History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 23

Author: J. Fletcher Williams
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

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circulated at all. The Chicago papers, and some financial journals in New York, classed them as "wild-cat." Their issue was pushed for a few weeks, however, until in the spring of 1859 over $200,000 of the currency was in circulation. There were, in addition to these " railroad banks." several based on Minnesota 8 per cents. which were actually worth par.

During the summer of 18-19 the reported discov- ery of gold on Frazer River, and other points in British North America, called the attention of the people of Minnesota to the importance of an over- land route to the Pacific, which might ultimately lead the way for a northern railroad route. Meet- ings were held, and money was subscribed, to equip a train to open a wagon road via the north- ern bend of the Missouri River. Col. Wm. II. Nobles was placed in command of the expedi- tion, which left St. Paul on June 11, and pro- ceeded safely through. Another important step towards settling the regions beyond us, was the successful navigation of Red River, by a steamer launched this season. The Minnesota Stage Com- pany also established a line to the Red River.

The " Wright county war," as it has been fa- cetiously termed, occurred this summer. In the fall of 1858, one II. A. Wallace was murdered in Wright county, and a neighbor, named Oscar F. Jackson, was tried for the offense in the spring of 1859, and acquitted. On April 25, a crowd of men assembled, and hung Jackson to the gable end of Wallace's cabin. Gov. Sibley offered a re- ward for the conviction of any of the lynchers. Not long afterwards one Emery Moore was ar- rested on charge of being concerned in the out- rage, and was taken to Wright County for trial, but was rescued by a mob. Gov. Sibley at once decided to take vigorous steps to maintain the majesty of the law. A military force was called out, and three companies dispatched (Ang. 5) to Monticello to arrest the rioters. The troops pro- ceeded to Monticello, reinforced the civil author- ities, arrested eleven lynchers and rescuers, and turned them over to the civil authorities. IIav- ing vindicated the supremacy of law and order. the bloodless expedition returned.

The financial condition had meantime been growing worse. Early in June, the brokers of the state had combined to depreciate the " (ilen coe money," as the railroad currency was called,

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and as several sums which had been presented at the banks for redemption, were not redeemed, they were protested, and the state auditor was compelled to advertise the securities for sale. This caused a still further depreciation of the money, until shortly it was scarcely current on any terms. Meantime all work on the land grant lines had been finally and completely suspended, and $2,275,000 of the state bonds had been issued. In October, it was stated that the bonds had been sold as low as ten cents on the dollar. The cou- pons due on Dec. 1, 1859, were unpaid, and the companies holding the bonds declared in default. The whole scheme had thus been brought to a complete failure, and was now practically aban- doned, while not a mile of road had been com- pleted.

The hard times, and the failure of the real es- tate speculative era, had one good result, how- ever, which was, to turn increased attention to agriculture. A greatly enlarged area was sown, and the agricultural resources of the State began to be known as the true source of its wealth. For the first time, breadstuffs were exported, and immigration began again.

The fall of this year witnessed a bitter political fight. Two years before, the parties had been pretty evenly divided. This campaign each one spent its full force and energy, and had nomina- ted for state officers their most popular men. The election took place on Oct. 11. Hon. Alex. Ramsey was chosen governor, by a vote of 21.335, over Hon. George L. Becker, who received 17,532. The legislature which met on Dec. 7, was largely republican.

The most important work which came before this session was some adjustment of the dilemma into which the state had fallen, through the adop- tion of the loan amendment. Nearly the entire session was consumed in debating various plans of extrication without much fruit. The loan amendment was expunged, however, and a new amendment was framed for submission to the people, providing that there should be no further issue of bonds to the companies; also, that no law levying a tax to pay either principal or interest on the bonds already issued, should be of any force or effect, until ratified by a popular vote. These constitutional amendments were adopted by & large majority of votes, in the fall of the same

year. The governor was also directed to foreclose the deeds of trust given to secure interest on the bonds loaned, and bid off and purchase the prop- erty sold, in the name of the state. This was done, the following summer, and the state again secured the forfeited rights, franchises and land grants.

The Federal census taken this year (1860), showed that the state had a population of 172,- 123. The harvest was a good one, and business was considerably revived. Immigration was be- ginning to become brisk, and building in the towns and cities was perceptibly increasing, while the tilled area was receiving great additions. It seemed that the "hard times " had about ceased, and the hope of prosperous days was be- ginning to enliven all. But this gleam of sun- shine was of short duration. The memora- ble presidential contest of that year, the first in which Minnesota had a voice, was a period of un- precedented heat and excitement. The electoral vote of Minnesota was cast for Abraham Lincoln by a very large majority, he receiving 22,069, Douglas, 11,920, Breckenridge 748, and Bell 62. It was not long before the disunion cloud arose in the slave states, and the mutterings of rebell- ion began to be heard. It was a period of doubt and forebodings. The currency used generally in the state, being largely based on the bonds of seceding states, became greatly depreciated. All classes suffered much loss, business became de- pressed, real estate unsalable, and soon a condi- tion of distress ensued, almost equal to the dark- est days of the panic, three years before.

The legislature of 1861 considered the railroad question at length, and passed acts designed to facilitate the construction of the land grant roads by turning over the forfeited franchises of the old companies to new organizations, believed to be able to complete them. The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Company was also char- tered.

The secession movement progressed steadily during the winter, and it soon became apparent to all that war was inevitable. Lincoln was in- augurated, but his address promised only coer- cion, and coercion war. The feeble and unreal movements for compromise and conciliation all failed. Meantime business in this state was daily growing worse. Large numbers were out of em- ployment, and anticipating still further disaster.

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OUTLINES OF THE HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.

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CHAPTER XXV.

MINNESOTA'S SHARE IN SUPPRESSING THE REBELLION.

The War Actually Begun .- Excitement of the Period .- Minnesota Called on for One Regiment. - Recruiting Vigorously Begun .- The First Regiment Mus- tered in for Three Years. - It is Ordered to Washington .- A Second Regiment called for and Recruited .- The First Engaged at Bull Run .- Contributions for the Relief of the Sick and Wounded. - Progress of Railroad Building .- Third, Fourth, and Fifth Regiments Called For .- Battle of Mill Springs .-- Railroad Legislation .- Battle of Pittsburg landing .- A Sixth Regiment Authorized .- Currency Troubles .- Expeditions to Idaho -First Railroad Completed .- Gal- lantry of Minnesota Troops in the South. - The Seven Days Fight. - Heavy Levies of Men Called For .- The Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Regiments Ordered.

Saturday, April 13, 1861, was a dark day in the annals of our state. The telegraph brought the unwelcome news of the attack on Fort Sumter, and it was seen that war was inevitable. The bulletin boards of the newspaper offices were sur- rounded all day with an excited and anxious crowd, but courage and determination were every- where visible. The next day was the Sabbath, bright and balmy. The churches had but meagre audiences that day. All day knots of angry and excited men gathered on the streets, con- versing on the startling events of the time.

On Monday, the proclamation of President Lincoln was received, calling for 75,000 volun- teers for three months' service, and assigning to Minnesota one regiment. Gov. Ramsey, who was in Washington, had already tendered to the Pres- ident, in person, a like force. Lt. Gov. Donnelly at once issued a proclamation calling on the citi- zens of Minnesota to enlist, and Adjt. Gen. Acker issued a general order giving the needed instructions. In all the principal towns and cities of the state, public meetings were at once held, and enlistment stations opened. A fervid pat- riotism pervaded all ranks. "The war" was the sole topic of conversation. Everything else, even business, to a large extent, was suspended for the time. Never, and in no other state, was a peo- ple so imbued with warlike zeal. In four or five days ten companies, in various localities, had been raised and accepted by Adjt. General San- born (Gen. Acker having resigned to recruit a company.) Fort Snelling having been designated

by the war department as a school of instruc- tion, the companies were rendezvoused there, and by the 25th were all in their quarters, and busily engaged in drilling. The regimental offi- cers were announced on the 29th, and on that day, two weeks from the time when the president's call was received, the " Immortal First," over one thousand strong, was mustered into service, for three months, with Ex-Gov. Gorman as Colonel.

Scarcely was this accomplished, when the War Department decided that it could only be received as a three years regiment, and it became neces- sary to at once renew the enlistments on that basis. After a few days delay, enough recruits were received, and mustered in, to fill a three years regiment, and it was accepted on that basis. The War Department, contrary to the hopes of the men, at first ordered the companies to garrison the various posts in and near the state, relieving the regulars stationed there, and some detachments had already left for their posts, when the need of more troops for the Virginia campaign became imminent, and the order was countermanded and the First Regiment directed to proceed at once to Washington. The compa- nies were quickly reassembled at Fort Snelling, and, on June 22d, left that post by boat, arriving in Washington on June 26th. In the various cities through which the First passed, they were re- ceived with patriotic demonstrations of respect, and it was noticed by the press as a remarkable fact that a young commonwealth, unknown and almost without population a dozen years before. could now send to the defense of the Union a reg- iment of such stalwart and brave soldiers.

Meantime, the war spirit which had been aroused in the State, was not content with send- ing one regiment. There were numbers, in fact several almost full companies, who had tried to get admission into the First, but were too late, and were anxious to go. This fact being made

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known by Gov. Ramsey on May 3d, to the Secre- tary of War, he at once authorized the raising of a second regiment, and the recruiting for the same was proceeded with, with alacrity. The regiment was filled to the minimum, and mustered in on June 26th, with the gallant Van Cleve as Colonel, and rendezvoused at Fort Snelling, for the time being, some of the companies, mean- time, garrisoning the forts in and near Minnesota.

The First Regiment on reaching Washington, was, after a few days of camp life at Alexandria, pushed to the front, and took an active part with Heintzelman's Division, in McDowell's campaign against Manassas, acquitting itself well. On July 21st, scarcely more than three weeks after its arrival in the field, it took part in the memorable battle of Bull Run, in which disastrous engagement it lost 174 men, of whom 44 were killed, 107 wounded, and 23 taken prisoners. The gallantry of the men, and their fine conduct in the heat of battle, gained the regiment as well as our State, great praise ; but the sad news of the loss it suffered, filled our citizens with gloom. The magnitude and solemnity of the great strug- gle in which the nation had engaged, began to be realized, while the sympathy and benevolence of the citizens of the State, especially the ladies, was aroused by the wants of the wounded and sick soldiers in the hospitals, and a general move- ment made for such contributions of money and clothing and delicacies suitable for invalids. Nearly $2,000 in money alone, was promptly con- tributed, and sent to the Chaplain of the First. This was the commencement of a splendid stream of gifts towards the same object, which continued to flow during the whole four years of the war, the Sanitary and Christian Commissions being soon after organized as a means of collecting and distributing relief. In no State, during the strug- gle for the Union, was found a more patriotic, liberal, actively generous people, than in Minne- sota.

Not long after the battle of Bull Run, the First Regiment went into camp between Poolesville and Edwards Ferry, Maryland, for winter quar- ters, remaining there several months.

While these events were occurring, the mate- rial progress of our State was receiving an im- pulse. Capitalists from Ohio were induced, under the legislation of the last winter, to embark in the

completion of the " Minnesota and Pacific Rail- road," from St. Paul to St. Anthony. This line had been partially graded three years before, and with little labor was made ready for the super- structure. Ties and rails for several miles were provided, and track-laying commenced. A loco- motive and cars arrived, and the first wheel turned by a locomotive in this State, was on Sep- tember 19th. At this juncture, unfortunately, a disagreement sprang up between the contractors and the officers of the road, and resulted in a sus- pension of the work for several months.

Business remained very much depressed all the season, a result, in part, of the miserable cur- rency used in trade.

Recruiting for the second regiment did not cease until September, by which time all the companies were filled to the maximum, and the battalion was ready for service on southern fields. Meantime a company of Sharp-Shooters had been recruited by Capt. Peteler, and having been ac- cepted (Sept. 3d), left on Oct. 6th for Virginia, where they were attached to Berdan's U. S. sharp-shooters.

Congress, at its special session, commencing July 4th, had authorized the raising of 500,000 troops. Under this call Minnesota was called on for two more regiments, on Sept 17th. There were already some partially completed companies, and recruiting commenced vigorously in all parts of the state. Up to this time all the troops re- cruited had been for the infantry service, but in order to give all who wished to enlist, their pref- erence for the different arms of service, cavalry, and artillery organizations were commenced. Three companies of cavalry were authorized, and began to receive recruits, while a battery of light artillery was gotten under way.

On Oct. 3d, Capt. N. J. T. Dana, formerly of the regular army, was commissioned as Colonel of the First, vice Gorman, who had been pro- moted to Brigadier General.

On Oct. 14, the Second Regiment left for Vir- ginia, but at Pittsburgh was ordered to Louis- ville, Ky., and soon after went into camp at Leb- anon Junction, where they remained some weeks, guarding bridges. On Oct. 29th, the Third Regiment was announced as organized, and Hen- ry C. Lester appointed Colonel. On Nov. 16th the Third left for Kentucky, and were employed in

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OUTLINES OF THE HISTORY OF MINNESOTA.

the same service as the Second, near which they were encamped for some weeks. The Fourth Regiment was filled nearly at the same time, and Adjt. Gen. John B. Sanborn appointed Colonel. It was retained in the state, doing garrison duty, until spring.

On Oct. 19th the First Regiment participated in the action at Edwards Ferry, suffering small loss, but making a noble record for gallantry.

The state election occurred on Oct. 9th. Parti- san politics were not much noticeable in this con- test. Alex. Ramsey was re-elected for governor, by a vote of 16,274 over E. O. Hamlin, who had 10,448.

The three cavalry companies, commanded re- spectively by Capts. Von Minden, Brackett, and West, were ordered to Benton Barracks, Mo., in December, and incorporated into an Iowa troop called Curtis Horse, and subsequently Third Iowa Cavalry.

The First Battery Light Artillery, Capt. Munch, also left for St. Louis Dec. 1st, and was soon after ordered to Pittsburgh Landing. During this month a Fifth Regiment was authorized, and considerable progress made in filling it.

On January 19th, 1862, occurred the memora- ble battle of Mill Springs, in which our Second Regiment won a national reputation. Early on that day, the enemy, under Gen. Zollicoffer, at- tacked the union forces. Col. Van Cleve says in his official report: " After proceeding about half a mile, we came upon the enemy, who were posted behind a fence along the road, beyond which was an open field, broken by ravines. The enemy, opening upon us a galling fire, fought desperate- ly, and a hand to hand fight ensued which lasted about thirty minutes. *

* The enemy gave way, leaving a large number of their dead and wounded on the field. * * * We joined in the pursuit, which continued till near sunset, when we arrived within a mile of their intrench- ments, where we rested upon our arms during the night. * * Six hundred of our regi- ment were in the engagement, twelve of whom were killed and thirty-three wounded." Gen. Zollicoffer himself was among the enemy slain. Private George G. Strong, of Company D, is thought to have killed Baillie Peyton, a promi- nent rebel officer.

The news of the victory at Mill Springs, occur-

ing, as it did, during a period of depression, was like a gleam of sunshine, and our Second Regi- ment won bright laurels for their gallantry. For meritorious service in this engagement, Col. Van Cleve was soon after promoted to Brigadier Gen- eral.

On Feb. 24th Capt. Alfred Sully was commis- sioned colonel of the First Regiment, vice Dana, promoted to Brigadier General.

.The legislature of 1862 had many important questions under consideration, prominent among which were those measures providing for military necessities, and putting the state on a " war foot- ing." The work of releasing the land grant rail- roads from the entanglements resulting from the old five-million loan, and bestowing the franchis- es on real capitalists, who would undertake to build in good faith, was another of the important measures of the session. The latter work was successfully accomplished in most cases. On the line of the Minnesota & Pacific, between St. Paul and St. Anthony, work was recommenced and pushed vigorously.

On April 6th the battle of Pittsburg Landing occurred. The only Minnesota troops engaged in this conflict was the First Battery, which was in the heat of the action at several points. Sev- eral cannoneers were wounded (Capt. Munch se- verely) two killed, and also a number of horses. The battery did splendid service, and " mowed the enemy down with cannister." Capt. (form- erly adjutant general) Wm. H. Acker, of the Sixteenth Regulars, was killed during this en- gagement.

On March 20th, the Fifth Regiment was de- clared organized, and the field officers were com- missioned. Rudolph Borgesrode was appointed Colonel. The Second Sharpshooters, Captain Russell, which had been recruited during the winter, soon after left for Washington, arriving there April 26th. On April 24th, the Fourth Regiment, and Second Battery of Light Artillery, Captain Hotchkiss, left for Benton Barracks, and were soon pushed to the front in Mississippi. On May 13th, the Fifth Regiment also left for the same destination, excepting companies B, C, and D, who remained behind to garrison forts, and a few weeks subsequently took a conspicuous part in the Sioux war.

On May 26th, the call for a sixth regiment was

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made and recruiting was commenced very act- ively, several skeleton companies, partially filled for the Fifth Regiment, being already in the field.

Congress, at its extra session, commencing July 4th, 1861 had authorized the issue of "legal ten- der" notes, which were by this date, in large cir- culation. The result of this was to greatly en- liven business and enhance prices. While govern- ment was expending in our state but a small fraction of the enormous sums it was paying out. in eastern States for materials of war, the results were unmistakably felt here. One effect was the gradual and almost complete withdrawal of coin, especially small coin from circulation. This oc- casioned great inconvenience in "making change," and various devices were used to overcome the trouble. Postage stamps came into general use for fractional sums, and soon became a decided nui- sance. Then many of the cities and towns, as well as business firms and banks, issued fractional "shin-plasters" as currency. The country was soon flooded with these, and it proved an intolera- ble nuisance. The issue of the Treasury Depart- ment, soon after, of "postage currency," some- what relieved the dearth of small change. A steady enhancement in the price of goods, labor, the cost of living, etc., commenced, from this date, an inflation which lasted for two or three years.

The material development of the state pro- gressed during this period, notwithstanding the burdens and waste of war, and the fact that over six thousand of our young men were withdrawn from productive industry. An increased area was sown. Immigration was becoming large, especially of Scandinavians. Further efforts were also made to open and extend our area of trade towards the northwest. The reported discovery of rich gold fields in the region now known as Idaho and Montana, led to the formation of a company of citizens to proceed thither overland. On May 14th, the expedition left St. Paul, and arrived safely at the diggings. Congress had, meantime, been appealed to for some protection to this emigration movement, and a small appro- priation was made for this purpose, and Captain James L. Fisk appointed to organize and com- mand any party that might wish to go over. An- other expedition was organized and equipped, leaving on June 16th, and made a successful journey to the gold fields. These expeditions

did much towards preparing the way for the opening and settlement of the Northwest, and were repeated in 1863 and 1864.

Another important event was the completion of the Minnesota and Pacific Railroad from St. Paul to St. Anthony, which was opened for traffic on June 28-the first line operated in our state. From that date on, railroad building was rapidly carried on, on several of the lines.

While these encouraging events were in prog- ress in our state, her brave troops, in Virginia and Mississippi, were contending against great odds. The Fourth and Fifth Regiments and the Second Battery, whose departure for "Dixie" was noted a few lines back, had been pushed rapidly to the front, and, being a part of the "Army of the Mis- sissippi," were soon face to face with the enemy, in the great Corinth campaign. On May 28th the Fifth Regiment had a sharp action with the enemy, in which several were killed, and a num- ber wounded, and won much praise for gallantry. On July 12th, near Murfreesboro, Tenn., the Third Regiment was attacked by a greatly supe- rior force, and after a brave resistance, losing twelve men, its ammunition became exhausted, and it was compelled to surrender. The men were paroled a few weeks later.

Meantime the First Regiment had taken an active part in a campaign of great danger and hardship. It had remained in its winter quar- ters, near Edward's Ferry, until March, when (attached to Sedgwick's Division) it proceeded to Winchester, from whence they were ordered to join the army of the Potomac near Fortress Monroe. In April they took part in the siege of Yorktown. From thence they participated in Mcclellan's great Richmond campaign, and the "seven days fight." At Seven Pines, or Fair Oaks, on May 31st and June 1st; at Peach Orch- ard, June 29th; Savage's Station, June 29th; Glendale and White Oak Swamp, June 30th; Nelson's Farm, June 30th; Malvern Hills, July 1st, the brave First took an active part, and suf- fered severe-losses, with great hardship and con- tinual fighting. In all these engagements, it lost ninety men. At the Battle of Fair Oaks, the Second Sharp-Shooters was united with the First Regimet, and continued with them during the rest of the campaign.

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History of Dakota County and the City of Hastings, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 23

Author: J. Fletcher Williams Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: J. Fletcher Williams
Publication date: 1881
Publisher:
Number of Pages: