Sketches of the campaign in northern Mexico : in eighteen hundred forty-six and seven / by an officer of the First Regiment of Ohio volunteers.

CHA]ACTER OF IIAMER. 245
earthly honors was opening before him, and had he lived, he
would probably have " touched the highest point of mortal
greatness." His manners were natural, graceful and winning; his person robust and manly; and his features, though
not handsome, exceedingly prepossessing and intellectual.
He was one of those men, whose souls appear to be ever
beaming through their faces. His conversation was cheerful and interesting, and the wit and anecdote with which he
pointed and adorned it, was always brilliant and charming.
It has never been my fortune to know one who understood
better than Hamer, when and how to use " the word fitly
spoken," which, " is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
His cool head, ripe judgment, enlightened spirit and cornprehensive genius would have made him eminent in any
position. During the campaign he had shown a practical
good sense and talent for military affairs, not often displayed
by those suddenly elevated by political influence from civil
life to high rank in the army.
The funeral ceremonies on the 4th of December were
solemn and touching, and there were not many dry eyes at
army and to his many personal friends. By the army in the field, and by the
citizens of his own state, his loss will be severely felt; to those connected with
him by closer ties it will be irreparable. The deceased will be interred at 10
o'clock, A. M., to-morrow, with the honors due to his rank. Brigadier General
Quitman, commanding the volunteer division, will conduct the funeral ceremonies, and will command the escort, to be composed of one regiment of volunteer
infantry, one company of cavalry, and two pieces of artillery. The cavalry and
artillery of the escort will be designated by Brigadier General Twiggs from his
division, and will report to General Quitman at 9 o'clock to-morrow.
" All officers off duty are respectfully invited to attend the funeral, from the headquarters of the Ohio and Kentucky brigade.
"By order of' Major General TAYLOR:
W. W. S. BLISS,
Assistant Adjutant General."
11 X