St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1861-05-09
Correspondence.
From TT. Smelling.
FoRr SMELLING, May 6, 1856,

= S~o>~ = W NAASA4sAA6s ~
FoRr SMELLING, May 6, 1861.
Mrs. SwIssuELM We are here in
the midst Of drill, tsctics, and excitement,
preparing for tho discharge Of 3u y and the
post Of danger. Capt. Nelson, o! the Uni
ted States Army, pronounces this the best
regiment physically. that he ever saw; and
for intelligence and patriotism it certainly
cannot he excelled. We have in our
ranks as high privates quite number of
bankers, merchants, attorneys, legislators,
ministers, physiciens, civil engineers, edi-
tors, &c., &c., a number Of whom have ex-
changed their positions worth from 81 900
to 49, 900 per anuum, for the poor wages
and the common fare Of the soldiers,-1
Here may be seen the farmer who left. his
pillow in the furrow, the mechanic who. At
high noon abandoned his: bench, and the
sugar-boiler whose kettle was let upon the
fire, and axe hastily and deeply driven in
to the maple. These with hundreds of
others upon the first intelligence that
Sumpter had fallen, rushed from their va
rious' occupations to the volunteer stations,
and rendered their all for the vindication
Of our old flag and the pcrpctuity Of our
Government. ,. 49,.
What we most need is military educa.
ton. A majority Of the officers and men
have hitherto known but little of the du-
ties Of the tented field. But Governor
Ramsey with his usual prudence and ST.
gacity, has placed in command a gentle
maa whose enlarged experience, untiring
energy: and sleepless vigilance, IS rapidly
qualifying tho regiment tor service.
We learn that it is very probable that he
will be called to the position of Brigadicr
General, aud a better selection could not
be made. Ills bravery has been written
upon the page Of luany battle field, and
hi, military experience, gentlen'anly bear
ing, and undoubtcd patriotism eminently
qualify him for the command of
Brigade.
intelligence reached us on yesterday
that six Of the companies Of the Regiment
would probably be detuilcd to man the
three forts upon the frontiers of this State.
We ardently hope however that we shall
be kept together for active service; and
that six of the other companies which
have offered their services to the State will
be accepted for that purpose.
Give us but the opportunity, and officers
and men arc ready and anxious to reenlist
for three years or during the war, for the
purpose Of crushing rebellion, and yindi-
eating the Flag of the Union.
God bless the noble men Of Minnesota.
| love them better than ever, and amid the
blaze Of patriotism for the old FLAG, which
surrounds me, have nearly forgotten that
there ever were Political parties or distinc.
tons in the State. Col. German and
probably half the officers and privates once
were known as Democrats, and the re.
mainder as Republicans; but thank
Heaven we have now but one party and
but one cause Allow me to close with
complimentary and well deserved notice OF
Col. German from the St. Paul Press:
Col. GoRMAN.-The Camp, from the
highest in rank, is unanimous in commen-
dalton of Col Germans industry and ear
nestness in getting the regiment ready for
the field. lie takes upon himself ire
quently the extra duty of drilling compa:
MES and awkward squads. He works with
the troops in day time, and at night holds
an officers drill at his quarters. frequently
kept up till twelve or one o'clock. We
have before been in and about camps of
raw recruits, but never before witnessed 80
much c6ectire energy on the part of
commanding officer. He has. in four days.
accomplished more than. men generally do
in two weeks. And what is better than
all, the officers and men have entire conf
demo, in him, and are ready to follow
wherever he may lead.