The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-07-01
Speech OF Gen. G. G. Andrews. of Min.
nesota, at Duvall's Bluff, Ark.

On the 9th of June, the 1O6th Illinois
Infantry cit. Col. Yates), and the 126tl
Illinois infantry ct. Col. Beardsly), were
reviewed at Duvalls Bluff, Ark by Brig
Gen O. @. Andrews, who went from Lit
tie Rock for that purpose. After the re-
view the regiments were brought into line
of columns by division closed in mass, and
addressed by Gen. Andrews in the follow
ing speech:
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN IL feel that
I would omit part of my duty if should let
this occasion pass without saying few words
to you, especially as you are at present de-
tached from my immediate command and too
far away for me to see you often. And first
desire to express my satisfaction at your SOL
dierly appearance. But am extremely anx.
ious that you may become far more efficient
and useful to the service. There are but few
of us as suppose who expect to remain sol
diers after the war is over But that should
not abate our zeal in military duty. Having
undertaken to be soldiers, we ought to be com
plete and thorough soldiers. We ought to do
our best: we ought to act on the principal
that what l. worth doing is worth doing we'll
/ believe you will yet need to put into prac-
ClCC I'LL tut uullLuTy skIli you Cdu acquire.
have no doubt you will yet be placed in trying
circumstances where you will stand in need of
ell the advantage there is in discipline and
good soldiership. 1t is not difficult for troops
who lead an easy garrison life to appear fine on
parade. But it is difficult for troops to do so
who have as hard fatigue duty to perform as
you have. What you are-what your reputa.
ton is-depends upon yourselves. Ifyou de,
sire to surpass ordinary troops, your zeal and
industry must be more than ordinary. They
are great-thOse troops will have the highest
distinction-who pluck honor and fortune out
of adverse circumstances.
I am proud to have in my brigade so many
regiments from Illinois -the 62d Illinois, the
1O6th, the 126th / never look upon any BODY
of troops from Illinois that do not feel the
warmest emotion of admiration for that State
and for the gallant and distinguished con 'uct
of ner heroic sons. My tongue is unable to
speak the high praise that is due to the State
of Illinois for her glorious services in this
war. She has been equal and more than
equal to every demand on her patriotism. In
the darkest hours how valiant has been her
mighty arm! H steady and unfaltering her
dauntless spirit! How serene and cheering
her radiant brow! On every great battl field
her blood has been poured out like water
In every decisive struggle her noble sons
have stood like a wall of iron, or
rushed forward with unconquerable hearts
in the triumphant cnarge. Wherever
civilization has any fooihold, wherever
on the habitable globe the American name is
known, there also are known and revered the
matchless valor and glory of Illinois! What a
motive have you then to strive for superiority
in soldiership, and thus keep bright the honor
of your State. AS you awake in the morning
and go to sleep at night let the thought be in
your minds how much You are bound to pre-
serve the lustre of her great and just renown.
Be proud and jealous Of her fame and she will
be proud ofyou.