OUR NOBLE PRESIDENT by Osborne D. Castleman 1888

OUR NOBLE PRESIDENT

Speech of O.D. Castleman, Delivered in Cold Spring Township, May 26, 1888.

Mr. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN- I rise before you to present to your minds one of the grandest characters in the history of any country. The election of Grover Cleveland as the twenty-second President of the United States marks an era of unusual interest in the history of our country and of peculiar significance in the political succession of parties, which bears within its system the fundamental principles of human liberty. The wonderful survival through twenty-four years of defeat and the final triumph of the party which has elevated Grover Cleveland to the Chief Executive office of the Nation, is a gratifying evidence of the firm convictions and tenacity of purpose which actuate the American citizen in the performance of his duty to that which he believes to be for the best interest of his country; and there can be no better safeguard to the permanency of our institutions than a condition of almost evenly balanced strength between our political parties.

Grover Cleveland was born in the little village of Caldwell, New Jersey, sixteen miles west of New York City and within a few miles of Newark, in the year 1837. In the year 1863, an assistant District Attorney was wanted for Erie County. His traits of character were even at that time so conspicuous that the office appeared to be waiting for him to seek it, and the result was his appointment over many disappointed aspirants. The next office Cleveland held was Sheriff of Eric county;  sworn in 1st January, 1871. For this important office his firmness, courage and strict integrity eminently fitted him, and he filled the office with credit to himself and honor of the country. The next office he held was Mayor of the City of Buffalo, and during his first six months in office he saved the city one million dollars. In all his official life Mr. Cleveland has given evidence of the loftiest statesmanship, measured by the standard, not of political trickery, but of honesty, fidelity, industry and patriotism.

The next office that Cleveland was elected to was Governor of the State of New York. This was one of the most memorable gubernatorial campaigns ever fought in the State of New York, and resulted in Mr. Cleveland's election by a majority of one hundred and ninety-two thousand, the largest ever given to any candidate for Governor in the United States. The inauguration of Governor Cleveland took place on 1st of January, 1883, and he quietly went to work early and late, exercising diligence and dispensing with all formality, to the great end of serving his country best.

We now approach that era in the life of Grover Cleveland when the eyes of the Nation began to be turned toward him as a true exponent of the principles of honest and economical government, and a man whose official acts proved him worthy of higher honors and responsibilities. On the 8th day of July, 1884, the Democratic National Convention met at Chicago with a large and able delegation, and Hon. Richard B. Hubbard of Texas was elected temporary Chairman, and Col. William F. Vilas of Wisconsin was elected permanent Chairman. Cleveland's nomination was unanimous on motion of Mr. Hendricks. Then with waving standards, patriotic music by the band, and song after song and general rejoicing, the Convention adjourned.

During the time that the ballots were being cast that made Grover Cleveland the standard-bearer of his party, he was busily engaged at Albany attending to the duties of his office, and at the sound of the cannon firing the salute General Farmworth exclaimed, "Governor, they are firing a salute over your nomination." "Do you this so?" replied Cleveland; "well anyway, we'll finish up this work."

Cleveland has risen from a poor boy to his present exalted position. He stands today from whence he can look upon Mount Vernon. He stands today from whence he can almost see Monticello, where rest the ashes of the immortal Jefferson, the great author of the Declaration of Independence, breathing the same air of the Alleghaneys, looking through the same azure hue, causing his mind to reflect back upon States and statesmen.

Roland H. Perry, Artist

"Perry was a master of both painting and sculpture, and he began his studies at the Art Students' League in New York City at the age of sixteen. Three years later he traveled to Paris to study with Paul Delance at the Academie Delecluse. He entered the École des Beaux-Arts in 1890 as the only American student admitted that year. Perry remained in Paris for six years, producing both paintings and sculpture.

Returning to the United States, he was commissioned to sculpt bas-reliefs at the Library of Congress. He also created a frieze for the New Amsterdam Theater in New York City. Perry is also credited with two monuments at Gettysburg National Military Park — the statue of Brigadier General George Greene on Culp's Hill, and Brigadier General James Wadsworth on McPherson's Ridge. In all, Perry designed and created over thirty major pieces of art, and he continued to work prolifically until his death on October 27, 1941."

[source:  Pennsylvania Capitol Preservation Committee ]

Commonwealth

Kentucky sends Mrs. John B Castleman, Aged Suffragist

KENTUCKY SENDS AGED SUFFRAGIST

Mrs. John B. Castleman, 79 Years Old, on Democratic Executive Committee.

By a Staff Correspondent of THE SUN AND NEW YORK HERALD.

San Francisco, June 30. - Probably the oldest of the women delegates is Mrs. John B. Castleman of Louisville, Ky. She is the widow of Gen. Castleman, a celebrated figure in his day, and the mother of famous beauties. she is 79 years old, and as a member of the executive committee of the National Democratic Committee was at the rooms where Mrs. Bass presided to-day.

"I'm so glad I could come. I think this is to be the most important convention since the civil war," she said to-day. "Sometimes I'm tempted to say since 1776. We Democrats have so much to do if we are to frame a successful platform that will fulfill the needs of this afterwar period."

Mrs. Castleman ceased talking as a tall, well groomed, beautiful woman approached.

"That is my daughter", she said. The daughter looked a bit worried.

But after her daughter disappeared, enthusiasm overcame Mrs. Castleman.

"No, perhaps I should not talk, but I've been interested for such a long time that it's difficult not to appear interested.

"It seems to me that I was born in politics. I've been in them, as they say, for a long time. I fought for years for suffrage in my Kentucky State. It was one of the hardest fights for that principle in the nation.

"The greatest drawback was the negro women. That was the argument that the anti-suffrage men always used. They didn't want the negro women's vote released and they didn't want the burden of educating the women negro vote, but we won in time."

Besides a long history in public life Mrs. Castleman has a story, one of real Southern romance. The late Castleman, her husband, was a Confederate officer during the civil war. It was Gen. Castleman who, with two other Confederate officers, released Southern prisoners held at Fort Sullivan in Indiana. For this activity Gen. Castleman was banished from the country and later ordered executed by the Northern force.

"It was Lincoln's hand that saved him from death on the scaffold," Mrs. Castleman said. "I have the President's letter at home; I am very proud of it." 

Mrs. John B Castleman, chairman of the delegation representing Kentucky Equal Rights Association

[caption] Left to Right - Mrs. Lafon [Martina Grubbs] Riker, Harrodburg, president of the State Federation of Women's Clubs; Miss Laura Clay, chairman of the delegation opposing ratification of the Susan B. Anthony amendment; Mrs. John B. [Alice Barbee] Castleman, chairman of the delegation representing the Kentucky Equal Rights Association; Mrs. Harrison Gardner [Elizabeth D. Gibson] Foster, member of Miss Clay's delegation; Mrs. Edmund M. [Josephine Fowler] Post, Paducah, member of the executive board of the National Woman's Suffrage Association and member of the delegation urging ratification of the Susan B. Anthony amendment.

Mentally insane Professor Charles Fremont Castleman of Virginia.

When Charles Fremont Castleman was born in 1848 in Frederick, Virginia, his father, Alfred, was 53 and his mother, Margaret, was 40. He married Ambrosia Hazlett on October 16, 1877. They had four children in 14 years. It is probable that he died before 1900. 

From 1866 to 1868 Charles Fremont Castleman, John Randolph Castleman, and cousins John and Henry Castleman are listed as students at "Auburn". They received an English and Classical Education which included French and Latin. 

Auburn School began at the old Wickliffe Academy building in 1865 and later moved to the home of Mr. P.H. Powers, named "Auburn". 

Charles attended the University of Virginia in 1870. 

Charles was a noted scholar in Virginia and was a professor at the Academy at Leesburg, VA for many years.

In 1885, Charles and his family were headed to Tipton, Missouri but were stopped in Decatur, Illinois because Charles' apparently showed signs of insanity.

The following day, after 2 o'clock Charles "got out a revolver and suddenly went out of the large room to where his wife was sleeping, crying out that he would kill her, the children, and himself. He had cocked the revolver and had taken aim when the frightened watcher made a lucky catch at the madman's arm, and in a desperate struggle disarmed him."

"It took a half dozen men to put Castleman under control. He severely injured several of them. The officers put him in jail."

A few days later John Randolph Castleman arrived in Decatur, to take charge of his brother and he took him east, where he was to be confined in an asylum near Baltimore, Maryland.

Ambrosia Hazlett Castleman was officially divorced from her husband Charles Fremont Castleman in 1898. In 1900, on the US Census, she is listed as a widow, but it is unclear if she remarried in 1898.

The children of Charles Fremont Castleman and Ambrosia Hazlett: 

1. Corinne Hazlett Castleman
2. Clara H. Castleman
3. Hortense Beauharnais Castleman
4. Mary Montague Castleman

sources:
1. Education in Clarke County Virginia, Proceedings XXV of the Clarke County Historical Association, Inc. 2003, pages 37-38.
2. Divorce mentioned in the Baltimore Sun, March 29, 1898
3. Attempted Wife-Murder, The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois) - July 3, 1885 Friday, Page 1

Mann R. P. Castleman and the Survivors of the Clarke County Cavalry

Survivors of the Clark County Cavalry circa 1888

Mann R. P. Castleman, "was a member of the organizations known as the Survivors of the Clarke Cavalry and of the J. E. B. Stuart Camp C. V., both of this county." [ quote from Clarke Courier, 1 Nov 1899]

In "A Rebel Cavalrymen" by John Newton Opie, 1899, the dedication in the book reads: "This book is dedicated, with everlasting friendship and abiding affection, to the " Clarke Cavalry," a troop of Virginian horsemen, who served in the Confederate Army from Harper's Ferry to Appomattox. No more gallant, heroic, and chivalrous men than they ever wielded the sabre or rode up to the cannon's mouth. Truly, they were noblemen, trusty friends, unfaltering soldiers, generous enemies, — the true type of the gentleman, the old-time Virginian, and the Southern horseman. Affectionately inscribed by the AUTHOR." Staunton, Va., March 10, 1897.

Medal given to Survivors of The Clarke Cavalry Co. D. 6th VA. C.S.A. 

Excerpt from "A Rebel Cavalrymen": 

CHAPTER LXXI. THE "CLARKE CAVALRY" AT TREVILIAN'S STATION..
...
The narrator of the following facts was a private in Company "D", Sixth Virginia cavalry, known as the ' ' Clarke County Troop, ' ' and, without any pretense to historical accuracy as to dates, the position of our forces, etc., he relies entirely upon his memory, made somewhat indistinct by the lapse of more than thirty years.....His horse escaped, and the following day, when the main fight took place, was ridden by our gallant color-bearer, Mann R. Castleman. The guns, which we thought we had captured, were immediately turned on the fleeing remnant, and, as I lay stretched upon the field, I remember, very distinctly, seeing General Custer and hearing his order given to the artil lerymen to fire. "Much has been written about the inhumanity of soldiers upon the battlefield; and, before I close this sketch, I must record some facts, to the honor and glory of Custer's command. In the first place, one of them kindly and tenderly helped me to drag myself from the open field to the shade of the woods, where I lay all day, just in rear of the enemy's line of battle, and water was brought and given me, repeatedly, during that long day — the nth of June, 1864 — and coffee was also brought me. At nightfall, I was tenderly carried in a blanket by four of Custer's soldiers, and laid alongside two other wounded comrades; one, Lieut. Nat. Willis, wounded through the lungs, like myself, and another, whose name I cannot now recall, shot through the abdomen, who died that night in great agony. We were also given blankets to keep us warm. 

Obituary of Mann R. P. Castleman

Mann R. P. Castleman Obituary: 
A dispatch was received here on Sunday announcing the death at the hospital in Staunton of Mr. M. R. P. Castleman, of this county, which occurred early that morning from apoplexy, aged about 65 years. Mr. Castleman went to the hospital at that place for treatment several months ago and was improving quite satisfactorily when his earthly career was suddenly terminated as above stated.

He was a gallant Confederate soldier, and for a while carried the colors of the Sixth Virginia Cavalry, and no one bore them more heroically. During the war, he was elected a member of the House of Delegates by his comrades in arms. Since the war, he has followed farming and milling for a livelihood. He was a member of the organizations known as the Survivors of the Clarke Cavalry and of the J. E. B. Stuart Camp C. V., both of this county. He is a brother of Mr. John R. Castleman, who was also a gallant Confederate soldier and is a prominent citizen of this county.

The deceased is survived by a widow, two daughters, and two sons.

His body was brought home and interred in Green Hill Cemetery on Tuesday morning.

[source: Clarke Courier, November 1, 1899, page 3]

Mann R P Castleman, Patient Records and Cause of Death from the Western State Hospital Collection. The Western State Hospital began in 1825 as the Western Lunatic Asylum for insane white persons.

Source: Library of Virginia

Western State Hospital Collection

Series IV. Patient Records, 1826-1996

Volume 250

Title: Admission Register (#5205-9458), 1896-1913

No. & (Line): 5863 (11)

Previous Admission #: (blank)

First Name: Mann R P

Last Name: Castleman

Occupation: Farmer

Admission Date: 1899/09/13

Gender: Male

Age: 61

Year of Birth: (Calculated): 1838

Social Relations: Married

Education: Fair

Nativity: Virginia

Residence: Clarke

No. Attacks: 1

Supposed Cause/Form: Business troubles / Acute melancholia

Duration: 3 months

Death or Release: Died

Date of Death: 1899/10/29

Cause of Death: Apoplexy

Remarks: Two brothers were insane

------------------

** According to my own research there is one verifiably insane brother, Charles F Castleman, who attempted to murder his wife and children and was later put into an asylum. The identity of the other insane brother I do not know.

Letter from Alfred Castleman of Virginia regarding Pension for Service in the War of 1812.

Berryville, Clarke County

Virginia

Jany 31, 1879

Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 21st -??? duly rec'd, and contents noted. My infirmity from age does not permit me to remember with precision whethor or not I rec'd a land warrant or not; but if the record shows the fact then I must have gotten it, since I was very intimately acquainted with Benjamin Morgan & Treadwell Smith, who are both now dec'd. Col. Benjamin Morgan married my own niece, and Treadwell Smith was for some years engaged in business connections with me - evidence of which I send you. There was never any other Alfred Castleman in Capt Taylor's Company, except myself. In fact I am the only per-son in Virginia by the name of Alfred Castle-man. Enclosed you will find agreement returned with oath to signature accepted.

Alfred Castleman

Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson to Anna Castleman April 22, 1862

"April 22d, 1862,
Miss Anna Castleman,
 Your kind letter to the 13th instant has been received. I am much obliged to you, and to the other dear ladies of Winchester for taking our wounded heroes to your homes. Say to those who are partaking of your hospitality that I will not only be on the alert to have them exchanged, but also to have all who were captured with them exchanged at the earliest practicable moment. Give my kindest regards to those who are with you. I hope that our God in his providence will soon permit me to return to your town of which I have so many pleasant recollections, and see it again under that government to which it has shown so much loyalty.

Very sincerely yours,
T.J. Jackson

(Jackson Papers, Davis Collection, Tulane University)

The Virginia House operated by Anna Isler Castleman
on Main Street in Berryville, VA

Once disqualified from joining Mt. Horeb church, John B. Castleman reminisces.

In his autobiography 'Active Service', John B. Castleman wrote about his desire to join the church for his mother's sake, and his unorthodox beliefs, that once kept him from membership, at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church.

• The year was 1852, and John B Castleman would have just turned 11 years old. 
• His father David Castleman died on May 22, 1852
• His brother Robert Harrison Castleman was killed on June 22, 1852
• Mt. Horeb Church still stands in Lexington, KY

General Castleman wrote:

[...There was being held at Mount Horeb, a "revival meeting," and there was much interest. I had listened with an absorbing attention. It was not possible for me to understand or to believe in Calvinism and the expounding of the confession of faith. I felt that I was a free agent. I did not believe in the devil, nor did I believe in God's wrath and in torment in the hereafter. My biblical knowledge was very limited, but I believed in the love and mercy of God, and that "whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die." And I tried to comfort my bereaved mother with the thought that man, made in God's own image, was immortal and could never die.

My father had passed away, and a month thereafter my brother Robert was killed. My mother was the first consideration of everyone in her household. My thought was to do anything that would give my mother comfort. So I thought of joining the church. During the revival, those who contemplated joining the church were, at each meeting, asked to come to the front seats. It was customary for the pastor, or one of the elders, to examine the religious views of those contemplating "making a profession of religion." The pleasure that my mother would realize came to my thoughts. I was among those responding to the invitation to come to the front seats. I fell to the lot of Elder Thomas Sprake, a good man for whom everyone entertained great respect. I was asked the customary questions as to my belief, and, in a simple but frank way, gave Mr. Sprake my views about religion — and was disqualified.

Thus my unorthodox views kept me from being a member of Horeb church. But, at this writing, I am one of the trustees of the church, and I esteem this the greatest honor I have had.]
----

source: 'Active Service'

Controversial Monument: Gen. John B. Castleman, ex-Confederate Tells Soldiers it is Their Duty to Salute Black Officers

The New York Times
November 12, 1917

SALUTE NEGROES IN SOUTH.

Gen. Castleman, ex-Confederate, Tells Soldiers it is Their Duty.

LOUISVILLE, Ky, Nov. 11- Louisville, in which much of the spirit of the old South still lives, putting aside racial feeling and personal prejudice, has settled for itself, patriotically and unreservedly, the question of the propriety of white soldiers saluting negro officers. This question, which came to the fore recently, was on the first thought answered to reconcile inherent convictions with military regulations.

The solution was that an officer should not be regarded as a personality toward whom the salute homage to the country's uniform and to the things it typifies should be accepted.

An exposition of this viewpoint was voiced by General John B. Castleman, a Major of the Army of the Confederacy, later Colonel of a Kentucky National Guard regiment and a Brigadier General of Volunteers who saw active service in Porto Rico during the Spanish-American War. He said:

"The discipline of the army must be maintained, and non-commissioned officers understand little of the spirit of the army when they refuse to salute a negro officer. I have held several commissions in the military service, and I unhesitatingly say that I would or will, at any time salute an officer, superior or inferior, who salutes me without regard to the color of his skin. The regulations, the laws, and the fundamentals of courtesy and discipline upon which these regulations and laws are based prescribe this. It is no time to stand against them. I want to urge every soldier to be a soldier in the full sense of the term. We are at war, and soldiers are under the rules of the American Army. We are all one under the flag. We salute the rank, not the individual."

The incident which brought forth General Castleman's statement occurred here recently when two white soldiers refused to salute Captain Glass, a colored officer.

A Call for Unity under the flag of the Union: Colonel John Breckinridge Castleman Speech 1898, Spanish-American War

Colonel John Breckinridge Castleman, 1900

Speech of Col. John B. Castleman

"Gen. Henry, Mr. Alcade, Gentlemen: My esteemed commander has elected to refer to me in terms of commendation and to invite your attention to matters personal to myself in order to illustrate the liberality of the Government to whose protection you are assigned.

It is true that against the great republic beyond the seas, to which you are now united by the inseparable strength of governmental union, I fought a third of a century ago as a Confederate soldier. It is true that the Government whose commission I now hold is one which then I united in a common effort to destroy. But the spirit of patriotism which then animated a great people in an heroic struggle, now prompts the same people, through their survivors of that war, to demand that no effort of mankind shall cause to be effaced any star from the flag of the Union, but that where self-respecting, intelligent citizenship shall warrant it, those represented in that sisterhood of States shall aid other territorial communities in enjoying whatsoever privileges they may demonstrate that they are entitled to receive. Your position in the future is with yourselves. Your respect for law and your enforcement of order are matters which will determine your right to the respect and confidence of your new associates. You will be required to exercises courage and firmness and manhood in controlling the ignorant and vicious and the unwise. Every citizen of Porto Rico, no matter what his antecedents shall receive the protection and support of the constituted authorities of the United States. And every citizen shall be compelled to respect his neighbor's right to equal freedom. "

[General John Breckinridge Castleman, 1898]

Speech of Col. John B. Castleman
Saturday, October 29, 1898
The Courier-Journal

Lincoln, the Forgiving Foe by General John B. Castleman: Lincoln Memorial Dedication Ceremony, November 10, 1911

Crowd hearing President Taft's Speech on Steps leading to Lincoln Memorial
1911

Gen. Castleman Speaks
The Courier-Journal
November, 10, 1911

[Article transcribed]

General Castleman Speaks

Gen. John B Castleman delivered the final address. His subject was "Lincoln, the Forgiving Foe." Mr. Folk, in introducing Gen. Castleman, called attention to the fact that he had fought under the stars and bars during the Civil War, and, later, during the war with Spain, he had fought under the stars and stripes.

Asserting that he did not know until this morning that he was to be called upon to speak, Gen. Castleman said the occasion was too sacred for one to participate in without first having prepared himself. He said Mr. Collier had called upon him, however, and that any Kentuckian of the worth of the publisher of Collier's Weekly could never refuse to comply with his request, if possible, or at least to make the effort.

"Even if Robert Collier could not induce me to attempt a thing that I feared I might not be able to carry out, the memory of his father would," Gen. Castleman said.

Getting down to his subject, Gen. Castleman, without mentioning names, related a story of how Lincoln had intervened in behalf of a young Confederate soldier who was in grave danger of execution at the hands of the "Yankees." The sister and brother-in-law of the young soldier had appealed to Lincoln, he said, and the latter, after listening to their story, wrote an order to Maj. Gen. Hovey, instructing him to suspend execution in case the Confederate youth was found guilty.

Some one among those on the speakers' platform called upon Gen. Castleman to give the name of the young solder, be he refused. Gov. Wilson then announced so that all could hear, that the name of the soldier was John B. Castleman, and the requested President Taft to read the original order to Maj. Gen. Hovey, which Gen. Castleman held in his hand. The President complied setting at rest all doubt as to the identity of the young Confederate soldier, whose life probably was spared by the intervention of President Lincoln.

Notable Personages Who Took Park In Lincoln Farm Memorial Dedication Exercises
The Courier-Journal
November 10, 1911

Gen. Castleman related other instances illustrative of the forgiving spirit of Lincoln. He said the martyred President had set an example that had been followed by many of his successors in office, in support of which statement he pointed to the fact that Gen. Basil W. Duke, who fought for the South, is now a member of the Shiloh Battlefield Commission.

Instancing the good Lincoln's attitude toward those who fought against the North, coupled that of later Presidents who folloed in the "Emancipator's" footsteps, had brought about, Gen. Castleman told how Confederate solders all over the South responsed to McKinley's call for 200,000 volunteers when the blowing up of the Maine made the war with Spain inevitable.

"President McKinley called for 200,000 volunteers," he said, "and 1,000,000 men responded, the Confederate soldiers all over the South entering instantly the service of the country."

In this connection, Gen. Castleman said that the first regiment that offered its service to the Government was a Kentucky regiment and was commanded by a Confederate soldier. He was called upon to give the name of the commander of that regiment, and when he hesitated someone again answered for him, informing the assemblage that the commander referred to was Gen. Castleman.

Source: [Gen. Castleman Speaks, The Courier-Journal, November, 10, 1911]

Grievous errors: Letter from John B. Castleman to President Andrew Johnson, June 7, 1865

General John Breckinridge Castleman
circa 1863

From John B. Castleman

Indianapolis Ind. June 7th 1865

To the President of the U.S.
Sir.
    In the Summer of the year 1862, being then less than Twenty one years of age and living near Lexington Kentucky, I was induced to engage in the Rebellion, and joined the Rebel Army. I continued in that service, and was arrested in Southern Indiana in the month of September 1864, and have been since that time a prisoner and held under charges for trial. In what I did, I was led to believe, and at the time thought, I was doing my duty. I am now convinced that my action was wrong from the beginning, and that I have committed grievous errors.

    For what is past, I can only express my sincere regret, and promise to strive by my future action to atone for it by faithful efforts to discharge my duty as a citizen of the United States.

    With this preliminary statement, I desire now to ask that I may be permitted to take the Oath of Allegiance, and be released on such terms as may to you seem best. And if it is not possible for proper in your judgement that this should be done, I ask that I may be allowed to become a voluntary exile to some other country, for life or such shorter time, as may be deemed by you sufficient, Subject to such penalties for returning as may be imposed, and giving my obligation in such form as may be required, to observe strictly the terms of the order and to do no act of hostility in any way to the United States.

   I hope it will be found consistent with your views of duty and of the public interests to grant my request.

I am, Very Respectfully

Your Ob't Sv't J.B. Castleman. 

Controversial Statue: John B Castleman on Slavery, Lincoln, and the Union

"In Louisville today the remains of General John Breckinridge Castleman lie in state. General Castleman's story is not without significance in these troubled times. As a youth of nineteen he rushed into Confederate service at the outbreak of the war. He was opposed to the institution of slavery but he was a hot-headed advocate of the principle of state's rights and to him every state was a republic unto itself. He was the dashing kind of soldier who would naturally be drawn to the audacious trooper, Morgan." 

"At the entrance of Cherokee park which is the product of his generosity and constant care and watchfulness stands a modest little frame cottage in a spacious park-like yard where arching trees abound. That little house for nearly half a century has been General Castleman's home. In the large central window of this home, facing the thorofare, there has always hung an American flag.The flag was General Castleman's passion. In the days of his youth on his return from exile he, like General Gordon of Georgia, became a great reconstructionist. He went among the people of the south, telling them what the flag meant, how wrong their war was, how the lost cause was a wrong cause, how they should rejoice in their defeat tho never losing their love and enthusiasm for their hero dead who gave their valor for that which they thought to be right but which they now found, to their sorrow and to their gladness, was wrong. He was the sympathetic southerner who love the South so much that he could love North and South more."

When the Lincoln Memorial at Hodgenville was dedicated a few years ago General Castleman with President Taft was an honor guest of Kentucky. When all the services and exercises were over, and the 17,000 spectators on the grounds had dissipated, gone on their way and the Presidential train was standing on its siding with impatient engine three mile distant from the isolated shrine, General Castleman expressed the wish to return to the Memorial that he could see it in the silence of its setting, with the multitude away.

When, with a few friends present, he paid this second visit to that shrine that day he said, "“ I cannot describe my feelings. Here from a home of lower birth than that which I knew, the humblest hut of a cabin, came a man who lived to have the power to save my life. Had Lincoln lived, I always knew that I would have returned from exile not two years after but at the close of the war In giving me my life this man gave me the light to see the wrong cause I had championed, the right cause that he battled for. I have given my ...

"...life in a humble effort to carry on his work, to bring his divided people once more,” then pointing to the inscription on the pediment of the building, he read “ into union, peace and brotherhood among these United States.” A few years ago in front of his own home at the entrance of the park which was the result of his own generosity and handiwork, Louisville unveiled in his presence, Kentucky ’s great man on a horse, GENERAL CASTLEMAN.

General Castleman lived the repentance of a mistake against a just cause and a flag that was borne into battle for liberty and for a government that stood for both freedom and fellowship. No one ever worked more faithfully to correct a wrong against his country's flag. No one ever learned to love his country's flag more than did Kentucky s great horseman. He was one of the rebuilders of the South, and as a rebuilder he became one of the builders of the nation.

General Castleman is dead. His mortal remains lie in state in Louisville today. Kentucky honors in this hour the memory of one who was more than her son; he became a great, soldier son of America. This was his pride. The flag that always made brilliant the big window of his home he loved better than life itself. The spirit of General Castleman is one that cannot be laid at rest. In the words ; of Webster it will march on and on in the cause of “ union, one and inseparable now and forever-”THE WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL. SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1918.

On saluting black officers General John B Castleman

Drawing Color Line, Albert Lea Evening Tribune, 1917

DRAWING COLOR LINE.

The question as to whether a white man must salute a colored officer in Uncle Sam's army is causing considerable trouble in many of the training camps. Many white officers, especially southerners have absolutely refused to recognize a colored officer.

Gen. John B. Castleman of Kentucky says:

"I unhesitatingly say that I will at any time salute an officer, superior or inferior, who salutes me, without regard to the color of his skin. The regulations and laws, and the fundamentals of courtesy and discipline, upon which these regulations and laws are based, prescribe this. It is no time to stand against them. I want to urge every soldier to be a soldier in the full sense of the term. We are at war, and soldiers are under the rules of the American army. We are all one under the flag. We salute the rank, not the individual."

General Castleman's stand in this matter seems to be right. It isn't the man that he salutes, but what he stands for.'

Albert Lea Evening Tribune
Thursday, November 22, 1917, Albert Lea, Minnesota


It is the rank, not the individual, who is saluted. The military regulations are plain on this point, and we of the South, however hard it comes to us, must see to it that our spirit is that of America and the National Army in every particular. The Negroes are soldiers like the white men, ready to face the same conditions and perils and ready to pour out their blood as freely as if they were white. If General John B. Castleman, as he says, can cheerfully salute a Negro soldier, then any son of a Confederate can do the same. — Louisville, Ky., Times. 
(source: The Crisis: Volumes 15-18 page 78)

White Soldiers Object To saluting Negro Officers.

In connection with the commissioning of large numbers of Negroes as officers, there almost immediately came up the question as to whether white soldiers should salute Negro officers the same as they did white officers. This matter was brought prominently, to public attention when at Louisville, (Kentucky) a non-commissioned white officer was taken to task for failing to salute a Negro Captain. General John B. Castleman of Louisville, (Kentucky), a former Confederate soldier, when asked for his opinion on the matter of saluting Negro officers, said:

“The discipline of the army must be maintained and the non-commissioned officers understand little of the spirit of the army when they refuse to salute a Negro officer. I have held several commissions in the military service and I unhesitatingly say that I would or will at any time salute any officer, superior or inferior, who salutes me, without regard to the color of his skin. The regulations, the laws and the fundamentals of courtesy and discipline upon which these regulations and laws are based, prescribe this. This is not the time to stand against them. I regret the incident and want to urge every soldier to be a soldier in the full sense of the term. We are at war, and soldiers are un der the rules of the American army. We are all one under one flag. We salute the rank, not the individual.”

(source: Negro Year Book, An Annual Encyclopedia of the Negro 1918-1919)

The New York Times
November 12, 1917

Salute Negroes in the South
Gen. Castleman, ex-Confederate, Tells Soldiers it is their Duty

Abraham Lincoln saves John B. Castleman

Regarding the above letter, John B Castleman wrote:

"I did not know until 1877 that in November, 1864, Judge Breckinridge had, in my behalf, made a visit to President Lincoln."

After talking to Samuel for awhile Abraham Lincoln said, "In fifteen minutes we have a Cabinet meeting and I will give you now in the strictest confidence a note only to be used in case of emergency. Meantime, from what I learn, it would be best to have that boy's attorneys endeavor to postpone the trial, for those young Confederates have caused the government annoyances and expense."

--------------------------

Abraham Lincoln
16th President of the United States of America

(Letter transcribed)

Executive Mansion, Washington, November 29, 1864.

Major General Hovey, or Whomsoever may have charge:

Whenever John B. Castleman shall be tried, if convicted and sentenced, suspend execution until further order from me, and send me the record.

A. LINCOLN.

-----------------------------

General Castleman, wrote "Abraham Lincoln was tolerant and tactful, and unflinching. It is of small public interest that the writer owes his life to this great man. This will be mentioned further on, and is of no importance other than as exemplification of the greatness of Lincoln in dealing always with the smallest detail which involved the welfare of individuals, even midst tremendous public responsibilities."

Monument: 7 more things to know about John Breckinridge Castleman

1. Thomas Jefferson's mother was the sister of John B. Castleman's great-grandmother, Susanna Randolph.
   
   

   

   Mary Hopkins Cabell Breckinridge
   "Grandma Black Cap"
2. When visiting with Mary Hopkins Cabell Breckinridge he would often hear her talk about her late husband John Breckinridge. Very often did he hear her say: "My son, 'twas in this office that my husband would write to Tom Jefferson and to his other friends and it was here that my husband wrote the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798."
   
   

   

   Honorable Robert Letcher
   15th Governor of Kentucky

3. In 1853, John B. Castleman attended a political debate at a small Indian fort at Cabell's Dale. The debate was between John Cabell Breckinridge and the Honorable Ronald Letcher, Governor of Kentucky.
   
   "I understood little of the controversy between the Whigs and the Democrats, but was impressed by the enthusiasm of the great crowd and by the wonderful voice and graceful manner of Major Breckinridge.
   
   From miles around a great throng of people came to listen to the debate. Interest in young Breckinridge was remarkable, and to me everyone seemed to favor and to cheer him. When the debate was finished, he held me by the hand, and together we walked through the multitude.
4. In 1857, as a 16-year-old boy, he entered his horse "Lightfoot" into the exhibition at the United States Fair.  There were thirty-five exhibitors in this "Saddle Class." He won first prize, a blue-ribbon, and a check.
   
   

   

   Abraham Lincoln
5. John B. Castleman said he "owed his life" to Abraham Lincoln.
   
   General Castleman wrote, "Abraham Lincoln was tolerant and tactful, and unflinching. It is of small public interest that the writer owes his life to this great man. This will be mentioned further on, and is of no importance other than as exemplification of the greatness of Lincoln in dealing always with the smallest detail which involved the welfare of individuals, even midst tremendous public responsibilities."
6. His father's first wife, Mary Breckinridge Castleman died in 1816. Her brother was Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, was a staunch Unionist and Presbyterian preacher.
   
   During the Civil War, Kentucky Presbyterian minister Robert J. Breckinridge was an important advisor to President Abraham Lincoln.
   
   John B. Castleman wrote:
   "Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge was, in his day, recognized and designated as "The Napoleon of the Pulpit." Whenever it was known that he was to preach, no church where this gifted orator and intense controversialist spoke could hold the crowds that sought to listen to his persuasive eloquence. In after years this able and many-sided man presided as temporary chairman over the National Republican Convention that met in Baltimore in 1864 and nominated Abraham Lincoln for a second term.
   
   
   
   
7. In November 1864, Samuel Breckinridge made a visit to President Abraham Lincoln on behalf of John Breckinridge Castleman. At the meeting Lincoln gave Samuel a letter to be used in an emergency if needed.
   
   
   
   Nov. 29. 1864, Abraham Lincoln to Alvin P. Hovey
   
   "Executive Mansion, Washington, November 29, 1864.
   Major General Hovey, or Whomsoever may have charge:
   Whenever John B. Castleman shall be tried, if convicted and sentenced, suspend execution until further order from me, and send me the record.
   
   A. LINCOLN."

Major General Alvin P. Hovey

.

Gathering of Big Men Assures Statue to
"Dear Old General."
Enthusiasm is Shown.
Equestrian Piece Planned to be a Credit to the Whole City.

Charles F. Grainger
Mayor of Louisville, KY

If there ever was any question as to just how much sincerity and tenderness, and real affection and admiration and loyalty could be crowded into four little words, it was settled today after hearing a group of Louisville's representative citizens refer to General John B. Castleman as "the dear old General." The four words were voiced in many keys by men of varied interests— professional men, millionaires, soldiers — in fact, the very flower of Louisville's citizenry — but in each instance they carried absolute conviction of the profound admiration and affection which each man holds for General Castleman. The occasion of the meeting, which was held in the leather room at the Seelbach at twelve o'clock, was the formulation of plans and the effecting of an organization to carry out the work necessary to have made and placed in one of Louisville's parks an equestrian statue in bronze of General John B. Castleman. Charles F. Grainger acted as temporary chairman, but for some time before the meeting was formally called to order the men discussed the plan informally, and each man had some new incident to relate, giving additional reasons why he personally "just wanted to see that statue put up right away." Rare good fellow ship prevailed and there was a deal of kindly jesting among the men, and it was authoritatively stated four new stories were told, but were not ordered spread upon the minutes.

THOUGHT HE KNEW. 

When Mr. Grainger called the meeting to order he said: "I thought I knew a number of General Castleman's fine characteristics, I thought I could say as many kind things, and appreciative things about the dear general as any man in Louisville, but I pledge you my word that since this project was first broached about six or eight weeks ago, and I have since discussed it with some of my friends and have told some people that they might contribute, I have learned that I could not begin to express the kindly things that have been said about General Castleman. Each man to whom I have spoken about the plan of placing a statue of General Castleman in one of the parks has fairly jumped at the opportunity to contribute, and in doing so has given such a variety of reasons for admiring the general that I realize my own limitation in expressing what I feel for him. The matter was first discussed by a few of us at the bridge club about six or eight weeks ago. John Vreeland and I talked it over, and then all the men present said: 'Sure, go ahead." A list was made out of seventy men, and I want to say that I believe this was the most representative list of Louisville's citizens ever gotten together — "

WANTED To KNOW.

Just here the query was put to Mr. Grainger by several of the men present — "were we on that list, Charlie?" Upon being assured by Mr. Grainger that most emphatically "he had 'em on the list," he was allowed to proceed. "Out of that list of seventy," continued Mr. Grainger, "there were only four refusals — and these were from reasons that were adequate. I want to read you just a few brief extracts from some letters I have received — each letter, by the way containing a subscription. Here is one from Hardin H. Littell in Buffalo. Mr. Littell says: 'I gladly inclose my subscription toward erecting an equestrian statue to dear old General Castleman, the man who so long kept life in and held together the State Guard (Louisville Legion); who did so much for Louisville's beautiful park system, the Saddle Horse Breeders' Association, Horse Show As sociation, and many other things of benefit to dear old Louisville.' 

"I was with General Castleman for nine years in the 'Louisville Legion" days'" said Mr. Grainger, "and I want to say right now that if General Castleman had the money which he spent personally for the good of the Legion, I believe it would amount to $25,000. And no man ever came to Louisville with a letter of introduction to General Castleman that the general did not give his personal courtesy and kindly thought to the stranger."

Mr. Grainger then read other letters received from prominent Louisville men. "Here is a letter from Naples-on-the-Gulf," said Mr. Grainger. "It says: 'You have certainly secured a representative list of our best citizens as subscribers to the Castleman memorial. The general is entitled to this expression from his fellow-citizens, and it is most fitting that it should come while he is still with us. The general is justly deserving a full measure of praise for the good work already done by him. A notable characteristic of the dear general is that whatever he does is always done well. Mr. Watterson and my brother, when I mentioned your request most willingly joined with me in authorizing you to place their names on. the list of $100 subscribers.' This letter is from Colonel W. B. Haldeman."

TRIBUTE TO LIVING FRIEND. 

Referring to the question of the propriety of erecting the statue while General Castleman is living, Mr. Grainger said : "I'd rather have five kind words while I am alive than a ton of flowers after I'm dead," and the men present with a most thorough unanimity concurred in this viewpoint. Marion Taylor was then elected permanent chairman, Oscar Fenley, treasurer and Daniel E. O'Sullivan, secretary, although Mr. O'Sullivan protested that he wanted to make a speech, in fact, would rather make a speech than be secretary. However, upon being assured that he might do both, he entered upon his duties. Mr. Grainger had announced that $6,200 was already pledged, and John W. Barr then spoke briefly, and suggested that the testimonial be one from the entire public, and also that provision be made that any amount of money needed 'should be raised. "The general has always been accustomed to riding good horses," said Mr. Barr, smilingly, "and we want this bronze horse to be the very best, one that the general will approve of, and we want the statue of General Castleman to be one that we will all*enjoy looking at."

THE RESOLUTIONS.

Mr. Grainger offered the following resolutions: 

RESOLVED, That a committee consisting of eleven remembers selected from the subscribers to this testimonial be appointed and empowered to receive subscriptions, employ a sculptor, select a design and take such other steps as it may deem necessary to carry out the object of this meeting. 

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the chairman of this meeting' be authorized to select and appoint said committee, and that he be an ex-officio member. 

Which was unanimously adopted, and the following committee appointed by the chair: Marion E. Taylor, John B. McFerran, J. M. Atherton, Lawrence Jones, Oscar Fenley, W. I. Mapother, Allen R. Hite, Charles F. Grainger, C. C. Mengel, B. Bernheim, Bruce Haldeman and Dan E. O'Sullivan. The only unfortunate thing about the meeting was that no one man was allowed to finish his own special tribute to the general, because' "the other fello" was so anxious to voice his heartfelt admiration.