The Princeton union., 1891-06-04

The history OF Minnesota in the civ

The history OF Minnesota in the civil
war describes this charge substantially
as follows: 'sSickles' men had given
away before the heavier forces of Long
street and Hill. In utter disorder they
rushed down the slope across the low
ground, up the slope where stood the
First Minnesota, and passed to the
rear. Following them came the strong
force-the large brigades of Wilcox
and Barksdale. In regular lines they
came, moving steadily, in the flush OF
victory, and freing on the fugitives.
There was no organized force to oppose
them, except the handful of two hun
dred and sixty-two men Of the First
Minnesota. This noble regiment had
never deserted any post, had never re-
treated without orders, and desperate
as the situation seemed, and as it was,
the regiment stood firm against what
ever might come. Just then Hancock,
with a single aid, rode up at full speed,
and for moment vainly endeavored to
rally Sickles' retreating forces.
Quickly leaving the fugitives, Hancock
spurred to where was standing, like a
stone wall, the First Minnesota.
What regiment is this?' he called out.
First Minnesota, replied Col. Colville.
Charge those lines,' commanded Han
cock. Every man realized in an in
stant what that meant, the sacrifice
of the regiment to gain a few minutes
time and save the position, and prob
ably the battlefield and every man
saw and accepted the necessity for the
sacrifice, and, responding to Colville's
rapid orders, the regiment in perfect
line, with arms at right
shoulder shift was in a
moment sweeping down the slope
directly upon the enemy's centre. No
hesitation, no stopping to fire, though
the men fell fast at every stride before
the concentrated fire of the whole con-
federate force. Silently, without orders
and almost from the start, double
quick had changed to utmost speed.
Charge shouted Colville as they
neared the first line of the enemy; and
with leveled bayonets, at full speed, they
rushed upon it. Men were never made
to stand against the bayonets of such
a desperate charge. The first
line of the enemy's front was broken.
| Until now the First Minnesota reserved
their fire., Opening fire, now, they
held, for a time, the entire force Of the
enemy at bay, and until the Union re-
serves appeared. Before the added fire
of the fresh reserves, the enemy began
to retire, and the First Minnesota were
ordered back. The regiment had
stopped the enemy, held back its
mighty force and saved the position.
But at what sacrifice? Nearly every
officer was dead or lay weltering with
bloody wounds, the gallant colonel and
every field officer among them. OF the
two hundred and sixty-two men who
made the charge, two hundred and ff-
teen lay upon the field, stricken down
by rebel bullets, fortyseven were still
in line, and not a man was missing.
The annals of war contain no parallel
to this charge. Gen. Hancock has said
of it, There is no more gallant deed
recorded in history. I ordered these
men in there because saw must gain
five minutes time. Re-enforcements
were coming on a run, but I knew that
before they could reach the threatened
spot the Confederates, unless checked
would sieze the position. would have
ordered that regiment in if [ had known
that every man would be killed. Il
had to be done, and I was glad to fine
such a gallant body Of men at hand will
ling to make the terrible sacrifice thai
the occasion demanded
J Citizens of Princeton: You are to bt
congratulated in the possession of citi
zens such as these. Your children ani
your childrens' children will gather in
spiration from the heroism brough
home to each of you. Posterity in al
places where tradition and history
shall find Judgement, will make thu
gallant conduct of the First Minnesot,
, the highest standard of courageou
patriotism. Let their record stand a.
: the most conspicuous and yet truthful
illustration of the prowess and valor 0
the volunteer soldiers Of a free republic
The only national debt we can neve
! pay is the debt we owe to our soldiers
1t has become proverb that 'srepub
! lies are ungratefuln However tard,
: Minnesota may have been in givin.
!. evidence of her gratitude, she has re
: Gently given conclusive proof of al
t earnest desire to honor the soldier
t dead, and to reward the soldiers living
t In the History Of Minnesota in th
!, Civil War, . she sought to perpetual
: their memory in permanent form. O
q the banks of the Mississinni river h