Morris tribune., 1906-08-11
minnesota Part for the
Pres eryatiOn of the UnOin
BY ENZA ALTON CELLAR.
essay That Received Prize Competition of
the Minnesota Department, G. A. RI

Confederates became imperative. The
First, led by Colville, charged ahead,
down into the terrific fire of the
enemy; comrades fell on every side,
the sweep of bullets literally moved
the lines, but there was no hesitation,
the old flag must be victorious at all
hazards. AS the first line of the enemy
was neared the charge was made at
''double quick" with level bayonets;
others Immediately fell into the va
| cant places as the lines of the daunt-
less First were thinned out, and there
was no break in the rush. Thus the
Confederate advance was stopped, but
at a cost, for two hundred sixty two
of the noble two hundred and seventy
five lay on the battle field and their
heroic leader, Col. Colville, received a
severe wound. In the annals of war
this charge has no parallel; the des-
perate unfaltering attack and appall-
ing sacrifice has no equal. Without
hesitation the men of the fearless First
Minnesota went to their death, that
every star might remain in our ban
ner. The deeds of those men are an
everlasting glory and the unpreced-
ented attack which saved the battle is
a thing which should be foremost in
the heart of every American. With
cheers on their lips those gallant men
men died martyrs death for their
country on the bloody field of Gettys-
burg.
Gen. Thomas was in position near
The Snodgrass house in Chickamauga
His men slept on their arms awaiting
the attack which began Sept. 10. They
fought fearlessly, but the attacking
numbers were so great that defeat
seemed inevitable; still with no sign
of relenting he stubbornly resisted.
The Second Minnesota began the as
cent and in the face of the deadly fir
ing advanced steadily till they Joined
his forces and saved the day But
more truly clarifying that gallant
charge of the Second than can any
words is the imposing monument
erected on the battle ground to those
valiant heroes who brought the rein
forcements which Gen. Thomas so
desperately required to hold the
hill.
In the battle of Bristoe Station, the
First, after fighting courageously, cap
tured over three hundred prisoners
with the loss of only one man killed
and sixteen wounded; thus Lees flank
| ing movement was checked.
For two months the besieging armies
lay facing each other at Mission Ridge.
Many of the Union troops became i'll
from exposure and scanty food, but
through it all the Second and Fourth
Minnesota regiments conducted them
selves with their habitual brave pa
tience. At last the engagement be-
/ gan and the Confederate breastWorks
could withstand the efficient outpour-
ing Of shot, sent by the valorous Sec
ond, but short time. The Fourth
was used mainly as skirmishers. but
when the enemy retired they joined
the Second in the pursuing march
through Graysville.
The last battle Of 1868 in which a
Minnesota regiment took part was
that Of Mine Run, which began Nov.
26 and in which the First was detailed
to march on the Confederate works
as skirmishers until they drew the
fire OF the enemy. After the heavy
loss at Gettysburg, their ranks were
so thinned that, had the maneuver
been carried out, not enough men
would have remained for ali official
muster out, but all were ready and
prepared for the sacrifice; however
Warren decided not to order it, as sue
cess was doubtful. Next day the regi-
ment marched back to the Rapidan
Owing to the accurate fire of the
Second battery at Dalton, the Con-
federates were forced to retire in
great disorder, as they did at Lake
Chicot, Tenn, before the running fire
of the Fifth infantry, who, in spite of
the severe campaigning of the Red
River expedition, stoutly main
tanned their reputation as a fighting
regiment, to the CONSERVATION of the
enemy.
In defiance of the superior Con-
federate forces, the Third turned the
battle at Fitzhugh's Woods from de-
feat to complete victory. Follow
ing this came another severe cam
palgn, that of the Wilderness. in
which the First Company of sharp
shooters were always at the front.
Unerringly through the tangled I'M
derbrush The first Minnesota batta-
lion charged at Richmond while the