Eau Claire County, Wisconsin - Chapter 10: Eau Claire County Training School, 1914 (part 1 of 4)

W. A. Clark

The Eau Claire County Training School for Teachers was established by act of the county board November IS, 1904, and opened in the city of Eau Claire August 28, 1905, and was the eighth school of this kind in the state. At the present time, less than nine years later, there are twenty-eight.

This school at first occupied rooms in the high school building and employed two teachers, namely, W. A. Clark, principal, and Miss Franc Wilkins, assistant. The school opened with an attendance of forty-eight and increased so rapidly that another teacher Avas secured for the second year. Miss Clara McNown was engaged in this capacity, and remained with the school two years. On Miss McNown 's resignation, Miss Lydia Wheelock was engaged as second assistant, and remained in this position for four years. She was followed by Miss Maud Guest, who is still one of the faculty. Miss Wilkins and Mr. Clark have been with the school from the beginning to the present time (1914).

During the summer of 1907 the beautiful and commodious building now occupied by the school was erected by the county on grounds adjoining the courthouse. In the spring of 1912 the usefulness of the school in promoting agricultural education was greatly increased by the coming of G. K. Ingalls as county agriculturist, who was given an office in the building, made it his headquarters and became teacher of agriculture in the training school. The following winter a short course in agriculture was given in which seventeen young men were enrolled. The present time finds the school taxed to its utmost capacity, Avith sixty-four students in the teachers' training courses and twentytwo in the short course in agriculture. That the reputation of the school has reached beyond the boundaries of the county is shown by the fact that there are in attendance this year (1914) more than thirty non-resident students coming from Chippewa, Rush, Clark, Burnette, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo and Pepin counties.

The school has one hundred and eighty-seven graduates up to date, of whom one hundred and twenty are actively engaged in teaching, which testifies to the efficiency of the school in incul- eating professional spirit and love for the work. These graduates have been uniformly successful and the demand for the product of the school is steadily increasing. No little credit for the success of the school is due the high eliaracter and ability of the men and women who have, during the past eight years, served the school on the training school board. The first training school board was composed of Hon. Emmet Horan, of Eau Claire, president; Mr. Gus Dittmer, of Augusta, treasurer, and County Superintendent of Schools Laura Burce, secretary. On Mr. Koran's appointment as a member of the board of regents of normal schools he resigned from the training school board, April 22, 1908, and Mr. Richard II. Loether, of Eau Claire, was made his successor. On the retirement of Miss Burce from the county superintendency in July, 1909, her successor. Miss Theresa A. Leinenkugel, became secretary of the board. In November, 1913, Mr. E. G. Herrel, of Augusta, was given a place on the board. Ml-. Dittmer retiring, and at the same time Mr. J. H. Waggoner succeeded Mr. Loether as president of the board. The board as now constituted consists of J. H. Waggoner, president; E. G. Herrel, treasurer, and j\Iiss Theresa Leinenkugel, secretary.

Eau Claire county has not fallen behind others of the state in regard to the educational welfare of its population. There are 88 rural schools under the supervision of the county superintendent. Miss Theresa A. Leinenkugel, who has filled the office for six years - her predecessor, Miss Burce, having held it for the same length of time. Under them the schools have shown a constant advance in methods and efficiency. It is to be hoped that the system of consolidation which has proved so successful in Illinois and Indiana will be tried more faithfully in this state and county. Each district should see its three or four small schools united in one, which could thereby secure better teachers and more fitting equipment. The state legislature grants $50 yearly on certain conditions to each school which has a specified number of enregistered pupils, this sum to be expended in suitable blackboards, maps, a globe, systematic ventilation, properly screened outbuildings, etc. This appropriation is granted for three consecutive years, is highly appreciated and has shown good results in the interest and zeal inspired by pleasing and sanitary surroundhigs and adequate working tools.

W. W. Bartlett

Editor's Note. To Mr. William W. Bartlett, of Eaii Claire, is due the credit for this interesting and valuable chapter, and a work of explanation is here appropriate regarding the form in which the matter is presented.

Mr. Bartlett has long taken great interest in gathering reminiscences of the Civil War, and especially of those from Eau Claire county who participated in it. In fact he is recognized as Eau Claire's authority of Civil War history. In 1911 the fiftieth anniversary of the outbreak of the war, the Eau Claire Telegram started a Civil War column and asked for reminiscences from the veterans. Knowing of Mr. Bartlett 's researches along this line he was also asked to contribute, and responded with an article made up of verbatim extracts from the Civil War time files of local newspapers, narrating events in Eau Claire just preceding and immediately after the firing upon of Fort Sumter. Pertaining as it did to individuals known to many of the Telegram readers it awakened much interest and more was called for. The result was a series of articles extending over several months. Supplementing the extracts from local newspaper files, of official records and many hitherto unpublished private Civil War letters, Mr. Bartlett prevailed upon a number of surviving officers and members of companies recruited in Eau Claire county to furnish reminiscences of their companies. These contributions constitute an almost complete account of Eau Claire's contingent in the war and were highly appreciated by the public.

The foi'm in which the record appeared in the Telegram has been preserved in this chapter, not only because the series attracted great attention, but also because letters from men who participated in the great conflict convey a more intimate knowledge and more vivid impression than anj' other form of record could possibly give. They also add an intensity of interest to the recital.

"We are also indebted to Mr. Bartlett for the fine collection of war pictures which illustrate this chapter. They are the result of years of patient search and gathering.

Editor Daily Telegram : I have your request for some material for your proposed series of Civil War articles, and shall be pleased to furnish something along that line. Doubtless it is your purpose to publish reminiscences of any sort which may pertain to the Civil War, but whatever I may furnish will be of a strictly local nature. As you know, I am not a veteran, neither did I reside here during the Civil War. My parents came here from Maine in the spring of 1867, when I was but six years of age, but other relatives had preceded us, and I had cousins in a good proportion of the companies recruited in this county, and also in some of the companies from other counties in this part of the state.

It would seem to me that no sketch of Civil War times in Eau Claire county would be complete without mention of Gilbert E. Porter, editor of the Eau Claire Free Press from December, 1858, until the fall of 1864, and who later became so prominent in the lumbering industry of the Chippewa Valley. I am furnishing you today a picture of Mr. Porter, taken in middle life, and shows him as most of us younger men recall him. Mr. Porter was a true patriot, and every editorial which appeared in his paper was a credit both to the man and to Eau Claire.

"We give today pretty full accounts of the secession movement. It will be seen that South Carolina has passed an ordinance of secession unanimously, and the others of the cotton states are likely to follow suit. How the matter will terminate is beyond the reach of mortal ken. If we had a Jackson at the helm of the ship of state we should not be kept long in suspense, but as long as the president's chair is occupied by the present corrupt old traitor we know not what a day will bring forth.

Dispatches from the South justify us in the belief that Buchanan has betrayed his solemn trust by ordering the surrender of the forts and the government's arms at Charleston upon the demand of the southern traitors. If that be so we shall not be surprised if an attempt is made to impeach the Old Public Functionary for high crimes and misdemeanors."

Although realizing to some extent the feeling in the South, it seemed to Editor Porter hardly possible that it Avould go to the extent of beginning actual hostilities against the government. The unexpected happened. On April 12, 1861, Fort Sumter was fired on. The Free Press came out with an extra announcing the fact. Probably no copy of this extra is in existence, but the next regular issue, April 19, the announcement was reprinted. Following the display head are given the dispatches, with particulars of the bombardment and evacuation of the fort. On the same page Mr. Porter expresses his feelings in an editorial as reproduced below :

"The terrible fact of a civil war now stares us full in the face, and lovers of the Union must meet the sudden tho.ugh not unexpected responsibilities which devolve upon them. Every Union loving heart will swell with emotion as it contemplates the unalterable baseness and dishonor of those who have inaugurated civil war ; and we greatly mistake the temper of all good citizens, South as well as North, if they do not firmly resolve to aid when duty calls, in executing a terrible retribution upon the rebels. Let the watchword be, "The government, it must and shall be preserved ' ; and if perchance there is a wretch in our midst whose sympathies are not with the government, let the execrations of all good citizens be upon him; let the finger of scorn follow him till sham_e burns his cheeks to a cinder."

"There will be a meeting of the patriotic citizens of Eau Claire and vicinity in Reed's Hall on Monday the 29th for the purpose of devising means to get up a company to go and fight the battles of our country. Speaking and singing may be expected."

"On Monday evenmg- the citizens of this place, irrespective of party, met at ReecVs Hall for the purpose of attesting their attachment to the good old Stars and Stripes of the Union. It was in every respect by far the largest and most enthusiastic meeting ever held in this place. A common cause brought them together and a common sentiment animated every heart. At an early hour the hall was densely packed with people, including fifteen or twenty ladies, Avho came early enough to obtain admitance. A great many were unable to get in the hall. N. B. Boyden, Esq., was called to chair and J. G. Callahan was elected secretary. Mr. Boyden briefly and appropriately addressed the meeting and his remarks were well received. Messrs. Barnes, Meggett, Davis, Bartlett, Barrett, Woodworth, Taylor, Porter, Whipple, Wilson, Stillman and McNair were respectively called to the stand, all of whom made speeches abounding in patriotism and expressing warm attachment to the government and union. Men and means promptly tendered - the former to fight for the country, the latter to equip the soldiers and provide for their families. The Eau Claire Brass Band and Sprague's Military Band added much to the interest of the occasion.

"Prom present indications we have no doubt that two companies might be raised in this place and Chippewa Falls. Of course the country about will be well represented. Quite a delegation from Bridge Creek came down to enlist, and yesterday a wagonload drawn by four gray horses, decked with small Union flags, and a beautiful large one streaming from a staff supported in the wagon, came into town from Mondovi. They were vociferously cheered by our citizens. They are a determined and patriotic set of men and would fight like tigers when duty calls them to the battlefield."

"This company is about full and is aching for active service. It is composed of active, intelligent men, who have good health, strong muscular development and determined wills. "We wish to correct the absurd rumor which is now going the rounds of the papers that a company has been formed here, all of whose members stand over six feet high. The Eau Claire boys in time of peace are probably not larger than the average run of men, but if they come to a hard fight we have no doubt the rebels will think that each man weighs at least a ton. On Saturday last the Badgers met at Reed's Hall and elected officers. They are as follows: Captain, John Taylor; first lieutenant, A. S. Bostwick ; second lieutenant, Henry Hunter; third lieutenant, Oscar Sargent - orderly sergeant, A. C. Ellis. Captain Taylor left for Madison on Monday last for the purpose of tendering the services of the company to the governor. He Avill probably return home as soon as Sunday."

(For some reason there was considerable delay in closing \\p the final arrangements for the mustering in of this company, and many of the recruits became restless.)

"The Eau Claire Badgers have forwarded their application to the adjutant-general for their acceptance into service. A reply will probably be had in a few days. The boys are ready and willing to go to war, but if there is no show of being accepted they will probably disband.

"Mr. Victor Wolf, who has had several years' experience in the militarj^ service of the United States, has been drilling them for some time past, and it is said they have made commendable progress in the arts of war."

"The captain of the 'Prescott Guards,' of Prescott, came up to the Chippewa Valley yesterday for the purpose of filling up his company to the required number, it having been assigned to a place in the Sixth Regiment, and notified to be in readiness for mustering by the lOtli inst. Some twenty of the boys of the Eau Claire Badgers enlisted under him last night and left this morning for Prescott, well pleased with the prospects of getting into active service. Our boys, we doubt not, will 'make their mark' when the lighting comes."

(If these boys were looking for a cliance to fight they certainly made no mistake in the choice of their company, for it will be remembered the Sixth Regiment with the Second and. Seventh became a part of the famous Iron Brigade and saw some of the heaviest service of the' war. Among those who left the Eau Claire Badgers to join the Prescott company was A. C. EHis, who attained the rank of first lieutenant, returned to Eau Claire and lived here for a number of years after the war.

Another Eau Claire man who enlisted in the Sixth Regiment, although not in the same company with Ellis and his associates, was Franz Siebenthall. He was in Company D, was wounded at South Mountain, and on the 1st of July, 1863, was killed on the field of Gettysburg. Mr. Siebenthall in the summer of 1855 bought from the United States government about seventy-five acres of land on the west side, for which he paid $1.25 per acre, or $94.50 for the tract. The following spring he sold the land to Ira Mead for $756, a very fair profit, but this amount would hardly purchase the land today, as it lay just south of Grand avenue and extended from about Fifth avenue east to the Chippewa river, comprising the ~ principal part of what is now the Fifth ward. In addition to those who joined the Sixth Regiment were a number of- the Badger company who, a few days before, had taken blankets and other equipment belonging to the company, helped themselves to some boats and went down the river, where they joined an artillery company then being formed at LaCrosse. These individuals may have been able to justify their conduct to themselves, but Editor Porter expressed very strongly his disapproval of same.)

dozen committed a most dishonorable trick by running off in the night with all the available property, such as blankets, etc., they could lay their hands upon. In view of such a transaction we are glad the company was not accepted, as we want no men to go to the wars from Eaii Claire who are not gentlemen. Of course those who remain would not countenance such petty theft, and who are exempt from the above reflection. A good soldier must be a man of honor."

Under date of June 21, 1861, the Free Press announced that Captain Taylor had received notice from Governor Randall that the company would be accepted, and in the same issue there also appeared the following:

"I have just received an order from the governor to fill up a company to be mustered into service. I therefore request all of the old members of the Eau Claire Badgers and as many more as wish to join them to report to me as soon as possible that I may have my company ready as soon as July 4. A meeting will be held on that day to complete the roll, on the grounds where the celebration is to take place - West side. Persons Avishiug to join should apply immediately, as I wish to notify Governor Randall of a full company at the earliest possible moment.

"The old members will be entitled to one month's pay; and all who have families will be entitled to $5 per mouth extra compensation during their service.

"Patriots arouse! Our country calls for our services. Let us answer with our muskets. Let the Chippewa Valley be represented in the ranks of our country's defenders.

For some reason the attempt to fill up the ranks of the old company was a failure, but almost immediately steps were taken to recruit a new one. In the Free Press of July 19 we find this announcement :

' ' We learn that an effort is being made by Judge Pex'kins and Victor Wolf, Esq., to raise a company of volunteers for the war, independent of anything that has heretofore been done. Rolls for that purpose have already been sent to the different towns. When the company is made up the volunteers are to meet and choose their officers.

Victor Wolf Gilbert E. Porter

"We hope and trust that a company may be raised, as Eau Claire might and ought 1o be represented in the Grand Army of the Union. If the matter is conducted -\vith discretion it seems to us tliat tliere ought to be no difficulty in obtaining a full complement of men in a very little time." This prediction came true, and the "new company," Avhieh retained the name "Eau Claire Badgers," became Company C, Eighth Wisconsin, the Eagle Company of the Eagle Regiment.

tered into service, as their names are not found in the official roster of the company : James Atwater, George Bonell, John Hawkins, Silas M. Talmeter, E. C. Wilkins, George Murphy and C. B. Robinson. On the other hand, the roster contains the names of the following who evidently joined the company later : .Jacob Aaron, Henry Becker, Andrew Brown, Stephen Canfield, William Connell, William Chatwood, William Delap, Martin Dickerschied, Solomon Fuller, Dana S. Fuller, Ferdinand Grasser, Shipman W. Griffith, Henry Grinnell, George Hutchings, George Leng, George A. Loomis, Harrison B. Loomis, Charles McFait, Collin S. McLeod, Christian Miller, William F. Page, Silas M. Palmeter, Frank N. Parker, Nathaniel P. Poppel, David K. Reynolds, Andrew Ritger, Mark Sibbalds. Dighton Smith, John Soal, Charles Strasburg, August Thiel.

Editor Daily Telegram : Just fifty years ago this coming summer Mr. A. R. Barnes, a former printer in the old Free Press office, resigned his position to enlist in the first company of volunteers from this village. Editor Porter gave him the following complimentary and humorous send-off :

"Mr. A. R. Barnes, foreman of this office, informed us yesterday that he was off for the war, and in less than an hour he recorded his name and was sworn into service. Mr. Barnes is an energetic, industrious young man, small in stature but large in heart, and if he uses his musket in battle as he uses his 'shootingstick' in the printing office he will not only make his mark but hit it, too. May all of his leaded matter be found in the front column of the secession forces and may his shadow never grow less.

Mr. Barnes survived the war, went back to his trade of printer, not here but in his former home in Iowa, and is still living there, a hale and heai'ty veteran. Knowing that a recital of his recollection of Eau Claire prior to and at the outbreak of the war would be of interest to your readers I dropped a line to hira a few days ago, and in response received the very interesting and breezy letter which follows:

In the spring of 1860 I went to Eau Claire, going on boat on Mississippi river from Burlington to the confluence of the Chippewa river, and thence by boat to Eau Claire. My purpose was to study law with an uncle, H. W. Barnes, who had located in Eau Claire biit a short time before, and who had hung out his shingle as an attorney. My duties were to sweep out the office, emptj^ the cuspidor, submit to some grilling every day as to common law points and answer all questions as to the "Judge" when he was away from the office. I did not take to the work very enthusiastically, but my uncle was very kind to me. One day while I was in the rear room reading Blackstone I heard a gentleman enter the front room and ask, "Say, Judge, haven't you a nephew here who is a printer? My printers went to Chippewa Falls last night to attend a dance, and I suppose they are drunk, and I don't know when they will come back, and today is publication day, and I don't believe there is another printer in the Chippewa Valley." It was Gilbert_E. Porter.

My uncle called me and I was introduced to Mr. Porter. I told him I would help him out. I went with him to the office - upstairs in a long frame building near the big bluff - and found that the printers had set the advertisements and the locals and made up the forms, leaving space on the local and editorial pages for a few more locals or advertisements and editorials. He wrote an apology for late appearance of the paper and lack of local and editorial matter, and I put the same in type and locked up the forms and put them on the press - a Washington hand press as I remember - and along in the afternoon we started to "run off the paper." The devil in the office was named Woods, and he had not been long enough in the business to know how to run the rollers over the type forms and was really to light for the work. Mr. Porter saw the situation and said he could roll if I could run the press. We tackled the work and kept at it till past midnight, taking only time to eat a bite of supper, and we wrapped the papers for out-of-town mail, and about two o'clock in the morning I went to my uncle's home and went to bed. I think Mr. Porter slept in the office on a board.

I slept late and did not get up to the office until nine or ten o'clock. Mr. Porter had gone to breakfast and preceded me only a few minutes. The printers got back from Chippewa Falls, and when they came to the office were surprised to find that the edition was printed and wrapped and addressed for the mails. They took the forms from the press, washed them and put them on the imposing stones and were distributing the type in the cases.

"When Mr. Porter and I arrived we went into the sanctum, apart from the composing and press room. He pulled a chair over next to him and asked me to sit down. I did so and he said : "I want you to take charge of the mechanical part of this paper, and I will pay you $20 a week, and will get you all the help you need. ' ' It was goodbye to Blackstone and the lawyer's career right then and there. Twenty dollars a week was a big sum way back in those days, and I stayed with the job until Company C was organized and went to war.

Mr. Porter owed me more than $600 when the company was ready to start, and he asked me if I wanted the money. I told him, "No, just give me a note, and if I never come back pay to my uncle and ask him to send it to my parents in Albia, Iowa." My uncle took care of the note and gave it back to me when I returned from the war. Mr. Porter paid off the note, principal and interest, and he did more, he took me from Eau Claire to Sparta in a buggy, went with me to Chicago, paid my railway fare and hotel bills while in the city, and bade me goodbye at the depot as I started for the home of my parents in this place. It was very fortunate for me that I had saved the $600 and interest, as I suffered a full year with my chronic trouble, and every cent was used in paying doctor's and other bills before I was able to go to work.

Incidents Of The Old Days

I recall many incidents in my experience in Eau Claii-e. Mr. Porter was a typical gentleman and a splendid business man, but he was not a free and easy writer, and the bent of his mind ran in business channels. He had no knowledge of the printing business.

Capt. John E. Perkins

One day I carried some proofs into the sanctum for Mr. Porter to read, and a gentleman was present, and I thought him the homeliest man I had ever seen. It was John E. Perkins, wlio later became the first captain of Company C, and a braver or better man I never knew. In the first most important battle the regiment was engaged in at Farraington, Mississippi, on May 8, 1862, he was mortally wounded, and he died two days later. He gave his life for the perpetuity of the Union, and no greater sacrifice was made in a Wisconsin regiment.

Coon and I slept in the office and took our meals at the Slingluff House, and we got our first view of the sacrifices that were required in saving the Union. We had eaten our dinner and came out onto the platform in front of the house, when a team of horses attached to a farm wagon and loaded with men drove up. They were from ChijDpewa Falls and were the first soldiei-s to enlist from that i^lace. The men were taken to the dining room for dinner, and the horses were sent to the barn to be fed. The men had not more than been seated when a carriage drove up that contained the man who had recruited the squad, his girl and his brother and sister. They went to their dinner. When all had had dinner the teams drove up. The driver of the farm wagon got his load on board and was ready to start down the river, but was halted while the captain bade his sweetheart, brother and sister good-bye. He was to go with the crowd, and his brother, sister and sweetheart were to return home. Say, but that parting was awful, but the soldier was brave and never shed a tear. He won an eagle on his shoulder, but if history is straight he fell in love with another girl and married her.

Leaving For The War

The memory of the march from the Slingluff House through the main streets and down to the river, where we boarded the little boat, "Stella Whipple," and the memory of the kind Eau Claire ladies Avho gave us their blessing and little red testaments with the motto pasted on the fly leaf, "The better the man, the better the soldier - George Washington," will never be forgotten, nor will the boys who endured the forty-six days' march around Vicksburg, and sixteen days with only a cracker a day, forget the hardships of the trip. It is si^rprising that one is left to tell the story. Tlie two events were impressed upon my mind never to be erased.

Old Abe, The War Eagle

Some remarks in regard to the eagle taken out by the Perkin's company may not be out of place at this time. By far the best historv of this bird ever written is that of Rev.

J. 0. Barrett, a Universalist clergyman of Eau Claire. The first edition of his book appeared in 1865, and a number of other editions since. As evidence of the painstaking care exercised by Rev. Barrett in the preparation of his narrative I give below several extracts from his book:

Dear Sir : Having been engaged for a short time in the collection of information relative to the capture and early ownership of the eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin Regiment, whose history you intend to publish, I talie pleasure in submitting a few facts in regard to the progress made. Ascertaining, first, that the eagle had been sold to Mr. Daniel McCann, of the town of Eagle Point, in this county, by some Indians, you wished me to discover, if possible, who those Indians were, and to secure their presence at Eau Claire at an early day. I learned from Mr. McCann that the Indians who had brought the eagle to him in the summer of 1861 were of the Lake Flambeau tribe, and that the owner was a son of Ali-monse, chief of that tribe, or band, of Chippewa Indians. I proceeded to obtain corroborative evidence of this account, and found, through the evidence of Mr. John Brunet, Mr. James Ermatinger, Mr. Charles Corbine and others - all old residents of the upper Chippewa and Flambeau rivers - besides the testimony of dift'erent Indians who were acquainted with the facts of the capture of the eagle, that it was correct. All accounts agree that the name of the captor of the bird is A-ge-mahwe-ge-zhig, or Chief Sky, one of the five sons of the said Ah-monse. Having satisfied myself by such evidence, and by other inquiries made in every direction, that there could be no mistake in the identity of the captor of the eagle, I have made arrangements, according to your directions, to bring the said A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig to Eau Claire as soon as possible. He is now with his band, hunting between the head waters of the Yellow and Flambeau rivers, and is shortly expected at Brunet 's Falls, on the Chippewa.

up the river, Mr. Coleman engaged Mr. Brunet to detain him there until a concerted, movement. At length they came, the Indian with them, to whom was communicated the wishes of the "white man at Eau Claire," who desired to talk with him "about the eagle he caught a few years ago." He hesitated, apprehensive of a trick, for all white men had not been true to their red brethren. Finally he appealed to his father. It was a grave question indeed; they were all afraid of being arrested for captm-ing an eagle ! After a long counsel together the old chief resolved to go to Chippewa Falls without further waiting, requiring his boys to follow the next day, and appear in proper costume, should he find it safe. Arriving there he had an interview with H. S. Allen, Esq., a pioneer resident, who, being a friend of the Indians, persuaded him to venture. Meeting his boys, as before arranged, he selected two of them, A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig and A-zha-wasli-co-ge-zhig, and with Messrs. Coleman and Barrett and Elijah Ermatinger for interpreter, rode to Eaii Claire, the 19th of February, 1865, welcomed with a cordiality that at once inspired mutual confidence. The native nobility of these sous of the northern forests created quite a sensation. A-ge-mah-wege-zhig related his eagle adventures in a very intelligent manner, so simple and candid as to assure every one present of their truthfulness. His father, who is much beloved as chief of the tribe, was particularly loquacious and is properly named Ah-monse, the "Thunder of Bees." He had much to say about his "Great Father Lincoln," whom he has visited several times at "Washington in the interest of his tribe, averring that Mr. Lincoln gave him plenty of money, and to his children much land, and let him see a battlefield." Photographs of these "red brothers" were taken by A. J. Devor, of Eau Claire, and never did mortal appear more proud than the eagle captor when attiring himself in regal costume for his carte de visite. A full-blooded Indian of consequence - then about twenty-five years old - belonging to the royal family of the Flambeaux, it is glory enough for him to be known among his fellows as the captor of the American eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin regiment of volunteers.

My Dear Brother: - According to your request, I will give you what information I have obtained of the Chippewa country, and especially of the home of your Pet Eagle. Inclosed I send you a map of this country, being a perfect copy from J. I. Lloyd's New Map of the United States, with a slight change in the location of the Flambeau Lakes and tributaries, which are copied from a drawing made for me by Ah-monse and the Eagle Indian. I can find no maps representing the United States' surveys of these lakes. Today I saw Israel Gould, the Indian Interpreter, who rendered you so valuable assistance last summer on your Indian expedition. At my request he drew a map of the Flambeau and its lakes, and it agreed precisely with the drawing made by Ah-monse and his son. Mr. Gould is an intelligent Scotchman, and has lived with the Chippewa Indians for fifteen years. He has a good knowledge of Indian character and probably is one of the best of Indian interpreters. At one time he lived one year at Flambeau Lake, or Ah-monse 's Lake, as it is most generally called, trading with Ah-monse and his tribe, and, consequently, he is well acquainted with their country. I have much confidence in his account of the location of these lakes ; and as all the other Indian traders and trappers, and Ah-monse, and the Eagle Indian do agree with him, I believe you can rely upon my map as being correct. I will give his description of this country :

The whole Chippewa country is well watered with innumerable streams, swamps, lakes and rivers; its surface varies in hills and blufl's, prairies, oak openings and meadows, and is covered, for the most part, with every variety of hardwood, Norway and white pine.

The soil in many places is good, while many of the hills and bluflfs are rocky, and in its northern portions are to be found iron, copper and other minerals. It is inhabited by the various tribes of the Chippewa Indians, and abounds in wild beasts, fish and birds. The Flambeau is a wide, crooked stream, the longest tributary of the Chippewa, and its general course is southwest. Upon its north fork are the "rapids," at which place the Eagle Indian said he caught the eagl,e. It is about 125 miles from Eau Claire, 70 miles from the mouth of the Flambeau River, and 80 or 90 miles from Lake Superior. It is three miles from here to Little Flambeau, or Asken Lake, which is three miles long; six miles further north is Flambeau, or Ah-monse's Lake - a stream uniting the two. This is the largest of the Flambeau lakes, being three miles wide and six long. It is a beautiful stream of clear, pure water, where are found fish of many varieties. The meaning of its Indian name is "Fire-Hunting Lake." Near its northern shore is a fine island, Avhere Ah-monse frequently lives. On its eastern shore is a pretty sloping hill, nearly forty feet high, covered with maples. Here, overlooking the lake, the Indians, a few years ago, had their villages, which are now located on the north and northwest shores, where they had cleared their land, leaving now and then a shade tree, giving the country a beautiful appearance. The soil is good, and here they raise their corn and potatoes. Farther to the north is Rice Lake, the Chain of Lakes, the Big Portage, and the Montreal River. A few years ago this was the route of the Indian tradei's, going from Lake Superior to Eau Claire. The country near the lakes, for two miles east and west of the river, and about four miles in all directions from the lakes, is low prairie land, covered with hardwoods, with here and there a lonesome pine ; while beyond, in all directions, the country is uneven and hilly, and wooded with the dark pine. In this sequestered country, Ah-monse and his tribe have lived for many years, subsisting upon their corn and potatoes, rice and sugar, fish and game. The Flambeau tribe is the most enterprising and intelligent of the Chippewas. Their warriors number from 140 to 150 men, and they kill more game than any other tribe. Here are found the deer and elk, the mink and marten, the bear and otter, and also the fish hawk, the owl, the eagle and other birds.

Mr. Gould says the region of the Flambeau Lakes is an eagle country, he having seen more there than in any other, and has there found many eagles' nests, containing from two to four young birds. Having seen the War Eagle at different times, he is satisfied it is a bald eagle, and this is the opinion of A-ge-mah-we-ge-zhig. Mr. Gould also says Asken Lake is situated about five miles east of the fourth principal meridian, which line is well defined upon the river bank ; and, if he is correct, and I rely upon his statement, then the Eagle must have been caught in

Chippewa county, in or near township forty, north of range one, east of the fourth principal meridian, nearly four miles from its eastern boundary.

By examining the map, the reader will notice the location of the birthplace of the eagle that is now so famous in the world. His captor said the nest was found on a pine tree, about three miles from the mouth of the Flambeau, near some rapids in a curve of the river ; that, at the proper time, just after sugar-making, at the Bend, he and another Indian cut the tree down, and, amid the menaces of the parent birds, caught two young eaglets, of a grayish-brown color, about the size of prairie hens, one of which died of the effects of an injury; that he preserved the old nest - "big as a wash tub - made of sticks, turf and weeds" - and nursed his Me-kee-zeen-ce (little eagle) in it, as a plaything for the papooses at the Indian village; that, a few weeks after, while en route for Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire with their furs, moccasins and baskets, he sold his eagle to Daniel McCann for a bushel of corn.

This statement of "Chief Sky" - quite a significant name - agrees with that of Mr. McCann, who subsequently tried to sell the bird to a company then just forming at the Falls for the First Wisconsin battery, but, failing, carried it to Eau Claire, some time in August, 1861, and offered it to a company organizing for the Eighth Wisconsin infantry. It was then about two months old.

McCann carried the eagle to Chippewa Falls and attempted to sell him to a company just recruiting there for the First Wisconsin battery. Failing in this, he proceeded a little later to Eau Claire and offered the bird, now nearly full-grown and handsome, but spiteful as a scorpion, to the Eau Claire "Badgers," that subsequently became Company C, of the Eighth or Eagle regiment.

could be better chosen, not even the flag itself, to ensure fame and success," they looked upon it in a favorable light, and after a siu-geonlike examination of the eyes, claws, beak, wings and plumage, concluded by a jocose vote to accept "the new recruit from Chippewa." A little flurry ensued about contributions, when S. M. Jeffers, a civilian, purchased the bird for two dollars and a half, and presented it to the company.

In due time the eagle was sworn into the United States service by putting around his neck red, white and blue ribbons, and on his breast a rosette of the same colors.

In a few days he produced quite a respectable perch and two patriotic ladies made some little flags to be carried on each side of him, when on the march ; and gay and imposing indeed did he appear as he rode in imperial state beneath those miniature "'stars and stripes" through the principal streets of Eau Claire, inspired by martial music and cheered by the enthusiastic people.

Two battles were fought by the regiment while the eagle and veterans were home on furlough - Carmargo Crossroads, Miss., July 13, and Tupelo, Miss., July 14 and 15.

War Bearers Of The Eagle Eau Claire Couxty Ix The Civil War

At the close of his war career ' ' Old Abe " ' was presented by the company to the state and a place was provided for him at the state capitol at Madison, Avhere he was viewed by thotisands. He was also taken to various parts of the United States, being in great demand all over. He attended national conventions, was taken to the great centennial at Philadelphia and other noted gatherings, where he was the center of attraction. Space forbids a more detailed history of incidents and anecdotes concerning this famous war bird.

He was adored by the members of tlie Eagle company and the Eagle regiment and on the field of battle he Avas always able to locate his regiment and company. The war anecdotes alone in which this bird figured would fill a book. He also attended the regimental reunions.

Toward evening of a cold day in the winter of 1881 a fire started mysteriously in a quantity of paints and oils stored in the basement of the capitol, near Old Abe's large cage. The blaze created an enormous volume of black and offensive smoke, which at once filled the cage to suffocation.

Abe, understanding full well the nature of what was going on around him, sent forth such a scream as had never before been heard in that building. Attendants and watchmen rushed below to learn the cause of the startling outcry, and before attacking the flames, opened the door of the perch-room. The eagle, with another piercing screech, swept swiftly out and away from the smudge.

He seemed to be either frightened or injured by the smoke, for his breast heaved, his heart labored heavily and his plumage was disheveled. Nor was he ever well thereafter. He ate sparingly or not at all; his eyes lost their wonderful luster; he sat around in a half-comatose condition for a few days, and on March 26, 1881, with a slight tremor and a few feeble flaps of his wings, expired in the arms of his stout keeper, George Gillies.

George said that Abe seemed to know he was about to die, for when he asked solicitously, "Must we lose you, Abe?" the old bird raised up his head and looked wistfully into the keeper's face and then sunk back into his arms and passed away. Around him were numbers of one-legged and one-armed veterans whose sad faces showed that they had lost a beloved comrade.

At first the general desire among the soldiers was to have Abe buried in the beautiful Forest Hill cemetery, where rest two hundred Union and one hiuidred and fifty Confederate dead, with appropriate military ceremonies and under a handsome monument.

The suggestion that the taxidermist's art would preserve him to the sight for an indefinite period dispelled those notions, and he was turned over to Major C. G. Mayers, who, after preserving and stuffing the warriorbird, fixed him firmly to a neat perch as he stood for years in the war museum of the capital.

Thomas Randall, in his "History of the Chippewa Valley," credits the pioneer lumberman, Stephen S. McCann, as being the man who purchased the eagle from its Indian captor, and this error has been quite generally copied. From extracts given from Rev. Barrett's book it will be seen that it is Daniel McCann to whom this honor belongs. A cousin of mine who visited the Daniel McCann farm in Chippewa county shortly before the eagle was brought to Eau Claire saw it tied to a barrel in the dooryard. Little did he realize how great the fame of this bird was to become. I am furnishing you a picture of Old Abe, the war eagle, also a picture of its Indian captor, also an extract from the old Free Press confirming the circumstances connected with the taking of the young chief's picture.

Last Suuda}' about uooi:, three Indians of the Flambeau tribe came into town, taking up their temporary abode at the residence of Rev. J. 0. Barrett. Through the courtesy of Theodore Coleman, editor of the Chippewa Falls Union, Mr. Barrett got track of these dusky fellows far up in tlie "big woods," and on the day they touched the nearest point on the Chippewa river, he had th( 111 fiit;ai;fil to visit him at the earliest possible date for the purpdsc oi' -ctting information relative to the eagle of the Eighth Wiscdiisiii, M'hich was captured by one of them in the spring of 1861.

These visitors were none other than part of the royal family. Ah-mouse (The Bee), chief of the tribe, and two of his sons, Ogenia-wee-gee-zhick (Chief of the Sky) and Shaw-wau-ko-geezhick (Blue Sky). Ah-monse, the oldest chief of the Chippewa tribe, is a deliberate old man, prudent in his plans and courteous in bearing. The same may be said of the others. He has three other sons, Wau-saa-naa-go-nee-bee (Light), Pee-zhee-kanze and E-squaa-bit (Outside of the Others). Ah-monse stated that many years ago, before Avhite man settled here, he was in a battle with the Sioux, on the west side, near the village of West Eau Claire, and that he there killed "one Indian." Of this he spoke with animated pride. Ogema-wee-gee-zhick is the Indian who captured the eagle, and from him Mr. Barrett obtained all the information he desired, which is peculiarly interesting. In due time it will appear in his history of the celebrated bird. He seems to be conscious of his importance, and no doubt will be recognized as such by his tribe, as well as by the pale faces who have an affection for the American eagle. Arrangements could not be consistently made with these Indians to remain until Monday, so their likenesses were taken on the Sabbath, that of the Eagle Indian intended for a steel engraving for the history. They can be seen at the Devoe's photograph rooms and are very finely executed.

Departure Of The Badgers

The Eau Claire Badgers took their departure from this place for Madison, preparatory to a campaign in "Secessia," last Friday morning on board the steamboat Stella Whipple. Nearly every community in this county and Chippewa has its representative - a volunteer offering in the cause of patriotism - in the ranks of the company, and this, with the fact that the company is to go off into active service almost immediately, combined to make the occasion one of more than ordinary interest to people of the upper Chippewa valley. The company formed in front of the Eau Claire House about 10 o'clock, and after a little preliminary marching, proceeded to tlie boat, greeted on the way by cheers and good-byes innumerable. At the boat a large concourse was gathered, and the next half-hour was spent in leave-taking. The scene was truly an effective one. Everybody was busy with the "parting offices" to relatives or friends.

marked the passing moments. Hands were shaken time and again, "good-byes" repeated over and over, words of blessing, encouragement, cheer and advice passed reciprocally many times. At last, after repeated impatient importunities from the whistle of the boat, and call after call from the officers, the company was all gotten aboard and the boat slowly left the shore, amid multiplied cheers and parting calls and adjurations, succeeded by waving of hats and handkerchiefs, till the boat rounded the bend and was out of view.

The company, we understand, reached Prairie du Chien on Sunday and probably reached Madison the next day. The passage to Prairie du Chien was attended by many demonstrations and enthusiasm along the river.

"We hear it rumored that another company will be gotten up here forthwith. The noble response from every direction to fill the Badger ranks demonstrated that another company could be immediately raised. The present company numbers about 100 men, and within six weeks that number can be doubled with the right kind of timely effort. We have fine military ability left yet, and we hope it will come voluntarily into service. Who will come forward and take the initiative?"

issue a statement that the meeting had been held and a good start made. John R. Wheeler, John Kelly, M. E. O'Connell and Malcolmn Reed are named as prime movers in the project.

The Chippewa Valley Guards

What an eulogium upon the patriotism of the valley is the fact that such numbers have gone to the wars; and yet the number is rapidly increasing. The Chippewa Valley Guards are daily adding to their numbers, and at the present rate their ranks will soon be complete. The work of recruiting goes on nobly. M. E. O'Connell is drilling the company and is making good headway.

The members of the Cliippewa Valley Guards met on Monday evening and elected, without a dissenting vote, John R. Wheeler as their captain. This is a high and well deserved compliment. Mr. Wheeler has won the confidence of all the members of his company, and by his energy in getting it up, the admiration of our citizens.

On Monday evening a grand ball was given at Reed's hall to the Chippewa Valley Guards, at which time a beautiful flag, a gift from the patriotic ladies of Eau Claire, was presented to the company. The hall was crowded to its utmost capacity. At about half past nine o'clock the members of the guards were foi-med in line by M. E. O'Connell, and after a short exhibition showing what proficiency they had obtained in di-illing, were addressed by H. W. Barnes, Esq., in a neat and appropriate presentation speech.

The company here gave three rousing cheers for the ladies of Eau Claire. The next morning an immense throng of people gathered to witness the departure of the guards. They marched up to the front of the public building to the tune of "The Girl I Left Behind Me," where blankets were furnished and vehicles were provided for their conveyance to Sparta.

A noticeable feature in the procession was a live eagle. This is the second bird of this kind that has gone to the war from Eau Claire; and his imperial highness seemed to enjoy it hugely.

Note. - I find no further mention of this eagle, and do not know his fate. He certainly never attained the fame of Old Abe of the Eighth Wisconsin. W. W. B.

As was always the case in the recruiting of companies, there are some names to be found on this original list which do not appear in the official roster of the company, showing that these persons were not mustered into service in the company, although some or all of them may have gone out in other companies later on.

Of those enumerated above the following are not found in the ofBcial roster of the company: Owen McGinnis, Phillip Perry, James Corwin, James B. Drew, John Taylor, William Marks, W. W. Allen, Abijah Moon, J. W. Clemens, T. W. McCauley, T. S. Kilgore, Isab Jones.

On the other hand, the names given constitute but a small part of those who were in this company during its service, as the state roster contains no less than 267 names of members of Company G, Sixteenth Wisconsin Volunteers.

The offices of first and second lieutenant were not filled until the company reached Madison, where, on the 4th of January, 1862, William H. Pond, of Eau Claire, was chosen first lieutenant and Cyrus A. Allen, of North Pepin, second lieutenant. M. E. O'Connell, who went out as first sergeant, became second lieutenant in September, 1862. The Chippewa Valley Guards became Company G of the Sixteenth Wisconsin, and before the close of the war Captain Wheeler was promoted to the rank of major.

The Eau Claire Rangers

Scarcely was the recruiting of the company known as the Chippewa Valley Guards well begun before a move was made to organize still a third company. Mr. Porter did not consider this a wise move and his feelings are expressed in an editorial under date of Nov. 14, 1861. It may be explained here that the third company was being recruited by A. M. Sherman, and as infantry. It was not until some weeks later that the decision was made to change it to a cavalry company. Although at this time Mr. Porter did not think it possible to recruit two companies, and favored the Wheeler company only, still, later when it was demonstrated that both companies could be made up, Mr. Porter heartily complimented Sherman on his energy, perseverance and success.

The Eau Claire Rangers, Captain A. M. Sherman, have enlisted forty men at Patch Grove, near Prairie du Chien, and are now accepted in Colonel Washburn's regiment of cavalry, and will proceed at once to Avinter quarters at Milwaukee, where they are to be furnished with horses, uniforms and equipment. Their quarters are said to be comfortable, and attached to them are parade grounds for cavalry drill and a hall for fencing and gymnastic exercises. If the men who have enlisted here come promptly to the scratch the company will leave this place the first week in December. A few more are needed, and as this is the only chance to join cavalry in the northwest, the ranks will undoubtedly be filled at once. We can certainly commend the energy of Captain Sherman in succeeding with the company, and the fact is a high and well deserved compliment.

Captain Sherman's company of cavalry, the Eau Claire Rangers, left this place for Milwaukee Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Including those that went yesterday it numbered seventy men, and without disparagement to any other we may

Editor Telegram: - After much effort I have finally prevailed upon Captain A. M. Sherman to tell the story of his company, Company L of the Second Wisconsin cavalry, the only cavalry company recruited in this section.

Sherman'S Narrative

I reached Eau Claire in 18-57, and besides being engaged in the sawmill and lumber business, was for a time engineer on some of the Chippewa river steamboats. I was running the Stella Whipple when it took Company C, Captain Perkins' company, to LaCrosse, and well remember the ovation given to the company on its arrival there. About this time a letter was received from my father asking if any of his sons had buckled on their armor in defense of their country. If not he would have to set an example for us. I was anxious to take a hand in the struggle, and different ones had suggested that I raise a company. Among those making this suggestion was John Kelly, later Captain Kelly, who had charge of a crew of rivermen for Chapman & Thorp. I started to Madison to make arrangements for raising the company, but on my return found Kelly had been persuaded to join forces with John Wheeler, who was then raising a company, and whose project had the support of the leading newspaper of the place, while my own efforts in that direction were criticised and discouraged. My company was, as Wheeler's, to be an infantry company.

I soon got about forty men on my list. Then for a time recruiting was nearly at a standstill in both t-ompanies. At this point a suggestion came to me, which, although it did not fully solve the problem, went far toward doing so. This was to change from an infantry to a cavalry company. I had found quite a number who stood ready to enlist in cavah-y, but who would not enlist in an infantry company. The change was brought about as follows: Having decided that it would be advisable to change to a cavalry company, I immediately wrote a letter to Cakmel Washburn, who, I heard, had just been commissioned to raise a second cavalry regiment. Just as I was about to put the letter in the mail I met a Lieutenant Luxton, who had come to the village to pick up recruits and I confided my whole plan to him. He said I had struck the right person; that it would not be necessary to send the letter to Washburn, as Washburn had authorized him to get recruits. Also said I could go on and make up my company and I could go out as captain of same. I then told Luxton that I thought he ought to withdraw from the territory and leave it to me. He consented; said he would go up to Chippewa Falls and pick up a few men who had already promised to go, and then would leave. I started down to Durand and around in' that vicinity, was gone some days, and on my return was surprised to find Luxton still there picking up recruits. I asked him what he meant by this, but he assured me that it would be all right; that he thought that he could get some of these men better than myself, but that the recruits would be divided and I would get my men just the same. I soon realized that this man Luxton was a very unreliable man to do business with, so I interviewed Colonel Washburn personally and made a trip to Milwaukee for that purpose. Colonel Washburn was pleased and said the matter could be arranged. He explained liis plan and gave me a letter to a Mr. Wood, of Patch Grove, near Milwaukee, which read about as follows:

"Dear Sir: - This will introduce to you Mr. A. M. Sherman, of Eau Claire, who is raising a company of cavalry Avith the intention of not being brigaded with another company. Yourself and Captain Dale, of Racine, have received commissions from me to raise two companies to be brigaded, he to take the senior captaincy and you the junior captaincy. I find that Captain Dale is guilty of double dealing in having accepted this commission from me and being now engaged in recruiting for the Barstow regiment. I therefore now throw Captain Dale over entirely and would ask you to turn your recruits in with A. M. Sherman, and when the company is made up he will be the captain of the same and yourself first lieutenant. The balance of the officers will be elected alternately from .your own and Captain Sherman 's recruits."

I went to Patch Grove, found Wood sick in bed, considerably discouraged and well pleased to fall in with the new plan. Up to this time I had been working at a great disadvantage in getting recruits, for those who were backing the Wheeler company asserted that there was no show for me making up the requisite number for the company, and even if I made it up there was no assurance that a cavalry company could be gotten into service. Now the acquisition of the recruits from Patch Grove nearly made up the required number, and I had Colonel Washburn's word that the company would be accepted. I came back to the village, announced the success of my mission, and started in enthusiastically to recruit the number more needed to make up a full company. But recruits came slowly both for myself and Wheeler. When matters were at nearly a standstill Lieutenant Luxton again appeared on the scene. Meeting me, he said: "Hello Sherman, how are j'ou making 't?'' "Pretty ?low,'' T said. "A few more recruits are needed yet and they are hard to find." "Why don't you go over to Black River Falls? A company has gone to pieces there and I could have gotten twenty men there yesterday if I had wanted them. ' ' Forgetting my previous experience with Luxton, I quickly engaged a livery team and drove to Black River Falls; found there Avas not a word of truth in Luxton 's statement, and no men to be had. One of the first persons I met there was Captain Wheeler, who had come on tlie same fool's errand as myself. We went back together, better friends than ever, and found that during our absence Luxton had been trying his best to get Wheeler's and my men to leave and go with him. Notwithstanding the discouragement and Luxton 's treachery, I persevered, and finally got the requisite number of recruits enrolled. Just then I received perhaps the most bitter disappointment of my life. A letter was received from Washburn stating that the recruits a-t Patch Grove had held a meeting and decided that they would not consolidate Avith mine, but would go ahead and fill up their own ranks, and Wood had sent word to Washburn that they would soon appear in camp with a fuU company. This left me without the requisite number of men, and no assurance of acceptance if the company was filled. I did not dare tell the boys of the condition of affairs. Here were some sixty odd of the best men of the Chippewa valley or of the country, who were fully expecting to be sworn into service without delay, and I alone knew that there were no grounds for that belief. It was a forlorn hope, but I went on with my preparations to start for camp near Jlilwaukee, trusting that in some way, I knew not how, a solution of the difficulty would be found. Having no governmental authority, there was no financial backing for the venture, except myself. The boys did not know it, but I personally paid the entire expenses of the company to Sparta and at that place. At Sparta we took the train for .Mihvaulvi-e. The boys were going to war, so they thought, and wci'c running over animal spirit. At one or two of the stations a supply of a different kind of spirits was taken on board, and this added to their hilarity. The conductor came around and asked for certificates of transportation. I told him I had none. He was surprised and said that I must pay their fare or they would be put off the train. I told him I could not pay their fare if I would, and as for putting them off the train, I suggested that it might not be a very safe thing to try with tliose lumberjacks ; and the sounds which came from the other car added emphasis to my words. Then he said that at the next junction he would have to uncouple the car and leave it on the switch. I replied that this would not work either, for we had started for Milwaukee and were going there, and on the least show of uncoupling the car we would take possession of the train. I was a railroad man myself and could run the engine, and I knew I could make up the balance of a train crew from my company. That put an end to objections on his part, and we continued on our journey, finallv reaching Milwaukee. But what was I to do now that I was there? I had a magiiifieeiit body of men much above the average height and firmly built. I had taken pains to niimber and rank them in order of height, and this added much to their military appearance. Getting them in line after leaving the cars, they made a showing to be proud of. Just then a man in the undress uniform of an oificer of the regular army drove vip and stopped to look at them. .He then inquired of a bystander where they were from. "From Eau Claire," was the answer. "Who is their captain?" I was pointed out. "Well," said he, "I have seen every regiment of the regular army and every regiment that has gone out from this state, but this is the finest looking body of men that I ever saw in line."' Getting into his carriage beside him, I quietly asked him to drive a little distance away, and then 1 told him the awful fix I was in. "Don't worry," said he. "I can assure j'ou that Washburn will be very glad to get those men. March them around to headquarters." With a lighter heart than I had carried for weeks, I marched the boys around and stood them in line on the walk across the street from Washburn's headquarters. I was then led into the hotel, where I met Colonel Washburn. He came out and looked at the boys across the street. There was no further question in regard to their acceptance. He wanted those boys - and more like them if they could be obtained.

Washburn's first suggestion was that my company be consolidated with another company, with a division of officers. I told him that my boys had been promised that they should elect their own officers, and this was acceded to. We found Captain Wood there. Instead of a full company as promised, he had not much more than half the required number. We were given quarters and at last were actually sM-orn into the service of the government.

I got my men into quarters, drew rations, blankets and fuel and then took the train back to Eau Claire to get a few more recruits who were not ready to go when the company left. Returning to Milwaukee a few days later I found the strife between Washburn and ex-Governor Barstow redhot. The occasion for this rivalry was that an order had been received from the war department stating that but one cavalry regiment would be received, and this would be the first one ready to take the field. There were at this time three cavalry regiments in process of formation : That of Prof. Edward Daniels, of Ripon, with rendezvous on the lake shore above Milwaukee; C. C. Washburn's regiment, with rendezvous at Milwaukee, and ex-Governor Bar- stow's regiment, with rendezvous at Janesville. I found that during my absence at Eau Claire I had lost four of my men, who had been induced to go into the Barstow regiment, among them being my Rank 1 man, who stood six feet four. It appears that an agent of Barstow had been treating the boys pretty liberally to liquor, and when in a somewhat mellow condition had spirited them off to Janesville. I immediatelj' took the train and went after those boys. Arriving at Janesville, I hunted up Barstow and told him my errand. The ex-governor was very cordial. Said he liked my style. . Pointing to a half-barrel of whisky and a glass on top of same, he said: "Help yourself. Let's take a drink," which we did. Then, coming back to my request for the return of my men, he said that was out of the question, and emphasized it with some strong profanity, in which the ex-governor was an expert. Said that those men should never go back, as anything he got from Colonel Washburn he intended to keep. After a few minutes spent in conversation at the ofSce, Barstow ordered a horse for himself and another one for me and said, "Let's go down to the barracks and see the troops. I want to show you my regiment." After another drink we started. As we rode along I again insisted on the return of those men ; told him I could not muster in without them. Barstow continued firm, declaring those men could not go, but that he would "loan" me as many more to assist me in mustering. As may be inferred, this "loaning" of recruits was not a strictly regular procedure, but was sometimes resorted to by those who lacked a few of the required number of recruits, and was winked at by those higher in authority.

We rode out to the barracks. I found the regiment enclosed in a stockade built of sixteen-foot planks set vertically. After we had been there a short time Barstow became engaged in conversation with some of his regimental officers and I remarked that I would look around for a while, to which the ex-governor replied, "All right, captain; go ahead." I soon ran onto my boys. They were glad to see me and anxious to get back. One of the boys was on patrol. I planned with him that he should pry one plank loose at the bottom, and then, as opportunity offered, the boys were to slip through and take the railroad track for Milwaukee, my rank man having both feet badly frozen, as he had on only a pair of tight boots. Nothing of unusual interest occui-red during our stay in Milwaukee, only regimental and sword drill, etc. It may be proper to state here that eventually all three of the cavalry companies were accepted.

We left Milwaukee in early spring and went to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, where we drew our horses. I assisted in the purchase of 10,000 horses. Trainloads were brought from all directions. The test was to race each horse straightaway forty rods and back. The rider would then dismount, a man would grab the horse by the bridle with whip in hand and circle the horse at full speed in as short turns as possible. This to test the wind. If the wind was found all right the horses were further examined for other defects. If accepted the buyer announced "Inside" and if not accepted "outside." That ended the matter. It was useless for the seller to say a word. Twelve regiments were mounted, eleven in solid colors, mostly bays. Two battalions of the second Wisconsin were mounted and the balance on mixed colors. I conceived the idea that each company should have a distinct color. There were enough of each to mount a company of blacks, grays, red roans and "clay banks," These last were a breed imported from Europe and raised mostly in Missouri. They had black manes, tails and legs and a black stripe down the spine. The body color was about that of yellow clay, from which they took their name.

About this time the rebel General Stuart's Black Horse Cavalry had been making some of its dashing raids and blacks were much in favor and considered the ideal cavalry horse. All the companies wanted the blacks so the choice of colors was settled by ballet. Captain Richmond got the blacks, Capt. Von Heyde the red roans, Capt. Whytoek the grays and I got the claybanks. I was so disappointed that I offered Captain Richmond all the money I had if he Avould exchange, but he laughed at me. I considered the claybanks the poorest of all, and tried to trade for the grays or red roans, but with no better success. The red roans Avere a pony built horse with round quarters, strong loins and sloping shoulders, and as many of my men were the heaviest in the regiment I thought the roans would be more suitable, but I had to content myself with the claybanks. It was now early summer. My brother Stanton visited me on a furlough, he belonging to the First Iowa Cavalry, a regiment where each man furnished his own horse. I was glad to see him for he had already had some experience in the cavalry. I was relating to him my disappointment in the matter of horses when he replied, "you have the best cavalry horse in the world." "How so?" said I. He replied "The claybank is the most tractable, docile and yet fearless, and will learn the bugle call before his rider does. We have some of them in our regiment and they excel all others. You let me take j'Oiir company into the amphitheater for a few days and I will drill them for you, and then I'll show you," which he did more or less for two weeks.

At the first call for regimental drill for the sword, mounted, there was a great surprise in store for the regiment. We were formed in line, swords with metal scabbard and steel chains hanging at the left side, bridle rein in the left hand, right arm hanging down by the right side. Now, we were all lined up, as perfect as we can get our horses, waiting for the first command, which is "Draw-sabers." At the command "Draw" each man throws his right arm across his body, grasps his sword, and draws it up six inches in the scabbard, and as he gets the word "saber" it leaps from the scabbard, passes the body to the right with its point skyward, straight with the arms aud at an angle of about thirty degrees. Now notice what happens. A thousand arms swinging together on to the hilts of a thousand sabers and raising them six inches in their metal scabbards with a rattling of steel chains and then the flash of a thousand blades in the sunlight, and where are you at? Every company stampeded except the claybauks. The scene was picturesque, and somewhat tragic, for a few riders were thrown from their mounts. Horses Avere rearing and plunging in great confusion. This ended the drill for that day, aud claybauks stock was at a premium. A feeling of envy was shown by some of the officers of the other companies, and on the part of company L there was a greater pride in their horses and from that time on they received the best of care. My brother Stanton was induced by Col. Washburn and myself to act as scout for our regiment, being attached to my company, he having been promised a transfer from the Iowa cavalry to which he belonged.

After the expiration of a few weeks spent at Benton Barracks we received marching orders for Springfield, Mo. Nothing of special interest occurred on the way, except that I might relate a little incident which occurred at the small village of RoUa. There was a company of "Home Guards" in charge of this place. Now from my own experience and observation I have no very high opinion of these Home Guards. Doubtless some of them were entirely true and loyal but on the other hand many of them seemed to have joined these organizations to prevent themselves from being drawn into field service, on either side, and their attitude was that of Good Lord or Good Devil to which ever of the two opposing forces might seem to be in the ascendancy at anv particular time. Several of my boys in taking in the town had conimitted some minor offense and had been lodged by these Home Guards in a guard house or calaboose. Word was brought to me of this by some of the other boys. That day I was mounted on a horse which was the private property of one of my company, Philip Hanck. Old residents will remember the man well. He and another man kept a hotel on the corner opposite the Galloway House. The liorse was a "leopard" stallion, or part Arabian blood, a splendid animal, perfectly fearless and would carry its rider anywhere. I went to the commander of the Guards, told him my company was to leave in the early morning, that I would see to the conduct of my men, and asked their release. The man was very pompous and insolent and no satisfaction could be obtained from him. Different action on my part was necessary. Turning to the boys who had accompanied me I ordered them to break open the guard house. This was done in short order and my boys released. The Home Guard commander stood there fuming and vowing vengence and after one particular offensive remark addressed to me I wheeled my horse and made straight at him. He started on. the run and soon being hard pressed run up the steps of the leading hotel and disappeared through the large entrance, but my horse could climb steps as well as he and I followed. By ducking my head I was able to ride through the entrance and right into the hotel lobby. As may be imagined it caused some excitement and there was screaming from the lady guests, but ray man got away from me, slipping out the back door where I could not follow. I then turned my horse, reached down and picked up a rocking chair and with that in my hand rode out of the entrance and down the steps. The guard officers gave me no further trouble and with my full compliment of men the next morning we started on. We reached Springfield where a regimental conference was held between our officers and the command there, which resulted in our regiment being sent south to the town of Ozark, under command of Major Sterling. The balance of the regimental officers remained in Springfield. A large train of wagons was supplied and we were to gather corn and grind it in a gristmill at Ozark, also procure forage for the horses. These supplies were to be sent to the relief of General Curtis, who was hemmed in and surrounded by the enemy down on White River, near Batesville. There had been a previous effort made to relieve this general, but it proved disastrous, the train being captured and the supplies burned.

they discovered some rebel cavalry coming up the road. Concealing themselves in the brush they counted the cavalrymen as they rode i)ast. There were 225. The report was brought to me and I immediately carried it to Ma.jor Sterling in command and asked the privilege of going after them with Co. L. The major did not approve this on the ground of the absence of all the other regimental officers at Springfield and our expedition to Ozai'k being for the securing of supplies and not for the purpose of entering into any engagement with the enemy. I urged my request strongly and finally was told I could follow them up for a short distance, "But don't be gone over an hour." Learning of the permission given by Ma.jor Sterling, Captain De Forrest requested me to let him make up half of the pursuing force with men from his company, to which I assented. Ozark was garrisoned by about forty infantry. I secured one of these as guide on account of his knowledge of the country, mounted him and then we started down the road toward Forsythe in pursuit of the enemy. It proved that the rebel cavalry had ridden up to the brow of the liill overlooking Ozark, expecting to capture the place, but discovering our regiment encamped there had quietlj'' countermarched back toward their encampment at Cowskin Prairie, on the south side of White River. Had we not arrived at Ozark the day before it would have been an easy matter for them to capture the garrison, and so sure were they of doing this that they had brought along a six mule team to take back their expected plunder. We had gone only a mile or so when we approached a cloud of dust which filled the roadway neai'ly to the tops of the trees. I immediately ordered my men to a gallop expecting to soon overtake the rebels. After riding perhaps for three quarters of a mile further we came to a fork in the road and the dust was down both roads. I called a halt and conferred with my guide. The right hand road was the direct route to Pea Ridge and the left hand road to Forsythe, but on account of the dust in both roads we could not tell which way they had gone. The guide was of the opinion that the rebel cavalry were from Cowskin Prairie and would probably take the left hand road. I cautiously advanced expecting every minute to run into the rear guard, but we traveled on and on, but always dust in the road ahead of us, until we had passed the summit of the Ozark mountains and were on the southern descent, to White River. My brother Stant was all the time alone in advance. We had gone probably twenty miles when he returned with a pi-isoner mounted on a mule with a young negro wench behind him, Stant said, ' ' Put this man in the ranks. " " Why no, he is not a soldier, ' ' I replied. "He is a spy sent back in this guise to find out if they are being followed;" and he wheeled his horse and galloped ahead out of sight. I interrogated the man, but he assured me that he was a preacher going to preach a funeral sermon, so I let him go and started the command ahead, but had gone only a short distance when I heard rapid firing ahead.

Stant had I'un into the rear guard and opened fire on them. I immediately ordered a charge which the boys made with a will. Within a mile we ran into dozens of the rebels, most of whom threw up their hands and cried "donf shoot, I surrender," many dismounting, holding up their bridle rein and throwing down their arms. We passed all such leaving it to Captain De- Forrest's men, who were behind us, to take care of those who had surrendered, while we kept on after those who would not halt or surrender. While riding along at a furious pace Len Lancaster's horse slipped on a ledge of slate that extended across the road when horse and rider fell to the ground, Lancaster being caught under the horse and severely injured. I detailed two men to take him to the rear, and on we started again. Presently we ran across their six-mule team and wagon, but on we went, the fastest horses in front. Every man taking the initiative, some following far into the woods those of the rebels who left the road.

I had seen nothing of Stant yet, and feared he was killed. After running past perhaps a hundred men who had thrown down their weapons and offered to surrender we emerged out of the timber on the level bottom of White River. Here there was no dust to speak of, and there were several farm houses in sight. I will take time here to describe our own shooting irons, which were somewhat out of the usual order. Each man was furnished with a Savage revolver, having a nine inch barrel, a heavy weapon, provided with a lever which dropped down in front of the ti'igger, with a loop in the lower end for the middle finger. When this lever was pulled back it would cock the revolver and turn the cylinder, but if not let go forward again pulling the trigger would not discharge the weapon. Lieut. Tom Nary was riding by ray side. He was a splendid specimen of physical manhood and with no lack of courage. As we were dashing along we overtook a rebel officer. I was on one side and Nary on the other. Nary was on the left, pointing his revolver at the officer, commanding him to halt or he would shoot, but the officer kept right on. Probably through failure to release the lever before mentioned Nary's revolver would not go off. In the meantime I had dropped back to keep out of the range. Finally there was a sharp report and the rebel officer fell dead, shot through the heart. Just at the elose of our cha.se what was our surprise to run across a young woman in riding habit standing beside the road patting her pony on the neck, the pony gushing blood from its nostrils with every breath. We stopped and looked in amazement. Just then the pony reeled over and fell dead. I rode up to her with the question "what have we here?" There was a look of scorn and no reply. "Where is your gallant?" I added. She turned and looked southwest across the field and pointed out a lone horseman half a mile away, evidently mounted on a thoroughbred, for his tail was straight out and liis gatherings rapid. "There he goes," said she, "and you can't catch him." "Well," said I, "I think I will have to take you prisoner." "I reckon you won't." As she said this she went into her pocket and brought out a document. It proved to be a permit for her to go in and out of the lines at pleasure, and signed by Colonel Boyd, who M'as a federal officer living in Missouri, and this was his daughter, who had been down to Cowskin Prairie and married a rebel officer, the one in command of the expedition against Ozark. Her husband was one of the very few in the rebel command who had not laid down arms, surrendered or been killed. This expedition was their wedding tour, and the comtemplated capture of the garrison and supplies at Ozark was expected to add spice to the trip.

Our horses by this time were tired and their riders were dust covered, hot and thirsty. As the boys began to gather in from the woods and elsewhere we stopped at a farm bouse where there was a well with an old-fashioned sweep. The thirst of men and horses was quenched, the horses being allowed to take only a few swallows at a time until cooled off. The boys continued to come in, brother Stant the last to show up. He had been led a long chase deep in the woods. A count was taken and every man found safe and Avhole. We then started back to Ozai'k. The six-mule team belonging to the rebels was made use of in hauling the guns and equipment of all descriptions which they had surrendered or dropped in their flight. There were 110 pieces, all told, including a considerable number of carbines, with bayonets which slid down into a casement, and had been furnished by the government for the protection of camel trains which carried mail across the plains. There were also squirrel rifles, shot guns, derringers and dueling pistols, also some bowie knives.

with the equipment and after dark left at a farm house where we had noticed a number of women while on the chase. The full benefit of our raid was not realized on account of the failure of the squad from the other compay who were in the rear of Co. L, to take charge of those who had thrown down their arms and offered to surrender. Further jealousy in the regiment was caused by this encounter, and later I learned there was even talk of a court-martial for me for having been gone more than the hour allotted to me by my superior officer. Had the chase not been so successful and without loss to my company there is no telling what might have liappened.

Second Cavalry

It was impossible to know the full extent of casualty to the enemy. The dust was so thick it was hard to distinguish between the grey and the blue. Sixteen prisoners and three killed were all we were sure of. In a few days our train of supplies and forage was ready and our command with the forty infantrymen of Ozark as riding wagon guards, we started traveling the same road we had chased the enemy over for the first twenty-five miles. It was an undisturbed march thus far but ever after that we were followed by McBride and Coleman for 100 miles with their bushwhacking guerilla system of firing upon us from dense cover and instantly fleeing ; picking up any stragglers momentarily absent from the ranks. Their system was to fire into the advance and rear ranks and then skidoo. Washburn was anxious to learn the strength of the encampment at Cowskin Prairie so brother Stant was rigged out in butternut garb and furnished with leave of absence purporting to belong to a rebel of Price's command, mounted on an old picked up horse, to spy out the rebel force at Cowskin Prairie on the south side of White River, while we marched down on the north side. He left us one morning before we broke camp. We marched that day with but little annoyance and all the next day without any and we began to think the enemy were massing somewhere in our front for the final coup and our fate might be the same as the one captured before, in their attempt to reach General Curtis. After our camp for the night was settled, Washburn sent for me to come to- his quarters, he was very anxious to hear from his scout and spy sent to Cowskin and I thought he must be killed for he had told me he would never surrender. Just at the time I was telling this to Washburn, there was a loud vocal discord ringing in our ears and I started for Company L quarters. When I got tliere I saw Stant and two confederates surrounded by Co. L and Stant was going through the garments of his two prisoners, ripping open coat collars, vest linings, pants bottoms, boot tops, as tliey disrobed one garment after another, and he was so stoically silent and indiii'erent to tell us - not even answering or recognizing my greeting, or the many questions of the boys. So I stood there in mute silence, confiicting emotions struggling for the mastery, and I really had some misgivings of the 19 year old boy's sanity. After he had finished searching his prisoners he asked the lieutenant to care for these men, "I reckon they are hungry."

We then went to Washburn and Stant reported that the rebel camp was intact, and thought they had no designs to engage us. The night before he had played cards with some of the boys in the rebel camp until 2 o'clock in the morning, then went and laid down by his horse for a feigned sleep. But instead of sleeping he planned to exchange his poor horse for a better one that was picketed near his and leave camp before daylight, which he successfully did without discovery, traveling northeast. Crossing White River he espied the heads of tAvo horsemen at the crest of a sharp hill. They were coming toward him. He immediately spurred into the bush at the roadside and dismounting, hitched his horse and crawled back to the roadside, where, with revolver in hand, he awaited their coming. They were walking leisurely and talking, and when they were nearly opposite him, he leaped into the road, and covering them with his revolver, commanded them to "ground arms." They instantly obeyed, and then he gave the order, "about wheel," which they also obeyed. He then picked up their arms, adjusted them to himself, stepped for his horse, mounted, and marching the two in front of him nearly all day, overtook us after we had bivouacked for the night. I felt so proud of hira, that if I had had the power to give my place of Captain of Co. L I should have done so.

The prisoners were a private and lieutenant, belonging to the same regiment, and were returning from the private's Avedding, where the lieutenant acted as best man. They became the charge of Co. L through to Helena, and when they were shipped north with a boatload of prisoners, this lieutenant went to Washburn and begged the privilege of presenting his fine horse to his young captor. When Washburn told him the horse belonged to the United States, and it could not be done, I led him away and his eyes filled with tears. He told me he had brothers he did not revere as he did this young captor. He said further that tlie cool.

self-assured tone and action of Stant, convinced him that there was a company of ambushed guns behind him. A few days later an incident occurred which I will now relate.