New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1891-09-23
A Brave Act.

was much interested in the account
given by you in a recent issue of your
paper of the credit due to Drs. Aver and
Daniels, in connection with the Indian
attack on New Ulm in 1862, which was
in entire accord with what eye witness
es and participators in their valor have
told me. And I am sure if all the facts
concerning the siege and defense of
New Ulm were brought to light, their
names would haye added lustre: while
concerning some, if all the facts were
known, the credit they have taken for
what was due to others would stamp
their part in history with Napoleon's
caustic comment: "A fable agreed
upon." But there is one name that
ought to be rescued from forgetfulness
before those who were there and know
the facts pass away, and that is the
name OF N. S. Burgess, of Ottawa, who
did the bravest deed done at New UIm.
At the most critical period of the de-
Tense, when the besiegers were in full
force and the defenders all hidden with
in the barricade from the murderous
fire of the foe, two houses remained
unburned, down the barricaded street,
1t was feared they would be taken pos
session of in the night by the Indians,
which would enable them to enfilade the
barricade, and render defence hopeless.
1t was case of life and death. Those
buildings must be burned, and call
was made for some one to volunteer for
the forlorn hope. Among all those
brave men no one answered the call. 1t
seemed sure death, for the open ground
to be crossed to reach the buildings was
in easy range of the enemy's bullets,
and how was escape possible? At last
one man, Nehemiah S. Burgess,
stepped forth and said: Il will co."
and, preparing his kindlings, he VEN
tured forth. AS soon as he appeared
outside tho barricades the Indians
opened deadly fire on him, and kept
it up until he disappeared behind the
buildings. And the hail storm of bull
lets assailed him on his return. When
safe inside the barricades he turned to
look, expecting to see the buildings in
flames, but the fire had gone out. A
rain had wet the wood. With unaincn-
ing courage he prepared another batch
of kindlings and crossed the gulf of
hell again. This time he waited until
he saw the buildings wrapped in flames,
and then retreated through the leaden
rain of the foe in safety, reaching the
barricades untouched. Major Buell., of
st. Peter, who was an eye witness of
the whole scene, gave me this account
of it, and added: '.It was the bravest
thing I saw done at New Ulm.'' Mr.
Burgess also told me, and added: II
never expected to get back alive, and
so just took my last look at the sun,
and asked God to take care OF Margaret
and the children It was he, also, who
ed in 'sFlandreau's charge, = and while
some distance in advance of all others,
waving his hand, said; "Idon't say go
on;p I'll say, ''come on, boys" At
that instant he received a bullet through
his uplifteds arm. The half breed who
aimed it fell pierced by ball from the
rifle Of q companion just behind him.
Mr.. Burgess is now an old man, ~
years Of age, but he has many warm
friends among the heroes Of New Ulm;
and this tribute IS his due. It will be
read. with pleasure by his childre,. and
children's children. Judson Jones in
LIE Sueur Sentinel.