The evening times., 1898-09-24
THE NEBRASKA TROOPS |
Governor HOlcomb's State
ment to the President.
COLONEL BRYAN'S COMMAND
The Executive of the State Asks
That II Part of the Third Regi-
nient, Stationed at Jacksonville,
he Mustered Out of the Service.
The States Quota.

Gov. HoIcomb, of Nebraska, has sent
the following communication to the Pres
ident bearing upon the subject of muster
ing out the sick soldiers of the Nebraska
regiments, which was the mission that
brought Col. Bryan from Jacksonville to
Washington. The statement from the
governor is as follows:
ITO the President:
Il have the honor to present the fol-
lowing facts relative to the volunteer SOL
diers from the State of Nebraska and to
make certain suggestions based thereon
for your consideration.
When the first call for voluteers was
made two regiments of infantry of the
strength then required, viz. 1,026 men
each, were allotted to Nebraska. and
We're promptly furnished
anticipating a possible second CALL 1
authorized the recruiting OF a provisional
regiment. the organization of which was
in progress and nearly completed when q
second call for additional volunteers was
promulgated by your EXceliency.
Under the second call Nebraska was
required TO recruit the First and Second
Regiments to the maximum strength of
l.326 men, and in addition thereto was al
lotted one regiment of the maximum
strength Of 1,326 men. These. too, were
speedily furnished.
In addition to the above, Nebraska
furnished Troop X. eighty-four men, for
the Third u. S. Volunteer Cavalry. which
has since been mustered out, and some
miscellaneous enlistments in the Engin-
eer and Naval forces.
The First Regiment was sent to Mani
la; the Second stationed at Chickamauga.
and the Third assigned to the Seventh
Army Corps. al Jacksonville, Fla.
Il feel justified in saying that the SOL
diers from Nebraska have proven them
selves efficient and satisfactory. While
the war was in progress, and the necessi-
ty for military service apparent, Nebras-
ka soldiers, prompted by patriotic mo-
tives. were ready to face the dangers OF
camp and field With the cessation Of
hostilities, and the muster out OF half OF
the volunteer army, a reaction in feeling
set in. and many who were willing to
fight the nations battles began 70
evince a desire to avoid the rOu-
tine OF camp and garrison life.
Among Nebraskas quota were married
men. sons of dependent parents. college
boys, and many who sacrificed good bus
mess positions.
The sickness which prevailed among
the members OF the Second and Third
N-H
my generally. leSsened the attrdcCiVeness
of the service. and made the relatives Of
the soldiers solcitous for their return
home.
las executive of the State l asked that
Nebraska be allowed her full quota OF
volunteers, or even more. when volunteers
were called for. | feel 1t my duty now
10 protest against the State being COM
PEELED TO furnish more than her quota for
t.
agreeable to the volunteers and causes
anxiety and remonstrance at home.
You have decided to reduce the vol
unteer army one-half and have evidently
intended to so apportion the remaining
forces as 10 require of each State a just
and reasonable contribution TO the vOlun-
teer army which you think 1t necessary TO
lAtain.
Observing that in some of the States
from three-hfthS TO two-th.rds of the vol
unteers had been mustered out and
alarmed by the Increase in sickness in the
Third Nebraska Regiment, l asked that
that regiment, or at least two battalions
of il, be mustered out. Recognizing, how
ever. that il would be impossible for you
under your present plan to allow that re-
duction in all States. and not desiring to
ask more favorable consideration for Ne
braska than might reasonably be grant
/
sist upon the muster out of the entire
regiment. l venture'to suggest that while
you have made an average reduction of
one-half, you have retained in the service
two of the three regiments furnished by
Nebraska or about 1850 men Gess those
who have died in battle and in the camp.
and those who have been discharged upon
individual applcation), whereas Nebras-
kas quota would be about 100 men if
based upon population or 1881 if based up
on military strength.
Il ask that. If consistent with the good
of the service you authorize the muster
ing out of the excess over and above
Nebraska's fair share. This can be done
by mastering out battalion formations,
or by discharge of certain number of
enlisted men from each company. or in
such other manner q s you may think best.
Whether you make the reductions by bat
talions or by individual discharges, it
will be possible 10 release those who have
the best reasons for desiring 10 return
home.
If you desire me to make the appor-
tionment of the number to be discharged.
l shall, as nearly as possible take an
equal number from the First and Third
Regiments. provided that in case either
regiment does not furnish its quota of
persons desiring discharges, the other
regiment shall be allowed a proportionate
increase of discharges. l also ask that
enlisted men of the Second Nebraska,
who desire it. be transferred to the First
or Third Regiment, and to that extent
increase the number who can be dis
charged.
''If you find 1t feasible to grant the
above request you will not only relieve
Nebraska of an excessive levy but will
make the service so far as our State
is concerned, more truly a volunteer
service
The statement is signed by Silas A Hol-
comb, governor.