Commonwealth to the defense of the Union with marvelous
promptness. His administration was vigorous, and his support of
the Union cause was in the highest degree efficient, patriotic,
and successful. He attained an exceptional popularity with the
soldiers, and against the most bitter attacks never lost his hold
on the confidence and personal regard of Mr. Lincoln.

GOVERNORS OF LOYAL STATES.

In the West the commanding figure among a number of distinguished
Executives was Oliver P. Morton of Indiana. He was of stalwart
frame, full health, and the highest physical vigor. His energy
was untiring, his will unconquerable. In the closely balanced
condition of parties in his State, he had been trained to the most
aggressive and exacting form of leadership, so that he entered upon
his gubernatorial duties with a certain experience in the control
of men which was of marked value. He possessed a mind of extraordinary
strength; and in frequent contests at the bar and upon the stump,
he had thoroughly disciplined his faculties. In debate he was
formidable. It cannot be said that he exhibited striking originality
of thought, or that he possessed in large degree the creative power.
But in the art of presenting with force and clearness a subject
which he had studied, of analyzing it and simplifying it to the
comprehension of the common mind, of clothing it in language as
plain and forcible as the diction of John Bunyan, he has had few
equals among the public men of America.

The Governor of Iowa was Samuel J. Kirkwood, a man of truth, courage,
and devoted love of country. Distinguished for comprehensive
intelligence, for clear foresight, for persuasive speech, for
spotless integrity, for thorough acquaintance with the people, he
was a model of executive efficiency. Alexander Ramsey, the first
governor of the Territory of Minnesota, was now governor of that
State. As strong in character as he was in popularity, as able as
he was patriotic, he broadened by his executive career a personal
fame already enviable. Austin Blair of Michigan was a worthy
compeer of these eminent officials, and administered his high trust
with honor to himself and with advantage to his country. Richard
Yates of Illinois had been chosen governor the day Mr. Lincoln was
elected President, and enjoyed an exceptional popularity with the
people of his State. William Dennison had succeeded Salmon P.