Freeborn County, Minnesota - Chapter 50: Freebohn County in the War of the Rebellion, 1882

The Indian Outbreak Who Participated

When the war had been actually proclaimed, and the people began to realize that most of tbe southern States, were actually in rebellion against the government, there was no hesitation in actually starting the work to meet the demand for men with which to create an army. The State at this time was only three years old, and this county had been settled but about five or six years, and few of the people had got out of their primitive shanties, and it will ever be a matter of profound astonishment how so many men were found to thus take their lives in their hands and go to the front to assist in forming the walls of steel to repel the enemies of the American Union.

Many of the people of the county were born in the old world, but they had been educated with faith in the New, and only those who have been through a like ordeal can understand the bitter experience of most of them in procuring means to tear themselves away from old companions to come to this land of the free, and the home of the brave; but having come, and began to taste the fruits of their own labor, witb no grasping laudlord to secure the usufruct of the laud and I'eap the reward of toil, they were alarmed when these new found rights and privileges were thus jeopardized. And with the true instincts of freedom and manhood, in response to an intelligent interpretation of the laws of self preservation, and in a spirit meriting the highest commendation, they enlisted to protect their adopted country. Their heroism, valor, and devotion, on many a well fought field, atte.st their title to the proud appelation of American citizens, and as time goes on their names will be more and more tenderly regarded, and their deeds will be recounted with greater and greater reverence, and will be pointed at with pride by coming generations, as worthy of emulation.

That such a young county should be able to fill its quota as against older communities, before the land itself was subjugated, or the people had provided the comforts of home for themselves, will ever excite the liveliest satisfaction in the hearts the people of the nation.

The usual scenes transpiring all over the country were occurring here, in a form of course modified by the circumstances. Knots of men in earnest conversation, men reading aloud the latest news to interested groups, public meetings, and anon, the shrill, ear-piercing fife, and the roll of the martial drum, were heard in these western wilds, and finally, the tramp of the citizen soldiery with the sharp command, giving a realization of war's wrinkled front, was actually abroad in the land.

One of the first meetings called was in Shell Rock on the 1st of May, 18(il. Manly C. Isham was chosen chairman, and H. L. Dow was appointed secretary. Rousing speeches were made and war committees appointed, as follows:

On the 11th of May, the people of Albert Lea met and raised a liberty pole, ayd then repaired to the Webber House and held a mass meeting. E. K. Pickett was chairman, and William Morin was secretary. It was resolved to form a rifle company, and a committee on resolutions was appointed as follows: E. C. Stacy, E. P. Skinner, and A. W. White. E. K. Pickett, Samuel Eaton, H. D. Brown, Benjamin Frost, D. G. Parker and others, made patriotic addresses, and forty -six persons were enrolled.

Arrangements were maile to hold meetings all over the county, in each prominent place; Shell Rock, Nunda, Freeborn, Moscow, and other points. At these four places two men were to go to each, and for the four men each had two meetings. These speakers were two Democrats and two Republicans, but some of them weakened when the supreme moment came, and as a matter of fact E. C. Htaoy went tlirough the campaign without faltering, and did good service in firing up the northern heart. The story is told that at one of these meetings, at a large schoolhouse, he got warmed up and was pacing the tlot)r and gestulating with frenzied olo([uence, when he became conscious of a boisterous uproar in the audience, and on turning he saw a man who had been carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, following him as he walked, and in frantic imitation of the speaker, reasserting his postulates! And the story may as well be told here, that only a few years ago the judge, who was counsel in a case in town, made an elocpient plea for his client, and a German who was on the jury was visibly affected by it, who, on being questioned about it afterwards, said "Oh yes, be made that same speech when raising troops for the war."

At these war meetings the girls would sing patriotic songs and the recruiting books would be opened. The second meeting in Albert Lea was in the Webber House and was well attended.

Capt. Lewis McKune was killed at Bull Run, and the people began to realize that putting down the rebellion was no holiday aflfair ; and that no three months, as at first supposed, would close, the war.

In December, the ladies of Freeborn County had manufactured in an eastern city, a regulation flag of fine material and best workmanship. A delegation carried it to Fort Snelling, and in their behalf Frank Hall, of Albert Lea, with pertinent and patriotic words, ])resented it to Co. F, of the Fifth Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, which was composed of Freeborn county men. It was gallantly received in behalf of the company by (^laptain White, who acknowledged its protecting folds the harbinger of victory, and assured the fair donors that it should ever be borne aloft "until the last armed foe expires," and "that when sad and dispirited, the sight of this banner, and the rememlirance of the fair donors, would rally their latent energies, and again their drooping spirits shoiild revive and new courage inspire their hearts." As a matter of history the folds of this flag were never sullied by those who fought under its protecting care.

In addition to those who enlisted in Minnesota Regiments in 1861, there were 46 Norwegians who went to Wisconsin to go into a regiment of their own nationality there. In order to get, if possible, these names, a letter was directed to Chandler P. Chapman, the assistant Adjutant General of Wisconsin, who, in leply submitted the names found in the list of soldiers credited from Freeborn county as far as they were recorded. He mentions that it is not unlikely that others may have gone into other regiments.

Company C was organized by Captain Frank Hall, at Fort Snelling, in March, 1862, and was reorganized as a veteran regiment in March, 1864, at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and mustered out at Demopolis, Alabama, on the 6th of September, 1865, having participated in most, if cot all, the battles of the Southwest. Captain Hall was promoted to Major of the Fifth Regiment on the 31st of August, 1862.

Five Hundred Recruits Wanted Fifth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers

To all Recruits enlisted by recruiting Officers, to serve for three years, or the war, in old regiments noworganized, whose term of service expired in 1864 or 1865, there will be paid one month's pay in advance, and in addition a bounty and premium amouutinp; to $302 as follows: On being mustered into the United States service, under this authority and Ijetore leaving the recruiting station or depot to join his company or regiment, shall receive one month's advance pay $13 00

At the expiration of three years' service, or to any soldier enlisting under this authority, who may be honorably discharged after two years' service, the remainder of the bounty will be paid . 40 00

II. If the government shall not require these troops for the fiiU period of three years, and they be mustered honorably out of the service before the expiration of their term of enlistment, they shall receive, on being mustered out, the whole amount of bounty remaining unpaid, the same as if the full term had been served.

III. The legal heirs of soldiers who die in the service shall be entitled to receive the whole bounty remaining unpaid at time of the soldier's death.

To persons desirous of entering the United States' service, this fine Regiment now offers an opportunity. The advantages of entering an old and well drilled regiment, are too well known to be enumerated. The wishes of persons enlisting, who have friends or relatives in the regiment, will be regarded as to the companies to which they wish to be assigned.

The present presents a most favorable opportunity to any man who contemplates joming the service, especially those liable to draft should at once join this brave regiment that has already earned lasting honor by its courage and valor. Capt. T. J. Sheeiian, Recruiting officer, 5th Minn.

As far as the county was concerned, the government left recruiting affairs to individual exertion and town action. In the county records no mention is made relating to the rebellion until Septemljer, when George S. Ruble was authorized to appropriate the sum of fifty -five dollars for the benefit of the family of George Conrad of the Second Minnesota Cavalry, and forty dollars for the benefit of the widow of George W. Gilo, late of company F, Fourth Cavalry. Wannemaker's widow, late of company E, Tenth regiment, was also furnished a small sum, and other sums for like purposes were also appropriated at this time.

At the anniial meeting in January, 1865, a petition was presented from E. P. Hathaway and others, asking the Board to vote a bounty of $300 to pay volunteers to help fill the quota, but it was rejected. A petition of citizens of Moscow to the same effect met a like fate.

In this war sketch it must be recorded as to how some of the soldiers' families lived during their absence at the front. While Major Hall was in the army Mr. C. M. Hewitt managed his store

, and did an enormous business. All the soldiers' wives bought their goods there, and those who were in Hall's command would remunerate him at the pay table when the paymaster came around. On ths 1st of February, 1864, the quota of Freeborn county stood as follows: Whole number demanded, 273; number actually furnished, 292; making nineteen more than the regular quota. In November the impending draft was susi pended until the 5th of January, 1864.

; The following from a paper at that date will show what occupied the attention of the journals of the day, and how things were accomplished.

The result of Gov. Swift's visit to Washington was made manifest in the following telegrams received at St. Paul on the 6th, which will be received with general satisfaction throughout the State :

The quota for Minnesota has been so m\ich reduced by former excess of volunteers since the draft was ordered, that no draft will be made in that State before the fifth day of January, 1864, and only then in case she fails to raise her quota of 300,000 volunteers called for by the President.

Capt. T. M. Saunders. - If a State furnishes her full (|uota of volunteers under the President's call of October 17th, 1863, for three hundred thousand, the draft ordered for the first of January, 1864 will not take place in that State.

The Quotas

"The Pros'ost Marshal of this District has com- ])leted the enumeration of the township sub-district in this Congressional District, carried out the number of men enrolled in the first and second classes respectively, and forwarded the" same to the War Department.

In this district there are 243 sub-districts distributed among the counties as follows, and numbered from No. 1, in Houston Co., to No. 243 in Watonwan Co., in the following order:

As we understand the matter, the Provost Marshal General requires 1,425 men from this district, giving the Adjutant General the appointment of these men among these 243 township subdistricts, each of wliich must raise its quota independent of any other sub-district. The Adjutant (leneral has furnished a table given by us last week, showing the aggregate quotas of the counties in this district. Each township in these counties must furnish the proportionate number

Congress has adjourned until the 5th of January without coming to any definite conclusion on the i)roposed amendments to the enrollment Act. The Senate Military Committee proposes to strike out the word 300 and insert no amount in its stead, but let each drafted man make the best terms to procure a substitute or ajipear in person; also, any man enrolled may furnish an acce]itable substitute, which will relieve him from military duty during the time his substitute has accepted to serve, The committee are unanimous in recommending that there be but ane class of militia - the 2d will, without doubt (and very justly, too,) take rank with their juniors, alike improve the present condition of both by arousing the one from apathy, and encourage the other by relieving it of tlie whole burthen so generously bestowed on it by a Congress composed abnost wholly of class No. 2."

"Governor Swift, sometime since, applied for permission to apportion our quota by townships and wards, and on Wednesday receiving the following dtspatch, granting his request:

Yon are authorized to apportion your quota of the three hundred thousand volunteers among the several towns or subdivisions of your State as you may find ])roi)er. The whole quota of the State, must, however, be distril)uted.

"The War Department has notified the Governor that the names of volunteers must be certified to by the mustering officer before they are forwarded to Washington, and in order to assure the credit due wards and townships, this officer must certify the towns, wards, and counties from which the recruits were enlisted. It is therefore not only necessary that our wards should ascertain the number of men they have sent, but they should also see that they are credited to the proper wards on the mustering officer's books."

War Record

gressioiial District, which is publishefl in to-day's paper, by which it will be seen that the time for hearing claims for exemption from military duty is extended to the 5th of January next. All wishing to avail themselves of this opportunity can now proceed to the 'Captain's office' at Rochester and have their cases duly passed upon; none need be bashful who have proper cause ; the sooner such names are stricken from the rolls the better it will be tor all concerned."

"Captain Samuel McPhail, of Houston county, was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Seventh Regiment, vice Crooks, promoted. Lieutenant Colonel McPhail joins the Indian expedition as commander of the irregular cavalry."

"Lieutenant Colonel Averil], of the Sixth Regiment, reported for duty yesterday. He left for Lake City, and will take a volunteer cavalry force to the Indian country from that locality."

"Hardee Revised. - Captain Saunders has received a copy of Hardee's Tactics revised and amended, which can be seen and examined by military men on calling at his office. All officers should have a copy before entering the field. Capt. S. is a perfect military scholar, and is willing to give all the necessary instructions concerning the new work to all officers who have had no experience in military matters."

"Help from Wisconsin. - A dispatch was received yesterday from Governor Solomon, stating that he had shipped several hundred thousand rounds of cartridges to Minnesota, in answer to the request of Governor Ramsey."

Let every man that can obtain a horse, arms and equipments, hasten to the assistance of the settlers on the frontier. There will be work for all to do.

terday the Governor received a dispatch from General Halleck, stating that his request would be granted. This regiment may be expected home this week, when it will be reorganized and sent to the frontier."

These items are copied at random from the newspapers of the day, and the war news so filled them that there is no wonder that the little girl should ask her mother after the close of the war what they would fill the papers with now ?

With the war came a new form of taxation. Excise duty, or any form of government control of manufacturing or industrial interests were before unknown. Now most kinds of business and professional men were subject to a special tax in the form of a license, and personal incomes beyond a certain sum had to contribute a certain per cent, and notices like this were common.

"Internal Revenue. - Attention is again called to the notice of the Collector of Internal Revenue, which is published in to-day's paper, all assessments for the current year are requested to be paid Viefore the 31st day of December. If not so paid 2 per cent per month will be added thereto."

On the 15th of April, 1861, President Lincoln called for 75,000 troops, and to keep up the delusion which was generally entertained by the South as to the superiority of Southern over Northern men, Jefferson Davis the next day called for 32,000.

On the 10th of July, 1861, President Lincoln called for 500,000 volunteers, and, according to the Adjutant General's report, the whole number enlisted before the close of the war, including officers, was 2,157,047 white men, and 178,895 colored.

In the winter of 1863-64 it became evident that the war could not be brought to a close before the term of enlistment of the great bulk of the army would expire, and so inducements of an extraordinary character were held out for the members of the various regiments in the field to re-enlist, including bounties of several hundred dollars and a promise of a visit home, and where whole regiments or companies re-enlisted,they came home with their officers in an organized form, and as they returned they were handsomely received.

On the 31st of March, 1864, the members of Co. F, of the 4th Minnesota Regiment Veteran Volunteers were tendered a reception by the citizens of Albert Lea. The affair was a cordial outgrowth of the feeling of gratitude which filletl all hearts toward the noble men who had stood between them and desolation. Among the veterans present are remembered: J. Fredenburg, B. J. House, John Cottrell, F. E. Drake, George C. Snyder, Alfred Taylor,' Henry McGraw, Phineas Taylor, William Fenholt, Henry Woodruff, A. Wishman, Henry Honse, O. Perkins, Turner Shaw, Alfred J. Knapp, Jacob Frost, Ira Lovell, Andrew Anderson, W. Peterson, Harrison Bullock, and others. There was a dinner at the Webber House, with 68 plates. Speeches were made by A. Armstrong, J. L. Gibbs, George W. Skinner, and E. C. Stacy. In the evening the festivities were closed by a grand ball.

When this Fourth regiment returned South it stopped several days in La Crosse to consolidate and secure transportation, and the officers and men were highly commended for their soldierly bearing and gentlemanly deportment.

Dr. Wedge, Dr. Burnham, and Captain Ruble used to keep the home papers well supplied with papers from the South when they could get hold of them.

On the hi\x of January, 1804, when the draft in the State was ordered, Freel)orn county had sent 302 men into the army, and there were seventeen mere wanted. The total requisition upon the State had been 2,939; of these, 1,515 belonged to the First Congressional District, and 1,424 to the Second. The draft was to be made up in this way; all the men of military age in each town were enrolled, and each one could appear before a medical board connected with the Provost Marshal's office, and if he could show a disability his name would be stricken from the roll, and the prizes in this lottery, where the blanks were so distressingly few, would be drawn from the reduced list. But the malingering in various parts of the district became so extensive that the exemptions were set aside by a general order from the department.

In May, 1864, the district being behind in its quota, the draft was ordered for certain; but few, however, were required to be taken from the county, as the quota was well nigh filled.

On the 21st of June, 1864, the amount paid in the first congressional district for commutation was by 341 men, who contributad an aggregate of S;i02,300.

The operation of the draft called forth considerable feeling, as with improper exemptions and various causes, there were great inequalities. Anv man who had drawn a prize from the conscription list could hire a substitute, as many did, or pay a commutation of s3()0.

The Sanitary and Christian commission must not be omitted, hiit on account of the burning of the Standard office with the files of papers, in the spring of 1882, we are unable to furnish full accounts of the Ladies' Aid Societies and other auxiliaries that were engaged in this work.

Most of the regiments in which were Freeborn men, re-enlisted in the winter of 1864, with a \-iew of seeing the end of the rebellion, and of course receiving the large bounties which were offered. The privilege of wearing chevrons on their arms as veteran badges also might have had some influence.

The Freeborn county men who were in the Fifth Regiment were in the following battles: Fort Ridgely ; Jackson, Miss. ; Vicksburg ; Richmond, La.; Fort DeRussy: Henderson Hill, Campti, La.; Pleasant Hill; Cloutersville, La.: Mansura Bayou; De Glaize; Lake Chicott, Tupelo, Abbeyville; Nashville.

Although there is a good history of the terrible scenes oonnected with the Indian outbreak of August, 181)2, in the earlier pages of this work, yet, as many of the chief actors, particularly those who defended Fort Ridgely, were and still are residents of Freeborn county. It is deemed proper to present some facts not recorded there, and to indicate the special part taken by these heroic men.

Lieutenant Timothy J. Sheehan, the present Sheriff' of Freeborn county, was in command of Company C, Fifth Regiment Blinnesota Volunteers, and kept a record of each day's doings, of all the orders received and issued, and from these uotes we here ])resent a remime of the movements of this Company from the time when it left Fort Ripley, where it was stationed at the time of tlir outbreak.

H. D., Ft. Ridgely, June 18, 1862. First Lieut. T. J. Sheehan, of Co. C, Fifth Reg., Minn. Vols., will proceed with 50 men to Fort Kidgelv, and there report to Capt. Marsh, commanding post, for further orders.

"The detachment started promptly on the 19th, and marched 18 miles; on the 20th, marched 20 miles; on the 21st, camped at Clear Lake after a march of 18 miles. Reached Elk Kiver on the 22d, after a march of 21 miles, and attended preaching. Marched 21 miles on the 23d, and camped at Industriana. On tlie 24th, marched 20 miles and camped on the prairie; made 20 miles on the 25th; day warm; all the boys feeling wall, and so en to the 28th, when they arrived at PortRidgely and were warmly welcomed."

The next day, the 29th of June, Lieut. Sheehan was ordered by Captain Marsh, to take fifty men of Co. C, and .51 men of Co. B, and proceed by the most expeditious route to the Yellow Medicine Agency, and report to Maj. Thomas Galbraith, the Sioux agent, to protect the United States property during the annuity payments.

"Arrived on the 2d of July and went into camp on a knoll about 25 rods from the Government warehouse. On the 4th of July they had a celebration ; used up a keg of powder in practice on a howitzer. There were thousands of Indians about, including the Yauktons and Cutheads, who were not entitled to pay, but it was feared would make trouble. They had hi Jeous begging and buffalo dances. On the 14th of July I estimated that there were 6,700 Indians camped near there ; they were in a starving condition, and were constantly prowling around, begging. Went with Lieut. Gere to talk with the agent about issuing provisions to the Indians. He said that he would soon count them and issue rations, and send them back to look after their crops, to stay until he could send for them to receive their pay."

"On the 23d of July some Chippewas killed two Sioux belonging to Red Iron's band, within eighteen miles of the whole Sioux Nation. In scalping them their heads were completely skinned. The next day, the Sioux, about 1,500 strong, started for the Chippewas, mounted and on foot, with guns and ammunition, bows and arrows, all in full war paint. About four o'clock in the afternoon they returned, dejected and irritable."

"On the 26th the men were counted and furnished crackers by the barrel, which would be emptied on the ground by the soldiers, and there was a grand scramble for them, men tumbling over each other, but the soldiers kept them within due bounds. It took forty barrels of water to go round, and when their stomachs had become distended, they sat down on the grass in groups, and smoked and enjoyed themselves. The Indians not entitled to rations, were kept out of the ring."

On the 27th of July, Lieut. Sheehan was requested to take a small detachment of his men and go toward the source of the Yellow Medicine, in pursuit of Inkpoduta and his followers, and to capture and bring them in, alive if possible.

On the 28th they started with a party of reliable citizens to assist in the enterprise, and a single Indian guide, Wausue, who was a civilized member of Mr. Riggs' church. Traveled 40 miles that day, as they were all well mounted. On the 29th they made 35 miles and encamped at Ash Creek. The march on the 30th was due west and then north, and they saw "Medicine Sticks" planted along , showing that they were on the trail. The next day, being fatigued and the horses tired, they laid over in camp.

On the 4th were the first hostile demonstrations. At seven o'clock in the morning about 1,500 red men surrounded the camp and eommencad firing their guns, and a party broke open the warehouse and began take out flour, being protected by about 400 braves. Lieut. Sheehan took 25 soldiers and got into the warehouse, marching through a large body of Indian warriors. Gorman and Fadden, two of the agent's employes came out to assist in quelling the riot.

When quiet was restored, Sheehan got permission of the agent to council with the Indians, and the government interpreter was sent out for that purpose. The leader of the band made this speech : "We are the braves, we have sold our land to the Great Father, and we think he intends to give us what he has promised us, but we can't get it ; we are starving, and must have something to eat."

They were told that they should have asked the agent for food before breaking open the storehouse. That if the Great Father knew what they had done, he would be very angry.

The red man answered, "Almost every day we have asked him, but he gives us nothing. Last night at our coimcil fire we all said, we must have bread. We want you to ask him for us for some-

Major Galbraith then issued an order to Lieut. Sheehan to direct the interpreter to order the Indians to meet him in council on the morrow, and to accept the food he would distribute. Major Galbraith also ordered the tlour to be re-convejed into the warehouse, but the immense horde of savages prevented this, and a liberal issue was made under the urgent advioe of Lieut. Sheehan, and they retired fully satisfied that they had carried their point.

On Tuesday, August 5th, two Indians who were identified as being concerned in the acts of violence the day before, were arrested and locked up by order of the Agent, who started a team off with his family, which was driven bad., and the threat made that they could not go off imtil the men were released, which he directed to be done. Word was sent to Capt. Marsh at Fort Kidgely as to the trouble at Yellow Medicine, and the Captain promptly ordered the provisions and clothing to be issued at once, coming himself on the 6tb, and the issue was made the next day.

On the 10th of August, as there was no prospect of an immediate payment of the annuities, the command prepared to return to the Fort, and took up the line of March the next day, going 25 miles and bivouacking at Redwood.

The^- spent a few days in preparation, and on the 17th of August received orders to proceed to Fort Ripley. Started at 7 o'clock in the morning, and marched 23 miles, and went into bivouac at Cumming"sFarm. The next day they got as far as apoint between New Auburn and Glencoe, and after being in camp half an hour, Corporal McLean of Co. B, dashed into their midst with the following order :

It is absolutely necessary that you should return with your command immediately to this post. The Indians are raising hell at the lower agency. Beturn as soon as possible.

Lieut. Sheehan started to return at once, and on the way met a second dispatch, urging haste; kept up the march and arrived the next morning, having made a forced march of 42 miles in nine and one-half hours. On the way. they came across families fleeing from the murderous tomahawk and scalping knife.

On August li)th, the day of arrival, Lieut. Sheehan took command, Capt. Marsh having been shot, and all the available men who had Hocked in from the country around were armed and placed under discipline. The Indians who were seen approaching were shelled and kept from advancing. The siege actually commenced on the 20th, and an account of it will not be repeated here, as it appears in the history of the Sioux Massacre. .'Vmong the civilians who were present were Mr. G. C. Wyckoff, Clark W. Thompson's Secretary, who was Superintendent of Indian Affairs at the time; J. C. Ramsey, brother of the Governor; A. J. VanVorhes, editor of the "Stillwater Messenger;" and Maj. E.A.C. Hatch. This party brought $108,- 000 in gold, and came in to assist in its payment, and they rendered valuable assistance. It may be mentioned that the gold was turned over to Lieut. Sheehan, and buried within the inclosure, and a dispatch sent to Mr. Thompson, indicating where it was, that in case of the massacre of the inmates of the fort, it could afterward be found. In due time it was turned over to Mr. Thompson and a receipt taken.

On the 2d of September a detachment was sent to reinforce Capt. <Trant, under command of Colonel McPhail. About 1(3 miles from camp they met a large force of Indians, and Lieut. Sheehan was ordered to return to Fort Kidgely to report to Col. Sibley. The Indians saw him start and chased him about seven miles, tiring sct)res of shots, but he got through safely.

Lieut. Sheehan's report continues until the Dlst of October, when the companies of the .'ith, were ordered to join the regiment. There was rejoicing as these men who had been ba])tized with blood in the Indian war, were anxious to try their hands in fighting Rebels.

On the 26th of September, 1862, Lieut. Sheehan was promoted to Captain of the company he so gallantly led in the terrible seven days of peril at Fort Ridgely.

events, an extract from the "Pioneer Democrat" of St. Paul of the 24th of August, 1862, is presented, including the head lines which were displayed in "Chicago Times" style.

Lieut. Sheehan S Dispatch

We can hold this place but little longer, unless reinforced. We are being attacked almost every hour, and unless assistance is rendered we cannot hold out much longer. Our little band is becoming exhausted and decimated. We had hoped to be reinforced to-day, but as yet can hear of none coming.

Letter From A. J. Van Vorhes, Esq

On yesterday I sent you by messenger, a full account of affairs at this place and vicinity ; but fearing the messenger was cut off, who also bore important dispatches to headquarters, I will briefly recapitulate before proceeding to detail the important events of yesterday afternoon.

I need not detail the horrible butcheries at the Upper and Lower Sioux Agencies, at New Ulm, and throughout this entire region, as you have already been advised of the terrible details.

By his energy, Lieut. Sheehan inspired all (vith hope and confidence that the possition could be held until reinforced from Fort Snelling. Every thing the hurry and exigencies of the time could suggest, seemed to have been done to meet the emergency. Small squads of Indians continued to prowl about in the distance, but were usually shelled away by the accurate shots of Sergeant Jones, the old and experienced artillerist at this post."

Mr. Van Vorhes desei'ibes the events of the siege up to that time. The letters alluded to from Judge Flandrau and others were from the seat of war and of absorbing interest at that time.

In order to obtain a list of the men who were under Col. Sheehan 's command, and who are the the heroes of that obstinately defended fort, a letter was sent to him by the compilers of this work, to which he replied as follows:

Oentlemeii : - Your kind note is received and I at once hasten to comply with your request, and enclose the roster of the men who were in the fort with me on that memorable occasion, and to whom the country is indebted for a successful resistance to the murderous, inhuman savages, who were thirsting for the heart's blood of every inmate of that devoted post.

I have often thought that the difficulties attending the defence of that agency were unappreciated, because calling it a fort was a misnomer. The idea usually conveyed by this word invblves a rampart, breastworks, a stockade, with perhaps a ditch, and a chevaut, de frise, or at least an enclosure, but here there was a mere group of buildings, which, of course, afforded shelter to a certain extent, and it is a fact that if the unnumbered hordes of assailants had displayed one half the courage exhibited by the fearless defenders of the place, they could have carried it at any time durin;, the fight. On one side was a level plateau, on the other sides were deep ravines, most admirably adapted to the skulking habits of the bloodthirsty foe, and when about to make a rush to carry the place, they would mass a lot of warriors on the plain, who, with demoniac yells and frantic gestures, would make a feint of charging from that side, while the real attacking party would skulk up through the ravines and make a desperate rush to get inside of tlie temporary obstructions we had piled up in the form of forage and provisions. They confidently expected to set the buildings on fire by arrows armed with ignited punk. To prevent this we cut scuttles through the roofs, and with water would extinguish each arrow as it fell, but as the supply of water was sixty rods away, and was cut off by the the wily savages, we foresaw that unless relief came sooner than we had reason to expect, we would be out of water. So at night pieces of scantling were placed on the roofs at suitable intervals, in a longitudinal way, and buckets of sand drawn up aud spread to present an incombustible covering.

There was plenty of ammunition for the field pieces, but that for the musketry ran short, and we broke up the case-shot and used the powder to make cartridges, which was done by Mrs. Dr. Muller, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Cummings and others, who worked night and day. It should be stated as a remarkable fact, that among all the sick and wounded who sought shelter in the fort, and who were under Dr. Muller's care, that only died, and that among the other skillful surgical operations, the Doctor disarticulated a rib aud removed an arrow from a man's lung, and he recovered.

On arriving at the post after that fatiguing march of forty-two hours, wliich was accomjilished by the men taking off their stockings and shoes, and depositing everything except their gun and twenty rounds of ammimition, in the single mule team we had along, and then, to use an unmilitary phrase, striking a "dog trot," over hill and vale with the briefest breathing spells. We found the little garrison surrounded with five hundred men, women, and children, in an alarming condition of panic, weeping and howliug as though the scalping-knife was actually iu their hair.

The soldiers and citizens saw the necessity for strict subordination, and tlieir co-operation was efficient beyond all praise, and I wish you would particulariy emphasize the value of the services rendered by Mr. 0. G. Wyckoff. Mr. A. J. Van Vorhes, Mr. J. C. Kamsey, and Major Hatch,who8e counsel, advice, and support in that trying time lias led me to regard them as God's nobltmen.

I should have mentioned above that when it rained, as it did in a copious way during the siege, every available barrel and vessel was used to catch water, and so we were thus providentially saved from perishing of thirst.

The six lialf-breeds who deserted the night before the principal iirst attack, had stuffed the cannon with rags, which was not discovered until the attempt was made to discharge them, and this well nigh created a panic which would have been immediately fatal, but jjnmipt and energetic measures soon drew the obstructing charges, and their belching forth of shot and shell was the sweetest kind of music to us. but it was death and dismay to the dastardly devils who were after our scalps.

I need not say that I rejoice at the opportunity to furnish the names of the men who defended those helpless women and children during those seven horrible days and sleepless nights, which, even now, can hardly be recalled without a shudder; for if there had been any blanching in the presence of the overhanging doom, or any faltering iu the execution of the commands that every moment made imperative, not a living soul would have remained to tell the tale of the hideous butchery that would have followed.

At dark that night the following returned, having escaped from the ambuscade at Lower Agency Ferry, but were not effective that night: Sergt. Bishop, Corporals Winslow, Huntley, and Hawley, Privates Brennan, Carr, Dunn, Hutchinson, Mc- Gowan, Rebenski, Steward, Seriling, Svendson ( wounded i, VanBui'en, and Miirray.

Wam Record

On Tuesday p. m., there joined from detached service at St. Peter: 1st Lieut. N. K. Culver, A. A. Q. M.; Sergt. J. G. McGrew; Wagoner, Hoyt; Privates, Baker, Farrver, Nehrhood, Wait.

Wednesday morning other men from the ferry arrived. Private Eose escaped across the country to Henderson. Therefore, at the time of the attack on Fort Ridgely on Wedesday, August 20th, my command consisted of Company B, 60 men, 51 effective; Company C, 50 men, all effective; Renville Rangers and citizens, 50 men; Orderly I Sergt., 1 man ; Sutler, 1 man. Total effective men first days fight, August 20th, 153 men under arms.

Three soldiers were killed and thirteen wounded. Four citizens were killed and twenty-six wounded during the seige from the 20th to the 28th.

Of seven men who volunteered, one after another, to carry dispatches to St. Peter, only John Mc- Call and Antoine Frenien, a half breed, got through alive.

That it may be seen that Mr. Sheehan's services were appreciated after joining his regiment at the front, where he served until the end of the war, being at the close commissioned Lieutenant Colonel. We clip from the Pioneer Press of the 16th of November, 1865, the following item:

"A Handsome Gift. - We had the pleasure of seeing yesterday a beautiful gold badge of the 16th A. C. suspended from a gold shield of a U. S. Double Eagle, to which is attached a handsome gold safety chain and pin.

Upon the polished surface of the shield and badge is engraved the following, which speaks the object of the donors. Col. Houston and others of the 5th Minn. In'.'antry :

' Presented to Lieut. Col. T. J. Sheehan, Fifth regiment Minnesota V. V. Infantry, for services rendered during the rebellion, from October 18th, 1861, to September 5th, 1865; Fort Ridgely, Minnesota, August 20th and 22d, 1862; Jackson, Mississippi, May Hth, 1863; Siege and assault of Vicksburg, from May 18th to July 4th, 1863; Tupelo, Mississippi, July 14th and 15th, 1864; Abbey ville, Mississippi, August 13th, 1864; Campaign against Price in Arkansas, fall of 1864; Nashville, Tennessee, December 15th and 16th, 1864; Siege and capture of Spanish Fort, Alabama, from March 27th, 1865 - captured April 9th, 1865.'

Such a gift is felt by the soldier to be priceless. Colonel Sheehan will wear this with pride, in those halcyon days which we trust will accompany him to a ripe old age."

So far as these gallant men are concerned, whatever they may have been since, or whatever they are now, or however regarded by their fellow citzens, it can be said of them as Daniel Webster said of Massachuetts, " the past at least is secure; there is Concord, Lexington, and Bunker Hill, and there they will remain forever." There is FortKipley, Yellow Medicine, and Fort Kidgely, and there they will remain forever; and the deeds of this heroic land shall be inscribed on the indelible roll of fame.

The following are names of Freeborn county men who enlisted in the 15th Wisconsin regiment, which was made up of Norwegians, and which has been kindly furnished us by the Adjutant General of that State:

From the Adjutant General's report we are enabled to obtain the following list of volunteers, who enlisted from Freeborn county during the Eebellion, which will serve to some extent, as a recapitulation of the different lists already presented. There is no doubt that many are excluded from the list by incorrect registering, being credited to other counties, and other causes.