The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-04-25
Another Presentation to General Dana.
FIRST MINNESOTA REGIMENT,
ENCAMPED NEAR YORKTOWN, VA,
April 10. 1862.

of splendid sash, sword and field glass in
New York for the purpose OF presenting
the same to Napoleon. In war times
"things are Mixed" and it so happened
that at the time the articles were ready,
General Dana was in Poolesville, Maryland,
while our regiment was at Harper's Ferry,
en- route, as we afterwards learned, for
Fortress Monroe. Not knowing when we
might be thrown together again, Lieut..
Leach of the Minneiota First, who was
then and is now on the staff of Gen Dana,
was commissioned to present the gift, and
did so in the following letter
PooLEsv1LLE, Nd, March 10, 1862.
Br,gadier General N. J. I. Dana:
GENERAL-The officers of your late com.
mand, previous to their departure from Camp
Stone, had in contemplation the Offering to you
of some slight testimonial of their regard and
esteem. Time did not allow them to present
in per son the sword which they had selected.
was delegated by them to make the presen.
tation, and in their behalf l ask your accep-
lance. know, sir, that all can say for them
will but feebly express the feeling of high re-.
gard and esteem in which you are held by the
officers of the First Minnesota.
You. sir. having been called to higher
sphere, it is our duty to give you up, yet we
would that we might have served with you
during the war, knowing that the First Mime.
sofa would achieve for you and our young
State glorious reputation.
| During the four months that you were our
Colonel, by your attention to the interests Of
the regiment, uniform justice and mpartialty,
| you wen the esteem of all.
| We know that the sword presented will be
| used on the side Of right. and all We ask, is,
that after the din of battle shall have passed
| away and you have returned to your distant
home, it may remind you of the First Minneso.
ia. and you may rest assured that their kind
wishes will follow you through life.
Very respectfully, General,
| Your obedient serv't,
| VIM. B. LEACH.
In reply to the above, the follow ing was
received
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, }
| Sedgwick's Division,
| HARPER'S FERRY, Va. March 20, 1921
Lieut.. W. z. LEACH, LIST Regt. MINI. Vols.
| DEAR SIR have received your letter of the
10th instant, accompanying splendid sword,
sash and field.glass, presented to me by the
| commissioned officers of my late command
the LIST Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers.
| thank you for the flattering terms in which
| you make the presentation on their behalf,
and beg you to convey to them the renewed
assurance of my enduring attachment. The
months have passed with them as their com.
| man6er are ameng the proudest of my life -
the only source of bitterness being the absence
| from our happy homes, the consciousness of
| the misery of cur beloved country, and the
parting hour. l can scarcely hope that my
| career will continue to the end to be as peace.
full and uninterrupted by any shadow as it has
been with them, and l thank them most cor
| daily for the pleasure of the "reminiscences.
This beautiful gift will be a valued treasure
| to me, and shall pray that the warlike scenes
which have called forth its presentation, may
soon be exchanged for peaceful days, when it
will remain to me as a priced memento of
for having well and truly discharged our duty
to each other and our country.
Wishing you and all your brother officers in.
creasing honors and happy return to your
friends and families,
Iremain,
Ever with attachment and esteem,
Still your servant,
N. j. T. DANA.
So much for the sword preseotation--it
was a big thing. Many interesting Incl.
dents occur daily in camp, but for want of
time must refer you to your "Private"
correspondence.
Abolition Of Slavery i'm the District of