Springfield Weekly Republican

The Visit of Secretary Cameron—Promotion of the Commandant of the Armory.

The visit of the secretary of war, Hon. Simon Cameron, with a numerous and distinguished suite, afforded much gratification to our citizens yesterday, and was the occasion of some very pleasant incidents. The distinguished guests arrived in this city from the West on Wednesday evening, and stopped at the Massasoit House. The suite of Mr. Cameron consists of Major General J. W. Ripley, chief of ordnance bureau, Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas, U. S. A., Major Bruce Cameron, J. D. Cameron, Lieut. J. Thomas and lady, Mr. Cummings, editor of the N. Y. World, lady, daughter and son, Mrs. Burnside, the Misses Cameron, Miss Thomas, and W. G. Moore, private secretary to Mr. Cameron. The secretary and his suite left Washington with Gen. Scott, and accompanied him to New York. He has since visited the military stations at West Point and Watervliet, and now comes to this city to inspect the armory, the only one owned by government, and on which it mainly depends for its supply of small arms, in the present emergency. Accordingly, yesterday morning, Mr. Cameron, accompanied by several members of his suite, repaired to the armory where they were received by the commandant, Capt. Dyer, and the other officers in charge. After a careful and prolonged inspection of the various shops the party were invited by Capt. Dyer to partake of a collation at the government house, his residence. We learn that the secretary of war there expressed great satisfaction at the condition in which he found the armory and the efficiency with which it was managed. As an acknowledgment and reward for the energy and fidelity which the new commandant, Capt. Dyer has shown in his brief occupation of this post, he was promoted on the spot. Adjt. Gen. Thomas in a very happy manner announced that he was authorized to confer on Capt. Dyer the brevet rank of major of ordnance with the pay of the rank, the promotion to date from the present day. This was a pleasant surprise, not only to the recipient of the honor, but to all the company present. Major Dyer acknowledged the honor bestowed upon him so unexpectedly in a few fitting words, and took occasion to allude to the services of Mr. George Dwight during the short term of his occupation as civil superintendent. He said that the credit for the efficient state they found the armory now to be in was largely due to Mr. Dwight's energetic management before he assumed command. Mr. Dwight had found the armory producing only 500 guns per month, and now it was producing 5000 guns per month, and much of this extraordinary increase was due to his energy. He spoke of his own services in a most modest manner, and with his characteristic generosity, and with the happiest words, sought to turn the favor of his guests upon his predecessor in office. Mr. Cameron briefly replied that he had heard of Mr. Dwight's eminent services to the country during his superintendence at the armory, and that they were fully recognized at the department over which he had charge. This very pleasant incident, so gratifying in its results to Major Dyer and Mr. Dwight, was highly enjoyed by all present, and the now made major was heartily congratulated by his friends. An offer by the ladies to purchase and present to him the shoulder straps required for his new rank gracefully terminated this pleasant affair.

In the afternoon, Mr. Cameron and suite visited the Ames Co.'s works, at Chicopee, and at 4 o'clock a levee was held at the Massasoit House, which was attended by a large number of our prominent citizens.