ommended by Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, for Captain in any Illinois Regiment, but was wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge in November '63, which resulted in the partial loss of his right hand, and his unfitness in consequence for future military service.
He was discharged from the field in April, 1864, and upon returning to Chicago, he received an appointment to a clerkship in the Post-Office at that city, but resigned that position to enter the employment of Allan Pinkerton, of the "National Detective Agency." Mr. Lonergan was appointed Superintendent of Pinkerton's Chicago office, and transferred to and opened his office at Philadelphia, in the month of June, 1866. In the fall of that year he assumed charge of Pinkerton's New York office. Resigned in July, '67, and then assumed the editorial chair of the New York Era, and the Professorship of Military Tactics at the People's College, New York.
He resigned these places in May, 1868, and accepted a post on the editorial staff of the Chicago Republican, where he remained until he was appointed Chief Operative in the Western Division of the United States Secret Service (in February, 1870,) and was placed in charge of the Chicago District, by Col. H. C. Whitley, the present Chief, where Mr. Lonergan is now officially established.
This energetic officer has proved an able and efficient Assistant in the Department in which in latter years he has been engaged; and since energy and application will accomplish any thing that can be done in this world, his appreciation of this theory has induced him to apply his talents in earnest towards achieving excellence in his adopted role—for "no talents, no circumstances, no opportunities," says Goethe, "will make a two-legged animal a man, without energy."
