The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-05-15

rendered such important and brilliant SER
vice in his country's behalf, in the capaci-
ty of aid to Gen. Stephen Van Rensselaer,,
the late Patroon) who was appointed by
Gov. Tompkins to take command of the
forces raised for the defence of the north
ern and western frontiers of this State in
1912. The history Of that campaign is
well known to every reader familiar with
the events of the "Last War;" as it is
still called. The brilliant but unfortu-
nate battle of Queenstown was fought on
the 18th of October. The plan of it
was simple and soldier-like, and if it had
been carried out in full, would have re-
suited in brilliant and decisive victory.
As it was, the force under Col. Solomon
Van Rensselaer,, contending with greatly
superior numbers, stormed and carried
the fort. The gallant Col. fell, riddled
with wounds, and bleeding profusely, but
cheered with the shouts of victory. But
the reinforcements neglecting to cross
the river at the proper time, the enemy
came up in superior force, and the fort
was retaken, and Van Rensselaer's troops
were obliged to retreat.
Ensign Morris was killed, and Cap
tains Malcolm, Armstrong and Wood
were wounded in the action. Col. Solo
mon Van Rensselaer, received ball in
his hip, which passed out at his spine,
two in his thigh, one of which lodged
and which he carried to the day Of his
death-two in his leg, and sixth contus-
ed his heel. With all these, he kept his
feet until the enemy fled towards town;
and Captain Wool, by his orders, ascend
ed the mountain, ard carried the battery.
During this time he had concealed his
wounds under great coat, borrowed
from Major Lush; and when the party
filed off before him, unable any longer to
stand, he fell to the ground, about day
light, among the dying and dead, and was
only prevented from fainting by crust
of bread and a cup Of water, furnished
by one Of the former. While in this
situation the shouts of victory reached
him from the hill, and remunerated him
for all his snfferings.
This closed his active military life;
and we have cnly room to just glance at
his subsequent career.
He was elected to Congress from this
District-the year we do not recolect-
and served his term faithfully and ably.
At its close he reccived-we believe un-
der Monroe's administration-the COM
mission Of Post Master Of this city,
which he held under the successive ad-
ministrations OF Adams and Jackson
He was removed by Van Buren,. In
1889, he was the Albany District Dele
gate 10 the Whig National Convention at
Harrisburgh, Pa, and was one of the
delegates from this State, who cast his
vote for his old companion in arms, Gen.
Harrison. He had the satisfaction to see
that gallant soldier and pure statesman
nominated for, and elected to the Presi-
dency, and from him received again the
appointment of Postmaster of this city,
which he held until removed by Tyler.
Since that time, he has not been in public
life, and has resided with his family at
Cherry Hill.
Such is hastily thrown together re-
cord of the life and services of Gen.
Solomon Van Rensselaer,, whose loss is
public calamity, and whose departure all
must solemnly lament. He was one Of
the brightest ornaments, and most cherish
ed and highly priced citizens of Albany,
which will not fail to honor and perpetu-
ate his memory.