Generation
"truculency in his manner, but on the contrary an easy dignity which impressed all who met him. His approach to a stranger was natural and pleasing, not gushing, but cordial, one felt that he was in the presence of a man of high character; no stranger would suspect him of insincerity. There was an open expression on his face that would dis- arm anyone of any danger in giving him his confidence. In commercial life this is a great asset. It was the secret of his success as a business man. Strangers trusted him and they were never betrayed. Col. Maltby had a judicial mind. He would have made a wise, discriminating and just judge. As an attorney he would have been a wise counselor. He would not have led his client into litigation for his own personal benefit, but would have advised him for his good. When his cause was just no man would have fought more fiercely or persistently for his rights.
In the social circle Col. Maltby was a prince. His easy manners, his versatile knowledge, his ready speech, his convivial nature all combined to make him a favorite in every circle.
But his crowning virtue was his high sense of right. The Golden Rule was his code of honor. His conscious integrity enabled him to look every man squarely in the face, for there was no deception there. He treated every man as a brother, and so pure were his motives and so fair were his dealings that every man recognized him as a friend.
He gave the highest proof of his patriotism. At his country's call he promptly laid down his pursuits as a citizen, left his family and enlisted in the ranks of the Union Army. His soldierly bearing marked him as one capable of commanding, and he was given the position of adjutant of the Sixteenth Kentucky Infantry. Before he had served a year he was commissioned Colonel and given the privilege of raising a regiment of cavalry. This he soon accomplished and commanded the regiment until the term of his enlistment expired.
He was a gallant officer and a brave soldier. He was human in the treatment of his men and bound them to him with 'hoops of steel'
As a private citizen he adorned the ranks of society, and gather- ed about him an army of friends. Most of them have proceeded him to the Great Beyond, though many are left to appreciate his virtues and mourn his loss.
For forty-three years he was my personal friend. I have enjoyed his hospitality, and have been honored by an intimate friendship. I never learned his faults. Like all mortals I presume he had them, but his virtues were so refulgent that they were hidden from my view. To those who loved and admired him more than I would assume, I offer my sympathy, and commend them to Him who loved him more than we all, for He gave his life to redeem him.
J. J. Dickey Maysville, Ky. January 17, 1920."
("War of Rebellion, Official Record of the Union and Confederate Armies. Series I, Vol. XXIII(?) Part II, p. 358")
"Cincinnati. May 23, 1863. Letter from A.E.Burnside, Major-Gen'll.
"I have ordered a telegraph line to be built from Paris to Mount Ster- ling. Col. (R.R.) Maltby is in Maysville by this time with about 300 of the Tenth and Fourteenth Kentucky Cavalry, and will be at Mount Sterling in two or three days."
(p.566) Burnside to Gen. Hartsuff; July 28, 1863.
"Colonel Maltby left Mount Stirling at 3:30 this afternoon."
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