
wered to the roll-call to-day; and again comes the question, where
are our comrades ? We are aware that many are unable to be with
us to-day. We are aware also that our number is growing less.
The time is coming when there will be but one hundred of the
Ninety-Second left; when there will be but fifty, but twenty-five,
but ten, but two, but one, and then there will be no more re-unions
here. The Grim Recruiting officer who musters in but never musters
out, has not been idle; he has come into our regimental household
during the months past, and has taken our first-born, our loved one,
one whom we delighted to honor.
Mr. Chairman, the ladies have placed in my hands this beau
tiful bouquet of flowers to be presented, pn behalf of the regiment,
to the brave, patriotic, noble woman that we are so pleased to have
with us to-day; whose plighted faith was not shaken when Robert
Hawk became a crippled soldier. God bless Major Hawk's widow;
and when I say God bless her, I feel, I know, every one of you will
say Amen ! [Great applause.]
The following speech was delivered by Hon. R. M. A. Hawk,
at a fourth of July celebration at Davis, in 1881. He opened his
remarks by first alluding briefly to the great and sorrowful calamity
that had befallen this nation in the attempted assassination of our

44 MEMOIRS OF
noble President, James A. Garfield. After speaking of this event,
he addressed the audience substantially as follows :
One hundred and five years ago to-day the American Congress
declared the Anglo-American colonies free and independent states,
under the name of "The Dnited States of America;" and for a pe
riod of more than six years and a half after this declaration the
thirteen colonies, so leagued together, sustained themselves against
the maritime power of Great Britain, forcing a peace which estab- •
lished their independence of the mother country, which was finally
ratified at Paris on the 20th day of January, 1783. This is the brief
statement that fixes the beginning of our life as an organized gov
ernment, and which forms the basis of our assembling on this occa
sion around our national altar, that we may look each other in the
face, clasp hands, renew reminiscences of our past history, increase
our patriotism and devotion that personal liberty may be perpetuated.
How many eyes are turned to America to-day ! Here are being
tested the most advanced theories of self-government, and the result
is being watched by the crowned heads of the whole civilized world
with an interest never before felt in organized society. Ours is the
directly opposite in theory and form to that absolutism that has, in
former ages, been considered the groundwork of all established gov
ernment. It is well for us to meet and renew pledges of regard and
unity — and when we remember that millions of our fellow citizens
are convened throughout the country for similar purposes, we may
understand the cosmopolitan nature of these gatherings. The world's
strides in the direction of that which is higher, grander, purer in
the march of time, are preserved to us by commemoration. We
have our 12th and 22d of February, our 30th of May aud our 4th
of July — all for the purpose of refreshing in memory marked events
in our history, national in their significance. The latter having no
less an object than the celebration of our natal day. So we have
days set aside for the preservation of the chief events of the Chris
tian religion ; and for the purpose of refreshing the memory, and
rekindling the piety and zeal of the believer in the divinity of Jesus
Christ, the commemoration day is fixed the first in every week.
The ancients had their days for feasts and keeping in mind their
more important national events, such especially as marked an epoch,
brought them into existence, or made them great in history. It is
a remarkable fact that the first absolutely authentic and reliable
chronology is fixed by the period of the establishment of the Olympic
games in Greece, about 700 years B. C.
We are standing, my friends, in the swelling, surging gulf of
the centuries, and glancing backward and forward across the billows
of wonderful events, we find ourselves at a loss to know where and
how to grasp, in the true light of the honest-minded critic or states
man, these mighty lessons, and draw from them profit for the future.
The history of nations is marked by epochs, and these are made
prominent by some distinguishing feature. Every nation has its
child-life, and declares in its first effort the ability to live indepen
dent of the fostering care of the mother. The early childhood
struggles with diseases that follow; the reaching by natural growth

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 45
its youth, with the indiscretions of that period, called in maturer
jears follies — the springing into the arena of the world of nations.
in the full vigor of a sensible and tenacious manhood. These are
the natural steps or stages of growth, and as the foundations have
been laid in rich and varied experience, although at a fearful cost,
it may be, it is reasonable to expect the rewards of a long and use
ful life. Happy is it with nations as with men if they do not in
the periods of inexperience commit such grave errors as shall follow
them through life, and cause premature death or at least a life-long
-affliction. And fortunate, indeed, was it for us, that we had in the
early stages of our existence the guiding counsels of such great and
revered names as Washington, Hamilton, Adams, Franklin, Jef
ferson, and others — and afterwards the matchless statesmanship of
Webster, Clay and Jackson, as well as the plausibility and acumen
of Calhoun. I mention in this connection the names of Jefferson
and Calhoun advisedly, because in our early life they had their place,
and it appears that the special purpose for which they lived was
that the nation might while young be thrown into just such trials
as their peculiar theories of government would naturally produce —
that while yet in our youth and the recuperative powers great, we
might recover more easily than in after years when the tissues of
our national body were more firmly fixed. Washington and Ham
ilton, with their far-seeing sagacity and statesmanship, very early
advocated a centralization of power in a general government, and
urged upon Congress and the people their views, as being the only
ones upon which the nation could safely rely, embodying the best
ideal of republicanism, and by which the country could in coming
years reach the highest development. On the other hand we find
Jefferson, and afterwards Calhoun, presenting their theories of the
rights of States, apparently moved by impulses as broad and great
as were the others, claiming that only a kind of family compact
between the States was the embodiment of the highest and best type
of human independence, and conducive to the fullest and freest de
velopment of the American idea of the full equality of all men and
each individual State before the law. We find these antagonistic
principles pervading the body politic to-day, and in them we shall
find the chief cause of concern to all true patriots.
My countrymen, whatever may be our differences of opinion
upon the political issues of the day, this anniversary unites and
gladdens us all. We may have our various theories of government;
ideas and principles in politics for which we contend in heated dis
cussion and with bitter partisan zeal, but on this, the anniversary
day of the celebration of our national birth, we are all citizens of a
common country, bound by the ties of brotherhood, convened for
the noble purpose of increasing our devotion to the principles of
union and individual liberty. Where is there a man whose heart
does not swell within him, who does not feel an honest pride in real
izing that he is an American citizen to-day ? And while it may be
true that all is not strictly to our liking in the various departments
of our system, yet there is not an organized government in the world
where there is so little restraint upon the individual, and where life,

46 MEMOIRS OF
liberty and property are so secure as in our own beloved country at
the present moment. Communism and Nihilism cannot flourish
here. There can be no tyrant but public sentiment and the ex
pressed will of maiorities. And of these, with true enlightenment
of the former, and an honest, untrameled expression of the latter at
the ballot-box, there can come no evil, but only good to the masses.
The peculiarity of the liberty which we this day enjoy, is that
it is the liberty of a solid and indivisible union. The nominal Re
publicanism and liberty of Greece and Rome were those of conten
tion and discord. The various states of Greece were their own de
stroyers and to their weakening influence upon each other was
attributed the easy prey they proved, to the ambition of Philip of
Macedon. While Rome gave every freedom to her conquered prov
inces except in the exaction of tribute, there was no spirit of liberty
inculcated and propagated among the people, hence, when she fell
a prey to luxury and northern rapacity, all her contingents went
down with her. I. cannot, perhaps, more beautifully express the
sentiment of unity and the natural protection of a common league
than is contained in the following lines:
"Happy are all free peoples, too strong to be dispossess' d —
But blessed are they among nations who dare to be strong for the rest."
Little indeed does it matter, my friends, that our existence as
individuals be prolonged a single day; but certainly the greatest
importance attaches to the perpetuity of Republican institutions
under our free and liberal form of government. Here indeed there
are no castes — the son of the poor mechanic or day laborer has before
him the same possibilities as the offspring of the merchant prince
or the millionaire. You, mothers, who are to-day dandling upon
your knee the helpless babe, can feel and know that all the possibil
ities are before it that were ever before mortal. There are no grades
of society here, one of which dare not reach over into the bounda
ries of the other. The field of thought is free as air, and in its un
explored expanses the seeker after knowledge may find limitless
range. Especially in our great West does it widen and broaden
until there is no boundary to its unexplored grandeurs. Broad
ideas of statesmanship, society, science, religion, have their home
in our free country. Ranging out into the great unknown go these
mighty elevators of our race, these esscences which move the world,
these thoughts. To my mind the great, the paramount danger of
the hour is that we forget to think upward to the Ruler of the
nations for their good and the elevation of the races of men. What
a grand future opens to the hopeful patriot.. When I see the possi
bilities to fifty millions of our liberty-loving fellow-beings, truly
Americanized, pervaded with the highest ideas of personal freedom
(careful, however, not to use that liberty as a license for commiting
evil) I say, when I see in imagination, these moving majestically
forward in one solid unbroken phalanx — fraternizing, educating,
widening the view of the religious, the scientific, the political
horizon— developing new and untrod fields in the great beyond of
our history. I can but feel a thrill of just pride, while at the same

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 47
time, it must not be forgotten that wise councils must prevail in all
departments of government if we would be truly happy — and while
we are so justly proud and can realize that we are on the highroad to
national prosperity, with a grand future almost in the very present —
neither must it be forgotten that true success depends upon the
most ardent regard for and jealous protection to the State— and
what constitutes the State ? In our system each freeman with his
good right arm and the common protection of the law in the dis
charge of duty— this constitutes the State. The thought is more
beautifully expressed by Sir William Jones:
"WHAT CONSTITUTES A STATE ?
Not high-raised battlement or labor' d mound,
Thick wall or moated gate;
Not cities proud with spires and turrets crowned;
Not bays and broad arm'd ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navies ride,
Not starr'd and spangled courts,
Where low-brow' d baseness wafts perfume to pride,
No ! men, high minded men,
With powers as far above dumb brutes endowed
In forest, brake or den,
As beasts excel cold rocks and brambles rude,
Men who their duties know,
But know their rights and knowing dare maintain,
Prevent the long aim'd blow
And crush the tyrant while they rend the chain,
These constitute a state;
And sovereign law, that State's collected will,
Oe'r thrones and globes elate
Sits empress, crowning good,, repressing ill."
The purpose of organized government is that each individual
¦citizen may enjoy full protection to life, liberty, property. These
are denominated the natural rights of man, and were chief among
those enumerated in the Magna Charta which was wrung from King
John by the barons; the signing of which was finally accomplished
at Runnymede, June 5th, 1215, now more than six hunded and
sixty-six years ago. The signing of this great charter of enumer
ated rights is considered the first blow at the divine right of kings,
and is to this day denominated the foundation of English liberty.
¦Since the days of the glory of Greece, Rome and Carthage, the ex
istence of which was of but short duration as republics, and which
were but sorry representatives of that liberty with which we are so
richly blessed, there had been no determined effort to break the
thralldom of absoluteism that held sway throughout the world,
until this advanced step was taken in the interests of the people.
It should ever be kept in mind when reflecting upon the conduct,
motives and actions of the fathers of the republic, that they were
in the dim twilight of the advancing day of disenthrallment. They
¦certainly builded better than they knew in so fearlessly adopting the
sentiments of the Declaration, as well as in giving us the splendid
lodgment of power expressed by the sections of the federal consti
tution. They had not that extended experience nor were there in
existence the vast number of precedents to which we in this second

48 MEMOIRS OF
century of the life of the republic may so readily and profitably
refer. For nearly a thousand years outspoken, bold expressions in
favor of personal liberty were very weak indeed and at distant inter
vals. The supreme right of the hereditary ruler to exercise author
ity over the subject had been for this long period promulgated from
thrones as a special prerogative; and the masses had accepted the
dogma " the king can do no wrong " as of Divine origin because
they had been taught that there must be some final lodgment of
absolute authority that governments might be the more stable.
Hence at the time of the adoption and promulgation of the demo
cratic principles embodied in the early enunciations of the republic,
no ordinary nerve and narrowly ganged brain were required by
those who dared to step forth boldly and pledge their " lives, their
fortunes and their sacred honor " to maintain the new untried; yet
broadly laid down, glowing principle "We hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these-
are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and as the full
meaning of these bold words comes ringing down the century, we
can but hold in the most profound admiration the clearness of fore
cast, the strength of character and the warmth of heart that could
at such a period of the world's history boldly enunciate such eternal
principles of progressive patriotism and wisdom as are contained in
our fundamental documents, the Declaration and Constitution. The
former, a powerful portrayal of grievances, and an appeal in clear-
cut ringing words that come as fresh to us at the end of the century
as when they emblazoned our banners a few years after tea was so ex
tensively drawn in Boston harbor. The principles promulgated are as
eternal as the everlasting hills, and must endure to the end of time,.
whether the government builded thereon shall last as long as the
needs of men require, or pass into oblivion. The latter a perfect
lodgment of sovereign power, guarding certain rights by reserving-
them to the States or to the people, while at the same time
completely fixing and defining others; marking the bounds where
by the equilibrium is kept between every department.
The constitution guards religious tolerance with a most sacred
care. There shall be — nay, there can be no keeper of religious
opinions and conscience in this country, and the wisdom of such
a safeguard is acknowledged by the most advanced thinkers and
writers upon the subject of government. This was a bold, decided
step in advance by the founders of the republic, which not only
guarantees to all, but fosters the broadest, freest exercise of toler
ance. The State cannot keep the religious sentiment of the
citizens. Under our form we may worship God according to the
dictates of conscience, and no law, rule, form of dogma can be
forced upon us by the decree of any prince, potentate, sovereign, or
other political power whatever. Here we have the most untram-
eled liberty of conscience, and in this rests the secret of much of
the advancement of the age, in broad, clear, pure religious teach
ing. Turn back but a few centuries in the world's history and
we shall find civil government hedged about on every side by an

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 49
oligarchy of religious dogmas, to which all were forced to yield the
most unquestioning obedience. And worse than all, much of the
teachings of the churches of past ages were not always the broad
doctrines promulgated by the meek and lowly for the amelioration,
advancement and happiness of mankind, but the self-asserted theories
of Church dignitaries. * * * ¦ * *
Many favor the control of various gigantic business operations
by the government, but these are not in accord with the full meaning
and intent of our organization. We must studiously avoid every
appearance of paternal forms. There is not a principle that applies
to the ownership and control by the general government of any
branch of industry that does not apply to all others. If it be the
province of the political power to own one particular business enter
prise, the same rules that apply in the one instance would with
equal force refer to all others. If the ruling force has a right to
produce manufactured articles and furnish them to the citizen at
actual cost, an equal power exists, and it is just as incumbent to
furnish bread at actual cost to the consumer and thus prevent all
private competition. To the political economist who advocates the
doctrine of government control of any one branch of industry, the
management of every other must as a matter of course follow. This
being the natural result, the powers of government become concen
trated and the immense patronage that must grow up is liable to be
used by the ambitious for their advancement and aggrandizement.
Ours will then, like the old Egyptian, center all in the governing
force, and the people become dependencies upon the will of one man
or one caste of men. To such a threatened condition we must ever
oppose our full force and vigor. Open all the avenues of trade,
manufacture and business enterprise to each individual citizen, let
the faculties have full sway so that the benefits of competition will
accrue, and the evils will be averted as fully as possible by human
arrangement. It may be said that the rich will increase in wealth
while the the poor will become more and more impoverished. How
can this be avoided? The answer is that it cannot be fully controlled
by any human device. Individual success depends largely upon
individual capacity. It appears to be a fixed law of Providence that
some must be rich while others are poor. Under our forms this diffi
culty can be overcome better than any other. There are no castes of
society here, no hereditary endowments. Property, real and per
sonal, is equitably and justly divided under our laws, and we have
no aristocracy to be sustained by special enactments requiring taxa-
tion of the masses. Our rulers need no pillars of state for their
sustenance, except those of enlightened constituencies. The aris
tocracy of this country is that of true worth, and must usually be
earned by earnest toil, unceasing industry, and great sacrifice on
the part of the possessor.
The most successful achievements may be reached in the hum
bler walks of life, and bring with them the full measure of happi
ness. "Employment gives enjoyment" — an industrious English
laborer said to me. " There has not been a day since I landed in this
country, eight years ago, that I need be idle for want of something
7

50 MEMOIRS OF
to do. True, wages have not at all times been the most remunerative,
but I have had no lack of employment of some kind, and at an average
or fair compensation."
Success lies at the end of the highway of earnest, industrious
endeavor. I know we are inclined to believe that some are favored
far above others. This is exceedingly doubtful except in so far as
one may possess the ability to use an enlightened and cultivated
judgment. There are no " easy positions " in life if well and con
scientiously filled. True, accumulations intelligently managed will
secure to the possessor other accumulations, but the sacrifice must
first be made to secure the basis, and great intelligence and sagacity
must be exercised in managing the same, that results may follow.
Let the mind turn back over the space of our short lives. Who are
the successful men of to-day? Are they not those who but a few
years since were at the foot of the ladder ? — who have by dint of
earnest effort and personal sacrifice first built the foundation of the
success which they now enjoy. Is this course not open to each one
of us? May we not from this hour highly resolve not to sit down
amidst the ashes of discontent and repining at our lot, refuse to see
the opportunities which are constantly in our reach; but that we
will win success from the future? We have the utmost liberty of
action. All the fields and avenues are open to us, and all depends
upon our willingness to make the sacrifice. And the rich of this
year may be in want the next.' It is equally true that the poor of
this decade may, nay they can, if God has bestowed the proper
capacity, become the wealthy of the next score of years. It is some
encouragement to the indigent to know that the best and most prac
tical teachers inform us that riches do not bring happiness; that the
cares and vexations of wealth are almost as unpleasant and hard to
endure as the discomforts and inconveniences of poverty. Hence the
proverb of the wise man, "Give me neither riches nor poverty,"
expresses the best attainable condition.
" Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who
mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power
which knowledge gives. Every class is interested in establishments
which give to the human mind its highest improvement. Learned
institutions ought to be favorite objects with every free people.
They throw that light over the public mind which is the best secu
rity against crafty and dangerous encroachments on the public lib
erty." Thus means of personal advancement must be brought near
the people that they may avail themselves of the full benefit. This
is the chief reason that our Township system is said to be, and it is
in fact, the great conservator of our advancing civilization and guard
to civil government. It brings the principles of local self-govern
ment in direct contact with the people. Our educational interests,
under our peculiar system, where the expressed will of the people is
the only sovereign, assumes an importance far beyond what is pos
sible or reasonable to suppose in other nations.
* * * * * * * *
I notice a writer in one of our popular reviews, in a somewhat
lengthy article, considers the illiteracy of our voting population.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 51
By the census of 1870 it is placed at 20 per cent, of the entire popu
lation. There are no means of determining the present condition
in this respect, as shown by the late census, but it is quite probable
that we have made slight progress toward a decrease in the figures
given. It will be observed according to this statement that one in
every five of those entitled to exercise the elective franchise is classed
as illiterate, which means that such are not informed for themselves
upon questions of national importance, and which bear directly upon
their individual interests as well as upon those of the whole body
politic. These voters are, on account of such illiteracy, much more
liable to be controlled by demagogues who will always be found
ready to thrive upon appeals to the passions and prejudices of the
uninformed. In our particular section of the country, here in your beautiful
little city, and throughout our agricultural communities, the grav
ity of the situation is not so perceptible, yet there are localities
where almost one-half of the voting population belong to the illit
erate class. Let us guard then with jealous care against the speed
of this evil, lest having successfully withstood the storms of a cen
tury, we are finally forced to succumb to the seductive influences of
ignorance and vice.
We come now to the consideration of an epoch in our history
that stands pre-eminent, inasmuch as, it has reference to a struggle
involving a no less prize than the perpetuity of the Union ; and in
doing so, reference is had to it in its historical and not in any way par
tisan sense. I refer to the struggle of 1861-65. The great question
that stood paramount to all others was not, as has been stated by
some, the perpetuity of slavery, but the real contention was as to the
supremacy of State or Federal authority. To the solution of this
there could be but one answer, and that in favor of a government
possessed of sufficient power to guard its own life. When the pre
amble to the Constitution says " we, the people," it certainly means
them in their national capacity, and not the States in any sense. *
* * In the face of the declaration that "All men are created equal,"
we held in worse than Egyptian bondage four millions of fellow crea
tures, wringing from them their sweat for unrequited toil, while the
dominant race whiled away the time in idleness and dissolute prac
tices. The thought of this great injustice to a race and this gross
inconsistency, under what purported to be a free government, stirred
the people as none other could, and this, together with the overbear
ing, domineering, aggressive conduct of the anti-national party, so
wrought upon the higher civilization of the age that the result was
the compassment of the freedom of a race, as well as fixing forever
the stability of the Union. Can we ever forget the fierce struggle,
its costs and the glorious results? It had as well be kept in mind,
too, while upon this point, that there is no principle for which the
contest was waged that is not as sacred to-day as when conquered
in the white heat of conflict. There is no parapet that was ever
stormed, and upon which the best blood of the nation was poured,
that should not be held as sacred and guarded with the same jealous
care as upon the day the victory was achieved. How the heart of

52 MEMOIRS OF
the nation responded to the sentiment, "The Union must and shall
be preserved." Our country is peculiarly blessed in all respects. We have every
variety of climate, from the frigid coasts of Alaska to the torrid fields
of Florida, with all the varied possibilities of production contained
in the two extremes. Our agricultural resources, still in their in
fancy, are capable of development to an almost unlimited extent.
Although in our early stages in this respect, our agricultural pro
ductions are our principal sources of wealth. Vast possibilities in
the near future are in store for us. When we consider the almost
limitless extent of our territorial expanse, variegated and rich as
none other on the face of the earth, and the undeveloped billions of
wealth contained in our mines, we may with some degree of certainty
predict the unprecedented prosperity even now standing at our doors.
It is then entirely proper that we set aside, at least one day in
the year, in which to take a retrospect, as well as to engage in care
ful consideration of our present condition; to devote a few hours, at
least, to the encouragement and increase of patriotism, and thereby
promote contentment, happiness and national perpetuity. My coun
trymen, with what devotion do we regard the ensign of liberty ! And
why is this? Can our utilitarian friends, who claim that we never
act without there is something involved of intrinsic worth, inform
us why it is that men are willing to sacrifice life itself for the main
tenance of the honor of that flag! My friends, it is because it rep
resents metaphysical principles ; some great truths of self-government
are held up before the world, emblazoned upon the folds of red, white
and blue. It means liberty to the oppressed, freedom of conscience,
citizenship in the broadest sense; the education of the masses, the
general amelioration of mankind, and a release from the thraldom
of tyranny. Wave then, proud flag of our country's hope! Unfurl
thy folds to nations yet unborn, and aid in solving successfully and
forever the principles of self-government. Take beneath thy ample
folds the down-trodden and oppressed of every nation and clime, and
vouchsafe the broadest liberty to the slave wherever holding up the
shackled hands.
We are, my friends, in our youth as a nation. I know some
contend that we have already reached the zenith of our greatness,
and are thus early descending into the certain darkness and destruc
tion of the black night of oblivion. I cannot, however, believe this
true. Surely the God of nations, the God of justice, the God of right
and human amelioration has not deserted us. (I see in imagination
before me a most beautiful vision to-day.) Methinks the good old
battered ship of state is reaching smoother seas, shattered a little
perhaps, storm-torn, but not leaky or strained at one single seam.
(Guided by a pilot to whose touch her helm yields with an ease and
pliancy unknown before: sternly and firmly he stands surrounded
by his counselors.) We have a chart and compass wrought from
the experience of a hundred years, and the good old flag is floating
in the breeze, thank God, without the loss of a single stripe or star.
I see, too, hovering over the proud old hulk familiar faces, those of
the founders of the republic, Washington, Jefferson, Adams, with

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 53
Clay, Webster, Lincoln, Douglass, and a host of others, great and
pure and noble in the times in which they lived and labored for the
success and safety of the first voyage of the true and untried craft;
and we see, too, those of friends who laid down their lives for liberty
standing firmly to duty as they were wont to do in life, faithful to
their trust, and for a moment their names tremble upon our lips like
an unspoken benison — grand, pure, noble souls, names of martyrs —
and at their head stand two whose great, pure, angular faces beam
upon us with an ineffable glory, as we hear words of warning, solici
tude and encouragement from these the founders and the saviour of
the republic. And now, my countrymen, let us enter anew upon our
various avocations, refreshed in patriotism by the proceedings of this
day; and thankful to Almighty God that we are so fortunate as to
live in the noonday of the civilization of the nineteenth century,
and upon the sacred soil of America, where liberty, social, political
and religious, is so safely lodged and so sacredly guarded.

54 MEMOIRS OF

CONGRESSIONAL CAREER.

CHAPTER THIRD.
Maj. Hawk nominated at Freeport, in 1878, on the Five Hundred and Seven
teenth ballot, to succeed Hon. Horatio C. Burchard. — Elected Nov. 5th,
by nearly 2000 majority.— Takes his seat in the Forty-sixth Congress March
18, 1879.— -Bills and petitions presented. — His maiden speech on the army
appropriation bill. — Second session convenes in December. — Bills, petitions
and speeches. — Third session in December, 1880. — The elevator in the south
end of the Capitol. — "Hawk's Carriage." — His speech on the apportion
ment. — One on the re-organizing, arming and disciplining of the militia, one
of the best of the session. — Press comments on Maj. Hawk as aCongress-
man. — Clippings from papers in the District relating to his probable re-nomi
nation. — Unanimously re-nominated. His remarks before the convention. —
Re-elected by nearly 6000 majority. — He takes his seat in the Forty-seventh
Congress. — Resolutions, bills, petitions and speeches. — His speech on the
bill to restrict Chinese immigration. — Remarks on the Agricultural bill. —
Speech on the improvement of the Mississippi river and tributaries. — Con
gressman Hawk's last remarks in Congress on improving Galena river and
harbor. — Granted a ten days' leave of absence. — He visits his home in Mt.
Carroll. — His return to Washington.— His death June 29th, 1882. — The an
nouncement in Congress. — Resolutions in the Senate and House. — The
Delegation which accompanied the remains to Mt. Carroll. — The Washington
Republican and Philadelphia Press articles on his demise.
TMTRING the year 1878, while Major Hawk was occupying the
¦*-J position of County Clerk of Carroll County, his friends impor
tuned him to become a candidate for Congress in the then Fifth
District. At that time Horatio C. Burchard, of Freeport, repre
sented that District. After canvassing in a few of the counties,
and meeting with enthusiastic receptions in each, he consented to
run. The Freeport Budget, of Aug. 10, 1878, had the following
report of the Congressional Convention :
The Convention was called to order at Wilcoxon's Opera House
at 2 p. m., August 8, 1878, by J. B. Brown, editor of the Galena
Gazette, who then read the call for the Convention, after which Col.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 55
M. D. Swift, of Ogle county, was appointed temporary chairman,
and all the Republican editors present, from the Fifth Congressional
District, appointed as Secretaries of the Convention.
On motion, a committee on credentials was appointed, each
delegation naming one gentleman from their respective delegations,
which constituted the committee on credentials, who reported a full
delegation from every county in the Congressional district.
On motion, the temporary organization was delared the perma
nent organization.
The next in order, every county in the Congressional district
was called in their respective order to present their candidate be
fore the Convention. Carroll county being called, Major R. M.
A. Hawk, of Mt. Carroll, was presented before the Convention by
Mr. Hunter as a candidate before the Convention. Jo Daviess being
called, Hon R. H. McClellan was presented by John C. Spare as a
candidate before the Convention. Ogle, being called, made no
response. Stephenson county called, and Hon. H. C. Burchard, of
Freeport, was presented by James S. Cochran as a candidate before
the Convention. Whiteside called, and O. S. Woodruff presented
the name of Hon. E. B. Warner before the Convention.
The next in order was the balloting for the candidates, each
county being called and responded to by one from each delegation.
First ballot stood as follows: Carroll county, 8 votes for R. M.
A. Hawk; Jo Daviess county, 11 votes for R. H. McClellan; Ogle
county, 14 votes for R. M. A. Hawk; Stephenson county, 12 votes
for Hon. H. C. Burchard; Whiteside county, 14 votes for Hon. E.
B. Warner; — 517 ballots were cast in all, and varying but little,
Burchard receiving at three different times from the Whiteside
county delegation 14 votes, making 26 in all, and R. H. McClellan
receiving on the 469th and 470th ballot 14 votes from Whiteside
county. On the 517th ballot the vote stood as follows: Carroll
county, 8 for Hawk; Jo Daviess county, 8 for Hawk and 3 for
Burchard; Ogle county, 14 for Hawk; Stephenson county, 12 for
Burchard; Whiteside county, 14 for Warner. R. M. A. Hawk,
having received the number of votes necessary for a choice, was de
clared the nominee of the Convention.
Before adjournment Major Hawk was called out, and thanked
the Convention for the honor which they had shown him. He was
followed by E. B. Warner and Hon. R. H. McClellan, who also made
a few brief remarks, when Hon. H. C. Burchard was called, and he
made a rousing speech, which was loudly applauded by the Con
vention. The Convention adjourned at 11:30 p. m.
The same paper said editorially: —
When Major Hawk entered the lists as a candidate for Con
gressional honors, he did so like a true knight, with armor on and
Visor down, and with true knightly bearing he has conducted his
campaign to the end, acknowledging that he was contending with
foemen worthy of his steel, and not endeavoring to build himself
up by tearing others down. His honorable campaign is crowned
with honorable victory. No sting remains from any unfair blow by

56 MEMOIRS OF
Major Hawk, for he was too honorable to deal unfair blows, and
those who contended with him will now contend with each other for
the distinction of doing the most to insure Major Hawk's election
to Congress by an overwhelming majority.
When Major Hawk's name was' first mentioned in the Carroll
county papers as a candidate for Congress, the Freeport Budget had
the following to say of him :
" Major R. M. A. Hawk, of Mt. Carroll, is highly spoken of as a
candidate for Congress by the Carroll county papers. He is deserv
ing of all the compliments paid him. He was a gallant soldier, a
captain in the Ninety-second Illinois, General Atkins' regiment.
He was wounded in a cavalry battle near Raleigh, N. C, just at the
close of the war, and had a leg amputated. He has been County
Clerk of Carroll County ever since the war. The disaffected have
frequently tried to beat Mr. Burchard in Carroll County, but the
Republicans of little Carroll have gallantly stood by Mr. Burchard.
If there is any one who can carry Carroll County against Mr. Burch
ard, it is Major Hawk. Even should he do so, we expect that Mr.
Burchard would be nominated; but should Major Hawk be fortunate
enough to carry off the prize of the Republican nomination, the
Budget will give him a very earnest and cordial support."
The " very earnest and cordial support," promised so early in
the campaign by the Freeport Budget, will be most cheerfully given.
The Republican press of the district will be loaded with his praise.
We repeat, "He is deserving of all the compliments paid him. He
was a gallant soldier," and, we add, he is an educated gentleman, an
honest man, and an uncompromising Republican. His election to
Congress is as certain as that an election will be held.
The Forreston Herald contained the following in regard to
Major Hawk :
" Major Robert M. A. Hawk was born in Indiana, April 23d,
1839, and there lived till 1846, when, with his parents, he removed
to Carroll county. He was educated in a common school during the
early part of his younger days, and later attended the Eureka Col
lege, in this State. At the breaking out of the war he enlisted in
Co. C, of the Ninety-second Illinois volunteers, and was chosen 1st
Lieutenant at its organization. He was promoted to a captaincy in
February, '63, and served until wounded near Raleigh, N. C. His
wound was in the leg, and of such a dangerous character as to necessi
tate amputation — a constant reminder of Republican institutions.
He was mustered out of service June 21st, 1865, and promoted to
Brevet Major. Of his conduct and bearing as a soldier his comrades
of the gallant Ninety- second will bear willing testimony. Returning
home to Carroll county, he was in 1865 elected to the office of
County Clerk of Carroll County, and has been chosen for that
position at every election since. ' Mr. Hawk cast his first vote for
Hon. Stephen A. Douglass, in 1860, but like thousands of other boys
in blue who went South, he became convinced that Republican prin
ciples were right, and since has been a consistent Republican, de
fending the principles and supporting the candidates of that party.
In every position occupied, whether military or civil, his actions

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 57
have been characterized by such zeal, industry, perseverance and
honesty of purpose as to command the approbation of all. Even his
political enemies can say nothing against his public or private life."
The Republicans of Stephenson county will delight to honor
him, and we believe that he will lead the ticket in every county in
this Congressional district. He has honored us by faithful services
upon the battle-fields for the Union; let us honor him by giving
him the largest majority ever given for a Congressman ; and again
he will honor us by representing us in Congress with the same hon
esty of purpose, zeal and energy with which he represented us on
those battle-fields where victory made it possible for us to have a
Congress. It is fair and reasonable that those who saved the nation
should take part in governing the nation they have saved.
The election was held on Tuesday, November 5th, 1878, and
the Major's opponents were Mortimer D. Hathaway, of Rochelle, a
prominent member of the Ogle county bar, who had been put in
nomination by the Democrats, and John M. King, of Rochelle, the
Greenbackers' candidate. The result of the election was as follows:
Carroll county, Hawk, 1564; King, 382; Hathaway, 288; Hawk's
majority, 894. Jo Daviess county, Hawk, 2271; King, 966; Hath
away, 1123; Hawk's majority, 182. Stephenson county, Hawk,
2278; King, 664; Hathaway, 1558; Hawk's majority, 56. Ogle
county, Hawk, 2452; King, 860; Hathaway, 1,244; Hawk's ma
jority, 348. Whiteside county, Hawk, 2,467; King, 1,842; Hatha
way, 620; Hawk's majority, 5. The total votes in the District were
as follows: Hawk, 11.032; King, 4,714; Hathaway, 4,833; Hawk's
total majority over both opponents, 1,485. He was triumphantly
elected to the House of Representatives of the Forty-sixth Congress
of the United States, and took his seat in that body in Washington^
D. C, on Tuesday, March 18, 1879. On the 11th of April, the
Speaker of the House announced the several standing committees-
Major Hawk was placed on those of the Militia, and Expenditures of
the War Department.
The following bills were introduced by him: To grant pensions
to Anson K. Young, to William H. Scribner, to George W. Church,
to Edward T. Brownell, and to heirs-at-law of Capt. John Slaughter,
late of Co. F, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteers, all of which were
referred to the committee on invalid pensions. He also presented
the petition of Edward T. Brownell, for payment of two lost drafts,
issued by a pension agent. This was also referred to the committee
on invalid pensions. Resolutions were also presented by him from
the Sanitary Council of the Mississippi Valley, favoring the passage of
the bill to prevent the introduction and spread of epidemic diseases
in the United States. This was sent to the committee on the origin,
introduction and prevention of epidemic diseases.
8

58 MEMOIRS OF
The Major's first speech in Congress was on the 3d of April,
when the army appropriation bill came up, when he said:
Mr. Chairman, being a new member of this Congress, I had
not thought to say one word upon this question; but the discussion
having assumed such a general scope, and becoming convinced that
the consideration of the questions arising upon the discussion of sec
tion six of this bill must necessarily involve many points at issue in
the consideration of the appropriation bill soon to follow, I have con
cluded to crave your indulgence for a few moments, while I shall
present some of the suggestions presented to my mind during the
progress of this debate.
The chief reason in my judgment, Mr. Chairman, why the
repeal of the sections of the Revised Statutes mentioned should be
opposed, is that such repeal is plainly against the best interests of
the country in the preservation of the purity and sacredness of the
ballot. Surely, based as is our system of government upon the free,
untrammeled vote and the intelligence of the citizen, itwill be im
possible to throw too many safeguards around this precious, funda
mental prerogative.
Why, indeed, should gentlemen oppose the enforcement of peace
at the polls? Is it answered that the States may and should be the
only power to regulate elections, and protect the citizen in the dis
charge of this high function; that municipal law alone should be
relied upon for the care, protection and preservation of the purity of
the ballot box, and not Federal authority. But, Mr. Chairman, has
it not been demonstrated to the entire and complete satisfaction of
all observing, thinking men that the State authorities are either pow
erless or unwilling to protect a certain class of citizens in the un
trammeled discharge of this fundamental function? For the answer
to this we have but to turn over the leaves of the book of history,
written in the South during the last ten years; as has been said upon
this floor, a book of the examples of violence growing out of the
elections at the South, might be written, and then fail to present a
full statement of horrible crimes and foul murders.
We are told there is still a war of races in certain sections of
the country; that notwithstanding the express declaration of the
Constitution, that the right of citizens of the United States to vote,
shall not be denied or abridged by any State on account of race,
color, or previous condition of servitude, a distinction is still pre
served. The letter of the Constitution in this respect is all well
enough, but I submit to every gentleman on this floor whether, in
effect, this constitutional provision is not at every election in the
South ignored and over-ridden by a more powerful law than a writ
ten constitution ; the public sentiment, without the existence of State
law, in effect makes this provision null; that there is a distinction
preserved, if not expressly on the grounds prohibited by the Consti
tution, it is incidentally done. Now, Mr. Chairman, in order for the
protection of these certain citizens, ostracised, cut off, and neutral
ized by intimidation and mob rule, it was found in 1865 to be neces
sary to apply force, in order to the free exercise of this first prin
ciple of citizenship. Hence the clause of the law now sought to be

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 59
repealed was placed upon the statute-book. In other words, it be
came necessary for the strong arm of the Government to be inter
posed to , preserve peace at the polls. There certainly must have
been some necessity for the enactment. And what was the neces
sity? It arose in the emergency, then as now existing in certain
portions of the country, upon appeals and representations made that
the State authorities were utterly powerless or unwilling to protect
the citizen at the polls; and this condition of the country being made
manifest, the power invested in the executive through this instru
ment for executing the law, the army, was invoked and used in laud
ably and properly protecting the weak against the strong and lawless.
Where, I ask, is the great wrong in this? Why, sir, the Gov
ernment of the United States can at any moment call upon, nay
more, it can drag its citizen from home and family, and place him
in the front rank of its army for the protection of the nation against
foreign encroachment or domestic disturbance; and it would most
certainly be a poor government, indeed, that could not, or, having
the power, would not, protect the rights of the same citizen in the
all-important function of casting a ballot for the person or party of
his choice. But it is urged that there have been abuses of this
power. This is, however, no argument against the justice of the
claims of citizens to full protection. The ten commandments are
broken every day; but this is no reason why they should be repealed.
They are inherently right, and must remain so forever. So with the
law, protecting the citizen in his right to cast his ballot at the polls
without intimidation from any source whatever; and he has a perfect
right to demand of his government that protection. And this being
his just and proper claim, it will be a sorry day for American insti
tutions and American liberty when this boon is refused. Who ever
knew a soldier of the Republic stationed at the polls, any where to
tamper with the voter in the legitimate discharge of his duty as an
elector? I have "failed to learn of one single instance in which any
person in the plain, straightforward discharge of his duty at the polls
has ever been interfered with in the least.
Riotous conduct should of course be condemned, put down,
stamped out; it matters little what the force used, so long as liberty
is not tampered with more than it may be crushed out by the vin
dictive hatred of caste. And no man, just to himself and the best
interests of the country, who is attached to the broad ideas and
principles of republican government, should oppose for one moment
the throwing around this important and high prerogative all the
safeguards possible.
I am inclined to the opinion that gentlemen on the other side
are not so anxious to be relieved of the presence of troops cm account
of their encroachments upon their rights as citizens of States, as
they are anxious to do away with the use of the army at elections on
account of the boldness the presence of the military guardians begets
in the actions of our black fellow-citizens on election day.
I am surprised that, in tacking these repealing clauses upon
appropriation bills, gentlemen cannot understand that it is nothing
.short of a revolutionary measure. It says, in forcible and unmis-

60 MEMOIRS OF
takable language, that these laws, considered obnoxious, must be
repealed to contribute to the political success of a particular party,
or the wheels of government must stop.
You quote English precedent for thus threatening the government
with destruction if your demands be not complied with ; but, Mr.
Chairman, while such policy was doubted at the time by the best
minds and first statesmen of the period, the demand was truly in
the interests of the people and against the encroachments of royalty,
while the demand of gentlemen on the other side is opposed to the
protection of the dearest interests of the nation and liberty, and in
favor of the precipitation of the worst anarchy upon the country.
The States, having shown that they are powerless under politi
cal pressure to protect the citizen, it is not only just and right, but
it is the unqualified duty of the Executive to use his power through
the army for the protection which the State fails or has not the abil
ity to exercise. Gentlemen on the other side have made the start
ling declaration that they, being in the majority in both branches of
Congress, hence representatives of a majority of the people, there
fore the Executive has no right in this case to exercise the veto power
vested in him by the Constitution. If this be correct doctrine,
when, let me ask, gentlemen, is this power to be exercised by the
President? The only time it could ever be necessary to use such
power is when the majorities in Congress shall be opposed to the
policy or pre-conceived ideas of right, law, and justice to the Presi
dent. The veto power is guaranteed to the Executive on purpose
for use in such an emergency as the present, and, should he choose
to exercise this power, on this particular occasion, I for one must
confess that I cannot see why it will not be constitutional and legal
for him to use it. I would not be understood as prejudging the
Executive in this particular instance, but merely present that it is
his legal, his constitutional right, and urge that the position taken
in this regard by gentlemen on the other side is without law or pre
cedent, and not warranted.
The gentleman from Mississippi assured the House yesterday,
that he had faith in the strength of the Government, and it appeared
to this side to be a most remarkable statement. A gentleman, a
Congressman of the United States, making the bold (?) assertion that
he has faith in the Government, thus assuring the country that there
is no doubt of the strength, the stability, the perpetuity of the
nation under its peculiar organization! The gentleman, having no
doubt tested thoroughly its adhesive power by the last resort of na
tions, is a most proper person to bear testimony to the strength of
the Republic. 1 commend his faith in the stability of the Govern
ment to the general consideration of his colleagues on the other side.
It, however, appears in bad taste for gentlemen, after using all the
power and machinery of devastating war for the destruction of the
Government, to so eulogize its strength while they propose to clutch
it by the throat and demand accession to their terms, or accept the
only other alternative, starvation ; that certain laws, now on the stat
ute books, must be repealed, or the machinery of government stop;"
and these demands, too, by gentlemen who owe their existence, cer-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 61
tainly their restoration to full citizenship after a voluntary relin
quishment of the same, to the clemency and forbearance of that
Government. We search history in vain for a precedent. We for
gave you frankly, freely, for your national sin, and you in return
repay us in threats, menaces, dictation.
Mr. Chairman, if these repealing clauses have any merits in
them, why do not the gentlemen put them upon their passage on
their merits? I have no doubt but this side would be at least mag
nanimous enough to meet the gentlemen in a fair, open discussion
of the merits of these laws and their contemplated repeal, and abide
the decision; but to accede to their repeal, standing as they do as a
threat, a menace to the country and the Republican party, we will
not, we cannot yield one inch. The responsibility is with the gen
tlemen on the other side, and they must accept it before the country.
An appeal to the voting millions will, in 1880, demonstrate that the
people will not permit their rights to be tampered with. And why
should not the repeal of these so-called "obnoxious laws" be the
test in the contest of 1880? Why may we not submit the debates
upon the questions in Congress, and go to the country in the next
Presidential contest, appealing to the people to sustain the laws as
they now exist, or indicate at the ballot-box then that it is their
judgment the time has been reached in our history when we do not
need these so-called safeguards to liberty?
This is certainly fair and just, and both the great parties can
afford to wait the voice and vote of the citizens at the polls in two years
for the decision of this all-important question. Gentlemen upon
this floor, on the other side of this House, should not forget that they
are enacting or placing upon record a precedent that may not be so
easily explained and disposed of in the coming history of legislation
in this country. Your tenure of power hangs by a fickle thread even
now, and two years may find your party in the position of a suppliant
minority; then, having shown your aptitude for using power for par
tisan purposes, it may be that we of this side may be able to profit by
your lessons.
Mr. Chairman, I do not intend to detain the committee longer.
My desire is that every Republican on this floor shall place himself
fairly and squarely upon record, and stand firmly to the principles
of truth, right, justice, and free, pure government, relying upon the
good sense and sterling patriotism of the country for support in this
hour of great emergency.
The above speech, his maiden effort, was one of the best deliv
ered in the House of Representatives during the session. It is quite
elaborate and well digested, and was delivered with much zeal and
earnestness. The press of Washington referred to the new member
from Illinois in terms very eulogistic.
SECOND SESSION.
The Forty-sixth Congress convened for a second time on the
first of December, 1879. During the session Major Hawk intro.
duced bills for pensions to William W. Church, William H. How-

62 MEMOIRS OF
ard, James P. Hunter, Emily C. Atchinson, Sarah E. Dunham, Sarah
Rock, Albany Matimiller, Samuel Orcutt, John R. Perrine, Justus
C. Bowles, and Sarah A. Rock; also a bill to authorize the Secretary
of the Interior to issue patents for lands upon which have been located
bounty land warrants; also concurrent resolution for furnishing
duplicate copies of the returns of the tenth census to State bureaus,
departments, or commissioners of the States and Territories, by the
supervisors of the several census districts.
He also presented petitions and papers from the internal revenue
storekeepers of Sterling, 111., for reduction in the hours of employ
ment; from the ex-soldiers of Illinois, against the passage of a bill
relating to pension claims; from the citizens of Stephenson county
for amendment of the patent laws; from the same for relief from
excessive transportation charges by railways ; from the soldiers of
Crawford and Jasper counties for justice in payment for services
rendered while in the Army; from soldiers of Ogle county for same;
from citizens of Carroll and Ogle counties for amendment of the
patent laws; from same for laws regulating interstate commerce;
from Illinois State board of public charities in regard to pauper im
migration; from R. R. Field, and others, for amendment of the
patent laws; from same for laws regulating transportation charges;
from H. McClellan, and others, against reduction of duty on zinc;
from W. O. Wilson, and others, for equalization of pay of soldiers;
from S. Greenleaf & Son for reduction of duty on printing paper;
from Charles Bent, J. M. Caldwell, S. W. Tallman, K. T. Stabeck,
T. O. Johnson, J. W. Clinton, P. Hairless, Maria Witt, for same;
from H. C. Gann for abolition of duty on type; from Charles Bent,
J. B. Brown, L. L. Burrows, J. W. Potter, Rev. P. Hurless, Carl
Strack, Earnest Seltz, S. W. Tallman, O. J. Smith, A. V. Richards,
Maria Witt, J. W. Clinton, Samuel D. Wilson, Harrison, Eshelman
& Ely, and F. A. W. Shriver, for same; from the officers of the
Woman's Baptist Home Mission Society of Chicago, for fulfillment
in good faith of Indian treaty obligations; from S. E. Chamberlin
for repeal of stamp act on certain medicines; from G. W. Allen,
John S. Green, H. S. Peterbaugh, A. H. Martin, A. Shumway,
R- C. Shultz, Butterfield & Hartrig, Wheeler & Bickford, Hen
dricks & Keefer, H. C. Robbins, McGregor & Caldwell, William
Lyons, David G. Plumnery, Western Wholesale Druggists' Associ
ation, A. M. Green, A. W. Brayton and John Metz, for same; from
the Illinois department of the G. A. R. for amendment of the pension
laws relating to permanent disabilities; from same against passage
of the sixty-surgeon bill; from John A. McRae, and others, against
same; from Illinois department of G. A. R. against discrimination

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 6a
between ex-officers and ex-enlisted men in rate of pensions ; from
citizens of Oregon, for improvement of the head-waters of the Mis
sissippi river; from A.yGolder, and others, for laws on the manufac
ture, importation and sale of olemargarine; from H. R. Baine, and
others, that soldiers be paid difference between value of currency in
which paid and gold; from O. F. Reynolds and James Bayne, and
others, for removal of duty on salt; and from the Hanover Illinois
Manufacturing Company for passage of the Eaton bill, creating a
tariff commission.
On the 22d of January, he asked and obtained unanimous con
sent of the House to admit Gen. John C. Smith, State Treasurer of
Illinois, to the floor of the House.
Feb. 26, the bill to provide for a deficiency in the appropria
tions for the transportation of the mails on Star routes, for the fiscal
year ending June 30, came up and Mr. Hawk said :
Mr. Chairman, believing as I do that the provisions of this bill
do not. represent ' the sentiment of the people of this country upon
this important question, I desire to offer a few thoughts, briefly as
I can, that have presented themselves to my mind upon this subject.
And in order that we may be made acquainted with the provisions of
the law upon which the action of the Departmnt is based, I quote
the following sections of the Revised Statutes:
" Sec. 3971. The Postmaster General may enter into contracts
for extending the line of posts to supply-mails to post-offices not on
any established route, and, as a compensation for carrying the mail
under such contracts, may allow not exceeding two-thirds of the sal
ary paid to the postmaster at such special offices.
." Sec. 3965. The Postmaster General shall provide for carrying
the mails on all post-roads established by law, as oftenas he, having
due regard to productiveness and other ciacumstances, may think
proper." It will be seen, Mr. Chairman, that these sections of the statute
give the Postmaster General the most untrammeled discretion in not
only establishing service on routes where there have been no mails,
but he shall provide for carrying the mails on all post-roads estab
lished by law as often as he may think advisable, having due regard
to productiveness, &c.
These are certainly unlimited powers in their special directions,
and it was evidently intended by the framers of the law to give this
power into the hands of the Postmaster General, in order that the
rapid development of portions of the country might be met and sup
plied with the needed requirement, not to say absolute demand, of
advancing civilization.
This discretionary power has been used, and that, too, under the
pressure of various interests calling loudly upon the Department for
recognition and consideration. It is useless now to consider this pe
culiar condition in which we find this important department of our
government in any other than a business sense.

64 MEMOIRS OF
I have listened with great interest to the progress of this debate'
and find no reason for supposing there has been any fraud practiced by
the Department in wielding this great power. No gentleman in the
progress of this discussion has had the temerity to charge bad faith
upon the Department; and in the absence of such charge it appears
there is one of three questions which we are called upon to decide:
First. Has this power been exercised improperly, and without
due regard to economy, having in view the interests of the body of
the people as well as that of economic administration of the De
partment? Second. Can the service be reduced upon these star routes, so
called, without detriment to the people whose fortune it may be to
be supplied by these lines?
Third. If such reduction can be made, how and where shall it
be done? It appears that the Department, acting upon the best informa
tion obtainable, and upon the urgent pressure of various parties in
interest, including many Senators and Representatives in Congress,
has been, is now, of the opinion that on these routes it has been abso
lutely necessary to exercise this power to what appears at first view to
be an unwarranted extent.
It is submitted, however, that when population has increased
to the extent it has in many cases in our Western Territories, that
the requirements are such as to make it exceedingly difficult to avoid
this extraordinary addition to the service. It is almost utterly im
possible to ignore the crying needs of new communities in this
respect. Our business transactions have been conducted with such
rapidity during the years since our great war that the people feel
they are justly entitled to have all the appliances necessary to the
rapid, unchecked transaction of their various business interests. To
this clamor the department has yielded at various points all over
the country, and the aggregation of the exercise of this discretion
ary power has resulted in a starling present and prospective
deficiency of $1,700,000 in round numbers. The question is, shall
this remarkable increase of expenditures be checked; if so, how
shall it be done ?
The bill under consideration attempts to correct this so called
abuse by loading down a small portion of the routes numerically, or
rather circumscribing their scope by fixing an arbitrary amount,
beyond which if any given route shall be found to have been in
creased, the same shall be peremptorily decreased to the terms of
the original contract. This is an arbitrary action, extremely restric
tive, and it is not difficult to understand that great injustice may be
done the service, and great suffering to the business interests along
said lines be the result.
I have failed to hear a proper reason given for this sweeping
arbitrary action. Much valuable information has been given to the
House and country by gentlemen who have preceded me; but no
good and sufficient reason has as yet been presented by anv of the
distinguished gentlemen for the enactment of this bill into law.
My judgment would be, Mr. Chairman, that some restrictive

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 65
measure should be adopted from year to year upon this point, as
well for the benefit of the people as for the protection of the depart
ment from the persistent importunities of those specially interested.
Our star-route system is so useful in its various functions that
we cannot afford to cripple it. Its uses in the protection and devel
opment of our frontier, and as a precursor of civilization in our new
Western empire, are such that no true statesman can afford to stand
as its destroyer, or even as one thrusting obstructions in the way of
its legitimate and proper advancement.
I feel that, while 1 am willing to prorate the reduction upon
these routes, and throw about the system any bulwark for its careful
protection against the rapacity of contractors who systematically cal
culate upon plundering, the provisions of this bill are entirely too
restrictive and unjust in their discriminations against these main
trunk lines of our star-route system — one hundred and seven in
number, I believe — sought to be restricted.
Seeing as I do the grand possibilities in the near future in store
for our postal system, I desire by my voice and vote to guard, pro
tect, defend it to the last against rapacity and importunity; but far
be it from me to trammel, smother, or strike it down from its proud
position. The House being in committee of the whole, March 20th, and
having under consideration the bill (H. R. No. 4592) to facilitate
the refunding of the national debt, Mr. Hawk said:
Mr. Chairman: Upon careful examination of the bill under
consideration, we believe its provisions are wholesome and its ten
dency toward economy:
Our national finances, being at the present in a most satisfactory
condition, it would appear to be the part of wisdom to take every
advantage of our prosperous condition in our coming funding oper
ations. It will be found, by an examination of the late report of
the Secretary of the Treasury, that, from December, 1880, to July,
1881, inclusive, we have maturing the following amount of debt for
which provision must be made, namely:
Maturing December 31, 1880, at 6 per cent, interest  $ 18,415,000
Maturing June 30, 1881, at 6 per cent, interest  254,392,550
Maturing July 1, 1881, at 6 per cent interest  823,800
Maturing May 1, 1881, at 5 per cent interest  508,440,350
Total  $782,071,700
By careful computation of the interest upon this sum at the
given rates, it will be found to average 5.35 per cent. The bill under
consideration proposes to fund the foregoing indebtedness by autho
rizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue bonds in an amount
not exceeding $500,000,000, bearing interest at the rate of 3| per cent.
per annum, 'redeemable, at the pleasure of the United States, after
twenty years, and payable forty years from the date of issue; and
also notes in the amount of $200,000,000, bearing interest at the rate
of 3£ per cent, per annum, redeemable at the pleasure of the United
States after two years, and payable in ten years from the date of
issue; but prohibits the redemption in any one fiscal year of more
9

66 MEMOIRS OF
than $40,000,000. It will thus be seen that the saving to the Gov
ernment will be the difference between 5.35 per cent, (the present
average rate) and 2.60 per cent., the proposed rate per cent, of the
new bonds and notes, which would be 1.85 per cent., or $14,468,326.45
per annum — an amount of saving quite sufficient to enlist the earnest
efforts of Congress. It is believed that the option of the Govern
ment in this arrangement is quite sufficient and under it no oppres
sion is likely to come to our resources or business interests.
I am not of those, Mr. Chairman, who believe in the policy of
a low rate per cent, on an interminable bond something after the
English plan. Should the present bill become a law, then as com
pared with the English debt, our rates of interest are certainly very
satisfactory. Governments, like individuals, should arrange to pay
their debts as rapidly as their resources permit. The English sys
tem is mentioned as worthy of precedent; but it is submitted that
our Government and that of England, although organized alike for
the protection of the citizen in his rights, have many points of dif
ference. In fact, in this country each citizen whether high or low
is entitled to the same consideration before the law. The people
constitute the government, and before this tribunal alone will an
appeal lie. No other power is supreme; no co-ordinate courts or
forces can claim any rights whatever in the presence of this august
body of sovereigns — this court of final appeal in all departments of
our Government. No question as to the " divine right of kings "
or special privileges of the peerage can intervene in the decision of
questions of public policy here. The independent citizen-creditor
has a right to expect the payment of the debts of his Government
the same as from a just and honest individual with whom a con
tract has been made. We must not, thus early in our national his
tory, with our immense resources at command and our comparative
ly light debt upon us, attempt to interminably perpetuate it for any
purpose whatever.
I believe it to lie a wise policy to retain to the Government a
liberal option, and the provisions of this bill are thought to be
ample in this respect. Care should be observed that no more rapid
payment of the debt should be permitted than the commercial and
general business interests of the country appear to justify. It is
believed that payment should be made as rapidly as possible without
over-taxation. We have referred to our indebtedness as comparatively light,
and that we may in this statement be the better understood, we here
with present a table showing the indebtedness of France and Eng
land in comparison with that of the United States. The compilation
is taken from the latest obtainable information upon the subject, and
is as follows:
France^  $4,695,600,000.00
Great Britain and Ireland  3,888,907,980.00
United States (March, 1870)  1,995,112,221.17
It will thus be seen that our debt is not burdensome in com
parison with that of the other nations mentioned. While our
resources are fully one-third of the whole, our debt is only a little

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 67
more than one-sixth of the aggregate of the three. It may be of
interest to note the debt per head in these countries. It is as follows:
France  :  $127.23
Great Britain and Ireland  114.62
United States (at 46,000,000 population)  43.50
By the foregoing it will be seen that, with our national debt in
such satisfactory condition and our ever-increasing resources, we can
not justify authorizing the issue of an interminable bond; there is
no necessity for such a step.
It is not my intention, Mr. Chairman, to discuss at great length
our funding operations. Much valuable information will be pre
sented to the country upon this subject during the continuance of
this debate. I shall confine my remarks more especially to a general
examination of our national finances, and to recommendations and
suggestions from various sources upon our financial system, and hope
thus to be able to assure and encourage the country in its commen
dable determination to keep good the promises made in the hours of
its peril by the honest payment of the debt created for its preserva
tion. In the prosecution of funding our debt the greatest care should
be preserved that no taint of bad faith cause the least surmise of
repudiation in any manner whatever, directly or indirectly. Nations,
like individuals, in order to prosper, must be strictly honest. If our
splendid fabric survive the storm of the coming centuries it must be
strong in its determination to stand firmly by its promises. It was
hoped the discussion of the national finances had subsided until a
few weeks since the country was freely treated to the peculiar views
and opinions of several honorable members of the House upon this
subject. Judging by some of the arguments and theories presented
by gentlemen upon this floor, it would be a fair inference that much
of our political history has been written in vain, especially that por
tion which relates to fixing some rule of action by which our repu
tation for national honesty and integrity is to be kept intact. It is
not, however, our purpose to discuss these questions from the stand
point of what has been said by members of Congress at this session.
We desire to call the attention of Congress and the country to some
of the recommendations of the present administration with reference
to our finances.
At the opening of the present session of Congress we were
startled by the recommendations contained in the annual report of
our heretofore sagacious Secretary of the Treasury, and more espe
cially by the following recommendations and suggestions to Congress
contained in the President's late message, to-wit:
" I would, however, strongly urge upon Congress the import
ance of authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend the
coinage of silver dollars upon the present legal ratio. The market
value of the silver dollar being uniformly and largely less than the
market value of the gold dollar, it is obviously impracticable to main
tain them at par with each other if both are coined without limit. _ If
the cheaper coin is forced into circulation it will, if coined without lim
itation, soon become the sole standard of value, and thus defeat the
desired object, which is a currency of both gold and silver, which

68 MEMOIRS OF
shall be of equivalent value, dollar for dollar, with the universally
recognized money of the world.
" The retirement from circulation of United States notes, with
the capacity of legal tender in private contracts, is a step to be taken
in our progress toward a safe and stable currency, which should be
accepted as the policy and duty of the Government and the interest
and security of the people. It is my firm conviction that the issue
of legal-tender paper money based wholly upon the authority and
credit of the Government, except in extreme emergency, is without
warrant in the Constitution and a violation of sound financial prin
ciples. The issue of United States notes during the late civil war,
with the capacity of legal tender between private individuals, was
not authorized except as a means of rescuing the country from im
minent peril. The circulation of these notes as paper money for
any protracted period of time after the accomplishment of this pur
pose was not contemplated by the framers of the law under which
they were issued. They anticipated the redemption and withdrawal
of these notes at the earliest practicable period consistent with the
attainment of the object for which they were provided."
The people of the country feel alarmed and annoyed at the
unlooked-for reopening of this perplexing question. The great mass
of our business men and those engaged in manufacturing regret that
at the present, when all our material interests are just beginning to
feel the touch of new life, called into existence by the abundance of
our crops and production of every kind, and the, for us, fortunate
foreign demand for our surplus, this subject should, through the
suggestion of Congressional legislation, be again precipitated, with
all its accompanying feelings of uncertainty, upon the country. We
believe it to be a safe policy to cease the agitation of this question,
and thereby prevent the feverish, unsettled feeling that must una
voidably grow out of any proposed change in existing laws.
We have now a convenient and most satisfactory currency, at
par for all practical purposes with the circulation of the civilized
world, and of uniform value in our local commercial transactions.
This being the case, any effort to make it better would appear a
work of supererogation. It is urged in that portion of the message
just quoted that it would be sound policy for Congress to " authorize
the Secretary of the Treasury to suspend the coinage of silver dollars
upon the present legal ratio," the minimum being $2,000,000 per
month. A reason for this suspension of the coinage is given " that
the market value of the silver dollar is uniformly and largely less
than the market value of the gold dollar;" hence it is argued it will
be impossible to maintain the circulation of the two metals at one
and the same time. This, it is claimed, is a most fatal defect in our
financial system, and indeed it appears to be such, in theory at least.
To correct this discrepancy in the value of the coins of the two
precious metals, two principal plans have been suggested and ably
argued by the special champions of each. The one advocates the
stoppage entirely of the coinage of the silver dollar, and the other
proposes an increase in the value of such dollar by adding an amount
of metal sufficient to make it equal in value with the gold dollar.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 69
We desire, Mr. Speaker, to examine this question from another
standpoint, and present a few thoughts differing, in some degree, at
least, from either of the suggestions made with reference to it. An
examination of the recent report of the Director of the Mint to the
Secretary of the Treasury reveals the fact that the purchasing power
of gold has advanced 16.2, while that of silver has declined but 2.1
since 1870.
The question is, shall the dollar of the more stable character be
brought up to the one of the greater fluctuation, or, on the contrary,
shall the one showing the greater range of difference in value be
brought down to the more stable standard? It would be the part
of fair dealing and statesmanship to decide the matter in a candid,
honest, business-like manner, and this admits of but one answer to the
question: the metal of the lesser variation should certainly remain,
and the other be brought to it, in case it is deemed best to readjust
values in our circulating medium. We deprecate the necessity of
reference to this matter in toto; but since the discussion is presented
to the country, it becomes our duty as legislators to divest onr minds
of all prejudice and approach the consideration of the subject with
the desire for the accomplishment of the greatest permanent good.
The bringing the value of the gold dollar down to its purchasing
power in 1870 would appear to be eminently just in case it be deemed
best to bring the metals to something near an equal valuation by
legislation, and would work far less injury to the business interests of
the country than to bring the silver dollar up to the gold value either
by increasing the amount of metal in such dollar by demonetization
or further limitation and restriction of the coinage. It is very diffi
cult to determine how or where this leveling-down process could
possibly affect the business interests of the country in the least.
Our coins are measured in foreign commercial transactions by their
bullion value largely, if not entirely; hence our foreign trade could
in no sense be unfavorably affected. The question of recoinage of
either of the metals is one that involves many delicate points of ad
justment, and chitfly influences domestic trade and commerce.
It could not certainly affect anything unfavorably except it be
existing contracts, and those only in remote or limited degree un
less, indeed, in recoining, it should be deemed necessary to increase
the amount of bullion in the coins, thus adding to their value by
enhancing their purchasing power, and making it more difficult to
procure them for the payment of debts. This would be a clear case
of discrimination against the creditor, , a power no more to be as
sumed by the Legislature than that of favoring any other class in
any of the various fields of legislation.
We doubt very much, Mt. Chairman, the wisdom of any
change at this time in existing laws upon this subject, but should it
be deemed best to make changes, this would appear to be a most
opportune time for a "leveling down " to the extent of bringing the
coinage of the country to near the same value, in view of the rapid
advance in the purchasing power of gold since much of the indebt
edness, public and private, has been created.
The ability to sustain, practically, a bimetallic currency is not

70 MEMOIRS OF
so difficult. The proposition that with a difference in value of _ the
coins of the precious metals it is utterly impossible to maintain a
bimetallic currency being true, then can only monometallic circula
tion be sustained for the reason that was the value of the two dollars,
gold and silver, now so arranged as to be equal, it would be an utter
impossibility to keep it so, critically considered, (for this question
must be considered upon some fixed principle), because any small
percentage of difference in value, from whatever cause, of sufficient
amount to justify transporting or hoarding either metal after a new
coinage adjustment would cause the more valuable to disappear,
thus necessitating new coinage for the purpose of again readjusting
values in order to prevent practically a monometallic currency; nor,
indeed, is it possible to foresee the end of this recoinage policy for
readjustment of values. Usually the fluctuations in the compara
tive values of the metals are so gradual that contracts are not ma
terially affected; and this is one of the strong points in favor of per
mitting trade and business interests generally to adjust themselves
to curreney conditions so far as variations in value are concerned.
It is believed that far less disturbance would be produced by such
a course than in case of the changes being brought about by arbi
trary enactment.
It would indeed be difficult to predict that in case of a recoinage
of the silver dollar which should contain an increase of bullion, it
might not from various causes, within a few years or months, become
so valuable as to be bought up for exportation, and in this way force
quite as much as in present conditions monometalism upon the
country. Mr. Chairman, this is certainly an eminently proper time to let
the agitation of these questions severely alone. The logic of events
will solve this coinage problem, more effectually and satisfactorily
than is possible by legislative enactment. It is more than probable
that the old ratio between the two metals of from 15£, or 16 to 1, is
as nearly correct as could be arrranged by an international congress
upon this subject. This having been established as the relative values
of these two metals by long usage and the requirements of internecine
traffic, it would certainly be wise not to disturb it except for most
potent reasons. Practical experience is a powerful factor in the solu
tion of all these intricate problems, and the statesman should bow
to old naturally established usages with reverence.
I certainly do not wish to be understood as opposing an inter
national conference upon this subject of readjustment of values; but
it is very desirable that caution, moderation and candor be carefully
observed in the consideration of this important question. Nor do
we deem it wise to increase or diminish the present volume of silver
coinage. Two millions per month will give us but twenty-four mil
lions per year — one hundred and twenty millions in five years, and
two hundred and forty millions in ten years — certainly not an exor
bitant amount; and it is reasonable to suppose that the legitimate
and proper use of this metal will tend to its rapid appreciation in
value. Should it be urged that silver is too cumbersome a metal
with which to transact the business of the country, we answer that

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 71
we do not use the metals, either gold or silver, in our commercial
trafficking to great extent, except in the smaller transactions. They
are chiefly valuable as substantial, available, rapidly convertible re
serves upon which to base commercial transactions and against which
to draw checks and drafts. It is submitted whether silver for the
purposes enumerated is not a most excellent and substantial foun
dation upon which to base credit, whether of the citizen or nation.
It is said silver does not circulate; that it is left in the vaults
of the Treasury, and the people do not want it. We answer that
the same conditions apply to gold and its use as a medium of ex
change. Yet no one will doubt the necessity of having a rapidly
and readily convertible commodity upon which may be based checks
and certificates with which to transact the business of the country;
neither will any person question the adaptability of the precious
metals to this necessary purpose. Private contracts can be made
for payment in either or both metals, and neither debtor nor cred
itor suffer in the least; but when no stipulation is made, let all
understand that either or their equivalent may be used.
If haste can be made very slowly in the consideration of this
question, we feel assured that nothing can be lost in trusting to the
logic of events for a full, complete, and satisfactory settlement of
coinage differences.
The message referred to contains a recommendation to Congress
for legislation favoring " the retirement of United States notes with
the capacity of legal tender in private contracts" as "a step to be
taken in our progress toward a safe and stable currency, which should
be accepted as the policy and duty of the Government, and the
interest and security of the people."
Mr. Chairman, we utterly fail to understand that there is the
least necessity for this retirement of our greenbacks. Certainly no
evil effects are perceptible at present in our business conditions from
the presence of this circulation ; and in our judgment no good and
sufficient reason has been presented for its retirement, nor do we
know of any that would warrant in the slightest this action at the
present. As a compromise it has been suggested that it is desirable
that the greenback be stripped of its legal tender quality; that could
this be done our system would be greatly benefitted. It is argued
that taking away the legal tender capacity of the greenback currency
would not affect its value. This proposition is, however, hard to
understand. Its chief value consists in constituting a circulating
medium performing all the functions of money, with a debt-paying
power equal with the precious metals, and in addition to this admi
rable and useful function it provides a substitute for gold and silver
to the national banks for the redemption of their notes, for which
Durpose, if stripped of its legal tender powers, it could not be used,
and there must of necessity spring up an extra demand for the pre
cious metals. It is always safe to have more than one resource, or
even two, at command in an emergency. Let there come a panic
from any cause whatever with a purely gold currency, and it at once
disappears. It would not be so easy to hoard both gold and silver
in case of such a condition of affairs; and it would be still more

72 MEMOIRS OF
difficult to lock up with them a full legal tender paper currency.
With these three performing the full functions of money, it does not
require a financier to perceive the immense advantage to be derived
from this treble standard in place of a single one when a stringency
in the money market is imminent.
We, then, have the greenback currency with its legal tender
qualities unimpaired performing important offices in our financial
system. First. It aids the Government in the resumption of specie pay
ment by preventing a run of the national banks for specie in case
of panic. Second. It adds to the debt-paying ability of the country, public
and private, by preventing the hoarding of legal tender, debt-paying
money of the people by the few, who may in case of panic hold their
capital uninvested in agricultural, manufacturing, or other pursuits,
for the development of the resources of the country, but who see to
it that their means are held well in hand for the purpose of profiting
by the necessities of these pursuits.
Third. It may be used in all transactions and for all purposes
for which metallic money is used as a circulating medium, and being
limited in amount it can easily be maintained at par with the pre
cious metals, and is much more convenient for the ordinary purposes
of traffic. Neither has there at any time been the least lack of con
fidence among the people in the stability and usefulness of this cur
rency for all their necessary requirements.
Here, then, we have use, stability (because of easy convertibility),
multiplicity of resource in case of emergency, and the unbonnded
confidence of the people in its present condition, all in favor of its
power being continued. It is submitted that it is- difficult to ima
gine a greater array of argument in its favor. True, it was originally
issued under the extreme demands of dire necessity, while the na
tional life was in imminent peril; but this is no argument if the
people are satisfied with it, that its benefits may not be continued
to them in times of peace, especially if well guarded from over
issue. Then, where is the necessity of' this currency, performing all
the functions of money and really of great benefit to the country,
as we have seen being shorn of a portion — and we do not know but
entirely — of its power? For we can but believe that it is the first
step in the programme for its final retirement.
_ Where the danger of permitting the present condition to re
main until there appears to be some necessity for changing existing
laws upon the subject? There certainly can be no cause for alarm
at the present. It is urged in a clause of the message just quoted
that this kind of circulation is not warranted by the Constitution.
We answer, it will be quite time enough to think of retiring this
valuable accession to the strength of our financial system when this
question shall have been passed upon by a judicial tribunal of com
petent jurisdiction. Let us not mar ordestroy this splendid finan
cial fabric with which we are so well satisfied until we shall haye
learned by some practical test or theory of government that another

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 73
can be erected which shall be more satisfactory, or that the present
arrangement is dangerous to our happiness and perpetuity.
There is another phase of this financial discussion that may
be properly considered in this connection, and this is our national
banking system. It has come to be a necessity to this country that
there be maintained, for the purposes of effecting exchanges, some
system of banking. Ninety per cent, of the business of the coun
try is done by checks and drafts on balances. Our national banking
system was organized in 1863, and by the report of Comptroller of
the Currency, December, 1879, we find that the number of banks
organized and in operation June 4, 1879, was 2,048, with a capital
in round numbers of $155,000,000 and deposits of $713,000,000.
Up to 1863 the business of the country was done by banks
organized under State laws, upon State and other stocks, much of
which was of a precarious character. By the State laws, under
which these banks were organized, they were made banks of issue,
and a very great proportion of these issues were made with not even
the nominal support of the precarious stocks mentioned. Each
State legislature enacted the necessary laws for the government and
control of these banks as to their issues and other powers, and as a
consequence there was no uniformity in either the volume or value
of the paper circulation. Our exchanges were effected with great
difficulty, and in fact with much loss to portions of the country,
owing to the difference in value of the issues of the banks oper
ating under these different State laws. The great volume of traffic
between the rapidly developing West and the eastern seaboard cities,
then as now necessitated a vast amount of exchange in the transac
tion of business between the sections; and did the same discrepancy
exist now as was sometimes the case then, before the inauguration
and perfection of our present admirable system, the tax upon our
western production would be a burden to which the people would
not submit. It will be remembered that under the old ante bellum
State system the difference between the value of the circulation of
our western and seaboard States was at times as great as from 15 to
20 per cent., and the western merchant, forced to submit to this dif
ference, had as a matter of self-preservation to add this to the price
of his purchases, thus taxing' the western consumer to a vastly
greater extent in maintaining the old State system than has ever
been the case under our present plan. The foregoing was not, how
ever, the chief objection to this old Democratic plan of banking,
although this was so obviously wrong, viewed from our present en
lightened position, that it is 'useless to think of the people again
submitting to such wholesale robbery.
The insecurity of the bills of these State institutions in the
hands of the people, caused by the precarious nature^ of the stocks
upon which their issues were based, was the cause of great loss to
the holders, and created a panic in 1857 that almost paralyzed the
whole business of the country, bringing trade and commerce to a
sudden and disastrous stagnation. It is said that the panic of that
year cost the State of Illinois alone $6,000,000. Surely, with the
history of that trying period, and in fact the whole banking system
10

74 MEMOIRS OF
prior to 1863, so fresh in the memory of the people, we do not care
to try such an experiment again. The advantages of our national
banking system as now organized are so markedly in contrast with
those of the old State plan that there can be certainly no question
as to which is the better. Nor do we believe it to be a wise policy
to destroy our present arrangement unless a markedly better, more
constitutional, and legal one can be substituted for the same. We
have been calling the attention of the country to the old Democratic
manner of transacting business, that we may the more effectually
show the wisdom of Republican methods; and we think it not un
reasonable that the people should be asked to compare the past with
the present, and we appeal to them to be careful how they remand
this important matter to the hands of those whose record is a stand
ing monument of folly and lack of business sagacity. We submit
that while the loss of the vast sums mentioned was a direct tax upon
the people, no man ever lost a farthing by the national bank circula
tion, nor is it possible for any person to lose anything on account of
the issues of these banks. The matter of difference, however, is
whether the Government shall issue directly the paper circulation
of the country, or shall such issue be made through banking corpora
tions based upon the bonds of the Government as securities for such
circulation. During the years 1862 and 1863, while the war of the rebellion
was at its height, and the credit of the Government was taxed to its
utmost by the constant draft upon its resources, Congress, by acts of
February 25 and July 11, 1862, and March 3, 1863, authorized the
issue of what was called legal-tender notes, the volume of which
issue has fluctuated from time to time as the requirements of trade
and commerce appear to demand, and amounted on the 28th day of
February, 1880, to the sum of $346,681,016. In the discussions in
Congress at the time of the first issue of the legal-tender notes, it
was claimed that such an issue could only be justified by the most
urgent necessity, and that such a necessity was then upon the coun
try no person for a moment doubted in the least. These issues have
been decided by the Supreme Court of the United States as uncon
stitutional, but afterward constitutional and admissible, and allow
able as a necessity and sustainable upon this theory. Waiving all
questions as to the constitutionality of the power of Congress to
authorize the issue of paper money in times of peace, a question
concerning which there can be but one opinion, let us examine for a
moment the proposition to supersede national bank circulation with
greenback issues. Should this be done we would be benefited to
the extend of 4 per cent, on $342,210,867, the amount of the national
bank circulation January 3, 1880, provided an equal amount of
interest-bearing bonds was called in and cancelled. The amount of
such interest would be $13,688,434.98. At 3-J per cent., as proposed
by the bill under consideration, the amount would be $11,977,380.34.
This sum is certainly of sufficient magnitude that it should be saved
to the Government, and at first thought it appears that this amount
would be clear gain to the Treasury. A candid view of the subject
develops the fact that in taking out of existence this amount of

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 75
national bank circulation there is taken from the taxable property
of the country the said sura of $342,210,867, and by so doing a
greater burden must be added to the visible property of the people,
and let us see what this tax amounts to in 1878, the last year for
which we can find a compilation. It is as follows:
United States tax  $6,727,232
States and local tax  8,506,533
Total  $15,233,765
It will certainly not be argued or maintained by any person
that the Government can tax its own indebtedness. This proposition
is so utterly preposterous that its needs no demonstration; and it is
certainly unsafe to permit a State of the Union to do that which
would utterly destroy the government by the final destruction of its
credit. It is unquestionably true that our greenback issue is only
an issue of certificates of Goverment indebtedness, which, by agree
ing not to increase beyond a certain amount, and by keeping a per
centage of coin in reserve, is kept at par with the precious metals.
This greenback issue must then, being no more nor less than an evi
dence of indebtedness of the Government, be non-taxable under all
laws and decisions upon the subject. In the event of the retirement
of the national bank circulation and issuing government notes in its
place, we would relieve the country from interest to the amount of
from $12,000,000 to $14,000,000, and add to the burdens of our
industries a taxation of almost $15,000,000, by retiring the aforesaid
amount, $342,210,867, of taxable capital, and supplying in its stead
an equal amount of not-taxable capital. It may be said these national
banks pay no more than their proportion of tax with private banks.
This may be true; but it is submitted that by retiring their circula
tion the interest upon their bonds would be assured without the
taxation, while it must be plain that by continuing these banks in
existence, and making the bonds a basis upon which to issue bank
stock, they are indirectly made taxable. A further issue of paper
circulation by the Government would also necessitate the hoarding
in the Treasury, in coin, for redemption purposes, of at least 33 per
cent, of such issue; which, if the same be made to cover the present
outstanding issue of the national banks, would amount to the sum
of $114,070,289. This amount is the least that, according to the
rules and experience of safe banking, would be necessary to main
tain the aforementioned issue of paper at par, and prevent our credit
from becoming disastrously affected in the markets of the world.
No statesman or party can afford in the least during the time of
peace and prosperity to enact or advocate laws affecting in any man
ner unfavorably the credit of the nation.
The necessity of maintaining the credit of the country untar
nished cannot be too strongly presented or sacredly guarded, and
must be particularly manifest when it is remembered that the Gov
ernment is and must of necessity for years to come be engaged in
funding its indebtedness as the same shall become due, and which
it is impossible at the moment to discharge. Any decrease in value
in our securities, or increase in interest paid, must finally come from

76 MEMOIRS OF
the productive industries of the country. We claim for the Repub
lican party the honor of placing national credit upon such basis as
to enable the Government to borrow unlimited sums of money at an
unprecedented low rate of interest.
We have, too, the spectacle of leading Democrats upon the
other side now advocating funding our obligations, falling due in a
short time, at the very satisfactory rate of 3£ per cent, interest per
annum, and this, too, in view of the loud protests of the Democratic
party by the enunciations of their platforms and orators — only a
little more than a year ago, that the credit of the Government was
not such as to warrant the presumption that it was possible to resume
specie payments. Surely the world does move — when the Bourbon
Democracy, driven by the logic of events and the persistent patriotic
efforts of the Republican party, is now through its leaders upon this
floor found advocating these low-funding projects as a result of
specie resumption and as a consequence of the established credit of
the nation. It has been stated upon this floor, that national banks are rob
bers of the people; that vast sums of money are made to their stock
holders, and that they are crushing out the legitimate business of
the country. This is hard to comprehend. If indeed these banks
are so very profitable, why do not our people organize them more
generally throughout the country? The franchises of national banks
do not constitute a monopoly. National banking is practically free;
any five citizens or greater number may engage in this lucrative
business, may organize one or more of these institutions, provided
always that they can procure the money with which to purchase the
necessary Government bonds. It may be said it is difficult to get
a sufficient amount of capital together to purchase the requisite
bonds. It is submitted upon that point that the same argument
applies in organizing any business requiring capital, such as mer
chandizing or manufacturing. By organizing these banking asso
ciations all over the country almost every citizen could become a
sharer in these lucrative institutions. A general investment in
Government bonds and national bank stocks would also increase
the circulation of the country, and it is suggested that those of our
friends who think there is a lack of circulation could in this way
very properly and legitimately, not to say philanthropically, increase
the per capita circulation, and the taxable property of the coun
try, and at the same time become direct sharers in this lucrative
business. The shares of these banking institutions are divided in
such manner that any person may purchase them at about $100
each, thus placing the holding such stock within the reach of almost
every person. Such increase of the circulation would be brought
about upon a perfectly legitimate and safe basis, and without the
slightest increase of the obligations of the Government, which, it
must be borne in mind, would not be the case were greater volume
of greenback issue resorted to; unless, as before stated, a corres
ponding amount of interest-bearing indebtedness should, be imme
diately canceled.
It must not be forgotten that the only way by which an organ-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 77
ized government can procure its necessary revenues is by the taxation
of its people, and this is the only means for providing funds for the
payment of its accumulated indebtedness as well as the payment of
current expenses.
Governments are not, neither should they be, organized for the
purpose of conducting mercantile, commercial, or other business,
for the purpose of profit. These are the special prerogatives of the
citizens. The prime object of the binding together of communities
under forms of government is not that they may organize for the
purpose of concentrating the powers of commerce and trade, but
that the citizen may be the more secure in the enjoyment of his life,
liberty, and property, the first great natural rights of man. As well
argue that the Government, being its own bank of issue, and the
people being satisfied therewith, therefore the people would be as
well satisfied with the manufactures of cloth, iron, or any other
necessity of the country by the Government; hence, the people being
content, the Government should do ail the manufacturing and mer-
cantile business of the country, and take these also out of the hands
of monopolies that are robbing the people by the accumulation of
profits. It is, however, hardly presumable that any gentlemen upon
this floor, who has read history, would have the temerity to advo
cate the wholesale return to paternal government. It has been
urgued by some men of national reputation that the Government can
by the enactment of a law create value to their circulating medium.
This, however, is not true. No argument is needed to disprove a
proposition so manifestly absurd and unreasonable.
Could it be demonstrated that organized government can "fiat"
value into its issue, then it is submitted that the greater the issue
the more value in the country, and the proposition would naturally
follow that the issue of this value should be unlimited. But it is
utterly useless to think of such an absurd theory. The only way
by which the nation can pay its debts honestly is by taxing its
people, and in this manner raise the money to pay them. It is sub
mitted in this connection that any decrease in our reputation for
national honesty and integity must in the end affect our credit
unfavorably and increase the burdens of the people.
I believe the consideration of financial measures should be
divested of every other matter. No appeal should be made in any
manner whatever to prejudice of any kind; no class of citizens should
be appealed to as a class in order to force through any measure
of a financial character without the most mature and deliberate con
sideration of the subject.
Ex soldiers, as a class, have rights under the Government that
must be sacredly guarded; but they must not be used by cunning,
designing parties by permitting themselves and their interests to
be dragged into and made a factor in the discussion of the national
finances. By all means pay these gallant defenders of the nation
in the hour of her peril every cent to which they are entitled.
Parcel out the public domain to them. Provide liberal pensions
for the unfortunate, the widows and orphans of the nation's de
fenders; equalize their bounties as contemplated by the bill for that

78 MEMOIRS OF
purpose introduced by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Finley).
Provide homes for the wounded and unfortunate, on a grand scale
if need be, but do all this by direct grant and taxation, and not by
dragging them and their interests into and complicating them with
financial legislation in the passage of which there is no hope and
less necessity. Mr. Chairman, these views and suggestions are presented with
a full desire to do justice to the business interests of the country.
I know these questions will enter somewhat into the discussions of
the coming political campaign, and I have thought best to present
them to the House and the country that the necessity may be made
apparent of not tampering with existing laws upon the subject of
our national finance. We have all the legislation necessary at present
for the good of the business of the country, and any tampering with
the finances will tend to disturb business and affect contracts unfa
vorably. The policy of letting " well enough alone " is the correct
one, during the present session of Congress certainly, if not indeed
for many sessions to come.
Surely, Mr. Chairman, in view of our splendid financial con
dition, it is wise and statesmanlike to at least make the effort to save
our treasury all in our power. We believe the refunding bill now
under consideration to be a measure the provisions of which are
worth testing. No evil can result from it, and we may venture to
hope that much good will accrue to the people. As a matter of
sagacity the Republican party should take advantage of the credit
of the country produced by the management of its finances under
its administration of affairs, and reap the rich harvest of reputation
for honesty in the management of the national finances which it has
in past years sown, and to which it is justly and properly entitled.
On the 18th of May, the Major spoke in relation to a section
of the bill relating to pensions. He said:
Mr. Chairman, I do not know that I shall be able to make my
self understood, but it seems to me, with this section penned as it is,
there are two jurisdictions given. The words, proposed to be stricken
out by the gentleman from Tennessee, are as follows:
"Together, with all applications for pensions and arrears of
pensions, which do not come within any pension law."
Now, how is this court to know when a claim does not come
within any pension law, except the case has been passed upon by
the Commissioner of Pensions and been rejected? It seems to me
these specific cases, mentioned in the first part of the section, are
quite sufficient to cover the whole, and they do confer sufficient
jurisdiction. Why? Because if you extend this jurisdiction, you
cumber this court with an amount of business which it will be
utterly impossible for it to discharge. It will not only have juris
diction over cases which have been rejected by the Commissioner
of Pensions, but it appears it will have original jurisdiction over a
class of cases which, by appearance, have not been referred to the
Commissioner of Pensions at all.
A Member — Where do you find that?

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 79
Mr. Hawk replied : Here in the words proposed to be stricken
out by the gentleman from Tennessee, " together with all applica
tions for pensions and arrears of pension which do not come within
any previous law."
Now, then, you say that equity jurisdiction extends to the
whole scope of bills here, and you can never know, I submit,
whether these bills come within the pension law as existing until
the Commissioner of Pensious has so ordered.
All claims for pensions, increase of pensions, for restoration to '
the pension-rolls, and for arrears of pensions, arising under the laws
of the L^nited States, which may be appealed to, is from the Commis
sioner of Pensions.
Now, you have a declaration that we have a class of cases that
do not come within any existing law. Hence it is competent for
this court to act upon that class of cases when they are so certified
to the court. [Here the hammer fell.]
On the 21st, when certain pension bills came up, Major Hawk
made the following very sensible remarks:
Mr. Chairman, I am very sorry to see the discussion taking the
old course, that it generally takes when the pension bills are to be
considered in the House. It is a fact, which I have observed since
my experience in this body, that as a general thing bills, which are
brought up here for the relief of soldiers, are talked to death. It
seems to me that it would be a wiser plan for us on this floor to take
up those claims on the calendar asking for relief, and pass upon them
without so much discussion. Let us do more voting and less talking.
I hope this question will be put to a vote at once.
On the 28th of May, when the bill to appropriate money to
improve the Yellowstone National Park came up, Mr. Hawk moved
to insert the following paragraph:
" To establish the boundary between the Territories of Mon
tana and Dakota, $19,460."
There have been three surveys establishing the boundaries be
tween Territories — not in this particular line, however; but there
must be a commencement.
Mr. Hawk gave as his reason for offering the amendment the
following: It is true, Mr. Chairman, that there is now no survey in pro
gress in the boundary between the Territories of Montana and Da
kota; but the survey is recommended in the Book of Estimates, at
page 173; and the boundaries of other Territories have been sur
veyed during the last two or three years. This work is needed in
order that- the jurisdiction of these two Territories may be estab
lished, and that the settlers may know to what particular Territory
their rights of citizenship belong. The establishment of this boun
dary is "needed, as we are informed that the lines of public surveys,
projected from different bases and meridians, may be closed thereon.
These are some of the reasons for the prosecution of this survey. I
desire to present the following note, taken from the Book of Esti-

80 MEMOIRS OF
mates, as indicating clearly the reasons for the prosecution of this
work. It is as follows:
"The $19,460 is submitted for the purpose of establishing: the.
boundary, in order to define the political jurisdiction of the Terri
tories of Montana and Dakota, so that the respective inhabitants
may know to which particular Territory their rights of citizenship
belong. The boundary is needed in order that the lines of public
surveys, projected from different bases and meridians, may be closed
¦thereon; also to enable settlers to apply to the proper land-offices to
know their claims."
The Major further said :
It may be proper to add, Mr. Chairman, that the portion of the
line, the survey of which is contemplated, is that part of the twenty-
seventh meridian, and west longitude from Washington Observatory,
as is indicated between the forty-fifth and forty-ninth parallels of
north latitude, and is estimated for at $70 per linear mile, the dis
tance being two hundred and seventy-eigh miles.
I have thus shortly presented the necessity for this survey, and
beg to urge upon the Chairmen the propriety of beginning the work
upon this line, and prosecuting the same to early completion, that
the interests and rights of settlers in these Territories may be easily
fixed and properly guarded. I trust the chair will see the necessity
for the prosecution of this work, and will permit a vote of the com
mittee upon the point in order, raised by the gentleman from Georgia,
who has the bill in charge.
The Chairman ruled the amendment out of order.
THIRD SESSION.
Congress convened for the third time on Monday, Dec. 6th,
1880. Two days afterwards Mr. Hawk presented a resolution, asking
that an elevator be built in the south end of the capitol, which laid
over until the following day. The matter again came up, and in rela
tion to it Mr. Hawk said:
Members of the House must, of course, know that I am pecu
liarly interested in the erection of such an elevator, and I introduced
these resolutions for the purpose of calling attention to the first,
that, while there has been an appropriation made for this purpose,
nevertheless nothing has been done. I wish to have pushed for
ward as rapidly as possible the construction of the work. Now, in
order that this enterprise may be accomplished — and I certainly
believe it is necessary, or I would not advocate it for a moment- -
believing, as I do, it is a necessary improvement in this building, I
shall move the report be recommitted, with instructions to further
consider the propriety of erecting the elevator, and that steps be
taken to have the elevator constructed with as little delay as
possible. I wish to say in this connection that this elevator, it
seems to me, should be erected for the purpose of accommodating
citizens visiting the capitol. Many aged and infirm persons visit
the capitol of the country, and it is difficult for them to ascend to

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 81
the second or third stories of this building. This elevator should
he erected for their accommodation as well as for the accommoda
tion of members of this House.
The report was recommitted. The elevator was subsequently
built, and wholly through the Major's efforts. It was dubbed
"Hawk's carriage."
On the 17th he introduced a bill, No. 6,623, to amend a para
graph of the statutes of the second session of the forty-sixth Congress.
This bill related to the construction of an elevator in the south wing
of the capitol.
On the same day he spoke in favor of granting a pension to
William W. Church, of 65th Reg't Illinois Vols. The pension was
granted through Mr. Hawk's efforts, though there was considerable
opposition. The following day he participated in the debates, and while
Springer, of Illinois, Democrat, was speaking, Mr. Hawk pro
pounded the following questions: —
" I desire to know in what particular has the Democratic party,
or has the Democracy since they have been in power in Congress,
modified the Tariff ? The gentleman (Springer) has referred to the
blessings conferred upon the country through Democratic legislation.
Now, I would like to know that for my own benefit. I am simply ask
ing my colleague for information, inasmuch as he has stated that the
tariff cut a figure in reference to the Democratic legislation and
Democratic economy. I desire to know, and 1 wish him to state in
what respect they had modified it.
" The question I desired to ask was in view of the statement made
by my colleague, that during the time that the Republican party had
control of the Government, it was the tariff legislation which pre
cipitated our troubles in 1873, and that this crisis of 1873 was
attributed largely to our tariff. Now I desire to ask him (Springer)
what modifications of that tariff have been made since that time to
remedy the evils of which he complains."
On February 15th he presented House bill, No. 1650, for the
relief of Edward T. Brownell. The bill authorized the Secretary of
the Treasury to pay said Brownell money on drafts outstanding.
This was passed.
On the 23d of February, the matter of purchasing private
papers of several United States Generals, relating to the late war,
was brought up, and a very lengthy and heated debate had on the
subject. Mr. Hawk offered the following as an amendment to the
amendment relating to this matter:
Provided, That no portion of the sum hereby appropriated
shall be used until a commission, to be appointed by the President,
to estimate fully as to the propriety of purchasing such papers,

82 MEMOIRS OF
and fixing the value of the same, shall have made a report to the
Secretary of War.
Mr. Hawk said in support of the above:
1 desire to be heard upon that amendment, very briefly. It
seems to me this is purely a business transaction. For the purpose
of preparing a correct history of the war, it is said that it is im
portant to obtain these private papers. It is true that in writing
the history of a war private papers are sometimes very valuable.
But it seems to me that, inasmuch as there is a great diversity of
opinion on this floor in regard to the value of these papers, this is
a proper subject for the report of a commission especially appointed
for the purpose. It appears to me that such a commission is neces
sary to determine the value of these papers. We have had no
expression of opinion, by any officer acting under the authority of
law, as to the price and value of these papers. Objections have
been urged on that side of the House, and on this to certain reports,
which have been referred to as being unsatisfactory. Now, for the
purpose of fully deciding this point, it appears to me that my
amendment is eminently proper, and I ask a vote on it.
Another member of the House offered an amendment. Mr.
Hawk objected, on the ground that it was out of order. The chair
sustained the objection, and, a vote being taken on the amendment
of Mr. Hawk, it was adopted.
When the sundry civil appropriation bill came up on the 26th
of February, Mr. Hawk offered the following amendment:
For passenger elevator in the south wing of the capitol, to be
located by the architect of the capitol, $7,000; said elevator to be
so located to interfere as little as possible with the use of the officea
and rooms of the House.
The amendment was agreed to.
During the third session of the forty-sixth Congress, Mr. Hawk
presented the following bills: To grant pensions to William W.
Church, Edward T. Brownell, James P. Hunter, and Bridget Holi-
han, all of which were granted. Papers and petitions were pre
sented by him from : —
Ex-soldiers of the late war, for the adoption of an amendment
proposed to a Senate bill.
William Deistelmeir, of Freeport, for a reduction of a tax on
cigars to $5 per thousand.
Washington Thomas, and others, manufacturers of cigars at
Lena, for a reduction of the tax on cigars to $5 per thousand.
George W. Girdon, J. Fawcett, S. W. Burns, Hon. R. H.
McClellan, and others, citizens of Jo Daviess county, for an appro
priation of $1,000,000 for the improvement of the Mississippi river
from St- Paul to the mouth of the Illinois river.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 83
Cornelius Knapp, Charles Slocum, M. S. Wiuns, and others,
pilots, engineers, river men and citizens interested in the improve
ment of the Mississippi river, for an appropriation of $1,000,000
for the improvement of that river, from St. Paul to the mouth of
the Illinois river, and a further appropriation of $100,000 for the
construction of sheer- booms.
G. W. Curtis, and others, citizens of Jo Daviess county, for
the passage of an income tax law.
Decatur Eastabrooks, and others, ex-soldiers, against the passage
of a Senate bill, providing for the examination and adjudication of
pension claims and substitutes.
Chicago Board of Trade, favoring the passage of the bill to
prevent the adulteration of food and drugs.
On Thursday, February 24, 1881, the House, having under con
sideration the bill making an apportionment of Representatives in
Congress among the several States under the tenth census, Mr. Hawk
said : Mr. Speaker: Congress is about to proceed, under the authority
conferred by Section 2, Article 1, of the Constitution and the laws
in force upon the subject, to adopt a ratio under the enumeration of
population of the tenth census of the United States, and apportion
to the several States of the Union the number of Representatives in
Congress to which each may be entitled under such ratio.
In the exercise of this high and delicate power, it is the duty
of the Representatives of the people to ascertain the principles dis
cussed and the basis upon which the section of the Constitution, to
which reference has been made, and the laws enacted were founded
in the formation of the same; and for the purpose of presenting in
connected form the consideration of the subject, the respectful atten
tion of the House is called to the clause of the Constitution which
refers directly to this subject. It is as follows :
" Representatives and direct taxes shall be apportioned among ¦
the several States, which may be included within this Union, accord
ing to their respective numbers, which shall be determined by adding
to the whole number of free persons, including those bound to ser
vice for a term of years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three-fifths
of all other persons. The actual enumeration shall be made within
three years after the first meeting of the Congress of the United
States, and within every subsequent term of ten years, in such man
ner as they shall by law direct. The number of Representatives
shall not exceed 1 for every 30,000, but each State shall have at least
one Representative. The remainder of the clause refers to an arbitrary distribution
of representation among the thirteen original States until a regular
enumeration could be made and an apportionment of representation
under the same.
At the commencement of the session of the Continental Con-

84 MEMOIRS OF
gress, September 5, 1774, a resolution was adopted allowing each
colony or province one vote, and care was taken that no precedent
should be made that would in any manner interfere with the estab
lishment of representation upon the basis of population. Under the
articles of confederation the same plan of representative voting was
agreed upon and continued until the adoption of the Constitution.
In 1789, when the Constitution went into effect, our present
system of representation went into operation. When it was decided
by the convention that two legislative bodies should be formed, the
powers to be exercised by representatives in voting was discussed.
Some favored equal State representation ; others claimed that the
powers of the States in legislation should be based on population.
In the consideration of this question the larger States were favorable
to the formation of the basis of representation upon population,
while the smaller ones favored the equality of States as organized
governments in casting the representative vote. The question of
apportionment with reference to population was discussed and advo
cated by some, while others favored a basis to be made upon property.
After the adoption of the popnlation basis, the question of who
should constitute the people referred to as population evoked some
contention, such points as, for the purposes of representation, the
voters should be considered as the population, and questions arose as^
to white or free population. The decision as stated in the clause of
the Constitution quoted was finally reached that the representation
should be " according to their respective numbers," which includes
inhabitants of every sex and condition " excepting Indians not taxed,"
and a clause referring by implication to slaves, uses the language,
" three-fifths of all other persons." This latter clause gave certain
advantages to the slave-holding States, because while slaves were
denied the privilege of exercising the rights of the ballot they never
theless gave power to the States in Congress by entering into the
formation of the basis of representation, each slave exercising three-
fifths of the power of a free white citizen.
The abolition of slavery by the proclamation of emancipation,
and as a result of the war of 1861-65, gives to the colored popula
tion the right to participation in the apportionment for the purposes
of full representation, so that we can, as in the last census, proceed
without the inequality resulting from this slavery clause of the
Constitution to make a just and equitable apportionment of rep
resentation. From the time the Constitution went into effect until 1842, the
basis of representation was determined by dividing the population
of the several Slates by the number of inhabitants, fixed by the ratio
adopted, which number was established by Section 2, Article 1, of
the Constitution at a minimum of 30,000. The same section of the
Constitution fixes the number of Representatives to which each
State was entitled.
From the foundation of the Government until 1842, the plan
was followed of dividing the population of each State by the number
taken as the basis of representation, President Washington having,

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 85
soon after his first election, vetoed a bill requiring that the whole
population of the United States be divided by such number.
In 1842, by act of Congress, it was provided that 70,680 should
constitute the number upon which each Representative should be
based, and a member for a moiety of that number.
In 1850 an act of Congress was passed requiring the whole
population of the United States to be divided by the number of
Representatives fixed upon, and the quotient thus obtained consti
tuted the ratio by which the population of each State was divided,
the quotient resulting indicating the number of Representatives to
which such State was entitled, the States having the largest fraction,
being entitled to extra representation until the arbitrary number is
reached. This latter plan is the one now in force, and the question for
this Congress to decide is, what shall be arbitrarily fixed as the
number of Representatives for the next decade.
By reference to the Constitution it will be seen that the number
of members of the first Congress was fixed at 65, which number
was duly apportioned between the thirteen original States.
The number of Representatives was increased from time to time
in the various Congresses by the admission of new States; as in the
last stated number the members comprising the House should be 293,
one member having been added by the admission of Colorado as a
State in 1876.
Thus far I have thought best to sketch the history of appor
tionment and representation under the Constitution and laws, and
to give a very short epitome of the early workings of the same. We
have been presented by the Census Commmittee for our considera
tion, and from which to form conclusions, a computation of repre
sentation upon various bases, from 293 to 325, inclusive. And upon
an examination of all the facts to be considered, and in view of the
expressed opinions of many of the members of the House, I have
deemed it best to confine the consideration of the subject to the
effects upon representation which may be produced by adopting
either of the following numbers of members as a divisor of the
population of the various States, to wit, 307, 311, and 319, as com
pared with the present number. 293.
Upon a careful investigation of the tables presented to the
House by the committee through their chairman, the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Cox), it is believed that for all purposes 319
will be the most satisfactory to all sections of the country. I as
deeply regret, as any member of this body, the necessity for refer
ring to this subject in anything like a partisan or political sense,
but it is believed that the presence of two great parties in this coun
try must of necessity enter into the discussion of this question, and
it becomes absolutely necessary to so consider the subject in the
light of present conditions. For this purpose I have divided the
States into those certainly democratic, certainly republican, and
doubtful, basing such division of the country upon the popular vote
cast at the last presidential election. Upon this basis I have placed
the following States as certainly democratic, to wit: Alabama, Ar-

86 MEMOIRS OF
kansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,
Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. Those certainly republican are
Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsyl
vania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Under the head of
doubtful States are such as in my judgment are evenly divided, or
nearly so, as indicated by the vote at the last election. These are as
follows : California, Indiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and
Oregon. The population of the first named, under the census of
1870, was 13,877,615. Under the late enumeration the population
of these States is' 18,504,203.
The second group of States, being those denominated as cer
tainly republican, under the census of 1870 shows a population of
16,614,737. Under the enumeration of 1880 these States show a
population of 21,570,517, while the doubtful have for 1870 a popu
lation of 7,663,153, and by the census of last year 9,294,873. Un
der the apportionment of 1870 these certainly democratic States had
106 Representatives, each based upon a population of 130,920; the
certainly republican States 128 Representatives, based upon a popu
lation of 129,802 to each Representative; the doubtful States 59
Representatives, based upon a population of 129,883 for one Repre
sentative. It will thus be seen that the ratio of representation in
these sections of the country, under the apportionment of 1870, was
as nearly equal as perhaps the computation could have been made.
By the apportionment, on a basis of 319 members under the
census of 1880, the representation in these three sections of the coun
try would be as follows: Certainly democratic States, 1 to 155,497;
certainly republican States, 1 to 155,183; and the doubtful States,
1 to 152,374. The general ratio, taking 319 as the number of Rep
resentatives, shows 1 to 154,764 of population. It is believed that
no other figure will produce such an equality of results. In fact,
after a most careful computation, this is found to present a degree
of equality in this respect which the adoption of no other number
would do.
To epitomize : The present representation of the sixteen cer
tainly democratic States is 106, the representation, taking 319 as a
basis, will be 119, showing a gain of thirteen. The certainly repub
lican States, under the present basis of representation, have 128
members, while under the proposed basis of 319 they will have 139
members, showing a total net gain of eleven. The gain being four
teen, but the three States losing one each leayes a net gain of eleven.
The doubtful States under the present representation have 59, under
the proposed they will have 61 members, showing a gain of two.
It is submitted that in a political sense it would be exceedingly
difficult to secure a more equitable distribution of the increase be
tween the politically divided sections on the basis of population.
It may not be uninteresting to know the ratio of representation
on the basis of the late enumeration of population as applied to the
electoral vote. It is as follows: Of the sixteen certainly democratic
States the ratio is 1 to 134,088; the certainly republican States, 1 to

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 87
134,815, and the doubtful States, 1 to 130,913. It is, of course, un
derstood that the electoral vote, as such, has nothing to do with the
apportionment of the population, except in so far as it affects the
electoral college; but, for the purpose of comparison, all these mat
ters are of interest.
There is another subject in connection with this apportionment
which it seems to me may be considered with profit with reference
to the three politically divided sections of the country as I have pre
sented them, and that is the question of the collection of internal
revenue. It will be remembered that there is a clause in the Consti
tution in which occur these words: "Representatives and direct
taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be
included within this Union according to their respective numbers."
While it is not claimed in any sense that the collection of internal
revenue comes under the meaning of direct taxation under this
clause of the Constitution, it certainly will be of interest, and is
pertinent to the discussion to know what proportion of the tax of
this character is collected from the sections of the country referred to.
The aggregates are as follows :
In the certainly democratic States there was collected for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1880, $30,362,089.42; in the certainly
republican States, $56,850,673.61 ; and in the doubtful States,
$29,582,862.82. It will thus be seen that while the certainly repub
lican States pay almost one-half of this class of revenue, they will,
under the 319 ratio, have 139 members, while the certainly demo
cratic and doubtful States, under the same ratio and paying about
one-half of the total revenue collected, will have 180 members. It
will, by this statement, appear that the discrimination is in favor of
the democratic and doubtful States, upon comparing the number of
representatives with the amount of the taxes paid.
It is in no sense claimed that this should form a basis for ap
portionment, but since taxation and representation are so intimately
connected, it occurs to me that this may very properly be consid
ered as one of the elements representing the relative business enter
prise and wealth production of the politically divided sections of the
Union. It has been said since this debate began that the only duty
incumbent upoii Congress is to fix the number of Representatives,
and this having been done the other labor necessary is the use of
figures in order to distribute these to the several States under the
law in proper ratio.
While the Constitution expressly says that Representatives
shall be apportioned according to population, it is nevertheless in
cumbent upon this body to view the subject from as great a number
of standpoints as possible.
The gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley), in his speech
of the 4th instant, opposes an increase of the number of members
of this House, claiming that the body is with its present number
unwieldy and at times noisy. The gentleman forgets that in the
history of all legialative bodies, and of legislation in the civilized
world, the chief protection of the people against corrupt enact-

88 MEMOIRS OF
ments and jobbery has been in a numerous branch of the popular
Legislature. It may be urged that a few men do the business in bodies of
this kind ; but [ submit that did such arguments lie, it might only
be necessary for the very few who claim to do the business, when it
has been demonstrated who these few are, to occupy seats in this
body. It must be remembered that there is a nice distinction to be
drawn upon this point, and it is an historical fact that when ambi
tious or designing men desire to accomplish the overthrow of per
sonal liberty and establish monarchies, among the first steps in the
programme is the reduction in the numbers in bodies representing
directly the people. Again, many precedents are quoted and com
parisons made of the members of which similar bodies are composed
under European governments. The gentleman from New York
(Mr. Cox), in his able speech on the 2d instant, refers to the French
Chamber of Deputies, which is composed of five hundred and thirty-
two members, as an illustration of a representative body, and in this
connection makes the statement that " the largest bodies are born
of monarchy or oligarchy."
It is submitted, however, that the French Republic, after the
trials of years, and now possessing that wisdom which is born of
experience, having resorted to this plan of a numerous representa
tion fresh from the people, argues that the greatest safety to the
liberties of the people lies in direct contact rather than a more con
centrated and necessarily a further removal from constituencies. The
French Republic has fixed her representation as follows : Number
of deputies, 532; population, 36,905,788; constituents to each dep
uty, 69,371. Our Republic, under the number proposed by Mr.
Sherwin's amendment, would be 319 Representatives; population,
49,369,595, or one Representative to each 154,764 of population,
showing that, should this number be adopted, we should have nearly
two and one-fourth times as many constituents to a Representative
as is deemed wise in France; and surrounded as she is by the mon
archies of Europe, it is reasonable to suppose she has adopted the
system under which her people feel that their liberties are the most
secure. In my own State of Illinois the most potent reason for increasing
the number of the members of the Legislature at the time of the
adoption of our present State constitution was that a large body
could not be so easily corrupted and organized into rings for the
advancement of jobbery.
Gentlemen argue that we shall, by increasing the number of
Representatives from decade to decade, soon so augment the num
bers in the House as to utterly destroy its effectiveness, or at least
greatly weaken the body. Let us see how the ratio of increase has
progressed since the organization of the Government. The first
House was composed of 65 members, on a basis of 3,000,000 inhab
itants in the whole country as approximated. Upon this basis the
population, by the census of 1880, is more than sixteen times greater
than at the organization of the Government, while the number of
Representatives, should 319 be taken as the basis, would show an

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 89
increase of less than five times the original number, the exact increase
being 4.90, and, should the number 319 be adopted, we would have
the lowest representation that has ever been in this country, to wit,
1 to 154,764; the lowest previous number being that under the last
apportionment on the census of 1870, 1 to 130,533. In the light of
these figures, will any unpiejudiced gentleman, whose opinions are
formed upon information derived from our past history, for one mo
ment suppose that we are increasing the number of our Represenr
tatives in a too rapid ratio ?
We are not here to deal with the questions that may arise under
the apportionment of Representatives ten, twenty, thirty, or a hun
dred years in the future. Conditions may be prevailing at the next
¦enumeration of the inhabitants that may have little connection with
¦our actions at the present. We are here to meet the duties and ques
tions that confront us, and not what we expect or surmise may be
those of ten years from this date and that may then affect the coun
try. I have dealt with some of the questions involved from a polit
ical standpoint; that is, with reference to the certainly democratic
States, the certainly republican States, and the doubtful States, as
indicated by the vote at the last Presidential election, according to
my best judgment. I have done this in no partisan spirit. I regret
as much as any Representative in this body that our condition is
-such that this treatment of the subject may in any sense appear sec
tional or narrow.
But we must meet the conditions as they exist, not as we could
wish them to be. We have two great political parties in this coun
try opposed to each other radically upon the principles that should
prevail in our governmental system, and each of these parties would
be glad to obtain an advantage, if possible, in the apportionment of
representation, especially as the basis now fixed must also enter into
the organization of and the powers to be wielded by the electoral
college in two presidential contests. The statesman, in my judg
ment, should meet these questions, and, acknowledging the import
ance that attaches to the solution of them, proceed in the broad sense
of national benefit and advancement, with a full regard and care for
the protection and happiness of the whole people, to deal with them.
We as republicans believe that this can be best wrought out through
republican doctrines, principles, and teachings; and while we do
not contend for advantages over our antagonists, we do propose to
see to it that no advantages are gained by our opponents, whom we
conscientiously believe to be wrong in their theories of government.
We have in the course of an honest, fair-minded investigation
concluded that the number under which right and justice will be
meted out to all sections of the country is the number 319. And for
this we stand, because, in our judgment, while it gives us as parti
sans no particular advantage, it also gives our political opponents
none. It comes more nearly dealing out equal and exact justice to
all sections and parties, and in so doing best represents the wishes
and interests of the whole people in establishing a ratio of repre
sentation. I have, in considering this question, while doing so in a partisan
12

90 MEMOIRS OF
sense, tried to put aside all feelings of narrow sectionalism ; yet at the-
same time realizing that the struggle must finally come between
the two great parties as to which shall secure advantages, I have
attempted and believe have succeeded in taking a politically business
like view of the case, and my theories and cause must stand or tall
upon the facts and figures submitted.
This subject is too great and important to sink it into personal
or partisan abuse. There is nothing to gain by such a course. The
progress and civilization of the age will never sanction such treat
ment of the question. Our motto should be the broadest, freest
prosperity of the whole country under national union and the most
sacred protection to the citizen in his right to a full, free, untram-
meled, unforced representation in this House, and to secure these
rights as well in the electoral college during the next decade.
On the 28th of February, 1881, when the bill, to provide for
re-organizing, arming and disciplining the militia, came up, Mr.
Hawk said :
I find, upon a somewhat thorough investigation of the subject,.
that much has been said of interest to the country on organizing the
militia: and, while I realize that there is not much probability of
the question engaging the attention of this Congress, I have deemed
it my duty as a member of the committee on the militia to devote
some time to considering the various plans that have been sub
mitted to Congress, in past sessions, for forming the mass of the
people into some kind of military organization for the common
defense. In order to obtain a still, wider view of the question, I have to
some extent examined the systems of reserve forces or militia that
prevail in some of the leading nations of Europe.
The English system will be found to be most thoroughly and
thoughtfully presented in a work by Charles M. Clode, entitled
'•' The Military Forces of the Crown." The militia in England was
organized for the purpose of assisting the civil powers to preserve
peace and enforce the laws of the realm, and when called out for
such duty was known as the "civil guard." The volunteer corps is
now, however, the principal reliance of England for home defence,
and much attention is given to perfecting its organization and
efficiency. The Austrian and Russian systems are fully detailed in the
publications issued by the British War office, the armed strength
of Russia, translated from the German, and the armed strength of
Austria, by Captain W. S. Cooke. In both these countries the
organization of the militia is so interlocked with that of the regular
army, that it is ready at all times to be mobilized under command
of regular officers. For the purpose of maintaining the organiza
tion of the Austrian militia, which is designated the "landwehr"'
of the Empire, the country is divided into districts, each of which
is placed in charge of an officer of the regular army.
A concise account of the military organizations of the leading
nations of the world will be found in the report on the armies of

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 91
Europe and Asia, made by Gen. Upton to the War Department.
[t is, however, unnecessary to the purpose I now have in view
-for me to give a full account of foreign military systems, and I
imerely suggest attention to them for the reason that they may fur
nish some useful hints for the details of our own organization. The
niain features of any system we adopt must be as essentially dif
ferent from those of foreign powers as our theory and form of gov
ernment differs from theirs.
In forming the Federal Constitution, there was a great differ-
•ence of opinion between those who favored leaving the control of
the militia wholly with the States and those who desired to rest it
absolutely in the Federal Government. I have compiled copious
•extracts from the debates and proceedings of the Federal Conven
tion on the question of organizing the militia, and, as they form the
basis on which we must proceed in interpreting the powers accorded
to Congress over the militia, I append them to my remarks.
[On account of their not being particularly interesting they are
omitted. They were copied from the proceedings in Congress for
the year 1787, and were given by the Major as illustrations of the
points he was making in his speech.]
There is no necessity for my dilating at any great length upon
these clauses of -the Constitution. So much has been written by
able and learned authorities upon the powers of Congress and the
States with reference to the organization of the militia, that refer
ence can be had to any of the leading text-books upon the subject.
I will say, however, that upon but two occasions, before our great
civil war, was it found necessary for the powers of the General Gov
ernment to be used in " calling forth the militia to execute the laws
of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions."
The first was in 1794, at the time of the Pennsylvania insur
rection, and the other in the case of the war with Great Britain in
1812 and 1814.
The militia have sometimes been called upon for the purpose
of repelling raids by Indians upon white settlements, but the local
militia were usually found sufficient, for the purposes of protection
-against these incursions. In the late war of the rebellion the vol
unteer militia of the States were called out by President Lincoln
for the purpose of suppressing insurrection. With these exceptions,
I believe, never in the history of the country has this arm of the
military force been called upon under authority conferred by clauses
of the Constitution.
Under a certain clause Congress has power to provide for organ
izing, arming and disciplining the militia, but may only govern such
portion as may be employed in the service of the United States,
reserving always to the States respectively the appointment of offi
cers, which latter power has been exercised fully by them, and has
•been jealously guarded. by their chief executives.
Although the militia of the States only become national militia
after they have reported at the rendezvous to which they have been
.ordered by the President, and the States reserve the right of training

92 MEMOIRS OF
their militia, Congress is given the power of prescribing the disci
pline according to which the States shall train them. The evident
purpose of this power is to insure a uniform method, system, and
efficiency, so that the militia may be of service when called to act
together for the common defense. The only reference to the militia
in the Constitution is the second amendment. It has been regarded
by many as a principle in our form of government that a standing
army is dangerous to the liberties of the people, and so important
was an expression of this opinion deemed that it was thought proper
to incorporate it in the fundamental law of the Republic.
I find upon investigation that the attention of Congress has-
been called to the organization of the militia in twenty-eight of the
annual messages of the Presidents, from 1789 to 1843; namely, by
President Washington, in seven of his annual messages; by Presi
dent Jefferson in five; by President Madison in six; by President
Monroe in three; by President Jackson in three; by. President Van
Buren in two, and by President Tyler in one. All of these Chief
Magistrates concurred in expressing the opinion that the existing
militia law is very defective, and in urging upon Congress a thorough
revision of it. Their views are certainly worthy of our attention in
considering the subject, and I therefore append them to my remarks-
for the purpose of reference. [These extracts are twenty-seven in
number, from annual messages of seven Presidents.]
That a revision of the militia laws is not in the interest of the
General Government alone, but is also desired by the States, is suffi
ciently indicated by the fact that the legislatures of nearly all the
States have at various times passed resolutions urging Congress to
take action. Such of these resolutions, as I find entered in the jour
nals of Congress, I append to my remarks. [He presented resolutions
from ten States.]
Beginning with the Congress immediately following the enact
ment of the existing law, there has been an almost constant agitation
of the necessity of revising the organization of the militia, but the
diversity of opinion has hitherto been so great that Congress appears
never to have been able to agree upon a substitute. I have com
piled a brief abstract of the very voluminous debates of Congress
on the subject, and append them to my remarks, to indicate the
leading expressions of opinion that have been given. [The extracts-
here referred to were from the debates in the First, Second, Fourth,
Tenth, Twelfth, Fifteenth, Seventeenth, Twenty -fourth, and Thirty-
sixth sessions of Congress.]
In 1826 the Secretary of War, Hon. James Barbour, under
authority of Congress, appointed a board of army and militia offi- ¦
cers to consider the subject of reorganizing the militia. He also
addressed a circular letter to the executives of all the States, and to
leading men throughout the country, asking for their opinions and
suggestions on the subject. The board was composed of W infield
Scott, major general United States Army; T. Cadwallader, major
general Pennsylvania militia; William H. Sumner, adjutant general
of Massachusetts; Beverly Daniels, adjutant general of JNorth Caro
lina; Abraham Eustice, lieutenant colonel United States Army;.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 93
Zachary Taylor, lieutenant colonel United States Army; E. Cutler,
lieutenant colonel United States Army, and Charles J. Nourse,
United States Army. The report of this board, and the replies
received by the Secretary of War to his circular letter, are of such
interest, and have such a bearing on a proper investigation of the
subject, that I have compiled copious extracts, and append them to
my remarks. [Here followed report of the board.]
A knowledge of the various plans for the reorganization of the
militia, that have from time to time engaged the attention of Con
gress, is so efsential in tracing the history of the development of
the subject, and so necessary to a proper understanding of the plan
now proposed, that 1 have compiled brief outlines of the principal
plans that have been submitted since the organization of the Gov
ernment, and append them to my remarks for the information of
those interested. [Outlines of plans here followed.]
The reports made to Congress on the subject by its own com-
mittes, and by the War Department, are so numerous and volu
minous that I can only append a few of the extracts that I have
compiled, from them. [Extracts here appended.]
It will be observed, Mr. Speaker, that I have thus far expressed
no opinions of my own upon the reorganization of the militia or
the necessity for its reorganization. I have confined myself to an
historical sketch of the subject, and to presenting a compilation of
the material gathered in my investigations on it, trusting that they
may be of use to the House and to the country in the future con
sideration of the questions involved.
It is indeed a difficult problem to determine where the powers
reserved by the States and those delegated to Congress begin. Nor
is it an easy task to determine whether, to provide for the common
defense, it is better that the Federal Government should resume
control of it to the full extent that it may be conceded the Consti
tution will allow.
My own opinion is that we must depend upon the regular army
as a last resort for the enforcement of Federal laws, and upon the
patriotism of the people for defense against invasion and the sup
pression of internal disorders. State laws must be construed largely
by State courts and executed by State officers. Federal laws must
be construed by United States courts and executed by orders of the
General Government. The last resort of the Chief Executive of
the nation in enforcing the laws, which he is sworn to uphold and
defend, is the army. The great power to which the Executive of
the States can appeal for immediate use is the militia. We must
admit that the people to some extent occupy a dual position; one
demanding allegiance to the State in the execution of State laws
and the protection of State interests; the other a higher and broader
allegiance to the Federal Government for the execution of Federal
laws, when such laws are to be executed for the protection, main
tenance and defense of Federal authority.
J am not, however, prepared to discuss now the constitutional
or legal bearings of these propositions, nor is it necessary to the
purposes I now have in view. The bill before us, as a substitute

94 MEMOIRS OF
for the existing militia law, does not, as I understand it, propose
any change in the relative authority of the State and Federal gov
ernments over the militia, and we may therefore limit the discussion
on it to its practical features. In order that the question may be
properly understood, I will first submit an outline of the existing
law and the proposed law, which I extract from the report of the
committee on the militia on the pending bill. [Here followed details
of the present law.]
The main feature of the bill is, that it does not create or organize
a new force, or propose any change in the relations established by
long custom between the militia of the States and the Federal
Government. From the sketch I have given of the history of the militia law,
it will have been seen that, as soon as the defects of the law were
apparent, plans were proposed to remedy them, but that during a
long series of years the diversity of opinion on the subject was so
great that no plan could be agreed upon. From being inoperative
the militia law finally became impracticable, and fell into complete
disuse and disregard. The country increased so rapidly in popula
tion that it was found absurd and unnecessary to enforce militia duty
from the whole body of the people, and that a sufficient proportion
of the population were willing to do such duty voluntarily as to fur
nish all the force desirable. The States gradually disregarded the
Federal law, and devoted their efforts to fostering a volunteer militia,
until now these volunteer troops are all that are generally known as
" the militia."
There exist now in the different States about one hundred and
twenty-five thousand volunteer militia. There is great disparity,
both as to numbers and efficiency, between the different States.
Some of them, from their geographical situation or local causes,
require a larger militia force than others. The bill before us now
in no wise interferes with the States on this point; each may have
as large or as small a militia as desired by itself; the bill simply
fixes the maximum number that the United States will supply with
arms. Whatever differences may exist between the States in the
number of militia maintained by each, there can be no question
that all should be similarly organized and equally efficient. The
bill before us is less coercive in that respect than the existing law,
inasmuch as it proposes to promote efficiency by encouragement, by
allowing the militia tents and camp equipage, in order that they
may have the benefit of annual camps of instruction, and, by making
the supply of arms, equipments, and camp equipage by the United
States, dependent on the States providing to keep this militia up to
-a proper standard of efficiency.
So far as the theory in the bill is concerned, I do not find many
objections to it; as to its details, I conceive that at this time it
would be superfluous to discuss them, or for me to say more than
that at the proper time I should probably make objections to some
and suggest modifications of others.
But, Mr. Speaker, while I am satisfied that our obsolete militia
law should be replaced by other provisions more suitable to the exist-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 95
ing condition of the country, I am not one of those that believe the
national defense can with safety be intrusted solely to the militia;
and I believe that any scheme for their organization and discipline
should have in view a very different purpose. For the service of
the Federal Government they should be considered simply as the
force on which to rely during the first moments of danger, to guard
the nation until the regular forces can be collected and volunteer
armies orgauized. This is unquestionably an important function,
but it is a limited one.
Discovered in the war of 1812, carried into practice with most
brilliant results in the Mexican war, it was demonstrated on a scale
of enormous magnitude in the late war of the rebellion, that the
people of this country can be quickly organized and transformed
into efficient soldiers. With an efficient regular army of sufficient
numbers as a nucleus, it is evident to my mind that the future great
armies of the Republic will be volunteer soldiers. What we need
is a system of military education that will provide officers, at the
disposal of the Federal Government, to organize and officer armies
when it is necessary to create them.
Much has been said against military schools, such as we have
at West Point; but my opinion is, based upon a somewhat careful.
investigation of the organization of the military forces of the civil
ized nations of the world, that there is no more economical plan for
the public defense than to provide a liberal number of educated
officers to be held in reserve until their services are needed. These
officers, after graduating from military schools, could be allowed to
enter upon ordinary avocations of life, and held to service on a retired
list at nominal pay, or, in consideration of their having been edu
cated at public expense, be bound to respond to any call for their
services when Congress or the Executive might deem the public
safety or interest to require them.
I have not considered it necessary at this time either to specially
advocate or criticise the pending bill. I believe that the proposed
bill is better than the existing law, but I desire a full discussion of
the whole subject before final action. Urgent appeals have been
made to Congress to renew its efforts to solve the militia problem;
and, believing that the question must soon be given the attention it
demands, I have deemed it sufficient at present to submit the ma
terial I have gathered in my own investigation, in the hope that it
may be of service to an intelligent consideration of the subject in
the future. In thus presenting my thoughts, I have endeavored to avoid a
partisan view of the subject, and to give due consideration both to
the rights of the States and the powers of the Federal Government.
I consider the questions embraced to be far above party considera
tions, as I believe them to involve the dignity, welfare, and future
safety of our common country, considerations which 1 indulge the
hope are equally dear to men of all parties and all sections.
This speech, with its references, was one of the most carefully
prepared that came up in the third session of the Forty-sixth Con-

96 MEMOIRS OF
gress. When printed in the Record, it made ten pages of matter,
and required a vast amount of time and research to compile. In
referring to it the Freeport Journal said :
The speech of Major Hawk last winter upon the subject of the
militia was conceded to be the most exhaustive and able one ever
delivered in Congress on that subject, and his bill, just introduced,
will be found to be framed to meet and remedy the very points that
make our militia system weak and inoperative. We shall continue
to hear good reports, and only good reports, from our soldier Con
gressman. The Journal was almost his earliest champion, and has
faith to believe that, in advocating his nomination and election, it
rendered good service to the State and party.
The Washington Sunday Chronicle had the following:
Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, of Illinois, entered Congress at the noted
extra session of the Forty-sixth Congress. He has proved indus
trious, careful, and painstaking, never missing a roll-call or being a
single day off duty in the House. He has attended scrupulously to
the calls of his constituents, and given them patient and careful
attention on all occasions. Though suffering from a physical infir
mity, he has uniformly attended to all his varied and arduous duties
himself, never delegating them to others. It has been a source of
wonder to many that he should despatch the multiplicity of business
details with so much ease and readiness, and the facility with which
his various duties have been performed is an evidence of his logical
and business-like habits. Already a useful man, it is evident that
with continued service Mr. Hawk will become not only a useful but
a prominent member of the House of Representatives. It is cer
tainly a fact that Congress is the place to make Congressmen; it is
the school in which to graduate statesmen. This is proved by the
fact that all the great commoners of our history have emerged from
the general mass of our Representatives after continuous service, and
being returned again and again by the constituency they have well
and faithfully served. No man can, on first entering public life,
assume the position of a leader; he must have time to familiarize
himself with the details of legislation and the rules of governing,
before he can seize the golden opportunity of displaying his real
worth and solid merit. To graduate from this school for statesmen
a ripe and learned scholar in diplomacy and law-making, all the
steps must be gone through, all the courses taken; so that experi
ence and age may bring the member both confidence and influence.
Mr. Hawk having entered on his duties with so much firmness of
character, studiousness of disposition, and evincing so much care
and integrity, coupled with a sound and discerning mind, gives rare
promise for the future; and we hope to hear of his return to the
Forty-seventh Congress by his district.
The Carroll County Mirror, in its Washington letter, had the
following of the Major:
"He is one of the few members who remained at his post of
duty during the holiday season. He can be seen in his seat during

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 97
the recess* attending to his correspondence and other matters per
taining to his legislative duties. Although he is bodily disabled,
he is always prompt and early in his attendance upon the session of
the House. His seat, which is one of the most desirable in the
House, he, through the courtesy of the members, was permitted to
select, without joining in the drawing to which others are subjected.
As a soldier, Major Hawk, as is well known, was brave and kind-
hearted. As a legislator, he is painstaking, industrious, capable and
¦attentive. As an associate and friend, he is steadfast and true.
These combined qualities, possessed by Major Hawk, are recognized
and appreciated by his immediate friends and constituents, who,
should they consult their interests, will not for some time withdraw
him from his Congressional duties, in him his soldier friends may
rest assured they have one to whom they can always turn for a
helping hand.
The Washington Chronicle, of April 25, 1880, contained about
a column sketch of Congressman Hawk. The article winds up as
follows :
" He occasionally participates in the debates in the House, is
not obtrusive, but has made a few very able and pointed speeches,
among which may be especially mentioned one made during the
extra session last year on the ' Preservation of Peace at the Polls,"
and one upon the financial condition of the country, delivered on
March 20th, this year. He is a member of the committees on Con
tingent Expenses, of the War Department, and on Militia, the latter
having under consideration a very important measure iooking to
the entire reorganization of the militia, and making very material
changes in existing laws, which will awaken great interest through
out the country.
"Mr. Hawk was educating himself for the law at the begin
ning of the war, and is thoroughly conversant with all legal points,
although force of circumstances brought about by the war and his
subsequent public duties prevented his regularly entering upon the
practice of the profession. He is extensively engaged in farming,
owning a large, thoroughly equipped and well-stocked farm in Car
roll County, 111., and also valuable lands in Iowa."
The Freeport Journal, March 31, 18S1, said :
During our visit to Washington we saw much of our Repre
sentative in Congress, Maj. Hawk, and had opportunity of becoming
more intimately and closely acquainted with him. We frequently
¦saw him at his room — his workshop— and cheerfully bear testimony,
so far as our judgment is competent, that the Fifth District is for
tunate in having tor its representative such a man as Robert M. A.
Hawk. He is always at his post; is indefatigable in his endeavors
to do everything that can be done to advance the interests of his
constituents, indivividually or collectively. He is conscientious and
honest, and has the esteem and confidence not only of his colleagues,
but of the heads of bureaus and Departments, and of the President
himself. He is spoken of in all official circles as a valuable member,
13

98 MEMOIRS OF
and one who is trusted and respected by all with whom he comes in
contact, of whatever party or station.
The life of a Congressman is anything but a bed of roses, if he
tries to attend to his business as our member does. His mail is
enormous, and every letter, however trivial, must be answered. This
of itself is a very onerous duty, and the average bed-time of a Con
gressman, who keeps up his correspondence as it should be, is neces
sarily after midnight throughout the session, long or short. Not a
moment of his time is his own, but a never-ending routine of mat
ters, frequently the most trivial and unimportant, demands his con
stant attention. Besides all this, the mental strain and suspense to
which a painstaking, careful, conscientious member is subjected is
something terrible. Aside from his own matters, he is at the focal
point of all the wrangles and dissensions of the whole district.
Constantly he is called upon to decide between friends, and to make
up his judgment totally without regard to his personal preferences,
if he has any, upon the merits of the case as presented. He is, too,
while in Washington, subjected to all sorts of annoyances outside ot
the demands of his own district. There is always an army of float
ing political tramps about the Capitol ready to pounce upon any
unwary Congressman who may come within their reach, and then
there are certain conventionalities and demands of society to which
they must yield to some extent, and all of which cost time and
money. These annoyances are all increased or intensified if the
member has a family to which he is devoted. A certain prominent
Congressman refused a renomination last fall, giving as a reason that
" the salary was too small to keep him and his family in Washington,
and he was too rich in his family relations to live in Washington
without his family." At the end of his first term Maj. Hawk occu
pies an influential position. He is considered to be a man of good
judgment and pure motives, and such men always wield an influ
ence outside and beyond that which follows, as a matter of course,
when a man gets " M.C." appended to his signature. So long as
the Fifth District is represented in Congress by Maj. Hawk, it is
our candid opinion, she will wield at least her full proportion ot
power and influence in all matters affecting the State or nation, and
that our own interests will be most carefully, thoroughly and hon
estly conserved.
The following is from a Washington letter to the Rockford
Daily Gazette :
The Hon. R. M. A. Hawk is a man of larger physical frame
than any other man who has represented us since John F. Farns-
worth. He is a man of less angular proportions than Farnsworth,
and could do more vigorous service in varions employments, but
that he was disabled in the war. He was with his regiment almost
to the very end, and in the last days of the war received a wound
that cost him a leg. He is about forty-three years of age, and is
much more than an average Congressman in almost any direction
in which honorable comparison can be made. The old soldiers who
were in the Army of the Cumberland, and in the Chattanooga and

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 99
the Atlanta campaigns, will remember the Ninety-second Illinois
volunteers, the mounted infantry that did a great amount of scouting
in the mountain vallleys. That regiment had a large fraction of its
members from Ogle county, with a few of its members from Win
nebago probably, and when it comes to election day it now looks as
if there would be a goodly number even in the latter county who
have a personal knowledge of him. The present arrangement of
the district is stronger for Mr. Hawk than the old. Whiteside
county was not in business or commercial identity with the north
ern part of the district, and except for the border travel, along the
river and the Western Union railroad on its bank, it was necessary
to go around through the corner of another county to get there.
Ogle county is full of old soldiers who are enthusiastic for the major,
who stuck to his boys to the end, and the railroad connections now
bring Ogle in very close union -with the rest of the district. There
will be a few of those old soldiers in Winnebago county who will
do what they can to keep a disabled comrade in a place which he
fills better than some able-bodied men have done heretofore.
A Washington paper had the following :
Mrs. Hawk, wife of Representative Hawk, of Illinois, left the
city on Wednesday morning for her home in Mt. Carroll, Illinois,
to the real regret of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Mrs. Hawk is a sensible, educated, practical woman, not smitten
with the society mania which attacks so many on coming to the
Capital, albeit fully able to hold her own in most circles. Of a ge
nial and hopeful nature, she is an excellent mother, and a helpmate
for her husband, who, having lost a limb in the service of his coun
try, scarcely feels his misfortune while blessed with her cheering
companionship. She will carry sunshine to the home in Mt. Carroll
to the loss of her friends here, among whom the wish is hearty and
universal that she may return next season.
Another paper in the District had this :
Mrs. Hawk, wife of Congressman Hawk, has returned to her
home at Mt. Carroll. The society reporters of Washington papers
speak in high praise of Mrs. Hawk as a cultured and intelligent lady,
who willbe missed from Washington. She is devoted to her husband,
and has greatly assisted him in the discharge of his public duties.
About the middle of the year 1880, the several papers in the
Congressional District began to agitate the subject of a Congressman
to succeed Major Hawk. That the editors were quite unanimous
in their opinion that the Major would be his own successor is very
evident from the following press clippings. The Mt. Carroll Mir
ror said :
The course of Mr. Hawk, in the late session, has been closely
watched by those who would like to discover some reason for rele
gating him to private life, but nothing could be found, not even the
shadow of a reason. No man is expected to please everybody, and,

100 MEMOIRS OF
though the Mirror and Major Hawk took different views of some
minor matters, and upon which matters we did not hesitate to
express ourselves, we have no doubt but his action in the prem
ises was founded upon good and sufficient reasons, and has since
given general satisfaction. That Mr. Hawk has given his entire
attention to the business for which he was selected, is evidenced
by the fact that during the entire session of Congress, he never
missed a roll-call, something of which very few of his associ-
ciates can boast. His position upon the momentous questions,
which were from time to time brought before the House, was
such as gave entire satisfaction to his constituents, and strength
ened the confidence the people have in his sound sense and good
judgment. Congressmen are not made in a day, neither are they
finished in a year. It takes time for a man to learn the ins and
outs of legislative duties, and we believe that Major Hawk is as
apt a scholar as the people of this district has yet sent to repre
sent them. We place the most implicit confidence in his integrity
of purpose, his patriotism, his honesty and willingness to do all in
his power to fully represent the people in every particular. To
return him to the Forty-seventh Congress this fall will be a ratifi
cation of his course in the Forty sixth, and an expression of con
fidence on the part of the people, that we are well represented. We
hope that the District will be a unit upon the question of his
nomination. Shannon Express:
Major Hawk is meeting with a warm reception in all parts of
the District, and according to present reports will undoubtedly re
ceive the deserved compliment of a unanimous re-nomination. The
Fifth District has never had a better Representative — one more
devoted to the welfare of his entire constituency, more practical in
his work, or one more worthy of popular confidence and support.
Galena Gazette:
As far as we are able to learn, there is no opposition to the
renomination of our present Congressman, Hon. R. M. A. Hawk;
and we are heartily glad that such is the case. During his short
experience in Congress, Major Hawk has made a repntion tor being
not only a gentleman of ability, but a candid, honest, industrious
member, always in his seat, and always voting on the right side of
all questions. Neither his honesty nor his patriotism has ever
been called in question, either before he was elected to Congress or
since. Personally very popular, a man in whom all classes repose
the utmost confidence, he would poll a much larger vote than any
other man we could nominate. We hope and believe that no ballot
will be taken in the Convention. Major Hawk ought to be nomi
nated by acclamation, and undoubtedly will be. We can elect him
by an overwhelming majority.
The Congressional Convention was held in Freeport Aug. 5th,
1880. In presenting the name of the Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk to
be his own successor, Hon. J. M. Hunter, of Mt. Carroll, said:

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 101
Mr. Chairman — On the part of Carroll County, I have the honor,
sir, to bring before this convention for nomination — for renomi-
nation — to the office of Congressman from this district the name of
the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk. ,(Cheers.) No eulogy from me will be
necessary on this occasion of the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk. He has
been a good soldier, a most acceptable member of Congress; he
has proved himself a man of ability, integrity and honor, such as
doeB credit to the district he represents; a man in whose hands the
Republicans of the old Fifth district, or a part of it which used to
make the old Thirteenth district, will never have cause to blush for
a single act or vote of his in Congress. Aside from all that, he is
a man who has sealed his devotion to Republican principles on the
battle-fields of the Republic. So far as Carroll caunty is concerned,
and I think I may speak for the whole district, they are proud of
the record made by the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk. (Cheers.)
The nomination was heartily seconded by every county in the
District, and the gallant Major was unanimously renominated by
acclamation. The nominee thanked the convention for the high
compliment bestowed upon him, and discussed at some length the
Democratic platform, comparing the inconsistencies of its decla
rations with the past record of the Democratic party. Especial
reference was made to " the constitutional doctrines and traditions
of the Democratic party," and a list presented of the leading Demo
cratic " statesmen and patriots," as probably referred to in the plat
form. Comments were made upon Democratic protestations with
reference to schools, the "public faith, State and National," and
comparisons made of the repudiating Southern States. The sud
den great love of the Democratic party for the laborer was men
tioned as announced in the platform, and comparisons made with
the effort of that party to reduce the laboring masses of this country
to a level, and force a competition with slave labor. The free ballot
was discussed, and the total vote of several Southern Congressional
districts referred to as indicating the perpetration of great frauds.
Many other points were brought out, but these were the principal
matters considered. The concluding remarks of the speaker were as
follows :
I know that every Republican in this portion of the country
will march on in solid phalanx and place the banner on the outer
wall of the enemy's fortress, and fight this common enemy of hu
man progress and human liberty [cheers], and that success will be
insured to us as certainly as the day comes along, and that the
American Republic will again be re-established, to continue its trust
as long as time continues. [Cheers.]
In commenting on the nomination, the Warren Sentinel said :
Major Hawk was renominated for Congress by acclamation.
The nomination by acclamation was a compliment well bestowed,
13*

102

MEMOIRS OF

for Major Hawk has been faithful and persistent in attending to his
Congressional duties and the wants of his constituents. In the little
and annoying perplexities that occur in the official life of a Con
gressman, he has always been courteous and obliging, while in his
official conduct as a stalwart Republican Representative, he has
been true to his constituents, true to his party, and true to his own
honor and manhood. We are pleased to see him honored, because he
was shot down while defending his country from treasonable conspi
rators, and because, instead of relying upon his pension for support,
he has sought by education, by close application to mental work, to
fit himself for higher walks of life. That he has succeeded is due
entirely to his own energy and fidelity. Major Hawk will be re
elected by an increased majority, for the people know him better
than before, and know that he will honorably and faithfully perform
every duty.
The election was held November 2d, with the following result:
L. G. Johnson was the Democratic nominee, and John M. King was
again the candidate of the Greenbackers :

COUNTIES.

i
<! W

osw
o

6a

63mH
H
¦<V CO

>-<

03 g
MO

Carroll 
Jo Daviess 

24082988
415235973916

877 114
176930491695

218
2352 579 77
934

1
i
4

3504
5454 6502
67246549

1312 522

Ogle 
Stephenson 

1802 470

1283

Total 

17061

7504

4160

8

28733

5389

.12901

Hawk over Johnson  9557 | Hawk over King 
Hawk over all  5389
One of the papers in the district said:
The Major may well feel proud of his endorsement, and the
Republicans of the district certainly have occasion to feel proud of
their candidate, and feel that they have the right man in the right
place. Another put it this way:
The immense majority by which Major Hawk has been returned
to Congress is not only a handsome compliment to the gentleman
himself, but a source of great gratification to his warm friends and
supporters throughout the district.
The Forty-seventh Congress convened in Washington on Mon
day, Dec. 5th, 1881, this day being prescribed by the Constitution
of the United States. Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk took his seat for
the second time. He was appointed by the chairman on the stand
ing committees on Militia, and the select committee on the payment

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 103
of pensions, bounty and back pay. By request he presented a bill
for the protection of the person of the President of the United
States ; which was read for a first and second time, referred to the
committee on Judiciary, and ordered to be printed. The resolution
which he presented from the Board of Trade of Chicago, in relation
to the United States Signal Service, was referred to the Military
cofnmittee. Bills were introduced from him to grant a pension
to the heirs of Capt. Christopher T. Dunham, and for the relief of
Eliza R. Weller. He presented the following resolution December
22d: Resolved, That the doorkeeper of the House be directed to
place upon the soldiers' roll of this House, as an additional messen
ger, Mr. Sidney L. Wilson, of New York, to be paid out of the
contingent fund of the House, at the same rate as that paid to others
on that roll.
In urging the resolution, the Major said:
This man is a soldier who has lost both his legs. He is able to
discharge about this House the duties which belong to those upon
that roll. It seems to me eminently just that this matter be con
sidered at once. This man comes here recommended by some of
the best people of the country.
The matter was referred to the committee on Accounts. Bills
were introduced to provide for reorganizing, arming and disciplin
ing the militia; to require the manufacturers of oleomargarine,
butterine, etc., to label the same; and to grant a pension to William
H, Howard. He presented a joint resolution authorizing the Pub
lic Printer to pay the employees of the Government printing office
the pay deducted from them during the obsequies of the late Presi
dent Garfield. He introduced bills for relief of Jacob Bucher;
for pension to Edward Kraemer; for balance of pension to Sarah
A. Rock; also petitions for claim of Redmond Tully, and from
D. S. Efner, relative to terminus of Illinois and Mississippi River
Canal Company. Bills were presented to grant pensions to Emily
C. Atkinson and heirs of John S. Oviatt.
February 1st, Representative Hewitt, of New York, presented
as an amendment to a bill to accept lauds in Erie, Penn., to establish
"a home for indigent soldiers and sailors the following:
Provided, That the United States shall accept from any State
that may have established, or may hereafter establish, a soldiers'
home, or a soldiers' and sailors' orphans home, a conveyance for the
same, and thereafter shall support and maintain the same.
In relation to this Major Hawk said :
This is a subject upon which I apprehend we may be able to
expend considerable eloquence, but I do not think it is necessary to
do so, nor do I believe it is proper to treat the subject in any other

104 MEMOIRS OF
than a business way. It seems to me that this is a plain business
proposition. Shall we, as a nation, adopt a sj'stem of caring for our
deserving indigent soldiers, or shall we permit the matter to remain
with each State to care for those within its borders? It is unfair
and unjust to treat them as common paupers if their poverty be the
result of faithful service to the country.
If this be a nucleus about which is to gather a great system, it
seems to me it is worthy the most careful and thorough considera-*
tion. I believe that eventually it must result in the expenditure by
the country of a considerable sum of money. To that I do not ob
ject if it be necessary. I believe in pursuing the most liberal policy
toward the defenders of this nation. But these expenditures should
be properly guarded and systematically made.
Standing here as a representative, to some extent, of the ex-
soldiers of the Republic, 1 do not believe in inaugurating a crude,
undigested system in this regard. I believe in accepting these
donations, if they be made in a spirit of patriotism and of nation^
ality, with a desire to do that which will be of the greatest benefit
to these national defenders. I would like to ask the great Common
wealth of Pennsylvania why it proposes to part with this valuable
property? Is it from a spirit of pure generosity?
Then, it seems to me that we should accept it in the same
spirit manifested in the tender here made. If tendered in that
spirit we should accept it for the country. And if it shall become
necessary that each State make similar contributions to the national
Government, and in this way establish a great system for the care
and protection of these worthy and, through no fault of their own,
indigent ex-soldiers and sailors, so that they may be taken from the
class of common paupers and sustained in a manner fitting their
great sacrifice, it seems to me it is right and proper for us to do so.
I remember there were hours in the history ot this great country
when appeals were made which sounded all over the land to these
men to bare their bosoms to the storm of battle that this nation
might live. And now if it be necessary to care for and protect such
as are broken down in health by reason of service, and who are
poor; it it be necessary to raise them up above the level of common
paupers, and this is not only an act of justice but one which they
have a right to demand, I believe it is due from the nation that
some such plan as this should be adopted, and all should be proud
of the opportunity to discharge such a duty. I, speak thus in no
spirit of fault-finding or complaining, for the nation has been actu
ated by a spirit of liberality to its worthy unfortunate defenders,-
but in a business point of view; because it meant business a few
years ago when their services were demanded for the preservation
of the Union. Now, it seems to me that if the State of Pennsyl
vania, in good faith, not having become tired of caring for her
soldiers who fought for the Union and the honor of the State, ten
ders this property for the purpose of commencing this kind of
movement, it iswell enough to accept it in the spirit of generosity
in which it is offered, and then consider to what extent we will
favor the development and growth of the system thus inaugurated.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 105
I believe that the Congress of the United States will be able in
some way to manage an institution of this kind. We are all aware
there is a soldiers' home here for the benefit of soldiers of the
regular army; and I do not see why there may not be a similar
institution, with rules established to meet its peculiar requirements,
for the benefit of the volunteer soldiers who periled their lives and
lessened their powers of self sustenance for the preservation of the
country. Mr. Chairman, I do not desire to take further time; but I have
felt it due not only myself but my constituents that I present my
views in this matter in a spirit of justice and fairness.
He next presented a bill to grant a pension to Henry W. Pe
terson, and petitions from the citizens of Jo Daviess county to
regulate interstate commerce; from citizens of Illinois to repeal
bank tax; for pension ot William Young. When the bill to grant
arrears of pension to Annie A. Hays came up, the Major in the
course of his remarks said:
There are, sir, many similar cases, I have no doubt, cases almost
parallel with this, which, it seems to me, are just as worthy — possi
bly not widows of gallant officers, but widows of men just as earnest,
just as patriotic, just as determined in the prosecution of the cause
of the Union.
God knows I would be the very last man upon this floor to
appear even to antagonize a measure of this kind; but it seems to
me we must be consistent in these matters. That is the point I
desire to make.
Petitions were presented by him from the citizens of Illinois
for pensions to prisoners of war; fiom the citizens of Erie for the
suppression of polygamy.
When the amendment to the bill for the purchase and distribu
tion of seeds, etc., came up, Mr. Hawk said:
Mr. Chairman, I desire to state here that I apprehend there is
very little difference as to whether we make this nice distinction
in the distribution of the seed provided for by this bill or not; for
this reason, that usually when the seeds are sent out to the various
districts the Commissioner is anxious and desires that lists shall be
furnished him by members of Congress from the various districts as
to the persons to whom he shall distribute the seed. It makes no
difference whether the member shall have for his portion of seed
for distribution one-half, one-fourth, or any other amount, for usually
they are distributed in this way through the Commissioner.
It seems to me that the amount fixed in this bill is eminently
just; for if a member chooses to send out the packages of seed him
self he has one-half of the total allowed him for that purpose ; and
if he prefers to issue them himself or to throw the responsibility of
sending them out upon the agricultural department, either of a half
or of any other quantity that he can procure from the department,
the Commissioner has the power to do so; and therefore practically
13

106 MEMOIRS OF
I apprehend that all the seeds are at the disposal of the members
of Congress, So I say it seems to me, Mr. Chairman, that upon
this provision to make this nice distinction of difference as to
whether you will fix it at a half, a quarter, or a third, seems to be
needless. I think the provision ought to remain practically just as
it is, without amendment. I hope the amendment will not be
adopted. The amendment was not adopted.
On the 21st of March he submitted the following:
Whereas it is important that the report of the Commissioner
of Agriculture, in order for the accomplishment of the greatest
benefit to the agriculture ot the country, should be placed in the
hands of agriculturists in reasonable time after the same has been
prepared by the Commissioner; and whereas almost a year has
elapsed since the report of the Commissioner for 1880 should have
been distributed to those for whose benefit the same has been pre
pared: therefore,
Resolved, That the committee on agriculture be, and they are
hereby, instructed to inquire of the Commissioner of Agriculture
and the Public Printer and report to the House the cause of the
delay in printing and delivering the report of the Commissioner of
Agriculture for 1880, that such remedies may be applied by Con
gress as shall appear to be necessary.
When the bill to restrict Chinese immigration came up, the
Major said:
Mr. Speaker, I shall not attempt to deal with the question un
der consideration in the same channel that has been pursued by the
gentleman who has just preceded me, [Mr. Tucker.] Yet I will
refer briefly to some of his allusions, and draw some parallel for the
information of the House with reference to the historical points
touched upon by him. My time, however, is limited; I am not
permitted under the arrangement to address the House longer than
fifteen or twenty minutes. I cannot pass this opportunity, however,.
without a brief notice of some of the gentleman's citations.
He referred eloquently to the Scriptures, and said that the
boundaries of races were fixed by the divine dictum. This may be
true to some extent, Mr. Speaker, but the gentleman has no right
to apply it as special pleading to this particular case. It would
have been better for his case had he generalized. Many special
instances may be cited directly against the proposition which he
presents, and the scripture he quoted in proof. His statement that
America was specially designed for the Caucasian race might have
been properly followed by the qualification that the continent has
for ages before been the home of the red man. I do not treat his
scripture quotations in any light sense, but I call the gentleman to
task for making special pleas in this direction and attempting to
sustain them by scriptural quotations.
The gentleman also, referring eloquently to races, mentioned
the colored race, and stated that it the political status of the colored
race at the South has been established no man would dare say so>

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 107
that it is rather an untried experiment. So he runs the parallel
between these races, the negro and Mongolian, and his parallel is
correet in more respects than one.
The negro has been for long years kept in bondage and denied
the rights of citizenship. Of course it is not to be expected that
the members of this race will spring at once into the front rank of
civilization after this long period, during which they were crowded
¦down with the brand of servitude upon them. Neither is it expected
that these Mongolians, having drifted along for a period of many
thousands of years in one channel, can spring at once from the
peculiarities that have so long environed them and take a front rank
. in our Anglo-Saxon civilization. But why shall we continue to
keep them down by unfriendly legislation? I am as much opposed
to the introduction of China into this country as any man on this
floor, but when men from Eastern Asia come here with the avowed
intention of becoming part and parcel of us, I am in favor of giving
them a fair chance in our unprecedented march of progress.
But, Mr. Speaker, as I before stated, my time is limited, and I
will not devote more to these topics.
It will not be expected after the able discussion of the last few
days that I can materially enlighten the House upon this bill. I
¦shall, therefore, confine my remarks in the time allotted' to me to a
statement of my views upon two principal points.
First, the length of the time of suspension of Chinese immi
gration as expressed in the first section of the bill, to-wit:
That from and after the expiration of ninety days next after the passage
¦of this act, and until the expiration of twenty years next after the passage of
this act, the coming of Chinese laborers to the United States be, and the
same is hereby, suspended: and during such suspension it shall not be lawful
for any Chinese laborer to come, or, having so come after the expiration of
¦said ninety days, to remain within the United States.
It is submitted Mr. Speaker that the prohibition herein stated
is a most remarkable and extraordinary departure from the long,
fixed policy of the country upon this subject of immigration, and
in my judgment, should be at least materially modified. I am op
posed on general principles, to sudden and radical changes in laws
which affect a principle of long standing, and which carry with it
the tests of experience and the fixedness of age. Not that I would
oppose the radical and sudden change of law or precedent that
bring evil and danger to the body politic. But it is a question, a
debatable one at least, whether the introduction of Chinese- cheap
labor, other than coolies, is an unmitigated evil. Gentlemen of
learning and experience in Congress indulge in appeals and learned
arguments in advocating the theory of it being a benefit to our
country. Since the commencement of this debate the subject has been
•discussed with great earnestness from a humanitarian stand-point.
Arguments have been presented that the introduction of cheap labor
into the country enriches it materially in the aggregate, and that
in a philanthropic sense we should not deny the humblest of God's
creatures the right to better his condition, especially when the at-

108 MEMOIRS OF
tempt to do so is based upon a desire to render manual service in its.
accomplishment. Mr. Speaker, in view of this being at least debatable ground,.
and in view as well of it being the opinion of many able and consci
entious gentlemen that it is in violation of the spirit, if not indeed of
the letter, of treaty stipulations existing between the two nations,
would it not be wise to so amend this section that the limitation of
the period of suspension. referred to be made ten years? It is believed
that the accredited representatives of the Chinese government to
this country will not object to the extent of a protest to the passage
of a law with a ten-year limitation; and it is reasonable that our
commercial relations with that country will not be so likely to be
unfavorably affected by such limited restriction as by that of twenty
years. And when the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. Tucker] speaks of
members on this side of the hall fixing the limit in an arbitrary
manner, I desire to answer that this bill also fixes the limit in an
arbitrary manner; and why may we not, after due consideration,
reasonably reduce the period which the bill indicates as proper?
The most to be apprehended from the radical change proposed
by this section of the bill is, that should it become a law it may
raise the clamor that, having prohibited for so long a time the im
migration of cheap laborers the same rule in principle should be
applied to all laborers. It is answered by the friends of the bill,
who do not favor modification in this respect, that these people will
not, and from the very nature of things cannot, understand, enter
into, or become interested in our political organization any more
than in our social.
That they will not permit themselves to become absorbed into
and become a part of the body politic, and this may be true under
existing laws. And why? It is because they are denied the right
to become citizens, and not being such can have no interest in our
governmental system. Treaty stipulations are opposed to their
naturalization. And in the proposed enactment of this bill for the
enforcement of such extreme stipulations it is sought to be made
more binding and effective for their exclusion from all rights of cit
izenship. This brings us to the examination of the second chief
objection to this bill, to-wit, the absolute prohibition of all Chinese
from becoming citizens of the Republic. It matters not should
these people come in good faith to make their permanent homes,
casting their lot with us, willing to become subject to our laws, re
nouncing all allegiance to their former sovereign, and manifesting
a desire to rehabilitate themselves with our new, advancing, enlight
ening, Christian civilization, they cannot under the sixteenth section
of this bill do so. It is as follows:
Sec. 16. That hereafter no State court orxsourt of the United States shall
admit Chinese to citizenship. And all laws in conflict with this act are
hereby repealed.
What indeed could be more un-American than the sentiment here
expressed? The proposed adoption of such a law so unnatural to
our system, when the boast is constantly indulged in that this is the

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 109
land of the free and the asylum of the oppressed of every nation,
certainly it cannot meet with a favorable response from this House,
composed of the representatives of the people, basking, as is our
boast, in the fjill sunshine of the brightest blaze of civilization the
history of the world has ever known.
I certainly cannot conceive of any evil to result from taking a
better and broader view of this portion of the question. I would
much prefer for the honor and consistency of our nation that the
law in this respect be liberalized by the adoption as a substitute for
this section the following from the substitute offered by the gentle
man from Iowa, [Mr. McCoid :]
Sec. 12. Residents of the United States from the Empire of China may
be admitted to citizenship according to the provisions of the uniform natur
alization laws: Provided, That they shall have resided therein ten years, and
for five years previous to their naturalization shall have adopted the manners,
customs, dress, and general habits of citizens of the United States.
I fully acknowledge the power of this or any other government
to protect against such evils as may threaten the happiness of the
subject or citizen. Certainly, no gentleman upon this floor would
for a moment doubt the power of Congress to prohibit the impor
tation of criminals, paupers, diseased persons or coolies, betheir ser
vices owned by masters either at home or abroad.
The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Taylor] most earnestly and elo
quently inveighed against this bill, characterizing its advocates as
actuated by the same feelings and motives that controlled the slave
owner and driver of the days of African slavery in our country. I,
however, most earnestly protest against such characterization. I
am not so clear that his honored predecessors, the great and revered
Garfield and Giddings, as well as Smith, Hale, and Sumner, might
not, were they living, be found advocating at least some of the prin
ciples contained in this bill.
One fact is certainly most apparent throughout their public
career, and that is the determination to completely rid the Republic
of any thing that savors of the ownership of one human being
by another. And to the extent of nipping this great evil of the
ownership of these Chinese in even remote degree by any individual,
company, association, or organization whatever, whether such own
ers reside in Asia, America, or any other portion of the globe, the
bill meets my most hearty approval.
Nor do I believe it to be any less our duty to protect labor in
this country from unequal and unnatural competition of cooly im
migration, whose labor is completely owned by others, than it is to
indirectly protect it through a tariff upon imports against the cheap
or pauper labor of Europe.
But »I had not intended, Mr. Speaker, to consume so much of
the time of the House as I have already done in the presentation of
my views upon these portions of the bill. I had not thought to
say a word during this discussion, but I feel it due to myself at least
that I present a few thoughts as they suggest themselves to me,
and that I give reasons for the vote which I expect to cast upon
this bill.

110 MEMOIRS OF
First. I would modify the prohibition of this bill to ten years'
that no room for accusation of failure on our part to sacredly main
tain our treaty obligations can be made against us.
Second. I acknowledge the right of Congress to pass such laws
as shall appear wise and proper for protection against the importa
tion of paupers, criminals, diseased persons, and coolies, and in so
far as this bill reasonably looks to the accomplishment of these re
sults it has my support.
I believe in the protection and elevation of the laboring classes
of the country, hence oppose the immigration of coolies under con
tract, or their control by any individual, corporation, or association
having such purpose in view.
Third. I would, by striking out section 16 of this bill, and the
adoption of some such plan as that suggested by the amendment of
Mr. McCoid, make it possible for such of these people as come to
our country with the purpose and determination of casting their lot
with us in in good faith to become citizens. With the amendments
suggested, [ can heartily support this measure. Without such mod
ifications as indicated, or at least some one or more of them, I shall
feel obliged to vote against the bill, for the reason that it is in the
direction of a too sudden and radical change of established usages,
and because I believe without these changes it is contrary to the
spirit of solemn treaty obligations.
The Chicago Journal of the following day, referring to this
speech, had the following:
Major Hawk, the one-legged soldier, who represents the Fifth
Illinois District in Congress, made a short speech yesterday on the
anti-Chinese bill, taking exceptions to certain features of it which
he deems needlessly restrictive and oppressive. It needs courage
for a member of Congress to oppose this bill in the face of the
strong pressure making for its passage. Nobody who knows him
ever doubted Major Hawk's courage.
He presented the petition of John Swansey, and forty-three
others, members of Ridott Grange, of Ridott, 111., for the passage
of the bill for the protection of innocent purchasers of patented
articles. Also the resolutions of the General Assembly of Illinois,
relative to the construction of the Hennepin canal. April 21st,
1882, from the select committee on the payment of pensions, bounty,
and back pay, reported back with a favorable recommendation the
bill to amend the pension laws; also reported back with an adverse
recommendation the bill to amend Section 4702 of the Revised
Statutes of the United States relating to pensions; also reported
back, with an adverse recommendation, the bill granting pensions
for injuries received and disabilities incurred in the life-saving, rail
way, revenue services of the United States.
April 28th, he said:
I desire to submit for reference to the Committee on Accounts,
a resolution of inquiry as to the condition of the folding-room.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. Ill
Resolved, That the Committee on Accounts be instructed to
inquire into the sanitary condition of the House folding-room, and
to report whether the same is not detrimental to the health of those
employed therein.
Be it further resolved, That if said committee shall find said
folding-room unfit for human habitation, they are hereby instructed
to inquire into and report upon what terms more suitable quarters
can be obtained.
When the agricultural bill to make an executive department
came up, the Major said:
Mr. Speaker, the chairman of the committee [Mr. Valentine]
yields me a portion of his time. I shall not undertake to enter into
a discussion of that portion of the section proposed to be amended
by the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Young], and which is now under
consideration. I prefer to consume the time allotted to me in a few
general statements with reference to the provisions of this bill.
Certain gentlemen who have preceded me appear to be exceed
ingly disturbed with the idea that the department of agriculture to
be erected by this bill is to be transformed into a political machine.
The same objection may be urged against any other department of
this Government. I beg gentlemen to possess their souls in peace
concerning so great a calamity. There is no cause for alarm in this
particular instance. Indeed, should such a condition prevail, I can
scarcely discern any reason in it to cause the House to refuse to
place this material interest in a position where it justly and prop
erly belongs. >
Sir, when the agricultural interests of the country, which, as has
been stated in this debate, have scarcely heretofore had any recog
nition whatever by Congress, come here asking the passage of what
may be termed a reasonable bill, is it fair dealing, is it consistent
with our oft-expressed regard for those interests, to refuse to accede
to their just and fair demands? I do not desire to be understood as
stating that this bill is perfect in every particular, but it is a mea
sure which, as the years go by, can and will be perfected in such a
way as very materially to benefit the agricultural interests of this
country. If, as has often been stated in this debate, our agricultnral pro
duction is the chief basis of our wealth and prosperity, and that from
the real wealth produced by the toiling millions engaged in these
pursuits we must expect succor in times of emergency in our com
mercial transactions and in periods of business depression, why
should we refuse to erect this bureau of the Interior Department into
a department by itself, having for its objects and aims the elevation
of this calling, which is so universally acknowledged to be the source
of our wealth and prosperity ?
It has been argued that the erection of the Agricultural bureau
into an executive department of the government, to be presided
over by a cabinet officer, who shall be denominated a secretary of
agriculture, will increase the expense to the tax payers. This should,
however, affect the passage of the bill only in so far as there may be

112 MEMOIRS OF
benefits derived commensurate with the expenditure. It is believed
that this bill is so framed that there is no doubt but that this new
department, with the organization of the several bureaus as contem
plated, cannot fail to result in the dissemination of such information
as must materially aid in an increase of intelligence in the applica
tion of labor and machinery, as well as making it a reliable source
of information upon the subjects of the amount and prices of agricul
tural products at home and abroad in such manner as to materially
increase the profits of the farmer.
It not only gives this avocation a standing at home, but abroad
as well; and any encouragement we may give in the direction of
dignifying labor must redound to our benefit. It will teud to prom
inently and honorably bring before the nations of the world the fact
that the United States is so fully aware of the importance of this
great industry that it is placed in a conspicuous position in the af
fairs of government. And in questions affecting our standing in
the markets of the world, such as reports concerning the disease of
our domestic animals for export, it must ever be an authority greatly
exceeding that of a mere bureau of a department.
Had such a department been in existence two years ago, at the
time of the scare in Europe caused by the report that great quanti
ties of diseased pork would be shipped from this country to European
markets, vast sums of money would have been saved in this one
instance alone to our farmers. Mr. Speaker, I can see no good reason
why this bill should not become a law. I believe it to be sufficiently
broad to cover all material subjects connected with agriculture, and
at the same time sufficiently guarded to protect from any undue
delegation of power to this new department. I shall vote for the
bill because I believe it to be a move in advance and in the interests
of my agricultural constituency.
He presented the petition of Isaac A. Lewis, a survivor of the
battle of Guntown, Miss., criticising the conduct of Gen. Sturgis
in that engagement, and demanding an investigation. On the 7th
of June he spoke in favor ot paying a claim for services as secretary
of the China legation. He reported back adversely a bill for the
relief of Capt. Andrew J. Sieger, and also one for the relief of James
Ackley. In relation to the bill to transfer to the State Department the
War Department records, the Major said:
Mr. Chairman, my reason for favoring this section of the bill as
reported by the committee is, first, that I believe this concentration;
ought to be made in the interest of the facilitation of the discharge
of public business. For myself (and I believe my view is shared by
members generally) I see no greater danger ot collusion and fraud
under this proposed concentration of these two bureaus than under
the present system. If you have employes in this service who are
determined to commit a fraud upon the government, they will find
some plan for committing it under one system as well as another.
This, then, resolves itself into a simple business proposition. It is

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 113
proposed not only to bring these two bureaus of the War Depart
ment together, but to place them practically under one head and to
this extent fix the responsibility. It has been said here, and I sub
mit it again, that in order to fix responsibility you must concentrate
authority. It is believed to be sound business policy that in pro
portion as you can do this you also facilitate the transaction of
business. For this reason I advocate the section as it appears in the
original bill, and without change.
It seems to me the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Browne], chair
man of the Committee on Invalid Pensions, makes a distinction with
out a difference. For, while these two bureaus for this particular
purpose are under one head, they will nevertheless be operated by
different corps of clerks, and there can be no more collusion between
clerks under the provisions of the section as reported by the com
mittee than there is now.
It is business-like, in my judgment, that these two bureaus,
naturally so intimately connected in their operation, should be -
brought nearer to each other. I have had conversations with offi
cials of the War Department, and, although not warranted in stating
their opinions of this contemplated transfer, I believe they agree
with me it is in the direction of' the promotion of greater efficiency
in the settlement of pension claims.
It has been said there may be fraud. I referred to that before,
but the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. Atkins] has told us the
heads of these departments are certainly above suspicion of fraud
in matters of this kind. There is no question but that the business
would be as safely transacted under the Adjutant-General of the
Army as it now is under the Surgeon-General and Adjutant-General
in the control of these separate bureaus.
It seems to me this section as it stands in the bill is business
like, that it is proper and just legislation, that it will enable the
Pension Bureau to prosecute the settlement of pension claims with
greater expedition and at less expense to the Treasury. For these
reasons I hope it will meet with the approval of the committee.
On June 15th, the House, as in Committee of the Whole on
the state of the Union, having under consideration the bill mak
ing appropriations for the construction, repair, and preservation
of certain works on rivers and harbors, and for other purposes, Mr.
Hawk said:
Mr. Chairman: The improvement of the Mississippi River and
its tributaries has been so fully and exhaustively considered by
many eminent men in and out of Congress, and plans for the im
provement of the navigation of these streams have been so thor
oughly and exhaustively presented by the river commission, that
there is nothing new to be said upon the subject.
Living as I have for over thirty-five years in the centre of the
great Mississippi Valley, and being honored by representing a fertile
agricultural district bordering upon the east bank of that river, are,
1 trust, sufficient reasons for at this time asking the indulgence of
15

114 MEMOIRS OF
the House while presenting a few facts in connection with the im
provement in our river system.
This is deemed a subject of no small importance when it is re
membered that this great river and its tributaries constitute a natural
water-way of fourteen thousand miles in extent, and communicate
with eighteen States and three Territories of .the Union. A passing
reference to the geographical extent and commercial importance of
this vast area cannot fail to be of interest. The territory traversed
by these streams contains the natural requirements for the establish
ment of a republic much greater in extent than many of the largest
and most populous nations of Europe. Its hundreds of thousands
of square "miles of area are capable of sustaining many millions of
population when brought to the highest state of development. Lo,-
cated as is this great expanse of country inland, and peculiarly
adapted to agriculture, Providence has laid down at intervals these
water-courses as natural highways of commerce, as if realizing that
transportation and commercial problems would vex and perplex the
inhabitants of this section. These natural channels are established
for us, and all that is required is that we improve and utilize them
to the fullest and greatest capacity of which they are capable.
By a glance at the map it will be seen that the conformation of our
country is peculiar in this as in other respects, to wit: The moun
tain ranges of the East and West are near the Atlantic and Pacific-
coasts, and the vast area of agricultural lands lying within these
limits comprise a great basin with its streams all flowing to a com
mon center, with the Mississippi River forming one chief artery of
commerce, discharging its waters into the Gulf of Mexico. This in
flowing of our River system is but the physical indicator of the com
mon and inflowing, concentrating interests of our nation, and its ten
dencies are for union of purposes, of sentiment, of interest — an
indivisible union.
Early in the history of the country it became apparent that the
area lying in the valley of the Mississippi River and its tributaries
must be very largely a country whose inhabitants must depend upon
agricultural pursuits for a subsistence, and later developments have
confirmed what was from the first so apparent.
To those located in the centre of a continent, and producing a
large surplus of agricultural and other products, grave questions of
transportation to the ocean, which is the great international com
mercial track of the world, very soon grew out of the situation. The
absorbing question was; and is to-day, how shall the vast and rapidly
growing surplus of our agricultural, mining, and manufacturing
industries, seek the markets of the world with the least tax upon the
labor of the producer?
Capital, ever watchful and calculating, did not fail at an early
day to become apprised of the rich harvests in reach, and came to
the rescue, to some extent at least, and the country was soon check
ered with railroads, which found great profit in the transportation
of this surplus production to the seaboard, that it might thence by
the ocean trade be sent to the less productive and more thickly pop
ulated portions of the world. We find, however, this railroad trans-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 115
portation to be very expensive to the producer, and in many locali
ties, where competition among railway companies is not established,
these vast corporations in great measure fix the prices of production
by laying such transportation charges as it is believed the products
will bear, regardless of a fair compensation to such companies.
We may in this connection add that, where competition should
be depended upon by reason of proximity of railroads owned by dif
ferent companies, it is not only frequently but almost universally
the case that pools are formed for the purpose of controlling traffic,
and the competition that was hoped would benefit the producer is
transformed into a greater monopoly, in that two or more companies
must be profitably sustained by a community that before had to con
tribute to the profits of but one.
True, by this rapid transportation of our surplus production an
equilibrium in prices is established, and while national lines of
boundary nominally exist, the tendency is toward the consolidation
of the civilized world into one "common brotherhood of man." In
the accomplishment of this grand purpose too much praise cannot
be bestowed upon the achievements in the last quarter ot a century
of our railroad system. From an infancy of twenty-five years ago
we find it at present developed into the most gigantic and unprece
dented proportions.
The number of miles of railroad operated in our country to
day, including side and double tracks, amount to nearly if not quite
the vast aggregate of one hundred and ten thousand miles, which
would make a continuous track over four times around the earth.
The number of miles of main track in operation at the close of 1879
was 86,497, the balance of about twenty-three thousand miles being
side and double track. The cost of this immense improvement for
transportation purposes aggregates nearly five thousand millions of
dollars, or an average during the last twenty four years of two hun
dred millions per year. Upon this capital there was paid in divi
dends, after the payment of all interest and expenses of operating
for the year 1879, the sum of $61,681,470, the gross earnings of
these railroads for the same period being $529,012,999. The same
ratio of gross earnings for the next twenty-five years would show
the immense sum of more than thirteen and a quarter billion dol
lars, and a net earning to stockholders of more than one thousand
five hundred million dollars.
This immense amount of earnings by these great and growing
corporations is a tax upon the industries of the country, and the
proper and satisfactory solution of this important problem is of par
amount interest to the whole country, East, West, North and South,
excelling all others individually regarded, and perhaps equaling all
the other economic problems combined that vex the student of the
science of government.
To establish an equilibrium and retain control of our national
commerce, it is quite apparent to every thinking person that a com
peting power to these railroads must be maintained in order to the
curbing of their ambition, which is human to say the least; and the
chief if not the only way that it is at all apparent at this time by

116 MEMOIRS OF
which this result can be accomplished is, by opening up and im
proving our immense system of rivers and lakes, as well as main
taining them as competing lines for the outlet of our surplus.
In accomplishing this object no effort should be made to break
down our railroad system, but the object should be to keep it within
proper bounds. It is believed this can be done better by the com
petitions of water traffic than by the enactment of statutes.
It must be confessed by all that railroads exercise a wonderful
and beneficial influence in civilizing nations and peoples by blend
ing their interests. Our means of wealth have been increased in
marked degree by their potent influence, our civilization has assumed
a higher plane, and our peace at home and abroad has been assured
by the exercise of their power and influence in marked degree.
While this is true, it is also undeniable that this corporate pqwer
is becoming so strong that it is able in great measure to fix the price
of production. Under its influence we are taught, and almost led to
believe, that water channels for the purposes of commerce were made
in vain. This belief is fostered, too, by the fast age in which we live.
We have become so accustomed to rapid transit that we are impatient
of delays and cannot await the slower returns of a cheaper system.
The time, however, is upon us when we must meet these transporta
tion questions face to face, and treat them in their broadest and most
comprehensive sense. We have in our commercial transactions two
kinds of products, the transportation of which must be considered.
The one heavy aud bulky in proportion to value, and demanding no
special haste in transit to market; the other more concentrated and
valuable, in many instances perishable, requiring the most rapid
means of conveyance. To meet the demands of the latter class of
commerce we have our more than one hundred thousand miles of
splendidly equipped railways. For our other heavier aud bulkier
products we have our vast natural navigable lake and river shores,
as well as our ocean coasts, as yet, it is true, comparatively unchanged
from the condition in which nature has left them, but upon the im
provement of which depend the happiness and prosperity of millions
of our people. Some gentlemen have questioned whether these im
provements shonld be taken under the special charge of the General
•Government. Surely if any enterprise is national this must be in
the broadest sense of the term, for there is no portion of the country
that will not be affected very materially by this great work. Every
city) State, Territory, or association of people, in all the sections of
the Union, must be interested in cheap food; the cheapening of
transportation cheapens food, and, in fact, all the necessaiies of life.
The production ot various articles of commerce, as shown by
the reports of the late census, is almost beyond the grasp of the
most comprehensive mind.
It is not pretended that the whole of this vast production would
seek transportation to the seaboard; much of it would be consumed
on the ground by the producers themselves. But it must be re
membered also that the figures represent but a fraction of the
total production of the country.
That the attention of Congress may the more forcibly be called

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 117
to the magnitude of questions connected with transportation, I
present an advanced statement from the census office of the live
stock wool clip for spring of 1880, and the dairy products for the
year of 1879.
With horses, mules, and asses valued at $50, work-oxen at $40,
milch-cows and other cattle at $20, sheep at $2, aud swine at $5 per
head, we have the total value of the live stock $1,651,751,377.
The value of the products, with wool at 40 cents per pound, milk
at 10 cents per gallon, butter at 20 cents and cheese at 10 cents per
pound, aggregates for the one year for which enumerated for the
whole country the sum of $273,441,049, making the total value of
the live stock and products enumerated almost $2,000,000,000. It
is not expected that this vast compilation of productions will be
transported to the seaboard or in fact to any considerable distance,
but the table is valuable in that it aids materially in enabling
some just conception to be formed ot the wonderful productive
capacity of the country.
It may be properly and pertinently suggested that much of
the expense of coal to consumers arises from transportation charges,
and any cheapening of this necessity would tend to popularize it as
a fuel, and very greatly increase its consumption, necessitating the
employment of a greater number of miners. Thus, besides direct
benefits to the masses in cheapening fuel, other callings will be
relieved from overgorge of labor.
I have not mentioned zinc, copper, lead, gold, silver, or any of
these products of the mines other than coal and iron, not having
been able to accurately ascertain the amount of production of these
articles, or the value of the same. I have not all the 'means of
ascertaining critically the amount of production of the country of
all kinds per year, but I have no doubt from a somewhat careful
examination and estimate made that the value of the same for the
United States for each and every year will not fall far short of
$5,000,000,000, which amount represents in transportation of various
kinds not far from 250,000,000,000 pounds, or 125,000,000 tons of
2,000 pounds each. A saving in transportation of one-half of one
mill per pound on one-fifth of this vast production would amount
to enough in five years to thoroughly improve all our natural water
ways and make them competing lines of commerce.
It is believed that this is by far the most practical mode of
settlement of the transportation problem. It has been said by an
English statesman that in times past a coach and four could be
driven through any act of Parliament that could be framed, and it
has certainly been demonstrated that an engine and train of cars
can be and have been driven through any act of legislation that has
as yet been placed upon the statute-books for their control. The
competition that must grow out of a well-established system of im
proved water channels must be the chief factor in the solution of
these important questions, and none know it better that the railroad
companies themselves.
I have thus far presented figures and facts showing the wonder
fully productive powers of the country as indicated by the late cen-

118 MEMOIRS OF
sus, and by the best obtainable information. It is submitted that the
array is most bewildering and overwhelming; yet who can conceive
of the magnitude of this wonderful aggregation of forces when our
population shall have reached 100,000,000, as will certainly be the
case in the next twenty-five years at our present rate of increase?
With the productive capacity of the country more than doubled, as
it certainly will be, these questions of transportation of onr surplus
assume an importance that is hard to estimate. They certainly are
by far the most overwhelming and absorbing that can possibly en
gage the thought and careful examination of the greatest minds of
the nation. The attention of Congress has but recently been called to the
importance of the improvement of our natural water-ways, which
was wholly under the control of the Corps of Engineers of the Army
up to the appointment of the Mississippi River commission in 1879.
Comparatively little had been accomplished in the improvement of
the Upper Mississippi and its tributaries prior to 1878. On the
Lower Mississippi, from Cairo to the mouth of the river, consider
able sums have been expended by the States bordering the river in
the construction of levees, chiefly for the protection of the bottom
lands against overflows at high water. These expenditures were
not made, however, with special reference to the improvement of
navigation. The Forty-third and Forty-fourth Congresses gave some attention
to matters connected with water transportation and the improvement
of water-ways, but not until the Forty-fifth Congress was the sub
ject given the consideration due to its magnitude. Upon the Upper
Mississippi River very little was accomplished of substantial benefit
until 1878. On the 18th of June of that year Congress appropri
ated $250,000 for the improvement of the river between Saint Paul
and Des Moines Rapids. On March 3, 1879, the sum of $100,000,
and again on June 14, 1880, $150,000 were appropriated by Congress
to be expended between the same points as above indicated, making
a total appropriation of $500,000 for that portion of the Mississippi
River from June 18, 1878, to June 14, 1880. During the same
period the sum of $240,000 was voted by Congress on account of
the improvement of the river below the Des Moines Rapids to Cairo,
making a total of $740,000 appropriated for the Upper Mississippi
during the period indicated. In addition to the above amount a
further sum was voted of $1,000,000 on the 3d of March, 1881, to
this portion of the river.
These several sums, amounting in the aggregate to $1,740,000,
have been expended in the construction "of low- water dams,
closing sloughs, or wide channels, to augment the flow through the
main channel," &c, as expressed in the report of the Mississippi
River commission to the Secretary of War, of date of January 8,
Numerous plans for the improvement of our rivers, and espe
cially of the Mississippi, have been presented by the river commis
sion. Among them is the reservoir system, which contemplates the
erection of dams at feasible points to retain the surplus water at

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 119
periods of freshets caused by spring rains and melting snows, so
that a sufficient amount may be discharged during dry seasons and
portions of the year when low water prevails, to keep the stage of
water uniform for purposes of navigation, and to guard against de
structive overflows at periods of high water.
This plan is not, however, thought feasible as a separate project
by the river commission, and must be considered as merely an aux
iliary to the one now adopted, and which is commended by the com
mission as the most likely to prove satisfactory in the accomplish
ment of results. LEVEES.
The improvement of the Lower Mississippi River is of a nature
different from that above Cairo, and yet I perhaps may state in this
connection that the successful improvement of navigation must no
•doubt be based upon the same principles as apply in general to our
river system. As I have before stated, considerable sums of money
have been expended by States and individuals in the construction of
levees to keep the water in the channel and protect the alluvial lands
"bordering the river from overflow. Some of these levees are of im
mense proportions, reaching occasionally heights of from fifteen to
eighteen feet. In so far as these levees confine the water within
certain limits and assist in the " scouring out" process, they may
be said to benefit navigation.
It is not, however, necessary for present purposes to dwell at
length upon this particular feature of river improvement, as the
levee system has for its chief, and I may say only object, the protec
tion of the low lands bordering upon the river. It may not be
wholly outside of the duty of States to apply the revenues collected
within their borders to the reclamation of these lands that their en
hancement in value may increase their taxable property. It is not,
however, my purpose to discuss this phase of the question at length.
It is not believed that the law or any established precedent would
warrant the General Government in assuming control over the nat
ural water-ways of the country for other than the purpose of navi
gation. It is observed in the report of the Mississippi River commis
sion of March, 1S80, that where the river is more than 3,000 feetin
width bars are liable to form and obstruct navigation. In so far,
therefore, as these levees contract the width of the channel they may
be of benefit to commerce, but this would only be incident, and was
not thought of by the original projectors of the work.
There is no known warrant in law or precedent for the assump
tion of control by the General Government of these works, unless
it proposes to commit itself to the protection of its citizens against
natural emergencies that may and do overtake and affect unfavor
ably those who cast their lots in such localities as are liable to such
visitations. It is believed that the commitment of the General
Government to a policy that is so far-reaching in its effects can in
no sense be justified by the most reckless theorists.
Among other plans suggested and considered, the outlet system
has commanded no little attention.

120 MEMOIRS OF
Captain John Cowden is the chief champion and advocate of
this theory, which has been considered not only by the committee of
this Congress on the improvement of the Mississippi River and its
tributaries, but by the river commission. The plan is to open chan
nels at points as far above the mouths of the river as appear to be
practical for the purpose of relieving the river from the surplus flow
of water at flood periods. The outlet to which particular attention
has been called by Captain Cowden and his co-workers in the scheme
is one proposed by opening a channel from the river into Lake
Borgue; but after careful examination it is believed that such a de
flection of water would very materially and unfavorably affect the
jetties already in successful and highly satisfactory operation at the
mouth of the river.
It is further found, by practical tests and observations, that
obstructionary bars are formed by the projection of sediment at
these cut-off's; hence this plan is not deemed practical, at least in
so far as it is likely to permanently affect the navigation of the river
favorably. Neither is it believed that such an arrangement would
very materially aid in relieving the river from a superabundance of
water at flood times. In short, this plan is not found to stand the
tests of thorough examination and practical experience.
I have thus sketched the various principal plans in contempla
tion for the improvement of the Mississippi River, and which are
believed to be applicable alike to the improvement of all our natu
ral water-ways. The most concise and clear explanation of the general system
of improvement of rivers, is based upon the theory of turning the
forces of the current into accomplishing the deepening of the chan
nel by their own action. It is found by tests that at the time of
the receding of the waters during the last stages of flood periods is
when the most satisfactory results are obtained. During flood
times the water is highly charged with silt, and much of it is pre
cipitated upon the bottom of the channel, which of course tends to
fill it up. The new shore line confines the water, and as soon as the
flood subsides sufficiently for these jetties to begin to guide and di
rect its course the forces are concentrated, and the channel is cleared
of any extraordinary deposit that may have been preci pitated. Thus
it is that the forces of the stream are made under the touch of scien
tific tests to serve man by deepening and maintaining the channels
for the benefit and advancement of commerce. The feasibility of
this plan has been so fully and thoroughly tested during the last two
or three years that it can no longer be considered an experiment.
By its application to the bar that formed below Saint Louis,
it was clearly demonstrated that a channel could be effectively and
permanently deepened at comparatively little cost. It thus commends
itself to the candid consideration of all, in that it is not only satis
factory as to results, but the most economical of any of the various
plans that have been examined or tested.
Since its practicability and economy have been so fully and suc
cessfully demonstrated, it becomes the duty of Congress to make
such liberal appropriations as shall appear to be necessary in the

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 121
rapid prosecution of this work, having due regard for economy. By
all means should there be a careful guard thrown round expendi
tures ot this kind, to make it certain that there is no undue wastage.
The people never object to a liberal expenditure of public money,
provided value received can be shown. Complaint comes only when
there has been waste and unwarranted extravagance.
Much might be said of the vast commerce that is already car
ried upon our rivers even in their present imperfect condition. An
immense impetus was given to river trade by the completion of
the jetties at the mouth of the Mississippi a few years since. It is
believed, however, that we have as yet but marked the begin
ning of au activity that must be unprecedented when it is well
established that the river improvement and the maintenance of the
system are understood to be fully and entirely under' the control
of the General Government, and that the policy is fixed that these
improvements will be maintained by expenditures from the General
Treasury. In securing these results the whole country is materially inter
ested, but especially is it of paramount benefit to the great agricul
tural communities of the valleys permeated by these natural arteries
of commerce. Upon no country on the face of the earth have such advantages
been bestowed by a kind Providence as upon the United States.
For easy communication within its limits by natural water routes,
and from the interior to connection with ocean, the great highway
for distribution to the markets of the world, the natural placing of
its navigable streams, is unsurpassed by any country of the civilized
world. No reference has been made to the use of these streams for
heavy transportation during periods of war. The immense amount
of blood and treasure expended to force the tree navigation of the
Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, during our late war, is a
sufficient indication of the importance of this subject as to its bear
ing upon the maintenance of national .unity, to say nothing of the
incalculable benefits which would result from the transportation of
troops, heavy ordnance, and army supplies, in case of war.
As has been said, railroads must be bounded by limits in capa
city for bulk of material transported, and must certainly always be
the more expensive means of transportation. It is certainly clear
to all reflective and comprehensive minds that in the coming years
every resource of transportation of rail and water must be taxed to
the utmost to relieve us at reasonable rates of the vast surplus ac
cumulations that must continue to be produced from our fields,
mines, forests, and manufactures. Competition of every nature
must be fostered to the utmost and by every means within reach.
To it we must largelylook for the relief from overcharges in trans
portation for which all our industries so greatly feel the necessity.
It is believed that no more feasible, cheap, popular, and effective
plan can be inaugurated and adopted for the amelioration of the
condition of our people in this regard than a vigorous prosecution
16

122 MEMOIRS OF
to completion of this great national work and the maintenance of
the same by the Government for the purposes of competition.
The national Legislature has now fairly taken hold of and com
mitted itself to this great and beneficent work, and it is profoundly
to be hoped that there will be no abatement of zeal in its prosecu
tion to final and satisfactory completion, ever keeping in view an
economic application of the funds set aside for such purpose.
For the accomplishment of this object liberal appropriations
must be made by Congress. I therefore, in view of the necessities
of the country in the directions mentioned, and which I believe to
exist, shall most heartily vote for this bill, or any properly guarded
measure looking to the speedy and economic accomplishment of this
much to be desired object.
With these improvements accomplished and our natural arteries
of commerce thronged with steam vessels and barges, as they surely
will be in the not distant future, an impetus will be given to our
prosperity hitherto unprecedented.
Millions of happy homes and bright firesides with increased
comforts and assured leisure to the family, thus affording the means
for the cultivation of the higher and better impulses, will dot the
whole of our vast area; and we shall be blessed in our day for
bringing about, by the enactment of just laws, these splendid re
sults ; and the thanks of our constituents as well as the gratitude of
the world, for cheapening the necessaries of life and for making it
possible to build up and support cultivated, bright, and happy
homes, will be freely bestowed for all time to come.
On the following day Mr. Hawk offered the following:
" Improving Galena River and Harbor : continuing improve
ment, $12,000."
Mr. Chairman, I desire to make a statement to the committee
of the condition of this improvement, and I have no doubt the jus
tice and propriety of my amendment will be conceded.
This work has been prosecuted during the last four or five
years under appropriations made as folows:
ABSTRACT OF APPROPRIATIONS.
By act approved June 18, 1 878  $30,000
By act approved March 3, 1879  12,000
By act approved June 14, 1880  12,000
By act approved March 3, 1881  12,000
$66,000
It will be seen that there has already been appropriated for this
work the sum of $66,000; and the work has been of the most satis
factory nature, as I am informed and believe. The greatest care has
been observed in the prosecution of this work, and every advantage
has been taken of stages of water for the purpose of conducting the
work in the most economic manner.
There is still some 3,000 feet of cut in-order to make a contin
uous channel from the harbor of Galena, which has been dredged
out during high water at the city to the mouth of the river. This
cut, when completed as contemplated for the present, will make this

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 123
channel from thirty to one hundred feet wide and from three to four
and one-half 'feet deep. The work is now in such a condition that
to fail to appropriate for its continuance, the amount already ex
pended, to wit, $66,000, will be practically lost to the Government.
The adoption of this amendment is an act of business sagacity.
The engineers have estimated the amount necessary to a proper
completion of this work at $400,000, but it is believed by those who
are familiar with the condition of the improvement that a much less
sum will suffice.
I present herewith also a money statement, showing the condi
tion of the finances at the time of the latest statement which I have
been able to procure, and which I find in the engineer's report:
MONEY STATEMENT.
July 1, 1880, amount available  $15,642 95
Amount appropriated by act approved March 3, 1881.. 12,000 00
 $ 27,642 95
July 1, 1881, amount expended during fiscal year exclusive of
outstanding liabilities, July 1, 1880  11,230 85
July 1881, amount available  16,412 10
Amount (estimated) required for completion of existing project, $334,000 00
Amount that can be profitably expended in fiscal year ending
June 30, 1883  ".  50,000 00
It will be seen that the engineers recommended as the amount
that can be profitably expended in the fiscal year ending June 30,
1883, $50,000.
And this recommendation is made after a careful examination
and survey of the work.
I desire to call the attention of the committee to the commer
cial importance of this work.
• Galena, situated some eight miles from the Mississippi River,
on the river of the same name, is a city of considerable commercial
importance, and was, up to about 1845, the principal city of the
Northwest. The city is located in the center of the lead-mining
district, and has a population of some 5,000.
I present the following statement from the best obtainable
sources, showing the commerce of the city:
COMMERCIAL STATISTICS.
Volume of mercantile transactions  $1,590,000
Manufactures, value  1,338,379
A considerable portion of Southwestern Wisconsin is tributary
to the city as well as portions of Illinois. Besides the lead-mining
interests, there is considerable pork packing done at this point, as
also considerable lumber trade. "Grain, especially corn and oats, is
shipped in considerable quantities. The Government has also a cus
tom-house and marine hospital located there. In view of the facts
as stated with reference to commercial importance, and also of the
progress of the work which has already been prosecuted at an expen
diture to the Government of $66,000, I submit to the committee
the wisdom of the adoption of the amendment proposed, that the
work already done may not be entirely lost. I certainly, under all

124 MEMOIRS OF
the circumstances, believe the adoption of the amendment for the
further prosecution of the work is warranted by the reports of the
engineers and the facts which I have presented tor the consideration
of the committee.
The question being taken on the amendment of Mr. Hawk, it
was not agreed to.
These were the last remarks ever made in the House of Repre
sentatives by the Major. On the 20th of June he was granted a
ten days' leave of absence, for the purpose of returning home and
looking after his prospects for a renomination. The following day
he left Washington for his home in Mt. Carroll, where he remained
for the above time, canvassing the District and attending to matters
pertaining to it.
He returned to Washington at the expiration of his leave of
absence, and died at his residence, in the presence of Senator and
Mrs. John A. Logan, and others, on the evening of Thurday, June
29th, 1882, at 11 o'clock, p. m.
June 30th, the matter of his death was brought up in the Sen
ate, as follows:
A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. McPher-
son, its Clerk, communicated to the Senate the intelligence of the
death of Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk, late a member of the House
from the State of Illinois, and transmitted the resolutions of the
House thereon.
The President pro tempore. The Chair lays before the Senate
the resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will be read.
The resolutions were read as follows:
Resolved, That the House has heard with sincere regret the an
nouncement of the death of Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk, late a Rep
resentative from the State of Illinois.
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring
herein), That a special joint committee of seven members of the
House and three members of the Senate be appointed to take order
for superintending the funeral, and to escort the remains of the de
ceased to their last resting place, and that all necessary expenses
attending the execution of this order shall be paid out of the con
tingent fund of the House.
Resolved, That the Clerk of the House communicate the forego
ing resolutions to the Senate.
Resolved, That as a mark of respect to the memory of deceased,
the House do now adjourn.
Ordered, That Mr. George R. Davis, Mr. L. E. Payson, Mr. S. W.
Moulton, Mr. W. H. Calkins, Mr. G. C. Cabell, Mr. J. A. McKen-
zie, and Mr. W. Cnllen, be members on the part of the House.
Mr. Logan. Mr. President, 1 offer the following resolutions:
Resolved, That the Senate has received with profound sensibility
the message of the House of Representatives, announcing the death

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 125
of Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk, a Representative from the State of
Illinois. Resolved, That the Senate concur in the resolutions adopted by
the House of Representatives, and that the President pro tempore
of the Senate appoint three Senators to escort the remains of the
deceased in conjunction with the committee on the part of the
House, as provided in said resolutions.
The President pro tempore. The question is on the adoption
of the resolutions. [Putting the question.] The resolutions are
unanimously adopted. The Chair appoints the Senator from Illinois
[Mr. Logan], the Senator from Iowa [Mr. McDill], and the Senator
from Mississippi [Mr. George], as the committee on the part of the
Senate. Mr. Logan. Out of respect to the memory of the deceased
Representative, I move that the Senate do now adjourn.
In the House, the death was announced by Mr. Henderson, who
said: , Mr. Speaker, the sad duty is devolved upon me of announcing
to the House the death of my late colleague, Hon. Robert M. A.
Hawk, a Representative in Congress from the fifth Congressional
district of the State of Illinois. He died at his rooms in this city
last night, at themour of ten o'clock and fifty minutes p. m., after a
very brief illness.
I will only say at this time that all of us who remember Major
Hawk, as in his crippled condition he came into and went out of
this Hall, will no doubt feel saddened at this announcement.
I offer the resolutions which I sent to the Clerk's desk, and ask
for their adoption.
The resolutions were the same as those above, and were unani
mously adopted:
Before the announcement of the result,
The Speaker said: The Chair has been furnished with the
names of the following members to accompany the remains:
George R. Davis, of Illinois, Lewis E. Payson of Illinois, Sam
uel W. Moulton of Illinois, William H. Calkins of Indiana, George
C. Cabell of Virginia, James A. McKenzie of Kentucky, and Wil
liam Cullen of Illinois.
The Chair will also state that the following members of the
House will act as pall-bearers :
Thomas J. Henderson of Illinois, James W. Singleton of Illi
nois, Charles G. Williams of Wisconsin, William D. Kelley of
Pennsylvania, William M. Springer of Illinois, Dudley C. Haskell
of Kansas, George D. Robinson of Massachusetts, Samuel S. Cox
of New York, J. Proctor Knott of Kentucky, and John H. Lewis
of [llinois. The Washington Republican, of June 30th, contained the fol
lowing:

126 MEMOIRS OF
Sudden Death of a Noted Member of Congress. — Robert
M. A. Hawk, the One-legged Soldier Representative of the
Fifth District of Illinois, Dies of Apoplexy, after an Illness
of but a Few Hours.— Major Robert M. A. Hawk, Representative
in Congress from the fifth district of Illinois, died at his rooms, No.
810 Twelfth street, last night, of apoplexy, after only a few hours
illness. He returned to Washington Wednesday morning from his
district, where he went on matters connected with his renomination,
and was in excellent spirits, as fifty-eight of the seventy delegates
to the Congressional convention of the district had notified his
friends of their intention to vote for his nomination as his own suc
cessor to the Forty-eighth Congress, which nomination is equivalent
to an election. The convention was to nominate to-day. Wednes
day he was well and in good spirits, but at 2 a. m. yesterday he was
taken ill with a severe attack of billious colic. The attack was pain
ful but he was easier during yesterday, and his friends felt no unea
siness as to his condition. Early in the evening he grew worse
somewhat, but not alarmingly so. About 9 p. m. Senator Logan,
whose rooms are just overhead, called on Major Hawk, and sat
smoking for half an hour, and then returned to his room, remark
ing that Hawk would be all right in the morning. A short time
later, about 9.45 p. m., a lady went to Major Hawk's room with a
cup of tea, when he extended his hand and said he " felt very sick
indeed," and almost immediately afterward was taken with a fit of
vomiting, and his servant was sent to summon friends in'the house.
When these hurried to the sick legislator's bedside, a lady present
said that Major Hawk was in a dying condition. Physicians were
hurriedly sent for, but a few moments after they arrived the dying
man had another severe fit of vomiting, and in a moment later he fell
back on the pillow and expired without a word. The physicians
present pronounced his death to be from apoplexy, but persons in
the house think it was caused by the rupture of a blood vessel in
the body. Major Hawk was a man of large stature, of full habit,
and had recently expressed to a friend his apprehension that he was
subject to apoplectic attacks. He leaves a family residing at his
home at Mount Carroll, 111., who were informed by telegraph of the
unexpectedly sad tidings. Immediately after the death, which oc
curred soon after 10 p. m., the Illinois delegation in Congress was
summoned, and Sergeant-at Arms Hooker was sent for to take
charge of the remains.
The next day the same paper said :
The remains of the late Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk, who died
suddenly of apoplexy on Thursday night, were yesterday embalmed
and placed in a splendid Stein state casket, heavily silver-handled
and elaborately trimmed inside with white silk by Undertaker W. R.
Speare, under the direction of Sergeant-at-Arms Hooker, of the
House. At 10 o'clock last night they were taken to the Baltimore
and Potomac depot for transportation to his home in Mt. Carroll, 111.,
-where the interment will take place to-morrow or Monday afternoon.
The Congressional Committee and the Sergeant-at-Arms of the

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 127
House, as also Mr. Speare, will accompany the body to its desti
nation. On the 14th of July Representative Henderson offered the fol
lowing, which was passed:
Insert as a new paragraph, after line 2045, the following:
"To pay the widow and children of Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk,
deceased, the sum of $3,925.60, amount of salary for the unexpired
term of his service as a membor of the Forty-seventh Congress."
The Syracuse Daily Journal, in its Washington letter, had the
following :
Each year adds to the number of that solemn-looking row of
cenotaphs erected to preserve the name and memory of members of
Congress who died while in office. These are in the cemetery be
side the Eastern Branch, plainly seen from the cars as they enter the
city. Long will be cherished the name of Major Robert M. A. Hawk,
of Illinois, who died ere the close of this last session. Mr. Hawk
was a noble man, of stern principles, fitted beyond many to fulfill
the high trust of his constituents. In the fire and vigor of early
manhood he enlisted in defense of his country, and left a leg on the
peninsula. While lying wounded his affianced went bravely to the
front and nursed him back to life and health. How many of these
pretty romances might be written! Mrs. Hawk, a good and true
woman — would that more of them would come to grace life at the
Capitol — was still her husband's companion and helpmeet, writing the
many letters to his constituents, and in every possible way easing his
burdens. Major Hawk was a large, portly man, his face bearing a
marked expression of refinement and Christian meekness and pa
tience. How often have I seen him in snow-time, when, with his
ponderous weight leaning on a crutch, it seemed as if a fall might
be imminent; yet was he ever cheerful and hopeful. His church
connection was with the little Garfield church of the Disciples.
The Philadelphia Press had the following to say in relation to
Congressman Hawk's death:
The biennial human sacrifice to the protracted session was of
fered up last week in the death, by apoplexy, of Hon. Robert M. A.
Hawk, of the Fifth Illinois District. This gentleman was interest
ing, both in his personal character and in the fact of his being the
only maimed Union soldier in the House. He was a tall, large,
handsome man, with one leg amputated close to his body. The mar
ring of so beautiful a temple of flesh and blood by the stern fatali
ties of war gave an august isolation to his lot among his brethren;
and it is touching to remember how considerate they were toward
him. He shared with Hon. W. D. Kelley, the " father" of the
House, the privilege of choosing his own seat at the opening of each
term. Once he told me he almost disliked to be so singled out,
though appreciating the courtesy that dictated it. In the street cars
I have often seen ex-Confederate members rise when he entered,
and proffer him a choice of seats, however crowded the car, and
assist him to alight on leaving it. He carried crutches beside, rest-

128 MEMOIRS OF
ing his powerful weight on a slender wooden substitute for a leg'
which had a cushioned socket at the top. The placid beauty of his
blonde face had grown sublime through suffering and self-abnega
tion. I remember a pleasant picture in the closing hour of the last
Congress, when the members were crowding around Alex. Stephen's
low-wheeled chair to bid him good-bye. When Mr. Hawk ap
proached him, the rest deferentially fell back, and the crippled Union
soldier bent his large frame over the diminutive, atomic Confederate
chief, while each exchanged kind wishes with the other. Mrs. Mary
Clemmer was sitting by me, and I called her attention to the epi
sode, which she afterward embalmed in her column in the Indepen
dent, in a pleasant paragraph which gave great gratification to Mr.
Hawk when copied into his District papers.
In his coffin he was one of the handsomest pictures of the statu
esque dignity of death that I have ever looked upon. The poor,
maimed limb was kindly hidden away from sight; the splendid
head and massive shoulders, the brave right hand, that had carried
a sword in defense of home and native land, now folded over the
still heart, were eloquent beyond all words. He lay in his private
parlor at his boarding house, and Senator Logan and his sweet
daughter, Mrs. Tucker, who are also boarders there, stood with me
near his remains, while the Senator narrated to me the startling
suddenness of his death, whose approach he was the first to discover.
soldier and suitor.
Mrs. Hawk was engaged to be married to her young soldier
during the three years of his service, and when, just at its close, he was
wounded, after the sound of the guns of rejoicing over Richmond's
fall had died away, she came down and nursed him back to life, then
carried him home, and married him — a heroic girl, and an admirable
wife and mother. Major Hawk himself told me, with a beaming
face, what he owed to her devotion. Ten days before his sudden
death he had taken her home to Illinois, and bad just returned to
his seat in Congress, occupying it one day. He brought back grati
fying assurances of his renomination for a third term, to occur the
following Saturday. On his last day in Congress he playfully went
up to General Robinson, of Ohio, who bears a body-wound re
ceived at Gettysburg, and slapping him on the shoulder in passing,
said: "Well, General, don't you think you and I were both great
fools to go down and get shot to pieces in the war?"
Major Hawk died Thursday evening, and the flags of the Sen
ate and House floating at half-mast to his memory next morning,
and the prompt adjournment of both bodies as soon as they met,
for the same reason, incidenially added much to the impressiveness
of the execution of President Garfield's assassin, and seemed to serve
as a tribute to the dead President.
The Fort Worth (Texas) Republican, in one of its Washington
letters, had the following:
I would be guilty of unpardonable injustice to the memory of
a good man and brave officer were I to fail in this connection to
mention the fact that in the person of the recently deceased and

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 129
greatly lamented Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk, member of Congress
from the Fifth Illinois District, Capt. Bigger had a most devoted,
able, and valuable friend in his fight for success. Major Hawk was
major of the regiment in which Capt. Bigger served, during which
time a friendship was formed between them, such as rarely exists
between men, and which lasted uninterruptedly thenceforward. The
nobleness of Major Hawk's character may be seen in the following
incident of his war record:
After having passed through almost every battle of the war
without having received any wound of consequence, in the very last
engagement, which you will remember was fought after Lee's surren
der, Hawk had one of his legs shot off, and the very first night of his
misfortune, and whilst he was being attended by the physicians, he
wrote a letter to his affianced, telling her of his condition and releas
ing her from her plighted faith. His letter was verbally responded
to in a very few days by the lady herself, who had lost not a mo
ment in flying upon the wings of love to our hero, whom she re
mained with and nursed into health, and to whom in due time she
was married.
17

130 MEMOIRS OF

EDITORIAL EXTRACTS,

CHAPTER FOURTH.
Major Hawk on the Chinese Question. — Press Clippings on his Third Term. —
Delegates instructed for Hawk. — Five Counties in the new District instruct
Delegates for Hawk. — The day before the Convention. — First News of his
Death in Hlinois. — Copious Press Extracts relating to his Sudden Death. —
The last Sad Rites. — The Funeral at Mt. Carroll. — Resolutions of Respect. —
• The action of the Congressional Convention at Freeport. — Speeches and
Resolutions.
WHEN almost every Republican in Congress from the West
was afraid to meet the Chinese question as Republicans should
have met it — boldly, as a bad measure that belonged exclusively to
the Democrats — Major Hawk was found to possess enough of prin
ciple and courage to vote against the twenty years' exclusion bill.
This act marked him to our eyes as a man of brains and true char
acter, who could be trusted on all occasions to do the right thing.
He could not have taken the side of opposition to the Chinese
bill for the sake of popularity, for that was the unpopular side.
His colleague, Mr. Sherwin, spoke and voted against the Chinese,
to please, as he foolishly thought to do, the workingmen of the man
ufacturing towns in his district. With what result, his enforced
withdrawal as a candidate for renomination shall testify. Major
Hawk did not know, and probably did not care, whether a few or a
great number of men, in his district, were terrified by the presence
in this country of 100,000 Chinese, dispersed through all the States;
he saw the absurdity of the measure that was agitating both politi
cal parties, and believed that the principle at the bottom of it was
un- American, and he gave a manly vote against it. There were
those who thought he had injured his chances by that vote; but. be
hold the result. Not so much as an opposition whisper has been
heard in the district on that account. While it is not doubted that
among staunch Republicans that liberal vote has added greatly to his
strength. Thus it is shown in this case, and even when it seems to
be a mere question of personal popularity, that principle is a safe
guide.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 131
We confess that we were made his friends by that act, which
implied charity toward all men of all nations, and a degree of inde
pendence not too often found exhibited by members of Congress,
and we thought him richly deserving of being continued as the rep
resentative of the intelligent, liberal and high-minded Republican
voters of this district. — [Rockford Daily Gazette]
As the Congressional campaign progresses in this district, it
becomes more and more evident that Hon. R. M. A. Hawk will be
renominated at Freeport on the 30th of June. During his two
terms of service in Congress Major Hawk has been an industrious,
untiring worker, and has accomplished sufficient to place him above
the average of Congressmen from Illinois. Socially he is one of
the most genial gentleman that can be found in the halls of Con
gress. His record as a soldier is without a stain. Brave, patriotic,
and always at his post of duty, it is no wonder that the soldier
boys still swear by him, and are nearly unanimous in favor of re
turning him to Congress. His loss of a leg at the very close of a
gallant service in the army endeared him to all who shared the toils
of the campaign with him. The people of this district demand his
re-election. The reports that we get from the various sections of
this. county indicate that more than nine-tenths of the Republican
voters desire his return to Congress. Their wish should be heeded
in the selection of delegates, and we have no doubt that it will be.
The prospects now are that he will be renominated at Freeport with
out opposition, and, if so, he will be elected by an overwhelming
majority. — [Galena Gazette.]
The Forreston Herald, in speaking of Congressman Hawk,
said: We prefer to support one whose good judgment and strength
of character are not called in question, disappointed candidates for
post-offices to the contrary notwithstanding. As to the recent attack
of the Freeport Journal upon Mr. Hawk, it is beneath notice, and
betrays the prejudice begotten of disappointment.
If Mr. Richards wishes to diminish the majority of Maj. Hawk,
he would do well to talk for him rather than against him.
The Forreston Herald, which hitherto has been pretty quiet,
now comes out for Hawk for Congress. Thus one by one all the
counties in the sixth Congressional district are falling in line, and
Major Hawk rides on the top wave.
The following appeared in the Galena Gazette prior to the
Convention: A correspondent of the Chicago Journal, writing from Freeport,
the center of the alleged opposition to Major R. M. A. Hawk, says:
" Mr. Hawk's renomination for Congress in this district appears to
be assured. No organized opposition to him is likely to appear in
the Convention." Below we give a few extracts from the papers of this district
relative to the Congressional campaign:

132 MEMOIRS OF
There is no question but that the people of this district, and
especially Carroll County, believe in Major Hawk and desire his re
turn to Congress for another term. — [Shannon Express.]
He is generous and kind-hearted, untiring in his labors, per^
sonally attractive in his intercourse with his fellows, and through
these characteristics wielding great influence with other members of
Congress. — [Rochelle Register.]
Major Hawk stands pre-eminently foremost in the race, and
will be returned to the seat which he has so honorably filled for the
past four years, by an overwhelming majority. — [Carroll County
Mirror.] The Winnebago County Republicans recognize the fact that
Major Hawk has made an excellent Congressman, and that there is
really no good reason why he should not be his own successor. —
[Rockford Gazette.]
He was as gallant a soldier as ever mounted a horse or drew a
blade. — [Freeport Republican.]
Now we have spent four years fitting Major Hawk for useful
ness in the House, is it wise to set him one side and substitute an
other new man? We think not.- — [Polo Press.]
The fact that Major Hawk has, in the little more than one term
he has served, become thoroughly and well posted in the intricacies
of public business and legislation, and occupies a proud position
to-day, the peer of any of his colleagues from Illinois, is the best
guarantee we can have of his true merit and worth. We shall con
tinue to hear good reports, and only good reports, from our soldier
Congressm an . — [Freeport Journal .]
The Freeport Bulletin has this to say of Major Hawk :
That he has made a much better record than it anticipated
His name has been connected with no scandal, and if he was not
brilliant in debate he was at least respectable.
The opposition to Major Hawk comes from a few disappointed
office seekers, and even this has about played itself out. People
don't take kindly to these fellows who are running around the coun
try displaying their gaping, gory wounds. Of course the Journal
man's cut was severe, and he may be said to bleed at every pore;
but in cutting Richards, the Major merely did what his constituents
asked him to do, and they will stand by him to a man.
Hon. E. Stover, of Lanark, was interviewed the other day by
a Freeport Bulletin reporter, on the subject of Congressman Hawk's
chances for renomination, and is alleged by that paper to have said:
"As far as Carroll county is concerned, there is no question but that
Major Hawk will be renominated. In the township of Rock Creek,
where I live, there is not a man, who is a Republican, who will work
against Mr. Hawk."
The Rockford Gazette said :
Aspirants for Congress in this district will please to take notice
that Mr. Hawk made a perfectly successful swoop upon the republican
chickens of his own county of Carroll, at the primary elections there

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 133
on Saturday. In his own town only twenty-seven voters appeared
against him, while 192 rallied to his support. All the other towns
in the county are reported for him.
What becomes of the cry that Mr. Hawk's enemies have made
through the district that he was unpopular at his home, and would
be beaten there?
A report, which we believe to be authentic, was received at this
office early this morning, that Major Hawk carried Rochelle, in
Ogle county, at the primary election last evening. The report is
to the effect that he carried the place overwhelmingly. We have
tried all day to get news from Ogle by telegraph, but the wires have
not served us.
Our intelligence from Freeport is of the most cheering nature
for Mr. Hawk.
The Freeport Bulletin, in the report of the Stephenson county
Convention, said:
Hon. J. S. Cochran moved that the delegates to the Congres
sional Convention be and are hereby instructed to cast their votes
for Hon. R. M. A. Hawk for member of Congress, and that the
delegates to the State Convention be instructed to cast their votes
for the Hon. J. C. Smith for State Treasurer. This motion was
seconded, but before it was put, D. Musser, of Buckeye, moved to
amend it by substituting for R. M. A. Hawk the name of B. F.
Sheetz. The amendment, which was seconded by Wm. Ebel, of
Oneco, was laid on the table by a unanimous vote, and the original
motion was then carried. On motion the convention adjourned.
The following is taken from the Galena Gazette, and showed
the feeling in Jo Daviess county prior to the Convention :
The five counties of this Congressional district have held their
conventions, and all have instructed their delegates. Winnebago
County instructs her delegates for her own citizen, Mr. Garver, an
attorney, of Rockford. Jo Daviess, Carroll, Ogle, and Stephenson,
have instructed their delegates for Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, the present
incumbent. Mr. Hawk is also the second choice of Winnebago.
The delegates from that county will probably vote for Mr. Garver
on the informal ballot, and on the first formal ballot Mr. Hawk will be
nominated by a unanimous vote. This result in the various counties
is just what the Galena Gazette has all along predicted. It did not
require a prophet to make this prediction. We know something of
the sentiment ot the people in these counties, and we told our read
ers truthfully what this sentiment was. This is all there was about
it. The Freeport Journal, and two or three other papers, whose
editors were suffering from the pain of a sore, told the people that
Hawk would be beaten, and that the Galena Gazette was misrepre
senting Major Hawk's strength. The result has answered them.
Every delegate from Ogle, Carroll, Stephenson and Jo Daviess is
for Hawk. Winnebago will vote for Hawk on the first formal
ballot. The county convention has been held. Every township in the

134 MEMOIRS OF
county sent Hawk delegates. The delegates, selected to attend the
Congressional Convention at Freeport, were instructed to vote for
Hon. R. M. A. Hawk as their candidate for representative in Con
gress. This should be sufficient evidence to the other counties in
the district that Carroll county delights to honor her worthy citizen.
We believe they must understand the fact, as no other candidates
are brought out in opposition. Judge Spensley, of Jo Daviess, has
withdrawn his name from the contest. Col. Sheets, of Ogle, is not
a candidate. Stephenson county has no candidate, and Winnebago
has so many men qualified for the position that she will not be able
to unite on any; therefore we conclude Major Hawk will be the
only candidate before the convention ; that he will be unanimously
renominated ; that he will be elected to his third term in Congress
by a very large majority.
The opposition to Major Hawk for Congress virtually ceased
in every part of the district the very moment it was ascertained that
he was " solid" at home. The fact that no one in Carroll County
could assign reasonable motives for his retirement, was all the evi
dence needed to satisfy the people abroad that he should be his own
successor. The little effort made to oppose his return has had the
same effect on the Major's chances for Congress as the investigation
of the official conduct of S. D. Atkins as postmaster of Freeport.
Atkins was fully sustained in every particular, retained in his posi
tion during the term with the most significant indorsement on the
part of the people, now on record. We believe the result will be
the same in this case.
Satisfy the people by official investigation that a public officer
is honest and faithful in the discharge of public duty, and you point
out to them the identical person they are seeking to represent their
interests. In the entire record against Major Hawk to this date, no
official act of his has been condemned, except those relating to the
appointment of postmasters — in cases where the people have either
assumed the whole responsibility or the applicant has taken a change
of venue and accepted something better. These little difficulties are
expected. It is a misfortune that a Congressman should be called
upon to decide these questions. If he must decide them, his friends
should be reasonable, and excuse him if they are not all favored
with an appointment to office.
The time for holding the convention is nearing. No other
candidates are in the field for first choice. The outlook is cheering
indeed, and there is to-day no question but that Hon. R. M. A.
Hawk will be his own successor to Congress from the new Sixth
District. — [Shannon Express.]
Major Hawk's Great Triumph. — There has been no reasonable
doubt any of the time as to how the opposition to Congressman
Hawk would end. From the start it has been so clear to our minds
that no man, who had taken the field against him, stood the small
est chance of beating him, that we have felt that all these opposition
candidates were making a mistake, the consequences of which, we
feared, would be experienced by them hereafter.
That Winnebago county, especially, whose chair had just been

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 135
placed at the council table of this Congressional district, should
essay to disturb the harmony that otherwise prevailed, we have
deemed impolitic, if not unseemly. Our support of Mr. Crawford
was given because we knew him, sensible man that he is, to enter
tain the same view with ourselves in regard to the claims and pros
pects of Major Hawk, and by way of assisting this gallant and hon
orable gentleman, and by no means because we had the slightest
idea that he could be nominated.
In Ogle county, where both Col. Sheets and our Mr. Garver
made strenuous efforts to carry the county against Major Hawk, it
appeared at the conclusion of the primaries, last Friday evening,
that the Republicans there had not been imposed upon by the un
natural partnership. It was the understanding, we are informed,
that if the county was carried against Hawk, then its delegation
was to be polled, and if a majority were for Sheets, his name was
to be presented to the Freeport Convention, and, if for Garver, then
he was to have that honor. But, as neither of these gentlemen have
a vote in thedelegation, which is instructed for Hawk, they will not
be heard of again in this connection for, at any rate, two years.
There has been a show of fighting in Stephenson, and notably
in Freeport. In Freeport the slayer who would slay Hawk was sup
posed by some weaklings to reside. The result there did not disap
point us. The people have come to regard a newspaper that is
worth any thing, as of much greater worth, if it is free of entangling
alliances with politicians, and they have little sympathy with a
newspaper man who acknowledges that he cannot exist without a
postoffice. The people had been well represented by Major Hawk,
and were satisfied. They were for him a third time. So they de
clared at the primaries in Stephenson county, and overwhelmingly
in Freeport. Every ward voted for Hawk two to one, and he has
the county solid for him.
Jo Daviess county held its County Convention on Saturday,
and elected a Hawk delegation to Freeport, instructing for him in
the most enthusiastic manner. Thus is the contest ended.
Hurrah for Hawk! His flag is rising higher, higher, and fol
lowing where it is seen, the Republicans of this Congressional dis
trict will give a good account of themselves in November. — [Rock
ford Gazette.]
The following telegram , to a Chicago paper showed the feeling
in Ogle county prior to the convention :
Oregon, 111., June 29.— Col. Sheets, having refused to allow
the use of his name as a candidate for Congress, Ogle county in
structed her delegates for the present incumbent, the Hon. R. M. A.
Hawk. Having carried Carroll, Stephenson, Jo Daviess ami Ogle
counties, Hawk's election is certain. Winnebago, after casting a
complimentary vote for Garver, will probably vote to make Hawk's
nomination unanimous.
The Oregon Independent said:
We have done our whole duty by Col. Sheets as the candidate
for Congress from our own county, and as our neighbor and friend,

136 MEMOIRS OF
and used every honorable means to secure his nomination — we met
the enemy and we are theirs. We accept the situation, and will
give to Major Hawk as ardent and earnest support as we should
have expected from any supporter of his, had our Colonel received
the same nomination. We believe now, as we have repeatedly said
in the past, that Major Hawk is a manly man, a gallant soldier, a
true friend and a Christian gentleman, and hence we say cheers and
votes for Hawk.
We bow to the will of the majority so clearly expressed in con
vention last Saturday. We are not one of those who go into con
vention and if beaten kick! That's not our style; but we give the
people's choice that same support that we should have demanded of
others, had our man been nominated. We can imagine no meaner
political man than the man who, starting at the primaries and end
ing in the convention, fights for his man, and if beaten goes to the
enemy. Some one had to be defeated, and if the work was fairly
done, and the nomination made without fraud, we can do nothing
more and shall do nothing less than support it — which we do! We
are sad and sorry that it is so, but being so, we take our place in
the line of battle, and Major Hawk can always tell where our cor
ner is by the steadiness ot our firing.
The Congressional Canvass. — The an ti -Atkins clique in this
city received a blow on Saturday that ought to keep them quiet for
some time, though it is doubtful if even this or any other possible
expression of popular disgust can stifle their love for slander. The
primaries resulted in an overwhelming victory for Congressman
Hawk in every ward, for which the Sheets men have only themselves
to blame. They persisted in attacking Mr. Hawk in his most in
vulnerable part, namely, because he acquiesced in the choice of the
people of Freeport and vicinity for postmaster, as expressed by a
majority of over sixteen hundred. Consequently when Mr. Hawk
was assailed on this point, self respect compelled the one thousand
Republicans, who signed Gen. Atkins' petition, to stand by their
Congressman. This they did, as the returns show. Mr. Sheets,
too, has discovered that slander, as a political weapon, is of no avail.
He abused his former comrade like a fishwoman, and now he has his
reward. It is doubtful if a politician of his pretensions ever suf
fered so humiliating a defeat. His own county convention in
structed for his opponent, and then, to cap the climax, a motion to
make him second choice of the convention was beaten by a vote of
over two to one — 70 to 33. And this among his own neighbors, by
whom he is best known. Good bye, Mr. Sheets. Winnebago agreed
to give her favorite son, J. C. Garver, a complimentary vote, conse
quently the first, and only, ballot in the convention next Friday will
stand as follows: Hawk, 52; Garver, 18; Sheets, 00 !— rFreeport
Bulletin.] "
The following is from the Rockford Daily Gazette, and expressed
the sentiment in Freeport the night before the convention and prior
to the Major's death :
The Gazette representative, with a stenographer, arrived in

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 137
Freeport this afternoon, after some little delay between Pecatonica
and Ridott, caused by an attempt of a herd of cattle and horses to
monopolize the track, the train being compelled to stop to allow
them to pass uninjured.
Everything is very quiet here, and the streets are nearly de
serted. There are but few politicians on hand, and little interest is
taken in politics since the caucuses in the different wards, which
were so overwhelmingly carried by the Hawk men. There will be
a full convention here of 70 delegates — 10 from Carroll county, 12
from Jo Daviess, 14 from Stephenson, 16 from Ogle, and 18 from
Winnebago. The convention is to be called to order at the Wilcoxon
opera house at 3 :30 p. m. by the chairman of the Congressional com
mittee, and it is understood that E. P. Dutton, Esq., a prominent
member of the bar of Stephenson county, will be made temporary
chairman, with the representatives as secretaries, which organization
will probably be made permanent. ,
After the committee on credentials have reported, an informal
ballot will be taken with the following result: Whole number of
votes cast, 70; necessary to a choice, 36; R. M. A. Hawk, of Mt.
Carroll, 52; John C. Garver, of Rockford, IS. Either Mr. Garver,
who arrived at the Brewster House this evening, or a member of
the Winnebago County Delegation, will move that the ballot be
made formal and the nomination unanimous. Speeches will un
doubtedly be made by Hon. F. N. Tice, of Ogle county, R. G.
Bailey, Esq., of Carroll, Gen. Smith D. Atkins, of Freeport, John C
Garver, Esq., of Winnebago, and some others. It is not expected
that the convention will be in session over two hours. The above
is substantially the program as arranged this evening.
It was expected that Hon. Mr. Hawk would be here to attend
the convention, but on Tuesday he was suddenly called back to his
duties in Washington, so that he could not be present to thank the
convention for the honor to be again conferred upon him.
The first intimation the people of this section had of Major
Hawk's death were despatches similar to the following sent by the
associated press to the Western papers :
Washington, June 29. — Representative Hawk, of Illinois, died
in this city this evening after an illness of ten days.
Washington, June 29.— Representative R. M. A. Hawk, of Il
linois, died suddenly in this city at 11:30 o'clock to-night.
Washington, June 29-— Representative R. M. A. Hawk died
suddenly at 11 o'clock to-night in this city. Major Hawk returned
from a visit to his district the day before yesterday, and during the
day seemed to be in excellent health and spirits. He was taken sick
in the night following with an attack of bilious colic, to which he
has been subject, but during yesterday was at times much easier,
and no thought was entertained that his illness was serious. During
the evening some of the family at the large boarding-house where
he lived visited his rooms, and while he was still complaining no
serious symptoms appeared. At 9 o'clock Senator Logan, who oc
cupies the rooms just over Major Hawk's, was told that he was ill,

18

138 MEMOIRS OF
and taking a cigar said he would walk down and have a talk with
him. He remained with him half an hour or more, and upon
returning to his room expressed the opinion that he would be all
right in the morning. A servant had been sent to Major Hawk's
rooms in the meantime with a cup of tea, and came hurriedly out,
saying that Mr. Hawk was taken very sick vomiting. A lady in
the house immediately went to the room, and found the gentleman
lying on his bed in a very exhausted manner. He took her hand
and said, " I am very sick — terribly sick," and again fell to retching.
The lady called in Mrs. Logan, and upon seeing him the Senator's
wife said at once that he was in a dying condition. Physicians
were hurriedly sent for, but a few moments after their arrival the
Congressman expired. The physicians said that it was an attack of
apoplexy, but it was thought by others in attendance that he burst
a blood-vessel in his efforts to vomit, and died in consequence. He
some few weeks ago expressed an apprehension that his death might
take place at any time from this cause.
Major Hawk had just returned from Illinois. He had 52 of
the 70 members of the Congressional delegations pledged to his
support, and would undoubtedly have received the nomination to
morrow but for his sudden death.
Washington, June 29. — Representative R. M. A. Hawk, of
the Fifth Illinois District, died quite suddenly about 10:30 o'clock
to-night. He was taken ill last night after retiring with something
like an attack of cholera morbus, but this morning he was feeling
much better, and nothing serious was apprehended. This evening
he was again attacked, and although physicians were speedily at
hand, they were unable to save him. Dr. Stevens, who was in attend
ance on Major Hawk, says he died from apoplexy. A few days ago
Major Hawk changed his residence and went to live in the same
house with Senator Logan. To-day he complained of having a head
ache, and assured both the General and Mrs. Logan, who insisted
upon doing something for him, that he would be all right to-mor
row. At 7 o'clock General Logan was in his room, and again about
7:30. On the latter visit he noticed a sudden change in the Major's
appearance, and before anything could be done he fell back dead.
An informal meeting of such members of the Illinois delegation as
could be got together was held, and it was decided to send Major
Hawk's body home to-morrow, accompanied by a committee of
members of the House.
Washington, June 30. — When the House met this morning,
the desk lately occupied by Representative Hawk (Illinois), who died
last night, was draped in black and decked with flowers. The chap
lain touchingly referred to the death of Mr. Hawk, and invoked
divine blessings upon the bereaved family.
After reading the journal, Mr. Henderson, of Illinois, an
nounced the sad intelligence to the House, and offered resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted, expressing the sorrow of the
House, and providing for the appointment of a committee of three
Senators and seven Representatives to superintend the funeral cere-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 139
monies, and escort the remains to the last resting place. Messrs
Payson, Davis (111.), Moulton, Calkins, Cabell, McKenzie and Cul-
len, were appointed as such committee on the part of the House.
Messrs. Henderson, Singleton (111.), Williams (Wis.), Kelly, Springer,
Haskell, Robinson (Mass.), Cox (N. Y.), Knott and Lewis, were ap
pointed pall-bearers, and the House, out of respect to the memory
of the deceased, adjourned.
Resolutions were received by the Senate from the House an
nouncing the death of Representative Hawk, of Illinois, and pro
viding for a joint committee to escort the remains to their last rest
ing place. On motion of Mr. Logan, the resolutions were concurred
in. Messrs. Logan, McDill and George were appointed on this
committee, and, as a further mark of respect to the deceased, the
Senate adjourned.
Washington, June 30. — Congressman Hawk, of Illinois, who
had just returned from home, where he had practically secured his
renomination, died at 11:30 last evening of apoplexy without any
considerable warning. He complained a little in the afternoon of
feeling ill, but he ate his supper as usual. He laid down at 8 o'clock
and felt worse, but was not alarmed. At 11 o'clock General Logan,
who occupies adjoining rooms, put his hand on his head and said,
" Doctor, he is dying," and in thirty minutes he was dead. His
family is in Illinois. gen. logan's statement.
Gen. Logan, who was with Maj. Hawk when he died, says:
" The Major returned from Illinois Wednesday morning. He felt
well, so far as I know, and went up to the House. In the evening
he complained of his heart, and to-day he kept quiet about the
house. During the day he called a doctor, who said he was prob
ably overworked from' his campaign, and exhausted by the great
heat. He enjoined rest, and the Major remained in his room. Last
evening he took his supper. I came down from the capitol late,
owing to a late session, and did not go in to see him until 7 o'clock.
At 8 o'clock I went in again, and we had a chat about home politics.
He seemed especially lively and jolly. I left him and went up stairs
to my room. About 11 o'clock some one came running up stairs,
saying: 'Major Hawk is very sick.' I went down stairs immedi
ately. Mrs. Logan was with him. The physician thought he was
suffering from a billious attack and the heat. I put my hand on his
head, and felt his forehead growing cold and clammy, and the jaw
was falling, which I knew were certain signs of approaching death.
I said: 'Doctor, the man is dying.' The doctor and every one else
—for there were several there— seemed dazed, and in a few minutes he
was dead. His death was attributed to apoplexy. It seems to me
it may have been the bursting of a blood-vessel. It was a terrible
shock to us, and what a blow it will be to his family in Illinois!"
Undertaker Spear was immediately summoned. The body was
embalmed. The sergeant-at-arms was notified to take charge of the
remains.

140 MEMOIRS OF
The Freeport Republican said: The following despatch was
received in Freeport, at 9 a. m., on Friday morning:
Washington, D. C, )
June 29, 1882. f
Gen. S. D. Atkins, Freeport, 111.
Major Hawk died of apoplexy at 11 :30 this evening.
John A. Logan.
An extra was immediately printed at the Republican office, and
the sad news spread rapidly in the streets of Freeport, and was re
ceived with profound sorrow by all classes of our citizens. Little
knots of gentlemen gathered on the corners discussing the sorrow
ful intelligence. Many of the delegates to the Congressional Con
vention, to assemble in the afternoon, had already arrived. The
situation was recognized by all as painful in the extreme. It was
the universal expression of the delegates that the Convention ought
to adjourn for a few days in respect to the memory of the dead sol
dier and statesman.
The following telegrams showed the feeling of the community.
The Rockford Daily Gazette said :
Freeport, June 30, 9 a. m. — The news has just been received
here of the death by apoplexy of Major Hawk at Washington last
night. There is great excitement. The delegates to the Conven
tion are arriving, and the greatest disappointment and sorrow are
depicted on every countenance. f. c. pierce.
The Freeport Journal said: This morning this community
was astounded and shocked by the news telegraphed from Washing
ton that Major R. M. A. Hawk, Representative in Congress from
this District, died last night in that city at 11:30 o'clock of apo
plexy. The intelligence came like thunder from a clear sky, and
the word was passed about the streets from mouth to mouth with
bated breath.
From Capt. Wm. Polk we learn that he has had premonitory
warning once or twice before of an attack of apoplexy, and some
times complained of twitchings of one side which began in his
wounded limb and extended over that side of his body. He also a
few weeks ago, Capt. Polk informs us, had quite a severe attack of
gravel, during which he submitted to a surgical operation.
The Freeport Bulletin said: Robt. M. A. Hawk, Representa
tive from the Fifth (now Sixth) district of Illinois, died at Wash
ington at 11:30 o'clock last night from apoplexy. Such was the
most distressing intelligence which reached the city this morning.
For weeks a most bitter fight had been waged against Mr. Hawk,
and every calumny that malice could invent had been employed
against him. Nevertheless, the people sustained their Congressman,
and the result of the contest was that he carried four out of the five
counties, and fifty-two out of the seventy delegates by overwhelm
ing majorities. The convention was called to meet in Freeport this
afternoon at half-past three. The renomination of Mr. Hawk on

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 141
the first ballot was conceded, and consequently but little interest
was felt in the proceedings.
Now all is -changed. Confusion, doubt and uncertainty reign
supreme. The electric spark that flashed the news of Representa
tive Hawk's death aroused in the breasts of numerous politicians a
consuming desire to succceed to his shoes, and a vague, undefined
hope that by some lucky accident the Congressional lightning might
strike them. What makes the situation more mixed is that dele
gates from four out of the five counties are now absolutely without
instructions, and have nothing but their own personal preferences
to guide them.
It is sad news that the Bulletin is compelled to announce to its
readers to-day. The man who has been the central figure in a most
bitter political fight is dead. Dead, just as he was about to receive
the practically unanimous endorsement of his constituents. To-day
he expected to gain the greatest triumph of a successful life, in his
almost unapposed renomination to Congress; this day would no
doubt have been one of the most unalloyed gladness to Mr. Hawk;
but just at this moment, when the world seemed brightest, when
he was about to taste the sweets of success, the hand of death
snatched the cup of happiness from his lips.
There is something that appeals most strongly to the sympathy
of men in such a death as this, and we are sure that Representative
Hawk's untimely demise will cause unfeigned sorrow in every por
tion of this Congressional district, and this feeling will be deepest
where he was best known.
The Mt. Carroll Herald said: Our people this morning were
shocked by the news of the death, at Washington, of Hon. R. M. A.
Hawk, member of Congress from this district and resident of this
city. About 11 o'clock last night Mrs. Hawk received a telegram
from Senator Logan, announcing the sudden and alarming illness of
her husband. This was followed almost immediately by another,
which said that he was dead. Up to the time of going to press we
have learned no further particulars. The news of his death is sud
den and overwhelming. A young man, a year or two over forty,
strong apparently, healthy, and with temperate habits. How he fell
a victim is one of the mysteries of Providence which no man can
fathom. The news of the Major's death is so recent and so sudden
that we cannot readily realize the deplorable fact. Death is the
great leveller; the grave buries every error, covers every defect.
There is no man, in the county, in the district, in the state or nation,
who, knowing Robert Hawk, will not feel the "keenest regret for his
death. In his course as a public man, we took occasion to question
his actions upon various matters of import. We took exception to
his judgment only; his motives, never. We believe that Major
Hawk was a man' above reproach. We feel sure that, in his four
years of life in Washington, no breath of suspicion in any regard
ever rested upon him. While he might have been mistaken upon
questions arising in our political economy, no man ever could say
that he erred wilfully or corruptly, and his name will always be re-

142 MEMOIRS OF
membered and cherished by those who knew him as a synonym of
honor and uprightness.
Right upon the eve of his renomination for a third term in
Congress; within thirty hours of a release of Congressional honors,
death, without warning, with unusual haste, comes to him, at his
post of duty in Washington, away from his loving and beloved wife,
sons and daughter, Robert M. A. Hawk, in the prime of man
hood in the honor of public life, looks his last upon earth, and
closing his eyes, goes the way of all humanity. With full hearts
the people of Carroll county will pay to his memory the tribute
of friendship, and the county, which was honored by his residence,
will entomb his mortal remains with the deepest regret.
The Galena Gazette: The delegates to the Republican Con
gressional Convention at Freeport last Friday had nearly all arrived,
when a telegram from General Logan, dated at Washington, brought
the startling news of the death of Congressman Hawk. This sad
piece of news brought sorrow to the hearts of the delegates, many
of whom were warm personal friends of the deceased, and had
learned to love and respect him for his many noble qualities. The
universal expression of the delegates was that out of respect to the
memory of the deceased, the Convention should assemble at the
appointed hour, pass resolutions of respect to the memory of the de
ceased, make arrangements to attend the funeral, and, without
making a nomination, adjourn to meet again. This program was
carried out, and the convention adjourned to meet at Freeport on
Tuesday, July, 18th, when a candidate for Congress will be nomi
nated. The Lena Star: On last Friday morning the people of this
congressional district were thrown into a sea of sorrow by the an
nouncement flashed over the telegraph wires, that Congressman
Hawk was dead. At first the minds of our citizens would not
allow the thought to enter, but soon there came a confirmation of
the sorrowful news, and a feeling of deep sadness pervaded every
heart. He had left his home on Monday of last week in the full
enjoyment of good health — a robust, strong, healthy man, — and it
was no wonder the shock came like an earthquake upon the people,
and wrapped the entire district in gloom. Away from his home
and family, yet experiencing the pleasing assurance of almost a
unanimous endorsement of the convention which was to assemble
in Freeport the next day to nominate him for a third term in Con
gress, combined with anticipations of soon going home to spend
the summer vacation with his wife, children and friends, he is cut
down in the twinkling of an eye, and his spirit takes its flight. It
is a sad blow to the people whom he represented, but what words
can express the sadness and gloom which must have pierced the
hearts of those loved ones at home when the dreadful news reached
their ears. The God of the widow and fatherless protect and com
fort them in this their hour of darkness and gloom is the heart
felt prayer offered up by the people of the district.
The Rockford Register: The death of Major Hawk on the eve

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 143
before the assembling of the convention that was to mark the general
approval of his course by a triumphant renomination was one of the
most startling and sad events ever recorded. The dead Congress
man was little known in this county personally, but his reputation
for cordiality, frank honesty and patriotism was well known, and
the sorrow at his sudden removal from earth was general and sin
cere among our citizens.
The Rochelle Herald : A profound sensation was created here
on Friday last, on account of the death of Major R. M. A. Hawk.
Mr. Hawk had been home but a short time before, looking after
his renomination to Congress, and returned there in apparent good
health, and after four counties in this Congressional District had
declared for him, he returned to Washington feeling much elated
over his success. The 30th day of June was the day set for the Con
vention, which would have again renominated him for Congress, and
while all his friends in the district were jubilant over his prospects,
the telegraph brings the sad intelligence of his sudden death the
evening before. A feeling of sadness and sorrow now pervades the
whole district. The Convention assembled in accordance with the
call, at Freeport, and after expressing their deep sorrow over his
sudden demise, very wisely adopted the course to adjourn until the
18th day of July.
The following is from the Savanna Times: On Friday morn
ing the sad news reached our city of the death of our beloved and
honored Congressman, the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk. The news was
sudden and came like a thunderbolt on our city. The Major spent
Sunday previous at home and seemed full of spirit and life, re
turned to Washington on Monday — few can forget the happy, joy
ous hand-shake that occompanied his " Good bye," — and little did
we think that one week from that day, all that is mortal of our
honored friend and neighbor would be lying in the cemetery; but
such is the uncertainty of human life. It seems that the Major
died suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy at ten minutes before
eleven Thursday night in his rooms in Washington. At first the
report was hardly credited, but subsequent information confirmed
the terrible truth. Nothing since the death of President Garfield
has so appalled the people of this county, and Congressional Dis
trict, as this sudden and unlooked-for death of our Congressman.
The people are amazed and are almost dumb with grief and as
tonishment. The Major left his home in Mt. Carroll last Monday,
June 26, in good health and spirits, with the quiet assurance of his
re election to Congress without serious opposition. He arrived in
Washington Wednesday morning, but did not become serioubly ill
till the next day, and died suddenly of apoplexy, at 11 :30 o'clock
Thursday evening, June 29.
Major R. M. A. Hawk's name is familiar to most all our read
ers, and very dear to many of them. The late campaign, the vic
tory, the shock of his sudden taking off, all conspire to add interest
and intensity to the last days and weeks of his life, and to draw

144 MEMOIRS OF
from all regrets and sentiments of praise. But just on the eve of the
day that was to bring him added honor, and in the midst of his life
and its pressing duties, with his toga of service upon him, he drops
from the ranks of the living to join the soldiery of heaven. Last
week we said of him :
" We believe now, as we have repeatedly said in the past, that
Major Hawk is a manly man, a gallant soldier, a true friend and a
Christian gentleman, and hence we say cheers and votes for Hawk."
Should we wish to add an encomium to the life that is finished,
we would repeat the above words, and we do repeat them, believing
they meet with a tender and silent "amen," from this army of friends,
who mourn his departure. May his successor be as noble and gen
erous and manly as he. — [Oregon Independent.]
The Pecatonica News: The people of this district were
thrown into a state of excitement yesterday morning by a telegram
from Washington announcing the sudden death of Major Hawk,
which occurred at his hotel in that city Thursday night at 11:30
o'clock of apoplexy. His death is deeply mourned throughout
the district, which loses an honest and efficient public servant,
honored and respected by all who knew him. His death is made
all the more lamentable owing to the fact that the convention held
yesterday was instrncted in his favor, and many of the delegates
first learned of his death after being assembled in convention.
The Chicago Inter-Ocean: The Congressional convention in
the Sixth Illinois District was changed from a scene of political
enthusiasm to an occasion of mourning by the announcement of
the death of Major Hawk, who had so ably represented it in Con
gress, and whom it was intending to renominate at the Freeport
meeting Friday. An adjournment was taken after appropriate ac
tion, and a large number of the delegates went to Mt. Carroll to
attend the funeral. Major Hawk's death throws the district into
confusion as far as the Congressional nomination is concerned, but
a large number of candidates have sprung up, almost every one of
whom is able and capable to take up the work where the gallant
Major so suddenly and unexpectedly laid it down. The Governor
wili have to call a special election to fill the vacancy existing in the
present Congress, and at the convention which will be held on the
18th ot July, nominations will be made both for the present and
the next term of Congress.
The Ogle County Press: Our people were startled and saddened
Friday morning, by a telegram from Mt. Carroll, announcing the
death of Maj. Hawk, in Washington, at 11 o'clock Thursday night.
The Chicago dailies brought a few additional particulars. It seemed
he returned to Washington Tuesday or Wednesday. On Wednes
day night he was taken ill, after retiring, with something like an
attack of cholera morbus, but was better Thursday morning, and
nothing serious was apprehended. He did not go to the House,
but spent the day at his boarding place and seemed much better at
supper time, and at seven in the evening held a pleasant chat with
Gen. Logan, who stops at the same place. At ten he was taken with

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 145
vomiting and grew rapidly worse. Gen. and Mrs. Logan were with
him, and the Gen. seemed to have first discovered that he was sink
ing. He died almost before the attending physician realized that
he was in serious danger. His wife and family were at Mt. Carroll,
and the" blow must have been terribly sudden and crushing. His
death is said to have resulted from apoplexy. A Congressional
committee started with his remains for Mt. Carroll on Friday, and
the funeral will be held at that place Sunday afternoon at four
o'clock. Alas, how uncertain are all things earthly! Last Thursday
evening he spent in Polo, apparently well and hearty, deeply inter
ested in the prospects of a re-nomination, which he would have re
ceived yesterday at Freeport. Now he has passed far beyond the
honors and ambitions of earth, beyond the voice of censure or of
praise. Honor to the memory of the brave soldier and the earnest,
honest legislator. May his mantle fall on a man equally honest,
earnest and patriotic.
The Galena Gazette: The startling news of the death of Hon.
R. M. A. Hawk, member of Congress from this District, which was
reported in the Dubuque papers of this morning, is confirmed by
our Associated Press dispatches to this paper this afternoon, and by
a private telegram received at 4:50 P.M. Major Hawk died in
Washington at 10:30 last evening, of apoplexy. He would have
been almost unanimously nominated for re-election, at the Con
gressional Convention, appointed to be held in Freeport this after
noon. What action has been taken by that body is unknown to us,
no advices having been received from that quarter.
The Chicago Journal said, editorially: The sudden death, last
night, of Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, of Mt. Carroll, 111., the Representa
tive in Congress from the Sixth District of this State, leaves a
vacancy in the Illinois delegation at Washington, which will no
doubt be filled at the November election, when a successor is also
to be chosen for the next Congress. The news of Major Hawk's
death will be as startling to the people of his district (who, in their
County Conventions, have recently declared for his nomination for
a third term), as it will be confusing to the Sixth District Repub
lican Convention, which meets at Freeport to-day. It is a question,
now, whom that Convention will nominate, both for the vacancy
and the regular succession.
The Foreston Herald: The sad news of the death of our Con
gressman, in Washington, was flashed over the wires yesterday
morning. At first the people could not believe it was possible, as
it was only a week since he was among us, apparently as well and
hearty as any one, but later dispatches confirmed the truth of the
first telegram. Mr. Hawk did gallant service for his country dur
ing the late war, was 16 years county clerk of Carroll County, and
had served two terms in congress as the representative of the 5th
congressional district, and would have been re-nominated yesterday
had he not died so suddenly. He was an honest, upright, honorable
man, and died in the prime of his life and the period of his great-
19

146 MEMOIRS OF
est usefulness. Our correspondent at Mr. Carroll telegraphs as
follows :
Mt. Carroll, III., June 30, 5:25 p. m. — The news of Congress
man Hawk's death cast a gloom over the city. The first intimation
of his illness was given in a telegram last night to his wife saying,
"Your husband is sick — dangerously so." Mr. Hawk was living in
the same house with Senator Logan, and at 11 o'clock General
Logan telegraphed, "Major Hawk died at 10 :30 o'clock to-nigh t.Break
the news to his family as best yon can." Another telegram was
received this morning, stating that "Major Hawk died at 10 :30 o'clock
last night of apoplexy. His wife need not come, as a committee
has the remains in charge and will start for Mt. Carroll to-night,
June 30th."
Minister Power, of the Christian church of Washington, of
which Mr. Plawk was an honored member, officiating clergyman in
whose charge the remains are intrusted, and it is expected they will
be here to-day, via the C. M. & St. Paul R. R. Our city is draped1
in mourning, which recalls the scenes attending the death of Garfield,
The following is from the Hinckley Review : Congressman
R. M. A. Hawk, of the district west of this, died suddenly at
Washington, June 29. We had the pleasure of meeting this one-
legged veteran at the Soldier's Reunion at Bloomington last fall,.
and we believe him to be a man of character, worthy of honor, and
a credit to his party.
The following is from the Marengo Republican : Maj. R. M.
A. Hawk, of Mt. Carroll, 111., Congressman, died in Washington,.
after a brief illness, on Thursday evening of last week. Maj. Hawk
had served two terms as Congressman, from his district, and his
friends had just succeeded in carrying every county in his district
for him, except Winnebago, for a third term, and the Convention
at Freeport on Friday last would have nominated him but for his
unexpected death the evening previous. Yerily in the midst of life
we are in death, and men fall in the midst of their honors.
The following sketch is from the Chicago Journal : Congress
man Hawk, of Mt. Carroll, 111., representing the Sixth District,
died yesterday evening at Washington, of Apoplexy. Major
Robert M. A. Hawk was born in Hancock county, Ind., April 23,
1839; was educated in the common and select schools of Carroll
county, 111., and at Eureka College, 111.; entered the Union army
as First Lieutenant, September 4, 1862: was promoted to Captain,
February 23, 1863; was breveted Major for soldierly conduct, the
commission bearing date April 10, 1865; was Clerk of the County
Court of Carroll county, 111., from December 13, 1865, to February
27, 1879, having been elected four times in succession to that office;
Was elected to the Forty-sixth Congress, and was re-elected to the
Forty-seventh Congress as a Republican, receiving 17,061, against
7,468 votes for L. G. Johnson, Democrat, and 4,160 votes for John
M. King, Greenback candidate.
From the Rockford Daily Gazette: He was a large man, in

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 147
full flesh, and with an apoplectic tendency. His abstemious
habits make it entirely certain that his death was not occasioned
by any imprudence in eating or drinking during the last few days of
extremely hot weather in Washington. But he was for weeks past
.annoyed by the activity of enemies, and he has been in consequence
under a good deal of excitement. With this, his leg has never
¦thoroughly healed since it became necessary to amputate it, after
he received a rebel shot, which then nearly cost him his life.
Robert M. A. Hawk came early to Illinois, and was educated
in the common and select schools of Carroll county, and at Eureka
College, in this State. He entered the Union Army as First Lieu
tenant, September 4, 1862; was promoted to Captain in February,
1863; was breveted Major for soldierly conduct, the commission
bearing date April 10, 1865. The terrible wound that cost him a
leg, also deprived the army of the services of this brave soldier
during the last days of the war. He was elected Clerk of the
County Court of Carroll county, the duties of which office he
entered upon December 13, 1865, and discharged them with credit
until February 27, 1879, he having been elected four times in suc
cession, and practically without opposition. When Hon. H. C.
Burchard failed to command a majority in the Fifth Congressional
District for a seat in the 46th Congress, Major Hawk received
the nomination, and served with so much distinction during his
first term, that he was chosen to represent the District in the 47tb
Congress. He was a growing man, and apparently was destined
to run a brilliant career. The people began to feel a great pride in
him, and but the other day they declared him their almost unani
mous choice for a seat in the '48th Congress. Such, in brief, was
the public life of Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk. His death at any time
would have caused a profound sensation in this District, and be
lamented in every part of the State. But occurring on the eve of
his triumphant nomination for a third term in Congress, it is
poignantly disappointing and sad. The delegates to the Freeport
Convention, which was called for this afternoon, are oppressed with
the gloom of the hour, and unfit to deliberate over the question of
a successor. The following sketch of the life of Congressman Hawk we take
from the columns of the Freeport Republican: Robert M. A.
Hawk was born in Hancock county, Indiana, April 23, 1839; he
removed to Carroll county, Illinois, with his father's family, and
¦settled in the township of Rock . Creek, near Lanark, many years
ago, where his boyhood was spent upon the farm. When the war
broke out, in 1861, he was a student at Eureka College, Illinois, but
in the summer of 1862, while home during his college vacation,
his patriotic instincts induced him to enlist as a private soldier in
the Union army. He was elected by his comrades a Lieutenant in
Captain Stouffer's company, which afterward became Company C,
of the 92d Illinois Infantry; he was promoted to the Captaincy,
January 21, 1863, and served with patriotic devotion and signal
ability until the close of the war. 'He was breveted Major, for
soldierly conduct in battle, April 12, 1865. On that day his regi-

148 MEMOIRS OF
ment, while in advance of Kilpatrick's Cavalry Division, struck
the enemy at Swift Creek, seven miles southeast of Raleigh, N. C,
and while leading a brilliant charge of the 92d against a brigade of
Wade Hampton's cavalry, Captain Hawk received a musket shot in
his side, supposed at the moment to be fatal. His recovery was
slow, his life long despaired of, the musket ball having cut the artery
that fed his right leg with blood; his leg was amputated, below the
knee, The wound never healed perfectly, and he was never able to
wear a cork leg — and while the only intelligence of his sudden
death received at this writing is the telegram from General Logan,
that states that he died of apoplexy, his old comrades know that
he has given his life to his country as truly as if he had died on
the day that he led the charge of the Ninety-Second against Wade
Hampton's brigade.
As soon as Major Hawk had sufficiently recovered his health
to bear travel, he was removed to his home in Carroll county, and
at the November election he was elected by the people unanimously,
without regard to party, Clerk of the County Court of Carroll
county, a position that he filled with careful intelligence and strict
integrity, to the universal satisfaction of all parties, being elected
four times in succession until February 27, 1879. In November,
1879, he was elected a Member of the Forty Sixth Congress on the
Republican ticket, and was re-elected a Member of the Forty-
Seventh Congress on the Republican ticket, receiving 17,061 votes
against 7,468 for L. G. Johnson, Democrat, and 4,160 votes for John
M. King, Greenback candidate.
We knew Congressman Hawk intimately for many years. He
was a noble hearted man, "a Christian gentleman of the strictest
integrity," a member of the Caropbellite Church; an intimate
friend of President Gaifield; a soldier without blemish, intelligent,
brave and patriotic; an honest statesman, true to his country and
his party; a kind husband; an indulgent father; a public-spirited
citizen, ever honoring the community that honored him.
The most villainous assaults were made upon his reputation
and character by defeated candidates for postoffices; a liar, a thief,
a fool, were among the epithets that unprincipled men flung at
him ; and the canvass of mud-slinging through which he passed was
painful to him in the extreme. But the good sense of the good
people of this Congressional District vindicated at once their own
intelligence and the outraged Congressman, for every county in his
old Congressional District flung back into the faces of his slanderers
their foul slanders, and instructed the delegates to the Congressional
Convention to vote for his nomination. Had he lived one day
longer, he would have received a re-nomination to Congress by
acclamation. He is gone. With tender sympathy for his stricken wife and
children, we mingle our tears with theirs. Honoring him in life,
we still honor his memory. Kind friend, public spirited citizen, a
soldier without stain, and a statesman without fault, hail and
farewell. The folio wing is from the Warren Sentinel: Since our last

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 149
issue this well-known and noble Christian man, brave and patriotic
soldier, and efficient clean-handed and pure hearted statesman,
has suddenly been cut down in the midst of his usefulness, and in
the strength and greenness of his age, by Death.
Major Hawk was a well rounded, symmetric, manly man, as
simple-hearted as a little child, as true as steel to his friends, and
courteous and manly to his foes. He was a man that could be
depended upon in every position in life from his birth-hour to his
death hour. When a boy upon the farm near Lanark, in Carroll
county, his grand old father, with the tears starting from his eyes,
could say, "Yes, Robert was one of the best boys that ever breathed.
1 never had to tell him twice to do a thing, and I knew whatever he
undertook was sure to be done to the very best of his ability."
He had, as a boy, just those advantages which a country lad on
a farm is in the habit of getting, and when the war broke out it
found him in the ranks of his country's defenders, and during that
long protracted struggle he acquitted himself as a true, brave,
loyal soldier, as the eloquent eulogy pronounced by his command
ing officer, Gen. Atkins, at Freeport a few days ago, abundantly
testify. Major Hawk never flinched from the hardest duty; and
when the bullet shattered his limb and he thought his work was
done, he felt glad that he was able to give his blood and even his
life for the Union, but his magnificent physique and general good
habits and cheerful disposition brought him through minus a limb,
and his friends and neighbors on his return, without any solicitation
on his part, elected him County Clerk,and after filling that office for
many years with great credit to himself, he was elected as Congress
man of the Fifth District. While not gifted with any very regal quali
fications for his high position,yethe brought to the service of his coun
try in her legislative halls, an integrity uf purpose and a fidelity to
duty, together with a Christian sincerity and good business common
sense, that placed him at once in an enviable position among the young
members, while he was chosen as the friend and companion of such
prominent statesmen as Garfield, Logan and others. He was chosen
for a second term, and when about to receive an almost unanimous
nomination for a third, he was suddenly cut off in the brightest
hour of his influence, popularity and usefulness.
For some time past his health had suffered, and the unfriendly
criticisms to which he had been subjected preyed upon his sensitive
nature, and all the more did he feel their cutting, painful influence
because he felt they were undeserved.
A few hours before his death Gen. Logan called upon him, and
together they talked over home politics and the events of the day.
In the evening he enjoyed supper with an appreciating relish, but
at a late hour, on Geii. Logan's return from the Senate, he was
hastily summoned with the information that Maj. Hawk was seri-
ously'ill. On returning to Maj. Hawk's room, the physician pro
nounced the case a severe attack of billiousness, but Gen. Logan
saw at once that an alarming change had taken place, and at that
moment his friend was passing through the ordeal of death. All
were startled and alarmed, but the gallant soldier and true friend

150 MEMOIRS OF
was passing the portal. Peacefully he died at the half hour to
midnight, Thursday, June 29, 1882.
The body was embalmed, and a delegation of Senators and
Representatives were appointed by their respective bodies to escort
the remains to his late home in Mt. Carroll, in this State. The
funeral obsequies took place from his late home in that city last
Sunday afternoon, and a fitting memorial address delivered by Rev.
D. R. Howe, of Lanark, his late pastor.
The Major was a member of the Christian or Disciple's church,
and he, with' Gen. Garfield, will be greatly missed in religious
circles connected with that body in Washington.
No man in Carroll county was ever more highly respected or
sincerely mourned than our late respected friend and worthy Con
gressman, Major R. M. A. Hawk.
The Savanna Times: Major Hawk was born in, Hancock
county, Indiana, April 23d, 1839, consequently was, at the time of
his death, a little over forty-three years of age. He came to Carroll
county with his father, who settled in Salem township in 1846,
where he now lives, and where Robert spent his boyhood. His
early advantages were those of the common school, and when the
war bioke out in 1861, it found him a student at Eureka College,
Illinois. In 1862, his patriotic instincts led him to enter the service
of the Government, and he enlisted as a private soldier in Captain
Stouffer's company, which was Co. C of the 92d 111. Volunteers.
He remained in the service during the war, and was gradually pro
moted for meritorious conduct until he reached the rank of Brevet
Major, just before the close of the war. On the 12th of April,
1865, he received a gun shot wound by which he lost his right leg,
and in consequence of which his life was despaired of for a long
time, but he slowly recovered and returned to his home as soon as
he was able to bear the journey. In the following November he
was elected to the office of County Clerk, which he filled with
ability and great satisfaction to the people, until his resignation in
February, 1879, having been elected four times without opposition.
In August, 1878, after a lively campaign, he received the nomina
tion of the Republicans of the Fifth District for member of Con
gress, was elected in November following by a large majority, and
again renominated without opposition in 1880, and re-elected by an
increased majority. The convention which met in Freeport Friday,
would have given him a unanimous nomination, had not the
terrible news of his sudden death reached them just at the hour of
assembling. As a statesman, Major Hawk was not a great man,
although perhaps an average congressman in ability ; he was a hard
worker, an honest, faithful representative of the people, and labor
ed assiduously for the general interest of the district he represented.
As a private citizen and a Christian man he was above reproach
and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of a very large circle of
friends and acquaintances, and the people of Carroll county will
long remember him with love and affection and sincere sorrow for
his early death. He leaves a heart-broken wife, three interesting
children, an aged father and many other relatives and dear friends,

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 151
who know not how to be reconciled to their terrible affliction. Of
Major Hawk's course in Congress, we did not always approve of and
have not hesitated to criticise some of his acts as we deemed right and
proper to do. The right of free speech and a free press for the
purpose of properly criticising the acts of our public men are
counted by all lovers of their country as among the safeguards ot
American liberty. If at times we have seemed to his friends to be
harsh in our criticisms, it has been as a politician that we have spoken,
and not for the want of personal friendship. In his early grave
we bury every semblance of unkindness, and with heartfelt sorrow
mingle our tears with the great public in the untimely death of a
good man.
The Lanark Gazette said: Our .soldier Congressman, Major
Hawk, was born in Hancock county, Ind., April 23d, 1839. When
six years of age, his father and family moved to this county. He
was educated in the common schools of Carroll county, and Eureka
College, this State. On September 4th, 1862, he entered the Union
army as First Lieutenant, was promoted to Captain Feb. 23, 1863,
and was breveted Major, for soldierly conduct, April 10th, 1865.
On the 2nd of the same month, he was wounded at Swift Creek,
near Raleigh. He was in about forty other fights. In November
of 1865, he was elected County Clerk, and re-elected in '69, '73 and
'77. In 1878, after a spirited contest, in which over 500 ballots
were cast, in the District Convention at Freeport, he was nominated
for Congress and subsequently elected by a large majority. In
1880, he was re-elected by a plurality of 9,593. This year he was
again a candidate for the nomination, and, had he lived one day
longer, would have been unanimously renominated at the Freeport
convention last Friday. But on the eve of winning the most
important victory of his career, and while yet in the prime of life,
he was taken away from us suddenly. He had just returned to
Washington from this District, whither he had been called to ans
wer some of the most dirty, contemptible and lying charges man
ever invented. He had not been feeling well for a month, but was
able to attend to his business until the last day of his life, when he
remained in his room for rest. In the evening a physician was
called, but he was even then not considered dangerously ill. The
Major did not complain of any pain, except a little weight on the
top of his head. At 10 he vomited severely and felt easier. He
then said to Gen. Logan and the physician who had been recalled,
" Now, if you will move me on my side, I think I will go to sleep."
These were his last words, and at 10: 30 he was dead. His wife and
children were at Mt. Carroll, and knew nothing of his illness until
they received a telegram at about the time of his death.
The Galena Gazette: A Washington dispatch says that
the last service of respect that could be paid the memory of Hon.
R. M. A. Hawk, was held in that city at 8 o'clock on the evening
of June 30th, in the parlors of the residence, at 812 Twelfth street,
where Major Hawk had lived for the four years of his Congressional
service, the Rev. F. Powers, Chaplain of the House of Repre-

152 MEMOIRS OF
sentatives, and pastor of the Christian Church in Washington, of
which both Major Hawk and General Garfield, while living, were
members, conducted the services, which were brief but impressive,
consisting of Scripture reading, prayer, and an eloquent tribute to
the gentleness of nature and Christian character of the dead Con
gressman. Among the audience assembled were Secretary Lincoln,
Yice President Davis, Senator Logan, and probably fifty members
of the Senate and House. The funeral services were concluded at
9 p. m., when the body was carried to the hearse and followed by a
long procession of carriages to the Baltimore and Ohio depot,
where it was placed in a special car and forwarded with the com
mittee accompanying to Mt. Carroll. The only relative of the de
ceased present was the Rev. H. D. Cfark, pastor of the Christian
church, Baltimore, and a brother of Mrs. Hawk, who accompanied
the funeral party to Mt. Carroll.
The Chicago Inter-Ocean: The remains of Congressman
Hawk arrived in this city by the Baltimore and Ohio road yester
day morning at 5:55. The hour was too early for any crowd to be
present. The remains were placed in a hearse and driven to the
Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul road, followed by the committee
of seven Congressmen and three Senators, including Messrs. Payson,
Davis and Logan. At 6:30 a. m. a special train bore the remains
to Mt. Carroll, 111., where the funeral took place in the afternoon.
The committee will arrive here this morning and leave at once for
Washington. The Elgin News: The funeral train bearing the remains of
Congressman Hawk, of the Sixth Illinois District, passed through
this city at about 1 :30 p. m. yesterday. The train was delayed here
several minutes on account of a slight break. Senator J. A. Logan
and Congressman Sherwin, of Aurora; Davis, of Chicago, and
other notable persons accompanied the train. The remains of the
late Mr. Hawk will be interred at Mt. Carroll.
The Freeport Republican said : The last sad rites were paid
to the mortal remains of Congressman Hawk on last Sabbath, at
his home in Mt. Carroll. The body was escorted from Washing
ton by the following United States Senators and Representatives:1
Senators John A. Logan, of Illinois; J. W. McDill, of Iowa, and
John Z. George, of Mississippi. Representatives G. C. Cabell, of
Va.; J. A. McKinzie, of Ky.; L. E. Payson, Wm. Cullen, G. R.
Davis and S. W. Moulton, of 111.; and W. H. Calkins, of Indiana.
Congressman John C. Sherwin, ot Aurora, came with the train
from Chicago. There were also on the train, Rev. Henry D. Clark,
of Baltimore, Mrs. Hawk's brother; Mr. W. R. Speare, the under
taker; Chas. C. Carter and James A. Savoy, colored messengers of
the House of Representatives, who came along as messengers to
the escort; Tho's. Cavanaugh, assistant Sergeant at Arms of the
House of Representatives, who had charge of the train, and J. D.
Price, Deputy Assistant Sergeant at Arms. The funeral train
came from Washington to Chicago over the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad, and from Chicago to Mt. Carroll over the C. M. & St. P.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 153
Road. They were delayed about six hours near Cambridge, Ohio,
by the washing out of a bridge, which was the cause of their late
ness in Mt. Carroll. On its arrival at the depot, the train was
met by the reception committee. The corpse was transferred to a
hearse and escorted to the late home .of the Major, on the south
west corner of Clay and Pleasant streets. The casket was at once
taken into the library and laid on benches, where the remains were
afterward viewed. The remains were embalmed under the direc
tion of the undertaker, Mr. Speare, who accompanied them from
Washington. They were enclosed in a steel casket, which was
covered with fine cloth and heavily mounted with silver. There
were ten bar silver handles, and a part of the top was of full plate
glass. The lining was of the finest white satin, quilted. The outer
case was of heavy oak, copper bound and copper plated. On the
top of the casket was a solid silver plate, on which was inscribed,
"Robert M. A. Hawk, aged 43 years, died June 29th, 1882, at
Washington, D. C." In addition to a beautiful wreath and other
floral offerings by friends in Mt. Carroll, there were on and around
the casket, with some of these last named, a floral wreath from
•Speaker J. Warren Keifer; a cross of cut flowers from Captain and
Mrs. Adair, of Springfield; a cross from Mrs. Electa E. Smith, of
Washington, and Mrs. Senator Logan, and a large and beautiful pil
low of white and yellow roses, and other white flowers, across the
center of which was the word, "Mollus," worked in small purple
flowers. This pillow, the gift of military order, Loyal Legion United
¦States Commandery, District of Columbia, in memory of their com
panion, Major Hawk, was on a stand at the head of the coffin, on
which, also, was a picture of President Garfield.
At half past six the religious services were begun by Rev.
Chase, of Lanark, who, standing at the front door, read a hymn
which was sung by the choir in the house. Rev. Crall, of Mt.
Carroll, made a prayer, and Rev. Howe, of Lanark, pastor of the
Christian, or Campbeilite church, of which Major Hawk was a
member, preached a short sermon from the words, "A Great Man
is Fallen in Israel," which are found in Second Samuel. The
reverend gentleman spoke very highly of Major Hawk as a man of
the truest integrity, honesty, and uprightness, one who was greatly
beloved in life, and greatly mourned in death. He called him a
•" great man " because he possessed those qualities of head and
heart that make great men. The choir sang again, and those serv
ices were over. Mrs. Hawk, her children and relatives then took final
leave of the corpse, and when doing so, wept bitterly. The children
are, Henry, aged 15, Gertrude, aged 13, and Egbert, aged 7. Another,
ittle Robert, died eight or nine years ago, aged three months.
A little after 7 o'clock, under command of the marshal of the
day, J. H. Bushy, Mt. Carroll, and Capt. Smith, of Savanna,
assistant marshal, the procession formed and marched to the grave
'in Oak Hill Cemetery in the following order:

154 MEMOIRS OF
Mt. Carroll Cornet Band.
Grand Army of the Republic of Mt. Carroll and Freeport.
Members of the 96th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers.
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Lanark Masons.
Shannon Masons.
Germania Band of Freeport.
Co. C's Drum Corps.
Freeport Masons.
-Fulton Chapter.
Thompson Masons.
Milledgeville Masons.
Cyrus Lodge, A. F. and A. M., of Mt. Carroll.
Three carriages containing Senators and Representatives.
Carriage with Revs. Howe and Crall.
Hearse with eight pall bearers on foot.
Carriage with family and relatives.
Citizens in carriages and on foot.
At the grave the services were in charge of Cyrus Lodge,.
which was under command of D. D. G. M., E. T. E. Becker, assist
ed by C. Farmer and W. D. Hughes. Aside from the regular Ma
sonic burial services, the Masonic record of the Major was read :
Brother Robert. Moffett Allison Hawk was born April 23, 1839,
in Hancock county, Ind., and died at Washington, D. C, June 29,
1882, being 43 years, two months and six days old; came to Carroll
county, Illinois, in the spring of 1846, where he has since resided.
Right Worshipful Brother Hawk was initiated, passed and raised.
to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Cyrus Lodge No. 180,
A. F. and A. Masons (Mt. Carroll) Feb. 13, 1864, under a special
dispensation of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, brother Hawk
being at home on a leave of absence from the army. He was ex
alted to the degree of the Holy Royal Arch in Lanark Chapter, No.
139, taking the last degree Jan. 8, 1878. He was appointed Oct. 22,.
1877, to Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Sixth District of
Illinois, but declined a reappointment in 1878 on occount of his
other official duties. In all the relations of life, as a soldier, citi
zen, civil officer, Mason, man, father, husband, and friend, he faith
fully fulfilled every duty imposed upon him.
At the grave, Rev. Crall pronounced the benediction.
The Bulletin of Freeport had the following account: Major
R. M. A. Hawk, Congressman from this, the Sixth District of Illi
nois, who died of apoplexy at Washington, D. C. on Thursday even
ing, the 29th of June, was buried at his home in Mt. Carroll, on Sun
day afternoon. Major Hawk had a host of friends in this part of the
country, and dying as he did, just on the evening the day before he-
would have been unanimously nominated to congress for the third
time, the sad announcement of his sudden departure for the spirit
world cast a great cloud of sorrow over the people of "this section,
and they flocked to his funeral from all directions by hundreds. A
special train starting from Racine over the C, M. & St. Paul rail
road in charge of conductor, W. C. Bush, left Freeport about 1:40'
p. m. The train consisted of five coaches, five cabooses and one
baggage car. About three hundred people went from here, includ-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 155
ing about sixty Masons under D. G. M. Krohn, and L. L. Munn, as
marshal; forty members of John A. Davis post, G. A. R., in charge
of commander James I. Neff, the Germania band John Rotzel,
leader, and Co. C's drum corps. The Germania band drum corps
went with the Masons. Large additions were made to the load at
every station on the way to Mt. Carroll, where they arrived about
three o'clock. About eighty went from Shannon, and over two
hundred and fifty from Lanark, including about seventy Masons
from the latter place, among them being the Lanark Chapter, of
which Major Hawk was a member.
A special train of two coaches and one baggage car went from
Rockford, and a special train of five coaches and four cabooses
came up from Rock Island. On the arrival of the Freeport train,
the Masons and Grand Army were met by the citizens committee
of reception. The bodies formed in line and marched at once from
the depot to town, about a mile distant; the Grand Army going to
the hall of Nase Post, G. A. R. and disbanding for the time being,
as the remains had not yet arrived. The Conkling House and
many or quite all of the public and business houses of the city
were heavily draped in mourning out of respect to the dead Con
gressman and late citizen. The stars and stripes were at half mast
on many buildings and hanging from windows in mournful silence
from many others. There was a great-crowd in the city, and dur
ing the waiting for the funeral train many sought the shade of the
trees in court house square, while others visited the late home of the
gallant Major. Among the representatives of the press present,
were: Abraham E. Smith, of the Rockford Gazette; J. B. Brown,
of the Galena Qazette; Fred. Bastian, of the Fulton Journal; W.
D. Hughes and Cal. M. Frazier, of the Mt. Carroll Mirror; and a
reporter of the Freeport Daily Bulletin. The gentlemen who
came down from Galena, were General J. C. Smith, Hon. Wm.
Spensley, Jacob Fawcett, Esq., J. B. Brown and W. F. Cruminer.
The funeral train of one Pullman sleeper and one compartment
ear, which left Washington at 10:10 Friday evening, arrived at the
depot about half past four o'clock, bearing the corpse. The re
mains were accompanied from Washington as a special honorary
escort by the following United States Senators and Representatives:
Senators John A. Logan, of Illinois; J. W. McDill, of Iowa, and
John Z. George, of Mississippi. Representatives G. C. Cabell, of
Ya.; J. A. McKinzie, of Ky.; L. E. Payson, Wm. Cullen, G. R.
Davis, and S. W. Moulton, of 111., and Wm. H. Calkins, of Indiana.
Congressman John C. Sherwin, of Aurora, came with the train
from Chicago. There were also on the train Rev. Henry D. Clark,
of Baltimore, Mrs. Hawk's brother; Mr. W. R, Speare, the under
taker; Chas. C. Carter, and Jas. A. Savory, colored messengers of
the House of Representatives, who came along as messengers to
the escort; Tbos. Cavanaugh, assistant Sergeant at Arms of the
House of Representatives, who had charge of the train, and J. D.
Jrice, deputy assistant Sergeant at Arms. The funeral train
came from Washington to Chicago over the Baltimore & Ohio rail
road, and from Chicago to Mt. Carroll over the C, M. & St. Paul

156 MEMOIRS OF
road. They were delayed about six hours near Cambridge, Ohio,.
by the washing out of a bridge, which was the cause of their late
ness in Mt. Carroll. On its arrival at the depot the train was met
by the reception committee. The corpse was transferred to a hearse
and that with the undertaker, Congressmen and the Rev. Mr. Clark,
were escorted to the late home of the Major, on the southwest cor
ner of Clay and Pleasant streets, which had been prepared for their
coming. The casket with its load of clay, was at once taken into the
library, and laid on benches where the remains were afterward
viewed. The remains were embalmed under the direction of the
undertaker, Mr. Speare, who accompanied them from Washington.
They were enclosed in a steel casket, which was covered with fine
cloth, and heavily mounted with silver. There were ten bar silver-
handles and a part of the top was of full plate glass. The lining
was of the finest white satin, quilted. The library and
other rooms were draped in mourning. On one side of the library
hung an excellent India ink portrait of Major Hawk, which was
heavily draped in black. Under the portrait hung the flag which
was presented to Major Hawk when he went to the army, by James
Mark, aud which the Major carried with him all through the war,
and now shows several bullet holes made in battle. The flag bears
the name, "Mark Guards." Under the flag hung a beautiful floral
cross, presented by friends.
Shortly after the remains arrived at the house, the people be
gan to pass through the house to get a last glimpse of their dead
friend, who still wore a smile on his face, and looked natural. They
went in at the front door and out at the library entrance, and a
continual stream kept pouring through until about.quarter past six
o'clock, when hundreds were obliged to be turned away to allow the
ceremonies to proceed. By this time the Masons, Grand Army
and other bodies were in the street in front of the house, and about
6 :20 the religious services were begun by Rev. Chase, of Lanark,
who, standing in the front door, read a hymn which was sung by
the choir, in the house. Rev. Crall, of Mt. Carroll, made a prayer,.
and Rev. Howe, of Lanark, pastor of the Christian, or Campbellite
church, of which Major Hawk was a member, preached a short
sermon, from the words, "A Great Man is Fallen in Israel," which
are found in Second Samuel. The reverend gentleman spoke very
highly of Major Hawk as a man of the truest integrity, honesty and
uprightness, one who was greatly beloved in life, and greatly
mourned in death. He called him a "great man," because he pos
sessed those qualities of head and heart that make great men.
The Freeport Journal: It was announced in the Daily Journal
that the funeral of Major Hawk would take place on Sunday after
noon at 4 o'clock, and that the C, M. & St. Paul company would
run an excursion train to Mt. Carroll. It was nearly 2 o'clock
when the train pulled out from the city. It was composed of
several coaches and cabooses, and at least 400 persons were on
board. The Germania band marched to the depot about 12:30
o'clock, followed by about 100 members of the Masonic fraternity
and a large delegation of the John A. Davis Post, G. A. R.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 157
The train was in charge of "Doc" Bush, the gentlemanly con
ductor of the day passenger, and was well managed. At Florence
about 25 persons boarded the train, and about 100 at Shannon.
When the train arrived at Lanark over 200 persons got on board,
many of them being members of the Masonic fraternity and the
G. A. R.
When the train arrived at the city of hills and valleys, crowds
of people were assembled at the depot to meet the new comers.
The G. A. R. of Mt. Carroll escorted the various bodies to the
court house square, a distance of nearly a mile. Masonic organi
zations from Freeport, Shannon, Lanark, Thompson and Savanna and
other places were represented.
A special train was run out of Rock Island, in charge of con
ductor Barney McNany, and passengers were gathered up all along
the way. A special from Rockford arrived there about noon, bringing a
large number of people.
The fact that the weather was very pleasant and that special
trains were running, brought to Mt. Carroll about 6,000 people, and
on the streets could be seen carriages and buggies arriving from all
parts of the surrounding country. It was a day of universal re.
gret in Carroll, and on every corner could be observed persons dis
cussing the sad circumstances of the death of Major Hawk.
Everywhere could be seen the real manifestation of regret at
the loss that all the people felt keenly. On the main street the
American flag was suspended from the court house to the Conkling
house, appropriately draped in mourning, and the principal busi
ness houses, as well as many of the residences, likewise made mani
fest the sorrow at the death of Major Hawk.
The court house .square was the headquarters, and around it
were assembled some prominent persons from abroad.
The remains did not arrive at Mt. Carroll until after 5 o'clock,
on account of the train having been delayed on account of wash
outs. The special train consisted of a Pullman and coach, with a
baggage car attached. Accompanyingthe remains were: Thos. Cavan-
augh, ass't door-keeper of the House of Representatives; J.D.Price,the
deputy assistant door-keeper; two colored porters, and the follow
ing distinguished gentlemen: Senator John A. Logan, of Illinois;
Senator McDill, Iowa; Senator George, Mississippi ; Representa
tives G. C. Cabell, Yirginia; J. A. McKinzie, Ky.; L. E. Payson,
Illinois ;Wm. Cullen, Illinois; G. R. Davis, Illinois; W. H. Calkins,
Indiana; S. W. Moulton, of Illinois; John C. Sherwin, Illinois;
W. R. Speare, who was the undertaker for the late President Gar
field, officiated in the same capacity on this occasion.
The remains were met at the depot by the committee and
escorted to the late residence of the deceased, which was filled with
mourners and sympathizing friends. Shortly afterward the pro
cession moved from the depot and marched to the family residence,
where had gathered together hundreds of persons in the yard sur
rounding the house and on the street in front. The scene at the
house was indeed a sad one. In the parlor near Gen. Logan, sat

158 MEMOIRS OF
Mrs. Hawk, who bore up as bravely as she could, and around her
were her two sons and daughter, whose grief was uncontrollable.
The casket was placed in the center of the middle parlor, and the
remains were viewed by the assemblage as they passed from the front
to the side door. The casket was such as is used for all Congress
men, with full French plate glass cover, and lined with quilted
satin. The inscription was on a solid silver plate and read:
R. M. A. Hawk,
died June 29,
aged 43 years,
Washington, D. C.
It was brought to Mt. Carroll enclosed in an ash box, with a
copper plate bearing the same inscription.
The corpse was preserved remarkably well, and the late Major
Hawk looked as natural as he did in life. At the head of the
casket was a beautiful pillow of flowers inscribed " Mollus, " from
the members of the Washington Commandery Loj^al Legion of the
United States, of which deceased was an honored member. A
beautiful wreath, the gift of Speaker Keif'er, a floral cross from
Mrs. Logan, a crown from Capt. Adair and wife, Springfield, were
among the most noticeable of the floral offerings, which were
numerous. A large portrait of Major Hawk hung upon the wall,
draped in mourning, and attracted a great deal of attention.
The exercises opened by the reading of the scriptures by Rev.
C. W. Crall, pastor of the Mt. Carroll M. E. church, after which a
hymn was sung by Capt. Becker, Mr. Grove and the Misses
Lichty. The Rev. D. R. Howe, the pastor of the Christian church
at Lanark, of which Major Hawk was a devoted member, preached
a sermon appropriate for the occasion, basing his remarks on the
Second book of Samuel, chapter third, thirty-eighth verse: "And
the king said unto his servants, know ye not that there is a prince and
a great man fallen this day in Israel?" This was said of Abner, slain
by the wicked Joab. Mr. Howe addressed the assemblage from the
front porch, and talked about thirty minutes, carefully reviewing
the life of the deceased, and paying his memory a marked tribute
and respect. He dwelt at considerable length on the record of the
deceased as a soldier and a statesman, and closed by stating that
Major Hawk was a member of the Christian church of which
President Garfield was also a member, and had always been devot
ed to its interests.
Another hymn was rendered, and the exercises at the house
closed with prayer by Rev. Mr. Crall.
At the conclusion of the services at the house, the line was
formed to escort the remains and the sorrowing family to the ceme
tery. The pall bearers were: C. L. Hostetter, of Mt. Carroll; R.
G. Shumway, of Polo; Uriah Green, Jas. S. Malloney, O. P. Miles
and J. Hallett, of Mt. Carroll. The Grand Army of the Republic
was accorded the post of Honor, the Mt. Carroll Post in front and
Freeport Post next. These were followed by the Masonic societies
present. Then came the congressional delegation in carriages fol
lowed by the hearse containing the casket. The stricken family

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 159
and other relatives in carriages were next, and then followed a long
line of carriages filled with friends and neighbors of the dead Con
gressman from all parts of the county. The Mt. Carroll band
headed the procession and the Freeport band marched at the head
of the Masonic bodies, both playing dirges.
The cemetery is located on the summit of the bluff on the
west side of the creek opposite the city and in a most beautiful and
sightly place. To reach it the long column moving slowly to the
sad, solemn notes of the funeral dirge, wound around through the
streets which were hushed to stillness, and draped on either side in
heavy folds of mourning, down into the deep valley just being en
veloped in the sombre shades of evening, and filled with a damp
atmosphere, then stretching on over the bridge which spans the
little stream, now swollen and murky from recent floods, and up
¦the heights on the other side to the beautiful city of the dead on
the summit beyond, now bathed in a golden flood of sunshine from
the great orb just sinking to rest behind the western horizon. Who
in all that great throng could fail to be impressed with this veri
table symbolism of the passage through the valley of the shadow
of death, and across the dark ri/er which separates time from
•eternity; the blessed present from the great hereafter ; the known
from the unknown; the world we live in and die in, from the great
beyond ; and the entrance upon the shining shore of the world which
is to come. Arriving at the cemetery, tbe large concourse of
friends drew around the open tomb to take part in the last sad
rites of love and affection, which could be bestowed upon human
friends. The impressive ceremonies of the Masonic burial service
.were participated in by a large number of brethren of the "mys
tic" under the leadership of Worshipful Master. E. T. E. Becker,
of Mt.Carroll, an old army comrade aud eminent neighbor and friend
of the departed. . His part was no easy one to perform, and the
watery eyes and choking voice several times denoted how full his
heart was. The ceremonies over, the funeral hymn of the order
.was sung, the emblems deposited, and as the shades of night were
fast falling, all that was mortal of Robert M. A. Hawk, soldier,
statesman, husband, indulgent father, beloved friend and respected
neighbor, was lowered into the silent tomb, and all his sorrows and
troubles buried out of sight, all animosities ended forever, all bit
terness and differences forgotten, and all that remain to us is the
memory of his virtues and the good he did in the world.
Gen. Logan's friends were glad to see the gentleman looking
so well as he did yesterday. To a reporter of the Daily Journal
he said the death of Major Hawk was a great surprise to his many
friends in Washington. Be arrived in Washington last Wednes
day, and on Thursday was unusually jolly; he did not murmur a
word of complaint, the Senator said, but passed away quietly with
out any manifestation of pain.
Major Hawk was insured in the Illinois Masonic Benevolent
Association, and his widow will receive over $4,000 therefrom.
A violent attack of cholera morbus was the primary cause, and

160 MEMOIRS OF
it is thought the bursting of a blood vessel while vomiting, the im
mediate cause of Major Hawk's death.
Major Hawk was the superintendent of the Baptist Sunday
school, the members of which passed appropriate resolutions.
The Rockford Daily Gazette: There was a large attendance
at the funeral of Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, at Mt. Carroll, on Sunday.
A number of citizens were present from Winnebago county, a
special train being run from Rockfoid to Mt. Carroll, which left
this city at 9 a. m.
The little village of Mt. Carroll, which is, unfortunately, situ
ated a mile and a half from a railroad station, was crowded with
visitors from all parts of the old Fifth Congressional District,
assembled to render the last honors to the gallant soldier who had
for three years represented them in the councils of the nation. An
enormous national flag was stretched across the street in front of the
court house, and the stores aud public offices as well as many other
private residences were appropriately draped. The modest mansion
of the dead Congressman was the place where the funeral was held,
and seats were placed on the lawn to accommodate the expected
guests. Owing to the various delays on the road, occasioned by wash
outs, the congressional party with the remains in charge, did not
arrive until after five, and the funeral services were not commenced
until 6 o'clock. For half an hour the visitors were permitted to
look upon the remains of the deceased, which were natural and
peaceful, when it was found necessary, owing to the late hour and
the large crowd, to close the doors.
Senator Logan occupied a seat in the house with the family,
but the others of the congressional escort, occupied seats on the
front varanda, and attracted much attention.
The exercises were brief and appropriate. A hymn was sung,
when prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Crall, pastor of the M. £.
church, at Mt. Carroll, when, after another hymn was sung, Rev.
Mr. Howe, pastor of the Christian (Campbellite) church of Lanark,
of which the dead Congressman had long been a devoted and con
sistent member, delivered a short address, taking for his text the
words of David on the death of Abner: "A great man has fallen."
The clergyman paid a most earnest and fitting tribute to his old
parishioner, maintaining that the truly great man was he who ful
filled his duty to his country, to society, to his family, to his friends
and to his God. The speaker claimed that Mr. Hawk was indeed
a great man. He was universally beloved by his friends and
neighbors. At the close of Mr. Howe's address, the procession formed
with the Masonic fraternity headed by the Freeport band, leading,
followed by other Masonic bodies, the Order of United Workmen,
Congressional delegates, Senators, relatives and friends. The services
at the grave were conducted by L. L. Munn, with the impressive
Masonic ritual.
At least seven thousand persons were present at Mt. Carroll,
on Sunday.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 161
Major Hawk leaves besides his widow, two boys, one aged six
teen, the other six, and a girl about twelve years of age.
Gen. John C. Smith, Republican candidate for State Treasurer,
was at Mt. Carroll on Sunday. Gen. S. was a warm personal friend
of Mr. Hawk.
Major Hawk was a member of the G. A. R., and also of the
Masonic Lodge and the Order of United Workmen of Mt. Carroll.
He leaves his family moderately well provided for. The assets in
clude a fine homestead in Mt. Carroll, a large farm a few miles
out, and life insurance amounting to $7,000.
The aged father of Major Hawk was in attendance at the
funeral of his distinguished son. He is a hale old gentleman of
over eighty years, with hair white as the "driven snow." Three
brothers of the deceased Congressman were also present; one ot
them is a commission merchant in Chicago, the others are well-to-
do farmers. The county officers of Carroll county are nearly all veteran
soldiers, and most of them have served successive terms, being re
elected without opposition. The county judge (Smith), the county
treasurer (Albertson), and the sheriff (Sutton), are each serving
their third or fourth term. The county clerk (Becker), succeeded
Major Hawk, who was serving his fourth term.
Major Hawk was a member of the Christian (Campbellite)
church at Lanark, and the funeral sermon was preached by his own
pastor, Rev. Mr. Howe. When unable to drive the five miles be
tween Mt." Carroll and Lanark, Major Hawk's family attended the
Baptist church at his home. When in Washington the Major at
tended the same church as Gen. Garfield, and they were warm
friends. There were two companies from Mt. Carroll in the 92d Illi
nois regiment. R. M. A. Hawk started as Lieutenant of
company E, and was promoted to the Captaincy. E. T. E. Becker,
who succeeded Major Hawk in the clerkship, and had charge of the
funeral on Sunday, was Captain of company F. Aid. Scoville, of
Rockford, was Captain of another company in the same regiment.
The special train from Rockford to Mt. Carroll, on Sunday
last, started with only fifteen passengers ; but before it reached Mt,
Carroll both cars were crowded. Over fifty went from Lanark
alone on that train to attend the last obsequies of Major Hawk.
Among the passengers from Rockford were: Wm. Lathrop, A. E.
Smith, I. French, George S. Haskell, E. B. Summer, George Forbes,
Horace Scoville, P. Flynn, W. F. Woodruff, Sam'l Norton, Dr.
Helm, and others. J. C. Garver and C. A. Works started Satur
day night, but returned on the special train.
The Congressional delegation occupied seats on the front
porch of Major Hawk's late residence during the funeral obsequies,
and, of course, was the observed of all observers. Senator Logan
was suffering from rheumatism, and hobbled along with a cane; his
well known features were generally recognized. But Senator George,
of Mississippi, and McDill, of Iowa, and Representativs Davis,
Cullen, Sherwin and Payson, of this State, and Cabell, of Virginia,
si

162 MEMOIRS OF
were not so well known, and were eagerly pointed out to friends by
those who happened to recognize them. Collectively, in their
black suits and handsome white sashes, they presented a very dig
nified appearance.
As elsewhere in northern Illinois, a terrible storm raged in
Mt. Carroll throughout Thursday night last. The wind blew
"great guns," lightning flashed and thunder roared. Hon. Jas.
Shaw, ex-Speaker of the Illinois Legislature, and perhaps the ablest
member of the bar of Mt. Carroll, finding his family excited with
the storm got up about 1 o'clock Friday morning, to look to the
windows of the house. While so doing, he was astonished to hear
heavy knocking at his front door. Mr. Shaw started to secure his
revolver, meanwhile his wife ran to a window, and by the flash of
the lightning, saw it was the telegraph operator at the door. In
forming her husband, Mrs. S. inquired what was wanted. The
operator replied, "I have a death message!" Inasmuch at last oc-
counts Mr. Shaw's aged mother was quite low, he at once supposed
it referred to her. Opening the door, he was astonished to be told,
"Major Hawk is dead!" The operator showed Mr. S. two dis
patches to the postmaster from Senator Logan at Washington, one
announcing the serious illness of Mr. Hawk, another dated a half
an hour later, stating his death. As quick as possible Mr. Shaw
put on his clothing, and started on the melancholy errand of in
forming Mrs. Hawk that her husband, who had left her only four
days previously in the enjoyment of his usual health, was a corpse,
and that she was a widow. Naturally enough Mr. Shaw dreaded
to carry the distressing news, and stopped on the way at the house
of Capt. Becker, the dead man's intimate friend. Mrs. B. was
aroused, and after consultation, in company with her husband and
Mr. S.. started for the residence of Mrs. Hawk. Arriving there
they found Mrs. H. up, and feeling very nervous because of the
storm. On seeing them the lady asked, "Is anyone hurt?" They
informed her no. Mrs. Hawk then asked, "Is Willie (her son who
is out on the farm) sick?" Again they told her no. Then her
thoughts reverted to her husband, when she asked, "Is it husband?"'
They told her yes. The agonized wife then cried,"0, what is the matter
with him ?" Mrs. Becker replied, "O, my dear, he is dead." With
shriek, Mrs. Hawk fell into the arms of her friend. Soon afterward
however, she rallied, and asked for the particulars, and showed herself
the same courageous lady she did when the gallant Major lay at the
point of death seventeen years ago. There is no lady "in Mt.
Carroll who is more highly regarded than Mrs. Hawk.
The Oregon Independent: Col. Sheets, C. T. Marsh, J. W.
Keifer, and the editor of the Independent left Oregon, at 11 a. m.
Sunday, for Byron, there to chance a train on the Milwaukee road
to Mt. Carroll. A hasty drive of about seventy minutes found us
at the depot at that point. The special excursion train from Rock
ford had gone over an hour, and chances were slim. The funeral
train, bearing the remains and a special delegation from Washing
ton, was at that hour between Chicago and Elgin, coming at forty
miles an hour. Through the courtesy of Mr. Christopher, the

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 163
agent and operator, we got in communication with the train dis
patcher, and stated our case. He told us to wire Gen. Logan at
Elgin, and with his permission, the train would be stopped for us
at Byron. It was done, and Mr. Logan never spoke more eloquent
ly (to us) than when he sent back the word, "Tell them we will
stop and take them on." Three o'clock, and the special arrived.
The General made us welcome, and on the train sped. Mt. Carroll
was reached about 4 o'clock.
Better and greater men than Major Hawk may have died;
greater parades may have marked the return of their clay to its
former home; but no warmer hearts or kinder hands ever waited
upon hero or martyr than greeted our fallen representative at his
home at this hour. The congressional committee, pall bearers, etc.,
continued in charge of the remains till the tedious transfer from
the cars to the house was made. The spacious residence and lawn,
which had been Mr. Hawk's home, was the center of a mass of
people which extended into all the streets and was limited only by
the town. The street through which the cortege passed, wore a
sad shade that bright afternoon. After the family and intimate
friends had viewed the deceased, the five to ten thousand people
present were passed through the house, each to see the face looking
so grandly good as when he was able to meet them face to face.
Short services followed, after which, the great concourse moved to
the cemetery. Two orders, the G. A. R. and the A. F. and A. M.
united in the rites. Lodges and delegations from nearly all the
towns in the district, helped form the procession. As the sun de
scended behind the hills, on which, rests the beautiful little city of
Mt. Carroll, kind hands lowered the loved form of the gallant
soldier and good citizen into its last' home — the grave. The muffled
drum beat, and the tread of feet told the last act was done. At a
late hour the various excursion trains departed, bearing the tired
people to their homes.
The Lena Star: In companv with Gen. Chas. Waite, C. F.
Houser,Will Winter and John Rife, we attended the funeral of
Congressman Hawk, at his late home in Mt. Carroll, on Sabbath
last. We left Lena at 10 o'clock, and on reaching Freeport took the
special train for the scene of the burial, which left Freeport at
about two o'clock, and on reaching our destination we found over
6,000 people gathered in sadness to pay their last tribute of respect
to him whom they had learned, to love and honor.
The remains did not arrive at Mt. Carroll until after 5 o'clock,
owing to the train having been delayed on account of wash
outs. The special train consisted of a Pullman and coach, with a
baggage car attached. Accompanyingthe remains were Thos. Kavan-
augh,ass't door-keeper of the House of Representatives; J. D. Price,
deputy assistant door-keeper; two colored porters, and the follow.
ing distinguished gentlemen: Senator John A. Logan, of Illinois;
¦Senator McDill, Iowa; Senator George, Mississippi; Representa
tives G. C. Cabell, Yirginia; J. A. McKinzie, Ky.; L. E. Payson,
Win. Cullen, G.R. Davis, S. W. Moulton, John C. Sherwin, and

164 MEMOIRS OF
W. H. Calkins, Indiana; W. R. Speare, who was the undertaker
for the late President Garfield, officiated in the same capacity on
this occasion. A committee met the remains at the depot and escorted
them to the late residence of the deceased, where thousands of
mourners and sympathizing friends had gathered to listen to
the burial services. The casket was a massive and beautiful one,
lined with satin, with French plate glass cover.
The corpse was well preserved, and to those who knew Major
Hawk in life, he looked as natural as though calmly sleeping. The
floral decorations were very beautiful, among which we noticed a
beautiful pillow of white flowers, with the inscription, "Mollus"
imbedded in purple flowers in the center, from the members of
Washington Commandery, Loyal Legion of the United States, of
which the deceased was a member; a handsome wreath from Speak
er Keifer, a floral cross from Mrs. Logan, and a crown from John
Adair and wife, of Springfield.
Rev. C. W. Crall, pastor of the Mt. Carroll M. E. church, read
the scriptures, after which, Capt. Becker, Mr. Grove and the Misses
Lichty sang a beautiful hymn. Rev. Howe, pastor of the Chris
tian church at Lanark, of which the deceased was a member in good
standing, delivered a very feeling and appropriate sermon from the
text, " And the king said unto his servants, know ye not that there
is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" Another
hymn was sung, and the services closed with prayer. An oppor
tunity was given for one hour for the assembled multitude to view
the remains, but at least one half of the people were unable to
view them on account of the short time allowed.
The procession formed in front of the residence in the follow
ing order: Mt. Carrol band, Grand Army of the Republic, Free-
port band, Masonic societies, the Congressional delegation in car
riages, the hearse, the family and near relatives and mourners fol
lowed by hundreds of carriages filled with mourning citizens and
neighbors of the deceased. Thus they marched to the solemn dirge
of music to the city of the dead, romantically located on a high
bluff overlooking the city. At the grave the impressive ceremonies
of the masonic burial were read over the dead, and participated in
by the entire masonic fraternity present, led by Capt. E. T. E. Becker,
the nearest and dearest friend and neighbor to the deceased, out
side of his family, in the world. It was a sorrowful task for him
to perform, as the tears frequently coursing down his cheeks, and
the choking voice plainly indicated to the assembled multitude.
Indeed his heart was full and overflowing with sadness. At the
close of the burial the funeral hymn of the order was sung, the
sprigs of evergreen deposited on the coffin, and as the dusk of even
ing was throwing her mantle of darkness over the earth, Robert M.
A. Hawk, the soldier, statesman, and honored citizen, was consigned
to his last earthly resting place, to there rest until the resurection
morn. His trials and sorrows are ended; all animosities are buried
out of sight ; and those who differed with him in life have forgotten
those differences now. Let us remember his virtues only, and

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 165
cherish his memory forever, for he was worthy the respect and
love of all men.
The Oregon, Ogle county Press, had the following of the
funeral: An immense concourse of people gathered at Mt. Carroll
last Sunday to pay the last earthly mark of respect to all that re
mained of the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, member of Congress from
this district. A special train over the C, M. & St. Paul railroad brought
large delegations from every town along the road, including the
Masonic Lodge and John A. Davis Post, G. A. R., of Freeport, ac
companied by a brass band and drum corps, and a large number of
Masons from Lanark, including the Chapter of that place, ot which
Major Plawk was a member. Special trains also arrived from Rock
ford and Rock Island, and the surrounding country poured her
populace into town in large numbers. Every business place in the
city was heavily draped in mouring and the deepest sorrow prevailed.
Owing to a delay caused by a washout in the road in Ohio,
the funeral train from Washington did not arrive until about 4:30
p. M. The remains were accompanied by a Congressional escort con
sisting of Senators Logan, McDill, George; and Representatives
Payson, Cullen, Davis, Moulton, Calkins, Cabell, and McKinzie.
Congressman John C. Sherwin, of Aurora, joined the party in
Chicago. The remains were also accompanied by Rev. H. D.
Clark, of Baltimore, Mrs. Hawk's brother, a friend from Washing
ton, the undertaker, who embalmed the body, an assistant Sergeant
at Arms of the House, and a deputy assistant Sargeant at Arms.
On arrival at the depot the remains were met by a committee
of citizens, and all were escorted to the late residence of theMajor.
The remains were placed in the library and the citizens afforded an
opportunity to view them. The body was enclosed in a tine casket
heavily mounted with silver, the plate on top bearing the inscrip
tion: Robert M. A. Hawk, aged 43 years, died June 29, 1882, at
Washington, D. C.
Floral tributes in great profusion, and beautiful designs, were
received from many prominent persons and societies, among them
an immense pillow, bearing the word " Mollus " from the District of
Columbia Commandery of the Military Order Loyal Legion of the
United States, of which the deceased was a member, a wreath from
Speaker Keifer, and cross from Mrs. Logan.
The funeral services were held in front of the house and were
conducted by Rev. Howe, pastor of the Christian church at Lanark,
and ^consisted of music by the choir, a touching prayer by Rev.
Crall, of Mt. Carroll, and a short sermon by Rev. Howe, from the
text, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen
this day in Israel?" The reverend gentleman spoke in the highest
terms of the manner in which the deceased performed all the
duties, public and private, which combine to make a truly great
man. After the choir had rendered the closing hymn, and the family
had taken a last look at the corpse, the procession was formed and
proceeded to Oak Hill Cemetery.

166 MEMOIRS OF
At the grave the regular Masonic burial services were rendered
by officers and members of Cyrus Lodge, and the Masonic record of
of Major Hawk was read. The exercises were closed with the bene
diction. It was dark when the procession marched back to town and
those from a distance soon left for their homes.
The funeral was the largest, ever held in Carroll county, it be
ing estimated that not less than 5,000 persons were present.
The Savanna Times : On Friday evening short funeral services
were held at his rooms in Washington, and the remains were
carried to a special car of the B. & O. railroad, and started for his
late home in charge of the Sergeant at Arms of the House, Sena
tors Logan, McDill and George, and Congressmen Payson, Cullen,
Davis, Cabell and Moulton. This special should have reached Mt.
Carroll at one o'clock Sunday afternoon, but was delayed by a wash
out between here and Chicago, and at precisely 4:30 o'clock it
pulled up at the depot. A committee of citizens met the congres
sional delegation at the depot ; a procession was formed and the
remains were carried to the late home of the deceased. Messrs.
Campbell, Hallett, Maloney, Green, Miles, C. L. Hostetter, T. D.
Davis and Sherwood, acting as pall bearers. There the remains
lay in state for an hour and were viewed by a large concourse of
people. The funeral services took place at the house and were con
ducted by Rev. Howe, pastor of the Christian church at Lanark,
of which the deceased was a member, and was assisted by Rev. C.
W. Crall, of Mt. Carroll, and Rev. Chase, of Lanark. Rev. Howe de
livered a short but appropriate discourse, taking for his text the
words, " And the king said unto his servants, know ye not that
there is a prince and great man fallen this day in Israel?" — II
Samuel, iii:xxxviii, in which he reviewed the life and character of
the deceased. After the services were over, the remains were
escorted to the cemetery by members of Major Hawk's old regi
ment, members of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Mt.
Carroll Lodge of United Workmen, of which the deceased was a
member, and a long procession of Masons, including those from
the Lodge at Mt. Carroll and the adjoining towns, Lanark, Savanna,
Shannon, Freeport, Rockford, and other lodges accompanied by the
Mt. Carroll band, and two bands from Freeport. After the lodges,
and immediately in front of the procession, was the congressional
delegation. At the cemetery the deceased was buried with full Ma
sonic honors, he having been a member of the Mt. Carroll Lodge.
People came from all parts of the district to pay respect to the
memory of the deceased; the number in town was variously esti
mated at from five to seven thousand. The House and Senate com
mittee started for Washington soon after the burial services were
over. The Shannon Express had the following: Everyone in this
vicinity was startled on the morning of June 30, by the report that
Congressman Hawk died very suddenly at his hotel in Washington,
June 29, at 11 :30 p. m., of apoplexy. It was not easy to realize the
sad news, as he had, in usual health, taken his departure for Wash-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 167
ington on Monday, feeling happy over the favorable prospect that
lay before him in the Congressional convention. The news was
confirmed by telegram from Mt. Carroll; the convention which was
called at Freeport, instructed to renominate the gallant soldier and
statesman, passed resolutions of sympathy and respect and adjourn
ed to a future day.
Saturday evening it was announced that the remains would
arrive by special train from Washington, and funeral services would
be held at Mt. Carroll Sunday afternoon. Special trains were run
from Freeport, Rockford and Rock Island, giving all an opportuni
ty to be present. The entire congressional district was represented
in large numbers, the attendance being estimated from four to six
thousand people, including Masonic organizations from Freeport,
Shannon, Lanark, Thompson, Savanna, and members from many
other towns. The special train from Washington bearing the re
mains, was delayed on the route and arrived at Mt. Carroll at 5 p.
M., which carried the burial into the evening.
The ceremonies at the house are minutely described, and the
burial scene beautifully pictured in the following from the Freeport
Journal: The remains were met at the depot and escorted to the late
residence of the deceased, which was filled with mourners and
sympathizing friends. Shortly afterward the procession moved
from the depot and inarched to the family residence, where had
gathered hundreds of persons in the yard and surrounding the
house and on the street in front. The scene at the house was indeed
a sad one.
At the conclusion of the ' services at the house, the line was
formed to escort the remains and the sorrowing family to the ceme
tery. The Grand Army of the Republic was escorted to the post
of honor, followed by the Masonic societies and the congressional
delegation in carriages. Then followed the hearse containing the
casket, the stricken family and other relatives in carriages, followed
by a long line of carriages filled with friends and neighbors of the
dead congressman from all parts of the country. The Mt. Carroll
band headed the procession, and the Freeport band marched at the
head of the Masonic bodies, both playing dirges.
The cemetery is located on the summit of the bluff on the
west side of the creek opposite the city and a beautiful and most
sightly place. To reach it the long column moving slowly to the
sad, solemn notes of the funeral dirge, wound around through the
streets which were hushed to stillness, and draped on either side
in heavy folds of mourning, down into the deep valley just being
enveloped in the sombre shades of evening, and filled with a cold,
damp atmosphere, then stretching on over the bridge which spans
the little stream, now swollen and murky from recent floods, and
up the heights on the other side to the beautiful city of the dead
on the summit beyond, now bathed in a golden flood of sunshine
from the great orb just sinking to rest behind the western horizon.
Who in all that great throng could fail to be impressed with this
veritable symbolism of the passage through the valley of the

168 MEMOIRS OF
shadow of death, and across the dark river which separates time
from eternity; the blessed present from the great hereafter; the
known from the unknown; the world we live in and die in, from
the great beyond; and the entrance upon the shining shore of the
world that is to come. Arriving at the cemetery the large con
course of friends drew around the open tomb to take part in the
last sad rites of love and affection, which could be bestowed upon
human friends. The impressive ceremonies of the Masonic burial
service, were participated in by a large number of brethren of the
" mystic tie " under the leadership of Worshipful Master, E. T. E.
Becker, of Mt. Carroll, an old army comrade, and an intimate friend
and neighbor of the departed. His part was no easy one to per
form, and the watery eyes and choking voice several times denoted
how full his heart was. The ceremonies over, the funeral hymn of
the order was sung, the emblems deposited, and as the shades of
night were fast falling, all that was mortal of Robert M. A. Hawk,
soldier, statesman, kind husband, indulgent father, beloved friend
and respected neighbor, was lowered into the silent tomb, and all
his sorrows and troubles buried out of sight, all animosities ended
forever, all bitterness and differences forgotten, and all that remains
to us is the memory of his virtues and the good he did in the world.
The Galena Gazette: The remains of Major Hawk arrived at
Mt. Carroll at 5:20, Sunday afternoon, from Washington, by special
train, under escort of Sergeant at Arms of the House of Repre
sentatives, and the Congressional committee. They were immedi
ately borne to the family residence, where they lay in state for
about an hour, during which time they were viewed by a large con
course of people. Funeral services took place at the house and
were conducted by the pastor of the Christian church at Lanark, of
which the deceased was a member. The remains were then escort
ed to the grave by about two hundred members of Major Hawk's
old regiment, the 92d Illinois Infantry, who acted as a guard of
honor; Mt. Carroll Post, Grand Army of the Republic; a lengthy
procession of Masons, including members of Mt. Carroll, Lanark,
Freeport, Galena and other lodges; members of the Congressional
convention appointed to be held June 30th; the Congressional com
mittee, of the Sixth District, and citizens generally, including in
the aggregate fully 10,000. The imposing procession was led by
the Senate and House committee. The remains were interred in
the Mt. Carroll cemetery with Masonic honors.
Another paper said: The train reached Mt. Carroll at 4:30
o'clock Sunday evening. Special trains had preceded it from
Rockford, Freeport and the west. Immediately upon the arrival of
the Washington train his remains were taken to his old home
where about two thousand persons embraced the opportunity of
looking upon the dead Congressman. The casket containing his
remains was of steel covered with fihe cloth and heavily mounted
with silver. The lining was fine white satin, quilted, and the pil
low of beautiful white and yellow flowers across the center of which
was the word, " Mollus " worked in small purple flowers. There
were on the casket, a floral wreath from J. W. Keifer, Speaker of

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 169
the House of Representatives; a cross of cut flowers from Capt.
and Mrs. Adair, of Springfield, and a cross from Mrs. Logan and
Mrs. Electa Smith, of Washington. At 6:15 the religious exercises
began with the reading of a hymn by Rev. Geo. Chase, of Lanark,
a choir sang, Rev. Crall, at Mt. Carroll prayed, and Rev. D. R.
Howe, of Lanark, preached a short and most excellent sermon from
the words, " A Great Man is Fallen in Israel." He spoke with the
most intense feeling of the honesty, integrity and true manliness
of Major Hawk. At about 7 o'clock the procession formed and
marched to the grave in Oak Hill Cemetery.
He was buried by the regular Masonic services, in charge of
D. D. G. M., E. T. E.' Becker, assisted by C. Farmer, and W. D.
Hughes. The services closed with the benediction by Rev. Crall.
The procession then re-formed and marched back to town.
As father, husband, soldier, civil officer, Major Hawk ever
aimed to faithfully perform his duties, and the high esteem in which
he was held, was fully attested by the five thousand people who
gathered in Mt. Carroll on Sunday to pay their, last tribute of re
spect. The Mirror, published at deceased's old home, contained in
substance, the following: Our people were startled and saddened
Friday, by telegrams from Washington, D. C, announcing the
death of Major R. M. A. Hawk, which occurred at 11:30 Thursday
night. We can hardly realize that one week ago last Sabbath we
spent several hours in his company at his residence in this city and
he was apparently well, hearty, and well pleased at the prospect of
his renonmination to Congress, which he would have undoubtedly
received at Freeport on Friday last, but now he has passed beyond
the honors and ambitions ot earth, beyond the voice of censure or
praise. Peace and honor to the brave soldier, and earnest and
honest legislator.
On Friday evening at 8 o'clock funeral services were held at
the boarding house of Major Hawk, in Washington, conducted by
Rev. Dr. Powers, pastor of the Christian church and Chaplain of
the House of Representatives, and a large concourse of citizens,
who followed the remains to the B. & 0. railroad depot, where a
special train was in waiting, and at 10 o'clock that evening the
train left Washington for this city, where they arrived Sunday
evening, July 2, at 5 o'clock p. m. The remains were under the
especial charge of Mr.W. R. Speare, undertaker. This same gentle
man escorted the remains of our late President, James A. Garfield,
to Ohio. Early Sunday morning people began flocking to town to attend
the funeral services, which were to have taken place at 4 o'clock.
About 10 o'clock a telegram was received announcing the fact that
the funeral cortege would not reach here until about 5 o'clock.
Special trains, one from Rock Island, composed of five coaches, one
from Rockford, four coaches, one from Freeport, eleven coaches,
arrived in the afternoon, crowded to their utmost capacity, contain
ing civic societies and public citizens who were escorted down town
by Nase Post No. 80, G. A. R., of this city. About 5 o'clock the

170 MEMOIRS OF
funeral train containing the body arrived, and the remains of Major
Hawk were taken to his late residence on Clay street, where oyer
two thousand three hundred persons viewed the remains, which
were enclosed in a steel casket, covered with cloth of fine texture,
and heavily mounted with silver, with ten silver handles. On top
of the casket was a silver plate. The casket was covered with
wreaths and flowers, the most noticeable among which was a floral
wreath from the Speaker of the House, Hon. J. W. Keifer, a cross
of cut flowers from Capt. J. M. Adair and wife,of Springfield, a
cross from Mrs. Electa E. Smith, of Washington, and Mrs. Senator
Logan, and a large pillow of white and yellow flowers upon which
was the word "Mollus," a gift from the Military Order, Loyal
Legion of the United States.
The exercises at the house were ably conducted by Rev. Howe,
of Lanark, assisted by Rev. Chase, of the same place, and Rev. C.
W. Crall, of this city. The addresses of these reverend gentlemen
were brief but highly appropriate. They eulogized his life from
infancy, as a youth, as a soldier, and as a statesman. They recited
incidents of his life, spoke of his Christian principles, and example
which he set before the world.
The procession, under charge of J. H. Bushey, assisted by
Capt. Smith, of Savanna, and led by Oscar Horn, was formedin
the court house square about six o'clock, and marched to Major
Hawk's late residence.
. The exercises at the cemetery were conducted by District
Deputy Grand Master, E. T. E. Becker, assisted by C. C. Farmer,
chaplain. At sunset, after the procession returned, the Lodges re
paired to the Hall of Cyrus Lodge, where the following resolutions
were read and adopted, and the memorial record of brother Hawk
read and ordered placed in the archives of the Lodge:
Mt. Carroll, III., July 2, 1882.
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of Cyrus
Lodge, No. 188, A. F. & A.M. Dear Brethren : Your com
mittee appointed to draft resolutions upon the death of your de
ceased brother, Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, respectfully submit the
following: It seems impossible to realize that one who left us less than
one short week ago, in apparent health, to resume his duties in the
National Halls of Legislation, to which he had been twice called by
the partiality of his friends in this Congressional District, and to
whom was assured a unanimous nomination by his party for re
election, should so suddenly be called from the scenes of his honors
and triumphs, and in the very bloom of his manhood, into the
presence of the Supreme Master; but since such seems to have been
his inevitable destiny, we suggest the adoption of the following
resolutions by this Lodge:
1st, That in the death of Robert M. A. Hawk we have lost a
brother beloved who exemplified to the full all the cardinal virtues
of our order. With him they have neither to be studied or learned —
they were in-bred.
2nd, That in common with the whole people of the Sixth Con-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 171
gressional District of Illinois, we deplore the loss of a representa
tive who, in the discharge of the duties of his exalted position,
fully met the expectations of his friends, his party and his country'
and whose fair name and fame have never been touched by the
slightest breath of dishonor.
3rd, That with saddened hearts we sincerely condole with his
afflicted family, over their sudden and unexpected bereavement
over the loss of a large-hearted, loving and indulgent husband and
father; and commend them to the only source from which real
comfort can come in this, the hour of their supreme grief.
4th, That the Lodge be draped in mourning, and the members
wear the usual badge for thirty days.
5th, That this report be spread upon the records of the Lodge,
and that a copy be furnished the family of our deceased brother',
and one to each of the city papers for publication. C. B. Smith,
C. C. Farmer,
R. C. Hallett, Committee.
Here followed a sketch of the masonic career of the deceased,
referred to in another part of this chapter.
In all the relations of life, as soldier, citizen, civil officer, ma
son, man, as a son, father, husband, friend, he faithfully fulfilled
every duty imposed upon him.
Beside the Senators and Congressmen from Washington, we
noticed the following prominent gentlemen from abroad: Albert
Woodcock, Internal Revenue Collector, Gen. Sheets, of Ogle county,
Jl C. Garver, of Winnebago county, Gen. John C. Smith, Frank
Fitts, of Lena, W. B. Crummer, County Clerk, of Jo Daviess countv,
C. A. Works, Prosecuting Attorney, of Winnebago county, A. H.
Hershey, of Sterling, Judge Spensley and J. Fawcett, of Galena.
The newspaper fraternity was represented by editor Smith, of the
Rockford Gazette, Atkins, of the Freeport Republican, Richards
and Donahue, Freeport Journal, G. I. Smith, city editor Freeport
Bulletin, Ervin, Shannon Express, Livermore, Lanark Gazette,
Brown, Galena Gazette, Lqwis, Lena Star, Greenleaf, Savanna
Times, Bastian, Fulton Journal, Ray, Oregon Independent. There
were fully six thousand people present who witnessed the obsequies.
On receipt of the news on Friday morning, of the death of
Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, Mayor Coleman called the people of the
city together at the Court House, on the evening of the same day.
Mayor Coleman called the meeting to order and was elected Chair
man, with W. D. Hughes, Secretary. Hon. James Shaw being
called upon by the presiding officer, stated that the object of the
meeting was to take proper action in regard to the death of our
esteemed fellow citizen, Major Hawk. A motion was made that a
committee of five be appointed to take charge of the funeral cor
tege upon its arrival in the city. The motion being carried, chair
man Coleman appointed Hon. James Shaw, Capt. J. F. Ellison, Dr.
D. M. Greeley, A. H. Litchey, and Don R. Frazer. A committee of

172 MEMOIRS OF
five, being appointed on resolutions, presented the following, which
were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, Almighty God in his inscrutable providence has taken
from our midst by death, Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, representative in
Congress from the Sixth Congressional District, who was stricken
down suddenly, in the prime of his life, and taken from the field
his labor in the midst of his usefulness, and the faithful discharge
of his duties, whereby the city of Mt. Carroll has lost an honored
and distinguished citizen, and said district a worthy Congressman,
who was known and cherished by his townsmen and his constituents
as a man of sterling integrity, purest virtue, genuine patriotism
and true manhood; therefore
Resolved, That by the death of the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, the city
of Mt. Carroll has lost one of its most honored aud highly esteemed
citizens. Resolved, That our beloved townsman, in his life and character,
was a representative of great goodness of heart, conscientious, kind
and sympathetic, who loved his home, his family and his country,
of whom, it may be justly said, he was an honest man, " the noblest
work of God."
Resolved, That we, the citizens of Mt. Carroll, are bowed in
mourning, deeply deploring his death, and that he has enshrined
himself in our hearts and memories, and shall ever be remembered
by his countrymen for his valor as a soldier, for his upright deport
ment as a legislator, aud for his virtues as a man.
Resolved, That we extend our deepest sympathies to the mem
bers of his family and relatives, and that we share with them the
anguish and grief which his untimely death has brought upon them
and ourselves. Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be tendered to the
family of the deceased, and that the same be published in the news
papers of this city.
N. H. Melendt,
R. G. Bailey,
¦¦ Ed. O. Lee,
Nelson Fletcher,
Geo. L. Hoffman, Committee.
The undersigned, having been appointed by the Sunday School
ot the Baptist Church, at its meeting July 2d, to prepare resolutions
upon the death of the Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, who was at one time
connected with the school, report the following:
In token of our grateful remembrance of Hon. R. M. A. Hawk
as a helpful member of our Sabbath School, be it
Resolved, that we tenderly sympathize with the family of our
former co-worker in this their hour of deepest sorrow, and com
mend them to Him who is especially the friend of the widow and
fatherless. Resolved, That we recommend to our youth as worthy of their
imitation the kindness of manner and uprightness of conduct that
characterized their former Superintendent.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 173
Resolved, That as a testimonial of regard and respect for our
deceased friend, we transmit a copy of these resolutions to the be
reaved family.
Ada C. Joy,
Alice Lichty,
C. B. Smith.
The following resolutions were passed by Progress Lodge, No.
32, A. O. U. W. :
Whereas, Our brother, Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, a member ot
Progress Lodge, No. 32, &.. O. U. W., died suddenly at Washington,
D. C., on the 29th day of June last, we as members desire to give
an expression of our feelings in relation to the sad event: theretore
Resolved, That it is with profound sorrow and sadness we have
heard of the death of our brother, Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, who was
greatly beloved by us all; as a soldier he was brave and fearless, as
a Congressman he was honest, capable and faithful in the discharge
of his official duties, and as a citizen he was universally respected
and esteemed. His many virtues endeared him to us, and we will
ever cherish his memory.
Resolved, That we extend the kindest sympathies of this Lodge
to the wife and father of our deceased brother.
Resolved, That as a mark of respect, the Lodge room be draped
in mourning for thirty days.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be delivered to the
family of Brother Hawk, and also that they be published in the
city papers.
H. F. Beaver,
George W. Stiteley.
John W. Miller, Committee.
At a meeting of the members of the Church of Christ, called
by the pastor at Lanark, June 30th, the following preamble and reso
lutions were adopted:
Whereas, the hand of Providence has removed from our con
gregation our faithful and much loved brother, Robert M. A. Hawk,
who died away from his family and those who knew him best and
loved him most; be it
Resolved, That we tenderly condole with the family of our de
ceased brother in this their greatest earthly trial and affliction, and
express our earnest and affectionate sympathy with his much loved
wife, our dear sister in the Lord, and his children, and commend
them to the keeping of Him who looks with a pitying eye upon the
widow and fatherless.
Resolved, That in our sorrow for the great loss we have sus
tained in the death of our brother, we find consolation in the thought
that it is well with him.
Resolved, That while we sympathise with the family of our
deceased brother, we share with them the hope of a reunion, where
there will be no tears shed and parting will be a stranger.
Resolved, That a committee from this congregation meet the

174 MEMOIRS OF
remains of the deceased at Chicago, and accompany them to Mt.
Carroll. Resolved, That these resolutions be placed upon the records of
the church, and a copy be transmitted to the family of the deceased
as a token of our respect for the Christian character of a great and
good man gone to his rest, and the sorrow felt by the members of
this congregation of which he was a faithful member.
D. R. Howe, President.
W. Beans, Secretary.
The Mt. Carroll Herald said editorially:
In our brief notice in last week's Herald, of the sudden death
of Hon. R. M. A. Hawk, we were unable to give any particulars.
Owing to the severe and widespread storm of Thursday night, tele
graphic and rail communications were interrupted to a considerable
extent, and it was with difficulty that news was received, ft was
learned, however, that a special train would leave Washington Friday
night, bearing the remains of Major Hawk, attended by an escort
of three Senators and eight Representatives, and which was ex
pected to arrive at 1 o'clock in the afternoon of Sunday. Telegrams
announcing the time of the funeral had been sent out, and on Sun
day moining distinguished gentlemen from all parts of the district
began to arrive. Later in the day, a telegram was received an
nouncing that the special train would not arrive until about four
o'clock. In the mean time despatches were received, stating that
delegations of the Masonic order from Freeport, Byron, Galena,
Shannon, Lanark, Savanna, Milledgeville, Thomson and Fulton, and
other places, as well as a telegram from the Post of the G. A. R.
from Freeport, would be in attendance. Nase Post, No. 80, held a
meeting at 10 o'clock and arranged to meet the Freeport Post at
the depot. Cyrus lod^e No. 188, A. F. and A. M., to whch lodge
Major Hawk belonged, and Which had charge of the funeral ser
vices, made similar arrangements to meet the brothers of the order
coming from a distance. At the meeting of the citizens of this -
city, called by Mayor Coleman, on Friday evening, a committee,
composed of Hon. James Shaw, J. F. Allison, D. M. Greeley, A.
H. Lichty and Don R. Frazer, was appointed to meet the special
train from Washington ,and give proper escort to the Congressional
delegation. All the arrangements were made and carried out with
out mistake or clash. The several delegations were met at the depot
and escorted to the city proper, and the body of our distinguished
follow-citizen, upon its arrival at five o'clock, was borne by tender
hands to his late residence on Clay street. The services here were
brief, the greater part of the time being devoted to taking a final
look at the face of the dead Congressman. The mortal remains of
Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk were consigned to their last resting place,
amid the tears and regrets of a thousand friends.
In the death of Major Hawk, at the early age of forty-three
years, this county loses one of its most upright citizens. A man
who had grown from boyhood among us; who at an early age, when
the war of the rebellion broke out, went to the front as first lieuten-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 175
ant of a company of Carroll county boys; who was later made the
captain of that company, and who served with honor and credit for
three years, and when the war was over, and the bells over the
Northland were ringing out a proclaimed peace, he received a
wound which nearly cost him his life, and did take from him his
good right leg, and made him, in his magnificent manhood, a cripple
for life. The people ot his county, shortly after the close of the
war, made him the County Clerk, aposition which he occupied until
they advanced him to the honored place as the Representative in
Congress of the Fifth district of Illinois. Twice he was elected to
this position, and the 30th of last month, the day after his death,
would have seen him renominated to the place for a third term.
Yerily, in the midst of life we are in death, and the greatest and
most beloved must succumb to the power of the great leveller.
The Lanark Gazette published these resolutions of respect:
Hall of Lanark Chapter, JSTo. 139, A. F. and A. M.
Companions :
At low twelve June 29th, A. D. 1882, an alarm came to the
door of our Chapter. The messenger was Death, and none pre
sumed to say to the awful presence, " Who dares approach." A
Companion has been summoned, and there is no discharge or re
lease from the eternal edict. A burning taper of life in our Chap
ter has been extinguished, and none save the High and Holy One
can relight it.
The Companions of this Chapter now assembled in their lodge
room, humbly confessing their dependence upon Almighty God,
embrace this early opportunity to express the deep emotions with
which they have been filled by the sudden and appalling death of
Companion R. M. A. Hawk, which has deprived this Chapter of
one of its most honored Companions, the State and Nation the ser
vices of a counsellor, legislator and statesman, and the community
in which he lived the loss of a citizen whose private life and public
record are without a blemish. In further declaration of their sen
timents, be it unanimously
Resolved, That while we pause to review the past and contem
plate the future, we will not withhold from his memory the praises
that his virtues have claimed upon the field of battle where his
blood, mingling with that of his companions, was shed in defense
of the country he loved, and will cherish in grateful remembrance
the love and high appreciation shown by his countrymen in electing
him to offices of honor and trust, in which he has achieved like dis
tinction in County, State and Nation.
Resolved, That in the decease of our late Companion his be
loved but grief-stricken widow has lost an affectionate husband and
his children a tender and beloved father.
Resolved, That our warmest and deepest sympathies are hereby
extended to the beloved widow and fatherless children of our de
parted Companion.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the

176 MEMOIRS OF
press, a copy forwarded to the widow, and a copy spread upon the
records of this Chapter.
D. W. Dame,
H. W. Wales,
E. T. E. Becker,
Lanark, July 3d, 1882. Committee.
The following is the only full report of the Congressional Con
vention held in Freeport, taken from the Rockford Daily Gazette of
July 1st :
Probably never before at any political convention in this section
of the State were well arranged plans so thoroughly and completely
changed as they were at Freeport on Friday morning, when the sad
news flashed over the wires that our honored and respected repre
sentee in Congress, Hon. Robert M. A. Hawk, of Mt. Carroll, had
suddenly died of apoplexy. But very little interest was manifested
in the city of beer-and-bread on Thursday evening; the contest had
been settled at the caucuses, and every county, with the exception of
Winnebago, had instructed for Mr. Hawk, it was understood that
the chairman of the Winnebago county delegation, after the infor
mal ballot had been declared, would rise and move to make the bal
lot formal and the choice unanimous, and this would end the con
vention. As it was, the news of Mr. Hawk's decease reached Freeport
quite early Friday morning, a telegram to that effect having been
received from Gen. Logan, causing considerable excitement. The
delegates from each district, shortly after dinner, went into caucuses,
and it was decided not to make a nomination, but to adjourn, after
passing appropriate resolutions, for a short time. Some favored
a week, others a month.
At 3:40 p. m. the convention was called to order by J. B. Brown,
editor of the Galena Gazette, and a delegate from Jo Daviess county,
who said:
" Gentlemen — You are all aware of the sad circumstances un
der which we have met to-day, and therefore I need not detain you
with that subject, but will proceed to read the call for the con
vention." After citing the call, Mr. Brown suggested that the first action
of the convention should be to select a temporary chairman for the
convention. In response to Mr. Brown's suggestion, Mr. R. G.
Bailey, of Carroll county, was nominated and unanimously chosen.
Mr. Bailey, having taken his place, proposed the election of
secretaries, coupling with his proposition the name of J. B. Brown,
of Galena. That gentleman was chosen by acclamation.
J. H. Sherratt, of Winnebago county, was next nominated and
elected as joint secretary.
On motion, a committee on credentials was then appointed as
follows :
Carroll County, Whitney Inman; Jo Daviess county, M. R.
Chambers; Stephenson county, J. Webber Addams; Ogle county,
E. A. Irvin; Winnebago county, Rufus C. Bailey.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 177
The committee then retired, and during the interval the chair
man said:
" Gentlemen of the Convention— A request, from the delegates
•of several of the counties, has been made to the chair that he should
¦call upon the Hon. J. C. Garver, of Rockford, to address the con
vention for a short time. If Mr. Garver will please come forward
and comply with that request, he will confer a favor upon the con
vention." (Applause.)
Hon. J. C. Garver here stepped to the table and said.
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention — -The par
ticular circumstances that surround the assembling of this conven
tion make it an occasion of peculiar sadness to myself and to
all of you, and particularly to those of you who have been the more
intimately associated with your late representative in Congress.
When death, always the avenger of mankind, always breaking in
upon the hopes and ambitions of all men ; when death comes in a
quiet manner, to those even but little known, it naturally and inva
riably draws sympathy from the great world of survivors, and it is
a thing of sorrow, indeed, when it comes suddenly to the public
man, loved, honored and revered by his constituents. Under those
circumstances it touches a wide chord of sympathy and awakens a
world of affection for the man who has passed to the better country
like the late lamented gentleman, in the very triumph of his earthly
success; and it is natural that such an event as we are unfortu
nately called upon to deplore to-day, should awaken in your hearts
and in mine a broad and emphatic sympathy and condolence.
Major Hawk, just on the eve of being renominated as a member to
Congress, almost unanimously by this convention; just when suc
cess was met, is by a sudden dispensation of Providence called away
from these people to the other country beyond the grave.
A man of humble origin, he attained by the avenues of farm
labor, and by his own worth, a' respected manhood, and went forth
to do service with that grand and patriotic army that a few years
ago rose at the call of the nation to defend our liberties and our
Union. While serving his country with that army he was wounded
in a battle almost after the war was over — wounded in one of the
final skirmishes that occurred during the last days of that great
struggle. Honored by his own county, he was also deservedly and gen
erally honored for a life of usefulness, patriotism and manhood, the
memory of which qualities in all human life are the lasting monu
ments that best survive the ravages of the tomb.
I don't wish to say anything further. With this convention I
regret that this sad occurrence comes now and comes here, that by
a sudden stroke this life is cut short; but every man must accept
the situation with me, you will realize the fact that the vacancy,
caused by the death of 110 one man, however good and great, is not
capable of being again filled.
This was well illustrated by our lamented President Garfield,
when he said, " God reigns, and the government at Washington
23

178 MEMOIRS OF
still lives" ; and so no man passes away but that the American
people can supply his place.
I thank you, gentlemen, for the courtesy you have extended
me through your chairman, and I hope for this district that when
we come back to this convention we shall come a harmonious and
happy district, determined to advance the interests of the Republi
can party, and those greater interests of the country at large.
That is all, my friends, that I wish to offer here to-day; and I
promise for Winnebago county that it is willing and anxious to
abide by the decision and by the wish of the representatives in this
convention. (Loud applause.)
At the close of Mr. Garver's remarks, the chairman said that
there had been a request made; in fact quite a universal desire ex
pressed to hear Gen. Smith D. Atkins, and he desired that gentle
man to respond. Gen. Atkins on coming forward said:
Gentlemen- -I have no heart to express to you my profound
sorrow at the intelligence received this morning of the death of
our respected representative in Congress. Congressman Hawk was
my friend. I have known him intimately for many years. I first
knew him a young lad in the volunteer camp at Rockford, he hav
ing enlisted as a private soldier while he was home during his college
vacation in 1S62. He was soon elected lieutenant of his com
pany, afterward he became attached to my regiment, and during
the whole of the three years of his service he and myself were
intimate friends. If you remember, he was a large man, and he
and I would often joke about the surface he displayed for shot. I
would say that when the shot came to him it would come straight.
and fair, and I lived to see the day when that shot did come. That
scene can never pass from my memory. It was a light spring morning
in April, 1865, after we had marched and camped together for years.
We were stationed in the eastern part of North Carolina, when the
news was flashed over the wires that Grant had got the army of
Lee in his hands. It was on the morning of April 12, 1865, only
two miles southeast of the capitol at Raleigh, at Swift's Creek,.
while we were endeavoring to press in behind the main body of the
army. The rebels had destroyed the bridge about eleven o'clock in
the forenoon, and by wading the stream and crossing the girders.
we had pressed the enemy back upon the ravine, and then we rebuilt
the bridge. We might have been engaged an hour at that, and
just as the bridge was placed, a long cavalry column, stretching
for miles, we heard the glad shouts at the rear, and as we marched
we saw a horse wheel from the line, bearing one of the staff officers
of General Sherman, and when he came down to us he gave us the
news that Lee had surrendered. All at once we heard the bugles
tooting. Hawk was leading the column, and on the higher ground
a sudden and desperate charge was made by an entire brigade of~
the enemy, who believed they could double-back that column and
push it into the creek before it could be reinforced, but there was
leading that column one of the most gallant men that every rode a
horse — Major Hawk; and instead of surprising that column th&

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 179
irebels themselves were surprised and doubled back in confusion)
but it was in that encounter that Major Hawk was wounded. I
saw him lying under an oak tree by the stream where he lay
wounded as 1 thought mortally. I pressed his hand and bade him
good-bye, for I never expected to see him alive, and then we rode over
five miles before the enemy made another stand. The Major's leg
was so badly shattered that it had to be amputated above the knee;
but the wound never properly healed, and he never was permitted
or able during the balance of his life to wear a false limb.
Only a few weeks ago 1 was in Washington. I had just been
looking over the ground where some of the battles of 1812 were
fought. At six o'clock I met Major Hawk at dinner, and said to
him in a playful manner:
" You are a' Congressman. You have done things I can't do,
Robert. I have made a march of seventeen miles in the country
here to-day, and you couldn't do that?"
He said, " No; I have given my leg to my country, and, At
kins, I don't know how long it may be, but before long I shall give
my life to my country."
My friends : A brave soldier has fallen, and he gave his life
to his country last night at Washington, just as certain as though
he had died when he received his wound.
Since the war I have also known him well. When he returned
to Carroll county, Carroll county acted gratefully by him. When
he fought his first Congressional campaign he came to me, and I
said to him, " I believe it possible that there may be a change in
Congressmen, but I live in Stephenson county, Mr. Burchard is our
member, and I shall support Burchard." He and I were friends,
¦and while I did support Mr. Burchard, I defy any living man to
recall a single statement or word of mine that ever reflected upon
the character of Robert M. A. Hawk.
It is one thing to abuse a man politically; it is another thing,
quite another thing, to abuse him as a Congressman. Major Hawk
went to Washington entirely without experience as a public man;
he was elected unanimously by the people of his district without
much solicitation on his part. I talked with him about going out
among the people and making political speeches, and his reply was,
"lam elected here by both parties ; I take but little interest in
public affairs." And when he went to Washington he went there
without any preparation whatever. What could you expect from a
public man under these circumstances but honesty and integrity?
That was his character; honestly, fairly and intelligently he served
you in the House for four years, and he had risen to a position
among his colleagues there as high as people could reasonably expect
of a man of his previous experience in public life. I know that
Major Hawk had worked his way in Washington until he was as
highly respected for his integrity "as any man who ever represented
this district in Congress. No man can go into public life and make
a brilliant success without experience. It takes experience to make
a successful public man; aud I say that Major Hawk, with the
little experience he had, stood as high as any man— not excepting

180 MEMOIRS OF
Mr. Campbell, Mr. Burchard, or any other person who ever repre
sented this district in Congress. I regret sincerely that a dispen
sation of Providence has struck this blow. I knew Major Hawk
as my friend; he was kind-hearted and true, a kind father, a public-
spirited citizen- — a good man, as he was always honored to be. But.
I know that, under a wise Providence, for every one man fallen
there must be another to take his place. I have, therefore, the ut
most confidence in the intelligence, the patriotism and the integrity
of his successor, whoever he may be, that shall be elected to Con
gress for this district, and I hope and trust that he will make a
record there as pure as that made by our lamented friend, Robert
M. A. Hawk. (Loud applause.)
The committee on credentials, through its chairman, Judge R.
C. Bailey, of Rockford, reported the following list of delegates:
Winnebago County — R. C. Bailey, John M. Rhodes, Oscar
King, E. I. Carr, A. Brenner, George S. Haskell, E. J. Perry, Irvin
French, Charles A. Works, Horace Hudson, H. W. Taylor, John
H. Sherratt, Robert Oliver, John Nelson, Dudley W. Day, D. E.
Adams, J. P. Perkins, Nate L. Colby.
Stephenson County — Samuel J. Davis, James Masser, J. R.
Leigh, Charles Wake, W. P. Naramore, J. S. Cochran, Charles
Graves, C. J. Fry, B. F. Buckley, H. H. Bolander, J. Webber Ad-
dams, J. R. Young, J. Q. Adams, R: D. Aurand.
Carroll County- — Rufus G. Bailey, Norman Lewis, E. Wood
ruff, John Mader, Whitney Inman, Miles Z. Landon, Edward Glot-
felty, Isaac Paul, W. H. Baines, Otto Watson.
Jo Daviess County — J. W. Parkinson, J. C. Lee, James Bayne,
John Buckley, Jacob Fawcett, Adam Long, J. B. Brown, Dr. J. N.
Sharp, M. R. Chambers, Joseph Tiffert, A. J. Young, George Frost.
Ogle County— J. H. Hunt, A. B. McCrea, B. F. Pulver, John
son Lawrence, Wm. Stocking, Ambrose Sanborn, Wm. H. Cox, J.
W. Walker, R. D. Wolsey, J. A. Knight, M. Blair, Geo. Stanberry,
Geo. E. Johnson, E. A. Irvine, F. N. Tice, Joseph Myers.
It was recommended to the convention that the persons named
as alternates in the respective delegations be entitled to seats as
delegates in the absence of principals, and that where there were
vacancies in the respective delegations, the delegates present were
empowered to cast the vote of their respective counties.
The committee on credentials organized by the choice of Judge
Bailey as chairman, and M. R. Chambers as secretary.
Dr. W. P. Naramore — "I move that the temporary organiza
tion of this convention be declared now to be a permanent one."
Carried. Jacob Fawcett, Jo Daviess county — " I move there be a com
mittee of one from each county appointed as a committee on reso
lutions on the death of Major Hawk, to report immediately."
Carried. The committee was appointed as follows: Carroll, Emanuel
Stover; Ogle, J. H. Hunt; Jo Daviess, George Frost; Stephenson,
Dr. Naramore; Winnebago, H. W. Taylor.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 181
The committee having retired, the the chairman said that a
special request had been made for Judge Brown, of Rockford, to
adddress the convention.
In response, Judge Brown stepped forward and said:
Gentlemen of the Convention : — Previous to hearing of the
death of Major Hawk to-day, I was about starting to attend the
convention to be held this afternoon at Elgin. Passing up to my
house, I told a friend that I would accompany him there. Within
half an hour of our proposed time of starting, he came to my house
and informed me of' the death of Major Hawk. I never was more
surprised in my life. I did not know Mr. Hawk intimately, but
from the little acquaintance I had w;th him I learned to love and
esteem him very highly.
I first met met him in Carroll county, just previous to his ear
liest Congressional nomination, and I have said to some of my
friends that I thought I had never seen a finer looking man physi
cally than Major Hawk. I admired him for his sincerity. I ad
mired him for his good common sense; I admired him for his hon
esty, and I admired him for his intelligence. Of course as to how
he stood in Congress — his record there — I was not then and am not
now posted as many of his friends are, such, for instance, as Gen.
Atkins, and many others; but it is enough to believe that his stand
ing was high, from the fact that this would have been his third en
dorsement for Congress, so that he must have served his constitu
ents well. As intimated by my friend's calling, he came up from what we
call the common ranks of society, and came up in consequence of his
real merit. His was not a mushroom growth; he had friends be
cause he deserved them; he was elevated to the position of trust
because deserving of it, he was loved by his fellow-citizens and
neighbors and constituents because worthy of it.
Now some great men, who have been great in many respects
in the nation, when they came to die, what has been said of them?
.Some of them that on the whole they were brilliant men, but how
ever highly respected citizens, their memories have soon faded from
public notice. More than one instance of this kind of men has
fallen under my observation — men of brilliant parts in some re
spects, yet at the end of life it might be said that their lives have
been failures. Greatness does not consist of great ability, of great
talents, but I think true greatness consists in honesty, integrity, and
above all good common sense.
I insist upon it that in young men there is no quality of so
great value as common sense. Since I have been appointed to the
bench, and for long years before, I have marked the growth of
young men admitted to the bar, some of them of real genuine
talent. Everybody expected of them great things, and that they
would arrive at a position of trust and honor, and become eminent
in their profession. I have seen more than a score of such young
men utterly fail, and begin to have softening of the brain at the
age of thirty years. Now that arose from the one fact that they

182 MEMOIRS OF
were too great when young, and they ceased to grow in intellect at
too early an age.
Many men of real worth in the nation, who have aspired to
and reached the highest positions of trust, have been men who have
come up from the common ranks of society, building up their own
way by hard work and hard labor, and men who didn't over-appre
ciate their abilities in their youth, but modest young men, who, bj
honest industry and hard study, rose to the positions of trust — to
be great men.
What we need to-day more that anything else is real, genuine
men; not politicians, but men who are sought, who are asked to
take office; men who are brought out by the people; men who can
be trusted in high positions, and men who will know their friends
when they stand on a high pinnacle of fame; men who, like the
noble and grand Lincoln, when President at Washington, would
recognize and shake cheerfully by the hand one who was in poverty
as soon as he would one of the greatest men in the American na
tion. I heard Fred. Douglass say once, that he was in consultation
with Mr. Lincoln, while President, when the Governor of Connec
ticut was announced, and Mr. Lincoln said: "Say to the Governor
to wait until I have had out my talk with Fred. Douglass." I heard
Fred. Douglass say another thing, too. He said that there was no
man in America who could make a negro feel so much like a white
man as Lincoln could. As an enthusiastic friend of his, Mr. Lin
coln once took him by the hand and said, " Let's take a walk through
the streets of New York together, and show the people I am not
afraid to walk through the streets with a colored man." "But,"
said Douglass, when he told the story, " he never thought that I
might be ashamed to walk with him." (Laughter.)
Gentlemen, you have called upon me very unexpectedly. My
business has not been much in the speech-making line lately, and I
was hardly prepared to address you on the subject of Major Hawk's
untimely death. I regret the sad event. I expected to vote for
him for Congress, but it can not be now. I am sure, gentlemen,
he was one whose memory we shall all learn more and more to love
as time rolls away.
The chairman next called upon Mr. Fawcett, of Jo Daviess
county, and in response that gentleman said:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention : — I am too
young a man to attempt to follow such speakers as the gentlemen
who have just preceded me, in addressing a convention of delegates
in as old and famous a district as this. To attempt to do so with
out a moment's previous notice, would be unjust to the convention
aud unjust to myself. I can say, however, that Jo Daviess county
shares the feeling of deep sorrow which has so suddenly settled
down upon our district. Major Hawk was greatly loved by the
people of our county. Four years ago, when the convention which
assembled in this room had balloted over five hundred times in a
vain attempt to nominate a candidate for Congress, Jo Daviess
county stepped to the front and cast the votes that nominated Major

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 183
Hawk. Two years ago Jo Daviess again sent a solid delegation for
Hawk. The Jo Daviess County Convention that assembled last
Saturday again selected twelve delegates, and instructed them to
vote for Major Hawk as long as his name should be before the con
vention. This morning we started from our homes with light hearts
for the purpose of carrying out those instructions, feeling that the
duty assigned to us would be both short and pleasant; and when
we read in the morning papers the notice of his death, we could not
believe it. We knew that only a few days before he had left his
home in Mt. Carroll in health and strength, and with the gratifying
knowledge that he had been handsomely endorsed by the district
that he had so faithfully served. When we reached this city and
found the news confirmed, we felt a sorrow too deep for words to
express. The feeling of love and honor for Major Hawk in Jo Da
viess county was not confined to any particular town, but was the
undivided sentiment of the entire county. We loved him for his
honesty, his patriotism and his ability; and now that he has been
so suddenly removed from us, it will always be a source of pleasure
for us tolook back and think that he lived to know of his triumph
ant vindication, and that we contributed to that triumph. Major
Hawk's military record has been eloquently given by Gen. Atkins,
who knew him better than any other gentleman in the convention,
so I will not refer to that except to endorse the General's senti
ment that "he died a martyr for his country;" for I firmly believe
that when the particulars are learned it will be found that the wound
which he received in his country's defense was the cause of his
deathj and that he laid down his life on the altar of his country
just as truly and completely as if he had been shot dead on the
battle-field of North Carolina.
I» war and in peace he was always at his post. He lived a
patriot and died a hero. He was fully and completely vindicated
here, and will be abundantly rewarded in the Great Hereafter. I
quote, in conclusion, those beautiful lines of Carlton, which express
better and more eloquently than I can myself my sentiments with
regard to our noble dead:
" When the long years have passed slowly away,
E'en to the dawn of earth's funeral day:
When at the Arch Angel's trumpet and tread
Rise up the faces and forms of the dead:
When the Great World its last judgment awaits;
When the blue sky shall swing open its gates,
And our long columns march solemnly through
Past the great Captain for final review,
Then for those who died for the right,
Crowns shall be given untarnished and bright;
Then the glad ear of each war martyred son
Proudly shall hear the good judgment, well done."
Judge Spensely, of Jo Daviess county, was next called forward
and addressed the meeting, and was followed by Judge Rufus C.
Bailey, of Rockford, who said:
I never had the pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with the
deceased gentleman, Major Hawk. I knew that he occupied a seat

184 MEMOIRS OF
in Congress; I knew that he followed Mr. Burchard there, and I
knew of him in his Congressional career in a general way, that he
had been an earnest, faithful representative. I knew that a short
time since, and until the reapportion tment of Congressional districts
in the State, that Winnebago county had been attached to the old
fifth district. Previous to this time the people of Winnebago
county, by a general and unanimous vote, had instructed that J. C.
Garver, Esq.. was their candidate for Congress in the old district.
When we found ourselves, one new county attached to an old dis
trict, we didn't suppose that Winnebago county would receive
much recognition from the old, solid district, and when we learned
the action of the other portions of the district in favor of Major
Hawk, we had resolved to come here and say that while Garver was
Winnebago's unanimous choice, we had come to endorse the nomi
nation of Hawk to be his own successor.
This morning we learned the sad news of the death of your
honorable member, and we went no further for the time being as
to his successor. We simply said we would go up to Freeport, and
will claim the privilege of mingling our tears with theirs in remem
brance of the honored dead.
Hon. Charles A. Works, of Rockford, was next called and said:
Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Convention: — If the gen
tleman who first addressed you considered himself too young a man
in this congressional district to make a speech on this occasion, it
is true that I may consider that I am too young a man to speak in
this congressional district, or in any other, and Judge Bailey has
so fully expressed the sentiments I feel that I can scarcely add any
thing to the remarks he has made. He stated, as Mr. Garver was
intimating, when I entered the room this afternoon, it has been
more than twenty years since Winnebago county has sat in Con
gressional convention with the other counties represented here to
day. These years have been wonderfully eventful. During these
years we have raised from the degradation of slavery four millions
of human beings, and by that act have said to the world that the
declaration of our fathers that all men were born free and equal is
not a lie. We have spent rivers of precious human blood and
mountains of treasure for the maintenance of truth aud the estab
lishment of right. We have passed through great financial crises;
and we have passed through them all, till we owe not a dollar we
cannot meet. We have witnessed the doom of a President from
the foul hand of the assassin, and we see that, sir, toward which
the whole nation turned in mourning, expiated at the capital to-day.
These events and our national stability, through all these reverses,
reminds me of the words used by Mr. Garver this afternoon: " God
still reigns and the government at Washington still lives." For
twenty eventful years, though we have not associated together in the
same district, yet as members of the great Republican party we
have been working together for the welfare of this country. Our
joys and sorrows, our victories and defeats, have been mutual.
We have come through the darkness of civil war into the light

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 185
-of peace and prosperity, and, Winnebago county coming back in
the district, comes with a firm faith in that grand old party to
which we still look for the perpetuation of good government in this
•country. We can all sympathize with you in the loss you have sustained.
No word of ill repute have I ever heard dropped from any citizen
of Winnebago county during the canvass against his name. This
further, never would the Republican party of Illinois have under
taken thrice to endorse a man as he was endorsed unless he was
worthy of it. So I say we are here to mingle our tears with yours;
we feel the. loss as ours, although not so long represented by him as
isome of you, yet, as Republicans of Northern Illinois, we have
, been represented by him as worthily, and while we come here to
day instructed for another candidate, we have never had any words
but words of praise for the dead soldier of Carroll.
The committee on resolutions here returned and made the fol
lowing report: resolutions of regret and respect.
The Committee on Resolutions beg leave to report as follows:
Whereas, This Convention has heard with profound sorrow of
the sudden death, in Washington city, of Major Hawk; therefore
Resolved, That as a soldier he won the esteem and gratitude of
the people for whom he lost a limb in battle, and probably finally
gave his life; that as a citizen he was public-spirited, and enjoyed
to the highest degree the confidence and esteem of the entire com
munity; that as a Congressman he was intelligent, honest and faith
ful to every public duty.
Resolved, That this Convention deeply regrets that the willing
labor of placing him again in nomination by the unanimous voice
of the constituents of his old district, and the hearty second of
of Winnebago county recently added to the district, cannot now be
performed. That we shall ever cherish the memory of the gallant
soldier and pure statesman ; that this convention respectfully tenders
to the widow of Major Hawk, and to his fatherless children, its sym
pathy and regret, and that in token of our high regard for his pure
character in life, and our sorrow at his death, this convention will
adjourn until July 11th, 1882, and will attend the funeral of Con
gressman Hawk in a body.
W. P. Naramore, E. Stover,
H. W. Taylor, George Frost,
J. H. Hunt.
An amendment was moved by Mr. Fawcett, to extend the date
of adjournment to the first of August.
A further amendment was put, fixing the date for Tuesday,
July 18th. This was put to a vote by counties and carried as fol
lows: Carroll, 10 ayes; Ogle, 16 ayes; Jo Daviess, 12 nays; Ste
phenson, 14 ayes; Winnebago, no vote.
It was now agreed that the adjourned meeting should be held
at 1 :30 p. m. Adjourned.

186 MEMOIRS OF
The following letter was written from Mt. Carroll to the For
reston Herald : Mt. Carroll, July 2, 1882.
Our Congressman is dead. Between three or four thousand
people assembled in the city to-day to attend the funeral. The body
arrived here from Washington at 4:27 p. m., accompanied by Sena
tors Logan of Illinois, McDill of Iowa, George of Mississippi, and
others, ten in all. The free-masons from Freeport, Shannon, Lan
ark, Savanna, Thompson, and other neighboring towns, were, well
represented in one of the longest funeral processions ever seen in
this city. Our city was very appropriately draped in mourning in
honor of his memory, which showed the high esteem in which he
was held by the people of his native town. His sudden and un
timely death was a surprise to all. Little did his family and friends
dream that less than one week from the time he left home for the
national capital that the white-winged angel of death would lay her
icy hand on the manly form of the now speechless major. No
more will his loud, clear voice in debate be heard in the legislative
halls of the American Congress. No more will his many friends
in political circles grasp the hand of their manly friend in social joy.
No more will his many friends and constituents welcome him home,
and converse on general topics of public interest. No more will
his honored name be called for renomination in the conventions to
represent the people of the old fifth district of Illinois. No more
will his opposers in politics find fault with htm, whose motives, in
the judgment of all honest people, were always on the side of jus
tice and right. No more will his name on the book of Congress
be called for an answer, but on the book of life it will appear in
letters of honor. He has met the natural and common fate of all
mankind. We are all on a steady march to the grave. The arms
of death will at last hold us in their icy embrace. We are at last
laid away beneath the green sod of quietness, to sleep in silence
through the years of eternity. Our friend and representative has
passed away. " He sleeps to-night beneath a wilderness ot flowers."
In the white cemetery of silence his remains are at rest, away from
the trials of a busy life and free from the many snares of politics,
surrounded by those who love and honor his memory. Let him
sleep in peace. The nation's wards will guard his sleeping dust. A
soldier of the Republic. A commander of the principles of justice.
A battler tor the right. He loved liberty and detested oppression.
H fought for the right in opposition to the wrong. He sacrificed
his leg on the altar of his country to secure freedom and peace to
four million slaves. He left family and home to fight in defense of
the nation's life, and to-day, the second of July, we followed his
remains through the glowing sunshine to the monumental city of.
rest. Ashton.
The following appeared in the Freeport Republican:
Permit me as the friend of the lamented Hawk to offer my
feeble tribute to his memory, and to put one flower on his newly-
made grave. How sad and profound the sorrow which filled our
hearts when the sad news was flashed over the wires that R. M. A.
Hawk was dead. Death is an unwelcome visitor, come when he

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 187
may; but doubly so when he comes in the hour of life's conquests,
when the clouds have been swept away from our sky, and the sun
of prosperity shines brightly upon us. R. M. A. Hawk had en
deared himself to many in this Congressional District by his noble
and generous nature, his manly and patriotic example, his wise and
generous course as their Representative in Congress. He truly
loved his country, and in the time of its great peril offered his vol
untary services as a soldier, periling his life upon the battle-field,
and sacrificing one-seventh of his body. His country's flag was to
him the emblem of Liberty and Equality, and to see it float over a
free and united people was his greatest joy. But the gateways of
the unknown future life have been opened to him by the hands of
the angels, and he has passed away from friends on earth to make
one of the bright galaxy of our country's heroes whose memory is
so dear to the American people. It is sad to think that in the hour
when the people of his Congressional district were eager to crown
him again as their Representative in Congress he was so suddenly
taken from them. While we bow in humble submission to Him
who doeth all things well, we feel that the cloud, although dark to
us, has a silver lining. Even in this life some things are endowed
with immortality. Death has no power to rob us of his noble
example, his heroic deeds, his love of country, and all things pure
and true. His words, spoken so kindly to us all, still live to stir our
hearts and mould our lives. And as the years roll on, and each
succeeding spring shall lay its floral offerings upon his grave, his
memory will remain dear to his many mourning friends. As we
all stand with uncovered heads in the presence of this sad bereave
ment, let it be no unseemly scramble, no sordid ambition to fill the
place made vacant, and let his mantle fall on no one but the patriotic
and the pure. F. B. Rolph.
Taylor, Ogle Co., 111., July 2, 1882.
The Carroll County Herald, in one of its September issues, had
the following: The late Major Hawk, in his lifetime, belonged to Progress
Lodge, A. O. U. W., of this city, and his family Was entitled at his
death to the $2,000 which that order pays to the legal representa
tives of its deceased members. The payments are made usually
within ten days after the death of the memher, if the certificate of
death is made up at once. In the case of Major Hawk, the pay
ment was not made until August 31st, on account of the delay
occasioned by the non-return of the death certificate from the par
ties who were present at his death in Washington. Just as soon,
however, as the certificate arrived, H. F. Beaver, the custodian of
the lodge funds in this city, paid over to Mrs. Hawk the sum of
$2,000 in cash. The Order, throughout the United States, is in a
flourishing condition, and there has not yet occurred a failure to pay
the amount due on the death of any member, and the strength and
prosperity of the association precludes all posssibility of a failure.
We believe that the A. O. U. W. is largely in advance of any other
life insurance association in existence, and persons- in moderate cir
cumstances would make a good investment by joining it. The lodge
in this city is composed of our business men.

188 MEMOIRS OF

PERSONAL TRIBUTES.

CHAPTER FIFTH.

Letters from Dr. Stevens — Mrs. John A. Logan — Congressman Sherwin —
Major Woodcock— Hon. Robert R. Hitt — J. H. Rowell, Esq. — Hon. J. C.
Barrows— Rev. F. D. Powers— Robert Moffatt— Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Allen —
Gen. Charles Waite— Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Adair.
AFTER Major Hawk's death, his widow received sixty-five per
sonal letters. The following are a few of this number, which
show the high regard of the deceased by his many friends:
Washington, D. C, July 2d, 1882.
Mrs. R. M. A. Hawk:
Dear Madam — I take this liberty, thinking you will be glad
to know from one who attended him whose sudden loss you now
mourn, and whose qualities made him loved and respected by all
with whom he came in contact.
Your husband arrived in this city Wednesday morning, June
28th, attended to some of his business matters during the day, sat
np reading until after 11 o'clock, then retired, feeling as well as
usual. About three o'clock, a. m., he awoke with a severe headache.
Not wishing to disturb any one, he waited until 6:30 o'clock before
he sent for me.
I went immediately, and found him suffering with what seemed
to be one of his old billious attacks.
I left him medicine, which seemed to relieve him, for in the
afternoon he walked about his room. At five o'clock his symptoms
changed; at seven o'clock I called and found him suffering with very
severe pain at the base of the brain, accompanied with retching and
vomiting. I gave something which relieved the congestion and
vomiting, remained with him over an hour, and left him feeling
comfortable. Later Senator and Mrs. Logan called, and had a most pleasing
and lively talk.
I returned about 10 :30, and found all his symptoms greatly in
tensified. I sent for counsel, but before they arrived he was beyond
human aid. At 10:45 he lay back on the pillow, and, without a

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 189
murmur, fell into that calm and sweet sleep which knows no pain,
nor sorrow, nor wakening.
Dear madam, rest assured that everything was done thatpossibly
could be done — his friends at the boarding-house did all in their
power; but nothing could prevent the inevitable termination. His
death was caused by apoplexy, which was due to the rupture of a
blood-vessel at the base of the brain.
Please accept my sincere sympathies for you and yours.
I am, madam, Respectfully yours,
1313 H St. W. H. Stevens.
, Washington, D. C, 812 12th St., June 30, 1882.
My Dear Mrs. Hawk:
At this hour (11 p. m.) last night I stood beside the death-bed
of your good husband, and wiped the perspiration from his brow,
wishing you were there in my stead. It is still like a dream, it
was all so sudden and dreadful to us, who only a few short hours
before saw him so bright and happy over his approaching victory.
He was up and down all day, but no one thought of his being dan
gerously ill. He had every attention, and any of us, you know,
would have watched him incessantly. But he said he would soon
be all right, that his head ached very badly, that he needed rest
most of all. He was alone only a few moments at a time, different
members of the household and friends alternating in going in and
out of his room. Gen. Logan and I were with him quite awhile
early in the evening, the General remaining as late as eight o'clock
after our dinner hour. After us Katie, Miss Sallie, Mr. Geo. Upton,
Mr. Young, and others, were in the room with him. He grew worse
rapidly after 9:30, and at 11 breathed his last. Gov. and Mrs. Car
penter, and a dozen of the house, were in the hall and room, all of
us doing all we could. But, alas, of no avail; it was to be, and
may God help you to bear this blow. It was so painful to us to
break this sad news to you, and any of us would have done any
thing to spare you so great a sorrow. I know how empty are words
at such a time. But let no thought or fear that he was not prop
erly ministered to enter your grief. You could have done no more
had you been here, feel sure of that. One comforting thing is, he
wanted for nothing for his physical comfort. He did not realize
his sinking condition; hence did not feel the anguish he would
have felt had reason revealed to him your absence. Dollie and
Mrs. Electa Smith tried to put all his things away carefully, that you
might receive these mementoes in proper order. You have much
to live for in your splendid children, of whom their father was so
proud and fond ; and I know you will take up the burthen of life
again, and will do the best you can.
May the Kind Father sustain you, is the prayer of yonr friend,
Mart S. Logan.
Washington, D. C, 812 12th St., July 18, 1882.
JVIy Dear Mrs. Hawk:
I was so glad to see by the tenor of your letter that you have

190 MEMOIRS OF
taken your affliction as becomes a Christian, and that for the sake
of your children you try to be brave, and discharge your doubled
duties and responsibilities faithfully and well. All your friends
here send many messages of loving sympathy to you.
Poor Major has escaped much vexation of spirit and annoyance
from the political world, and, as you witness the scramble for place,
you must feel thankful he is vexed no more.
Gen. Logan is not well, and has not been for a long time, and
1 am in constant terror lest he too should fall under the burthens
he is daily braving for a public that has not always been grateful
to their servants and martyrs.
Give my love to Gertie, Harry and Burt. I shall see you, if pos
sible, this fall. God bless you. Your friend,
Mart S. Logan.
P. S. Do you remember Capt. Simpson, a friend of Major
Hawk, who is enrolling and engrossing clerk of the Senate? His
wife died about as suddenly as poor Major last week. I went to
see her, and found her dying. I staid with them of course till all
was over. Yours, M. S. L.
Geneva, III., June 30, 1882.
My Dear Mrs. Hawk:
I came tp this place to-day on business, and have just seen by
the morping papers that your dear husband, and my most valued
friend, is no more. I cannot hope to break the force of this shock
to your feelings, or to alleviate the gloom with which you are sur
rounded. I offer you in vain words of comfort. I would, however,
if I could, tell you how deeply I sympathize with you and your
precious children in this hour of your distress.
The Major was my intimate and confidential friend, and I had
learned to love him as such. I feel as though my own loss is irrep
arable, as though I too had very much to mourn for. I cannot
realize that that manly, true soul has departed, that his kindly voice
is silent. Mrs. Hawk, it must help you to know and feel how good and
brave a man your husband was. He was entirely respected by the
best citizens of his district, and by every member of the House of
Representatives. He had received very high honors, bestowed upon
him freely, and had borne them meekly and as became an American
citizen of the best and highest type. His name will be a grand
heritage to his fatherless children. Please tell them for me how
greatly I sorrow with them. Allow me at a respectful distance to
mingle my grief with theirs and yours. O noble life so soon
cut off! God bless you and comfort you, God keep you and care for
you, is nly most heartfelt prayer.
I am with great respect your friend,
J. C. Sherwin.

Dear Mrs. Hawk

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 191
Sterling, III., Aug. 9, 1882.

The great grief of my life came to me in January last, when
my loved one died. I then received from Major Hawk a very fine
letter full of sympathy. This letter I very highly prize. That dear
comrade, your noble husband, has also departed. The great sorrow
of your life now agonizes your heart. Oh, how deeply I sympa
thize with you and the dear children ! I feel for you as only one
can who has thus suffered. When we last met, I expressed to you
as best I could my heartfelt sympathy. I thought I would not
write you; but, when reflecting upon the beautiful letter of the
Major, 1 determined to write you a few lines.
I first met Major Hawk at Camp Fuller, Rockford. His fine
personal appearance on dress parade attracted my attention. In
height over six feet, straight as an arrow, finely formed, and clad in
his bright uniform of bine, he looked every inch the grand soldier
he afterwards became. I admired his splendid presence, and in my
mind pronounced him the finest looking and handsomest man in
the regiment. 1 sought him out at his tent and made his acquaint
ance. I found he had a large, generous heart. From that moment
our friendship began. We afterwards became intimate. Often side
by side in the weary march; in the wooded camp; on the picket
line in the shadow of night, the peaceful sky with its flashing stars
above, and the hostile foe in front of us; then again detached from
the regiment (his company and mine) on courier duty, our line
twenty miles in length upon the crest of Lookout above the clouds;
then again together (still as couriers) in the sulphurous din and
booming thunder of Chicamauga's bloody battle, the dead and
dying about us; together in the wild raids of the regiment, its
march to the sea, its many skirmishes and battles; — such scenes as
these made our friendship deep, abiding, and cemented our hearts
in sacred friendship. I loved him with all the fervor of a comrade's
heart. When he fell so terribly wounded in our last battle (an armis
tice occurring between the two armies), I followed him to Raleigh,
N. C, and stood by him during his terrible suffering. The sur
geons, when about to amputate his limb, told him he might not sur
vive the operation, and if he wished to say anything to do it. He
then looked up to me and said: " Major, I wish to whisper to you."
I drew close beside his couch, leaned over my head, and he whis
pered in my ear this : " If I die, tell the folks at home I was proud
to give my life for my country, 1 was proud to die for the old flag.
And then should they ask about my spiritual welfare, say to them
that death had no terrors for me, that I was prepared to die." He
then looked up at the surgeons, and spoke to them as calmly and
coolly as when on dress-parade: "Gentlemen, proceed, I am ready.'-*
0 what grand, heroic words! I looked upon him with admiration,
and then turned away to hide my grief. . He lived through that ter
rible ordeal, but O how he suffered! As a token of his friendship
for me, without solicitation or thought on my part, he tendered the

192 MEMOIRS OF
best office of his district which I now hold. How glad I was to
serve him in the last campaign. I worked for him as I never
worked before, with all my soul, and strength and energies; and
this, not from a sense of gratitude alone, but because I loved him.
Dear Bob is dead! The rebel bullet at last accomplishod its work.
He has given his life for his country. His blood makes sacred the
old flag for which he so bravely fought, for which he so long
and painfully suffered, and finally for which he died. As a gal
lant, heroic soldier, he was the bravest of the brave. As a com
rade in the war, he had a kind word and genial smile for every
one, and he was respected and loved by all. As a friend, no truer
or more faithful one ever lived. As a husband and father, you know
of his devotion and of his great, loving heart. 0 what a beautiful life
was his, so honest, so pure, so full of gallant deeds and noble works!
What a rich legacy is this to you and the children! The people
loved him and delighted to honor him. How glad his heart was
made the last few days of his life when the voice of his people
spoke so unanimously for him. His sun went down in a golden
glory. " He sleeps in the valley so sweet," on that beautiful hill of
your city. You and I will not have long to wait by the river before
we shall cross over to the shining shores beyond, where we shall
meet our loved ones. May God bless you, dear Mrs. Hawk, and
the children. May the Saviour bind up your broken hearts, and
give rest to your sorrowing heads upon his loving bosom.
I am in deepest sympathy your friend,
Albert Woodcock.
Mount Morris, III., July 22, 1882.
Mrs. R. M. A. Hawk, Mt. Carroll, 111. :
Dear Madam — I was deeply touched this morning by your kind
word of congratulation, so thoughtfully and delicately sent in the
midst of great sorrow, still so fresh. I would have written you
before in sympathy and condolence had I been personally acquainted
with you as I was with him, for I knew him well, and often met
him, especially during the trying events of last year at Washing
ton — a golden-hearted man, whose sincere and noble nature breathed
through every word and act. It is one of the embarrassments of
my present position that I know each mind involuntarily compares
me with the loved leader who is gone. The strongest sympathy
everywhere attends his name, for death came so suddenly in the
midst of strength, and promise, and usefulness, that no one can
look unmoved at such an abrupt termination in the very middle of
his career. I expect to be at Mt. Carroll soon, and, with your permission,
will call upon you to express the respect I feel for you and for the
memory of your honored husband.
I am, with high regard,
Yery sincerely yours,
Robert R. Hitt.

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 193
Bloomington, III., July 3, 1882.
Mrs. Mollie G. Hawk:
Dear Friend — I have heard with sorrow of your great bereave
ment, and cannot resist the desire to tender you the sincere sym
pathy of an old friend.
I had looked forward with a great deal of pleasure to a probable
association with your husband during the next term of Congress,
^and to a renewal of the old-time friendship with yourself, and have
often spoken of it in my family. Alas, we can never know of the
morrow! May the good Master be with you in your sorrow and
trouble. Yours as ever,
J. H. Rowell.
Washington, D. C, July 24, 1882.
My Dear Mrs. Hawk:
Yours of the 20th instant just at hand. My heart has gone
¦out to you in deepest, tenderest sympathy through all these sad
days. I know how dark seems the way, how heavy the shadows;
¦but, my dear friend, " He doeth all things well." He can make no
mistake. It is for the best somehow, some way. Though we may
not see, know or understand, yet in the great hereafter it will be
revealed, the infinite love of the Father. Life is but a day at best,
this earth-life. Your good husband has entered upon that life
which knows no death. He has simply gone before. I know you
will have the courage to suffer and be strong, and patiently wait the
will of the Father.
Kiss the dear children for me, and God bless and keep you all.
Your friend,
J. 0. Burrows.
Washington, D. C, July 4, 1882.
My Dear Sister Hawk :
I little know how to offer, you consolation in your sudden and
great sorrow. My first thought was of you and the children, and
¦ever since I got the sad news in the night of last .Thursday, I have
thought of you. I was very much attached to Brother Hawk. He
.was a good friend to me, and I loved him very sincerely. He was
a fine example to his fellow members, and his influence in the House
was always pure and good. I have never seen those men so affected
as they were when the announcement was made. They passed the
resolutions and adjourned immediately. A number spoke tome
of their high regard for Bro. Hawk, and of his pure and upright
course. After tbe brief services here, several said they rejoiced
that I could speak such words of a member of Congress as I spoke
of him. I replied that I did it sincerely and knowingly. I know,
my dear sister, these things are but little help to you. You feel
no doubt overwhelmed by your affliction; but remember, "Ihe
Lord gave and the Lord taketh away." The thought that God
reigns, and orders, and takes care of his own, is to me the most
24

194 MEMOIRS OF
precious in the Bible, and when one is truly pure in heart, he shall
see God and enter into his rest. "Happy are the dead that die in
the Lord immediately; yea, said the Spirit, they do rest from their
toils and their works do follow them." You have this inexpressible
consolation, and after all we have at best but a brief time here, and
must soon, every one of us, go to our reward. The main object of
life, after all, is to prepare for our real and eternal existence.
Personally I feel that I have met with a great loss, and that
our church here has lost a much valued friend. He often spoke to.
me about our work, and insisted on my going to Mt. Carroll this
summer, and I had looked forward to it with pleasure. Everything
was done for him here that could be done. I had not seen him
since his return, and did not know of his illness until that night
in the night they sent for me. I went directly to the house, and
telegraphed you. May God bless and keep you, and give you the^
peace which passeth all understanding. Your Christian Brother,
F. T. Power.
P. S. Mrs. Power wishes me to present her sympathies and
love to you. F. T. P.
Girard, O., July 1, 1882.
Dear Cousin Mollie :
The morning paper brings me the sad intelligence of cousin
Robert's death. It is not necessary for me to say how this surprised
and shocked me. I hasten to send you a line to tell you how my heart
is grieved, and how deeply I sympathise with you and your orphan
children. I feel like flying to your side to shed my tears with yours
in your greatest sorrow. My mind goes back to childhood when
Robert and I were children, playmates, school-mates. I have always
cherished the happiest memories of those innocent associations.
As a boy he was manly and true; as a young man he was honorable
and affectionate; as a soldier he was gallant and brave; as a Chris
tian he was steadfast in the faith.
"Blessings brighten as they fly." I little knew how much I
loved him till these sad words greeted my ears. God bless you in
this great bereavement.
I wish I could know whether his remains are to be brought
through Cleveland and when. I would surely call to see you on
your sad journey.
If it will not weary you, I would like very much to hear the
particulars of his sickness and death.
Tell Uncle William and Aunt Margaret that I sorrow with
them, but not as those who have no hope. Yery truly, &c,
R. Moffett.
Eureka, III., July 3d, 1882.
Dear Sisteb:
We have received the exceedingly sad intelligence of the sudden
and unexpected death of your noble husband. Y^e would express-

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 195
to yourself and family our deepest sympathy in this so unlooked-
for and crushing affliction. We know you have faith in Him who
is the " resurrection and the life," and that, while you sorrow, it will
not be as "those who are without hope."
We commend you to Him who " doeth all things well," and
who can and will overrule even the bitterest affliction to the good of
those who put their trust in Him. May. He give you strength and
comfort in this hour of sorest need, and in His infinite love and
¦ever abounding mercy keep you all in the true path which will lead
to a glad reunion, is the prayer of your brother and sister,
J. M. Allen,
Sallie E. Allen.
Lena, III., July 15, 1882.
Dear Mrs. Hawk :
Your favor of 13th inst., enclosing my letter of June 20th to
Major Hawk, is received.
Mrs. Waite and myself have the warmest sympathy for you in
your great affliction, and feel that outside our own family circle we
eould not sustain a greater loss than we do in the death of your
dear husband whom we esteemed our friend.
I have all the letters he ever wrote me, and shall preserve them
with great care, and shall file with them the letter of mine returned,
because it contains expressions of friendship for him, and confidence
in his integrity, and on that account could wish he had read it; but
I trust he did not need to do so to know that fact. As I stood at
my wife's bedside, bidding her good-bye to go to the convention to
vote for his nomination, the telegram containing the sad announce
ment of his death was handed me, and the first words spoken were
by Mrs. Waite, who exclaimed, "Oh! I am so thankful you were
his friend. We shall ever cherish his memory, and trust that " He
who doeth all things for the best" will give you grace and strength
in this your sorest trial.
I am happy to say Mrs. Waite is improving, and we trust she
will be soon restored to health. She sits up, and rides out a very
little. She joins me in expresssions of kindest regards to yourself
and children, and we beg to say, if we can be of service to you in
any way, you will not fail to command us.
Yours, very respectfully,
Charles Waite.
Springfield, III., July 21, 1882.
Dear Mrs. Hawk :
It was very kind and self-sacrificing on your part to send us
your kind note of the 18th inst. While so pleased to hear from
you, we feel that you sacrificed much in speaking to us of your
great sorrow, while the gloom lay so fresh upon your heart.
We felt that you must suffer more that you could at first real
ize as the days went on. It was this thought that has caused our
hearts to go out in sadness and sympathy for you, knowing that

196 MEMOIRS OF
you alone must know the bitterness of anguish that the lonely day&
and nights must bring.
Is there anything that can be said or done to appease your
heart's sorrow? Utterly and literally nothing. Its indulgence is-
its only consolation. To weep and mourn for the lost one the only
pleasure. Nothing can be said or done to recall or amend this crush
ing disappointment. The future looks darker and more gloomy
than the present. We may say: " Let thy will, not mine, O Lord,
be done." Nevertheless the human heart calls for its own, and in
spite of our humility, our affections assert themselves — and why
not? Shall the harsh scourge soften, without compensation? We
are of those who think not-
Dear friend, the liberty to talk thus freely is, in our love and
sympathy. We know that he, for whom you weep so bitterly, was
so kind and good, so lovable and thoughtful. We know what you
have lost as a husband and your children as a father. And while
we know that time alone can only soothe the pain and heal your
sorrow, we know also that the thought of that is painful. We can
only say: May the deep sorrow gradually lighten, until whatis
now bitter grief, may become sweet memory, and the thought of him
a blessing and a hope.
With loving sympathy and affection your friends,
J. M. and Mrs. Adair.

[Eulogy upon the late Major R. M. A. Hawk, of Mount Car
rol, Illinois, delivered in the Eureka College Chapel, November 23d,
1882, by J. M. Wright, in behalf of the Edmund Burke Society,.
of the College, of which Society Major Hawk was once a member.],
They fade before us one by one,
The true, the noble and the brave,
And in the waning of the year
We come to lay upon the grave,
Of him we knew so long and well,
Our laurel wreath and asphodel.
To-night, fellow Burkes, we are called upon to mourn the loss
of one whom we respect and most tenderly love. It is positive-
conviction that we cannot bestow honor additional to that already
achieved by our noble brother; yet this untiring devotion to the
canse of right, and his excellent deportment, are deserving of this
faint but sincere tribute to his memory. Robert M. A. Hawk was
born April 23d, 1839, in Hancock county, Indiana. William H.
Hawk, his father, and Hannah M. Hawk, his mother, were natives
of Abingdon county, Virginia. The father was of German, the
mother of Scotch-Irish extraction. Their ancestors were builders
and agriculturalists, some of them having fought in the Revolu
tionary War. His mother, who died in 1844, was the daughter, of
John Moffett, an Indian fighter of his time. The early life of R. M.
A. Hawk was spent in Hancock county, Ind. After the death of

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 197
his mother, and one year's residence in the State, he removed with
his father to Carroll county, 111., reaching that place June 14th, 1846.
He attended the common schools of the county till 1856, when he
was placed under the instruction of an uncle, and by him fitted for
college. During his early school days he evinced a spirit of studi-
ousness, and exhibited a ready proficiency which characterized him
all through life. He entered Eureka College in September, 1861,
and was making rapid progress in his studies, when inflamed by a
spirit of patriotism, and obeying an irresistible impulse of duty,
he gave them up and enlisted in the Union army. He was mus
tered into the United States service September 4th, 1862, as first
Lieutenant, of Company C, Ninety-second Infantry Volunteers. He
was made captain of his company February, 1863. and brevetted
major for meritorious service April 10th, 1865. His successive
promotions were but tbe direct rewards of his constant, unswerving
adherence to every duty assigned him. He loved the silver stars
and crimson stripes; he believed in the brotherhood of states; he
was a warm votary of the cause of universal freedom, and it was
for these convictions he fought so heroically during the dark days
of the rebellion, when friend was arrayed against friend, and brother
against brother in civil strife. His skillful efficiency and his reflec
tive ability won for him implicit confidence among his fellow officers.
It was remarkable with what facility and sincerity he changed the
thoughtful, perplexed look which shadowed his broad brow to the
kind and sympathetic smile for a dying companion. His singular
comprehensiveness and placid disposition won for him the love and
esteem of all who knew him as a defender of the principles of union
and equality among men. He made the grand march with General
Sherman from "Atlanta to the Sea," and through the Carolinas.
The regiment was always on duty, and exposed to the most inclem
ent weather while their course constantly lay in the swampy, un
healthy regions of country bordering on the " Great Gulf." At
Deep Creek, near Raleigh, N. C, he was severely wounded, April
12th, 1865, necessitating the amputation of his right leg above the
knee. He met with this misfortune a few days after the surrender
of Lee at Appomattox, and the work of disbanding had already
begun. When the portentous cloud of war was rolled back, and
the bright sunlight of tranquility once more shed its effulgent rays
upon the scene of horrible desolation ; when the pure gems that
bedeck the azure vault at night stole forth in their beauty, to guard
the sanctity of the fatherless homes, and the glad anthem of peace
was heralded throughout the length and breadth of this extended
domain of liberty, he rejoiced in the good tidings ; and, after his
recovery, returned home to the duties of a more private citizenship.
Not with the haughty air of those who are made joyous by the
thought that they have wreaked vengeance upon an unfortunate
enemy, but with the more prudent thought of having served his
country, he was willing for the fallen heroes who wore the grey to
sleep beneath the roses of the South, and the gallant veterans who
offered uo their lives upon the altars of union and liberty, to repose
beneath the laurels of the North, and that the gentle dove of mercy

198 MEMOIRS OF
might brood over both the same. His conciliatory labors to effect
a universal feeling of love between the contending factions, and his
willingness to forget the errors of a brother, were all evidences of
the great generosity of his manly heart.
He married Mary G. Clark, of Eureka, 111., July 21st, 1865,
an estimable lady and an honored graduate of this institution of
learning. He was indebted incomparably above all others to his
industrious and faithful wife for the success which afterwards crowned
his labors. He was elected clerk of the county court of Carroll
county in November, 1865, and through his efficiency and faithful
ness was elected for four successive terms to fill that office. Al
though a busy man, he found time after the close of the war to
complete a full course of law studies. He never petitioned for ad
mittance to the bar, because his office was sufficiently lucrative, and
his whole time was occupied with the duties pertaining thereto. He
resigned his office as clerk to accept a seat in the Forty-sixth Con
gress, February, 1877, being elected to the position by an over
whelming majority at the hands of the Republican party. As a
compensation for the excellent service rendered in the Great House
of States, he was re-elected to the Forty-seventh Congress by an in
creased majority. During his second term of office there was a
greater demand upon his energies, as great questions of unusual
interest were necessarily discussed with marked enthusiasm in the
Lower House ere they were framed and handed to the Senate for a
more deliberate consideration. It was there he won his most signal
victories in the defense of his premeditated positions. He proved
himself equal to the emergency, and wrought with peculiar adroit
ness in their amicable settlement. In all the great political contests
embraced in the respective General Assemblies of which he was a
member, '' He found his place and did his part
With growing zeal and earnest heart."
He would have been renominated for the Forty-eighth Congress,
but there was in store for him a different destiny. On the 29th of
June last, quietly he sat in his easy chair, when the somber shades
on the 30th of June of the present year, had he lived one day longer;
had transformed the golden day into the dimness of night, and list
ened to the gentle flow of the crystal waters of the Potomac. The
busy hum of the world's on-going had gradually ceased. All
nature was hushed in repose. A few friends, who loved to enjoy
his colloquial powers, had come to spend the evening with him. Im
mediately before their departure, he exhibited symptoms of uneasi
ness, and they remained to administer to his needs. He asked to
be laid upon his couch. Apoplexy had done its work. Suddenly
he was writhing in the throes of death. The paroxysm was quick
and fatal. 'Twas but an instant, and his spirit was with its God.
When in the majesty of his strength he stood a mighty champion,
with a firm footing on the Rock of Truth, faithfully performing the
duties enjoined upon him, he was instantly called home to that house
of many mansions, from the ephemeral scenes of earth to those of

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 199
everlasting beauty. In full assurance of manhood, he slowly watched
the sun bathe itself in the bright halo of glory capping the western
hills on that fatal eve, with no forebodings of danger. He was cer
tainly a happy man, delighted with the thought that soon he would
lay aside the arduous duties of office and begin his journey home,
to meet loved ones from whom he had been so long separated. But
that blessed reunion is reserved to be meted out among the joys of
a far better world. No premonition was given him, but he was
ready at his bidding to accompany the messenger of death to the
farther shore. Immediately after his departure, the Congressional
halls were draped in demonstrations of deepest mourning, and all
who knew him wore the visage of grief. Resolutions of regret were
passed by the unanimous assent of the sorrowing hundreds who
missed his manly form and cheerful disposition in that great as
sembly of philanthropists. Nor was this feeling of sorrow confined
to any immediate associations, but it was the same dagger of anguish
which pierced alike the heart of this grand republic, and of those
who knew him in the private circles of life. We cannot vie with this
great nation in paying homage to the illustrious dead, only in sin
cerity and filial love, but certainly we are not excelled in these very
essential particulars. Upon his green grave we would lay the chaplet
of memory and veneration. Into the hearts of his grieved family
we would pour the balm of consolation, and point their tearful eyes
to the merciful Father, and implore Him to pity this afflicted wife
and mother, and grant that she and her fatherless children may find
a friend, a father, a benefactor in Him. Over his verdant resting
place shall bloom the perfumed jasmine of the angels, nurtured by
the hand of pious devotion. But he has woven for himself a never-
fading garland of glorious deeds and heroic endeavors, in which he
has placed the brightest ornament, the gem of immortality. The
most exalted honor we can confer upon him is to faithfully obey the
precepts which he has taught us, and walk nobly and circumspectly
in the path of rectitude and honor which he has placed before us,
and which he pointed out by so many landmarks to our imperfect
vision. How truly sentimental the sad refrain :
" Oh, hand that wrought for others good,
Oh, heart that beat for others' weal,
We felt thy power in the past,
The void they leave to-day we feel;
Their work to us seemed scarce begun
Before the heights they sought were won."
His public and political life was not only amiable and meri
torious, but it was also beautiful and ennobling, in that it com
bined all of the virtues which are embraced in pious manhood.
The essential qualities are plainly visible in every phase in which
we view him. From the young schoolboy, filled with ambitious
hopes and lofty purposes, emulating his classmate in the industry
and thoroughnesss of his juvenile work, making sacrifices of plea
sure to the preparation of difficult lessons. On through college with
the same elevating designs, pouring over hard problems, vexed with

200 MEMOIRS OF
tangled translations, trimming the midnight taper in order to per
form the extra literary labor which devolved upon him. That same
beloved hall in which we meet, and render our imperfect recitals,
often resounded with his masterly eloquence. Upon that rostrum,
consecrated to the welfare of those who would imitate Edmund
Burke, the great champion of justice, who wielded his wonderful
masterpiece as a bastion to protect the British citadel from the
French republic, there he met his literary opponent and creditably
and successfully warded off his well directed logical blows. Nor
did he merit praise alone in this particular, but in all duties resting
upon him while a member. Thence upon the gory battle-field,
charging under the iron hail of an infuriated enemy; on the weary
midnight march, when only the sullen fire of distant artillery serves
to guide them to a new day's labor, where their tired energies were
to experience a fiercer conflict. Methinks I see the firey eye rolling
in wild frenzy at the moment he makes a desperaie assault upon his
well entrenched adversaries at Deep Creek. With the grand old
ensign flung to the morning breeze, and its bright colors waving
over him, he charges the enemy's breastworks, and storming them
with his heavy field pieces, will soon scale them, when suddenly he
is wounded and sinks from exhaustion. Upon that closely contested
arena, crimsoned with the blood of heroes, amid the shriek of shell
and the flash of musketry; on the one hand the joyous host press
ing on to victory, and upon the other the wail and moan of the
dying, he won the evergreen laurel of a military hero, and enshrined
himself in the heart of every true loyal citizen by his intrepid valor.
His after life bore the significant charm. While he enjoyed the
relations of private citizenship he was of the same generous nature.
From youth his friends increased with his age, and oft from the
parched lips of need and despair came a blessing to recompense his
acts of benevolence. He seemed to have no enemies, either in his
public or private transactions, and all admired his lofty ideals of
purity, benevolence, Christian fidelity and fortitude, and the earn
estness with which he fought for them; so sincere in his convic
tion, single-minded in his zeal, and heroic in his devotion. While
in Congress his fervent plea was for the nation. Though he labored
to represent the more direct interests of his constituents, yet he was
not silent upon the great measures which absorbed the grave atten
tion of the wise lawgivers of this nation. He introduced several
resolutions in Congress, and warmly and conscientiously supported
those measures which he believed to be compatible with the needs
of his countrymen. His seat in Congress was vacant only when
illness necessitated his absence. His ready assistance together with
his affable mien made many friends for him among his co-laborers
for the weal of others. Those who most vigorously opposed his
measures from adversity of opinion were charmed with his masterly
defense, and their respect and esteem were greatly heightened by
the composed and courteous manner in which he employed his
wonderful logical acumen in the maintenance of his positions. It
is needless to speak further of his Congressional record; it was
brilliantly conducted and sublimely ended. His many noble deeds

ROBERT M. A. HAWK. 201
and firm resolutions will ever glitter as fadeless jewels in the casket
of time's gathered treasures.
But in contemplating this worthy character, the most important
part of his life is that part consecrated to the service of the Master.
R.'M. A. Hawk was a devoted Christian. Early in life he embraced
Christianity, and during the forty-three brief years of his earthly
sojourn, the majority of them were spent in active Christian duties.
His feet were placed in the narrow road which leads to the eter
nal city through the influence of his pious father, and they never
digressed into the paths ot vice and wickedness. What beauty is
there in a Christian life! How much of love! How much of con
secration! How much of fortitude! How much of forbearance!
The Christian forsakes all earthly joys; takes upon himself a heavy
burden of care; ostracises himself from friendly associations of an evil
temperament, that he may appear truly exemplary; subjects him
self to the sneers of the indifferent, and the cruel invectives of the
wicked; lives a life of diligence and humility; makes himself a
companion of grief, and adapts himself to every vicissitude of a de
voted life. Our noble brother passed through these varied ordeals.
He believed in an exemplary Christian life, which he tried to place
before his children in an attitude worthy of their acceptance. His
death gave evidence of a complete resignation to the divine will,
and self-collected and calm he looked into death's cold portals with
out awe or emotion. His Christian walk gave him a rich inheri
tance in the haven of eternal rest. In his departure the members
of this society have lost a gallant brother, his wife a kind and loving
husband, his children an affectionate and clement father, humanity
a friend. His life has taught the true lesson that
"There is no death! What s,eems so is transition,
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the life elysian,
Whose portals we call Death."
But the reward of piety, like death, is not earthly. It is ever con
cealed under the mantle of Divinity; then, how blessed to die in
Christ. How sweet to know that, though we .must cross the turbid
waters of the Jordan of death, yet we are thus transformed into the
likeness of Him whose precious blood has rendered Calvary's sum
mit ever sacred to the believer, and tread the "wine press" alone
that through him we might have eternal life. The good, the true,
the brave sink to rest, and we wonder why they should thus be taken
in the prime of life. We bathe their tombs in tears of deepest sor
row, and inquire why the Supreme One in the plenitude of his mercy
should so grievously afflict us. The soirow for the dead is the only
sorrow from which we refuse to be released. Though it may some
times bring a fleeting cloud over the joyous hour, or spread a deeper
gloom over the sadness, yet who would exchange it for the strain of
pleasure or the din of revelry. There is a voice that springs from
the grave sweeter than the cadence of angels. There is a remem
brance for the departed to which we cling, nor will we turn to the
enchanting scenes of the living. Our grief can only be estimated

202 MEMOIRS OF ROBERT M. A. HAWK.
by the many incidents and characteristics which ingratiate the de
parted into our very nature, and make them partakers of our joys
and the recipients of our grateful reverence. To the one, whose
memory we pay our fond tribute to-night, is justly due our sorrow
and veneration. No worthier soldier in the cause of right ever
buckled armor. Angels hovered over his couch, and, while death held
him a victim, they bore his spirit on their snowy pinions to that city
whose streets are of gold and whose light is God, while the sweet
applause of " Well done, good and faithful servant," trilled from
seraphic lyres, resounded through the corridors of the Infinite. He
closed his eyes upon the scenes of earth, upon the limpid moonlight,
upon the fast receding world, to open them in the glow of an eternal
sunlight. Before his path the golden gates,
Which has been holden from our eyes,
Rolled backward and revealed the way
To verdant hills of Paradise.

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