Fremont, John Charles
John Charles (1813-1890), an American soldier. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and was educated at Charleston, South Carolina. He served in the United States navy, then obtained a position in the United States corps of topographical engineers. He married Jessie Benton, daughter of the celebrated Senator Benton of Missouri. As a commanding engineer in the service of the United States, he conducted a number of exploring expeditions in the then unknown region of the Rocky Mountains. He crossed the continent no less than five times, discovering the passes now traversed by railroads and noting sites desirable for military posts. In 1844-5 he explored the region of Utah. In 1846 he cooperated with Commodore Stockton in the conquest of California. In 1848 he explored a route from Santa Fe to Sacramento. These various expeditions made him famous as "the Pathfinder." His name has been perpetuated in various cities and counties of the West. Despite his Southern birth and education, he was an ardent anti-slavery man. In 1856 the newly formed Republican party made him its first candidate for the presidency. In 1861 he commanded in Missouri. He exceeded his instructions by freeing slaves prematurely, and was, by order of President Lincoln, removed from his command. Now that slavery is a dead issue in the South as well as the North, it is not wise to revive memories of the period of conflict. The following words from Whittier, written at a time of intense feeling on both sides, give a glimpse, however, of the sentiment among the anti-slavery people of New England:
A brave man's part, without the statesman's tact,
And, taking counsel but of common sense,
To strike the cause, as well as consequence.
See Carson