USA > Wisconsin > An illustrated history of the state of Wisconsin : being a complete civil, political, and military history of the state, from its first exploration down to 1875 > Part 26
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
ernment. The estimates of the secretary of state for the fiscal year ending Oct. 1, 1861, amount to 8469,331.04; and the expenditures for all necessary expenses of the State government are estimated at $360,742.50. He states, that owing to the forfeiture of very large quantities of land (heretofore sold, and estimated as a portion of the productive school-fund, bearing seven per cent interest), this fund exhibits a large diminution on its nominal capital and actual revenue ; and that, with the return of prosperous times in the course of the succeeding years, these lands will again be sold, and added to the productive fund. This fund, on Oct. 1, 1800, was estimated at $2,339,694. The University fund is reported at $286,725.92, the annual interest of which is 820,070.08. The swamp-land fund amounts to $813,- 820.34 ; and, during the past year, approved lists of swamp lands coming to the State under the act of 1850, amounting to about five hundred thou- sand acres, have been received at the executive office; and requests have been transmitted to the general land-office, that patents therefor should be issued to the State."
The governor calls attention to the necessity of commencing the enlargement of the Capitol, and says, -
"The public necessities daily require that this work should be com- menced immediately. Millions of dollars in value of public and private property are constantly risked and perilled for want of this permanent public improvement."
He reports the equalized valuation of property in the State, last year, as follows : -
Value of real estate
$156,555,774
Value of personal property 27,506,761
$184,062,535
The State census was reported, in 1860, at 777,771; an in- crease in population of 572,380 in the previous ten years, and 225,662 in the previous five years. In 1850 Wisconsin was the twenty-fourth State in population, and was, at this date, the thirteenth. In consequence of the census being taken, a new apportionment of congressional and legislative districts was urged on the legislature of 1861. The number of persons in the State, between the ages of four and twenty, as returned to the superintendent of public instruction, was 288,984. Schools had been taught on an average of six and two- tenths months in the year; the whole number of school dis- tricts was 4,211; valuation of school-houses, 81,314,716.09; average wages for male teachers $24.20, and female teachers 815.30; amount paid for teachers' wages in 1860, 8367,481.10.
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
The report of the board of normal schools informs us that the funds at their disposal, arising entirely from the sale of swamp lands, had been much abridged by the decrease in the amount of lands sold from year to year ; while the amount appropriated directly to the institution in which normal classes had been taught was lessened by the payment of agencies, employed by the board in carrying forward the cause of education.
The total number of banks in operation on the 1st of Jan- uary, 1861, was one hundred and ten, with capital amounting to $7,237,000; and the amount of circulating notes issued to banks, and outstanding at that date, 84,580,832; which circula- tion was secured by the deposit of specie and public stocks to the amount of $5,208,805.
The number of pupils in attendance at the Deaf and Dumb Asylum during the previous year was eighty-seven. An ap- propriation of $20,450 was asked for, 813,500 for support and current expenses, and the remainder for additional buildings, ' steam-heating apparatus, &c., for the institution.
The trustees of the Blind Institution reported thirty-six pupils in attendance in 1860, and asked an appropriation of sixteen thousand dollars, of which amount ten thousand dollars was to be devoted to the support of the institution, and the remainder to complete existing contracts.
In the State-prison there had been, from Jan. 1, 1860, to Oct. 1, 1861, two hundred and forty-five convicts ; and at the last- named date there were one hundred and seventy confined.
The whole number of persons subject to military duty ex- ceeded a hundred and thirty thousand; and the governor rec- ommended that steps be taken to place the volunteer militia upon a more efficient footing. He concluded with giving his views on the slavery question, the state of feeling at the South on the election of Mr. Lincoln as President, and the right of the Southern States to secede, as was agitated at this time, and said, -
" The hopes of civilization and Christianity are suspended now upon the answer to this question of dissolution. The capacity for, as well as the right of, self-government, is to pass its ordeal, and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have been tried, and have failed ; and all along the skeletons of nations have been strewn as warnings and landmarks upon the
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
great highway of historic government. Wisconsin is true, and her people steadfast. She will not destroy the Union, nor consent that it shall be done. Devised by great and wise and good men in days of sore trial, it must stand. Like some bold mountain, at whose base the great seas break their angry floods, around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurricanes have rattled, strong, unmoved, immovable, so may our Union be, while treason surges at its base, and passions rage around it. Unmoved, immovable, here let it stand forever."
Agreeably to the constitutional requirement, the legislature met in convention Jan. 23, 1861, to elect a United States senator to fill the place of Hon. Charles Durkee, whose term of office expired March 4 ensuing. Hon. Timothy O. Howe received ninety-two votes, and H. L. Palmer thirty-four votes. The former was declared elected for six years.
Prior to the adjournment of April 17, 1861, the legislature passed three hundred and nine general laws, and three hundred and six private and local laws. Of the former, the following are among the most important : an act to provide for continuing the work on the State Capitol, by the provisions of which, the State officers, as building commissioners, were authorized to advertise for proposals, and let to the best and lowest bidder the erection and completion of the west wing of the State Capitol, in con- formity with the plan commenced; the foundation of the wing to the top of the water table to be completed by Oct. 1, 1861, and the remainder of the building to be completed by the first of December, 1862; and, for the payment of the work, the sum of twenty thousand dollars was appropriated for the year 1861, fifty thousand dollars for the year 1862, and the remain- ing amount on the contract on or before Feb. 1 succeeding ; the whole work not to exceed the sum of a hundred thousand dollars. An act was passed to apportion the State into senate and assembly districts, by which act three additional senate districts were created, the whole number of members of the legislature to be one hundred and thirty-three, instead of one hundred and twenty-seven, as heretofore ; also an act to provide for the enlargement of the Wisconsin State Hospital for the Insane; viz., to provide for the construction of a longitudinal and transverse wing in connection with the west side of the main building, corresponding in dimensions and general style of
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
architecture with the wing previously erected on the east side of said building, and the sum of forty thousand dollars appro- priated for the construction of the same, -twenty thousand dol- lars in the year 1861, and the remainder or balance as may be required, in the year 1862; an act for the government and management of the State Reform School ; an act to provide for the defence of the State, and to aid in enforcing the laws, and maintaining the authority of the Federal Government, pro- viding, in case a call should be made by the President of the United States upon this State to aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws. or to suppress rebellion or in- surrection, or to repel invasion, the governor was authorized to take such measures, as, in his judgment, would provide the speediest and most efficient manner for responding to such call ; and to this end he was authorized to accept the services of volunteers for active service, to be enrolled in companies of not less than seventy-five men, and to commission officers for the same. He was also authorized to contract for uniforms for such of the volunteers as were not provided therewith, and for such other equipments as were necessary for putting said companies into condition for active service; and the sum of a hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as might be necessary, was appropriated out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated, for carrying the law into effect. He was also authorized to prepare and sell State bonds, with necessary coupons, for the sum of one thousand dollars each, to the number of one hundred, redeemable five years from Jan. 1, 1862, the proceeds arising therefrom to be used for the purposes specified in this act.
An act was also passed to enable the regents of the State University to complete and furnish the University Hall; and the commissioners of school and university lands were au- thorized to issue thirty-five bonds of the amount of one thou- sand dollars each, bearing interest at seven per cent per annum ; and the regents of said university were authorized to dispose of said bonds, and apply the proceeds to any indebtedness which had been, or might be, incurred in the erection of said Univer- sity Hall. An act was also passed to amend an act to provide for the defence of the State, passed at the early part of this
.
CROSSCUP & WEST-SC. PHIL
Hon. J. M. Bennett.
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
session, whereby the sum of two hundred thousand dollars, or such amount thereof as might be necessary, was appropriated, not otherwise appropriated, or out of any money lying idle in the treasury not belonging to the school fund, for the purpose of carrying the provisions of this act into effect, and to defray the expense of transporting troops, &c., and, in addition to this amount, the sum of twenty-five hundred dollars for the governor's contingent expenses as commander-in-chief ; and another act to declare the rights and privileges of such per- sons as may enroll themselves into the service of the country, such persons to be exempt from all civil process, and all pro- ceedings in any action before the civil courts to be suspended while in the government military service,
The scene in the House immediately after the adjournment was one, which, for impressiveness, is seldom surpassed. Members and outsiders united in singing the "Star Spangled Banner ;" every heart swelled with patriotic emotions ; and the most intense feeling pervaded the assemblage. At the close, nine cheers were given for the Union, and three more for the "Governor's Guard," a military company at Madison, which had just before called upon the governor, and tendered their services to the government.
On the 17th of May, Gov. Randall issued a proclamation in which he said, -
" For the first time in the history of this Federal Government, organized treason has manifested itself within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it. The proclamation of the president of the United States tells of unlawful combinations too powerful to be sup- pressed in the ordinary manner, and calls for military forces to suppress such combinations, and to sustain him in executing the laws. A demand made upon Wisconsin by the president for aid to sustain the Federal arms must meet with a prompt response. One regiment of the militia of this State will be required for military service, and further service will be re- quired as the exigencies of the country may demand. Opportunities will be immediately offered to all existing military companies, under the direction of the proper authorities of the State, for enlistment to fill the demands of the government."
The governor invited the patriotic citizens of the State to enrol themselves into companies of seventy-eight men each, and to advise the Executive of their readiness to be mustered into the service of the States immediately.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
WISCONSIN'S WAR RECORD.
Events of 1861 - Movements in Behalf of Soldiers' Families - Liberal Sub- scriptions - The First Regiment - Its Three-Months' Record -The Second Regiment - Camp Randall - The Third Regiment -The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Regiments.
IT will be necessary, at this point, to leave, for the present, the domestic history of the State, and to refer to the moment- ous events which were close at hand, in which the people in every section of the State took a deep interest. It is not necessary to recount the causes, running through a long term of years, which led to the insurrection of the people of a portion of the States of the Union against the General Government, and arrayed more than a million of citizens in arms, - a most bloody war of four years' duration, involving the expenditure of almost untold treasure, and the loss, on either side, of hun- dreds of thousands of the country's bravest and best men. The State of South Carolina, as is well known, on the 12th of April, passed an ordinance of secession from the General Government, and commenced hostilities by firing from James Island upon Fort Sumter, garrisoned by Major Robert Anderson, and about seventy men. The fort was surrendered on the 14th of April. On the day succeeding (15th), Pres. Lincoln issued his proclamation, declaring the Southern States in insurrection, and issued a call for seventy-five thousand three-months' volunteers to aid in suppressing the rebellion. In Wisconsin, as in all the Northern States, the public pulse quickened under the excitement ; and on every hand the national flag was dis- played. Public enthusiasm knew no bounds; and in city, town, and hamlet, the burden on every tongue was for a vigorous prosecution of the war.
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
On the 15th of April, an informal meeting was held at Madi- son, at the executive office, to consider the events, Judge O. Cole of the supreme court in the chair. He made a speech full of patriotism and the noblest sentiments. On the day following, Gov. Randall notified Capt. George E. Bryant that the services of the Madison Guards had been accepted, and he was authorized to fill up his company ; and, on the same day, the governor issued a proclamation for the organization of the First Regiment of Wisconsin volunteers. The enrolment of men for this company began on April 17, on which day twenty- eight names were enrolled, which on the 20th were increased to one hundred and eighteen. On the 17th, the Governor's Guard,
a military organization at Madison, by their captain, Judge J. P. Atwood, tendered their services, which were accepted on the 18th. The company had seventy-three names enrolled ; and on the evening of that day, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held at the assembly room in the State Capitol, at which Hon. H. S. Orton presided. A committee was appointed to receive from the citizens, and those in the vicinity, subscriptions for the support of families which should need aid. At this meeting, $7,490 were voluntarily subscribed. The two Madison com- panies, with the other companies composing the First Regiment, rendezvoused at Milwaukee on the 27th of April; and, on the 17th of May, the organization of the regiment was completed, and mustered into the United States service, and the war department informed that it awaited marching-orders. The troops remained in camp until the 9th of June, when, in obedi- ence to orders from Washington, they left the State for Harris- burg, Penn., fully equipped by the State, with the exception of arms. The commissioned officers were John C. Starkweather, colonel ; Charles L. Harris, lieutenant-colonel; D. H. Lain, major ; A. R. Chapin, adjutant ; D. W. Keyes, quartermaster ; B. F. White, surgeon ; L. J. Dixon and J. Crugom, assistants ; J. W. Plows, commissary ; Charles Fairchild, assistant. The regiment was composed of four companies from Milwaukee County, two from Dane County, one from Rock, one from Kenosha and from Fond du Lac Counties. The regiment was quartered for a time at Hagerstown, Md., under the com- mand of Gens. Nagley and Abercrombie respectively, was
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
assigned to the division of Major-Gen. Patterson, July 2; led the advance on Martinsburg, participated in the battle of Fall- ing Waters, and won a reputation for bravery and veteran-like conduct excelled by no other regiment. After serving out the time for which it was enlisted, the regiment returned to Fort Scott at Milwaukee, and was mustered out of service Aug. 22, 1861. A portion of the Madison companies, on their arrival home, were marched to the State Capitol, and a welcome address delivered to them by the governor.
The next day after the mustering-out of service of the First Regiment, its late colonel, J. C. Starkweather, was commissioned as commanding officer of the " Three Years First Regiment." The enlistment went on rapidly ; and the companies soon began to rendezvous at Camp Scott. It was fully organized and equipped by the State, with the exception of arms, and was mustered into service by companies, Oct. 8 to 19, by Capt. Trowbridge. The regiment broke camp on the 28th of Octo- ber, and started for Louisville, Ky., and arrived on the 30th. The numerical strength of the regiment was : field and staff, 9; company officers, 30; non-commissioned officers ap- pointed by the colonel, 9; non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates, 888; total, 935. Here we will, for the present, leave the First Regiment.
The governor, having determined to organize more regiments as a reserve for further calls, accepted the proposition of the State Agricultural Society, tendering the use of their fair- grounds as one of their camps. These grounds were already enclosed with several buildings, which could be fitted up for use until more substantial ones could be built. Carpenters were employed on April 27, and the grounds prepared for use, under the direction of Major H. A. Tenney. W. W. Tredway was commissioned quartermaster-general, and preceded to procure clothing, &c., for the Second Regiment, and for the six infantry regiments subsequently raised under the proclamation of the president. Simeon Mills was about the same time commis- sioned paymaster-general, and paid the several regiments from the date of enlistment up to the time of their departure for the field.
The Second Regiment was ordered to move into camp at
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
Madison on the 1st of May, 1861, which was by S. Park Coon (who was appointed by the governor colonel of the regiment), named Camp Randall, in honor of the governor. This regiment was first organized for three months' service ; but, on the 7th of May, orders were received to recruit the regiment for three years, or the war; and the governor, wishing to gratify the wishes of the companies who had tendered their services, pro- ceded, also, to organize the Third and Fourth Regiments. The Second Regiment was called out to muster into the United States service, and received orders to move forward to Harris- burg, Penn., and started on the 20th of June, arrived at Wash- ington June 25, and went into camp near the city. After remaining in camp some time, Col. Coon was detached, and placed upon the staff of Gen. Sherman; and the command of the regiment devolved upon Lieut .- Col. Peck.
The numerical strength of this regiment when it left Camp Randall was as follows: field and staff, 9; company officers, 30; band, 24; non-commissioned officers, musicians, and pri- vates, 985; total, 1,048.
The fate of the Second Wisconsin, from its very inception, was one of privation and hardship. It was called into camp at an inclement season of the year, amid constant storms and cold winds, without shelter or proper clothing. It was in the "onward to Richmond " movement, participated in the skirmish at Bull Run July 19, took an active part in the memorable bat- tle of July 21, and won a fine reputation for bravery and soldier- like conduct. It took an exposed situation, faced the enemy for hours, and was among the last to leave the field at the dis- graceful finish. The thinned ranks at roll-call the next day proved the part it acted. As an evidence of what this regi- ment had been through, it is sufficient to state, that it left the State, June 20, over one thousand strong, and, Oct. 1, reported for duty only 689 men. After this battle, a number of changes took place in the officers of this regiment. Lucius Fairchild, formerly captain of Company K of the First Regiment, was appointed lieutenant-colonel, and many others were promoted. Among the companies composing this regiment was one from Fox Lake, Dodge County, one from La Crosse County, one from Grant, one from Janesville, one from Oshkosh, one from Racine,
CROSSCUP & BEST-SEPHILA
Carl Chofe
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
one from Portage City, one from Madison, and one each from Mineral Point and Milwaukee.
The Third Regiment was called into camp at Fond du Lac about the 15th of June, 1861, and was placed under the com- mand of Col. Charles S. Hamilton, a graduate of West Point, who had served his country with credit to himself during the Mexican war. Of this regiment, Thomas H. Ruger was lieutenant-colonel; Bertine Pinkney, major; L. H. D. Crane, adjutant. It was composed of companies from Watertown, Oshkosh, Monroe, Waupun, Mayville, Boscobel, Neenah, Dar- lington, Shullsburg, and Madison. Its numerical strength was 979 men, and it was mustered into the United States service June 29, 1861, by Capt. McIntyre, United States Army ; received marching-orders July 6, and started for Harrisburg July 12. This regiment, like the First and Second Regiments, was fully equipped, with the exception of arms. It was stationed, most of the time after its arrival at the seat of war, at Fredericks- town, Md., and had but little opportunity to exhibit its bravery on the battle-field during the year. Three of the companies (A, C, and H) were engaged in the fight at Bolivar, early in October, in connection with two companies of the Massachu- setts Fourth, against more than three times their number of the enemy in position. During the engagement, a charge was made by the Wisconsin companies; and a heavy field-piece was cap- tured, which was afterwards retaken by the enemy. The battle was terminated by another heroic charge by the three Wiscon- sin companies, led on by Capt. Bartram and Lieut. O'Brien. Under command of Major Gould of the Fourth Massachusetts, the enemy was routed and forced from his position, and put to flight; and again the same field-piece was captured from the enemy, and brought off the ground by volunteers of the Third.
On the arrival of the Third Regiment in Maryland, Col. Ham- ilton was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general ; Lieut .- Col. Ruger was promoted colonel; Major Pinkney, lieutenant- colonel ; and Adjutant L. H. D. Crane, major.
The Fourth Regiment was called into camp at Racine, about the 6th of June, 1861, and placed under the command of Col. Halbert E. Paine. Sidney E. Bean was lieutenant-colonel ; Frederick Boardman, major; L. D. Aldrich, adjutant; D. J.
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HISTORY OF WISCONSIN.
McCloy, quartermaster ; Dr. A. H. Van Norstrand, surgeon ; S. Compton Smith and S. W. Wilson, assistants; and Rev. A. C. Barry, chaplain. The companies were from Whitewater, Ripon, Sheboygan, Kilbourn City, and Columbia County, Jef- ferson County, . Geneva, Hudson, Oconto County, Monroe County, and Calumet County. The numerical strength of the regiment was 1,053. On its organization and equipment, it pro- ceeded to Maryland, and was stationed at the Relay House, and - with two other regiments of infantry, one company of cavalry, all under the command of Col. Paine - made a brilliant march through Accomac and Northampton Counties, on the eastern shore of Virginia. A large force of rebels was gathering within these counties ; but, on the approach of Col. Paine and his force, they fled, leaving behind some guns and camp equipage. After this expedition, the regiment was stationed at Drummondtown.
The Fifth Regiment was called into camp at Madison, from the 21st to the 25th of June, and placed under the command of Col. Amasa Cobb. The officers under him were, H. W. Emery, lieutenant-colonel ; Charles H. Larrabee, major ; Theo- dore S. West, adjutant; J. G. Clark, quartermaster; A. L. Castleman, surgeon ; George D. Wilbur and C. E. Crane, assistants; Rev. R. Langley, chaplain. The companies were two from Milwaukee, and one each from Manitowoc, Beaver Dam, Janesville, Waukesha, Berlin, Richland, Taycheeda, and Menomonee. Its numerical strength was 1,057. The regiment was fully equipped by the State (with the exception of arms), except Company B, which had ninety-nine Minie muskets with accoutrements complete from the State. The regiment was mustered into the United States service July 13, by mustering- officer Capt. McIntyre, United States Army; and on the 22d received orders to move forward to Washington. On the 24th they were on the way, and, on arriving at their destination, were attached to Gen. Rufus King's brigade. This regiment was detailed for advance duty most of the time after its arrival.
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