Dix, Gen. John A.

Gen. John A. (1798-1879), an American soldier and statesman. A native of New Hampshire. He was about to enter West Point when the secretary of war, needing troops for the War of 1812, offered him an ensign's commission. He acquitted himself creditably at Sackett's Harbor, and at the close of the war remained in military service, rising to the rank of major. In 1828 Dix, who combined activity and scholarship in a remarkable degree, resigned and began the practice of law at Cooperstown, New York. He soon became engaged in state politics, and was known as a member of the "Albany Regency," a handful of able and honest Democrats who controlled New York politics. It is difficult to pass by his eminent services as a state office-holder and legislator. He was active in the establishment of normal schools, promoted the natural history survey of New York, and became identified with large financial interests. His name was a synonym for honesty. On the discovery of gigantic frauds in the New York post office, Dix was persuaded to accept the postmaster-ship long enough to restore public confidence. During the closing year of Buchanan's administration Dix was president of the Rock Island Railroad. Howell Cobb, secretary of the United States treasury, abandoned his post and went over to the Confederacy. Money was needed; financial ruin threatened the government. Wall street bankers offered to loan money if they might suggest a treasurer in whose ability, loyalty, and integrity they had confidence. Dix was the man, all parties concurred. As secretary of the treasury he had charge of the United States revenue cutters, and, hearing that the commander of a cutter off New Orleans was acting suspiciously, Dix sent orders for his arrest, adding the words that have made him famous, "If any one attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." During the Civil War Dix rendered skillful military service, rising to the rank of major general. He became governor of New York and minister to France. His character may be summed up in the words, honor, ability, and intense patriotism.