STUART, Robert, explorer, born in Callender, Scotland, 19 February, 1785; died in Chicago, Illinois, 28 October, 1848. He was the grandson of the Alexander Stuart who is mentioned in the life of Rob Roy as the successful opponent of that chieftain. At the age of twenty-two be came to the United States, and after spending some time in Canada went out in 1810 as one of the founders of Astoria, Oregon. (See ASTOR, JOHN JACOB.) It became necessary to communicate with the Atlantic coast, and Mr. Stuart volunteered to make the effort. He set out in June, 1812, with only five attendants. The story of the journey is given at length by Washington Irving in his "Astoria." After enduring incredible hardships, in which Mr. Stuart developed all the qualities of a leader and hero, they reached St. Louis in May, 1813, the third party to cross the continent north of Mexico. In 1819 he removed to Mackinaw, and conducted there for fifteen years the affairs of the American fur company. He was also appointed by President Harrison as commissioner for all the Indian tribes of the northwest. In 1834 he removed to Detroit, became treasurer of Michigan, and held other offices of public trust and importance connected with the development of the great lake region. He was known as "the friend of the Indian," while his energetic, lofty, and austere character made him equally venerated among the white population.--His son, David, soldier, born in Brooklyn, New York, 12 March, 1816; died in Detroit, Michigan, 19 September, 1868. He removed to Michigan, studied law, and practised in Detroit. He was there elected to congress as a Democrat, and served from 5 December, 1853, till 3 March, 1855. He subsequently settled in Chicago, II1., becoming solicitor for the Illinois Central railroad. He was appointed colonel of the 55th Illinois infantry on 31 October, 1861, and commanded the 2d brigade of Gem William T. Sherman's division from 27 February till 14 May, 1862. His brigade held the position on the extreme left at Shiloh, and suffered severe loss, while he was wounded in the shoulder. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers on 29 November, 1862, and commanded a brigade of Morgan L. Smith's division during the siege of Corinth and subsequent operations till General Smith was wounded at Chickasaw Bayou, after which he led the division, participating in the capture of Arkansas Post. When the senate failed to confirm his appointment as brigadier-general, he left the service on 3 April, 1863, and returned to legal practice in Detroit.