eorge M.
Robeson. Mr. Robeson was connected with some of the old families of
New Jersey that became especially distinguished in the Revolutionary
war. He received a thorough intellectual training in his youth, and
graduated at Princeton College in 1847. He studied law in the office
of the Chief Justice of his State, and came to the bar under the most
favorable auspices. He began practice as soon as he had attained his
majority, and rapidly advanced in his profession. At thirty-six years
of age he was appointed Attorney-General of his State, and discharged
the duties of that important office with an ability which justly
added to his legal reputation. He has displayed great power in
arguing questions of Constitutional Law. While engaged in the
Attorney-Generalship he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by President
Grant. He was then thirty-nine years of age, and beyond his legal
learning was a man of literary taste and general knowledge of affairs.
Mr. Fish and Mr. Robeson were the only members of General Grant's
Cabinet appointed the first year of his administration who served
throughout his Presidency.

General Grant would not resign his military commission in season for
President Johnson to control the Army changes which would follow.
There was no dispute about his immediate successor. Not only the rank,
but the illustrious services, the high personal character, and the
popular estimate of Lieutenant-General Sherman established his right to
the promotion. But discussion arose in army circles and among the
people as to the Lieutenant-Generalship. Those holding the rank of
Major-General were five in number,--Henry W. Halleck, whose commission
bore date August 19, 1861; George G. Meade, August 18, 1864; Philip H.
Sheridan, November 8, 1864; George H. Thomas, December 15, 1864; and
Winfield S. Hancock, July 26, 1866. The President had the right under
the law to fill the office of Lieutenant-General by selection, and he
was not bound even by usage to regard any claim based only upon
seniority of commission.

General Halleck's distinction had not been won by service in the field.
He was a graduate of West Point with a good record in the Mexican war.
He was appointed Major-General at the outbreak of the Rebellion on
account of his well-known ability and the presumption of his fitness
for high command--a presumption which proved to be not well founded.
Meade had gained his commission by the splendid victory of G