MAJOR-GENERAL MILES.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 2, 13 May 1898, Page 19

MAJOR-GENERAL MILES.

t Major-General Miles has seen a great deal of service. He is best known as the ablest of latter-day Indian fighters, his success against the rebellious tribes overshadowing his distinguished career in the rebellion. Singularly enough he is not a West Point graduate. He was born in Westminster, Mass., in 1839, and is not yet 51) years old. He entered the volunteer service during the war of the rebellion as captain of the 72nd United States Infantry, and was mustered out in 1862 to accept the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Cist New York Infantry. It was in the battle at Fair Oaks that General Miles first displayed conspicuous bravery and gallantry. At Mai vein Hill he again was honoured, and became colonel of his regiment on September 30, 1862, He commanded the regiment at i'redericks-

burg, and was severely wounded in making .1 charge at Chancellorsville. He served with the army of the Potomac during' the Manassas, Peninsula, Northern Virginia, Mine Run, Wilderness, Peterburgh, and Appomatox campaigns. He took part in every battle of the army of the Potomac, with one exception, up to the time that Lee surrendered. He was three times severely wounded. As a modern Indian fighter, General Miles had never an equal. For more than 10 years he pursued the Indians all over the West, and crushed the fight out of them. He displayed great courage, marvellous fertility of resource, and remarkable strategy in border warfare. His last campaign was against the Apaches, led by the infamous Geronimo and Natchez. He compelled these chiefs to surrender on September 4, 188(5. The West rang with his praises. Four States thanked him officially.