The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-04-22
WHERE LIEUT.. LOCHREN WAS AT
THE FAMOUS GETTYS-
BURG FIGHT.
so SAYS MAJ. HEFFELFINGER,
WHO KNOWS, BECAUSE HE SAYS
HE SAW HIM THERE THAT
DAY.
RESENTS BEvANS' SLURS
On the Military Record of the Emil
nent Jurist and Ex-SOI-
der.

All Minnesota veterans, but especially
those Of the FIRST regiment of volunteer
infantry, will be interested in the fol-
lowing statement from Maj. C. B.
Heffelf1nger as to the aspersion cast
upon Judge William Lochren in the
heat Of a recent debate in the legisla-
ture. He says:
The passage by our legislature of a
bill to provide for the dedication of
the monument erected by the state
on the battlefield of Gettysburg, has
been the cause Of considerable dis
cussion as to the part taken by some,
who are now living, in that very mem
orable battle. That monument has
been erected. not only to the fitting
honor to fallen heroes who sacrificed
their lives in the sanguinary conflict Of
that three days struggle, but to re
mind us also Of the equal bravery and
patriotism Of the few remaining Gettys-
burg survivors. With the deadly strife
or those days of carnage still fresh in
memory, had never supposed it posi-
bic that one word could ever be ut
tered by any person through any mo-
tives whatever, to throw suspicion upon
the military record of such a soldier
as Judge William Lochren, or question
his active and earnest participation in
the eliminating victory of Gettysburg.
But even this injustice has been done.
Some have made misstatements
through ignorance, or on account Of
faulty memories clouded by the mist Of
thirty years since elapsed, and there
are others who have perpetrated a will
full wrong for sinister purposes.
Judge Lochren's military record is too
70
and he would suffer in silence any
injustice, rather than attempt to de-
fend himself against such false state
ments and inuendOs 1t is for this rea-
son, and because of a positive knowl-
edge of facts hereafter stated that
the writer wishes to give this statement
to justice-lOving public.
When the fall of Sumter, in April
1861, first startled the nation with the
sound Of actual war, and Abraham
Lincoln issued his first call for $4,000
three-months volunteers, VIM. Lochren
turned the key upon the doors Of a Iu-
cnative law practice and gave himself
to the service of his country He en-
listed in Company E Qknown as the
st. Anthony company of the FIRST Min
nesOta Volunteers, the writer enter
ing Company D, CknoWn as the Lin
coin Guards the Minneapolis COM
pany, and when the rebellion had as
sumed formidable proportions and the
president issued a call for 2500 900 three
years men, Judge Lochren, with his
company and regiment were re-must-
cred in for three years or during the
war" Those who are interested in the
matter will please note accurately what
follows:
At the first battle of Bull Run we
were both together in front of Beaure-
gard, and also through the historic Pc
nlnGIIlQ1 mn ion nd tnv. q
campaign Of Antietam, Fredericks-
burg, ETC., he was also with his regi-
ment in active service. From Fal-
mouth Va, in June 1863, the regiment
marched with the army to take its
place in the noted Gettysburg cam
paign, Judge LOchren as second lieuten-
ant of company *" and the writer as
first lieutenant in command of COM
pany ID, were always near each 9TH
er; in fact, messed together and were
closely associated throughout the en-
tire campaign. Both companies formed
part of the left wing Of the regiment,
company 3D. being at the left of COM
pany ''K'' in line of battle, bringing
us within few feet or yards of each
other most of the time.
At Gettysburg, July 2, Lieut.. Loeb
rem was in line of battle with his COM
pany when the command was given
by Gen. Hancock to Col. VIM. Col
vile, COulIldIuiIIS THE 10
charge the enemy, and | know from
personal knowledge that Lieut.. Loch-
rem was present and in his place at
the time the charge was ordered, and
went into the charge with his compa-
ny. In this charge Capt. Periam, of
company * was mortally wounded
and, in the absence OF any superior
officer, Lieut.. LOchren assumed COM
mand Of his company. Prior to this
charge our regiment was supporting
battery &C." Fourth United States ar
tillery, but, after the charge, between
sunset and dark, We were ordered TO
join our brigade on a different part Of
the field. All the regimental field Of
ficers being disabled, we were under
command of Capt. Messick Of COM
pany &C." senior officer remaining.
Our regiment participated in the
great battles of the Sd, in the repulse of
Pickett's famous charge, at the pOin-
known as the "clump Of trees" or the
high water mark of the Rebellion"
On this day Capt. Messick and Capt
Farel, being both killed, all the field
and staff officers being killed or wound
ed, Lieut.. LOchren was one Of the five
lieutenants, the only officers of the
regiment left for duty, at the close of
the third day, July 3.
The regimental adjutant, Peller being
wounded and disabled Lieut.. Lochren
was appointed acting adjutant, and
personally wrote the report of the bat
tie of the regiment, which report is
on file in the adjutant generals office
Of the state in his own hand
In conclusion l repeat that I know
from personal knowledge that Lieut..
Lochren participated in the fighting
through all the Gettysburg struggle
where his company and regiment was
engaged that l saw and conyersed
with him frequently before, during
and at the close of the battle, and there
is no possibility of any error in any
statement here made.
l have refrained from making this
statement until justice to an old COM
rade and faithful soldier forbade long
er silence, believing all true citizens
will be always anxious to render "hon-
or to whom honor is due"
&C. B. Heffelfnger.