Morris tribune., 1906-08-11

Although having enjoyed the privi-
leges of statehood for less than three
years, the prompt, unfailing loyalty OF
Minnesota, to the flag, was wildly
portrayed when on the first hostile at
tack on cold Glory" Gov. Alexander
Ramsey, then in Washington, made
the first tender of thousand of Min
nesota's brave sons, to defend the
Union. This President Lincoln accept
ed and next day he issued his call for
seventy five thousand volunteers. I'm
mediate enrolment went on through
out the state and on April 80, 1851, the
first regiment was mustered in at Fort
Smelling, under Gen. Sanborn. Thus
to Minnesota went the honor of the
first enlisted man and the senior regi
ment in the service.
When on June ii the regiment re-
ceived marching orders from Wash
1ngton, the men were wild with joy;
on the same day the governor receiv-
ed the second call. This he announc-
ed TO the people and the enlistment
for second regiment at once began.
The loyal Minnesotans responded
nobly, completing their organization
in short time. The third, fourth and
fifth regiments followed in rapid sue
cession, entirely filing Minnesota's
quota and more.
Meanwhile the First was showing
her mettle on the fields Of Bull Run
and Ball's Bluff; the latter being a
series of skirmishes. At Mill Springs
the Second received her baptism of
fire with unfaltering lines and in all
the ensuing battles of the Valley cam
paigns the work of the First Minnesota
was marked with conspicuous brav-
cry. The men of the First battery on
the fields of Shiloh, under the terrible
cross fire of the enemy, behaved in a
way to cast everlasting credit on their
state.
Great hardships were endured with
remarkable fortitude; all were eagerly
alert for actual service and they were
not to be discouraged by unfavorable
conditions. They had enlisted for war
and the spirit of Minnesota was not
easily daunted, as was shown in the
battle of Fair Oaks, May 81, through
the fierce rain of shells, the First I'M
der Col. Sully was in the lead holding
the line at all hazards; toward the
close of the first day the Minnesota
sharpshooters rendered valorous SER
vice; REPETITION of their bravery wa
witnessed at Harrison's Landing and
in the Seven Days battles.
At Murfreesborough the Third did
some gallant fighting, but as they
were greatly outnum5ered, with no
hope of achievements, they were
obliged to surrender to avoid useless
loss of men. The battle of Antietam
was won with heavy loss, the First
under Col. Sully attacking furiously.
The terrible encounter at Fredericks-
burg was sad blow, though the First
was saved by Col. Sully's efforts. In
the meantime the Fourth regiment
was engaged in the battles of Inka and
Corinth, where, with remarkable cool
ness, they presented an unbroken
front to the enemy, routing their po-
sitiOn in short time.
Minnesota during the first year OF
the war furnished five infantry regl-
ments, three cavalry companies and
two batteries, this, in comparison to
the population demonstrated the won
derful patriotism of the people.
The Third, Fourth and Fifth regi-
ments. with the First battery, took
Dart in the fierce and protracted at
tlck on Vicksburg, which began in
January 1863 and lasted until July.
There, through the endless hard
ships of that dreadful seige, the troops
to a. man, displayed great endurance
and valor Little complaining was
heard even when, through the intense
heat of the southern summer the men
we're obliged to cut timber for breast
works. Then sickness broke out and
often food and medicine were insult
fcent to meet the demands, but Gen
Sanborn, that efficient leader, cheered
and gave to his men every comfort
that reager means allowed.
The blue sky was serene, but as sum-
mer drew near the pitiless sun beat
down on their bivouac and the once
smiling stretch of green fields became
stained with the blood of heroes.
Where was such loyal service ever
rendered, as in those battles where
Minnesota's sons fought for union and
the right? No matter how hopeless
seemed the struggle, no matter how
weary the men, they never faltered,
hnt followed where "Old Glory" led.