Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1863-06-25
Col. 3. A. Bean, Fourth Wisconsin Vol
. p . unteerS.


Col. 9. A. Bean, Fourth Wisconsin Vol
p unteers. rs
From the Chicago Tribune.
Two years ago, the 4th Wisconsin Vol
unteers, II. E. Paine, marched through
Chicago, en- route TO Virginia. saluted by
the cheers of thousands of our citizsns.-
Among the officers of this splendid regi
ment was Sidney A. Bean, handsome
but slender young man, scarcely twenty
eight years of age, whom the Governor
of Wisconsin, approaching his rare intel
lectual gifts, coupled with noble courage.
patriotism and moral worth, had appoint
ed Lieut.. Colon Ell of the 4th. lie teie-
graph informs Us that at Port Hudson,
Louisiana, he gave bis life for the country
and principles he had loved so well, and
left TO his friends and his State an eDdu.
ring monument of fidelity and valor-an
example which, thank God, has many
equals in this stormy period but can haveno
superior in any age, or cline, or country.
Though be conld not live to see the desire
of his soul-a Union crowned and glorihed
with Freedom from the Lakes to the
Gulf, from the rising OF the sun end to the
going down thereOf-he could have no
purer reward, no better evidence that bis
was one OF the characteristic spirits that
claim the recognition of the brave and
true of all the world.
Col. Bean was scholar before ne be-
came soldier. At Waukesba, Wis.,, the
place of his residence, he had been for
some years Professor of Mathematics in
an institution of learning. At the Uni
tu NJ f~nr WI no
uated, his proficiency had already indica-
ted for him an exalted position in this de-
partment Of science. In languages and
literature, philosophy, law, ethics, and
the natural sciences, few persons OF his
years were ever more thoroughly versed
and, possessed of competence, his pros
poets in lite seemed to be peculiarly for
tunate The outbreak OF the rebellion
found him surrounded by every clrcum
stance which could tempt him to shun the
battle field, yet he was among the first to
peril delicate constitution and the bright
hopes of an admiring circle OF friends in
his country's cause. He marched from
home with his regiment with the full con
viction that he should not return to it
alive, yet content that it should be so. He
proceeded to Baltimore, where his regl-
ment was ordered to take part in Gen.
LOckWOOd's campaign OF Cancellation IN
Accomac. His testimony of adherence OF
this wretched demonstration (Which turns
out to have been planned entirely by Gen.
Dix, and executed according TO the plan,)
is recorded IN the report OF the Commit
tee on the Conduct OF the War. He was
glad to be ordered to join Gen. Buffers
70 ISla wi Ea
rived in time TO enter New Orleans on the
first transport after the naval forces had
placed the stars and stripes over the re-
Dellious city.
In the fierce engagement of Baton Rouge
he commanded the 4th Wisconsin Col.
Paine having been placed under arrest for
some otfense against the pro-slapery in
stincts of Gen. Williams. Upon the pro.
motion Of Col. Paine as Brigadier General,
Lieut.. Col. Bean became Colonel OF the
regiment, and as such led his men, in
storm of grape aud musketry, through
dense abatis up to rebel breastwork at
Port Hudson, and drove away the enemy's
gunners. On the following day, in another
desperate assault, be fell. His last words,
written to his friends at home on the morn
ing which was to be his last, were in
praise of the intrepidity of his soldiers
My, admiration for my men is heyond
bounds"
The love and admiration of his men,
and of all who enjoyed his friendship,
equally knew no bounds. These are cost
ly sacrifices which America is making to
attain peace and purity. Bur those who,
like Col. Bean, believe that God will be
answerable for the result Of every effort
put forth in humanity's battle, will
not think that they are put forth in vain.
This young man drew his sword distinctly
to give freedom to the eEslaved, that
thereby his country might rise to her true
glory. Thro' clouds and disappointment
he fought with unwavering faith that the
end would yet be gained. When it is
gained, who shall say that his precious
blood has been spilled In vain 1t is
hard to turn from the grave of one so no.
bic and SO loved. In closing this briet
| tribute to the worth of a true hero, and
commencing his spirit tervently to the
Judge of the quick and the dead, the
words of the worlds great poet seem
most appropriate to the solemn duty:
"Good night, sweet prince,
| And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'