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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:43:07 GMT -5
MY Note on spelling the word Processor again misspelled alot of the words but im sure you can get past this, I will post the link to this if you want the pdf or read the book link.
MINNESOTA
IN THE
CIVIL AND INDIAN WARS
1861-1865.
VOLUME II
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
COMPILED, EDITED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
APPOINTED BY THE ACT OF THE LEGISLATURE OF MINNESOTA OF
APRIL 22, 1892.
ST. PAUL, MINN.:
ELECTROTYPED AND PRINTED FOR THE STATE
BY THE PIONEER PRESS COMPANY.
1893.
1
INTRODUCTION.
The volume herewith furnished has been published pursuant to the following Act of the Legislature of Minnesota of 1891:
An Act to provide for the compilation and publication of the Official Reports and Correspondence relating to the organization and services of Minnesota Troops in the Civil and Indian Wars 1861-1865.
Be it enacted ~by the Legislature of the State of Minnesota :
SECTION 1. The board of commissioners appointed by the act of April 16, 1889, entitled " An act to provide for the preparation and publication of a history of the organization and services of Minnesota troops in the Civil War of 1861- 1865 and the Indian War of 1862," are hereby authorized to cause the official re ports and correspondence relating to the organization and services of Minnesota troops in the Civil and Indian Wars 1861-1865, to be carefully compiled, edited, indexed and published as a companion volume to "Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars 1861-1865." No compensation shall be allowed or paid said com missioners for services as such under this act, but they shall have authority to employ at a reasonable compensation, to be determined by them, one of their num ber, or some other person or persons, to discharge the duty and do the work of editors in preparing the said volume for publication and superintending the pub lication of the same, and may incur such other incidental expenses as may be necessary in the discharge of their duty under this act. When said volume is fully prepared for publication said commission may cause it to be printed and bound by the public printer of the state, or they may in their discretion adver tise and let such printing and binding to the lowest responsible bidder. It shall be printed on paper of the same quality and tint, and be bound in the same style as the before mentioned volume of history entitled "Minnesota in the Civil and In dian Wars 1861-1865." It shall also be electrotyped so that additional copies may be printed at any time by direction of the Legislature; and said electrotype plates shall be delivered to and retained by the adjutant general.
SEC. 2. The cost of printing and binding said volume shall be paid in the same manner and upon like vouchers as other public printing, out of the funds appropriated for that purpose, and the expenses incurred by the commission, in editing and preparing said volume shall be paid upon vouchers made out and ap proved by said commission, which vouchers shall be filed with the auditor of state, and be paid by his warrant drawn in the usual form upon the state treas urer.
SEC. 3. Said commission shall cause to be printed and bound ten thousand copies of said work, and deliver the same to the adjutant general of the State of Minnesota, who shall, without unnecessary delay, either by personal delivery, or by mail or express, deliver one copy thereof, free from expense, to each sur viving soldier of any organization of Minnesota troops in the said war who shall apply therefor, but no copy shall Jie4^i^ered until the adjutant general has
J7^ OF THE
((UNIVERSITY;
\CA*
iv INTRODUCTION.
satisfied himself of the identity of the soldier who is to receive the same. One copy of the same, upon like request, shall be delivered to the surviving widow, father or mother of any such deceased soldier, and if no widow, father or mother is living, then to the oldest son or daughter, or brother or sister, upon identifica tion to the satisfaction of the adjutant general; and to facilitate such delivery the adjutant general shall mail to the representative of every such deceased soldier, and to every such surviving soldier whose address may be known or furnished to him, a notice informing him that he is entitled, upon request, to a copy of the said volume free of expense, and shall keep a record of the delivery of such volume to such surviving soldier or representative of such deceased sol dier; one copy to each public and college library in the state, and one copy to each state institution; one copy to each school district in the state having a library, and one copy to such libraries of state and foreign governments as are accustomed to exchange public documents with the public library of the state. One hundred copies of the same shall be delivered to the Minnesota Historical Society, and fifty copies to the library of the State University of Minnesota for exchange. After the distribution of the copies of the volumes as aforesaid, the adjutant general may sell any remaining copies, at a price not exceeding ten per cent above the actual cost of the same to the state, to any parties desiring to pur chase the same, but not more than one copy to any one person; and he shall at the end of every quarter render an account to the state auditor of the number of copies he has sold, and pay over the proceeds of such sales to the state treasurer, and the state treasurer shall sign and deliver to him duplicate receipts for the money so paid over, one of which the adjutant general shall retain in his office, and file the other with the state auditor.
SEC. 4. To enable said commission to carry into effect the provisions of this act, there shall be and hereby is appropriated out of any money in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated, the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars.
SEC. 5. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
The bill for the foregoing act was was introduced in the House on the 27th February, by Representative H. C. Stivers, of Brainerd (formerly of the Second Regiment Minnesota Cavalry, IT. S. Volunteers), and was referred to the Commit tee on Military Affairs, which, after careful consideration, made a written report, March 6th, unanimously recommending the passage of the bill. In their report, which is printed in the journal of the House, the committee says :
At the first thought the inquiry might be made: "Why does not the Rebellion Record, which is being printed by the United States, sufficiently preserve the reports and correspondence relating to Minnesota troops? The first answer to this question is, that the Rebellion Record, of which fifty-seven large octavo vol umes have been published, bringing it up, however, only to the close of the year 18G3, will when finished comprise from eighty to a hundred large volumes and will be accessible only in large libraries. The second answer, and a conclusive one, is that the Rebellion Record will not contain the reports and correspondence as to the troops of Minnesota nor as to those of any other state complete. It will, as a rule, contain such reports and correspondence as were transmitted up through the various military headquarters and found their way to the War Department. But it does not and will not contain those monthly reports, often of great interest and value, which commanders of Minnesota organizations transmitted direct to the office of the adjutant general of Minnesota. It is due equally to the state and to the soldiers and their descendants, that such official reports and correspond ence be collected and preserved.
The report also states:
All of the documents which the accompanying bill provides for publishing may be regarded as the vouchers and basis of the narrative volume which the state has just published. Obviously the work can now be done more accurately
INTRODUCTION. y
and more economically than if postponed to some future period. Also, if pub lished now it will interest and benefit many veterans who in a few more years will have disappeared. Over twenty-five years have passed since the war closed, and there can be no excuse for longer delay. There can be no question that the work will contribute much to the good reputation of our state.
When the bill came up for consideration in the House the speaker, Hon. E. T. Champlin (who served through the War of the Rebellion as a member of the Third Minnesota Infantry), took the floor and advocated its passage. The bill was passed by the House without opposition. Not having been reached, however, in its regular order in the Senate, on the last night of the session, on motion of Senator Donnelly, the rules were suspended and it was taken up and passed, and it was approved by the Governor the 22d of April.
With reference to the cost of the volume the House Committee on Military Affairs state in their above mentioned report as follows:
Mr. Eamaley, the state printing expert, has furnished the committee the fol lowing detailed estimate of the cost of the proposed edition of 10,000 copies:
ST. PAUL, March 2, 1891. Hon. F. W. Wagoner, Chairman Committee on Military Affairs,
DEAR SIR: Replying to your inquiry as to the cost of printing official reports and correspondence relating to the organization and services of Minnesota troops in the Civil and Indian wars, I give you herewith an approximate estimate of the cost of the work on the basis of 750 pages:
500 reams of book paper , $1,800.00
2,800,000 ems composition at 50 cents 1,400.00
Electrotypes of 750 pages and boxing 600.00
47 forms of press work at $12 564.00
Binding and delivering to adj utant general 4, 500. 00
Total $8,864.00
Very respectfully,
D. RAMALEY.
When the general appropriation bill was being considered by the House, Representative H. F. Tucker offered an amendment, which was adopted, appro priating $7,064 for furnishing the work. This amount, it will be seen, included exactly the four last items of the foregoing estimate of the printing expert, and did not include the item for paper, it being supposed that paper would be fur nished under the separate and customary appropriation "for the purchase of paper for public printing." The Commissioners of Public Printing, however, held that the supply under this last mentioned item was only sufficient for the needs of the various state offices and that none could be spared for this volume. The printer of the volume, therefore, undertook to furnish the paper himself and look to the Legislature for payment.
To aid the Commissioners in the preparation of this work the War Department generously furnished a duplicate set of Rebellion Record volumes, so far as printed, containing reports and correspondence relating to Minnesota troops.
Vi INTRODUCTION.
The greater part of the volume is thus a reprint from the corrected and verified text of the Rebellion Records, a plan which has prevented errors that would have occurred in copying. Copies of quite a number of reports pertaining to opera tions in 1865 and the last half of 1S64, not yet printed in the Rebellion Record, have been kindly furnished by Major George B. Davis, U. S. A., chief of the Board of Publication of War Records.
The military correspondence on file in the Executive office and in the Adju tant General s office of this state has been carefully examined repeatedly, and many communications of interest and importance have been obtained from those sources, also from different volumes of annual reports of the adjutant general, and are herewith printed. Doubtless some other correspondence will yet come to light that could properly be published. The state owns the electrotype plates and if another edition should be required at some future period any supple mentary matter can then be printed with but slight expense.
At the first meeting of the Commissioners, April 25, 1891, Gen. C. C. Andrews was appointed editor to compile the matter for the volume and supervise its pub lication, and he has in person discharged that duty, acting under the advice and direction of the Commissioners. As the work was being printed the proofs were carefully examined and approved for publication by all the Commissioners.
In concluding their labors they express the hope and belief that the volume will prove a creditable and interesting addition to the published history of the state, and that it will aid in the better appreciation of the patriotic services of the volunteers of 1861-5.
WILLIAM LOCHREN, Chairman,
J. W. BISHOP,
C. C. ANDREWS, Editor and Secretary,
JOHN B. SANBORN,
L. F. IIUBBARD,
CHAS. E. FLANDRAU,
Commissioners under the Act of April 22, 1891. Dated ST. PAUL, Nov. 26, 1892.
CONTENTS.
(See, also, Index at the end of the volume. )
BATTLES, CAMPAIGNS, EXPEDITIONS, SKIRMISHES, ETC., EEPORTED IN
THIS VOLUME.
BULL RUN.-July 12, 1861-
First Regiment 21-37
BALL S BLUFF.-Oct. 21, 1861-
First Regiment 48-64
MILL SPRINGS.- Jan. 19, 1862-
Second Regiment 81-91
PITTSBURGH LANDING, or SHILOH.- April 6-7, 1862-
First Battery 91-96
LOCKRIDGE S MILLS, TENN.-May 5, 1862-
First Company of Cavalry 97, 98
FARMINGTON (Siege of Corinth) -May 28, 1862-
Fifth Regiment 99, 100
FAIR OAKS, or SEVEN PINES.- May 31- June 1, 1862-
First Regiment 100-105
SEVEN-DAYS BATTLES June 25- July 1, 1862-
First Regiment 106-110
yiii CONTENTS.
EXPEDITION TO PIKEVILLE, TENN.-June 11-19,1862-
Third Regiment 111-113
MTJRFREESBOROUGH.-Julyl3, 1862-
Third Regiment 116-124
ANTIETAM.-Sept. 17, 1862-
First Regiment 125-133
ITJKA.-Sept.l9,1862-
Fourth Regiment 134-142
CORINTH.- Oct. 3, 4 and 5, 1862-
Fourth and Fifth Regiments, First Battery and Second Company of
Cavalry 143-153
PERRYVILLE, or CHAPLIN HILLS.- Oct. 8, 1862-
Second Regiment and Second Battery 154-156
RECONNAISSANCE TO CHARLESTOWN, W.VA.- Oct. 16-17, 1862-
First Regiment 157
FREDERICKSBURG.-Dec. 11-15, 1862-
First Regiment 158-161
SIOUX INDIAN WAR.- Aug. 18, 1862-1863-
162-326
REDWOOD.-Aug.16, 1862-
Fifth Regiment 166-170
FORT RIDGLEY.-Aug. 20-22, 1862-
Detachment of Fifth Regiment and Renville Rangers 171-185
NEW ULM.-Aug. 23, 1862 -
Various organizations, commanded by Col. Charles E. Flandrau 208-211
BIRCH COOLIE.-Sept. 2, 1862-
Detachment of Sixth Regiment and Mounted Forces 212-223
WOOD LAKE.-Sept. 23, 1862-
Third, Sixth and Seventh Regiments and Renville Rangers 240-252
FORT ABERCROMBIE-Sept. 26,1862-
Detachments Third, Fifth and Ninth Regiments and of Mounted
Rangers 253
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:43:49 GMT -5
CONTENTS. i x
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS.-June 16-Sept. 13, 1863-
Sixth, Seventh and Tenth Regiments, and Detachment of Ninth Regi ment Infantry, First Regiment Mounted Rangers and Third Battery. 297-326
STONE S RIVER, or MURFREESBOROUGH Dec. 31, 1862-Jan. 3, 1863-
Second Battery 328-331
ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON.-Feb 3, 1863-
Detachment of Brackett s Battalion 333
RECONNAISSANCE FROM MURFREESBOROUGH.-March 6-7, 1863-
Second Battery 333
CHANCELLORS VILLE.-April 27-May 6, 1863-
First Regiment 334-336
SCOUT FROM FOkT HEIMAN, Ky.-May 26- June 2, 1863-
Third Regiment 336-340
VICKSBURG.- January- July, 1863-
Third, Fourth and Fifth Regiments and First Battery 343-371
GETTYSBURG- July 2-3, 1863
First Regiment 372-379
ARKANSAS- Aug. 13-Sept. 10, 1863-
Third Regiment 379-383
CHICKAMAUGA-Sept. 19-20, 1863-
Second Regiment and Second Battery 383-397
BRISTOE STATION- Oct. 14, 1863-
First Regiment 398-400
MISSION RIDGE or CHATTANOOGA.- Nov. 25, 1863-
Second and Fourth Regiments... 400-408
MINE RUN CAMPAIGN Nov. 26-Dec. 2, 1863-
First Regiment 409-411
DEMONSTRATION ON DALTON.-Feb. 22-27, 1864-
Second Battery 421-423
RED RIVER C AMPAIGN.- March 10 -May 22, 1864-
Fifth Regiment 423-428
X CONTENTS.
LAKE CHICOT.-June 6, 1864-
Fifch Regiment 428-431
FITZHUGH S WOODS, or AUGUSTA -April 1, 1864-
Third Regiment 432-438
EXPEDITION UP WHITE RIVER, ARKANSAS- April 19 -24, 1864-
Third Regiment 439-441
CAMDEN EXPEDITION.- April -May, 1864-
Third Regiment 441-448
CAMPAIGN OF THE RAPIDAN TO PETERSBURG, or WILDERNESS- May-June, 1864-
First and Second Companies of Sharpshooters 459-460
CAMPAIGN OF RICHMOND June 13 -July 31, 1864-
First Battalion Infantry 460-463
GUNTOWN- June 10, 1864-
Ninth Regiment 464-481
TUPELO- July 14, 1864-
Seventh, Ninth and Tenth Regiments and Detachment of Fifth Regi ment 482-497
EXPEDITION TO OXFORD, MISS- Aug. 1-30, 1864-
Fifth and Seventh Regiments 497-500
OPERATIONS FROM HELENA, ARK- July -August, 1864-
Sixth Regiment , 501,502
ATLANTA C AMPAIGN.- May 1- Sept. 8, 1864-
Second Regiment and First Battery 508-522
EXPEDITION AGAINST THE SIOUX INDIANS. 1864
, Eighth Regiment, Second Regiment Cavalry, Brackett s Battalion
Cavalry and Third Battery 522-560
ALLATOONA, GA.-Oct. 5, 1864-
Fourth Regiment 561-567
BOYDTON ROAD.- Oct. 27, 1864-
First Battalion Infantry ..567-569
CONTENTS. x i
SCOUTS FROM DEVALL S BLUFF, ARK. November - December, 1864-
Third Regiment 570-572
OVERALL S CREEK, TENN.-Dec. 4, 1864-
Eighth Regiment 575
MURFREESBOROUGH.-DCC. 7, 1864-
Eighth Regiment 576-580
NASHVILLE.- Dec. 15 and 16, 1864-
Fifth, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth Regiments 580-607
CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS.-Jan.20-March23, 1865-
Second and Eighth Regiments 609-617
SKIRMISH NEAR HOOKERTOWN, N. C.- March 31, 1865-
Eighth Regiment 617
HATCHER S RUN- Feb. 5, 1865-
First Battalion Infantry 619
CAMPAIGN OF MOBILE.- March -April, 1865-
Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Ninth and Tenth Regiments 620-629
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE RELATING TO THE ORGANI ZATION AND SERVICES OF MINNESOTA TROOPS IN THE CIVIL AND INDIAN WARS, 1861-1865.
WASHINGTON CITY, April 14, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War,
SIR: As the executive of the State of Minnesota, I hereby tender to the gov ernment of the United States, on the part of that state, one thousand men to be ready for service so soon as the necessary information can be communicated to the people there. As the legislature is not in session, and will not be, unless specially convened, before January of next year, may I ask whether you would feel justified in saying that the reasonable expenses that may be involved will be furnished by the general government in view of the facts above stated? I am pleased to say that in all this I have the advice and support of the senators from Minnesota, and know that it will be heartily and promptly responded to by the people.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
WASHINGTON, April 14, 1861. Wm. H. Acker, Adjutant General Minnesota,
SIB: In the excitement which the attack and reduction of Fort Sumter occasioned here and elsewhere in the East, the states all around made a tender of generous support to the government, and aware that the patriotic people of Min nesota would be offended if there were any delay on my part in doing the same on their behalf, I at once hastened to the War Office and addressed the foregoing communication to General Cameron. The call now issued to the states for men, does not, as you will doubtless have learned by telegraph ere this, include Minne sota, Wisconsin, Iowa or Michigan; but our contingent should be in some degree of readiness, for the call may shortly be extended to us. You had better, there fore, be on the qui vive, and I will write you again to-morrow.
If troops are asked of us, they will probably rendezvous at St. Paul, and the expense of uniforming and of transportation will be borne by the government here. Very truly,
ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
2 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 15, 1861.
SIR: Under the act of Congress "for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrection, repel invasions, etc.," approved Feb. 28, 1785, I have the honor to request your Excellency to cause to be immediately detached from the militia of your state, the quota designated in the table below, to serve as infantry or riflemen for the period of three months unless sooner discharged.
Your Excellency will please communicate to me the time at or about which your quota will be expected; also, its rendezvous, as it will be met, as soon as prac ticable, by an officer or officers, to muster it into the service and pay of the United States. At the same time, the oath of fidelity to the United States will be administered to every officer and man.
The mustering officer will be instructed to receive no man under the rank of commissioned officer, who is in years apparently over the age of forty-five, or under eighteen, or who is not in physical health and vigor.
QUOTA FOR MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS:
One regiment, 1 colonel, 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 major, 1 adjutant (lieutenant), 1 regimental quartermaster (lieutenant), 1 surgeon, 1 surgeon s mate, 1 sergeant major, 1 fife major, 10 captains, 10 lieutenants, 10 ensigns, 40 sergeants, 40 cor porals, 10 drummers, 10 fifers, 640 privates. Total of officers, 37; total of men, 743; aggregate, 780.
The rendezvous for your state will be in St. Paul, Minn.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War. To His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.
Gen. W. II. Acker:
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON CITY, April 15, 1861.
Issue proclamation in my name, calling for volunteers under a requisition of the President of the United States for one regiment of infantry, composed of 10 companies, each of 64 privates, 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 1 ensign, 4 corporals, 1 fifer or bugler, to report at St. Paul forthwith.
Follow directions in proclamation of our local law as to the manner of select ing officers.
I leave on to-morrow for home. Capt. A. D. Nelson is ordered out to muster the men into service at St. Paul. Expense from their homes to St. Paul paid by general government.
ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:44:43 GMT -5
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 3
STATE OF MINNESOTA.
PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR.
WHEREAS, The Government of the United States in the due enforcement of the laws has for several months past been resisted by armed organizations of citizens in several of the Southern States, who, precipitating the country into revolution, have seized upon and confiscated the property of the nation to the amount of many millions of dollars, have taken possession of its forts and arsenals, have fired upon its flag, and at last, consummating their treason, have under circumstances of peculiar indignity and humiliation assaulted and captured a Federal fort, occupied by Federal troops; and,
WHEREAS, All these outrages it is evident are to be followed by an attempt to seize upon the national capital and the offices and archives of the government; and,
WHEREAS, The President of the United States recurring in this extremity to the only resource left him the patriotism of a people, who through three great wars, and all the changes of eighty-five years have ever proved true to the cause of law, order and free institutions has issued a requisition to the govern ors of the several states for troops to support the government.
Now Therefore, In pursuance of the law and of the requisition of the Presi dent of the United States, I do hereby give notice that volunteers will be received at the city of St. Paul for one regiment of infantry, composed of ten companies, each of sixty-four privates, one captain, two lieutenants, four sergeants, four cor porals and one bugler. The volunteer companies already organized, upon com plying with the foregoing requirements as to numbers and officers, will be entitled to be first received. The term of service will be three months, unless sooner dis charged. Volunteers will report themselves to the adjutant general at St. Paul, by whom orders will at once be issued, giving all the necessary details as to enrollment and organization.
Given under my hand and the great seal of the state at St. Paul, this six teenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one.
[SEAL.] IGNATIUS DONNELLY,
By the Governor. Governor ad interim
J. H. BAKER,
Secretary of State.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF MINNESOTA,
ADJUTANT GENERAL S OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, MINN., April 24, 1861.
The resignation of Adjt. Gen. Win. H. Acker is hereby accepted, to take effect on Wednesday the twenty-fourth day of April instant.
4 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Col. John B. Sanborn is hereby announced as the adjutant general and acting quartermaster general of the State of Minnesota, in place of Win. H. Acker, re signed, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.
ALEX. RAMSEY, Governor and Commander-in- Chief.
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS,
FORT SNELLING, MINN., April 30, 1861.
To His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey:
I have the honor to inform you that the First Eegiment of Minnesota Volun teers has been duly mustered into the service of the United States, and are now ready for duty, and await the orders of the Secretary of War.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, April SO, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington,
SIR: I have the honor to state that, pursuant to the requisition of the Presi dent, conveyed in your communication of the fifteenth instant, one regiment of nine hundred men has been detached from the militia of Minnesota, and is now rendezvoused at Fort Snelling, ready for active service, in charge of Col. Willis A. Gorman.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
A telegraph dispatch as follows was sent also to the Secretary of War: "The First Eegiment of Minnesota Volunteers, nine hundred and fifty men strong, are fully organized and mustered into service, and await your orders."
ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, May 3, 1861. To His Excellency, the President of the United States, Washington :
On behalf of the State of Minnesota, I tender you a second regiment.
ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 5
EEGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS,
FORT SNELLING, May 3, 1861. To His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey r , Governor and Commander -in- Chief:
I have the honor to request that immediate provision be made for clothing in proper uniform the First Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers, to the number of 867. The regular army dress is preferred. There is also required 867 pairs of shoes and a like number of flannel shirts and caps; also, 1,734 pairs of socks, together with camp and garrison equipage. This will, of course, depend on the nature of the duty to which we may be assigned.
We have no knapsacks or canteens, tents, cooking utensils, axes, picks or spades. The clothing is first needed, and efficiency depends somewhat upon prompt action in procuring a uniform.
I am, yours respectfully,
W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Regiment.
WASHINGTON, May 4, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
The general-in-chief desires you to send two companies of your regiment to Fort Eipley, two to Fort Eidgley and two to Fort Abercrombie, to relieve the com panies of the Second Infantry at those posts. Keep the remaining companies at Fort Snelling until further orders. The movement to be made as soon as your companies are fully armed and equipped. Communicate to the commanding officers of the three posts first named that orders to proceed to Pittsburgh, Pa., as soon as relieved, will be sent them by mail.
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant General.
STATE OF MINNESOTA,, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, MINN., May 4, 1861. Col. Willis A. Gorman,
SIR: I have the honor to inclose you a copy of telegraphic communication re ceived by me this day from the adjutant general at Washington.
You will please, at once, in compliance with the request, detail two companies for each of the posts named in the order, and detach them without delay as rapidly as each company is supplied with its arms and equipments.
You will please assign your two field officers each to the command of one of the posts and the senior captain to the command of the third.
It is suggested to the colonel commanding that the two companies for Fort Eidgley be at once detached by steamer, and inasmuch as the troops are not sup plied with camp equipage, that the companies for the other posts be detached one at a time, so that one day s interval shall be kept between them, and thereby enable them to find shelter on the road.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
6 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS,
FORT SNELLING Nay 5 1861.
To Sis Excellency, Alex. Ramsey, Commander -in- Chief, etc.,
SIR: I have this day received your order directing rne to send two companies of my command to Fort Ridgley, two companies to Fort Abercrombie and two companies to Fort Ripley, these to relieve the troops of the regular army.
I have the honor to say that the order will be promptly obeyed, so soon as "the companies are fully armed and equipped 7 and transportation can be procured.
To carry out this order to move troops to Fort Abercrornbie, or from there, will require considerable time at this season of the year in this climate, owing to the high water prevailing north of this post.
It is proper to say that I have not, as yet, any clothing except blankets, no knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, ammunition nor enough arms (by about three hundred) to put the troops called for on field duty.
I will communicate further at an early day.
Yery respectfully your obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Regiment.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, May 8, 1861. Hon. Alex. Ramsey, St. Paul, Minn.,
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the thirtieth ultimo, informing me that one regiment of nine hundred men has been detached from the militia of Minnesota and is now rendezvoused at Fort Snelling ready for active service.
You will please accept the thanks of this department for the prompt response to the call of the President to the patriotism of the citizens of your state.
Eespectfully yours,
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, May 10, 1861. Hon. I. Donnelly,
DEAR SIR: Say to Governor Gorman that the War Office is opposed to enlist ing more three-months men. The investment is all lost; it won t pay. As the Governor had assured me that his regiment were desirous of enlisting for three years, or the Avar, I applied to Secretary Cameron to receive them, and he said that he would, and, as you will before this have learned, at once telegraphed you and him on the subject.
It is true, all this correspondence with Cameron was verbal, for time would not allow of the slower medium, still I think he will adhere to his promise; but I
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 7
fear I cannot have permission to enlist other men to relieve the troops at the forts. But if our men are accepted for the war, they in turn will be relieved by the new recruits, and they will be esteemed veterans, coming from the frontier posts.
As to arms, General Thomas says that they (the United States) are bound to furnish arms to all men mustered into the service, upon the requisition of the mustering officer; so let Captain Nelson consider the arms in the hands of our regiment as being merely temporarily in their possession, and let him at once make a requisition for a full supply.
The crowd of men pressing upon all the officers connected with the War De partment is so great that it is by the merest chance that an opportunity can be had to do any business, and I was very lucky indeed to have an interview on the very first day of my arrival.
The preparation for relieving the forts must not lag. It will do the state and the regiment mischief if it is not pressed on with reasonable alacrity. In the meantime I will use every exertion to have other arrangements made, but from the temper of the heads of departments I fear it cannot be effected.
ALEX. EAMSEY.
WASHINGTON, Nay 10, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War,
SIR: May I ask early attention to the inclosed communication of Col. Willis A. Gorman, colonel of the First Minnesota Volunteer Eegiment, mustered into the service of the United States on the thirtieth ultimo under the requisition of the President, in the first instance, for three months, and more recently, tinder your permission, for three years.
I would suggest that under your verbal direction when here on the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth ultimos, I directed the purchase, on the credit of the United States, of many of the articles of clothing that constitute a complete uni form, and it is probable that by this time a nearly complete uniform has been supplied the men; but as Capt. A. D. Kelson, U. S. A., the officer appointed to muster in the troops, is still in Minnesota, he might be directed to supply what ever there is of deficiency.
Ammunition, Colonel Gorman also informed me, verbally, there was none. Possibly there might be a supply at the posts in the country Eipley or Eidgley.
May I also ask that at least one thousand stand of the most approved arms may at once be remitted to the state, as this regiment will strip the state of all its useful arms, and in the event of an Indian difficulty the state would be completely defenseless.
As, with all the expedition and promptitude which your department is now so conimendably using, from the remoteness of Minnesota, delay will necessarily occur in filling these requisitions, I would respectfully ask that they receive immediate attention. Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY, Governor of Minnesota.
8 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
FORT SNELLING, May 10, 1861. To His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor and Commander -in- Chief, etc.,
SIR: The undersigned officers of the First Minnesota Eegiraent, lately mus tered into the service of the United States for the term of three months, respect fully tender in behalf of our respective commands the same to you, and through you to the President of the United States for the term of three years, or during
the war.
(Signed) W. A. GORMAN,
Colonel. STEPHEN MILLER,
Lieutenant Colonel. W. H. d**e,
Major. ALEXANDER WILKIN,
Captain Company A, And every commissioned officer present at the post.
ST. PAUL, May 11, 1861. Hon. Alexander Ramsey, Washington, D. C.:
The entire First Eegiment by its commissioned officers is this day tendered for three years, dr during the war. The men will be mustered in to-day by Captain Nelson. In case of deficiency, what course would you recommend? Answer.
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
WASHINGTON, May 11, 1861. To Lieutenant Governor Donnelly:
Adjutant General Thomas authorized me to say that Captain Nelson may at once muster in Colonel Gorman s regiment for three years, or the war. Do this before I leave. Do it at once under dispatch of seventh May, and take no other notice of that dispatch.
EAMSEY.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, May 11, 1861. Lieutenant Governor Donnelly, St. Paul:
Enlist other men if companies not complete. If companies, take new com panies as if the whole were de novo, giving the Chatfield a preference. The old commissions of officers will answer.
EAMSEY.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 9
WASHINGTON, May 11, 1861. JLieutenant Governor Donnelly,
SIR: I telegraphed you to-day that Adjutant General Thomas had authorized me to say, or rather telegraph Captain Nelson that Colonel Gorman s regiment should be mustered in for three years, or the war, if they consented. Let them know that this is a favor which has been extended to no other regiment. No more three- months men will be called for. If the First Eegiment do not muster in I must take the next that offers. The order of the sixth, telegraphed me on the seventh, it seems was issued without consulting General Thomas, and amounts to nothing except for this, that you may follow the directions to muster in other companies, if any decline to enter, or rather fill up the old companies with new recruits if the men decline.
I hope the present regiment will not decline this offer. It is due to them that they should have the first offer, and I cheerfully give it them. If, however, they decline, the next that offers must be accepted.
Ask Mr. Jennison to keep this letter, as I have taken no copy of it.
Very truly yours,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
STATE or MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, May 11, 1861. To Col. Willis A. Gorman, Commanding First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers,
SIR: I have received a communication, dated this day, signed by yourself and the commissioned officers of your regiment, in which, in response to the special order of the tenth instant, you tender to the President of the United States, through me, the services of the First Regiment.
Upon its receipt I telegraphed to Governor Ramsey as follows:
ST. PAUL, May 11, 1861. The entire First Regiment by its commissioned officers is this day tendered to the President for three years, or during the war. The men will be mustered in to-day by Captain Nelson. In case of deficiency in the ranks, what course would you recommend? Answer.
I am in receipt of the following reply:
WASHINGTON, May 11, 1861. To Lieutenant Governor Donnelly:
Adjutant General Thomas authorizes me to say that Captain Nelson may at once muster in Colonel Gorman s regiment for three years, or during the war. Do this at once under dispatch of seventh of May. ALEX. RAMSEY.
Very respectfully,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
WASHINGTON, May 14, 1861. Son. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War,
DEAR SIR: I am authorized by a telegraphic dispatch received late last evening from Adjt. Gen. John B. Sanborn to tender the President a second regi ment of Minnesota volunteers for three years, or during the war, and I would
10 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
respectfully ask that their services may be accepted, as, from their frontier experience, they are already familiar with whatever of hardship there is incident to the life of a soldier, and will, I assure you, prove themselves among the most gallant and useful of the immense host now so cheerfully entering the service of the government.
The following is a copy of the dispatch referred to:
ST. PAUL, May 13, 1861.
To Hon. Alex. Ramsey :
The Twenty third Regiment Minnesota Militia, Colonel Robertson, is full, and tenders its services for three years, or during the war. Hope it will be accepted. Ascertain and answer.
JOHN B. SANBOEN, Adjutant General M. V. A.
I will remain in this city during the week and can be addressed at the National Hotel; after that, address me St. Paul 3 Minn.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, May 14, 1861. Gov. Alex. Ramsey, National Hotel,
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the fourteenth instant, tendering the services of Colonel Robertson s regiment, and in reply, beg leave to say, that the quota of troops assigned to the State of Minne sota will be furnished by you as its chief magistrate, to whom he should properly make his application. Very respectfully,
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, May 1^ 1861. Hon. I. Donnelly,
SIR: I received a telegram on last evening from General Sanborn, informing me that Colonel Robertson s Twenty-third Regiment was full, and on this morn ing I accordingly filed an application for its acceptance. The result, as soon as I learn it, will be promptly communicated to you.
I also received a dispatch from General Sanborn, informing me that six hun dred of the First Regiment were mustered in for three years and inquiring what was to be done with the others. I inquired of Adjutant General Thomas and he said, " Muster them out and muster others in." I had telegraphed you to this effect on Saturday, and I think that Cameron s general order telegraphed on the seventeenth was to the same purport.
]STo more three- months men will be called for. The armament, equipment, etc. costs as much as for the three-years men and is in a measure lost in ninety days. Our men, after mustering in for three years, will have, I fear, to carry out
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 11
the order to relieve the regulars in the three northern posts this you might as well impress them with, and, indeed, everyone here says it will be rather desira ble for them, as a few months in these comfortable quarters will make them equal to regulars, and they will come down when called for with the reputation of regu lar troops of veterans. The next regiment called from Minnesota will, of course, in turn relieve them. I know this is disagreeable to them, but I am sat isfied from what I can learn here it cannot be helped, and I trust to your discretion to reconcile them to it. You need take no further notice of Cameron s order of the sixth. I think I shall leave on Saturday of this week, or more probably on Monday of next; if I should not I will telegraph you.
There are now about thirty- two thousand troops in and about this city; of course, no one has the slighest apprehension that the Secessionists will attack it. There is much impatience at the delay which Scott s complete plans involve. His plans admit of no possibility of defeat. Governor Wilson of Massachusetts said Scott had submitted his plans to him and they were as complete as if he were contemplating the subjection of Eussia or France.
Yours truly,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
STATE or MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, May 14, 1861.
Col. Willis A. Gorman, Commanding First Regiment Minnesota Volunteers,
SIR: I am in receipt of your communication dated the thirteenth instant, in which you inform me that your regiment is in want of two hundred additional rifle muskets and percussion caps. I have also received your second communica tion of the same date in reference to the transportation of recruits from various parts of the state to the headquarters at Fort Snelling. .
In reply, I have the honor to state that I have conferred with Capt. A. D. Nel son, the officer who mustered your regiment into the service and pay of the United States Government, and he informs me that he has made requisition upon the proper department at Washington for the various articles referred to in your communications. He also informs me that in behalf of the general government he heretofore paid the expense incurred in transporting the companies constitut ing your regiment from the several localities to Fort Snelling, and that he will in like manner liquidate any additional expense necessary to complete the muster roll of your regiment.
While I should be very happy to continue to be the medium of communication between yourself and Captain Kelson, and can but regard such a course on your part as a measure of courtesy to the state administration, I would, nevertheless, suggest that the business details of the regiment might be facilitated by corre sponding directly with the officer who is authorized on behalf of the general government to furnish all the articles of which the regiment stands in need. I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
12 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
[TELEGRAM,]
WASHINGTON, May 15, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
The quota of troops from your state for three years, or during the war, under the second call of the President, is one regiment. The plan of organization con tained in Order No. 15 has already been sent you by mail. As soon as the regiments are ready the mustering officer sent to your state will muster them into service, who has already been instructed to do so.
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, May 16, 1861. Governor Ramsey, Washington, etc.:
Gorman s regiment mustered in in manner directed by Captain Kelson. Gor man has six hundred men ready for three years; he is filling up his companies by recruiting agents.
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
WASHINGTON, May 20, 1861. Hon. Kimon Cameron, Secretary of War,
SIR: I am authorized by Capt. James Starkey of the State of Minnesota to tender one company of cavalry to the President of the United States for three years, or the war, under the terms and stipulations of General Order No. 15 of your department.
Whether such company should be wanted or not in the East, it will be at all times of great service on the Indian frontier of Minnesota.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEX. RAMSEY.
WASHINGTON, May 20, 1861. Lieutenant Governor Donnelly,
SIR: With much difficulty I have been enabled to induce the War Department
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to order its agent for the quartermaster department at New York to inspect the coats and great coats that some one there contracted to be procured for us, and if in quality they pass inspection they will be sent on to care of Captain Nelson; if they do not, they will order us others. I trust that in other contracts that have been made great circumspection has been observed, for if not it will be difficult to procure their ratification.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 13
The price allowed for the coats and great coats will be what is paid now by the government.
The President to-day assured me that not more than one-tenth of the men that were offered for this war service could be accepted. Please let Adjutant Sanborn see this letter.
Very respectfully,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
WASHINGTON, May 23, 1801. Hon. 8. Cameron, Secretary of War,
SIR: As you have long since been informed, a regiment has been mustered in on the part of Minnesota, for three years, or the war.
This regiment has in a manner been broken up, under the requisition of your department for a detail of six companies to relieve regulars in the several posts on our Indian frontier. I trust, therefore, for many reasons that will readily occur to you, that the state may be allowed to furnish a second regiment for three years, or the war.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY, Governor of Minnesota.
YORK TRIBUNE,
NEW YORK, Nay 27, 1861.
DEAR SIR: General Walbridge, one of the most decided and radical of Demo crats, returned this morning from Washington, where he has been to urge the government to accept all the volunteers and to swell our military strength to crush out this rebellion. He sends you herewith his views, and is desirous of learning the sentiments of your section, as stated in his letter.
General W. is a gentleman of unimpeachable character, who is engaged, heart and soul, in trying to uphold the constitution and country.
Yours very truly,
HORACE GREELEY. Governor Ramsey, St. Paul, Minn.
NEW YORK, May 27, 1861.
DEAR SIR: I have passed the last two days in Washington, urging the gov ernment to accept all the volunteers that are willing to serve for the war, until we have placed from five to six hundred thousand men under immediate enroll ment, of which half that number should never leave the field until this rebellion is crushed out and the tranquillity of the country again restored.
14 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
I am convinced the only way to make the war bloodless is to demonstrate our overwhelming strength and numbers. I have everywhere sought to give this opinion currency, but am constantly repulsed with the idea of the expense and the difficulty of effecting it.
Believing it to be a humane and Christian measure to speedily terminate the war by showing our ability to do so, I am confident the people of the United States have no other desire than that of preserving the country indivisible and the constitution inviolable; but this they mean to achieve at all hazards. Such a demonstration would strengthen the Union men at the South, and especially in the border states, and enable us to soon terminate this contest with great economy in blood and treasure. It could not fail to elevate our national character abroad, particularly in Europe, exercising an important influence upon the councils of her leading powers, as to their own action, while the " Great Eepublic" is crushing out rebellion among a portion of her own misguided citizens.
The President is fully up to the crisis, and we may rely upon his energetic and determined action, all his cabinet are acting harmoniously with him, while the Secretary of War has performed prodigies of labor from his own choice and the necessities of his position, but mingling as you do, in your own state, more im mediately with the people who are to bear, in common with others, the burden and expense of this conflict, will you not favor me by return mail with your views, that I may employ them in urging vigorous action and to strengthen the hands of the President, to whom Providence has confided the arbitrament of the great question of this age, whether a representative government of thirty-two millions of people, who are abundantly able to withstand any foreign aggression, however formidable, is not equally powerful to preserve its own integrity and nationality when assailed by domestic treason and a wicked rebellion? Awaiting your reply, . Yours sincerely,
HIRAM WALBRIDGE. To his Excellency, Gov. Alexander Ramsey, St. Paul, Minn.
[TELEGRAM.]
UNITED STATES SENATE,
WASHINGTON, June 10, 1861. Hon. A. Ramsey:
The Secretary of War authorizes me to say that he will accept another regi ment from Minnesota, provided it can be ready for marching orders in ten days; otherwise he will not take it. The regiment to furnish its clothing, etc., which will be paid for by the government. Arms will be furnished here. Captain Bishop of Chatfield has a fall company. Answer.
HENRY M. EICE.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 15
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, June 11, 1861. Son. H. M. Rice:
The First Minnesota Eegiment (Colonel Gorman) is ready for marching orders now. Their places could be supplied with a new regiment in ten days. Will this do ? Answer at once and have the War Office issue me orders accordingly.
EAMSEY.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, June 13, 1861. To Hon. A. Eamsey:
The Secretary of War refused to order Colonel Gorman s command on in con sequence of the departure of several companies for the forts. As soon as notified that the new regiment is ready for marching, it will be mustered in and ordered here. The Secretary objected to Colonel Gorman s regiment in consequence of the expense of transportation, etc. No time to be lost. Get the new regiment ready as soon as possible and telegraph me. H. M. BICE.
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, June 12, 1861. General Cameron, Secretary of War:
Do you want Minnesota regiment! If so, Colonel Gorman s is well drilled and armed and can be in Washington in ten days. A full regiment could not be got up in ten days, but I can have the forts relieved in less time. Answer.
EAMSEY.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, June 14, 1861. To Governor Eamsey:
Send to Harrisburg, to await further orders, Colonel Gorman s regiment. Eeplace the companies at the forts with companies of the Second Eeginient. Report the day the regiment will be at Harrisburg.
S. CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
16 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, June 14, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
If your regiment that is ready lias been mustered into service for three years,, or during the war, it may come at once on to Washington by way of Harrisburg.
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, June 1~>, 1861. General Cameron, Secretary of War:
The First Minnesota Regiment (Colonel Gorman) will be in Harrisburg on the twenty-sixth or twenty-seventh instant. The quartermaster has not sent the clothing, as he promised, twenty-third May last. Shall I furnish here?
EAMSEY.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, June 17, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
The following dispatch was this morning received from the officer in charge of army clothing at Philadelphia, Pa. : " My inspector reports that Longstreth & Co. have the sack coats made. Great coats not cut. Refuse to deliver any until pay ment is secured. Is your agreement with that firm of such a nature as to bind you to take the clothing from them?"
M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster General.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, June 18, 1861. To Governor of Minnesota:
I order complete set of equipage for First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers,, from Philadelphia depot to St. Paul.
For orders in regard to clothing, I wait answer to last dispatch to you from this office.
M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster General.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 17
[TELEGRAM.]
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, June 19, 1861.
M. C. Meigs, Quartermaster General, Washington, D. C.:
Dispatch of eighteenth received. The state not bound, but if coats not taken from Longstreth & Co. it would greatly embarrass our contractors here, and we prefer that they should be taken. The regiment will be in Harrisburg on the twenty-sixth instant and can receive their coats there. They are fully equipped from the state arsenal with the exception of knapsacks and belts. The equipage announced in your second dispatch will come to state arsenal and equip Second Eegiment. DONNELLY,
Lieutenant Governor.
STATE OF MINNESOTA,
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, June 19, 1861.
Col. Willis A. Gorman, Commanding First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers:
SIR: I have the honor to transmit you the accompanying copy of a dispatch received yesterday from Q. M. Gen. M. C. Meigs, and also a copy of my reply of this date to the same. As this correspondence indicates the point at which, unless otherwise advised, your regiment will receive the remainder of its equip ments and uniforms, I have deemed it proper to lay it before you. I ha\e conferred with Lieutenant Saunders, quartermaster United States Army, and learned that he has taken all necessary steps for the transportation of the regir ment to Pittsburgh, beyond which point it will be transported under general contracts made by the United States Government. This will relieve the state administration from the necessity of action in reference to their transportation; nevertheless, if any steps occur to you which will contribute in any way to the welfare of your command, I shall be most happy to hear your suggestions upon the subject; the credit of the entire state being closely identified with the honor and well-being of your regiment.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully your obedient servant,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, June 20, 1861. To Governor JRamsey :
What is the numerical strength of the Minnesota Eegiment mustered into service for three years?
M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster General United States Army.
18 OFFICIAL EEPOETS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, ST. PAUL, June 20, 1861.
Col. Willis A. Gorman, Colonel Commanding First Minnesota Eegimejit :
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to request that you will send me, as speedily as possible, a statement of the exact number constituting your regiment. I am in receipt of a telegraphic message from M. C. Meigs, quartermaster general United States Army, making that inquiry. No doubt in connection with the furnishing of coats, etc., and to prevent mistakes, I desire to be able to send him your state ment as colonel.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully your obedient servant,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
NEW ULM, June 21, 1861. Capt. A. E. Kieffer,
SIR: You will immediately proceed with your command to Fort Eidgley and there report to Captain McKune, First Minnesota Volunteers, in command of the post, who will furnish you with quarters and rations until further orders.
ALEX. EAMSEY, Governor and Commander.
Same to Captain Western, Sunday, fifteenth, 1861, and "to take command so soon as mustered into service."
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, MINN., June 21, 1861.
N. C. Meigs, Quartermaster General, Washington, D. C.:
The numerical strength of the First Minnesota Eegiment (Colonel Gorman) is 1,023 men. Requisition was made six weeks since for 150 cartridge boxes, 150 cap boxes, 150 waist belts, 150 shoulder belts, 150 breast plates, 150 waist belt plates, 150 bayonet scabbards; also, 70 sergeants chevrons and 10 sergeants sashes; also, Imapsacks and belts for whole regiment. These things are being made at Pitts burgh or are on the way here. Could they not be ordered to meet regiment at Harrisburg on twenty-sixth instant, or others be furnished regiment there?
Eegiment starts to-morrow at 5 A. M. for Harrisburg via Pittsburgh.
DONNELLY, Lieutenant Governor.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 19 /
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, D. C., June 21, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
Oblige me with a statement of the number of regiments organized by you in your state and mustered into service for the war, and the number accepted by this department not yet mustered (if any), and when these will be ready to muster.
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, June 21, 1861. General Cameron, Secretary of War:
One regiment, Colonel Gorman, is mustered into service for the war. second is accepted and will be ready to muster in eight days.
S. P. JENNISON, Private Secretary*
[TELEGRAM.]
ST. PAUL, June 22, 1861. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War 9 Washington:
The First Minnesota Regiment, Colonel Gorman, left here this morning at nine o clock for Harrisburg.
DONNELLY.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, June 22, 1861. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War, Washington:
The Second Minnesota Eegiment, accepted by you, is intended to garrison our frontier forts. We are sending them off, in companies, as soon as formed, to the remote forts. Cannot they be mustered in by your recruiting officer, Captain "STelson, in companies as soon as formed? If not, they will have to return at great xpense of transportation to the general rendezvous when the regiment is com- jlete. Cannot Captain Nelson muster them in, in separate companies? Answer.
DONNELLY. Lieutenant Governor.
20 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
SENATE CHAMBER,
WASHINGTON, D. C., July 20, 1861.
To the Editors of the Pioneer and Democrat:
The sick of the Minnesota Eegiment now in hospital here are:
Sergeant Bingham of Winona, Company K.
Corporal King of St. Paul, Company A.
Private Eathman of Stillwater, Company A.
Private Plummer of Minneapolis, Company D.
Private Andrus of Mankato, Company K.
Private Arnold of Stillwater, Company B.
They are all improving. They have been provided with all things that could contribute to their comfort, and they receive from the physicians, nurses and friends the kindest attention.
I would suggest to the good people of Minnesota that they would send a few articles for the use of the sick, such as sheets, pillow cases, shirts (flannel and linen or cotton), slippers (cheap ones), calico wrappers (not lined), socks (woolen or cotton), a few pairs of pants, and also, coats for the use of such as may be discharged, palm-leaf fans and any other articles for those that may be brought to the hospital.
The sick, when they leave camp, leave all behind, and when they reach the hospitals they are without a change of clothing. Such was the condition of those from our state. Not a pillow had a covering, neither had the hospital sheets enough to enable them to change. Those here have all they require, and will want for nothing; but many more may come. Any articles sent by express, charges prepaid, to Joseph T. Fales, Esq., Washington, D. C., from Minnesota, will be promptly distributed. Mrs. Fales has kindly consented to see to the wants of the Minnesota boys after the adjournment of Congress. She has already aided them. All luxuries or delicacies recommended by the physician will be promptly furnished.
The papers you sent were thankfully received by the regiment.
Eespectfully yours,
HENRY M. EICE.
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 21
BATTLE OF BULL RUN.- July 21, 1861.
Report of Col. W. A. Gorman, First Minnesota Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA EEGIMENT.
WASHINGTON, July 26, 1861. Col. Franklin, Commanding First Brigade Col. Heintzelmart s Division, N. E. Virginia,
SIR: I have the honor to communicate^ as colonel of the First Minnesota Eegi- ment of Volunteers, the events connected with the movements of my command, comprising a part of your brigade.
On Tuesday morning, the sixteenth instant, in obedience to your order, we took np the line of march, and on the evening of Thursday arrived at Centreville, and bivouacked until Sunday morning, the twenty-first instant, at half-past two o clock, when we again took up our line of march, in obedience to your orders, to meet the enemy, then known to be in large force between Bull Eun and Manassas Station, Va.
Our march from Centreville to Bull Eun was not marked by any extraordinary event, my regiment leading the advance of your brigade. On arriving at Bull Eun the battle began to rage with great warmth with the advance column of in fantry and artillery of another division, both being hotly engaged. Here Captain Wright, of the military engineers, serving as an aid upon the staff of Colonel Heintzelman, commanding our division, informed me that my regiment was needed to flank the enemy upon the extreme left, whereupon I moved forward at "quick" and " double-quick" time, until we arrived at an open field looking out upon the enemy s lines. After holding this position a short time, Captain "Wright, by your direction, ordered me through the woods to take position near the front and centre of the enemy s line, in an open field, where we came under the direct fire of the enemy s batteries, formed in " column by division."
After remaining in this position for some ten minutes, I received orders from both your aids and those of Colonel Heintzelman to pass the whole front of the enemy s line, in support of Eicketts battery, and proceed to the extreme right of our line and the left of the enemy, a distance of about a mile or more.
This movement was effected at "quick" and "double-quick" time, both by the infantry and artillery, during which march the men threw from their shoulders their haversacks, blankets and most of their canteens to facilitate their eagerness to engage the enemy. On arriving at the point indicated, being the extreme left of the enemy and the extreme right of our line, and in advance of all other of our troops, and where I was informed officially that two other regiments had declined to charge, we formed a line of battle, our right resting within a few feet of the woods and the left at and around Eicketts battery, and upon the crest of the hill, within fifty or sixty feet of the enemy s line of infantry, with whom we could have readily conversed in an ordinary tone of voice. Immediately upon Eicketts bat tery coming into position and we in "line of battle," Colonel Heintzelman rode up between our lines and that of the enemy, within pistol-shot of each, which circum stance staggered my judgment whether those in front were friends or enemies, it being equally manifest that the enemy were in the same dilemma as to our identity. But a few seconds, however, undeceived both, they displaying the rebel and we the Union flag.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:51:36 GMT -5
22 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Instantly a blaze of fire was poured into the faces of the combatants, each pro ducing terrible destruction, owing to the close proximity of the forces, which was followed by volley after volley, in regular and irregular order as to time, until Bicketts battery was disabled and cut to pieces, and a large portion of its officers and men had fallen, and until Companies H, I, K, C, G, and those immediately surrounding my regimental flag, were so desperately cut to pieces as to make it more of a slaughter than an equal combat, the enemy manifestly numbering five guns to our one, besides being intrenched in the woods and behind ditches and pits plainly perceptible, and with batteries on the enemy s right, enfilading my left flank, and within 350 yards direct range. After an effort to obtain aid from the Fire Zouaves, then immediately upon our left, two or three different orders came to retire, as it was manifest that the contest was too deadly and un equal to be longer justifiably maintained. Whereupon, I gave the command to retire, seeing that the whole of our forces were seemingly in retreat. Every inch of ground, however, was strongly contested by skirmishers, through the woods, by the fences and over the undulating ground, until we had retired some four hundred yards in reasonably good order, to a point where the men could procure water, and then took up a regular and orderly retreat to such point as some general officer might indicate thereafter.
I feel it due to my regiment to say, that before leaving the extreme right of our line, the enemy attempted to make a charge with a body of perhaps five hundred cavalry, who were met by my command and a part of the Fire Zouaves, and re pulsed with considerable loss to the enemy, but without any to us.
I am more than gratified to say that I kept the large body of my regiment to gether, and inarched from the field in order, and on the march and near an open space where Colonel Heintzelman s column left the Centreville and Manassas road in the morning, and passed to the right, we, in conjunction with others, repulsed the enemy s cavalry, who attempted to charge.
Before leaving the field, a portion of the right wing, owing to the configuration of the ground and the intervening woods, became detached, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Miller, whose gallantry was conspicuous throughout the entire battle, and who contested every inch of the ground with his forces thrown out as skirmishers in the woods, and succeeded in occupying the original ground on the right, after the repulse of a body of cavalry. I deem it worthy of remark that, during a part of the engagement, my regiment and that of the enemy, at some points, became so intermingled as scarcely to be able to distinguish friends from foes, and my forces made several prisoners, among whom was Lieutenant Colonel Boone of Mississippi, who is now in Washington, and fully recognizes his captors.
I regard it as an event of rare occurrence in the annals of history, that a regi ment of volunteers, not over three months in the service, marched up without flinching to the mouth of batteries of cannon, supported by thousands of infantry, and opened and maintained a fire until one-fifth of the whole regiment was killed, wounded or made prisoners before retiring, except for purposes of advantage of position.
My heart is full of gratitude to my officers and men for their gallant bearing throughout the whole of this desperate engagement, and to distinguish the merits of one from another would be invidious, and injustice might be done.
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 23
Major d**e and my adjutant bore themselves with coolness throughout. My chaplain, Kev. E. D. Neill, was on the field the whole time, and in the midst of danger, giving aid and comfort to the wounded.
Dr. Stewart, while on the field, was ordered to the hospital by a medical officer of the army; Dr. Le Boutillier continued with the regiment, and actually engaged in the fight neither of whom have been heard from since.
That I have not unfairly or unjustly to the truth of history stated the facts in regard to the gallant conduct of my regiment, is fully proved by the appended list of killed and wounded, showing 49 killed, 107 wounded and 34 missing. The names and companies to which they belong, in detail, will more fully appear in the ac companying list and abstracts.
Among the incidents of the engagement, my command took several prisoners, among whom was Lieutenant Colonel Boone of the Mississippi regiment, taken personally by Mr. Irvine of my regiment, and since said prisoner s confinement in the capitol at Washington City, Mr. Irvine, in company with Hon. Morton S. Wilkinson, United States Senator from Minnesota, visited him, when he promptly recognized Mr. Irvine as his captor, and thanked him very cordially for his hu mane treatment and kindness to him as a prisoner. I deem it but just that this fact should be officially known, as Lieutenant Colonel Boone was a.n officer of the highest rank taken in the battle.
The humble part which I have performed as an officer, commanding one of the regiments of your brigade, individually and otherwise, is now left to you and those commanding the division. Eespectfully,
"W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Regiment Minnesota.
List of Killed and Wounded of the First Minnesota Infantry in the Battle of Bull Run:
COMPANY A Killed: Privates Charles F. Clark, Ernest Drescher, David Schooley.
Wounded : Sergt. Henry C. Wright, Privates Frederick A. Brown, Wm. Bercher, Wm. H. H. Doo- ley, JohnT. Halsted,Wm. Kraemer, James Maloy, Da vidMcWilliams, George Pfeffer, Robert Stevens.
COMPANY B Wounded: Sergeants Z. E. Binns, Alonzo A. Capron, Lonis Mailer, Corp. A. S. Reichard, Privates Samuel Bloomer, Lewis Cathoman, Gustave Gronstand, Charles Rickets, Thomas Sinclair.
COMPANY C Killed: Sergt. John Renshaw, Corp. S. A.Waterhouse, Privates W. C. Cunning ham, Charles H. Hough, D. M. Robertson, Cyrus Smith, Joseph H. Thompson.
Wounded : Capt. W. H. Acker, Second Lieut. S. T. Raguet, Corp. Geo. McMullen. Privates George W. Buck, George Bart, C. C. Coombs, C. H. Dorathy, J. George, J. S. Haskell, A. M. Ladd, C. C. Marr (died of wounds), J. B. Mayence, J. R. McNelly, W. G. Randolph, R. Richardson, Julius Smith, Isaac L. Twitchell, Wm. Waltz.
COMPANY D Killed: Private Henry A. Dean.
Wounded : Capt. H. D. Putnam, Privates Orange S. King, George Haddock.
COMPANY E Killed: Corp. Albion T. Hobson, Private James R. Moss.
Wounded: Corp. O. D. Thatcher, Privates John H. Carter, John Elliot, John Fleetham, John Hanley, John Harrington, R. H. Jefferson, George B. Kelsey, Samuel F. Leyde, Wm. L. Losee, Wm. E. Schumaker, Peter Welin.
COMPANY F Killed: Privates Hiram I. Rush, James Salle, James M. Underwood.
Wounded: First Lieut. A. E. Welch, Sergt. Charles N. Harris, Corporals John Barrow, Amos G. Scofield (died of wounds), Privates Henry R. Childs, J. P. Garrison (died of wounds), G. D. Leighton, John M. Lee, George McKinley (died of wounds).
COMPANY G Killed: Capt. Lewis McKune, Privates Asa Miller, Merrill R. Patton.
24 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Wounded : Corp. E. Hollister, Privates Merritt B. Case, George W. Crocker, C. E. Daviscn, James L. Dubois, Stephen E. Ferguson, Oscar Gross, Charles E. Hess, Anthony Jones, Edward Potter, William Potter, Neri Reed,W. S. Reed, L. G. Reynolds, Chauncey Squires, A. C.Strickland, Julius Schultz, Edward E. Verplank, R. M. Wattles.
COMPANY H Killed: Privates Columbus Brock, Sear Einson, Jabez Snitzinger.
Wounded: Sergt. Alonzo I. Young, Privates Christian Bitka, S. F. Bunker, Newton Brown, John Clausen, Dennis Crandall, W. W. Cummings, George A. Erdman, John Harris, James F. G. Hartley, Jeremiah Helmer, Henry A. Hubbard, Charles Mansfield, Jacob Mosburger, Charles Nebel, Earl P. Owen, E. B. Simons.
COMPANY I Killed: Privates Andrew H.Colyer, Patrick S. Curneff, Allen H. Hanthingy, John O. Milne, Anton E. Schimeck.
Wounded: First Lieut. Joseph Harley, Corporals Francis Fernirod, James O Neil, Musician August Ellison, Privates A. S. Davis, J. Donevan, P. C. Ellis, Levi Enery, Joseph Frey, Alson Hayden, Mark Kenney, E. M. Kerrott, George Kline, Herman Lawson, Charles F. Mason, JohnW. Murray, James Pittenger, Samuel E. Seymour.
COMPANY K Killed: Sergt. Zuar E. Moore, Privates E. P. Burton, Fritz. Grimm, Henry Morton, Edward A. Rowley.
Wounded: Sergt. John G. Merritt, Corporals Matthew Marvin, Samuel E. Stebbins, Privates John Alderson, Wm. J. Barton, Stephen B. Brock way, Jason Durfee, Joseph S. Eaton, Hiram Harding, Samuel Nicklin, Wm. Patton, Samuel Smith, Chris. Zimmerman.
SUPPLEMENT TO THE REPORT OF COLONEL GORMAN, FIRST MINNESOTA INFANTRY.
CAMP MINNESOTA, July 26, 1861.
The regimental flag borne by my color bearer has through its folds one cannon ball, two grape shots and sixteen bullets, and one in the staff. The color guard were all wounded but the color bearer, one mortally. The company flag of Com pany I was pierced with five balls, and one on the spear head. Please attach this to my report. Very respectfully,
W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Regiment Minnesota.
MY DEAR GENERAL: I inclose you a copy of my Bull Run report. I have delayed sending it, hoping to get a copy of my original, which ought to be in the War Department. But I learned on Monday that all of the reports except mine could be found, and that mine could not. I presume that Heintzelrnan mislaid it when he sent in his own. There are some verbal differences between it and what I inclose, and besides I added a sentence, saying that I believe that one cause of our defeat was the ignorance of our men in the practice of firing.
I hope this will reach you, and am sorry that it has been delayed. But my desire that you should have the report precisely as it went in, will, I hope, prove sufficient excuse. I congratulate you on your promotion, which, in my opinion, was earned. Ileintzelman has just come over the river with his division is on the left of Alexandria, towards Mount Yernon. "We have a picket fight nearly every night. I am, with my division, near the seminary, and watch things from there as far as Springfield.
With my kind regards to Colonel Miller and Major d**e, I am,
Truly your friend, Brigadier General Gorman, United States Volunteers. W. B. FRANKLIN.
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 25
Report of Col. W. B. Franklin, Twelfth United States Infantry, Commanding First
Brigade, Third Division.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION,
DEPARTMENT NORTHEASTERN VIRGINIA, July 28, 1861.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to make the following report on the operations of the brigade under rny command in the action at Bull Bun, on the twenty-first instant:
The brigade consisted of Ricketts battery, First Artillery, the Fifth and Eleventh Massachusetts regiments, Colonels Lawrence and Clark, and the First Minnesota Eegiment, Colonel Gorman. The Fourth Pennsylvania Eegiment had been attached to the brigade until the morning of the twenty-first instant, but as soon as its term of service expired on that day, it refused to go forward; and when the remainder of the brigade marched forward, it marched to the rear.
The brigade left camp near Centre ville at 2:30 o clock A. M., in the following order: First, the Minnesota Eegiment; second, Eicketts battery; third, the Eleventh Massachusetts regiment; fourth, the Fifth Massachusetts Eegiment. The Minnesota regiment was arranged with the two first companies ready to act as skirmishers; the three next companies as the advance guard; and the remainder of the regiment formed the head of the column. The men were furnished with, three days provisions in their haversacks.
At Centreville a delay of more than two hours occurred, to enable General Tyler s and Colonel Hunter s divisions to pass Colonel Heintzelnian s. The march then recommenced and continued without interruption until the brigade reached Bull Eun, about 11 o clock A. M., after a march of about twelve miles. Colonel Hunter s column had by this time become engaged with the enemy, and Eicketts Ibattery was immediately ordered to cross the Eun and hold itself in readiness for action. The Minnesota regiment was ordered to cross to support the battery, and was, by a subsequent change in the order, placed in position on the left of the field. The Fifth and Eleventh Massachusetts regiments were, for a very short time, held in reserve on the left bank of the Eun.
Eicketts battery was directed to take position in a field, towards the extreme right of our line, and commenced firing at a battery of the enemy, placed just beyond the crest of a hill on our left. After firing for about twenty minutes at this point, the battery was removed to a point about one thousand feet from the enemy s battery, where it was immediately subjected to an incessant fire of mus ketry, at short range, disabling it almost immediately. Here Captain Eicketts was severely wounded and First Lieut. D. Ramsey was killed. The battery lost, also, in the course of a few minutes, eleven non-commissioned oificers and men killed, and fourteen wounded. Many horses were also killed, so that the battery was entirely crippled, and its remains were drawn off the field by Lieutenant Kirby; all the guns being left on the field. While the battery was in its first position, the Fifth and Eleventh Massachusetts regiments, Colonels Lawrence
26 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
and Clark, were brought to the field and took position just behind the crest of a hill, about the centre of the position. Here they were slightly exposed to the fire of the enemy s battery on the left, and were consequently thrown into some confusion. This was shown by the difficulty of forming the Eleventh Massa chusetts Eegiment, and by wild firing, which was made by both regiments; they fired without command, and in one or two instances, while formed in column, closed in mass.
From this point both regiments were ordered to proceed to the vicinity of the point where Eicketts battery was disabled, to try to get back the guns. They went there, and with the help of some other regiments on their right, the enemy was driven from their guns three times. It was impossible, however, to get the men to draw off the guns, and when one or two attempts were made, we were driven off by the appearance of the enemy in large force, with heavy and well- aimed volleys of musketry. The First Minnesota Eegiment moved from its posi tion on the left of the field to the support of Eicketts battery, and gallantly engaged the enemy at that point. It was so near the enemy s lines that friends, and foes were for a time confounded. The regiment behaved exceedingly well, and finally retired from the field in good order. The other two regiments of the brigade retired in confusion, and no efforts of myself or staff were successful in rallying them. I respectfully refer you to Colonel Gorman s report for the account of his regiment s behavior, and the good conduct of his officers and men. Colonel Hartranft of the Fourth Pennsylvania Eegiment, whose regiment refused to march forward that morning, accompanied me to the field as aid-de-camp. His services were exceedingly valuable to me, and he distinguished himself in his attempt to rally the regiments which had been thrown into confusion.
I respectfully recommend to your favorable consideration the officers of my staff Capt. Walworth Jenkins, acting assistant adjutant general; Lieut. J. P Baker, aid-de-camp, and Lieut. C. H. Gibson, acting quartermaster and commis sary of the brigade. Their efforts were unremitting in carrying orders and in attempting to rally the dispersed troops.
I cannot refrain from paying a tribute to the gallantry of Captain Eicketts. and Lieutenant Eamsey. The service has sustained a serious loss in the tempo rary removal of Captain Eicketts from duty, and the cool and determined brav ery of Lieutenant Eamsey was admired by all who witnessed it. It may be a> consolation to his friends to know that he unflinchingly died a soldier s death, regretted by all.
It is my firm belief that a great deal of the misfortune of the day at Bull Eun is due to the fact that the troops knew very little of the principles and practice of firing. In every case I believe that the firing of the rebels was better than ours. At any rate, I am sure that ours was very bad, the rear files sometimes firing into and killing the front ones. It is to be hoped that practice and instruction will have corrected this evil by the time that we have another battle.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
W. B. FRANKLIN, Colonel Twelfth Infantry, Commanding First Brigade, Third Division.
Captain C. McKeever, Assistant Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:52:57 GMT -5
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 27
EXTRACT FROM EEPORT OF COL. SAMUEL P. HEINTZELMAN, SEVENTEENTH UNITED STATES INFANTRY, COMMANDING THIRD DIVISION, DATED WASH INGTON, JULY 31, 1861.
Franklin s brigade was posted on the right of a woods near the centre of our line, and on ground rising towards the enemy s position. In the meantime I sent orders for the Zouaves to move forward, to support Eicketts battery on its right. As soon as they came up I led them forward against an Alabama regiment, partly concealed in a clump of small pines in an old field. At the first fire they broke, and the greater portion fled to the rear, keeping up a desultory firing over the heads of their comrades in front. At the same moment they were charged by a company of Secession cavalry on their rear, who came by a road through two strips of woods on our extreme right. The fire of the Zouaves killed four and wounded one, dispersing them. The discomfiture of this cavalry was completed by a fire from Captain Colburn s company of United States Cavalry, which killed and wounded several more. Colonel Farnham, with some of his officers and men, behaved gallantly, but the regiment, as a regiment, did not appear again on the field. Many of the men joined other regiments, and did good service as skir mishers.
I then led up the Minnesota regiment, which was also repulsed, but retired in tolerably good order. It did good service in the woods on our right flank, and was among the last to retire, coming off the field with the Third United States Infantry. Next was led forward the First Michigan, which was also repulsed, and retired in considerable confusion. They were rallied and helped to hold the woods on our right. The Brooklyn Fourteenth then appeared on the ground, coming forward in gallant style. I led them forward to the left, where the Alabama regiment had been posted in the early part of the action, now disappeared. We soon came in sight of the line of the enemy, drawn up beyond the clump of trees. Soon after the firing commenced the regiment broke and ran. I considered it useless to attempt to rally them. The want of discipline in these regiments was so great that the most of the men would run from fifty to several hundred yards to the rear and continue to fire, fortunately for the braver ones, very high in the air, com pelling those in front to retreat. During this time Eicketts battery had been taken and retaken three times by us, but was finally lost, most of the horses having been killed, Captain Eicketts being wounded and First Lieut. D. Eam- sey killed. Lieutenant Kirby behaved with great gallantry, and succeeded in carrying off one caisson.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, July 24, 1861.
Col. Willis A. Gorman, First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers,
DEAR SIR: The telegraphic news last evening that the First Minnesota was amongst the regiments in the action of the twenty-first, which "were the praise of all," and that its colors had been so far bravely borne forward into the thickest of the fight as to become completely riddled, caused a profound reaction in the
28 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
public mind, much depressed previously by hopes and fears arising from the first confused account of a disgraceful panic participated in by a large portion of the American troops. We all felt proud and rejoiced that the honor of Minnesota had been well reposed in the safe keeping of the men who composed your com mand. A meeting was held at the capitol last evening (the proceedings of which I inclose), at which every mention of the gallant Minnesota First was cheered with wild enthusiasm. Honor and all praise to the regiment. Assure them from me, and from the people, that our hearts keep time to their every movement, and that on you all are centered our proudest hopes and our most glorious anticipa tions. If you need recruits to fill up your ranks, let me know in an official form at the earliest opportunity, and this department of the state government will not &pare any pains to give your request practical operation.
Very respectfully,
ALEX. RAMSEY.
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS OF THE UPPER POTOMAC,
July 31, 1861. To Ills Excellency, Alex. Ramsey,
SIR : The flag of our regiment, riddled with cannon ball, buck-shot and bullets, and shot by the enemy at the battle of Bull Run on the twenty-first instant, is this day returned to the state, to be by you placed in the capitol or deposited with the Historical Society, as may be thought advisable by your Excellency.
It affords me the highest satisfaction to testify that it was borne through that greatest of all battles ever fought on this continent, with its folds unfurled in the face of traitors. I beg of you, on behalf of the gallant officers and men, to pre serve it as a relic in the history of our state and her soldiers.
Truly yours,
W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Regiment.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Aug. 8, 1861.
W. A. Gorman, Colonel First Minnesota Volunteers and Commanding Brigade, Upper Potomac,
SIR: The flag of the Minnesota First, dispatched by you on the thirty-first ultimo, was duly received, and is deposited in the executive chamber of the capi tol, where our people throng to behold, with almost tearful veneration, this dumb witness of the valor of our soldier citizens when defending in the action of the twenty-first the national existence of which it is the honored emblem.
The future will no doubt see other flags borne by Minnesota regiments into positions where ball and shell and buck-shot will riddle their folds as this one has
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 29
been; but none of them will be cherished by our people with more fondness and pride when returned from the field than will ever be this, the virgin battle flag of our " Northern Light" of the American "Union.
Very respectfully,
ALEX. RAMSEY.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, July 24, 1861.
Reverend Doctor Neill, Chaplain of First Regiment Minnesota Volunteers,
DEAR SIR: The people of Minnesota learned with pleasure of the gallant conduct of * our own 7 regiment in the action of the twenty-first, and, in response to the general sentiment here, I desire you to cause the place of interment of the dead of the regiment to be designated by unmistakable marks, easily distinguished, and to be carefully recorded, so that at a more favorable opportunity and at a season when the climate will admit of it, their remains may be removed, at the public expense, to the soil of the state which will ever be proud to own their remains j and in regard to those who become further unable to bear the burthen of warfare, by reason of sickness, disease or the casualties of battle, and who are honorably dis charged from the regiment, you will please consider yourself commissioned per manently to assist the agent of the state to procure their return to their families and friends, the reasonable and proper expenditure for which will be reimbursed, out of the public funds. Yours respectfully,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA, CAMP GORMAN, NEAR ALEXANDRIA, YA., July 11, 1861.
Gov. Alex. Ramsey,
DEAR SIR: My regiment is now back of Alexandria, Ya., in first-rate health and spirits. This column is gradually moving toward Fairfax Courthouse and Manassas with from forty to fifty thousand men, in three divisions, under able generals.
The enemy will probably fight a little at Fairfax Courthouse. My regiment is in the First Brigade, under Colonel Franklin of the regular army, a highly gifted, first-class officer, about thirty-eight years old. If our state feels grateful for the post of honor, she has it. We were the first three-year troops to cross over to the Manassas road, with the exception of the Fire Zouaves, by the side of whom we are encamped. The First Minnesota Regiment is composed of altogether the largest and best sized men here, except the Ellsworth Zouaves, and are far better disciplined than the Zouaves, and equal, if not superior, in drill; they think we are the best. I say to you sincerely, we are the best drilled, best disci plined regiment in the service, and such is the judgment of the regular officers- who have seen us.
30 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Yesterday, at 9 A. M., I was ordered to send out, in the direction of Leesbnrg and Maiiassas, some men to feel for the enemy s outposts, pickets and masked batteries, whereupon I sent Lieutenant Colonel Miller with three companies, two hundred and fifty men, namely, Companies F (Colville), E (Morgan), K (Lester), who proceeded to Bailey s Cross-Eoads, the most advanced point yet reached by any body of men except cavalry. The skirmishers felt every sus pected point, found no enemy, and returned all safe. This satisfied our general that the enemy is going to retire, or perhaps has already done so, from all their advanced positions.
I will write again in a few days. If the politicians will let Scott alone, Vir ginia will be ours very soon. Truly yours,
W. A. GORMAN.
CAMP GORMAN, NEAR ALEXANDRIA, YA.,
July 6, 1861.
Hon. Alexander Ramsey, Governor State of Minnesota:
I have the honor to report that my regiment is posted on the road from Alex andria to Fairfax Courthouse, reaching over to the Leesburg road, up to the front, the furthest advance yet made into the enemy s country, looking to a movement toward Manassas, which will probably be made in five or ten days, the advance of which will be taken by a corps of regulars and the First Minnesota Eegiment.
It affords me the highest satisfaction to say to your Excellency that my com mand is in unusually fine health for troops in this climate. The superiority of discipline and drill of the regiment is a source of profound pride and satisfaction to my officers and men, and so striking is our superiority in muscle, the generals, after a careful inspection, ordered the regiment across the river, it being the first three-year regiment on this side.
A forward movement being anticipated, it is desirable the state authorities hasten the departure of Captain McKune s command; also, Lieutenant Coates .
We are attached to the brigade of Colonel Franklin, United States Army, who is an experienced and gentlemanly officer, and who served with me in Mexico.
Any communication you may be pleased to address me please forward care of Hon. M. S. Wilkinson, Washington, D. C.
With great respect, I remain, respectfully yours,
W. A. GORMAN, Colonel First Minnesota.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, July 16, 1861.
Col. Willis A. Gorman, First Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers,
SIR: Your report of the condition of the First Eegiment, dated July 6, at Camp Gorman, near Alexandria, Va., was duly received on the thirteenth instant. The information that the gallant men you command are enjoying unusually good health, considering the climate they are in, is received with much satisfaction, and it is hoped that the impetus of the strong vitality they derived from the invigorating climate of Minnesota will long preserve them from the enervating
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 31
influences of the less bracing atmosphere that now surrounds them. Especially satisfactory, also, is the intelligence you communicate, that the fine physical character of the men and their efficient discipline and drill have already earned for them the post of honor along with the regular troops in the advanced guard of the army of freedom. This news, I assure you, made the heart of every Minne- sotian here swell with a still higher pride than ever in our First Regiment, and leads us all confidently to hope and trust that when the hour comes for the regi ment to participate in the blow about being struck for the honor of your flag and for the integrity of the old Union for the principle that we are one great nation and not thereby poor, feeble and weak ones your friends and relatives here in their distant homes will learn in the victorious result that your post of honor, however much the post of danger, was honorably maintained; that, in a word, no Minnesotian in Minnesota will need be in the least ashamed or blush for the conduct of the Minnesotians who fought for the supremacy of the constitution and laws in far-off rebellious, deluded Virginia.
With the warmest wishes for you all, officers and men, I am, yours truly,
ALEXANDER RAMSEY, Governor Minnesota.
WASHINGTON, July 80, 1861.
DEAR GOVERNOR: Your favor of the twenty-second instant just at hand, in regard to the clothing of this regiment.
There have been in the regiment many cases of individual hardship, a few amounting to almost nakedness, but I think that of the following facts there is not a doubt.
First, that the best temporary and partial uniform that could be obtained promptly in our poor and sparsely settled state was provided for the regiment at the time of its organization. Second, that about the middle of last May Colonel Gorman made the proper requisition for the full United States uniform for all our men, and he and our quartermaster and messengers to New York and Phila delphia have been urging and laboring for its delivery ever since. Third, notwith standing these exertions the clothing was only procured last week. It was imme diately delivered and nearly all our men are now in possession of excellent suits. The few exceptions will be provided for in a few days.
I do not go into this matter more largely because Colonel Gorman will write you officially upon this subject very soon. Yours truly,
STEPHEN MILLER. Hon. Alexander Ramsey.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:53:52 GMT -5
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, July 25, 1861.
Col. John B. Sanborn, Adjutant General of the State of Minnesota,
SIR: Yesterday a committee of gentlemen of Minneapolis called upon me and represented that ten letters from privates in the First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers, now in Yirginia, had been received at that place, complaining of the
32 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
insufficient clothing of the men of the regiment. This is the first intimation I have received from either officers or men of the regiment, from its first organiza tion to this time, of any deficiency in this regard. Among new troops, untrained to the careful preservation of the property, clothing and equipments amidst the necessarily rough life of the camp and field, there will doubtless often be instances, of suffering and inconvenience, even though the authorities have done all in their power to have it otherwise. Yet it becomes us, in guarding the interests and comfort of the men who so generously volunteered their lives in defense of their country, to relieve their necessities, no matter how occasioned. Therefore, for the purpose of certain information on this subject and to insure all the relief within our capacity, and to enlist, also, the interest of the general government in these gallant men, I desire you to proceed to the seat of war, and, on consul tation with Colonel Gorman and his officers and examination of the men, if there is found to be destitution of any kind, you will make such representations in per son to the War Department as shall remedy all reasonable complaints and de ficiencies; and if these representations shall not secure prompt attention, you will at once communicate to me by telegraph the fact, when I will immediately take measures to use whatever of credit the State of Minnesota may possess to put the regiment in the most comfortable and efficient condition.
Very respectfully,
ALEX. BAMSEY.
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF MINNESOTA,
ADJUTANT GENERAL S OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, MINN., August 7, 1861.
To Alex. Ramsey, Commander -in- Chief, etc.,
SIR : I have the honor to report that pursuant to directions contained in your communication of the twenty-fifth ultimo, I did proceed to the seat of war and the camp of the First Eegiment of Minnesota Volunteers, and on Monday, the twenty-ninth ultimo, and the two succeeding days, I had consultations with Colonel Gorman and his officers, and made personal examinations of the men. composing his command, with the view of ascertaining, as near as possible, the condition and treatment of the men generally.
I found that two days previous to my arrival at the camp new clothing, con sisting of pants, blouses and coats, had been distributed among the men, and that shoes and caps had been furnished some time previously, so that I found the regiment fully provided with all needful clothing. The government was about furnishing them with genuine duck tents, in lieu of those furnished here, and had provided for their use thirty four-horse baggage teams and several ambulances, and the regiment seemed to be furnished with everything that the army regu lations allow to troops in the regular service of the United States. I do not, therefore, see that the state can do anything to ameliorate the condition of these brave men, unless it should choose to adopt a standard of its own as to the quality and amount of clothing and equipage to be furnished exceeding that allowed by the army regulations.
BATTLE OF BULL BUN. 33
It appears that the main ground of complaint on the part of the men composing this regiment is the delay on the part of the general government to furnish the clothing that had been ordered previous to their leaving the state, which they at that time expected to receive at Harrisburg, while on their way to Washington. It was the design of the quartermaster general to furnish the clothing at that point; but it seems that the clothing ordered by the party here who had contracted to furnish it did not pass inspection, and it was then found impossible to get the clothing ready for them at that point, and the quartermaster general then ordered the clothing to be for warded to Washington, where it arrived a few days after. the regiment. But the military storekeeper, who receives in the first instance all the army clothing sent to Washington, not understanding that this lot was for any particular regi ment, delivered it to the quartermaster of whatever regiment first appeared with an approved requisition for it. This same occurrence was repeated, and it was not until the quartermaster general ordered the parties forwarding the clothing to direct it to the military storekeeper, for the use of the First Eegiment of Minne sota Volunteers, that it was reserved. Thus the delay was occasioned. I was assured by the officers in the quartermaster general s department that the depart ment had and would fill any requisition upon them for our regiment w^ith all possible promptness and dispatch. The colonel stated that he had approved every requisition made by his quartermaster, and they each affirmed it, and stated that they had made a requisition for all that the company officers had required of them, and there seemed to be no evidence to contradict their statements, and I can but conclude that the regimental officers and the officers of the government have acted with fidelity and promptness in regard to furnishing the regiment with clothing and rations. It is true that for some days, perhaps weeks, prior to the furnishing of the clothing at Washington, some of the men had not suitable clothing for dress parade, or any public exhibition, but while I was there a large number of the men had on the pants that were furnished here, which were still in good con dition.
That you may better determine the number of men in that situation, the ex tent of their destitution, the causes which induced it and its effect upon the health and comfort of the men, I refer to the copies of the letters of the chaplain, Rev. E. D. Neill, Quartermaster Wood of Minneapolis Guards, and Colonel Gor man s, directed to yourself, and one from Lieutenant Colonel Miller, which are inclosed herewith and made a part of my report.
The regimental color ( national ensign) which was borne through the battle of the twenty-first ultimo with most extraordinary valor and devotion, became so defaced by powder and rent and torn by shot and shell that it is not suitable for use, and it was surrendered by the colonel to me, to be brought back to the state, to be deposited in a suitable place in the capitol, as a memorial of the patriotism and valor of the sons of Minnesota at this period of her history. I forwarded the same by express to the Governor, and was requested by the colonel to signify his desire to be furnished by the state with another similar banner at an early day.
All of which is respectfully submitted by your obedient servant,
JOHN B. SANBORN, Adjutant General.
34 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 31, 1861. Col. John B. Sanborn, Adjutant General of the State of Minnesota,
1 SIR: In reply to the inquiries made by you this day, I have the honor to sub mit the following plain facts in regard to the history of the Minnesota First Eegiment of Volunteers, under the command of Col. Willis A. Gorman. I do this the more cheerfully from the fact that within the past few days several newspaper statements have come to my knowledge, reflecting quite severely upon the officers of the gallant First, the state and the general government, and because I deem it due that you should know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
First In regard to the clothing of the regiment (and in this connection allow me to say that I shall speak of nothing except what I know of my own knowl edge, paying no attention to the rumors of a camp, which are as numerous as gossip in a country village). Our regiment arrived in Washington, as near as I can remember, on or about the twenty-sixth day of June last. A few days afterward some one came to the tent of the captain of Company D, Captain Putnam, and said the colonel desired at once that a list of the wants of the regiment might be made out, as he had seen the department, and whatever the regiment needed to put it upon a complete war footing would be furnished by the government. Immediately Lieutenant Smith of Company D and myself made inquiries in our company; made out a complete list of the articles needed, cloth ing, camp equipage, ordnance and stores, and handed the list to the colonel. The same was done, I presume, by the officers of the other companies, with the ordinary delay incident to obtaining such a list. On the fourth of July, the present month, Quartermaster Downie having worked himself sick, the regiment being then stationed near Alexandria, in Virginia, a special order was issued, appointing myself acting quartermaster pro tern. I immediately entered upon the discharge of my duties, and upon the following day, or the day after, I came to Washington and at the request of the colonel went to the office of Quartermaster General Meigs and made inquiries about the clothing for the Minnesota regiment. The general said there was a requisition there made by the colonel upon the twenty-ninth of June. The colonel had furnished me with the original manuscript copy, and I asked to see the copy the general had, that I might compare the two; he sent for the same and I found them to exactly correspond. During the conversation the general re marked, " We have attempted three times to clothe your regiment," once through Governor Eamsey in New York, when the clothing failed to pass inspection. A second time he had ordered it to be shipped to the regiment at Harrisburg, Pa., from the clothing depot in Philadelphia, when, learning that the regiment had made but a short stay there half a day and was coming to Washington, he telegraphed to Philadelphia, that if they had not already forwarded it, to send it to Washington, that the regiment might obtain it here. The clothing had come to Washington, being consigned to Capt. George Gibson, United States Army, military storekeeper, when the clothing, the boxes not being specially marked for our regiment, and the captain having at the time no knowledge of the fact that it was so intended, was issued to other regiments upon requisitions coming in the proper form. This fact was substantiated by Captain Gibson, upon whom I after ward called during the same morning. I then asked General Meigs if he would
BATTLE OP BULL RUN. 35
telegraph to Philadelphia and have the clothing upon the requisition made by Colonel Gorman shipped directed for the First Minnesota Eegiment. He said he would do so, and called a clerk and directed him to do it. Upon the following day, in the order press book of the department, I saw a copy of the telegram, and it was specially ordered for the regiment. At the end of about five or six days I began to call at the clothing depot to see if the clothing had arrived, and con tinued to do so up to Wednesday, the seventeenth instant, when the regiment having left Alexandria and gone toward Manassas, and I could not find at the railroad depot upon the bills of lading that the clothing had been shipped, and knowing, consequently, that several days at least must elapse before I could ordi narily receive it, I started after the regiment, overtaking it at Sangster s Station some five miles beyond Fairfax Courthouse upon Thursday morning. The col onel immediately asked for the news in regard to the clothing. I told him, when he ordered me back to Washington, and "not to return without it." That night I reached "Washington, and upon the following morning called upon General Meigs, asked him to telegraph to Philadelphia making inquiries in regard to the clothing. He replied that he was very busy indeed, but if I would write the telegram he would sign it. It was done; but upon that day nor upon the next was any answer received. Upon Sunday, the day of the fight, the invoices came, and as soon as the regiment arrived in Washington and became settled in camp, the clothing was distributed to the men, and general good humor began to prevail. The pants, it is true, are very large, but that in the army is considered a good fault, as they can easily be made smaller. We have had four tailors constantly at work since the pants were delivered. The clothing consists of pants, flannel blouses and dress coats, army pattern. Since the regiment came here, about a week ago, a complete inventory of everything it stood in need of has been made, including clothing, camp and garrison equipage, ordnance and stores, requisitions made, and everything, except the clothing, received and distributed among the companies. Among the clothing ordered there are blankets, shirts, socks and overcoats, in. anticipation of winter. This much in regard to the clothing for the regiment. You will perceive that the proper officers, both of the regiment and of the department, have done everything in their power, and pursued the matter with more than ordinary diligence, but we have been subject to unavoidable delays and accidents.
Second As to food: The army regulations allow as a ration three-quarters of a pound of pork or bacon or one and one-quarter pounds of fresh or salt beef; one pound and two ounces of flour or bread or twelve ounces of hard bread; and at the rate, to one hundred rations, of eight quarts of peas or beans, or in lieu there of, ten pounds of rice, ten pounds of coffee; fifteen pounds of sugar; four quarts vinegar, one and one-half pounds candles, four pounds soap and two quarts of salt. Our regiment has always had, since we first came to Washington, the full amount of the above rations, they having been generally drawn for five days at a time, with the exception of fresh bread and fresh beef, which are always drawn upon the day of consumption. Whenever the regiment has been so situated that it could be done, it has had fresh bread every morning, which has been about one- half of the time, as near as I can ascertain from a hasty examination of the pro vision returns. Fresh beef is intended to be, and generally is, issued twice a week. Upon an examination of the above you will perceive that the government furnishes
36 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
a liberal supply of food, and in some of the companies where they have been prudent and economical they have saved quite a company fund.
Third As to pay: This was due the regiment, and it was entitled to receive it upon the first day of July. The pay can only be procured upon going through with certain formalities, the first of which is for the officers of the companies to make a complete and perfect muster roll of their respective companies, showing when and where each man was enlisted. From this the paymaster s clerks make out a pay roll, upon which the assistant paymasters pay the regiments. The blanks for the muster rolls of this regiment were obtained by Major d**e in the early part of the month, and some of the company officers made out their muster rolls immediately. Others, being unacquainted with the business and not knowing how to make out these rolls, and not taking efficient measures to learn how, have neglected to make them until toward the close of last week, when, upon Saturday morning last, the rolls being all in and complete, they were handed in to the pay master s department, since which time Paymaster Major E. E. Paulding of our state has been busy with several clerks computing the amounts due each man and filling out the pay roll, in order to pay us to-morrow, when he will be ready, as he to-day assured me. This payment might and would undoubtedly have been made three weeks ago at least, if the muster rolls had been completed. The govern ment has been, I am assured, ready and prepared to pay us at all times since the pay became due.
With a few words more I will close this hastily written statement. There has been, ever since the regiment came to Washington, a persistent effort made and even before we left the state by certain parties, for causes and with motives to me unknown, to create hard feelings and dissensions in the regiment, with what success the press of our adopted state bears, I am sorry to say, abundant evidence. With the removal of the prominent causes of complaint, want of clothing and pay, we may reasonably hope that the evil-disposed, professed friends of the poor soldier, whose lot is hard enough without attempting to magnify it, will be obliged to stop their nefarious business of vilifying the state, the government and the men who are risking their lives to maintain its supremacy.
There were cases where men were unable to appear upon drill or dress parade for the want of proper clothing. In some instances undoubtedly it was unavoidable, but in others it was more than the result of gross carelessness and neglect it was the result of willful and malicious conduct on the part of the men themselves, some foolishly thinking if they appeared destitute, government would hasten its movements; others that they might avoid drill and dress parade; but in no in stance do I think there has been any sickness produced by exposure or discomfort for want of clothing. Your obedient servant,
GEOKGE H. WOODS, Quartermaster of the First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:55:06 GMT -5
CAMP, NEAR WASHINGTON, D. C., July, 1861. Hon. John B. Sanborn, Adjutant General State of Minnesota,
DEAR SIB: Cheerfully I accede to your request and give you my impres sions in relation to the condition of the clothing until of late worn by the soldiers of the First Minnesota Regiment.
BATTLE OF BULL RUN. 37
I have no idea that there has been any suffering among the regiment for the lack of proper clothing. "With a few exceptions the men have appeared tidy, and not " tattered and all forlorn" in their dress of blue pants and red shirts. This week they have received the blue uniform of the United States, which will be warmer, perhaps, but not as comfortable for the month of August as the simple red shirts. From the first, in tidiness and general appearance they have ap peared well in the clothing which they obtained in Minnesota, and compared favorably with the harlequin Zouaves and others in fantastic attire.
Yours truly,
E. D. NEILL.
CAMP MINNESOTA, WASHINGTON, D. C., July 30, 1861.
DEAR SIR : I have heard many persons talk and seen newspaper articles in relation to the clothing of this regiment. Their comments invariably imply that you had done some wrong in not clothing the regiment sooner. This regiment was as well provided as any regiment brought into the service of the United States from the West, and their clothing delivered at Fort Snelling, although of an inferior qualtity in most part, and condemned by a board of inspection, was received, as " necessity knows no law 77 and no other could be procured, owing to the great distance we were from the manufacturing cities. Companies B and G- were nearly fully equipped with regular army clothing at Fort Eidgley, also Companies A and E at Fort Eipley, and that of the best quality, most of which is yet sound and good, and all this equipment was before they left the state. On the third of May I made the first requisition for clothing, and it was supplied by the state authorities as promptly as possible. At an early day thereafter I made a requisition* on the United States Government for clothing, which was pursued with all the energy my quartermaster could give. I sent Rev. E. D. Keill to Philadelphia and Major d**e to New York from Harrisburg on that express business. On arriving at Washington, Quartermaster Meigs said that he had promised Governor Karnsey to have the clothing inspected and forwarded to us at Harrisburg, where he supposed it had been sent. He telegraphed both to Harrisburg and Philadelphia (in my presence) to find its whereabouts. The next day or two we were ordered into Virginia. In the meantime, the clothing, in large amounts, came to "Washington, and was taken and appropriated by other regiments. Such was the wonderful pressure on the government. To find fault at such a time is to bay at the moon, without remedy, and without fault of any one. A few men wore out their pants and tore them, so as to render them unfit for duty. Several of the men were excused from duty owing to their want of clothing. This has occurred in all regiments and in all armies, and perhaps a thousand times. If the state had been rich, like New York, Pennsylvania, or some of the old, largely populated states, with any amount of credit, we could have had a great many things more than we did, simply to have been thrown away or lost on some forced march,- but, unfortunately, our state was too young and poor to borrow money, or buy army supplies on credit. There were a great many fancy regiments, very fancifully dressed, that showed off in the bar-rooms
38 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
and hotels of the city, and made night hideous with their brawls, while Minne sota with their red shirts made themselves respected on account of their behavior, and were earnestly sought after by commanders of brigades and divisions, who wished them attached to their commands. When we left Alexandria for the battlefield those companies of my regiment who were provided with fine clothes had them boxed up and stored in Alexandria for safe keeping, and donned their old Minnesota uniform, and on the battlefield covered themselves with glory. A heavy cloth uniform (such as the regulations require) in summer would be a most intolerable nuisance if the men were compelled to wear it upon drill and parade. No man has suffered for the want of clothing. Complaints may and very likely have been made by soldiers who wished to run around the city, and their pride prevented their doing so, owing to the looks of their clothes. Our army is better fed, better clothed and better cared for than any other army of any other govern ment in the world, and if impatient public opinion had no other object than the good of the soldier, information would be sought in the proper quarter, instead of looking to partisan papers, established for the purpose of building up or tear ing down politicians. It would have been very gratifying to me if our state resources had been such as to have commanded money and credit to have given us wagons, teams, ambulances and other army equipments, but we have procured all these since our arrival here; still the fretful impatience of the soldier will complain. If their friends at home listen to the idle tales that are told, insubordi nation and ultimate dishonor must come to us. A great deal of suffering must be expected, a great deal of toil endured and a great deal of hardship borne, and thus far all this has been cheerfully done by the men of my regiment, except in a few instances, and they* have been stimulated by those who have far less patriotism than the soldier, whose whims they stimulate rather than dis courage. Every want of the soldiers has been cared for by my quartermaster s diligence and application, which has known no tiring. We have been in service three months, and our men have been supplied with three shirts, two pairs of pants, two coats (one dress, one blouse), one cap, one hat, three pairs of socks, two pairs of shoes, two pairs of drawers, two canteens, two and three haversacks, one knapsack, two blankets each and full army rations, with occasional excess.
Very respectfully yours,
WILLIS A. GORMAN,
Colonel. To Alex. Ramsey, Governor of the State of Minnesota.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE.
ST. PAUL, Nov. 26, 1861. Eev. E. D. NeiU, Chaplain First Minnesota Volunteers,
DEAR SIR: I inclose you a copy of a communication just received from. Charles L. Pierson, Eichmond, Va., lieutenant and adjutant of Massachusetts Twentieth. Mr. Pierson is himself a prisoner and makes an appeal in behalf of such of his fellow prisoners as belong to our First Eeginient.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 39
It was the declaration of persons just returned from Richmond to Washington during my last visit there, that it would be in vain to attempt to send relief of any kind to our men who are prisoners, as nothing would ever reach them.
From the letter of Lieutenant Pierson, it would seem the rebel government has changed its policy in those matters, and that assistance may be sent to pris oners with a reasonable hope of its reaching them. If this is so, it must be known to the authorities at Washington.
May I ask you, then, to proceed immediately to Washington on the receipt of this, and upon consultation with such parties as have information upon the sub ject, ascertain whether Mr. Pierson is correctly informed; and if so, and the gov ernment at Washington has not already relieved the wants of the Minnesota First men who are prisoners, and does not furnish you with the articles enumerated, purchase them of the government or elsewhere, as is best, upon the credit of the state, making your draft on me for the amount; and send them, as your discretion may dictate, to Mr. Pierson, with full instructions for distribution, etc., etc.
It occurs to me you have in your correspondence spoken of the hospital fund contributed by private citizens of this state as being more than ample for the wants of the regiment as such, owing to the generous provision of the general government for our sick. I would therefore suggest, if in your opinion the amount required can be spared from that fund, that the cost of the articles be paid out of it (if the quartermaster general does not furnish them), in the full belief such a contribu tion will be highly gratifying to every donor; otherwise make your draft as before stated.
I regret very much the necessity of imposing this labor on you, but we all feel that no one will so certainly perform these offices as our chaplain of the First.
Dr. D. Bontiken can probably give you the names of our men who are prison ers in Eichmond.
Please inform me of your action in the premises. Yery respectfully,
ALEX. RAMSEY.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:56:14 GMT -5
HEADQUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT, MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS.
FORT SNELLING, Aug. 16, 1861. Sis Excellency, Governor Alex. Ramsey:
SIR: Yours of yesterday was handed me last evening by General Sanborn. Lieutenant Colonel George has been ordered to take command at Fort Ridgley. He leaves for his post this morning, and in accordance with your advice I have given him instructions to send a strong detachment of soldiers to Jackson county to protect the soldiers and United States mail from depredations by Indians. I am, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. P. VAN CLEVE, Colonel, Commanding.
FORT SNELLING, Sept. 12, 1861. Gov. Alex. Eamsey 3
SIR: I have the gratification of announcing to you that the Second Regiment of Minnesota Volunteers is now filled to the minimum and holds itself ready to
UVEESITT;
.
40 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
march at a moment s warning. At the same time it would be desirable that the companies stationed at Forts Eipley, Abercrombie and Eidgley should be relieved by other troops and ordered to rendezvous at this point before we leave for the seat of war. It would require twenty days to bring the troops from the most distant point. Very respectfully,
H. P. VAN CLEVE, Colonel Second Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
FORT EIDGLEY, MINN., Sept. 13,1861. The Post Adjutant, Fort Eidgley, Minn.,
SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit my report of the expedition made under my command to Jackson county in this state, pursuant to Special Order No. 12, current series, "to protect the settlers and the United States mail from dep redations by the Indians."
The detachment, consisting of twenty-seven men of Company D and twenty- five men of Company E, Second Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers, Lieutenant Cox commanding the latter, left this post on the twentieth day of August last, with the necessary transportation and subsistence for twenty-five days. "With no se rious accident and only trifling delays, we reached, about noon of the fourth day, the vicinity of our destination. Here we met the mail with a guard of four mounted men, by whom it was reported that an Indian had been killed near Jackson, and that Indians were prowling around the settlement, though none had been seen for two weeks; also, that some horses had been stolen.
The journal of our progress continues:
Aug. 25, 1861. Arrived at the Des Moines river at about 1:30 p. M., and camped for the night at a place called Jackson. After camping, a scout came in and reported having seen seven Indians at about one o clock, four miles from the camp. Lieutenant Cox and five privates from each company immediately went in pursuit of them, accompanied by Interpreter Quinn, the party returning about 8 P. M., having marched some five miles without seeing any signs of Indians.
Aug. 29, 1861. Eemained in camp at Jackson, August 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th, for the purpose of gaining all possible information in regard to Indians. All the settlers around here express the greatest fear of another Indian massacre dur ing the coming fall and winter if left unprotected. For some time back they have kept one or more scouts out to give the earliest notice of the approach of any Indians to the settlement. They are constantly seeing signs of Indians hovering around, although scarcely ever seeing any of the Indians themselves. Many of the settlers have already sent their families to places of safety, and many others will do so during the fall, so imminent do they consider their danger. Being widely scattered, they feel wholly unable to protect themselves if attacked, and desire the permanent establishment of United States troops among them for that purpose.
Aug. 30, 1861. Eained violently during the first part of the morning; broke camp at Jackson about 9 A. M.; arrived at Spirit Lake City at 1:30 P. M., and camped for the night. Met there part of the company of Iowa state troops (mounted), numbering twenty-five men, who left for Sioux City immediately on
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 41
onr arrival. This and two other companies of Iowa state troops are kept in the service and pay of the state for the protection of the settlers between this place and Sioux City. They are constantly in active service between the two places. They saw fresh signs of Indians about ten miles from Spirit Lake and pursued their trail for some time, but were not able to overtake.
Sept. 3, 1861. Eemained at Spirit Lake City August 31st, September 1st, 2d and 3d. The settlers express the same fear of danger from Indians as at the Des Moines. They say two persons have already been killed and several horses stolen between this place and Sioux City, near the latter place. They believe these mur ders are but a commencement which will end in another massacre of the unpro tected and scattered settlers here and along the borders, and many intend moving to places of safety for the coming winter, or leaving the settlement permanently if protection is not given them; that the population of the settlement is decreasing rather than increasing, and that small improvements have been made by the set tlers on account of their constant fear of Indian depredations.
The march homeward was commenced on the eighth of September, but owing to violent rain during most of two days, the post was not finally reached until noon of the twelfth.
The foregoing narrative exhibits sufficiently the alarm of the scattered popu lation about Spirit Lake, the scene of the massacre in the spring of 1857. The terrible evidences of that occurrence claims deserted, houses abandoned, the doors blood-marked and riddled with balls keep the settlers in constant remem brance of the event, and fill their minds with apprehensions of similar bloody scenes at every rumor of the presence of Indians. The hardiness which was ready to brave the perils for a time succumbs under the constant dread, the end of which appears not speedily approaching. Every season men have entered upon claims here with the full purpose of defending themselves, their families and possessions^ who have first sent away wife and children and finally abandoned their improvements and left the vicinity, although that section of country is, be cause of its natural advantages, among the most attractive in the state to the settler. At the present time greater apprehension than usual is felt because of the belief that the disaffected Indians will become openly hostile while the pres ent war for the Union continues, and that evil-minded whites, enemies of the government, will excite such hostilities.
For this reason it is that the settlers ask the protection of an armed force in their immediate vicinity. A single company, or a detachment of one, would be sufficient both to avert danger and quiet apprehension. It is proper to say, how ever, that the reports of outrages committed by Indians in the vicinity of Jackson county, whether against life or property, are unfounded. The encounter in which the Indian was killed (alluded to in the papers addressed to the governor of the state) occurred at Cherokee, in Iowa, some sixty miles from Spirit Lake, and the horses which were stolen were taken in the neighborhood of Sioux City.
I have already furnished the agent at Yellow Medicine with some items of evidence gathered on the expedition, which I hope may assist in the recovery of some of the stolen property, and the punishment of the offenders.
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
II. II. WESTERN, Captain Company D, Second Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
42 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
FORT RIDGLEY, MINN., Sept. 16, 1861. Eon. Alex. Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: I have the honor to forward you herewith, by request of Captain: Western, Second Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers, a copy of his report on the expedition lately made to Jackson county under his command. He has wished a copy to be furnished your office, and also that I would for him recommend the facts, as found and stated, to your consideration.
The letter of Capt. D. M. West attributed the safety of Minnesota settlers from outrages which those in Iowa have lately suffered to the diligence of the scouts of the company commanded by him. Perhaps such is the fact, and it was there the general belief. They ask for a company of troops to be stationed there, or that they may be taken into the service and pay of the state or Government of the United States while on duty as guard, etc.
Undoubtedly the reports of outrages by Indians in that country are exagger ated and multiplied and the real danger greatly overestimated. But the danger is really felt to be imminent, and while they believe themselves in such peril the effect on the immigration, or rather the emigration, from that region will be as disastrous as though the danger in fact existed, and the state has, therefore, nearly the same interest in removing groundless yet overmastering apprehension as in averting real danger.
Captain Western suggests that the circumstances existing in the frontier counties may well be submitted by your Excellency to the legislature in favor of some military law whereby such a company as Captain West s may be, in some degree, remunerated for the time they give to military duties. And further, that his company and other such frontier companies need the first consideration, both in passing the law and administering it.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. P. JENNISON, Second Lieutenant, Second Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
Send the Second Minnesota Regiment direct to Washington and adopt means to organize two more infantry regiments at the earliest date possible.
SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, MINN., Sept. 17, 1861. Colonel Van Cleve, Second Minnesota Volunteers,
DEAR SIR: I have this evening received the following dispatch from Secre tary Cameron: "Send the Second Minnesota direct to Washington," etc. You
OFFICIAL EEPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 43
will, therefore, send at once to Eipley and Abercrombie and call in the companies from these posts, leaving a small detachment at each of these posts to protect property.
The command at Eidgley should be advised to hold themselves in readiness to march at a moment s notice, and they will be relieved in time for your whole regiment to move, by companies, called out for the Third or Fourth Eegiment.
As the direction of the Secretary of War is urgent, will you please take such measures as will, at the earliest possible day, bring the Second Eegiment to Washington, there to report to the Secretary of War?
Yery respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
P. S. I am just in receipt of yours of this date, by hand of Sergeant Major Cilley, as to the force to be left at Abercrombie and Eipley. Your suggestions I conceive to be correct.
Your suggestions as to shoes, tents, blouses, etc., I presume, will now be met at Washington as soon as you reach there, and I would advise you to write to Washington on the subject at once so that your wants in this respect may be anticipated. A. E.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:57:22 GMT -5
HEADQUARTERS SECOND REGIMENT, MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS.
FORT SNELLING, Sept. 17, 1861.
Sis Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: On the twelfth instant I informed your Excellency that our regiment was filled to the minimum and ready to receive marching orders.
Since that time recruits have offered themselves more freely, and I hope soon to be able to inform you that several companies are filled to the maximum.
While awaiting orders I take the liberty to call your attention to the fact that, although the Second Eegiment has been well clothed by the state for the present, there are still some things needed before I can leave with my mind free from anxiety for the comfort of my men on a march.
Our supply of shoes is completely exhausted. The men are furnished with but one suit of clothes, which must be worn on all occasions, fatigue duty, guard duty, dress parade and off duty. We have no tents for the officers. A requisition was made for these as well as for blouses, shirts, trousers, fatigue caps and shoes, and were ordered by Mr. Farrington, the contractor, which order, he informs me by letter, has been countermanded in consequence of a refusal on the part of the government to allow his claim for clothing already furnished.
Our regiment is composed of fine, able-bodied men, mostly from the rural districts, and will probably compare favorably with any regiment in the field; but the musket furnished us is an inferior arm, the old Springfield, smooth bore, flint lock, remodeled to percussion. I have written to the War Department requesting an improved arm; the rifled muskets, fifty-eight caliber, would be preferred.
It would be of incalculable advantage to have the whole regiment concentrated at this point for a short time before marching, in order that they might be drilled together. The troops at Forts Abercrombie and Eidgley can be withdrawn without
44 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
any risk or detriment, leaving the ordnance sergeant at Eipley, and ten men at Abercrombie, to protect the public property, until their places could be supplied by companies that are now ready to offer for the Third Eegiment.
Two companies are needed at Fort Eidgley. The two companies of the Second Minnesota Eegiment now stationed there could be relieved in ten days. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. P. VAN CLEVE, Colonel Second Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Sept. 19, 1861. Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary of War,
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegraphic dis patch of the seventeenth, requesting me to send the Second Minnesota Eegiment direct to Washington and adopt means to organize two more infantry regiments at the earliest date possible; and to reply that on the same day your dispatch was received, the colonel commanding the Second Eegiment was notified of your order and directed to get his regiment together for the route to Washington as soon as possible. Six companies of this regiment are garrisoning the frontier forts of Eipley, Abercrombie and Eidgley, and messages were further dispatched ordering their immediate march to headquarters at Fort Snelling. They will be replaced by companies of the Fourth Eegiment, for the organization of which, along with the Third Eegiment, I have already issued a call upon our people.
The Second Eegiment will be ready to march in about two weeks, and will be found, in officers and material, not inferior to our First Eegiment. Its field offi cers are: Horatio P. Yan Cleve, colonel, commanding (graduate of West Point); James George (an officer in the Mexican War), lieutenant colonel; Alexander Wilkin (an officer in the Mexican War and late captain Company A, First Minne sota), major.
Permit me also to remind the department in this connection, that our season of navigation on the Mississippi, our only means of communication for transpor tation, will close sometime between the first and fifteenth of November, and that means should be immediately taken to make ample provision previous to that time for supplying the Third Eegiment with all their equipments, clothing, sub sistence, etc. Yery respectfully,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
WAR DEPARTMENT, Sept. 23, 1861. To his Excellency, Gov. Alexander Ramsey, St. Paul, Minn.,
DEAR STR: Your favors of the thirthieth ultimo and of the fourteenth instant have been received and referred to the adjutant general for consideration.
This department is willing to accept from you a third regiment of Minnesota volunteer infantry to be raised to the maximum of 1,046 men. Also, three com-
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 45
parties of cavalry and four companies of home guards, the latter to be organized for the special duty of garrisoning the forts of Ripley, Abercrombie and Ridgley, under your own direction. The home guards, as well as the other troops accepted, are to be raised in accordance with the regulations appertaining to United States volunteer organizations. The home guards are to be organized immediately and sent to relieve the Minnesota regiment. If they cannot be otherwise furnished with arms then the Second Minnesota Regiment is directed to turn over its arms to the home guard and receive the same number in return at Washington. The quartermaster is to be furnished immediately with sufficient clothing.
The mustering officer and quartermaster are directed to confer with you and to comply with all measures proposed by you consistently with the laws and regu lations of the military service.
So much of the Second Minnesota Regiment as is now at Fort Snelling, or immediately available, may be sent on at once without waiting the arrival of troops from Forts Ripley, Abercrombie and Ridgley, if you deem it advisable so to do. I have the hoDor to be, very respectfully yours,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Acting Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 1861. Lieutenant Governor Donnelly,
DEAR SIR: I reached this city at noon yesterday, but as it was the national feast day there was no business to be done. This morning I called on the pay master general, and he agreed to send out our Major Smith to pay off the three- month men of the First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers, and also to pay up the Second Regiment to thirty-first August. The latter I considered an act of mercy, as it is of justice. General Larned says the regiment should be detained, if nec essary, until this payment can be made. As it may detain Major Smith here until next week to obtain his money, blank rolls, etc., etc., I would employ the interval in having Captain Nelson, or whoever else can do it, to prepare rolls, etc., etc., so that but a few days will be occupied in the actual payment. These ten payments will carry thirty-five thousand dollars to the state.
You will recollect that Captain Nelson had funds remitted to him to pay the expenses of recruiting, etc., etc., under General Orders, No. 70, published in the St. Paul papers before my coming. Now Captain Nelson had doubt as to whether the rule applied to the first three-month regiment, and I called on Captain Rug- gles, chief of the recruiting service, and after listening to my representations that the three-month regiment, without being disbanded, was changed into a three-year regiment, he said it applied to our case, and all the expenses, transportation, re cruiting, subsistence, etc., in first getting up our First Regiment, whether for the three months or three years, was properly to be paid by Captain Nelson; and he so telegraphed him in brief, but desired me to write more fully.
I called on General Meigs this afternoon, and he will, he says, send up from New York a full equipment for the Third and Fourth regiments. He will do it at once. So, you see, all my substantial business was accomplished very speedily, but there is a mass of smaller matters that will occupy much more time.
46 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Captain Buggies says that at the instance of Major Wilkin (of the Second) he had the War Office write me a letter relative to our organization of home guards, etc., different in some degree from the organization of the last general order of instant, but he says the whole matter is left to my general discre tion; so I would, for the present, disregard this letter, and if the Fourth Begi- ment cannot get up as we begun, I will then put in force the other suggestion.
Very truly,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 5, 1861.
Col. H. P. Van Cleve, Commanding Second Eegiment Minnesota Volunteers, Fort
Snelling, Minn.
DEAR SIR: In compliance with directions received from the War Department per Governor Bamsey, you will remain at Fort Snelling a few days beyond the time fixed for your departure so as to enable Major Smith to pay off your regiment to the thirty-first of August. I have the honor to be, etc.,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY, Governor ad interim.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, STATE OF MINNESOTA,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 15, 1861.
His Excellency, Alex. Ramsey, Governor State of Minnesota, Washington, D. .,
DEAR SIR: The Third Begiment of our volunteers is rapidly approaching the regimental minimum, while the Fourth is already more than half full. Becruits are coming in with great rapidity, and it is evident that not only will the two regiments now being raised be filled before the first of November next, but that a large surplus will remain.
Would it not be well that the government should have the benefit of this patriotic movement on the part of our people? It seems to me that when we consider the great necessity which exists for additional forces and also the excel lent material of which our Minnesota regiments are composed, as was exemplified in the history of the First Begiment, that we should take advantage of this disposition to volunteer, and have our preparations made to call for a fifth regiment. The State of Illinois has gone far beyond the quota required of her by the government, and it should be the pride and boast of our Northwestern states to make good the deficiency which w r e are informed exists in some parts of the East.
I would respectfully submit these views to your consideration and request that if they meet your approval you would have such action upon the part of the War Office as will enable us to issue a call for the Fifth Begiment so soon as the Third and Fourth are completed. Very respectfully and truly yours,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 12:58:44 GMT -5
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 47
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 1861. Lieutenant Governor Donnelly:
In reply to your dispatch to Governor Eamsey of the sixteenth, if the German cavalry company is assigned to the Western district, please to report by letter to General Fremont at St. Lonis, stating condition of company.
By command of Lieutenant General Scott. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant General.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 19, 1861. Jkfaj. Gen. John C. Fremont, St. Louis, Mo.,
SIR: By dispatch from Lieutenant General Scott, dated Oct. 18, 1861, German cavalry company raised in this state under command of Capt. H. Von Minden, and with ranks full to the maximum, is attached to the Western district, and I am requested to report this fact to you by letter. The company is without arms, uniforms, equipments or horses.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY, Governor ad interim.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE, ST. PAUL, Oct. 19, 1861.
Jolm B. Sanborn, Adjutant General State of Minnesota,
SIR : I learn that in the Third Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers, now being raised under your supervision, there are three companies full to the minimum, five that lack but a very small number, say from five to twelve of the minimum, and that there are in addition four organizations ranging, say from forty to sixty men, contending for the places of the Ninth and Tenth companies. The regiment is thus virtually full, the only question that remains being the contending claims of four different organizations. As in all probability Governor Eamsey will not return for ten days, it seems to me advisable, as no material interest of the regi ment can suffer by a few days delay, that the generous rivalry upon the part of the officers and men of the four last named organizations should not be interfered with, and I therefore request that until the twenty-eighth instant you issue no orders consolidating these parts of companies. If at the end of that time the ninth and tenth companies are not full to the minimum, you will take such steps as your judgment shall dictate, by consolidation or otherwise, to fill the regiment. In the meantime I would request that you urge upon the captains of companies the necessity of constant drill. The regiment will move to the seat of war within at least two weeks after the return of Governor Eamsey, and they may thus be rushed into action without preparation unless they take advantage of every moment of opportunity. I have the honor to be, etc.,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
48 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 21, 1861. Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont, St. Louis, Mo.,
SIR: In niy letter of the nineteenth instant, announcing that the German cavalry company of this state was assigned to your military district, I stated that they were without horses. Since then Captain Saimders of this city, quarter master United States Army, has been directed by the department at Washington to purchase the horses for the company in this state. It is also possible that they may secure their uniforms here; if so, this will leave but the arms and equipments to be furnished by your department,
I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY^
Acting Governor.
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF Oct. 21, 1861
Eeport of Col. Napoleon J. T. Dana, First Minnesota Infantry. HEADQUARTERS FIRST BEGIMENT MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP, NEAR EDWARDS 7 FERRY, Oct. 26, 1861.
Capt. John H. Pell, Acting Assistant Adjutant General:
It was not my intention to make a detailed report of the part taken by this regiment in the late advance made into Virginia by Edwards Ferry, but being called on by the brigadier general commanding, I now proceed to submit it as follows:
On Saturday last, at about 1 o clock p. M., I received a verbal order by an aid- de- camp from Brigadier General Gorman, to turn out rny regiment immedi ately and march it to Edwards Ferry, about two miles distant.
At this time there were three companies, viz. : Company A, Captain Coates, Company B, Captain Downie, and Company G, Captain Messick, on detached service as pickets, extending along the Potomac, from three to twelve miles below the ferry. The remaining seven companies of the regiment were under arms and ready for marching in a few minutes, with thirty rounds of ammunition in each man s cartridge box. After being displayed in line on the hills, in full view and easy range of the Virginia shore for some time, I received an order to march to the river bank at the ferry, and send two companies across in three small flat- boats which were there. Having taken position along the banks so as to cover the crossing with the fire of our rifles, Captains Morgan and Lester, with their companies (E and K) were ordered to cross, which they did in gallant style, under cover of a sharp fire from several pieces of artillery posted on the hills in our rear, landing on the enemy s shore at dusk, and finding his cavalry pickets still on the bank when they were only fifty yards from it.
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 49
They deployed as skirmishers along the shore, and after remaining there about fifteen minutes, I was ordered to recall them. The bugle sounded twice before they re- embarked, and although greatly disappointed at not being allowed to re main, they were in good spirits. The regiment was then ordered back to camp, and the men sent to bed with orders to be ready for marching at a moment s notice.
I was abed only three hours, when at 1:30 o olock A. M. on Monday morning I received an order to have the regiment aroused without noise, breakfasted, and at daybreak marched to the ferry with knapsacks, canteens and one day s rations.
Having reached the landing and received instructions to cross the river, Cap tains Farrell and Smith, with their companies (0 and D) were ordered to cross first and deploy as skirmishers on the bluff on the Virginia side, about four hundred yards from the landing. The boats afforded passage for only two com panies at a trip, and the first crossing was made in about nine minutes. The regiment crossed by boat loads as rapidly as possible, and at about half- past eight o clock it was formed in line of battle, its left resting on Goose creek, and with the two companies deployed as skirmishers about four hundred yards in front. This position we continued to hold for three days, during a great portion of which it rained violently and was very cold. Companies A, B and G arrived from detached service during Monday night. About the middle of that night, after twenty-five hundred troops, including thirty-six cavalry and two pieces of artilley, had crossed, orders were issued to recross the river and for the First Minnesota to hold the position and cover the crossing. With this purpose the regiment was formed and kept in line under arms, whilst other troops were crossing; but the order was countermanded in the course of the night, after about half of the troops had crossed, and they were again recrossed to the Virginia side with others to re-enforce them.
The regiment was heavily drawn on for outlying pickets and for fatigue parties of men to work the boats. During one day and night five companies were on picket guard in different positions in advance, and on Tuesday afternoon Company I, commanded by Second Lieutenant Halsey, was attacked by the enemy in force, with the loss of one private killed and one wounded, heretofore reported.
About half-past nine o clock on Wednesday night I was sent for by Brigadier General Stone, who had assumed command of the whole force, which was then upwards of four thousand men, nearly two hundred horses (including those be longing to mounted officers) and two pieces of artillery, and informed by him. that he had received orders to retire, and had selected me to superintend the em barkation of the left wing, and detailed the First Minnesota to cover the retreat and hold the position, if attacked, to the last.
I announced the instructions and explained the delicacy of the service to the officers of the regiment, who, appreciating to the full extent the high compliment, leaped forward with their men and occupied the lines in advance, whilst the dif ficult task of embarking the division and crossing them in the dark was attempted to be accomplished before daybreak. In addition to this service, the regiment furnished sixty-five men to man the boats for the purpose of crossing the other troops, horses and guns.
With great labor and in perfect silence this trying task was fully and satisfac torily accomplished. Not a pound of public property, either of provisions or ammunition or anything else was left behind, but every man, musket, knapsack,
50 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
cartridge and ration which could be found was carried over by the boats; and details of men from this regiment, in addition to their own property, loaded into the boats and sent over considerable quantities of provisions and cartridges which were found to have been left behind by others. We destroyed nothing.
As the first streak of dawn made its appearance, the First Minnesota, again alone with General Stone, stood upon the Virginia shore, and everything else having been placed on board, the men were ordered to follow. I coveted the honor to be the last man upon the bank, but the gallant general would not yield his place, and I obeyed his order to go on board, leaving him alone.
What can I say for the men of Minnesota more than that for these few days of hardship and toil they proved themselves worthy of their state, and of the fame they have acquired for her ! Patient, bold, obedient, orderly and disciplined. I claim for them the title of veterans.
I have the honor to be, with respect, your obedient servant,
X. J. T. DAXA, Colonel, Commanding.
Report of Brig. Gen. W. A. Gorman, Commanding Brigade.
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, NEAR EDWARDS FERRY. Oct. 26, 1861.
To Capt. Charles Smith, Acting Assistant Adjutant General:
SIR: I have the honor to communicate to the general commanding the divi sion, the facts and events connected with my brigade, in the advance across the Potomac, made under his order. On the twentieth instant I received orders to detach two companies of the First Minnesota Begirnent to cover a reconnaissance on the Virginia side of the Potomac. This order was obeyed, and they crossed, but were soon recalled. On the morning of the twenty-first, two other companies were ordered to cross and cover the advance of a party of cavalry under Major Mix all of which was done, the party at the same time driving in the enemy s pick ets. Orders were received by me to have the Second New York State Militia and First Minnesota Eegiment of Infantry at Edwards Ferry on Monday, the twenty- first, at day 1 ight, or as near that hour as possible. These two regiments arrived there at the time specified. I also ordered the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers to proceed to the same point at as early an hour as possible, from Seneca Mills, eight miles distant. They arrived with great promptness at 11 o clock A. M. During that day and night (the twenty-first), the entire brigade crossed the river, num bering about two thousand two hundred and fifty men. Just about the same time I got the First Minnesota Eegiment across a severe battle commenced near Conrad s Ferry, distant five or six miles. Before the brigade got over, news of a repulse of our troops at Conrad s Ferry reached the general commanding, who sent me an order in writing to l i commence intrenchments immediately on the Virginia side. With the utmost dispatch intrenching tools were placed in the hands of the Seventh Michigan Regiment (whose guns were almost worthless), which did good service; and very soon rifle-pits were dug and other intrenchments were begun. From, the com-
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 51
mencement of the crossing on Monday, I was ordered in command of the troops at the ferry, and in charge of the means and manner of disposing of them, as the re-enforcements arrived,- also, of crossing them over the river.
On the arrival of Major General Banks, on the twenty -second, I received the same order from him. I seized all the canal-boats within two miles of the ferry, above and below, and all the flat, scow and row boats to be found, and put seven canal and two scow boats into the Potomac from the canal, placing them in charge of Captain Foote, quartermaster of the Second New York State Militia, who managed the crossing with great energy, so that by Tuesday, the twenty-second instant, at 10 o clock A. M., we had crossed four thousand five hundred men, one hundred and tenor more of Van Allen s cavalry, and two twelve- pound howitzers of Eicketts battery, immediately in charge of Lieutenants Kirby and Woodruff. About four o clock on the twenty-second instant, the enemy were seen advancing upon us in force. They immediately, and with great spirit and determination, attacked our outposts near the woods adjacent to Goose creek, to the left and in front of our lines, and about three miles from Leesburg. They numbered over three thousand infantry, with some cavalry in reserve. Our forces met the attack with equal firmness, and fora short time the firing was rapid, when the two pieces of artillery opened upon the enemy a well-directed fire^ doing fearful execution, causing them to give way in great confusion, and make a hasty retreat within their breastworks near Leesburg, suffering a loss of sixty killed and wounded, as ascertained from their wounded and from citizens in the vicinity. The loss in my brigade is one killed and one severely wounded, both belonging to Company I, First Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
On the twenty-third, by the general s order, I directed further intrenchments around the enemy s works. I also had the fences, yards and lanes barricaded and strengthened with logs, rails, old plows, wagons and lumber. On the night of the twen ty-third, about seven o clock, the general ordered me again to proceed to the Maryland side and take charge of the crossing of artillery and more troops. On arriving, I started across four more pieces of artillery. A storm of wind, which had been prevailing all day, seemed to forbid the possibility of crossing further re-enforce ments from this side. Provisions were getting short; the artillery on the Virginia side were getting short of ammunition,- the wind was setting strongly from the Virginia shore; the means of transportation were heavy scows and clumsy canal- boats, managed by poles, when, at 8 o clock A. M. I received notice from Major General Banks that General McClellan had ordered the withdrawal of the whole force from the Virginia to the Maryland side, and orders to proceed with all energy, but quietly, to make necessary arrangements on the Maryland side, and direct me to call to this work the boatmen and lumbermen of the First Eegi ment of Minnesota Volunteers, as it was now evident that everything depended on the energy, courage and muscle of the boatmen to contend against the adverse wind storm. This detail was made, to which was added one hundred men from Colonel Kenly s Maryland regiment, one hundred more from the Thirty-fourth New York Volunteers, and one hundred and fifty from the Seventh Michigan Eegiment. The plan being matured, the seemingly impossible enterprise was entered upon with a spirit and energy that knew "no such word as fail, 7 and between 9 o clock p. M. of the twenty- third and 5 o clock A. M. of the twenty- fourth, every man, horse and piece of artillery was safely withdrawn from the
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52 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Virginia shore and landed on this side again without an accident or the loss of a man or horse, save the casualty of the fight. The fortitude, endurance and energy displayed by the men detailed to perform this work deserves the highest commendation. The Minnesota lumbermen performed their part with such skill as to merit special notice.
The courage and coolness of the officers and men of my brigade, in most part, as exhibited in their crossing the river, engaging the enemy, and their orderly withdrawal across again, give reliable assurance of their efficiency. It may not be improper here to say that the result of this movement, as a reconnaissance, must prove highly beneficial to any future movement in that direction. Each order was strictly followed, and the desired result accomplished. Trusting that I have performed satisfactorily the somewhat difficult and responsible duty to which. General Stone and General Banks assigned me,
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. A. GORMAN, Brigadier General.
Reports of Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone.
HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION.
POOLESVILLE, Oct. 29, 1861.
As much time must elapse before complete reports can be obtained from the various commanders of regiments, I have the honor to submit the following pre liminary report of the operations of my command on the twenty-first instant.
On the twentieth instant, being advised from headquarters of the movement of General McCall to Dranesville, and to make a demonstration to draw out the intentions of the enemy at Leesburg, I proceeded at 1 P. M. to Edwards Ferry with Gorman s brigade, the Seventh Michigan Eegiment of Volunteers, two troops of the Van Allen cavalry and the Putnam Eangers, sending at the same time to Harrison s Island and vicinity four companies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers under Colonel Devens, who had already one company on the island, and Colonel Lee with a battalion of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteers, and to Conrad s Ferry a section of Vaughn s Ehode Island battery and the Tammany regiment under Colonel Cogswell. A section of Bunting s New York state militia battery under Lieutenant Bramhall was at the time on duty at Conrad s Ferry, and Eicketts battery, already posted at Edwards Ferry, under Lieutenant Woodruff.
The movement of General McCall on the day previous seemed to have attracted the attention of the enemy, as just before my arrival at Edwards Ferry a regi ment of infantry had appeared from the direction of Leesburg and taken shelter behind a wooded hill near Goose creek, about one and three-quarter miles from our position at the ferry.
I ordered General Gorman to display his forces in view of the enemy, which was done without inducing any movement on their part, and then ordered three flatboats to be passed from the canal into the river, at the same time throwing shells and spherical-case shot into and beyond the wood where the enemy was con cealed and into all cover from which fire could be opened on boats crossing the river, to produce an impression that a crossing was to be made.
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 53
Orders were also sent to Colonel Devens, at Harrison s Island, three and one-half to four miles up the river and nearly east of Leesburg, to detach Captain Phil- brick, with twenty men, to cross from the island and explore by a path through the woods, little used, in the direction of Leesburg, to see if he could find any thing concerning the enemy s position in that direction, but to retire and report on discovering any of the enemy.
The launching of the boats and shelling at Edwards Ferry caused the rapid retiring of the force which had been seen there, and I caused the embarkation of three boat-loads of thirty-five men each from the First Minnesota Volunteers, who, under cover of the shelling, crossed and recrossed the river, the boats con suming in the passage four minutes, six minutes and seven minutes respectively. The spirit displayed by officers and men at the thought of passing the river was most cheering, and satisfied me that they could be depended on for most gallant service whenever something more than a demonstration might be required of them.
As darkness came on, I ordered Gorman s brigade and the Seventh Michigan Volunteers back to their respective camps, but retained the Tammany regiment, the companies of the Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers and the artillery near Conrad s Ferry in their positions, awaiting the result of Captain Philbrick s scout, remaining with my staff at Edwards Ferry.
About 10 o clock P. M. Lieutenant Howe, regimental quartermaster Fifteenth Massachusetts Volunteers, reported to me that Captain Philbrick had returned to the island after proceeding unmolested to within about a mile of Leesburg, and that he had there discovered, in the edge of a wood, an encampment of about thirty tents, which he had approached to within twenty-five rods without being challenged, the camp having no pickets out any distance in the direction of the river. I at once sent orders to Colonel Devens to cross four companies of his regiment to the Virginia shore, march silently, under cover of night, to the position of the camp referred to, to attack and destroy it at daybreak, pursue the enemy lodged there as far as would be prudent with his small force, and return rapidly to the island, his return to be covered by a company of the Massachusetts Twentieth, which was directed to be posted on the bluff directly over the landing place.
Colonel Devens was ordered to use this opportunity to observe the approaches to Leesburg and the position and force of any enemy in the vicinity, and in case he found no enemy or found him only weak, and a position where he could observe well and be secure until his party could be strengthened sufficiently to make a valuable reconnaissance which should safely ascertain the position and force of the enemy, to hold on and report.
Orders were dispatched to Colonel Baker to send the First California Regiment to Conrad s Ferry, to arrive there at sunrise, and to have the remainder of his brigade in a state of readiness to move after an early breakfast. Also, to Lieuten ant Colonel Ward of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, to move with a battalion of the regiment to the river bank, opposite Harrison s Island, to arrive there by daybreak. Lieutenant French of Eicketts battery was detached with two mountain howitzers and ordered to the tow-path of the canal opposite Harrison s Island.
54 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Colonel Devens, in pursuance of his orders, crossed the river and proceeded to the point indicated by the scouting party, Colonel Lee remaining on the bluff with one hundred men to cover his return.
In order to distract attention from Colonel Devens movement and at the same time to effect a reconnaissance in the direction of Leesburg from Edwards Ferry, I directed General Gorman to throw across the river at that point two companies of the First Minnesota Volunteers, under the cover of a fire from Bicketts battery, and sent out a party of thirty-one Van Allen cavalry, under Major Mix, accompa nied by Captain Charles Stewart, assistant adjutant general, Captain Murphy, Lieutenants Pierce and Gourand, with orders to advance along the Leesburg road until they should come to the vicinity of a battery which was known to be on that road, and then turn to the left and examine the heights between that and Goose creek, see if any of the enemy were posted in the vicinity, ascertain as nearly as possible their number and disposition, examine the country with reference to the passage of troops to the Leesburg and Georgetown turnpike, and return rapidly to cover behind the skirmishers of the Minnesota First.
This reconnaissance was most gallantly conducted by all in the party, which proceeded along the Leesburg road nearly or quite two miles from the ferry, and when near the position of the hidden battery came suddenly upon a Mississippi regiment about thirty-five yards distant, received its fire and returned it with their pistols. The fire of the enemy killed one horse, but Lieutenant Gourand seized the dismounted man and drawing him on his horse behind him, carried hin^unhurt from the field. One private of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry was brought off by the party a prisoner. This prisoner being well mounted and armed, his mount replaced the one lost by the fire of the enemy. Meantime, on the right, Colonel Devens having in pursuance of his orders arrived at the position indicated by|the scouts as the site of the enemy s camp, found that the scouts had been deceived by the uncertain light and had mistaken openings in the trees for a row of tents. He found, however, a wood in which he concealed his force from view and pro ceeded to examine the space between that and Leesburg, sending back to report that thus far he could see no enemy. Immediately on receipt of this intelligence (brought me by Lieutenant Howe, regimental quartermaster, who had accompanied both the parties), I ordered a non-commissioned officer and ten cavalry to join Colonel Devens for the purpose of scouring the country near him while engaged in liis reconnaissance and giving due notice of the approach of any force, and that Lieutenant Colonel Ward, with his battalion of the Fifteenth Massachusetts, should move on to Smart s Mill, half a mile to the right of the crossing place of Colonels Devens and Lee, where in a strong position he could watch and protect the flank of Colonel Devens in his return and secure a second crossing place more favorable than the first and connected by a good road with Leesburg.
Captain Candy, assistant adjutant general on General Lander s staff, who did me the honor to serve through the day on mine, accompanied the cavalry to serve with it.
For some reason, never explained to me, neither of these orders was carried out. The cavalry were transferred to the Virginia shore, but were sent back without having left the shore, to go inland, and thus Colonel Devens was deprived of the means of obtaining warning of any approach of the enemy. The battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Ward was detained on the bluff in rear of Colonel Devens, instead of being directed to the right.
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 55
Colonel Baker, having arrived at Conrad s Ferry with the First California Eegiment at an early hour in the morning, reported in person to me at Edwards Ferry, stating that the regiment was at its assigned post, the remainder of his brigade under arms ready to march, and asking for orders. I decided to send him to Harrison s Island to assume command, and in a full conversation with him explained the position of things as they then stood according to reports received; told him that General McCall had advanced his troops to Dranesville, and that I was extremely desirous of ascertaining the exact position and force of the enemy in our front and exploring, as far as it was safe, on the right toward Leesburg and on the left toward the Leesburg and Gum Spring road; that I should continue to re- enforce the troops under General Gorman opposite Edwards Ferry, and try to push them carefully forward to discover the best line from that ferry to the Lees burg and Gum Spring road already mentioned, and pointed out to him the position of the breastworks and hidden battery which barred the movement of troops directly from left to right. I detailed to him the means of transportation across the river, of the sufficiency of which he was to be the judge; authorized him to make use of the guns of a section each of Yaughan s and Bunting s batteries, together with French s mountain howitzers, all the troops of his brigade and Cogswell s Tammany regiment, besides the Nineteenth and part of the Twentieth regiments Massachusetts Volunteers, and left it to his discretion, after viewing the ground, to retire the troops from the Virginia shore under the cover of his guns and the fire of the large infantry force, or to pass over re-enforcements in case he found it practicable and the position on the other side strong and favor able; that I wished no advance made unless the enemy were in inferior force, and under no circumstances to pass beyond Leesburg, or a strong position between it and Goose creek, on the Gum Spring (Manassas) road. I cautioned him in reference to passing artillery across the river, and begged him, if he did so, to see it well supported by good infantry. I pointed out to him the positions of some bluffs on this side the river from which artillery could act with effect on the other, and, leaving the matter of crossing more troops or retiring what were already over to his discretion, gave him entire control of operations on the right.
This gallant and energetic officer left me at about 9 or 9:30 A. M. and proceeded rapidly up the river to his charge. Re-enforcements were rapidly thrown to the Virginia side by General Gorman at Edwards Ferry, and his skirmishers and cavalry scouts advanced cautiously and steadily to the front and right, while the infantry lines were formed in such positions as to act rapidly and in concert in case of an advance of the enemy, and shells were thrown by Lieutenant Wood ruff s Parrott guns into the woods beyond our lines as they gradually extended, special care being taken to annoy the vicinity of the battery on the right.
Messengers from Harrison s Island informed me soon after the arrival of Colonel Baker opposite the island that he was crossing his whole force as rapidly as possible, and that he had caused an additional flatboat to be lifted from the canal into the river and had provided a line by which to cross the boats more rapidly.
During the morning a sharp skirmish took place between two of the advanced companies of the Massachusetts Fifteenth and a body about one hundred strong of Mississippi riflemen, during which a body of the enemy s cavalry appeared, causing Colonel Devens to fall back in good order on Colonel Lee s position; after
56 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
which he again advanced, his officers and men behaving admirably, fighting, retiring and advancing in perfect order, and exhibiting every proof of high courage and good discipline. Had he at this time had the cavalry scouting party which was sent him in the morning, but which most unfortunately had been turned back without his knowledge, he could doubtless have had timely warning of the approach of the superior force which afterwards overwhelmed his regiment and their brave commander and comrades.
Thinking that Colonel Baker might be able to use more artillery, I dispatched to him tw.o additional pieces of Vaughan s battery, supported by two companies of infantry, with directions to its officer to come into position below the place of crossing and report to Colonel Baker. My opinion was justified by his suggesting the same thing later in the day and only a short time before the guns must have arrived.
After Colonel Devens second advance Colonel Baker seems to have gone to the field in person, and I am sorry to say he has left no record of what officers and men he charged with the care of the boats and insuring the regular passage of the troops. If any were charged with this duty it was not performed, for it appears that the re- enforcements as they arrived found nc system enforced, and the boats delayed most unnecessarily in transporting back, a few at a time, the wounded as they happened to arrive, with their attendants. Had an efficient officer with one company remained at each landing guarding the boats, their full capacity would have been made serviceable and sufficient men would have passed on to secure the success of his operation. The forwarding of artillery (necessarily a slow process) before its supporting force of infantry also impeded the rapid assembling of an imposing force on the Virginia shore. The infantry, which was waiting w T ith impatience, should have been first transported, and this alone would have made a difference in the infantry line at the time of attack of at least one thousand men; enough to have turned the scale in our favor.
At about 12 :30 or 1 o clock p. M. the enemy appeared in force in front of Colonel Devens, and a sharp skirmish ensued, which was maintained for a considerable time by the Fifteenth Massachusetts, unsupported, and finding himself about to be outflanked, Colonel Devens retired a short distance in good order, and took up a position in the edge of a wood about half or three-quarters of a mile in front of the position of Colonel Lee, where he remained until 2 o clock p. M.,when he again fell back, with the approval of Colonel Baker, and took his place in line with those portions of the Twentieth Massachusetts and First California regiments which had arrived. Colonel Baker immediately formed his line and awaited the attack of the enemy, which came upon him with great vigor about 3 o clock p. M., and was met with admirable spirit by our troops, who, though evidently struggling against largely superior numbers (nearly, if not quite, three to one), maintained their ground and a most destructive fire on the enemy. Colonel Cogswell, with a small portion of his regiment, succeeded in reaching the field in the midst of the heaviest fire, and they came gallantly into action with a yell which wavered the enemy s line.
Lieutenant Bramhall of Bunting s battery had succeeded, after extraordinary exertion and labor, in bringing up a piece of the Ehode Island battery, and Lieu tenant French, First Artillery, his two mountain howitzers; but while for a short time these maintained a well-directed fire, both officers and nearly all the men
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:03:04 GMT -5
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 57
were soon borne away wounded, and the pieces were hauled to the rear to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy.
At about 4 P. M., Colonel Baker, pierced by a number of bullets, fell at the front of his command while cheering his men, and by his own example sustaining the obstinate resistance they were making.
Colonel Lee then took command and prepared to commence throwing our forces to the rear, but Colonel Cogswell of the Tammany regiment, being found to be senior in rank, assumed the command, and ordered dispositions to be made immediately for marching to the left and cutting a way through to Edwards Perry. Unfortunately, just as the first dispositions were being made, an officer of the enemy rode rapidly in front of the Tammany regiment and beckoned them toward the enemy. "Whether the Tammany understood this as an order from one of our officers or an invitation to close work, is not known; but the men responded to the gesture with a yell and charged forward, carrying with them in their advance the rest of the line, which soon received a murderous fire from the enemy at close distance. Our officers rapidly recalled the men, but in the position they had now got into it was impracticable to make the movement designed, and Colonel Cogswell reluctantly gave the order to retire. The enemy pursued our troops to the edge of the bluff over the landing place, and thence poured in a heavy fire on our men, who were endeavoring to cross to the island.
Rapid as the retreat necessarily was, there was no neglect of orders. The men formed near the river, deployed as skirmishers, and maintained for twenty min utes or more the unequal and hopeless contest rather than surrender. The smaller boats had disappeared, no one knew where. The largest boat, rapidly and too lieavily loaded, swamped at fifteen feet from the shore, and nothing was left to our soldiers but to swim, surrender or die. With a devotion worthy of the cause they were serving, officers and men, while quarter was being offered to such as would lay down their arms, stripped themselves of their swords and muskets and hurled them out into the river to prevent their falling into the hands of the foe, and saved themselves as they could, by swimming, floating on logs and concealing themselves in the bushes and forest to make their way up and down the river bank to a place of crossing.
The instances of personal gallantry of the highest order were so many that it would be unjust now to detail particular cases. Officers displayed for their men and men for their officers that beautiful devotion which is only to be found among true soldiers.
While these scenes were being enacted on the right, I was preparing on the left for a rapid push forward to the road by which the enemy would retreat if driven, and entirely unsuspicious of the perilous condition of our troops on the right. The additional artillery had already been sent in anticipation, and when I questioned the messenger, who left the field about three o clock, as to Colonel Baker s position, he informed me that the colonel, when he left, seemed to feel perfectly secure and could doubtless hold his own in case he should not advance. The same statement was made by another messenger half an hour later, and I watched anxiously for a sign of advance on the right, in order to push forward General Gorman. It was, as had been explained to Colonel Baker, impracticable to throw Gorman s brigade directly to the right by reason of the battery in the woods, between which we had never been able to reconnoiter.
8 OFFICIAL EE PORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
At about 4 P. M. I telegraphed to General Banks, requesting him to send a brigade from his division, intending it to occupy the ground on this side the river near Harrison s Island, which would be abandoned in case of a rapid advance, and shortly after, as the fire slackened above, I awaited a messenger, on whose tidings I should give orders either for the advance of Gorman to cut off the re treat of the enemy or for dispositions for the night in our present position.
Captain Candy arrived from the field of Colonel Baker a little before 5 P. M. and announced to me the melancholy tidings of Colonel Baker s death, having no news of any further disaster, but stating that re-enforcements were slow. I in stantly telegraphed to Major General Banks and the major general commanding the fact of Colonel Baker s death, and rode rapidly to the right to assume command.
Before arriving opposite the island the evidences of the disaster began to be met in men who had crossed the river by swimming, and on reaching the boat landing the fact was asserted in such a manner as not to be doubted. The reports brought me of the enemy s force were highly exaggerated, it being stated at ten thousand men. I gave orders for the island to be held for the removal of the wounded, established a patrol on the tow-path from opposite the island to the line of pick ets near the Monocacy, and returned to the left to secure the troops there from disaster, preparing means of removing them as rapidly as possible.
Orders arrived from Headquarters Army of the Potomac to hold the island and Virginia shore at Edwards Ferry at all hazards, promising re- enforcements, and I caused additional intrenching tools to be forwarded to General Gorman, with instructions to intrench and hold out against whatever force might appear.
I should add, that having learned that General Hamilton with his brigade was on the march from Darnestown before I left to go to the right, I caused orders to intercept him, and instructed him to repair to Conrad s Terry, where I had orders awaiting him to so dispose of his force as to give protection to Harrison s Island and protect the line of the river.
Early in the night the telegraph informed me that Major General Banks was on his way with his division to re-enforce me, and at about 3 o clock A. M. the general arrived and assumed command.
A report of my division for the following days will be speedily made out and forwarded.
I cannot conclude this report without bearing testimony to the courage, good discipline and conduct of all the troops of this division during the day, the events of which have been related in this hurriedly written report. Those in action be haved like veterans, and those not brought into action showed that alacrity and steadiness in their movements which proved their anxiety to engage the foe in their country s cause.
We mourn the loss of the brave departed dead on the field of honor, if not of success, and we miss the companionship of those of our comrades who have fallen into the hands of our enemies. But all feel that they have earned the title of soldier, and all await with increased confidence another measurement of strength with the foe.
Very respectfully, I am, general, your most obedient servant,
CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant General, Headquarters Army of the Potomac.
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 59
POOLESYILLE, MD., Aug. 17, 1861.
Maj. 8. Williams, Assistant Adjutant General,
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that this command arrived here the day before yesterday. The main body is encamped around the village, while Edwards Ferry, Conrad s Ferry and the Monocacy are occupied by strong pickets.
Small bodies of the enemy appeared yesterday opposite Edwards Ferry and fired on a canal-boat passing down. The fire was returned by the pickets of the Minnesota regiment, without result, I think, on either side.
The Thirty-fourth New York Regiment remains at Seneca. Pickets are thrown out to connect with those of General McCall at Great Falls.
The weather remains most unfavorable for any movements, and the river has risen considerably in consequence of the rains. Fording is now rendered difficult and dangerous.
I have been unable as yet to discover the presence of any large force opposite. Very respectfully, I am, major, your most obedient servant,
CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier General, Commanding.
[EXTRACT.]
HEADQUARTERS CORPS OF OBSERVATION,
POOLESVILLE, Sept. 12, 1861. Col. E. B. Marcy, Chief of Staff , Army of the Potomac,
COLONEL: * * * Colonel Gorman, commanding First Eegiment Minne sota Volunteers, has been appointed by the President brigadier general and ordered to report in person at Washington. If practicable, I deem it important that he should be near this regiment, which requires his experience and military knowledge.
I understood from the major general commanding that eight regiments were to be ordered here as soon as that number of troops could be spared, and in such case General Gorman might perhaps have command of a brigade within this com mand. This I throw out merely as a suggestion, should there be no more impor tant pressing duty for him. I shall be somewhat uneasy about the condition of the First Minnesota Eegiment should General Gorman be immediately detached. Very respectfully, I am, colonel, your most obedient servant,
CHAS. P. STONE, Brigadier General, Commanding.
BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, Aug. 27, 1861. Sis Excellency, Governor Ramsey:
On Saturday, the twenty-fourth instant, the enemy appeared on the opposite side of the Potomac, at Conrad s Ferry, three miles from Leesburg, Va., and opened fire with cannon on the pickets on our side, firing over one hundred rounds across, demolishing a house on this side, but killing none of our men, and slightly wounding only one of the New York Tammany regiment.
60 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
This point is about three miles from the Minnesota camp. The Tammany regiment was armed with common muskets and consequently could not reach the enemy, but General Stone sent up to my regiment for thirty Minnesotians, who went to the scene of action in double-quick time. On arriving there our men were posted so as to reach the enemy on the opposite side and opened fire on them with perceptible effect. Several were seen to fall, and were dragged off by their comrades.
The contrast between the Uew York and Minnesota troops, as to discipline and coolness, was so clearly manifest as to elicit marked praise of our regiment. Nearly every day for two weeks the pickets of the regiment have been attacked by the enemy from the opposite side of the river, but they rarely can stand long before the long-range rifle muskets with which we are armed.
It is a source of pride to myself and officers to know that the First Minnesota is among the most honored for conduct and courage on the field of the great battle of Manassas, and any demonstration of the enemy on our forces here has been so gallantly met that it has renewed our confidence that whenever another great engagement comes they will be as ready as before and better prepared.
Yesterday General Stone experimented with a rifle cannon on the enemy s batteries across the river, near Leesburg, Ya., but the enemy did not respond, showing that they had no rifle cannon.
The movements of our army are kept a secret, and should be.
Eespectfully, etc.,
W. A. GORMAN,
Colonel, etc.
CAMP STONE, NEAR EDWARDS FERRY, MD., Dec. 19, 1861. Col. JV. J. T. Dana, First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers,
SIR: The close of the second quarter of my duties as chaplain of the First Minnesota Regiment finds the harvest past and summer ended. The malarious influences of early autumn have fled before the hoar-frost, scattered like ashes every morning and imparting health and energy.
Owing to the variable weather incident to the preparation for winter in the valley of the Potomac, the religious services of the camp have not been held with the regularity of the first quarter. Two weeks ago, owing to the chilliness of the atmosphere at the hour of sunset and the fatigue of the men after a long drill, on the ground of expediency I reluctantly discontinued, until milder weather, the brief daily prayer at evening parade. In addition to the regular Sunday service, whenever one of the hospital tents was unoccupied by the sick, I have lectured on Wednesday and Sunday evening. If it should be ordered to prepare winter quarters, I would suggest that an appropriate chapel of logs be constructed for the use of the chaplain, at some convenient point within the lines. Experience has demonstrated that there is but little profit or consolation in listening to the words of the preacher, while the soldiers are obliged to stand in the open air on the frozen earth.
The avowed religious sentiment of the regiment is feeble, yet the larger por tion treat religion with respect, and toward the chaplain deport themselves with courtesy. In a spirit of self-sacrifice truly commendable, benevolent and re-
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:04:24 GMT -5
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 61
ligious men and women have largely contributed, in the way of hospital clothing and religious literature, to the physical and moral welfare of the army. But, as was to be expected under the enthusiasm of the moment, zeal has not always been tempered with knowledge. Depending upon information from those who had never once visited our camp hospital nor consulted with the regimental surgeons, boxes of double sheets and other articles have been forwarded, suitable only for a general hospital, and which cannot be transferred from place to place, owing to their bulk and weight. It is therefore recommended that the resources of the philanthropic be more carefully husbanded, and that nothing hereafter be for warded unless specifically requested by the medical officers of the regiment. Two boxes of shirts, sheets and towels have been received from Red Wing and Lake City, which have proved more than ample thus far for hospital use. Last week, also, intelligence was received of a box weighing more than five hundred pounds, shipped by the ladies of St. Paul early in August. It has been hid for weeks in the wilderness of boxes that remain in one of the large depots of Adams Express at Washington, and was only found after patient search.
If, upon examination by the medical authorities of the regiment, its contents are not absolutely needed, instead of transporting to camp it may be well to present it, in the name of the donors, to one of the large general hospitals in Washington.
In addition to the ordinary drafts of the surgeons, there have been two special appropriations from the hospital fund, one amounting to one hundred dollars, for our prisoners in Eichmond, and another of twenty-five dollars, for the benefit of a recruit afflicted with hernia of long standing and by the culpable carelessness of the examining surgeon forwarded as an able-bodied man. For many weeks he remained in camp unrecognized as a soldier, though in several respects a most worthy and capable man, and humanity demanded that he should not leave the camp penniless on account of the fault of those who had pronounced him sound.
By the kindness of those who strive to imitate Christ, the chaplain, early in the summer, was supplied with a large amount of valuable religious reading, sufficient for the wants of the soldiers. Unaware of this fact, others of liberal spirit have, at some expense, forwarded to the chaplain a large package of tracts similar to those already distributed or in hand. Irreligious men, we are told in Holy Writ, cannot discern spiritual things, and will not be satisfied with tracts alone. If they are not supplied with a pure, healthful, manly and attractive literature with which they can occupy the leisure hours, they will seek those pestiferous books, defiled with the scent of the groggery and brothel, which filthy and sneaking peddlers, " foaming out their own shame, " hawk around the camp. If, therefore, the money spent in reduplicating the tracts already circulated was employed in purchasing company libraries of sound and elevating literature, I believe the moral welfare of the soldier would be promoted.
During the quarter Company G has been supplied with a library of more than fifty volumes of high character and proper tendency, purchased with money forwarded by the Eev. Lawrence Armsby of Faribault. A small hospital and also a staff library has been procured with funds given to the chaplain by Mr. Andrew Shearer of St. Paul. Fourteen dollars remain, contributed by the Presbyterian Church in Hennepin county, of which the Eev. Gideon H. Pond is pastor, with which it is my intention to supply Company D with a library.
62 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
Since my last report, death for the first time has appeared in our encampment. More than once there has been the slow march, the mournful dirge and solemn services of a soldier s funeral. Three have died from disease, one from a wound unintentionally inflicted by fellow soldier, and one from a volley discharged by the enemy where the regiment bivouacked in Virginia.
I am, very respectfully, E. D. NEILL,
Chaplain First Minnesota Regiment Volunteers.
[INDORSEMENT.]
HEADQUARTERS FIRST MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
CAMP STONE, Dec. 19, 1861, Eespectfully forwarded to his Excellency, the Governor of Minnesota.
K". J. T. DANA, Colonel, Commanding.
ASTOR HOUSE, NEW YORK, April 19, 1862. His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota, etc.,
DEAR SIR: General Sanford, our minister resident at the court of Brussels, has devolved upon me the pleasing duty of laying before you the accompanying patriotic letters. They speak nobly of themselves, our state, its brave sons, and the generous and patriotic writer. These letters are not only for the present but future generations. They are calculated to inspire lofty deeds and high moral daring, now and at all times, so potent in the vindication of our national honor. In after time the historian will speak of them and of the patriotism, which called them forth. The kind manner in which the writer has been pleased to mention my name restrains me from further comment. Upon the breach of these guns you see in Eoman capitals, " To the First Minnesota Eegiment Volunteers, tribute to patriotism and valor. Brussels, 1861."
At the time this battery was ordered no regiment from. Minnesota save the First had been placed under fire of the enemy, hence none other could have been mentioned in the above presentation.
General Sanford was a pioneer tourist in Minnesota. I need not say, let him be made an honorary member of the Old Settlers Association at its annual meet ing in June next. Yourself, Governor Sibley, Colonel Cakes, I. E. McKusick, Sock Nelson, or some other member, will see that it be done. The freight and charges upon this battery and its appurtenances to this city have been paid by the donor, who, in common with ourselves, regrets the delay in its arrival at this port. Inasmuch as I am not certain as to the direction you desire these guns to take, and as they cannot be removed until you shall claim or " assume" them for the State of Minnesota, I shall, in the absence of other instructions, request your friend, Simon Stevens, Esq., No. 56 Broadway, to whom they were consigned, to hold them subject to your order. I herewith send you a copy of the letter of the Secretary of the Treasury to the collector of this port directing him to deliver to you these guns, etc., free of duty.
I leave this city for Belgium on board the Asia, bound for Liverpool, on the twenty-third instant. I am, sir, very respectfully,
AARON GOODRICH, Secretary of Legation.
BATTLE OF BALL S BLUFF. 63
BRUSSELS, Feb. 22, 1862.
SLR: I have directed a small battery, consisting of three steel rifled cannon of six pounds caliber, with suitable ammunition, to be shipped to Kew York by this week s steamer from England and to be held there subject to your order.
I beg to present them through you to the state of which you are the honored head for the First Minnesota Volunteers. The efficiency and discipline of that regiment as detailed in the public prints and the conspicuous valor displayed by it in the field at Bull Run and Ball s Bluff won my admiration, and my pride was heightened here in a foreign land by encomiums which its conduct elicited from strangers.
Desirous to contribute further to the cause of the Union, I have thought that I could not do so more usefully than in having those guns made for its defense, and that they could not be intrusted to better hands than those of the gallant First Minnesota.
In our country we have no titles or decorations to bestow as in monarchies. Merit looks for its reward to an appreciating people, and this tribute to patriot ism and valor from a fellow citizen may serve to those brave men as an evidence of appreciation, as an encouragement in this great struggle in which they are engaged, and as a lasting testimonial in after time of the admiration which I doubt not is shared by a large majority of our countrymen. I pray your Excellency to be my medium of communication in offering these guns to the First Minnesota Begiment, and to accept for yourself the assurance of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant,
H. S. SANFORD. His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota, etc.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, April 28, 1862.
Maj. Gen. II. S. Sanford, United States Minister Resident at the Court of Brussels,
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of February 22d, advising me of the shipment to New York, subject to my order, of a battery of steel rifled cannon, presented by you to the State of Minnesota for the First Minnesota Eegiment of Volunteers.
This munificent contribution to the cause of the Union is awarded by you to that regiment as a testimonial of your admiration for its efficiency and discipline, and the conspicuous valor displayed by it at Bull Eun and Ball s Bluff.
In the name of the State and people of Minnesota, I thank you for this noble and generous tribute from across the sea to the valor and patriotism of her sons, and I am proud to be the medium of conveying to the gallant regiment which has won the honor of this distinguished notice at your hands, so flattering a proof that the pride and admiration with which they are regarded at home is shared by their fellow patriots in other states and other lands. I have requested that your communication upon the subject of this donation, in which you have expressed so gratifying an appreciation of the Minnesota First, be read at the head of the
64 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
regiment, now near Yorktown, and directed that the battery be held subject to the immediate requisition of the colonel commanding.
The high distinction implied in their selection from all the magnificent array of the Army of the Potomac as the worthy recipients of this patriotic donation to the national defense will inspire our brave soldiers with a new ambition to deserve the applause of their country and to ratify by future victories the verdict of praise awarded to their conduct in defeat. The inscription, " A tribute to valor and patriotism," inscribed by your direction on the breech of these guns, will be the motto of their living and the epitaph of their dead, and when they shall return to their homes, as we hope they soon will, crowned with the laurels of the final victory, the Sanford battery will remain among the cherished memorials of their triumphs, to commemorate to after-time the conspicuous part which the men of Minnesota shall have played in the suppression of the great rebellion; an endur ing memorial at once to the world- wide renown of the soldiers who fought under the ensign of Minnesota for the national integrity at home and the generous patriotism of the statesmen who maintained its honor abroad in that dark crisis in our history.
Assuring you of my very high respect and cordial esteem, I have the honor to be, Your obedient servant, ALEX. EAMSEY.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, April 28, 1862. Col. Alfred Sully, First Minnesota Volunteers,
DEAR SIR: It is my agreeable duty to inform you that Maj. Gen. H. S. San- ford, United States Minister at Brussels, has presented to the State of Minnesota a battery of steel cannon for the use of the First Minnesota Eegiment of Volun teers under your command, as a testimonial of his appreciation of their discipline and efficiency, and as a mark of admiration for their good conduct at the battles of Bull Eun and Ball s Bluff. I inclose the correspondence on the subject, and have to request that at the earliest favorable opportunity you will cause the letter of General Sanford, in which he speaks in such flattering terms of our brave troops, and niy letter of acceptance to him, to be read at the head of the regiment.
I have ordered that the battery, which is now in charge of Simon Stevens, Esq., New York, be held subject to your orders, if you desire it forwarded to the regiment; and you will do me the favor to advise with the other officers of the regiment and inform me at your earliest convenience whether you desire it for warded for the use of the regiment, or if, as I suppose, it cannot be taken advan tageously into actual service in the present posture of affairs, whether it would be agreeable to the regiment that the battery be brought to Minnesota. I am de sirous, as far as possible, to consult the wishes of the regiment and to promote the patriotic objects of the donor in the disposition of this handsome gift. The state will, of course, pay the cost of transportation on the battery, unless the War De partment should assume it.
Very respectfully yours,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 65
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, June 10, 1862.
Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.,
DEAR SIR: Major General Sanford, United States Minister resident at the court of Brussels, has presented a battery of steel rifled cannon to this state for the use of the First Minnesota Volunteers, now near Richmond, as a tribute to the patriotism and the conspicuous valor displayed by that regiment at Bull Run and Ball s Bluff. This munificent gift has already inspired that gallant regiment to greater deeds of valor on the Chickahominy, and the officers unanimously desire that the battery may be with them as soon as it is practicable. They have requested me to ask of the department that the necessary order may be given to have the guns and ammunition accompanying them, now in charge of Simon Stevens, Esq., No. 56 Broadway, New York, deposited in some arsenal at Wash ington or New York subject to the order of the commanding officer of the regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEX. RAMSEY.
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Post by mdenney on Sept 2, 2007 13:05:14 GMT -5
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., June 20, 1862.
SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the tenth instant, in relation to the gift of a battery of steel rifled cannon for the use of the First Minnesota Regiment of Volunteers, by Major General Sanford, United States Minister at Belgium, as a mark of his high esteem for their patriotism, and bravery as exhibited at Bull Run and Ball s Bluff.
This regiment may justly be proud of this high acknowledgment of their gal lantry and valor, and they will no doubt be thereby stimulated to attempt the achievement of still greater deeds upon the field. By direction of the Secretary, you are respectfully informed that Brigadier General Ripley, chief of ordnance, will receive the battery and ammunition, and will deposit them in the Washing ton arsenal, subject to the order of the commanding officer of the regiment.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor, St. Paul, Minn.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, Oct. 23, 1861.
Hon. Alex. Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: Please consider yourself authorized to raise an additional regiment of infantry, being the fifth from your state. Respectfully,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.
(56 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
STATE or MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 25, 1861.
Colonel Sibley, Assistant Quartermaster General, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.,
DEAR SIR: I have the honor to announce that the frontier forts within the limits of this state are now garrisoned as follows, by detachment of Fourth Kegiinent, Minnesota Volunteers, in accordance with orders received from the War Department : Fort Eidgley , Companies A and B of said regiment under Luther L. Baxter, post captain. Fort Ripley, Company C of said regiment under com mand of Capt. Eobert S. Donaldson, post captain. Fort Abercrombie, Company D of said regiment under command of Capt. T. E. Ininan, post captain.
Yery respectfully, etc.,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY, Governor ad interim.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Oct. 25, 1861. Adjt. Gen. John B. Sanborn, St. Paul, Minn.,
DEAR SIR: I am in receipt of the following dispatch from St. Louis:
HEADQUARTERS WEST DEPARTMENT, ST. Louis. To Governor Donnelly :
Send down German cavalry to St. Louis at once. They will be provided here with arms, clothing, horses and horse equipage.
By order of General Fremont. C. M. KEEVER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
It is not proper that the First Company of Minnesota Cavalry should leave the state in the condition in which I learn most of the men are in. I would therefore request that you furnish them with overalls, shirts and caps, so that they may present some appearance of soldiers. Also, furnish them with whatever articles of underclothing, etc., they may need for the preservation of their health and comfort. These expenses will undoubtedly be reimbursed by the general government, but in any event the state owes at least this much to those of its citizens who volunteer in defense of the nation.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
IGNATIUS DONNELLY.
P. S. You will of course announce to Captain Yon Minden the receipt of this dispatch from St. Louis and take all necessary steps as to their transportation.
Eespectfully,
I. D.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON/ Oct. 20, 1861. To His Excellency, Governor Eamsey:
Please send the Third Minnesota Eegiment to Louisville, Ky. , to report to Brigadier General Sherman, when ready. WINFIELD SCOTT.
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 67
WAR DEPARTMENT, Oct. 29, 1861. To His Excellency, Alexander Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn.,
SIR: You are hereby authorized to raise and organize a battery of artillery for the service of the government, to serve for three years or during the war, pro vided you deem it advisable.
The department reserves the right to revoke the commissions of all officers who may be found incompetent for the proper discharge of their duties.
Very respectfully,
THOMAS A. SCOTT, Assistant Secretary of War.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 1861. To Donnelly, Acting Governor:
We have authorized Governor Eamsey to organize a battery of artillery. The authority goes by mail. No more cavalry required.
THOS. A. SCOTT.
[TELEGRAM.]
WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 1861. To Governor Ramsey:
Send the artillery companies to Louisville. Also, the Third Eegiment (3d) of Infantry. They will be provided for at that point. Will endeavor to send arms for the Fourth (4th) Eegiment to St. Paul. SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Nov. 15, 1861. To the Commander of the Department of Kentucky,
GENERAL: Allow me to introduce to you the bearer of this note, Lieut. Col. Benj. F. Smith of the Third Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers. Colonel Lester of the regiment will join them in Kentucky.
This regiment was brought together in great haste, and because the early winter here will in a few days close the Mississippi river, when their transportation would be inconvenient, it has been necessary to send it South earlier than we otherwise would. As the regiment has had but little drill, injustice to the state they represent, may I ask that they be placed in a camp of instruction, so that the drill they stand so much in need of may be had before being ordered into active service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
68 OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT or THE OHIO,
LOUISVILLE, KY., Dec. 2, 1861.
Commanding Officer Third Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers,
SIR: An order has been issued for your regiment to take post with six com panies at Shepherdsville and four at Lebanon Junction. The general commanding places upon you the responsibility of guarding the bridge over Wilson s creek, a few miles in advance of the Junction.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES B. FRY, Assistant Adjutant General.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Nov. 22, 1861.
To Major General Halleck, Commander Department of Missouri,
SIR: This letter will be handed you by Captain West of the Second Company of Minnesota Cavalry. Upon the early approach of winter here, it has been deemed necessary to send them South before receiving that drill to which they would have been otherwise entitled. Under the circumstances I would ask that, in justice to themselves and to the state which they in part represent, they may be placed in a camp of instruction before being called into active service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ALEX. EAMSEY.
STATE OF MINNESOTA, EXECUTIVE OFFICE,
ST. PAUL, Nov. 22, 1861.
Major General Halleclc, Commander Department of Missouri,
SIR: This letter will be handed you by Lieutenant Pfaender of the First Min nesota Company of Artillery. The company is composed of our best citizens, but from the necessity of sending them down at once for fear the early forma tion of ice on the upper Mississippi would otherwise prevent their leaving here soon, they have not had the advantage of drill they would otherwise have received. May I, therefore, ask that in justice to themselves and the state they represent they maybe placed in some camp of instruction for a reasonable period?
Very respectfully yours, etc.,
ALEX. EAMSEY,
Governor.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
ST. PAUL, Nov. 15, 1861.
His Excellency, Alex. Ramsey, Governor of Minnesota and Commander -in- Chief,
SIR: In consequence of apprehended Indian difficulties, I have to request you to order a force of from thirty to fifty troops stationed at Georgetown, on the Bed
OFFICIAL REPORTS AND CORRESPONDENCE. 69
Eiver of the North, for the purpose of protecting the United States mail, as well as the lives and property of the citizens of this state in that vicinity. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CLARK W. THOMPSON, Superintendent Indian Affairs.
HEADQUARTERS FOURTH EEGIMENT, MINNESOTA VOLUNTEERS,
FORT SNELLING, Nov. 24, 1861.
To His Excellency, Alex. Ramsey , Governor of Minnesota,
SIR: Yours of the sixteenth instant (inclosing copies of your letter to the Secretary of War, and of Clark W. Thompson, superintendent of Indian affairs) in reference to apprehended Indian difficulties on the Eed Eiver of the North, and desiring me to take measures to protect the lives and property of the settlers in that region, is received.
In compliance with your request I have ordered Captain Lueg, commanding Company G of the Fourth Eegiment, to proceed with his command to Fort Aber- crombie on the Eed river, and there report to Captain Ininan, commanding Com pany D, Fourth Eegiment.
As soon as possible after his arrival at Fort Abercrombie, Captain Lueg is ordered to proceed with fifty of his men and one lieutenant to Georgetown on said river and there remain until further orders, protecting, as far as his means will permit, the persons and property of the settlers, and being careful to avoid all cause of war with the Indian tribes.
Very respectfully,
JOHN B. SANBORN, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Fourth Eegiment, Minnesota Volunteers.
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