The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1905-11-09

the spot where President Lincoln stood
and watched the fight of July 18th,
1854, until ordered down by Gen.
Wright, and "to the rear" where at
least he refused to 60.
This tall, gaunt figure in his high
hat and long frock coat, stubbornly
standing erect on the ramparts of the
fort watching the fight: Did he know
that over on a distant hill, with the
confederate troops under his COM
mand around him, handsome, gayly
uniformed, his heart beating high
with hope, anxiously waiting the
summons from Early to join in his
triumphant march into the Capital
John G. Breckenridge, the candidate
receiving the notes of the Seeding
States for President, stood? Is there
a more dramatic picture in the whole
history of the Civil War than these
two men silhouetted against that July
sky, watching intently the battle with
such different desires in their hearts?
The whole battle, in fact, is full of the
nerve and audacity of brave men and
skillful generals.
Forty-one years ago last July all
the hopes of the nation depended upon
the strength of this fort and it's poor
equipment to turn back the valiant
soldiers sent by Gen. Lee with such
fond hopes of capturing the Capital,
and who would have succeeded but for
those thirty hours delay caused by
Gen. Leu Wallace when he so bravely
marched out and gave battle with only
this hope of delay in view. He then
retreated down the Monocacy River in
hopes that Early would follow, but
Early resumed his march towards the
Capital, which had been left almost
entirely unprotected by Gen. Grant
who was concentrating all available
force before Petersburg, and who did
not believe that placed as Lee was, he
would risk parting with a single
regiment, but Lee felt that he was
strongly entrenched and that sending
force to capture the Capital would
force Gen. Grant to divide his force to
follow Early.
Knowing as the people in Washing
ton did, how poorly they were pro-
tected, there was great excitement in
Baltimore and Washington when they
heard that the enemy were so near,
increasing to CONSERVATION when they
heard of Gen. Wallace's defeat.
Church bells were rung in the city
on Sunday, the 10th, to call the
citizens to man the trenches. Quarter
masters clerks and citizens were
hastily sworn in. Convalescent
soldiers at the hospital, those in the
city on leave,-all were utilized for
defense.
When Gen. Grant realized the
gravety of the situation, he sent i'm
mediately the ever active Sixth Corps,
commanded by Gen. Horatio Wright,
to the rescue, and never did troops
arrive more OPPORTUNITY or bring
greater relief to despairing people.
The thunder of the guns at Fort
Stevens shouted familiar call, and
heartily did they respond and hasten
towards them. Up the rough, deep
cut road, half sitting with dust, did
they run, straight up 9TH street from
the wharf to the fort, cheered at every
corner, until they reached the pine
grove in the rear of Fort de Russey
and made their bivouac for the night.
In the morning Gen. Early's men,
spying from tall tulip tree into the
fort, saw that it had received re-en-
forcements, and the few hours rest
he had given his men had been dis
asterous. Tired and fatigued from
their encounter with Wallace and
their long march as they were, had
they attacked the fort when they first
arrived the history of the United
States would be changed from what
it is today.
Foreign governments were only too
anxious for an excuse to interfere.
Once in the Capital for the shortest
time the Confederates would have
been recognized by these as con-
querers.
But the gallant Sixth Corps came
in time and unity is now supreme.
feel the solemn grandeur of it all.
In my mind memories of the great
deeds gather, while before my eye l
see naught but peace and beauty.
Brightwood: How we'll the name
suits the place today! The lovely
rolling hills still undulate in grace
full curves around me, but instead OF
the subtle shades of green of that July
day nature now wears her gayest gown
of gorgeous autumn tints.
The trees are still heavy with their
load of cadmium, orange and crimson