The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-11-08

Lieutenant Colonel Wistar, reported Sc
riously wounded on the field of battle, was
q student at law, and afterwards law
partner of Colonel Baker. He is about
thirty two years of age, and belongs to one
of the oldest Quaker families of Philadel-
phia. His grandfather is at this time ninety
three years of age, and his father hale old
man of more than sixty.
The Lieutenant Colonel was born in 1928,
and educated at Westown Quaker school
house, in Chester county. He afterwards
graduated at Hartford Quaker college near
Philadelphia.
In l847 young Wistar was sent to Flori-
da on business mission, when he became
acquainted with a number of adventurous
spirits, among whom was Seaton Jones, of
Charleston. now daring rebel. Thirteen
in all, these young men determined to make
on foot the overland route to California, and
young Wistar departed, unknown to his
parents, to fulfill the undertaking. The
party collected at st. Joseph, and, provided
with knapsacks, and fully armed, started on
their way. For nine years his people did
not see him.
After enc0unteriDg the most terrible
vissicitudes, and four of the party having
died from absolute starvation and exhaus.
ton, the remainder reached San Francisco
in an almost famished and destitute condi-
tion. Here they encountered friends, and
having recuperated, Wistar, in company
with one or two associates, sailed for
Mexico and South America. He passed
some years in rowing expeditions up and
down the country, corresponding with bis
family and friends and contributing details
of adventure to q. number of the leading
magazines and quarterlies. He was q
polished writer, and of some of the scenes
which be depicts was perhaps the first
chronicler in our language. His perseverance
knew no barrier, and be proceeded wherever
bis curiosity prompted him to go. rt
After time he returned to California,
and studied law with Colonel Baker, whose
partner be afterward became. A strong
attachment existed between them, and we
believe that Wistar held leading position
IN frontier regiment of which Senator
BAKER was Colonel. For the last five years
be has been living quietly with his grand.
father.
When Colonel Baker commenced to raise
his brigade be sent for Wistar at once and
offered him captaincy. A short time af.
ter be was elevated to the rank of Lieuten.
ant Colonel, in which capacity be devoted
his whole efforts to inspiring the men with
his own courage and perfecting them in
drill. His correspondence with an invalid
sister, between whom and himself close
and tender attachment had always existed,
disclosed a solicitude amounting to more
than enthusiasm, that his regiment might
be the best upon the Potomac. He carried
his exactions 40 far as to make some enc
mics in the ranks, bat in the hour of con.
fict his bravery inspired them with conf
dence, and they rallied around him to the
last.
The accounts differ as to the extent of
Col. Wistars wounds. There is little
doubt. however, that be has lost an arm,
received wound in the shoulder and that
his jaw has been broken by rife ball,
He was incapacitated for service before
Col. Baker was shot. A brother and q
number of friends went to Washington yes
terday to bring him home if still surviving.