Harvard memorial biographies ...

238

Harvard Memorial Biographies.

ginia. His son, Daniel Wright, my grandfather, moved to Mississippi, and married Miss Martha Patrick, a celebrated beauty and
most estimable lady. He was Judge of the Supreme Court of Mississippi. He left but one child, Miss Elvira Wright, who married
my father in 1839. One of my ancestors, William Yates, was President of William and Mary's College. His son, William Yates, Jr.,
was a colonel of the Revolution."
These genealogical details have a peculiar interest in the
case of one who was to take up arms against his own blqod, as
it were, and to fall in the second American revolution.
Gholson's schooling began in 185o, and was confined to
private institutions. He fitted for college in three years, and
entered Harvard in March, 1858, at the commencement of the
second term of the Freshman year of his Class. " I cannot,"
he wrote, " exaggerate the importance of my college experience.
Although my Sophomore and Junior years afford me cause for
poignant regret, yet even their influence has been beneficial.
I have never during my college course received any species of
punishment from my superiors; and although I cannot say I
deserve my fortune, I have had neither "private,'' public,' nor
'4 parietal' admonition. I have been a member of the Oneida
Boat-Club, the Institute of 1770, the Hasty-Pudding Club, and
two secret societies. I am also a member of the College choir..... Expect to study law, although there is a chance of my
entering the army."
That the latter career was uppermost in his mind is shown
by the fact that, in the summer of 1861, he went to Washington to seek an entrance into West Point, but was prevented
by the failure of Congress to pass a bill enlarging that academy.
Deeming the measure postponed merely, he returned to his
father's country residence at Avondale, three miles from Cincinnati. Here, caring little for society, he became a diligent
student. In September he writes to a classmate that he is well
and happy, enjoying his home and the delightful scenery about
him. Thirsting for the languages, he takes lessons in French
three times a week, and withal bends vigorously to the law.
His belief in the ultimate triumph of the national cause is