The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1914-07-14

Minnesota. but little more than two
years before, three hundred thirty
were all the Regiment could count on
that eventful second day of July at
Gettysburg, on which they were des-
tined to lose two hundred thirty-two |
of the above number, almost annihl-
lating the Regiment. Quoting from
personal notes of the late Judge VIM.
Lochren, who was one of this gallant |
band "On the morning of July we
arrived on the battlefield and our
Corps (this 2nd) was placed in posi-
ton on the line to the left of the
cemetery; on its left was third Corps
commanded by General Sickles. For
some reason the First Minnesota was
not placed in this line, but was held
apparently in reserve short distance
in the rear.
About noon Sickles advanced the
third corps a half mile or more, his
left extending to Devils Den" near
the base of Little Round Top, and one
of our Company, "F"' was detached
as skirmishers and sent in that di-
rection; Co. &C" of our Regiment was
also absent on detached service on
another part of the field, leaving US
with but two hundred sixty-two men
in line, all told.
At this time these remaining eight
companies were sent to the center of
the line just vacated by Sickles' adj
vance, to support Battery c of Fourth
United States Infantry. No other
troops were then near US and we stood
! in full view of Sickles' battle in the
peach orchard, half mile to the front
and witnessed with eager anxiety the
varying fortunes of that sanguinary
conflict, until at length with gravest
apprehension we saw Sickles men give
way before the heavier forces of
Longstreet and Hill, slowly at first,
and rallying at short intervals, but
at length broken and in utter disorder
rushing down the slope across the
low ground up the slope on our side
and past our position to the rear fol-
lowed by strong force; the large
brigades of Wilcox and Barksdale, in
regular lines, moving steadily in the
flush of victory, and firing on the fu-
gitives They had reached the low
ground and in few minutes would
be at our position on the rear of the
left flank of our line which they could
roll up as Jackson did the eleventh
Corps at Charlottesville.
There was no force near to Oppose
them except our handful of two hun
dred sixty-two men. Most soldiers ir
the face of the advance of such ar
overpowering force, which had just
defeated considerable portion of ar
Army Corps would have caught the
panic and joined the retreating mas
ses. But the First Minnesota hae
never yet deserted any post, had never
retired without orders and desperat,
as the situation seemed and as i
was, the Regiment stood firm agains
whatever might come.
Just then General Hancock rod,
up to where we stood after havin,
vainly endeavored to rally Sickles re
treating forces. Reserves had beer
sent for but were too far away t,
hope to reach the critical position
until it would be occupied by til,
enemy, unless that enemy wer,
stopped. Quickly leaving the fugi
tives Hancock spurred to where W,
were calling out as he came, "Wha
Regiment is this ?' First Minnesota
. proudly answered Col. Colville, VIII,
. was in charge. Sharp and cold ran,
: out the order, Charge those lines
No formal orders through aide or or
derby, but Charge those lines
Check that oncoming host of vic
torious foe!
General Hancock, later, speakins
of this order, and of the charge, said
There is no more gallant deed re
corded in history. I ordered thes,
men in there because / saw I mus
gain five minutes time. Reinforce
ments were coming on the run, bu
I know that before they could reacl
the threatened point, the Confeder
ates, unless checked would seize tn,
position. / would have ordered tha
Regiment in If | had known that ev
cry man would be killed 1t had Il
be done, and / was glad to find sucE
gallant body of men at hand will