for night had come on; the enemy’s forces were moving undisturbed toward Rossville; and the Army of the Cumberland, after having had the narrowest possible escape from annihilation, was saved by the masterly generalship and intrepidity of General Thomas. Major-General George H. Thomas was born in Virginia, July 31, 1816. He graduated at West Point in 1840, and served with distinction in the war with Mexico. He was subsequently stationed in Texas and in the Indian territories. When the rebellion broke out, he was a Major in the regular cavalry. A sincere patriot, he remained true to the flag which he had so long and so honorably served, and he soon rose to the rank of Colonel. In August, 1861, he was made Brigadier-General of Volunteers in the Department of the Cumberland. After much active service, and after thoroughly beating the rebels at Mill Spring, he, with his division, joined General Buell, at Nashville. In April, 1862, he was constituted Major-General of Volunteers. When General Rosecrans assumed command of the Army of the Cumberland, he was assigned to the command of the centre. [Illustration: MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE H. THOMAS.] In personal appearance General Thomas is dignified and manly; in habit temperate, and distinguished alike for wisdom in council and courage in battle, “George H. Thomas,” said General Rosecrans, “is a man of extraordinary character. Years ago, at the Military Academy, I conceived that there were points of strong resemblance between his character and that of Washington; and I was in the habit of calling him General Washington.” General Thomas is singularly modest and unobtrusive in his demeanor. He was a brigadier-general for some months before he put on the uniform of that office. He did not assume the double star till after the battle of Stone river, though made a major-general more than six months before. OPERATIONS IN NORTH CAROLINA IN 1863. The National force in North Carolina was comparatively small during the year 1863, as it was the purpose of the Government only to occupy the important posts already gained there, and act merely on the defensive.