ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF GEN. GEORGE H. DELIVERED BEFORE THE Society of the Army of the Cumberland BY Abram GEN. JAMES A. GARFIELD AT THE FOURTH ANNUAL REUNION CLEVELAND, NOVEMBER 25, 1870 CINCINNATI Robert Clarke & Co 1871 ORATION. THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF GENERAL GEORGE H. COMRADES OF THE ARMY OF THE CUMBERLAND: In obedience to your order, I arise to discharge, as best I may, the most honorable and the most difficult duty which it was possible for you to assign me. You have required me to exhibit, in fitting terms, the character and career of GEORGE H. THOMAS. I approach the theme with the deepest reverence, but with the painful consciousness of my inability to do it even approximate justice. There are now living not less than two hundred thousand men who served under the eye of GENERAL THOMAS; who saw him in sunshine and storm-on the march, in the fight, and on the field when the victory had been won. Enshrined in the hearts of all these, are enduring images and most precious memories of their commander and friend. Who shall collect and unite into one worthy picture, the bold outlines, the innumerable lights and shadows which make up the life and character of our great leader? Who shall condense into a |