So one thing was accomplished.  He had gained a name that would entitle him hereafter to respectful attention, and had demonstrated the efficiency of his system of drill.  The public did not, of course, comprehend the resistless moral power which he exercised,—­imperiously moulding every mind as he willed,—­inspiring every soul with his own unresting energy.  But the public recognized success, and that for the present was enough.

He quietly formed a regiment in the upper counties of Illinois, and made his best men the officers of it.  He tendered its services to Governor Yates immediately on his inauguration, “for any service consistent with honor.”  This was the first positive tender made of an organized force in defence of the Constitution.  He seemed to recognize more clearly than others the certainty of the coming struggle.  It was the soldierly instinct that heard “the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.”

Still intent upon the great plan of militia reform, he came to Springfield.  He hoped, in case of the success of Mr. Lincoln in the canvass then pending, to be able to establish in the War Department a Bureau of Militia, which would prove a most valuable auxiliary to his work.  His ideas were never vague or indefinite.  Means always presented themselves to him, when he contemplated ends.  The following were the duties of the proposed bureau, which may serve as a guide to some future reformer:  I copy from his own exquisitely neat and clear memorandum, which lies before me:—­

“First.  The gradual concentration of all business pertaining to the militia now conducted by the several bureaus of this Department.

“Second.  The collection and systematizing of accurate information of the number, arm, and condition of the militia of all classes of the several States, and the compilation of yearly reports of the same for the information of this Department.

“Third.  The compilation of a report of the actual condition of the militia and the working of the present systems of the General Government and the various States.

“Fourth.  The publication and distribution of such information as is important to the militia, and the conduct of all correspondence relating to militia affairs.

“Fifth.  The compilation of a system of instruction for light troops for distribution to the several States, including everything pertaining to the instruction of the militia in the school of the soldier,—­company and battalion, skirmishing, bayonet, and gymnastic drill, adapted for self-instruction.

“Sixth.  The arrangement of a system of organization, with a view to the establishment of a uniform system of drill, discipline, equipment, and dress, throughout the United States.”

His plan for this purpose was very complete and symmetrical.  Though enthusiastic, he was never dreamy.  His idea always went forth fully armed and equipped.