Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1892-07-21
DIED a HERO.
The Brave Colonel of Colored Regi
ment.


ment.
War is barbarous. With the progress
of humanity it must be that nations
will find some more reasonable way of
settling their disputes. but till then ii is
To be admitted that the field Of battle
brings out the spirit of heroism In Mr..
Emilios history of "A Brave Black
Regiment, the oath Massachusetts
the author tells a new story of the at
tack on Fort Wagner in July 1868, in
which the regiment covered itself with
honor and its commander, Col. Robert
G. Shaw, one of the most attractive
figures of the whole four years contest,
laid down his life.
The Fifty-fourth had just arrived
upon the ground The men had passed
two days without an issue of rations,
and We're considerably worn out, but as
special honor they were allowed-not
commanded-to lead the assaulting
column.
As showing how the irrepressible
humor of the African soldier came out,
the author mentions that as the line was
forming cannon shot from the enemy
passed overhead. A man or two moved
nervously, which brought sharp re-
proof from Lieut.. Col Hallowell.
Thereupon one man remarked quietly to
his comrades: Il guess the major for
gets what kind of balls them is An
other added, thinking of the enemy: Il
guess they kind o specs we're com
ing.
As the preparations for attack were
completed, Col Shaw said to Lieut-Col
Hallowel. II shall 90 in advance with
the national flag. You will keep the
state flag with you; it will give the
men something to rally round. We
shall take the fort or die there. Good
by
Presently Gen. Strong rode up, called
out the color bearer. and said:
If this man should fall, who will lift
the flag and carry it on?"
Il will" said Col. Shaw, quietly, and
the men loudly responded to the pledge.
The writer describes infinitely the APP
pearance and dress of Col Shaw, as he
walked up and down the line of his
regiment. With youth, beauty. eduea-
ton, wealth, social position, he had
everything which the world can offer to
make life attractive: but the time had
come to give it up, and he was ready
for the sacrifice.
His manner" says Mr.. Emilio, gen
orally reserved before his men, seemed
now to unbend for he spoke as he had
never done before. His bearing was
composed and graceful; his check had
somewhat paled, and the slight witch
ing of the corners of his mouth showed
plainly that the whole cost was count
ed, and his expressed determination to
take the fort or die was to be carried
out
And il was carried out. The fort was
not taken. The colonel led his men to
the rampant There he stood for a mo-
ment with uplifted sword, shouting,
Forward. Fifty-fourth." and then fell
dead. shot through the heart
The confederates buried him in
trench with his Negro soldiers They
meant it as an ignominy, perhaps, but
as time goes on it viii more and more
be felt that his body could have had no
more appropriate and honorable rest
ing place.
No public monument has yet been
erected to his memory. but it is pleas
ant to know that one is to be set up be-
fore many years on Boston common.
1t could have no better motto than.
Emersons lines. written in war time:
So nigh is grandeur to our dust.
So near is God to man,
When Duty whispers low. Th0a must.
The youth replies. cant
Youths Companion.