BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES,
MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES S. HAMILTON.
General Charles S. Hamilton Avas born in Oneida County, Xew York, in 1822, and removed at an early age, to Western Xew York. In 1839, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, in the class AAdth Generals Grant, Augur, J. J. Reynolds, Peck, Quimby, Steele, Franklin, Judah, Hardie and others, and graduated iu 1843. He was assigned to the Second Regiment, United States Infantry as brevet Second Lieutenant, Avas promoted to Second Lieuteuant, and transferred to the Fifth Infantry, and joined the regiment, which formed part of the force of General Taylor, Avho was then at JSIatamoras, engaged in the war Avith Mexico. The regiment was in Mclutosh's brig ade. Worth's diAusion. Lieutenant Hamilton, Avith his regiment, took part in the assault on Monterey, aud is handsomely men tioned in the report of his superior officers. On the organization of General Scott's column at Lobos Island, Worth's diA'ision AA^IS transferred to that command. Lieutenant Hamilton took an act ive part in the siege of Vera Cruz, aud battle of Cerro Gordo, and won a brevet captaincy at the battle of Contreras and Chur- ubusco, and was severely AA'ounded at Molino del llcy, being shot through the shoulder which laid him up in hospital six months in the City of Mexico. After the war, he Avas engaged in the recruiting service at Rochester, Kew York, for two years, then for a year and half, Avas stationed in the Indian Tcrritoiy and Texas, fighting the Camanches. He resigned iu 1853, and removed to Wisconsin, settling at Fond du Lac, and remaining in civil life until called by Governor Randall to act as his aid iu organizing the Wisconsin troops. At 976 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the outbreak of the rebellion, Governor Randall needed the advice of men experienced in military affairs, and called Lieu tenant Ruger, of Janesville, to his assistance. A friend shoAved to the Governor the record of Captain Hamilton as found in the official reports in the Mexican war, and informed His Excellency that Captain Hamilton was a resident of Fond du Lac. Gover nor Randall immediately sent for him and availed himself of his experience in the organization of the first regiments of the State. Desiring active service, Captain Hamilton accepted the Colo nelcy, of the Third Regiment, Avhich was ordered into camp at Fond du Lac. In a short time Colonel Hamilton had his regi ment thoroughly organized and clothed in the most complete manner then possible, and no regiment ever Avent from the State with a more efficient organization than the Third, and none did better or more gallant service. Moving Avith it to Harper's Ferry, Colonel Hamilton reported to General Banks. Colonel Hamilton was promoted to Brigadier General, to date from the 11th of June, being the first general officer appointed from Wisconsin. In August, 1861, he was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of General Banks' division. In March, 1862, his brigade Avas concentrated at Bunker Hill, where General Hamilton planned an expedition to capture Stonewall Jackson's command at Winchester, but General Banks would uot sanction it, aud ordered him to make a reconnoissance in force against Winchester. He entered that place but Jackson escaped up the valley. General Hamilton was soon after summoned by General McClellan to take command of Ileintzelman's old division in the Third Army Corps, which was the first to embark for the peninsula. In April, his division took position before Yorktown, being next to the extreme left of the line. Here General Hamilton discovered an opportunity to carry the enemy's posi tion with his diAdsion, and sent to General McClellan with a request to be permitted to do so. General Hamilton Avas con gratulated by General Hooker, and other general officers, on this chance to strike an effective bloAv, but General McClellan did not reply, and the siege soon after commenced. In May, Gen eral Hamilton was relieved of his command, and was transferred, at the request of General Halleck, to his department in Tennes see, where he was placed iu command of the left wing of the MAJOR GENERAL C. S. HAMILTON. 977
Army of the Mississippi, composed of the divisions of Generals Davis and Buford, Avliich Avas eventually reduced to Buford's division, by the transfer of Davis' division to General Buell's department. General Rosecrans Avas subsequently placed iu command of that Aving of the arm3^, Avhich consisted of the diAdsious of Gen erals Hamilton aud Stanley. Ou the morning of the 19th of September, 1862, the Third Division, General Hamilton, marched from .Jacinto, iu order to attack General Price, at or near luka, in conjunction with other forces of General Grant. General Hamilton's diAdsiou had the advance of Rosecrans' troops, and encountered the enemy in heavy force, about tAvo miles from the toAA'u. The nature of the ground Avas such as to permit ouly a portion of General Hamilton's troops to form in line of battle, and he had, therefore, the honor of fighting alone, the Avholo rebel force of General Price — seven regiments against eighteen regiments of the euemy. JSTO battle during the whole Avar Avas more bravely contested than that of luka. General Hamilton AA'as at the front, in the midst of the fight, cheering his men on —rallying others to their standard — gathering broken detach ments aud leading them to the charge — ahvays present A\dien most needed. The battle commenced at 4|- P. M., and lasted until darkness put an end to the contest, AA'heu General Hamilton's forces lay ou the field they had so gallantly Avon, and next morning pursued the fleeing eiieiu}' fifteen miles. General Hamilton had his horse shot under him and the handle of his SAvord Avas shattered by a bullet. General Grant iii his report, says:
It was a part of General Hamilton's command that did the fighting, directed entirely by that cool and deserving officer. I commend him to the President for acknowledgment of his services.
After the battle of luka, General Hamilton Avas in command of the District of Jacinto until October 2d, AAdien General Rose crans concentrated his forces for the defence of Corinth, forming his four divisions in a semi circle, covering the toAvn on the north and AA'Cst, about two miles outside of Corinth. Ilaiuii- ton's division occupied the extreme right AA'ith Davies' division on his left, McKean's division occupied the left, Avitli Stnnley'.s 62 978 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. division in the reserve. Ou the 3d of October, the rebels suc ceeded in driving back the divisions of McKean and Davies. In folloAving up Davies the rebel flank was exposed, which Hamilton, by a prompt movement, vigorously attacked, and suc ceeded in relieving McKean an'd DaAues from further attack for that day, and capturing scA'-eral hundred prisoners. ^t General Hamilton's suggestion, the troops, during the night, were AvithdraAvn and placed Avithin supporting distance of each other in the immediate vicinity of the village. At daAvn of the 4tli, the rebel batteries opened on the town and an artillery duel took place, after AA^MCII the rebels withdrew their guns aud trains and prepared to take the town by assault. They fell upon Davies' division in overpowering numbers, aud drove them iuto the town The rebels reached the centre of the town and took possession of Rosecrans' headquarters. There they were held iu check by Stanley's division. In the meantime Hamilton, Avho had repulsed the rebels in his front, hurled his whole force with such rapidity against the rebels, that those Avho had entered the town Avere all cut off and captured, Avhile those who had encountered Stanley's division, Avere attacked on both flanks with such vigor, that all Avere captured or scattered in a few minutes. Kothiug saved the Union army from defeat but the cool determined energy and bravery displayed by the troops of Hamilton's division, aud the admirable tact of that officer. After the battle of Corinth, Rosecrans Avas transferred to the Department of the Cumberland, and General Hamilton succeeded him iu the command of the Army of the Mississippi. This or ganization Avas soon merged in the Army of the Tennessee, of AA'hich, General Hamilton commanded the left wing. General Hamilton retained this command during the Oxford expedition into central Mississippi. In aSTovember, several promotions of Brigadiers Avere made to the grade of Major General. Soon after General Grant was ordered to organize his army into four army corps, and the new Major Generals were assigned, by orders from Washington, against General Grant's desires, to the command of these corps, thus depriving General Hamilton, who had fought bravely at luka and Corinth, of the command of the brave men he had led into those battles. MAJOR GENERAL C. S. HAMILTON. 979
With the promptings of true patriotism, he gave way to his seniors, and took command of the District of Jackson and Corinth, Avith headquarters at La Grange, Avhere he succeeded in keeping the country free from guerillas, and the railways secure from annoyance. While in this command, he planned aud ordered the Grierson raid Avhich penetrated through Central ]\nssissippi aud produced such a commotion in rebeldom. In January aud Februaiy, 1863, General Hamilton AA-as in command at Memphis, Tenn. In April he was commissioned as Major General to rank from the day of the battle of luka, and ordered to repair to Vicksburg. He was again senior in rank to those officers Avho had been promoted OA'cr his head, but who having been assigned to the command of army corps by the Pres ident, could not be removed from their positions, by General Grant, Avho could only offer Hamilton a diAdsion. This command he could not accept AAdthout serving under those officers AA'ho had been unjustly placed above him, and Avho Avere his subordinates in rank. Writing to the Secretaiy of War, he asked for his command to be restored to him, if not for services reudered in Union vic tories — then for the same reason that it Avas taken from him and giA'eu to others, to Avit: seniority of rank. In this letter, he further said to the Secretary of AYar, that he had rendered no political services, nor sought the favor of any man, as a basis for promotion, but rested his claims on seiwices rendered, in Avhich he had shrunk from no labor, or danger, or duty — that if it was deemed proper to assign him to the command Avhich Avas justly his due, he Avould gladly serve to the end of the Avar, if any other decision Avas arrived at, he begged to be advised of the acceptance of his resimatiou. Under a rule just then adopted to accept all resignations. General Ilainilton left the army, returned to his home iu Fond du Lac, and the army of the United States lost an an able aud experienced officer, and a braA-e man. In a letter before us, AVC find the character of General Hamilton so Avell described that we insert the extract. Speaking of him:
He seems a high minded, honorable, energetic, strong ueiwed General, cap.able of accomplishing whatever he undertakes, and capable of undertaking whatever circumstances seem to demand. The battles of luka aud Corinth, arc examples of those traitg of General Hamilton's character.. 980 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
MAJOR GENERAL C. C. AVASHBURN.
General Washburn was born in Livermore, Maine, in 1818. His grandfathers Avere soldiers in the war of Independence, one of them serving through the whole war. General Washburn removed to Wisconsin in March, 1842, and settled at j\Iineral Point, where he engaged in the practice of the law. In 1854, he was elected member of Congress from the dis trict iu which he resided, then composed of nearly one half of the State. He was reelected tAvice, and in 1860, declined a further nomination. In October, 1861, General Washburn was commissioned as Colonel of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, an organization authorized by the War Department, and proceeded to the field in Missouri, iu March 1862. In June, 1862, he was appointed Brigadier General, and Avith part of his OAVU regiment and a bat talion of Illinois cavalry, joined the army of General Curtis, at Jacksonport, Arkansas, At that time Memphis Avas the southern limit of the Union lines on the Mississippi. With 2,500 cavalry, General Washburn made a forced march of sixty miles and took possession of Helena, Arkansas, and opened communication Avith Memphis. He commanded the post of Helena until ]!^ovember, 1862, when he moved with 2,000 cavalry to the rear of the rebel army, then iu the vicinity of Abbieville, Miss., opposing the southward movement of General Grant's army. The rebels abandoned their position and fell back. At Oakland he encoun tered and defeated the rebel General Whitfield, with a brigade of Texas troops. General Washburn was assigned to the duty of opening the Yazoo Pass, and on the 22d of February, 1863, passed the first boat through to the Cold Water. In March, 1863, he Avas commissioned Major General, to rank from November 29th, 1862, and was ordered to take command of all the cavalry forces in West Tennessee, with headquarters at Memphis. In May, he Avas ordered with two divisions of infantry, to occupy Haines' Bluff, near Vicksburg, and watch General Johnston, who was moving in the rear of Grant's forces. MAJOR GENERAL C. C. AA^ASHBURN. 981
After the fall of Vicksburg, General Washburn Ava.s assigned to the Thirteenth Corps, of AA'hich, he took command on the departure of Gei-cral Ord, on sick leave. The Thirteenth Corps moved to JSTCAV Orleans, and thenee to AVestern Louisiana, aud joined Avith the jSTineteenth Corps, under General Franklin, in an expedition to Opelousas and its vicinity. On learning of the attack on General Burbridge's force at Carrion CroAv Bayou, General Washburn moved Avith a diAdsion at double quick to his relief, and succeeded in repulsing the enemy. General Washburn was ordered to return to jSTew Orleans and proceed Avith one division to the coast of Texas. He arrived with 2,800 men at Aransas Pass, on the 23d of ISTovember. He proceeded up the coast and captured Fort Esporanza. An attack on Galveston Avas planned, but Avas abandoned by orders from General Banks. General Washburn remained iu Texas till January, 1864, Avhen he left ou leave of absence for sixty days, at the expiration of which, he was ordered to Annapolis, Maryland. This order Avas soon after countermanded, and he Avas ordered to ]\Iemphis to supersede Major General Hurlbut, Here he remained until De cember, Avhen a new department being organized, General Dana took command at Memphis, and General AVashburn Avas ordered to Vicksburg, General Dana Avas unsuccessful iu his manage ment of affiiirs in West Tennessee, aud at the end of ninety days, General Washburn Avas ordered back to relieve him, and retained the position until mustered out of service.
MAJOR GENERAL CARL SCHURZ,
We have been unable to procure the data necessary to give a statement of the military services of General Schurz, and AVO are reluctantly eompelled to make the general statement, that he Avas appointed Brigadier General, and aetod Avith Gonoral Sigcl's corps in the campaigns on the Potomac, and was afterAvards promoted to the position of Major General, Avhich he hold during the Avar. 982 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS H. RUGER.
Thomas HoAvard Ruger was born in the town of Lima, Living ston County, in the State of New York, in April, 1833. In 1844, a young lad, he removed with his parents to Janesville, Wiscon sin, where they still reside. The family sent four of its members to fight their country's battles during the war of the rebellion, of whom Thomas is the oldest. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, in the year 1850, and graduated in 1854, standing second in the graduating class of that year. He Avas appointed Second Lieu tenant in the Engineer Corps, and reported for duty to Major Beauregard, (afterwards the rebel General,) at New Orleans, by whom he was placed iu charge of the works at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, below New Orleans. Here he remained as chief officer about a year, Avhen he resigned and returned to Janesville, in the summer of 1855. He commenced reading laAV, and in 1857, Avas admitted to the bar, and established himself in busi ness at Janesville, where he continued in successful practice until the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861. He immediately tendered his services to the War Department. Governor Randall availed himself of the militaiy abilities of Lieutenant Ruger, aud invited him to Madison to assist in the organization of the troops of the State, and appointed him Engi neer iu chief on his staff, Avith the rank of Brigadier General. He rendered important service in this position, but desiring ac tive service in the field. Governor Randall commissioned him as Lieuteuant Colonel of the Third Regiment of Infantry, and he moved with that regiment to the field, where it Avas assigned to the corps of General Banks, near Harper's Ferry. Soon after the Third arrived in the field, Colon-el Hamilton Avas commissioned as Brigadier General, and Lieutenant Colonel Ruger was commissioned Colonel of the Third, Avith whose his tory his services are identified until his resignation in April, 1863. The secesh Maiylanders determined to carry their State out of the Union, and elected a " bogus Legislature " to effect it. Under orders. Colonel Ruger proceeded to Frederick, surrounded BREVET MAJOR GENERAL T. H. RUGER. 983 the toAvn, and Avitli the Third Wisconsin, captured the officers and some of the members, and effectually squelched the treasonable design. In Banks' campaign up the Shenandoah, and his celebrated retreat, Colonel Ruger AA'as Avith his regiment, and shared the toils and dangers, and in the battle of Cedar Mountain, he led his brave boys through all that bloody contest. At Antietam, in September, 1862, he Avas in command of the regiment, and led it through that battle, but was subsequently placed in command of the Brigade of Avhich the Third formed a part. He Avas pro moted to Brigadier General in November, 1862, and was present Avith his brigade at the terrible battles of Chancellorville and Gettysburg. In August of 1863, General Ruger Avas ordered to NCAV York, in command of a division of veteran troops, including his OAAm brigade, to aid the civil authorities there in enforcing order after the riots. Accompanying the TAvelfth Corps in its transfer to Tennessee, in the fall of 1863, General Ruger's brigade took part in the operations of Sherman and Grant, and in 1864, the Eleventh and TAvelfth corps being discontinued, Avas assigned to the TAveutieth Corps of General Hooker, and took part in all the actions of the Atlanta campaign. In September, 1864, General Ruger was placed in command of a division in the TAventy-third Corps of General Schofiold, aud took a prominent part in the brilliant repulse of General Hood, at Franklin, in November, and in the battle of Nashville, in December, for which services he Avas brevetted a Major General. In February, 1865, Schofield's corps Avas moved around by Washington, to Eastern North Carolina, and General Ruger, Avith his division, contributed to the rebel defeat at Kiuston, in March. After the surrender of General Johnston's army. General Ruger Avas placed in command of the Department of North Carolina. 984 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL FREDERICK SALOMON.
General Salomon was born iu Prussia, in 1826. He was edu cated to the profession of a civil engineer and architect, and served for some time in the Prussian army, being a Lieuteuint of artillery Avheu he left Europe, in 1849. He came to Wisconsin and settled iu Manitowoc, in that year, where he has since resided. While temporarily in Missouri, in 1861, he enlisted at St. Louis on the 1st of May, for three months, and was subsequently elected First Lieutenant, aud was promoted to the Captaincy ou the 14th of May. The Fifth Missouri formed part of Lyon's army in the campaign of southAvestern Missouri, and participated in the battle of Carthage, on the 5th of July, at'Dug Springs, August 2d, and at the battle of Wilson's Creek, August 10th. In these battles, Captain Salomon was alwaj^s present with his company. While reorganizing the Fifth Missouri for the three years' service, Captain Salomon was authorized by the Governor of Wisconsin, to organize a German regiment. He accordingly returned to Wisconsin, recruited the Ninth Regiment, ofAvhich he Avas appointed Colonel, and iu January, 1862, moved AAuth his regiment to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was ordered to Fort Scott. With his regiment, he participated in the "Indian Expe dition," aud Avas assigned to the command of the Second Brigade. He Avas selected to take command of the expedition, Avhen it Avas ascertained that Colonel Wier Avas incompetent to be iu command. He arrested that officer, and took the command to Fort Scott, where General Blunt acquitted Colonel Salomon of any dereliction of duty. On the 10th of July, he was commissioned as Brigadier General, and assumed command of the expedition. In September, he was assigned to the command of the First Brigade, of the Army of Kansas, Avhich afterwards became part of the Army of the Frontier. His command engaged the rebel forces at Newtonia, in September, and took part in the battle of Cane Hill, Ark., November 28th, aud at Prairie Grove, on the 7th of December. He was relieved from the command, and absent on sick leave, reporting at St. Louis on the 9th of January, 1863, when he Avas BREVET MAJOR GENERAL FREDERICK SALOMON. 985 ordered on duty at Helena, Ark,, where he was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade of General A. P. Hovey's divis ion, and was soon after assigned to the command of the First Brigade, Thirteenth Division, of the Army of the Tennessee. General Salomon, Avith his brigade, took part in the Yazoo Pass Expedition, accompanying General Ross, and taking position iu the front, assisted in the construction of the batteries and approaches. On the 15th of May, he was assigned to the command of the Thirteenth Division, Army of the Tennessee, and on the 2d of June, was placed in command of all the United States forces in and around Helena. Here his engineering experience and edu cation were of inestimable value. He immediately commenced, and completed iu less than thirty days, a line of fortifications around Helena, by means of which, on the 4th of July, Avith a force of less than 3,000 men, he successfully resisted and defeated a rebel force of about 18,000 men, under General Holmes. Gen eral Salomon had sole command of all the troops around Helena, and the successful repulse of the rebel attack is to be attributed to his engineering ability and admirable generalship. He planned and constructed the defences, and was iu supreme command during the battle. After a short leave of absence ou surgeon's certificate, General Salomon reported to General Steele, at Little Rock, on the 27th of September, aud Avas assigned to the command of the Third Division, Seventh Army Corps, His command remained at Little Rock during the Aviuter. On the 23d of March, 1864, the Third Division formed part of the forces of General Steele designed to cooperate with General Banks, iu the Red River Expedition, and marched to Camden, encountering the enemy, and successfully driving him before them. On the return march, his diAdsion occupied the position of rear guard, aud it was the successful resistance which General Salo mon made against the 20,000 rebels, AA^ho attacked him at Jen kins' Ferry, ou the Saline River, that saved the retreating army of General Steele from destruction. He maintauied his position as rear guard till the army reached Little Rock. Out of a force of 5,220 officers and men, the casualties in this campaign of five weeks, Avas 1,775, killed, wounded and missing. 986 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
General Salomon remained in service in Arkansas till the close of the Avar. In the winter of 1865, he was brevetted Major General.
BREVET MAJOR GENERAL LYSANDER CUTLER. General Cutler has been a resident of the city of Milwaukee for several years, and is a native of Maine. In July, 1861, he was com missioned as Colonel of the Sixth Wisconsin Infantry, and com manded the regiment, (with the exception of tAvo months, in Avhich he commanded King's brigade,) until the battle of Gaines ville, on the 28th of August, when he Avas severely Avounded, He returned to duty November 4th, aud commanded the brigade uutil Colonel Meredith was promoted and took command. He Avas appointed Brigadier General, to date from November 29th, 1862, aud was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Divis ion, First Army Corps. General Cutler opened the battle of Gettysburg. His brigade, with the "Iron Brigade," comprising the First Division of General WadsAvorth, did the brunt of the fighting on the ever memorable 1st of July, 1863. His command lost heavily. A short time afterwards. General Cutler took command of the First Division, which he retained, Avith the exception of the first two days of the battle of the Wilderness, until the 21st day of August, 1864, when he Avas severely Avounded. On the 15th of September, he Avas, at his own request, relieved from duty in the field, and by request of General Grant, was ordered to New York, to take charge of, aud forward troops from that State. Subsequently he was ordered to Jackson, Mich,, to the command of the draft reudezA^ous of that place, where he remained until the rebellion collapsed, when he resigned on the 1st of July, 1865, He was previously brevetted Major General, to date from his last fight on the Weldon Railroad, August 21st, 1864 BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS KING. 987
BRIGADIER GENERAL RUFUS KING.
One of General King's staff gave us assurances that we should be furnished with memoranda iu regard to the military services of General King, but they never came to hand. General King Avas on his Avay as ISIinister to Rome, when the Avar broke out, and soliciting leave of absence, he Avas appointed Brigadier General, and authorized to raise a brigade of Wisconsin regiments. He succeeded iu organizing a brigade of the Second, Sixth and Seventh Wisconsin, and Nineteenth Indiana, Avhich afterwards became famous as the "Iron Brigade of the West," In the advance of General McClellan's forces in the spring of 1862, General King AA-as placed iu command of General MCDOAA'- ell's diA'ision, and moved Avith his command to Fredericksburg, and AA^as sent forAvard froiu that point as the adA'ance of reinforce ments to General McClellan, but was recalled to take part in the attempt to intercept General Jackson from the pursuit of Gen eral Banks. A railroad accident prevented the junction of King's diAdsion with the pursuing forces, and they returned to Fredericksburg, where they remained until ordered to reinforce General Banks at Cedar Mountain, Accompanying General Pope in his retreat. General King's division took part in all the battles, and one brigade fought, alone, the bloody battle of Gainesville, on the 28th of August, His diA'ision also partici pated in the second Bull Run battle, and returned to the defences at Washington, Avith the rest of General Pope's forces. General King's division proceeded to South Mountain, where he was relieved of the command, and his military services ceased.
BRIGADIER GENERAL IIALBERT E. PAINE.
General Paine has been a resident of Mihvaukee for many years, Avhere he has been engaged in the practice of the laAA'. When the rebellion broke out he promptly tendered his seiwices to Governor Randall, and received the appointment of Quarter master of the Second Wisconsin Infantry, Avhich Avas then being organized at Camp Randall. 988 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
On the formation of the Fourth Regiment, Lieutenant Paine received a commission as its Colonel, and immediately entered upon the duties of the position, and in a short time, had his regiment efficiently organized. Leaving Camp Utley, Racine, under orders to report at Baltimore, his regiment proceeded by way of Dunkirk and Elmira, New York. At Corning, the rail road authorities, by reason of some quarrel with a neighboring company, refused to run the train to Elmira, After using every argument in his poAver, Colonel Paine determined to take the responsibility, and seize a locomotive, and run the train to El mira. The regiment Avas Avithout arms. Colonel Paine ordered Captains Loy aud Hobart, to report with their companies at the stopping place of the Dunkirk train, armed with pick-handles. The train arrived — the Engineer refused to accede to the wishes of Colonel Paine •— the companies of Captains Loy and Hobart, arrived, and the locomotive Avas placed in their charge, there being competent engineers among the number. Guards were placed along the train, to watch the couplings, the railroad em ployees endeavoring to separate the train. The train was run through by Colonel Paine's engineers to Elmira, where they found more accommodating railroad managers. Colonel Paine's vegiment remained in the vicinity of Baltimore till the spring of 1862, having, durhig the fall, taken part in an expedition to the Eastern shore of Virginia. Having been selected by General Butler as one of the regimeuts for the New Orleans expedition, they left Baltimore for Newport News, and thence to Ship Island, On the capture of Forts St. Philip and Jackson, Colonel Paiue, with six companies of the Fourth Regi ment, proceeded up the river to New Orleans, aud disembarked at five o'clock iu the afternoon, aud Avith the other troops, took fornial possession of that city. Colonel Pajue Avas ordered to take possessiou of the Custom House, Avhich was done, aud they occupied it as quarters duriug their stay iu the city. The Fourth Regiment was actively employed in keeping the rebellious spirit quiet, and at the interview of the city authorities with General Butler, Colonel Paine was ordered to preserve the peace. The Fourth Wiscousii} was placed with two sections of artillery to command the approaches to the hotel. The crowd was large and malignant—-a few Avere slashed with sabres for impudeut acts and words, and some were arrested. BRIGADIER GENERAL H. E. PAINE. 989
Colonel Paine accompanied the regiment ou the two expedi tions to Vicksburg. While passing Grand Gulf, the transports w^.re fired iuto by a battery on shore. On the second expedition to Vicksburg, Colonel Paine captured the town of Grand Gulf and burnt it by order of General Butler. Soon after the return of the first expedition from Vicksburo-, Colonel Paine was placed under arrest by General Williams, for refusing to obey an order to return fugitive slaves in the camps to their masters. Any one knoAA'ing the principles of Colonel Paine, could expect nothing from him but a refusal to obey such a barbarous order. After the second expedition to Vicksburg, he remained uuder arrest at NCAV Orleans, until the death of General Williams, at the battle of Baton Rouge, AA-hen he was released by General Butler, and ordered to take command of the forces at Baton Rouge. Colonel Paiue immediately set to AA'ork in fortifying the place Avith eartliAA'orks and rifle pits, employing uegro labor for that purpose. They proceeded day aud night until completed, AAdien tAveuty-four guns Avere in position, Avhich AA'as considered amply sufficient to defend the place. He Avas soon after ordered to remove the State Library from the State Capitol, burn the toAvn aud return Avith the troops to New Or leans. The Library, and other valuable works of art, Avere re moved to NCAV Orleans. The order to burn the toAvn, AA'as sub sequently rescinded, at the urgent representations of Colonel Paine, and the place was CA'acuatcd — the troops returning to Camp Parapet, Carrolton, just above NCAV Orleans. At Camp Parapet, Colonel Paine Avas placed in command of the Reserve Brigade, Avhich held the centre of the defences of NCAV Orleans. The history of the Fourth Regiment up to this time, was nearly identical Avitli the military services of Colonel Paiue. In Sep tember, 1862, General T. W. Sherman assumed command of the troops at Carrolton, and on the 29th, Colonel Paine Avas placed in command of the First Brigade of General Sherman's diA'ision. Thereafter the regiment Avas under command of Lieutenant Colonel Beau uutil that officer's death. On General Banks' advent as commander of the Department of the Gulf, Colonel Paine Avas ordered to Baton Rouge, Avhcre he Avud placed in command of Camp Banks. He Avas soon after 990 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES placed in command of the Third Brigade of Grover's division, but was subsequently transferred to the Second Brigade of Gen eral Emory's division, and was soon after sent on an expedition to Bayou Plaquemine. Colonel Paine was subsequently sent Avith tAVO regiments to Algiers, near NCAV Orleans, from which, he returned to Baton Rouge, and moved Avith the forces of General Banks,'to the neighborhood of Port Hudson, where Tliey Avitnessed the bombardment of that place by Captain Farragut, but Avere not ordered into action. On the 13th of March, 1863, Colonel Paine was nominated and confirmed as Brigadier General, but he did not receive notice of his appointment until the 3d of June. General Banks planned an expedition to Bayou Teche. Gen eral Paine's brigade, AAuth Emory's division, proceeded to New Orleans, and from thence moved to near Brashier City, remained a few days, and then crossed BerAvick Bay to BerAvick City. In the history of the Fourth Wisconsin, we have given an account of the battle of Bisland. General Paine's brigade occupied the front line and did the chief part of the fighting. The expedition continued on to Opelousas, from thence to Alexandria, on Red River. Here General Emory was taken sick and Avas removed to NCAV Orleans, and General Paine took com mand of his division, and moved on the 15th of May, by Avay of Simmsport, to Port Hudson, reaching the Aucinity of Port Hudson on the 25th of May. In the line of investment around Port Hudson, General Paine's division occupied a position on the extreme right. In the assault on the 27th of May, General Paine's diAusion was really the only one engaged, the assault on the left being unsuccessful. As we have related in the history of the Fourth Wisconsin, one regi ment of General Paine's reached the ditch, and two others Avithin one hundred yards of the parapet. After this until the assault of June 14th, there was by day and night, a constaut fire of artillery and sharpshooters in General Paine's front. On the 4th of June, General Paine moved to Clinton Avith a part of his division, but failed to overtake the enemy. On the 14th of June, another assault was ordered, in which General Paine's division participated. In this affair, Avhile BRIGADIER GENERAL H. E. PAINE, 991 General Paine Avas in the frout urging forward some of his regi ments, Avhich Avere reluctantly facing the deadly fire that SAvept from the enemy's batteries, he Avas struck iu the leg by a rebel bullet and fell upon the field, in a position Avhich Avas covered by the fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, being but about fifteen rods from their Avorks. He fell early iu the morning, and the slight ridges produced in cultivating a field of cotton, Avas all the protection he had from the enemy's fire. All day he lay in this place Avith the hot sun pouring doAvui upon him, unable to change his position, and suffering intensely from thirst, Avhicli was par tially alleviated by a canteen of Avatcr thrown to him by a wounded soldier near him. After dark General Paine Avas removed from the field, and taken to NCAV Orleans, where, at the Hotel ])icu, his Avound Avas cared for, the injured leg successfully amputated, and he left New Orleans aud arrived at MihA'aukee on the 1st of August. On the 1st of September, 1863, he proceeded to AYashington, Avhere he Avas ordered as a member of General Augur's military commission. He remained on duty as a member of that com mission, aud of the general courts martial presided over by Ma jor Generals Augur, Ileintzelman aud Oglesby. The rebels, in July, 1864, under General Early, made an attempt to capture the Cit}' of Washington. General Paiue immediately requested to be placed on active duty. He Avas therefore given command of the forces stationed betAveen Forts Stevens and Totteii, Avherc he continued till the 16th of July, AA^hen he Avas relieved and resigned his duties in the militaiy court. On the 12th of August, he Avas relieved and ordered to report to General Ileintzelman at Columbus, as commander of the mili tary district of Illinois. He remained on duty in Illinois until the 10th of October, Avhen he Avas relieved and returned to Mil Avaukee. In November, of that year, he Avas elected a member of Couffress from that district. o General Paine resigned his position in the army on the 15th of May, 1865. 992 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
BRIGADIER GENERAL JOHN C. STARKAVEATHER.
At the outbreak of the rebellion. General Starkweather was a resident of Mihvaukee, where he was engaged in the practice of laAV. He AA^as born at Cooperstown, New York, in 1830. Before the war, he had taken an active part iu the organization of a military force in the State, under the old military laAV, and had brought the " Mihvaukee Light Guard," an independent company of that city, to a high degree of proficiency in drill and discipline, iu Avhioh, as Captain, he took much pride. The "Light Guard" became the crack company of the State. Considering this expe rience, Governor Randall gave Captain StarkAveather the Colo nelcy of the First Regiment raised in Wisconsin. Under his military genius, the regiment soon became good soldiers, and although its services extended to only ninety days. Governor Randall found many efficient officers for the UCAV regiments, among those Avho had served in the three mouth's regiment. Ou the reorganization of the First Regimeut, Colonel Starkweather retained the command. On the 5th of April, 1862, he was assigned to the command of a brigade. From that time he Avas only in command of the regiment for a short time. Lieutenant Colonel Lane assuming command, aud on his resignation, was succeeded by Lieutenant Colonel Bingham, who remained iu command until the close of the war. In September, 1862, Colonel StarkAVcather was placed in com mand of the TAventy-eighth Brigade, which he gallantly led into the battle of Perryville, on the Sth of October, and saved McCook's command from destruction. His brigade was present, and took part iu the battle of Stone River. On the 17th of June, he Avas appointed Brigadier General, and took part in Rosecrans' movement against Tullahoma, and the subsequent movement, culminating in the battle of Chicamauga, his- brigade gallantly covering the retreat of Negley's division at Dug Gap. At the bloody battle of Chicamauga, he was Avounded in the leg, but remained on the field, and returned with the army to Chattanooga. His brigade Avas highly complimented, in person and officially, by the division commander, and by General Rosecrans. BRIGADIER GENERAL LUCIUS FAIBCHILD. 993
Over exertion at Chicamauga, occasioned a hemorrhage of the lungs. After the battles arouud Chattanooga in November, 1803, General StarkAveather was detached from service in Tennessee, and ordered to Washington ou the 6th of January, 1864, and assigned to duty on General Court Martial, for the trial of Brigadier General Hammond, Surgeon General, U. S. A. On the 16th of May, 1864, he Avas ordered to report for duty to Major General Thomas, and was assigned to the command of the post of Pulaski, Tenn., aud subsequently to the district from Lynnville to Huntsville, Ala., aud all troops therein. He retained this command until the 15th of November, 1864, Avheu he Avas ordered • to a UCAV command at Louisville, Avhere he remained until his resignation, May 11th, 1865.
BRIGADIER GENERAL LUCIUS FAIRCHILD.
General Fairchild was born at Franklin iMills, Portage County, Ohio, iu December, 1831, aud remoA^cd to Wisconsin Avitli his fiither's family, iu 1846. During the California excitement in 1849, the subject of this sketch, then but a mere stripling, boldly struck out iu quest of fortune, in the new found EI Dorado on the Pacific. With an ox team, he made the long and tedious, and at that time dangerous journe}' across the plaius, enduring the hardships and trials Avhich beset the early emigrants to the "Golden Shore." Returning from California in 1855, he Avas employed in the office of the Aladisou and WatertoAvn Railroad, and in 1859, was elected Clerk of the Court of Dane County, and in the autumn of 1860, Avas admitted to the bar. When the AA-ar broke out, General Fairchild promptly tendered his services, and volunteered with the Governor's Guard, an efficient military organization of Madison. Their services Avore accepted, and the compau}' AA'as assigned to the first three months' regimeut, General Fairchild being elected Captain of the company. They served in Eastern Virginia, and about the expirati(ui of their term of service. Captain Fairchild received a commission as Lieutenant in the regular arm}', but soon after Avas aiipointc the first Bull Run. The personal popularity of Lieutenant Col onel Fairchild, soon secured the good Avill of the men composing the regiment. Benefitting from the military education and experience of Colonel Connor, then commanding the Second, the regiment soon attained a position among the best troops in the army, Avhich they held during the Avar. Lieutenant Colonel Fairchild took command of the regiment after the fall of Colonel Counor, at Gainesville, and Avas soon commissioned as Colonel. He commanded it in the second Bull Run battle, and at South Mountain. He Avas absent sick in hospital Avheu the battle of Antietam was fought. Recovering, he assumed command, Avhich he retained until the battle of Gettysburg, on the 1st of July, 1863. He led his regiment gallantly iuto the fight of that day, in advance of the rest of the brigade, under a fire from the enemy which SAvept doAvn one-third of his command. He Avas soon struck by a bullet, Avhich shattered his left arm making amputation necessary. In the Fall of 1863, against his own desires, but by the urgent solicitation of friends, he consented to become the candidate of the Union party in Wisconsin for Secretaiy of State. He accord ingly handed in his resignation, Avhich President Lincoln accepted ou the 20th of October, after conferring upon him the- appointment of Brigadier General. He was elected by a large majority. He served through his term as Secretaiy of State Avith great credit and ability, and in the Fall of 1865, Avas nominated and triumphantly elected as Governor of the State, for the years 1866-7. BRIGADIER GENERAL EDAVARD S. BRAGG. Brigadier Cxeneral Bragg has been a resident of Fond du Lac for some years, Avhere he has been engaged in the practice of law. In politics he was a democrat. On the fall of Fort Sumter and the call for 75,000 men, General Bragg took a stand iu favor of sustaining the government. He left the business then pending in court at Oshkosh, and returned to Fond du Lac, and partici pated in a meeting called for the raising of troops. In an address at this meeting, he defended the " old Democratic party" from BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWARD S. BRAGG. 995 the charge of apathy in support of the government iu time of Avar, regardless of Avhat administration had the reins of poAvcr. He shoAved by his AA'orks that he Avas earnest in his declaration, for as soon as his business at Oshkosh AA-as closed, he left his pro fession, and recruited a company of volunteers, of AAdiich he AA'as commissioned Captain. His company was one of the first to change their enlistment to "three years or during the AA-ar." It was assigned to the Sixth Regiment, Colonel Cutler, aud Avas designated as Company E. LeaAung the State in July, 1861, the regiment proceeded to Washington, and Avas the first regiment assigned to King's brig ade, which afterwards became famous as the "Iron Bi-igade of the West." On the 17th of September, 1861, Captain Bragg Avas commissioned Major, and ou the 20th of June, 1862, Lieutenant Colonel. In the bloody battles of 1862, under General Pope, the Sixth Regiment was engaged, and Lieutenant Colonel Bragg Avas present, and behaved with distinguished gallantry. At Gaines ville, he took command of the regiment on Colonel Cutler being wounded, Avhich he retained through the subsequent battles of the campaign. At Antietam he was Avounded, but soon returned to his command. He was in command of the regimeut most of the time, Avheu, Colonel Cutler being commissioned as Brigadier General, he Avas commissioued aud mustered as Colonel, ou the 24th of ]\Iarch, 1863. In April, 1863, Colonel Bragg led the movement across the Rappahannock, at Fitzhugh's Crossing, as related in the history of the Sixth Regiment, for which he was recommended by Gen eral Hooker for promotion to a Brigadiership. He Avas not present to take active part in the battle of Gettysburg, being uuder medical treatment. He, hoAvever, was Avitli the regiment part of the time, after Avhich he returned to hospital. The mili tary history of Colonel Bragg is intimately interAVOven Avith that of the Sixth Regiment, he being present at most of the battles iu which it Avas engaged. After the second day's fight in the Wil derness, in 1864, he Avas assigned to the command of Colonel Stone's Bucktail Brigade, and after arriving at Cold Harbor, Avas transferred to the command of the "Iron Brigade," to Avhich the Sixth Regiment belonged. He led the Iron Brigade in its oper ations at Petersburg, on the 17th and 18th of June. He received 996 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. his commission as Brigadier General on the 2d of Julj^, and was assigned to the command of the brigade, and was present at the battles of Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, and Dabney's Mills, at the latter place his command being highly complimented iu general orders, and himself recommended to the favorable notice of his superior officers. By the operation of an order to report for special duty at Bal timore, the Sixth aud Seventh Wisconsin Regiments were detached fi'om General Bragg's command, and returned to the trenches before Petersburg, while General Bragg proceeded to Baltimore, in obedience to the special order. After the surrender of the rebel armies, he was engaged in special duty at Washington, until the 9th day of October, 1865, when he was mustered out of service at his own request. BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH BAILEY. General Bailey has acquired a national reputation from his success in relieving Commodore Porter's fleet from their perilous position at the rapids of Red River, near Alexandria, La. General Bailey was born in May, 1827, in the town of Penn sylvania, Ashtabula County, State of Ohio, and removed in 1832, with his father's family, to Livingston, Fulton County, 111., aud completed his education at Quincy, 111. He spent much of his early life in the lead mines near Galena, and in exploring for minerals in Kansas and Missouri, In 1848, he took up his residence in Columbia County, Wis., and founded the present village of Kilbourn City, and subse quently built the dam at that place, which has since become cel ebrated in legislative annals. When the rebelhon broke out, he was engaged in the real estate business, lumbering, and contractor on the public works. He immediately proceeded to raise a com pany of lumbermen, and tendering its services to Governor Randall, it was accepted, he was commissioned as Captain, and his company was assigned to the Fourth Regiment, Colonel Paine, and moved with the regiment to Baltimore. Here Captain Bai ley's peculiar talents Avere brought into use. While stationed at BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH BAILEY. 907 the Relay House, he superintended the construction of Fort Dix, a small but powerful Avork, AA'hich commanded the "Viaduct" at that point. After this, he Avas employed in the construction of barracks for the regiment, in Pattersou Park, Baltimore, aud iu twenty-eight days, completed a building 1,550 x 28 feet, Avith Quartermaster and Commissary buildings, and officer's quarters. Captain Bailey accompanied the movements of the Fourth Wis consin to Sliiplsiand, NeAv Orleans, and up the river to Vicksburg. Here he spent three da3's, with six of his men, reconnoitering in the rear of Vicksburg, ascertaiuiug that the eueiu}^ had eight guns iu position. Returning AA'ith the second expedition. Captain Bailey AA-as placed iu command of the "AA'orkiug details" on the famous Butler "canal," or "cut oft'." The Avork Avas engineered by a Polish engineer, and proved a failure. Continuing Avith the Fourth Wisconsin until September, 1862, Captain Bailey Avas detached by General Butler to superintend the construction of Government levees. In October, he was ordered to construct a fortification ou the right of Fort Parapet. After its completion, another AA'ork Avas constructed ou the south side of the Parapet, aud also a strong fort on the Avcst side of the river. These Avorks occupied his attention during the Avinter of 1862-3. About this time, he AA-as appointed Chief Engineer on Genera. W T. Sherman's staff", aud was subsequently employed iu erecting lieaA'y fortifications at Pass Manchac. Captain Bailey Avas promoted to !Major of the Fourth Wiscon sin in March, 1863, but still retained his position on the staff of General Sherman. In the investment of Port Hudson, in ^fay, it Avas found necessary to plant a batteiy on a ridge, AAdiich Avas commanded by a direct and enfilading fire of the enemy's artil lery aud musketiy. The project Avas pronounced impracticable, except at great loss of life, by the Chief Engineer and his subor dinates, except Major Bailey, AA^ho thought it might be accom plished, aud urged his opinion Avith such pertinacity, that the commanding General consented that the Major should make the attempt at its construction. Furnished with a detail from the Engineer Corps, and a regiment of infimtiy as suppoid, Avith characteristic energy, the Major commenced his Avork, aud not- Avithstandiug the doubts and sneers of educated engineers, which ^ AA'ere plentifully bestoAved, in seventy-tAA-o hours he astonished tho 998 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. enemy by unmasking, within 320 yards of their strongest work, a powerful battery of eighteen nine inch guns, which completely silenced and kept silent, the enemy in his front. Major Bailey also constructed a mine under one of the principal Avorks of the enemy, by running a drift to a point in front of the Avater side of the citadel, a distance of over 400 yards; from this, he approached by a series of parallels to the base of the enemy's Avorks, under which he excavated a horizontal, shaft, 180 feet in length, aud at the terminus, deposited tAvelve barrels of poAvder, and Avas nearly ready to explode the mine, on the 8th of July, when the place Avas surrendered. For his services duriug the siege, he was highly complimented by General Banks, Avho issued an order, promoting him to the Colonelcy of the Fourth Regi ment. He at once took command of the regiment, but the authority of General Banks to promote officers in the field, Avas uot recoguized by the War Department, aud Colonel Boardman was placed iu command of the regiment. Major Bailey being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, patriotically acquiescing in the decision of his superiors. Lieutenant Colonel Bailey Avas engaged in recruiting duriug the Aviuter of 1863-4, in Wisconsin, aud in February, 1864, returned to the regimeut Avith recruits sufficient to fill the Fourth Wisconsin to the maximum, as a cavalry regiment. • Ou the 8th of ]\Iarch, he Avas detached to serve as Chief Engi neer on General Franklin's staff", that General commanding the Nineteenth Corps, aud accompanied that corps on the Red River Expedition, returning Avith the army of General Banks to Alexandria, Avhere it was ascertained that the water in Red River was so low that the fleet of gunboats and transports could uot pass the loAver falls. With an army dispirited by disaster, a powerful force of the enemy threatening an attack hourly, commissary supplies nearly exhausted, Avith the fleet of gunboats and transports thus helpless aud useless, every expedient to relieve them was abandoned as hopeless, by those who had made military engineering a study for life. It Avas left for an obscure lumberman, of the Badger State, to put in practice that experience which, on a smaller scale, had enabled him and his brother raftsmen to get their rafts off the sand bars and obstructions common to the streams on which BRIGADIER GENERAL JOSEPH BAILEY. 999 they ply their trade. Colonel Bailey suggested the building of a dam, 640 feet in length, to raise the Avater ou the rapids, to enable the imprisoned A-essels to pass over. The project AVUS scoffed at by the regular engineei's, but Colonel Bailey obtained permission, and at once Avent to Avork, and Avithiu eleven days had the dam completed, aud after a little delay, gunboats aud transports Avere passed over the obstructions, and the army started on its Avay rejoicing. This AA-as the croAvning glory in the mili tary career of Colonel Bailey. He receiA^ed from all sides, com pliments for his skill and ingenuity. Commodore Poi'tcr thanked him in a public letter. Congress passed a vote of tlianks to him, aud the rank of Brevet Brigadier General Avas conferred upon him, as a slight acknoAvledgment for his important services. In the passage of the army across the Atchafalaya, at Simuis- port, the ingenuity of Colonel Bailey constructed a bridge of the transports of the fleet, Avhich passed the AAdiole army safely over, and in twelve minutes after the last Avagon had crossed, the fleet of boats Avhich had constituted the bridge, Avere steaming rapidly towards the Mississippi. On the 10th of June, 1864, Colonel Bailey was brevetted Brig adier General, and Avas assigned to the command of a brigade, and Avas stationed on the Mississippi and AVhite Rivers, and Avas subsequently assigned to the command of all the besieging forces operating against Fort Morgan, in Mobile Bay, aud took the place. After this, he Avas sent to Pensacola, took command of the district, aud Avas successful in three small engagements. Ou the 10th of November, he received a commission as Briga dier General. He returned to Baton Rouge, aud commanded the First Division of General Davidson's corps of caA-aliy, on his raid through Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Returinug Avith his diAdsion to Baton Rouge, he Avas put iu command of the nor thern district of Louisiana, Avith headquarters at Baton Rouge, and in March, 1865, Avas ordered to join General Caid)y, on Mobile Bay, and commanded all the eugiueer forces, consisting of a diAdsion, aud detachinonts of the army AAdiich finally took Mobile. After,the fall of Mobile, he Avas placed in command of a cavalry division, and moved from Mobile to Baton Rouge by land, Avitli orders to look after Jeff'. Davis, AA'ho Avas then tiying to leave the country. General Bailey remained in this position 1000 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. till he resigned. During his military career, he Avas several times wounded, but uot severely enough to detain him from duty more than tAVO days. BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL HARRISON C. HOBART. General Hobart is a native of Ashburuham, Massachusetts. In his youth he was apprenticed to the printing business. By his OAvii energy aud perseverance, he fitted himself for college, aud graduated at Dartmouth College in 1842, studied law iu the office of Robert Rantoul, at Boston, aud was admitted as an attorney in 1845. He removed to Wisconsin, aud settled at Sheboygan, in 1846. In politics, General Hobart is a Democrat, and has held several important positions in civil affairs, aud been the nominee of that party for some of the highest positions in the state. He was a member of the Territorial Legislature in 1846, and also of the first State Senate. In 1850, he Avas sent to the Legislative Assembly, aud was elected Speaker of that body. The call for troops to suppress the rebellion Avas received, and General Hobart at once responded. Ou the next day he com menced recruiting a company of men at Chilton, Calumet County, himself enlisting as a priA'ate. His company was accepted, and assigned to the Fourth Wisconsin, Colonel Paine, he being elected Captain, He served faithfully with his company, never being absent, unless ou detached duty or sick, until September, 1862, when he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel of the TAventy- first Regiment. With this regiment his military history is identified. Suffering severely, from want of experience and discipline, at the battle of Perryville, the Twenty-first afterwards, under the efficient command of Colonel Hobart, became one of the best fighting regiments iu the army. At the battle of Chica mauga, Colonel Hobart was taken prisoner, and incarcerated iu the Libby Prison, Richmond, from Avhence he made his escape through the celebrated tunnel, with several others, after an imprisonment of over four mouths. Lieutenant Colonel Hobart returned to his regimeut in 1864, and commanded it during the campaign against Atlanta. He BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL OSCAR H. LA GRANGE. 1001 was mustered as Colonel on the 1st of November, 1864, and was assigned to the command of the Fir.st Brigade, First DiA'ision, Fourteenth Army Corps. His brigade took part in Sherman's march to the sea coast, aud Avhile at SaA-annah, he received from President Lincoln the appointment of Brigadier General by brevet, being the only brevet appointment made at that time in the First Division, and Avas assigned to a command of that rank by a special order of the War Department. He continued in command of this brio-ade duriuiy the Avar. After leaAdng the service. General Hobart took up his residence iu MilAA-aukee, and resumed the practice of laAV. BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL OSCAR H. LA GRANGE. Oscar H. LaGrange was born at Fulton, OsAvego County, New York, in April, 1838, aud Avith his fiither's family, came to Wis consin iu 1845, aud settled near Ripon, Fond du Lac County. He endeaA'ored to obtain an education by his OAVU efforts, and by teaching and farming, he Avas able to attend the acad emy at Ripon for some time. In 1856, the Kansas troubles enlisted his sympathies, which Avere strongly anti-slavciy, aud Avith a party of 200 emigrants, under charge of Senator Pomeroy aud Prof Daniels, moved to that territory, and participated in all the movements of the Free State men, and remaiued there until 1857, Avhen he returned to Ripon, and engaged in studying and teaching for two years, aud afterAvards attended the State UuiA^ersity for a year. He Avas said to have been a party in the release of S. M. Booth from the Custom House in Mihvaukee, in 1860, Booth being under arrest by the Uuited States authorities for an alleged infriugemeut of the Fugitive Slave Law. LaGrange AA'as indicted in Judge Miller's court, but his arrest Avas prevented by the in terference of some of the citizens of Ripon, and the indictment was subsequently quashed. On the outbreak of the rebellion, LaGrange enlisted iu the Ripon Rifles, and Avas unanimously elected Captain of the com pany, AA'hich Avas soon after assigned to the Fourth Regimeut, 1002 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Colonel H. E. Paine. Captain LaGrange went to Baltimore with the regiment, and served with his company until September, when he AA'as appointed Major of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and assisted in the organization of that regiment. He accompanied it to Missouri, and in July took part in the raid to Helena, Ark., where he took command of the regiment, Colonel Daniels lea\'ing, and not returning to the command. He returned Avith the regiment to Missouri, and in December, took command of a cavalry brigade. In Februaiy, 1863, he was com missioued Colonel, and in May, being ordered by General Rose crans, he moA^ed AA'ith his regiment to Murfreesboro, Tenn,, AAdiere he was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade, First Cavalry DiAdsion, Army of the Cumberland. His subsequent record is identified Avith that of the " Saber Brigade," which is second to none iu that gallant army. Ou the 9th of May, 1864, while fighting with the rear guard of his brigade, he had two horses killed, aud the second one fasten ing him to the ground, he was taken prisoner, and seut to Macon, Ga., afterwards to Charleston, S. C, where, haviug refused to give his parole, he Avas confined in the jail till August, Avheu he was specially exchanged. He returned directly to his command, and took part in the caA-aliy operations of Major General Wilson. General Wilson, in a letter to the author, speaks iu the warm est terms of the gallantry and braA^ery of Colonel LaGrange.' In September, 1864, General Wilson Avas assigned to the task of reorganizing the cavalry forces of General Sherman, numbering about sixty regiments. In the selection of officers to assist him in this great undertaking, he called Colonel LaGrange to his aid. In December, 1864, Colonel LaGrange, Avith his brigade encountered the rebel General Lyon near HopkinsAdlle, aud after a severe fight, captured tAvo pieces of their artillery, aud drove them from the place. LaGrange's brigade pursued them from place to place, aud with such pertinacity, that Lyon's forces were completely demoralized, dwindling to a mere band of fugitives. His men and horses suffered terribly from cold and hunger, Avhile his division commander, McCook, rested at Hopkinsville. General Thomas warmly commended the conduct of Colonel LaGrange. BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL T. S. ALLEN. 1003 In the operations of General Wilson in the spring of 1865, iu Georgia aud Alabama, LaGrange's brigade participated, aud on the 16th of April, reached the Adcinity of Westpoint, Ga. Col onel LaGrange found the place commanded by a large fort, called "Fort Tyler," mounting tAvo thirty-tvA-o pounders and IAA'O field guns, which was surrounded by a ditch twelve feet Avide and ten feet deep. Dismounting his brigade at 1: 30, iu the afternoon. Colonel LaGrange assaulted the fort ou three sides, drove their skirmishers into the fort, his troops foUoAving to the very edge of the ditch. This being impassable, sharpshooters were placed to keep down the enemy's fire, uutil materials could be gathered for crossing. A second charge was successful; the Avorks Avere carried, and the fort Avas captured, Avith 265 prisoners. The rebel General Tyler and eighteen men and officers Avore killed. General Wilson, in his report, says: I cannot speak too highly of the intrepidity and good management displayed by Colonel LaGrange iu this affair, nor too strongly commend the steadiness dash and conrage of his officers and men. On the 3d of May, General Wilson recommended Colonel LaGrange for promotion to the full grade of Brigadier General, and was assured that nothing but the termination of the war prevented the bestoAval of an honor he had so long deserved. The Secretaiy of AVar, hoAvever, bestowed upon him the brevet of Brigadier General, for gallant aud meritorious seiwices during the Avar. Our limits forbid the publication of General Wilson's letter at length, but we give the closing paragraph: From careful study and close observation of Colonel LaGrange's career while under my command, it affords me great pleasure to say I regard him as one of the most meri torious and promising officers of the service, that I ever met. AVith a splendid phy.'sical development, a peculiarly hardy and elastic constitution, and a mind full of noble impulses, he is in every way fitted to command. Bold, self reliant, and full of youthful energy, he is capable of great exertion. Cool and wary in action, he never forgets to command and direct his men; though impelled by natural aggressiveness, he never fails to be their leader. Skilful and rapid in a campaign, a good disciplinarian, careful and solicitous for tlie comfort of his troops, he combines in a remarkable degree, the best qualities of a cavalry officer. BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL T. S. ALLEN. General Allen Avas born iu Alleghany County, New York, in the year 1825. He first learned the printer's trade, entering col lege iu 1843, and payiug his Avay by Avorking at his trade, at night. 1004 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. After teaching school awhile in the State of NCAV York, he came West iu 1846, aud Avas foremau of a daily paper in Chicago, until the summer of 1847. His health being impaired, he came to Wisconsin, and engaged in mining atDodgeville, and teaching school, until 1850, AA-hen he Avas. elected Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of loAva County, in which capacity he served tAvo years. He was afterwards engaged in the railroad and laud busi ness, and also merchandizing, until 1857, when he Avas elected member of the Assembly for the Mineral Point district. In 1860, he was assistant Chief Clerk in the State Land office, at Madison, and was thus engaged until he enlisted as a Private in the GOA^- eruor's Guards, at Madison, on the 18th day of April, 1861. He was authorized by Governor Randall, to raise a company iu Iowa County. He succeeded, aud was commissioued as Captaiu, on the 7th of May. His company was assigned to the Second Regi ment, and Avas designated as Company I. In the battle of Bull Run, on the 21st of July, 1861, his regimeut aud company Avas engaged, and came off the field in very good order, crossing the Bull Run near Stone Bridge, aud forming Avith other companies, around the colors, Avhen attacked by the rebel cavalry, which made a dash at the retreating column near the blacksmith shop or temporary hospital. With a fcAv other Captains of the Second, they gathered what was possible of the Second Regiment at Centreville, aud secured provisions and coffee for their exhausted commands. Being without superior officers, by common consent the Second Regiment placed themselves under command of Cap tain D. McKee, as senior Captaiu, aud Captain T. S. Allen, and returned to their old camp, near Arlington Heights. At the re-offi cering of the regiment, he Avas promoted to Major on the 22d of August, 1861, and to Lieutenant Colonel on the Sth of Septem ber, 1862, which position he retained until the 14th day of Janu ary, 1863, when he was commissioned as Colonel of the Fifth Wisconsin Regiment, as successor of Colonel Amasa Cobb, who had resigned to take his seat iu Congress. The career of Colonel Allen in the Fifth Regiment is fully de scribed iu the military history of that regiment, the command of which he retained during the war. Of great personal bravery, General Allen led his regimeut in all its desperate encounters, BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL JEREMIAH M. RUSK. 1005 and was several times wounded. Ou the muster out of his regiment he was brevetted Brigadier General for gallant and meritorious services. In the fall of 1865, General Allen was nominated by the Union party for the office of Secretaiy of State, to Avhich he Avas triumphantly elected by a large majority. BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL JEREMIAH M. RUSK Was born in Morgan County, Ohio, in 1830, and removed to Bad Ax County, Wisconsin in the year 1853. In 1855, he Avas elected Sheriff of that county for two years, at the expiration of which period he Avas appointed under Sheriff, and seiwed till 1859. In 1861, he Avas elected to the Legislative Assembly, serving one term, and Avas commissioned Major of the TAveuty-fifthRegimeut iu July, 1862. He accompanied his regiment iu the Indian Campaign into Minnesota. Returning to Wisconsin, he proceeded Avith the regi ment to Columbus, Ky., thence down the Mississippi, and up the Yazoo River to Satartia, from which place they marched under a scorching sun, thirty miles to Haines' Bluff', the exposures and hardships of Avhich march will long be remembered. Subse- sequently the regiment was stationed at Helena, where on the death of Lieutenant Colonel Nasmith, Major Rusk AA'as com missioned Lieutenant Coloneh In the Meridian expedition the regiment was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Rusk, and returned to Vicksburg Avithout losing a man. In the subse quent campaigns, he commanded the TAventy-fifth the greatest portion of the time. In the Atlanta campaign, the Lieutenant Colonel repeatedly led his men into action, and at Decatur, came near being captured. With the subsequent history of the TAVCU- ty-fifth, that of Lieutenant Colonel Rusk is identified, and it is not necessary for us to repeat it here. He successfully led his brave regiment through the march to Savannah, and up through the Carolinas, and thence home, where they Avere disbanded. The testimonials of commanding officers, Avhich we have seen, speak highly of his efficiency, ability aud bravery. 1006 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. In the fall of 1865, he was nominated as the candidate of the Union party for Bank Comptroller, and was triumphantly elected by a large majority. He was brevetted Colonel, and subsequently Brigadier General, for meritorious services. COLONEL CHARLES R. GILL Was born in Herkimer County, New York, in the year 1830. He removed to Batavia, Genesee County, in 1843, where subse-' quently he studied law. He removed to Wisconsin iu 1854, and established himself in the practice of the laAV in the City of Watertown. In 1859, he was elected Senator from Jefferson County, and represented that district two years. At the session of 1861, Governor Randall, in his message, advised that measures be taken to place the Executive of the State in a position to respond to any call Avhich might be made by the President, in case the Southern States should attempt to throw off the Uuited States authority. On the 11th of Jauuaiy, Colonel Gill submitted a resolution calling for a Joint Select Committee of three from each house, to inquire into the expediency of placing the State on a war foot ing, and to report a plan or bill for that purpose. The Joint Committee was appointed, and Colonel Gill, as Chairman, re ported a bill for the defence of the State, and to aid in enforcing the laAvs and maintaining the authority of the General Govern meut. The bill became a law, and under it and its amendments. Governor Randall organized the first regiments of the State. Colonel Gill, throughout the regular and extra sessions of 1861, boldly advocated a vigorous prosecution of the war, and took a decided stand against the sending of Commissioners to the Peace Congress. After the close of the session. Colonel Gill returned to Water- town and devoted much of his time to the raising of companies and recruits, and in July, 1862, in response to a call of Governor Salomon, for 300,000 men, he enlisted in a Company then being recruited at Watertown, as a private, and gave his assistance by voice and action to the filling of the company. COLONEL SIDNEY A. BEAN. 1007 Governor Salomon authorized the organization of a regiment in Dodge and Jefferson Counties, of Avhich Colonel Gill Avas appointed Colonel. The TAveuty-ninth Regiment rcndczA'Oused at Camp Randall, and left the State for seiwice in the field in November, 1862. Colonel Gill's military history is identical with that of the TAventy-ninth, It is unnecessary to repeat it here. Colonel Gill accompanied it iu its movements, taking part iu the Yazoo Pass Expedition, and iu the battles of Port Gibson aud Cham pion Hills, and finally in the siege of Vicksburg, during Avhich his health became so precarious as to compel him to resign and return to Wisconsin. He recovered after many mouths of suffering, in which life hung upon a thread. In 1865, he was nominated by the Union party, as their candi date for Attorney General of the State, and he Avas triumphantly elected by a large majority. Colonel Gill, throughout the Avar, took an enthusiastic interest iu its prosecution, aud lent every aid iu his power to that end. COLONEL SIDNEY A. BEAN. Colonel Bean was born at the Highlands, in Chesterfield, Essex County, NCAV York, September 16th, 1833. With his parents, he came to Wisconsin, at an early period in its history. At an early age, he displayed powers of mind of no common order, aud gave promise of future excellence which later years amply fulfilled. Completing a course of preparatory studies, he entered the UniA-ersity of Michigan in the spring of 1849, AA'here he grad uated in July, 1852, maintaining throughout his collegiate career a high character for scholarship and literary ability. In 1853, before he had completed his twentieth year, he Avas elected Professor of Mathematics in Carroll College, iu the vil lage of Waukesha, Wisconsin, By those Avho had the good for tune to be his pupils during the period of his professorship, his faithfulness and ability will be long remembered, and his success ful labors as a teacher, added greatly to the reputation of the institution Avith Avhich he was connected. 1008 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Business interests imperatively demanding his attention, he was compelled to retire from his professorship and literary pur suits aud enter commercial life. He founded the Forest Cit}' Bank, which required the most of his time aud attention. He hoAvever, succeeded in snatching some leisure hours from the details of business, AAdiich he devoted to the study of language; and continued the same until he entered the army. Colonel Beau was a AAaiter of ability, but was better known and appreciated as a public speaker, and in the Presidential campaign of 1856, evinced remarkable ability iu the poAver and effect of his public speeches. When the rebellion broke out no man in Wisconsin was sur rounded Avith more to make life pleasant, than Colonel Bean. No purer or more disinterested patriot ever made greater sacrifice of that which is dear to the heart. He at once tendered his serv ices, Avhich Avere accepted by Governor Randall, Avho Avas ac quainted with the Avorth of the man, and commissioued him as Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Regiment. In entering the army. Colonel Bean sacrificed everything that makes life pleas ant, a happy home, Avarm friends, and bright prospects of future honor and usefulness. Impelled by a sense of duty Avhich he felt that he OAvcd to his country, he relinquished all and girded on his SAvord. to engage in his country's defence. He folloAved the Fourth Regiment under the brave aud gallant Colonel Paine, to Baltimore, to Ship Island, and was actively, engaged Avith the regiment in the military operations Avhich cul minated in the capture and occupation of New Orleans. His military history is identical Avith that of the regiment from which he was absent but a short time, on leaA^e of absence, up to the day of his death. After the regiment returned to Baton Rouge from Vicksburg, General Paiue being under arrest. Lieutenant Colo nel Bean Avas iu command of the regimeut, and participated in the hard fought battle at that place. After the death of General Williams, Colonel Paine took command of the forces at Baton Rouge, and from that time, was mostly in command of the brigade, leaving regiment under the command of Lieutenant Col. Bean. Ou Colonel Paine's promotion as Brigadier General, Lieutenant Colonel Bean Avas commissioued as Colonel. In the Teche Expe dition of General Banks, iu the spring of 1863, Colonel Bean COLONEL SIDNEY A. BEAN. 1009 was in command of the Fourth at the battle of Bisland, and dis played great ability and skill in the disposition of his regiment, they occupying a position in the front as skirmishers. In the terrible assault on the enemy's Avorks at Port Hudson, on the 27th of May, Colonel Bean personally led his regiment through the obstructions, and across the open space in front of the Avorks, Avhich was filled Avith fallen trees, and Avas SAvept hy the fire of the enemy, to the IOAV ridge Avhere his men found shelter, and from Avhich they soon silenced the enemy's guns. In this assault the Fourth Wisconsin and its gallant Colonel^ are entitled to all the honors, for with the exception of a fcAv stragglers, no other regiment reached the position on the ridge. In a letter Avritten on the day of his death, speaking of the terrible fire to which his regiment was exposed on the 27th, Colonel Bean said: It took time to make our way through the abattis, being as we were, all the time, under the murderous fire of ten or twelve of the enemy's cannon, and of the infantry in the rifle pits. I cannot give any description of this Are, because as at Baton Rouge, I was perfectly unconscious of it. My anxiety to press my regiment forward and keep it in order, wholly absorbed me. He spoke enthusiastically of his officers, particularly of those who Avere wounded iu the action. He took 300 men into the field, about seventy of whom Avere killed or Avounded. Like every brave leader, he loved the men Avho folloAved his lead, aud the letter closes with the remark, " my admiration for the brave felloAA's is beyond bounds." Colonel Bean seems to have had a presentiment that death was near. On the 29th of May, he appeared to be in unusual good spirits. Just as he was about to mount his horse, however, to ride to the front, he suddenly, and to the surprise of those AVIIO were standing near him, became grave, looked upon the ground and became absorbed for several moments in deep thought. He then Aventto his tent aud addressed a note to his Adjutant, Avhich was afterwards found in his port folio, in these Avords: 2fy Bear AA'INTERMYEE : — If I should not return to camp to day, you will please have my effects sent to my home in Wisconsin, and Louis with them. General Paiue will 'ibtain permission for my Orderly, Childs, to go in charge. He, Cliilds, sliould probably be discharged, if such is his wish. By doing this you will confer a last favor ou your friend 04 1010 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. He proceeded to the front, and iu less than an hour, he was shot through the heart by a rebel sharpshooter. He died the death of a hero, with his face to the foe. His remains were recovered and sent home to Wisconsiu, and Avere buried at Waukesha. His funeral'was attended by a large concourse of people, besides Uuited States officers aud soldiers. We feel that our short sketch does not do full justice to the character aud noble qualities of Colonel Bean, but we are assured that an extended memoir is in course of preparation by Professor Evans, of the" Michigan University, who was favored Avith the personal friendship of Colonel Bean, aud who will undoubtedly prepare a work which will do ample justice to the memory of the departed patriot. TAVO brothers of Colonel Bean also entered the service to con tribute to the suppression of the rebellion. The eldest, Walter L. Bean, in the Twenty-eighth Regiment, fell a victim to the ex posures aud hardships of the serAdce, and Captain Irving M. Beau, of the Fifth Regiment, is the only survivor. COLONEL FREDERICK A. BOARDMAN. Colonel Boardman was born iu Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York, March, 1832. He Avas educated at the Naval School at Annapolis, Maryland, and Avent out with the first expedition to Japan, as a Midshipman, and gained much credit as a young officer of promise. He accompanied Bayard Taylor in his explo rations of the Loo Choo Islands, and is very flatteringly alluded to in Mr. Taylor's report, as Avell as his other works, and Mr. Taylor was ever after one of his warmest friends. On the outbreak of the rebellion, Colouel Boardman was com missioned as Major of the Fourth Regiment of Infantry, accom panied that regiment to Baltimore, and subsequently to Ship Island, and took part with the forces of General Butler in the capture of NCAV Orleans. After the passage of Farragut's fleet by Forts Jackson and St. Philip, a force was dispatched by Gen eral Butler iu small boats, to get into the rear of the Forts and cut off the communications of the garrison, the forts being still COLONEL FREDERICK A. BOARDMAN. 1011 held by the enemy. TAVO companies of the Fourth Wisconsin, Avere detached under command of Major Boardman, who with a small detachment of other troops, proceeded up the river and embarked in roAV boats, penetrated to the rear of Fort St. Philip, and by dint of rowing and towing and wading about tweh'e miles, succeeded in securing the only road by AA^hich the gar rison could escape, and the forts surrendered next day. For the skill and endurance displayed by the troops engaged in this undertaking. General Butler afterwards issued a highly complimentary order. On the occupation of New Orleans, Major Boardman preferred to remain with his regiment on active duty, rather than accept a position as one of a commission for the trial of civil cases, which was tendered him by Major General Butler. When General Williams started up the Mississippi, ou an expedition to Baton Rouge, Major Boardman Avas sent on shore to destroy a portion of the Jackson Railroad at Fourier Station. After the'first attempt on Vicksburg, in 1862, Major Boardman was placed in command of a detachment, and landed at Grand Gulf, and endeavored to capture a rebel b-ittery stationed there which had fired on the transports, but tAe rebels succeeded in carrying off their artillery. The Fourth accompanied the secopd expedition against Vicks burg. Major Boardman had charge of the confiscation of con trabands for the construction of the famous " cut off'" or canal, and soon had several hundred of them engaged in the work. When the rebel ram Arkansas, ran past the Union fleet. Major Boardman promptly requested permission to take the transport Laurel Hill, and fit her out Avith a picked crcAV, and attempt the destruction of the ram, then safely moored uuder the frowning batteries of Vicksburg. Consent was obtained, and everything Avas ready for mo\dng against her, when it Avas ascer tained that the Arkansas had moved to a position Avhere she could not he reached and the order was countermanded. Major Boardman, under orders from Colonel Paine, superiu- tended the removal of the State Library from Baton Rouge, by which many valuable books and works of art Avere preserved, which would undoubtedly have been destroyed by the ravages of Avar. 1012 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. , Major Boardman's military history is inseparably connected with the operations of the Fourth Regimeut, both as infantry and cavalry. On the death of Colouel Bean at Port Hudson, Major Boardman Avas commissioned as Colonel, and was constantly Avith the regiment until his death. As an officer. Colonel Boardman was distinguished not only for his great natural military skill, but for being faithful, brave, and true in all emergencies, and uuder all circumstances. As a friend, he was most singularly frank, generous and confiding. As a man, none were more honorable and chivalrous. General St. George Cook, under Avhose command Colonel Boardman acted for several months at Baton Rouge, gave him, a short time previous to his death, command of the entire caA^aliy force at \hat point, numbering about 2,000 men. After the death of Colonel Boardman, General Cook, in a letter to Major Gene ral Pope, then at Milwaukee, after announcing his death, spoke of the mannei in which he met his fate, as folloAvs: After I was relieved of my command, an order came to send 2,000 men of all arms to Clinton, back of Baton Rouge, where the rebels had twelve or fifteen hundred cavalry. Colonel Boardman went in command of a part of his own and another cavalry regiment, and was in front when he m^t the enemy. Colonel Boardman advanced to examine and seize a bridge in the most galUnt manner, and continued to expose himself to a hot Are in the coolest manner, retiring a^, last, and then slowly—in this act, he received four wounds in succession, the last thruigh the brain. Thus in the performance of duty, but in an obscure skirmish, fell one oi Wisconsin' s gallant sons. I knew him well and highly appreciated his worth. His reyment was for some months under my command, performing duty the most arduous and laborious, in a highly successful manner, continually feeling the enemy, and killing,and capturing numbers every week. The Colonel undoubtedly had a presentinient of his death. He came to my quarters to bid me good bye, but in other acts, showed it, more plainly. His body was escorted to the river with the highest military honors. LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID McKEE. Among our illustrations Avill be found the portrait of Lieutenant Colonel McKee, of the Fifteenth Regiment. The artist was, in an eminent degree, successful in giving a correct picture of the original. Lieutenant Colonel McKee was born in the city of St. Louis, in 1828. His father was a native of Ireland, from which he emi grated in his youth. He was a mau of marked and original character, which was transmitted in a great degree,'to the son. LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAA^ID M'KEE. 1013 The family emigrated to the lead mines in Wisconsin in '1832, where the subject of this sketch remained until old enough, when he was sent back to St. Louis, to complete his studies, AA'here he s^raduated AA'ith the hio-hest honors. He studied MAA^ and in 1858, was admitted to the bar in Grant County in this State. He subsequently was admitted to the Supreme Court, and removed to Lancaster, Grant Count}", in 1859,.and engaged in the practice of the laAv with Judge J. T. Mills. In politics, McKee Avas a democrat, and in 1850, represented a democratic district in the Legislature, but when that party became the ally of slavery, he reluctantl}' left it. McKee belonged to that class of men, Avho felt it a duty to act in accordance Avith their convictions, upon those questions where the rights of man aud the safety of the governmeut Avas con cerned. Imbued Avith the loftiest sentiments of patriotism, Avheu the ncAvs of the fall of Fort Sumter Avas received, he AA^as ready to throAv the AA'cight of his influence and character, in favor of sustaining the Government at any sacrifice, and on the first call of the President, he placed his name on the enlistment roll as a priA'ate, and gave up his time to the enrolment of a coiupaiy in the vicinity of Lancaster, of AA-hich he Avas subsequently elected Captaiu. The company AA'as assigned to the Second Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, and became Company C, of that regiment. This company Ava? the first AA'hich Grant County sent to the field, to be folloAved by others, to that extent which has placed Grant County at the head of the list in the furnishing of men sent from the State for the suppression of the rebellion. No better or braA'cr soldiers than those from Grant County, Avere sent to the battle-field, and " Old Grant" may Avell be proud of the deeds which her gallant sons achieved upon the bloody field, first and foremost among AA'hom must be placed the gallant, brave and noble hearted David Mclvee. In this sketch, Ave are not Avritiug his eulogy. Abler pens have elscAvhere endeavored to do his character justice, and the memory of the hero AAdio fell gallantly fighting at Murfreesboro, is treasured in the hearts of those Avho knew him as one of the " bravest of the braA^e." At the first battle of Bull Run, July 21st, 1861, Captain McKee and his company, Avere for the first time under fire. A true 1014 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. history of that battle shows that the Second Wisconsin never faltered, but Avent bravely iuto battle, and fought till its close. Of this we have the testimony of one of the greatest Generals the AA'ar has produced — General Sherman. That General has always expressed his admiration of the conduct of the •Second Wisconsiu, and always endeavored to secure Wisconsin regiments for his command. From the battle-field. Captain McKee led his company. The fragments of the regiment Avere gathered at Centreville, and being deserted by their field officers, Captain McKee was chosen commander and successfully marched the Second Wisconsin into their old camp. The long period of McClellan's inactivity succeeded, in which the Second Wisconsin, by constant drill aud thorough discipline, became one of the crack regiments in McClellan's army. Early in 1862, Captain McKee was commissioned as Lieuteu ant Colonel of the Fifteenth Regiment. He joined that regiment at Island No. 10, aud folloAved its fortunes through West Ten nessee, joining Buell's army in Middle Tennessee, aud with the Fifteenth taking part in the battle of Perryville. He next com manded an expedition down the Cumberland River, which elicited a highly complimentary notice from General Rosecrans. Next we find him leading the skirmishers against the eight gun bat tery of the enemy at Knob Gap, and lastly, on the fatal field of Murfreesboro, ou the 31st of December, 1862, we find him facing a furious fire of the euemy as he came bearing down in overpowering numbers upon the troops of Davis' division. He was shot iu the forehead and instantly killed. His remains Avere subsequently recovered and sent home to Lancaster Avhere he Avas buried AAdth masonic and military honors. McKee's whole heart was absorbed in the cause which he had taken up. The high souled patriotism of the man was evinced, in a remark by him, when Company C was taking its departure fi'om Lancaster — " If we ever desert our flag, if ever we prove recreant to the glorious cause, then teach your children to lisp their curses upon our names." Colonel Carlin, his brigade commander, speaking of Lieutenant Colonel McKee, iu a letter, says: / MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1015 He was witii his regimeut during all the hard Hghtiug of the 30th, and morning of th^e ilst, and wherever he was, his presence gave courage to our men; no more daring officer was iu tlae army. Grant County is rearing a monument in memory of the gallant men AA'ho Avent to the battle-field from her districts, and Avell do they deserve such a tribute. MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. A military history of our State would be incomplete Avithout some account of the philanthropic efforts made by this estimable lady, for the alleviation of the sufferings of our sick and wounded soldiers, languishing in Southern hospitals. Prompted by the impulse Avhich induced her noble hearted husband to give his personal attention to the Avants of our suffer ing soldiers after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and in the execu tion of which duty he lost his life, Mrs. Harvey determined to devote her time and efforts to a continuation of the Avork Avhich Governor Harvey had begun. Early in September, 1862, Governor Salomon authorized Mrs. Harvey to act as one of the Sanitary Agents of the State, to visit the several miHtaiy hospitals, and look after and care for the sick and Avounded soldiers of Wisconsiu. She arrived at St. Louis, on the 26th of September, and immediately called on the United States Medical Director, Dr. Mills, stated the object of her visit to St. Louis, and Avas well received and treated with all courtesy aud kindness. She visited the Fifth Street and Benton Barracks hospitals, aud found about tAventy Wisconsin men, Avho Avere all glad to find they were remembered by the authorities at home. Her attention was called to the condition of the First CaA^aliy at Cape Girardeau, to Avhich place she proceeded and found the regiment very much reduced by sickness, and but just returned from Helena, after the insane raid made by their Colouel through Arkansas. She also found the hospitals very much croAvded and means very inadequate for supplying those needing it, AAdth aid. 1016 BIOGEAPHIOAL SKETCHES. After reporting tlie condition of things to the Governor, slie returned to St. Louis, aud soon afterwards to "Wisconsin, to endeavor to give a proper direction to tlie benevolent efforts of the ladies of the State, which were then being made to alleviate the sufferings of the soldiers in the field and hospitals. In October, Mrs. Harvey was again in St. Louis, and recom menced her labor of visiting the hospitals, where she found sixty or seventy of our Wisconsin men, and did all in her power to assist and comfort them, writing to their friends, and making eftbrts to secure the discharge of those who were in a dying condition, or were unfit for further service. In the latter part of October, she visited Ironton, where she found the Eleventh Eegiment suftering from the malarious dis eases, contracted while in Arkansas, at Helena, and other points. She returned to St. Louis about the 1st of November. The Sur geon in charge of the hosj)ital at Benton Barracks, wrote a letter to Governor Salomon, highly commending Mrs. Harvey for her efficiency and untiring efforts to assist the suffering soldiers of the State. In November, she revisited Cape Girardeau, and received permission from General Curtis to visit all the hospitals in his command, with an order to Quartermasters and transportation companies to afford her all possible facilities for transmission of herself and sanitary articles. From Cape Girardeau she pro ceeded to Memphis, where she found over a hundred Wisconsin men sick at the fort, and in the Post Hospital. Mrs. Harvey suc ceeded in obtaining discharges for many of these men. From Memphis, she visited Helena on her philanthropic mission, re turning to St. Louis on the 28th of December, and found many of the Wisconsin sick had been sent up the river during her absence. In January, 1863, she visited Rolla and Ironton. She returned to_ Memphis early in February, 1863, and in a letter to the Gov- erner, urged the necessity of establishing a hospital at home, desiring him to consider the subject, saying: " You do not begin to imagine the good it will do for our poor, suffering, wounded men this coming summer." She further says: " We have a great many sick and wounded here, and to-morrow I commence visit ing the hospitals. I feel that I can do great good here. I am MES. CORDELIA A. P. HAKVET. 1017 very well and shall labor with delight, for I know just what to do, and where to go, the authorities are so willing to aid me." In the latter part of the month, she visited Corinth, Jackson and La Grange. She found no Wisconsin regiments at Corinth, but at the other places were many of our sick. On returning to Memphis, she engaged in the duties of her agency and obtained discharges for many who would otherwise have languished for months in the hospital. In March, she visited Vicksburg, to see General Grant, and was successful in securing the issue of orders for the sending of all chronic diarrhoea patients to Northern hospitals — and another, to clear out the convalescent camp at Memphis, dis charging those unfit for service at once, and sending the others to their regiments, and a third order, appointing Medical Inspec tors to every army corps, who should have full power to dis charge disabled men. Mrs. Harvey received an order from the head of the United States Sanitary Commission, for all the sup plies she needed, and $100 per month to be used according to her own judgment, for the benefit of the soldiers. While on her return to Memphis, Mrs. Harvey was taken sick, which eventually compelled her to come North in order to regain her health. She remained in Wisconsin, and the State of New York, during the summer, until her usual degree of health was restored. The project of establishing general hospitals in the Northern States, where our soldiers could be sent to recover from the de bilitating diseases of the South, and where their recovery would be hastened by the knowledge that they were within the reach of friends and home, had made an indelible impression upon the mind of Mrs. Harvey, and after securing the cooperation of Gov ernor Salomon, and others, she proceeded to Washington in September, to use her personal efforts in securing such a desirable boon to the suffering soldiers. The interview of Mrs. Harvey with the authorities at Wash ington, displays the perseverance and pertinacity, with which she took hold of any important work, which her heart, judgment and experience taught would enure to the good of the brave suf fering heroes who were languishing in the close hot Southern hospitals of the government, gasping and panting for one draught 1018 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. of the pure atmosphere of their Northern homes. Mrs. Harvey went to Washington determined to have a hospital established in Wisconsiu. Li the text Ave have given a brief statement as to hoAV it was accomplished. Presuming that a more detailed ac count will be interesting to the many friends of Mrs. Harvey, Ave condense from papers to which our attention has been directed, a short sketch, of Mrs. H.'s intervicAvs with the President. On her arriv^al at Washington, Mrs. Harvey called at the White House, and after a brief delay, was admitted to an audience. The President received her kindly and motioning her to a chair, proceeded to read the letter presented by Mrs. Harvey. ^Finishing it) the President, rather tartly said: " Madam, this matter of ISTorthern hospitals has been talked of a great deal, and I thought it was settled; but it seems this is not the case. What have you got to say about it?" " Simply this," was the reply, " that many soldiers sick in our Western army on the Mississippi, must have Northern air or die. There are thousands of graves along the Mississippi and Yazoo, for Avhich the Government is respon sible— ignorantly undoubtedly; but this ignorance must uot continue. If you will permit these men to come North, you Avill have ten men in one year Avhere you have got one UOAV." Mr. Lincoln began to argue the matter, taking the ground that the men Avould desert, continuing that it Avas " a fine Avay to decimate the army, and that Ave should never get a man back^ not one." "Pardon me," was the response of Mrs. H., "for I believe you are mistaken. You do uot understand our people. They are as true and as loyal to the Government as yourself. The loyalty is among the common soldiers, and they are the chief suff'erers." SomcAvhat petulently Mr. Lincoln replied: " This is your opinion." The President cited his visitor to statistics in regard to the number of men absent from the Army of thCyPotomac at the battle of Antietam, as an argument against placing great induce ments before^ the convalescent soldier to desert if allowed td be sent to Northern hospitals, further stating that out of 170,000 men, only 80,000 could be got for actidn. Mrs. H. quietly re marked, that " it was very sad; but the delinquents Avere cer tainly not iu Northern hospitals, nor were they deserters from Northern hospitals, for Ave have had none; so your argument is not against them." MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1019 Appreciating the reply. President Lincoln directed Mrs. Har vey to call on the Secretaiy of War, aud see Avhat he Avould say. He endorsed on the back of the letter presented by Mrs. IL, " admit Mrs. Harvey at once. Listen to AA'hat she says. She is a lady of iutelhgence aud talks sense.—A. LINCOLX." She proceeded to Secretaiy Stanton's office, and Avas listened to and treated AAdth great kindness. Secretaiy Stanton told her that he had sent the Surgeon General to NCAV Orleans Avith directions to move up the river and visit all the hospitals. Mrs. Harvey expressed her want of faith in these inspections, and assured the Secretary that no good to the Western soldiers had resulted from them. On being informed by the Secretaiy, that nothing could be done uutil tbe return of the Surgeon General, Mrs. H. returned to the President. His Excellency Avas occupied for some time, but after the departure of his visitor, he motioned ]\Irs. Harvey to a chair, and listened to her account of the inter- vicAv Avith the Secretary of War, AA^hich she closed by remarking that she had no one to go to but him. The President promised to see the Secretaiy of War that evening, and directed her to come in the morning. Full of hope, Mrs. Harvey went to the White House in the morning. Entering the President's room she was motio;]ed to a chair.- Mr. Lincoln had evidently been disturbed by some pre vious business of the day, and evidently Avaited for the conver- oation to be opened by his visitor. " Well," he at length said, " Have you nothing to say." " Nothing," Avas the reply, " until I hear your decision. Have you decided ? You knoAV you bade me come this mprniug." "No, I have not decided: and I be lieve this idea of Northern hospitals is a great humbug, and I am tired of hearing about it." Mrs. H. said, "I regret to add a feather's Aveight to your already overwhelming care aud respon sibility. I Avould rather have stayed at home." To Avhich the President replied Avith a faint smile — "I Avish you had!" Mrs. Harvey replied earnestly, " Nothing Avould have giA^en me greater pleasure sir, but a keen sense of duty to this Gov ernment, justice aud mercy to its most loyal supporters, and regard for your honor aud position, made mo come. The people cannot understand Avhy their husbands, fathers aud sons, are left to die, A^hen, Avith proper care and attention, they ought to live, 1020 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. and yet do good service to the country. Mr. Lincoln, T do be lieve you will yet be grateful for my coming. I do not come to- plead for the lives of criminals, nor for the lives of deserters; but 1 plead for the lives of those Avho Avere the first to liasteu to the support of the Government, Avho helped to place you Avliere you are — for men who have done all they could, and UOAV Avhcu flesh and blood, and nerve and muscle are gone, AAdio still pray for your life aud the life of the Republic. They scarcely ask for that for which I plead. They expect to sacrifice their lives for their country. I know, that if they could come North, they could live and be well, strong men again — at least many of them." Mi% Lincoln was interested by her earnestness, and Avas evi dently distressed, as if he was convinced that there Avas justice in her remarks— but merely said, " You assume to know more than I do." " Pardon me," Avas the respectful response, " Mr. Lincoln,'I intend no disrespect, but it is because of this knowl edge, and because I do knoAV Avhat you do not knoAv, that 1 come to you. If you had knoAvn Avhat I know, and had not already ordered Avhat I ask, I should know that an appeal to you would be iu vain; but I believe in you. I believe the people have not trusted you iu vain. The question only is — do you believe me or not? If you believe in me, you will give us hospitals; if not—welh" " You assume to know more than surgeons do," rejoined Mr. Lincoln, rather sharply. Mrs. H, stated that she " thought she could not perform amputations as well as some of them do — that she was not an aspirant for military favor or promotion—that the medical authorities kncAv that he, the President, Avas opposed to estabhshing Northern hospitals, and reported accordingly." She then described the manner in Avhich these Medical Inspec tors performed their duty, and concluded — "It is not thus that I have visited hospitals. For eight long months—from early morn till late at night, sometimes — I have visited the regi mental and general hospitals on the Mississippi, from Quincy to Vicksburg; aud I come to you from the cots of men Avho have died, and Avho might have lived if you had permitted it. This is hard to say, but it is true." MRS. CORDELIA A. P. HARVEY. 1021 Omitting a portion of the conversation as not entirely relevant to the business of Mrs. Harvey, the intervicAv Avas concluded by Mr. Lincoln desiring Mrs. Harvey to call on him at 12 o'clock, next day, after Cabinet meeting, as he had not decided on an aiiSAver. NotAvithstanding the excitement and exertion, in thus deter minedly folloAving up the business AA^hich she had in hand, and which had prostrated her upon a temporary bed of sickness, she was promptly at the White House at 12 o'clock. The Cabinet AA\as still in session. The President sent her Avord that the Cabinet Avould adjourn soon, and that she must Avait. She did wait for three long hours. She became somcAvhat nervous at the prospect of defeat. Those three hours Avere ones of great anxiety. President Lincoln at length came into the room, expressing sorrow at the delay, but the Cabinet had just adjourned. Per ceiving that the President Avas fatigued, Mrs. Harvey kindly remarked that they had better not talk on the business, but President Lincoln motioned her to a seat, and quietly seating himself by her side, said, " I only wish to say to you that an order, AAdiich is equivalent to the granting of a hospital in your State, has been issued from the War Department, nearly tAventy- four hours." Overcome by the unexpected UCAVS of her success, Mrs. Har vey could at first, only reply by a " God bless you." After a further short conversation, Mrs. Harvey left the Wliite House, Avith an invitation from Mr. Lincoln, to call next morning and he Avould furnish her Avitli a copy of the order. On being admitted to the audience room, Mr. Lincoln said to Mrs. Harvey, "Did joy make you sick? I suppose you Avould have been "mad" had I said "No!" She replied that she should neither be angry nor sick. " What Avould you haA'e done." Mrs. Harvey promptly replied, " I should have been here at nine o'clock this morning." Laughing, Mr. Lincoln said, "I think I have done wisely then." The hospital business being accomplished, Mr. Lincoln could not close it up Avithout a bit of a joke. In his peculiar Avay, he looked up under his eyebrows and Avith a face full of beucA'- olence, aud his countenance lighted by a cordial smile, said to Mrs. H., " You almost think I am handsome." Mrs. Harvey 1022 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. exclaimed, "You are perfectly ?ou6??/to me now, Mr. Lincoln." Mrs. Harvey left the White House aud proceeded home tc Wisconsin, highly pleased at the success of her mission. Early in October, Mrs. Harvey returned to her field of dutj' at Memphis, and in November, uuder instructions from Governoi Salomon, she removed to Vicksburg, which was her headquarters duriug the rest of the war. Her field of operations extended from Memphis to New Orleans, and to such points on each side of the river where Wisconsin regiments were stationed, or where Wisconsin men were to be found in hospitals. Wherever she went, her presence was hailed with joy by the suffering patients, and many a poor fellow owes his life to the untiring efforts of Mrs. Harvey. Mrs. Harvey remained stationed at Vicksburg until June, 1865, when she returned to Wisconsin and interested herself in the establishment of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home. Her efforts were successful, and the " Home " has become one of the benev olent institutions to be supported by the State. A full descrip tion of the " Home," and the law which governs the reception of orphan children, will be found inserted immediately after the preface, with an engraving of the building. .' V