Vernon County, Wisconsin - Chapter 17: The War for the Union, 1884

Chapter 17: The War for the Union

Before entering upon a consideration of tbe part taken by the citizen soldiers of Vernon county, in the great contest between the slave owners of the south and the lovers of freedom in the north, it is proper to dwell for a brief period upon the causes leading to the conflict ot arms and the incipient steps taken by the general and State governments in arousing and marshalling the hosts of liberty-loving men who afterward so grandly kept step to the music of the Union.

When Wisconsin was first called upon to aid the general government in its efforts to sustain itself against the designs of the secession conspirators, tbe commercial affairs of the State were embarrassed to a considerable degree by the depreciation of the currency. The designs of the secessionists were so far developed at the ending of the year 1860, as to show that resistance to the National authority had been fully determined on. It is not a matter of wonder, then, that Gov. Randall in his message to the Legislature, early in January, 1861, should have set forth the dangers which threatened the Union, or should have denied the right of a State to secede from it.

"Secession," said he, "is revolution ; revolution is war ; war against the government of the United States is treason." "It is time," he continued, "now, to know whether we have any government, and if so, whether it has any strength. Is our written constitution more than a sheet of parchment V The Nation must be lost or preserved by its own strength. Its strength is in the patriotism of the people. It is time now that politicians become patriots ; that men sliow tlieir love of country by every sacrifice, but that of principle, and by unwavering devotion to its interests and integrity." "The hopes," added the governor, most eloquently, '*of civilization and Christianity are suspended now upon the answer to this question of dissolution. The capacity for, as well as the right of, self-government is to pass its ordeal, and speculation to become certainty. Other systems have been tried, and have failed; and all along the skeletons of Nations have been strewn, as warnings and land marks, upon the great highway of historic government. Wisconsin is true, and her people steadfast. She will not destroy the Union, nor consent that it shall be done. Devised by great, and wise, and good men, in days of sore trial, it must stand. Like some bold mountain, at whose base the great seas break their angry floods, and around whose summit the thunders of a thousand hurricanes liave rattled - strong, unmoved, immovable - so may our Union, be, while treason surges at its base, and passions rage around it, unmoved, immovable - here let it stand forever." These are the words of au exalted and genuine patriotism. But the governor did not content himself with eloquence alone. He came down to matters of business as well. He urged the necessity of legislation that would give more efficient organization to the militia of the State. Tie warned the legislators to make preparations also for the coming time that should try the souls of men. "The signs of the times," said he, "indicate that there may arise a contingency in the condition of the government, when it will become necessary to respond to a call of the National government for men and means to maintain the integrity of the LTnion, and to thwart the designs of men en- gaged in organized treason. While no unnecessary expense should be incurred, yet it is the part of wisdom, both for individuals and States, in revolutionary times to be prepared to defend our institutions to the last extremity." It was thus the patriotic governor gave evidence to the members of both houses that he "scented the battle afar off."

On the 16th of January a joint resolution of the Legislature was passed, declaring that the people of Wisconsin are ready to co-operate with the friends of the Union everywhere for its preservation, to yield a cheerful obedience to its reqirements, and to demand a like obedience from all others ; that the Legislature of Wisconsin, profoundly impressed with the value of the Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired, hail with joy the recent firm, dignified and patriotic special message of the President of the United States ; that they tender to him, through the chief magistrate of their own State, whatever aid, in men and money, may be required to enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the Federal government and in defense of the more perfect Union, which has conferred prosperity and happiness on the American people. "Renewing," said they, "the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we are ready to devote our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honors in upholding the Union and the constitution."

The Legislature, in order to put the State upon a kind of "war footing," passed an act for its defense, and to aid in enforcing the laws and maintaining the authority of the general government. It was under this act that Gov. Randall was enabled to organize the earlier regiments of Wisconsin. By it, incase of a call from the President of the United States to aid in maintaining the Union and the supremacy of the laws to suppress rebellion or insurrection, or to repel invasion within the United States, the governor was authorized to provide in the most efficient manner for responding to such call - to accept the services of volunteers for service, in companies of seventy-five men each, rank and file, and in regiments of ten companies of seventy-five men each, and to commission officers for them. The governor was also autliorized to contract for the uniforms and equipments necessary for putting such companies into active service. $100,000 was appropriated for war purposes ; and bonds were authorized to be issued for that amount, to be negotiated by the governor for raising funds. It will be seen, therefore, that the exigencies of the times - for Fort Sumter had not yet been surrendered - were fully met by the people's representatives, they doing their whole duty, as they then understood it, in aid of the perpetuity of the Union.

Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty-four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, the main gates destroyed, the gorge-wall seriously injured, the magazine surrounded by tlames, and its door closed from the efl:'ects of the heat, four barrels and three cartridges of powder only being available, and no provisions but pork remaining, Robert Anderson, major of the first artillery, Uniied States army, accepted'terms of evacuation offered by Gen. Beauregaid, marched out of the Fort on Sunday afternoon, the 1 +th of April, 1861, with colors flying and drums beating, bringing away company and private property, and saluting his flag with fifty guns. This in brief, is the story of the fall of Sumter and the opening act of the War of the Rebellion.

"Whereas," said Abraham Lincoln, President, in his proclamation of the next day, "the laws of the United States have been for some lime past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law." Now, in view of that fact, he called forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000, in order to suppress those combina- tions, and to cause the laws to be duly executed. "A call is made on you by to-night's mail for one regiment of militia for immediate service," telegraphed the secretary of war to Randall, on the same day.

The State Arouskd

In Wisconsin, as elsewhere, the public pulse quickened under the excitement of the fall of Sumter. "The dangers which surrounded the Nation awakened the liveliest sentiments of patriotism and devotion. For the time,party fealty was forgotten in the general desire to save the Nation. The minds of the people soon settled into the conviction that a bloody war was at hand, and that the glorious fabric of our National government, and the principles upon which it is founded, were in jeopardy, and with a determination unparalleled in the history of any country, they rushed to its defense. On every hand the National flag could be seen displayed, and the public enthusiam knew no bounds. In city, town and hamlet, the burden oTi every tounge was war." "We have never been accustomed," said Gov. Randall, "to consider the military arm as essential to the maintenance of our government, but an exigency has arisen that demands its employment." "The time has come," he continued, "when parties and platforms must be forgotten, and all good citizens and patriots unite together in putting down rebels and traitors." "What is money," he asked, "what is life, in the presence of such a crisis?"

Such utterances and such enthusiasm could but have their effect upon the Legislature, which, it will be remembered, was still in session. So, although that body had voted to adjourn, sine die, on the 15th of April, yet, when the moment arrived, and a message from the governor was received, announcing that, owing to the extraordinary exigencies which had arisen, an amendment of the law of the thirteenth of the month was necessary, the resolution to adjourn was at once rescinded. The two houses thereupon not only increased the amount of bonds to be issued to ^200,000, but they also passed a law exempting from civil process, during the time of service, all persons enlisting and mustering into the United States army from Wisconsin. When, on the seventeenth, the Legislature did adjourn, the scene was a remarkable one. Nine cheers were given for the star spangled banner and three for the Governor's Guard, who had just then tendered their services - the first in the State - under the call for a regiment of men for three months duty.

"For the first time in the history of this Federal government, are the words of the governor, in a proclamation issued on the 1 6th of April, "organized treason has manifested itself within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it." "The treasurers of the country," said he, "must no longer be plundered; the public property must be protected from aggressive violence; that already seized must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the Union alike." "A demand," he added, "made upon Wisconsin, by the President of the United States, for aid to sustain the Federal arm, must meet with a prompt response." And it did, and nowhere with more genuine enthusiasm than in Vernon county.

The county of Vernon was not slow to move when it was clearly seen by her citizens that the Union was in deed and in truth threatened by armed rebellion and avowed secession. "The rebellion of the slave holders," said the Northwestern Times, of April 24, 1861, "of the seceding Slates has now reached actual war against the loyal citizens of the United States. The projierty of every citizen of this great republic has been attacked, because every citizen is a ])art of the government which has a property interest in Fort Sumter, which fort has been cannonaded and probably taken by the rebels at Charleston."

teers, and will probably need more; and Gov. Randall of this State calls ou all loyal citizens to sustain the laws. He also calls for volunteers in companies of seventy-five men each to enroll themselves and report to him their readiness to serve." "Every lover of free institutions," concludes the writer, "the world over, every loyal citizen of the United States, expects every man to do his whole duty, in the war that has just been commenced by the South Carolina traitors."

The first war meeting in Vernon county was held at Viroqua, on Wednesday, April 24, 1861, in the evening, at the court house. At this meeting, the following gentlemen were appointed to collect funds to procure music for the company being organized in Viroqua, and to maintain their families while they were gone to help the General Government put down the secession rebellion at the south: Thomas Fretwell, J. A. Somerby, J. E. Newell, Dr. J. Rusk, Dr. E. W. Tinker, Justice Smith and Calvin Morley.

The meeting adjourned to Saturday evening, April 27th, when a very enthusiastic time was had. Henry Nichols was elected president, William Clawater, vice-president, and T. C. Ankeny, secretary.

On Motion, Col. R. C. Bierce, J. Somerby and Wm. H. Goode were appointed a committee to draft and report resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of Bad Ax county, on the subject of the present State of the Union. The committee appointed at a previous meeting to obtain subscriptions to support a volunteer company and their families, reported 1117 already obtained and that progress was making for additional sums.

On motion, enough funds were appropriated to purchase a good fife and snare drum and the committee were instructed to purchase the same at their earliest convenience. It was further ordered that 20 per cent be paid in at once on subscription.

"We the people of Bad Ax county, in war meeting asaembled, irrespective of party, for the purpose of declaring our sentiments on the present state of the affairs of the Nation, do hereby declare as follows:

1. Mesolved, That secession is not a constitutional right, and that we look upon the present attitude of the pretended seceded States as one of rebellion coupled with the fixed determination to crush out the spirit of liberty and substitute in its place, the spirit of slavery.

2. Resolved, That, under ordinary circumstances, we believe in allowing the utmost freedom of speech and the press, but in the present hour of our country's peril, we declare we will not permit any man in our midst to openly declare in favor of the right of secession, or advocate the cause of traitors and rebels against the Federal government.

:3. Resolved, That, to our old flag of stars and stripes, we owe all our property and our honor, and we hereby renew our allegiance and fidelity to it, and express our determination to never stand idly by and see it trailed in the dust.

4. Resolved, That, like our fathers of old, we here pledge, in support of our constitution and our flag, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

The meeting was then warmly addressed by William Clawater, R. C. Bierce, T. C. Ankeny, Gen. Spencer, Adj't. J. Berry, William F. Terhune, II. Greve and others. The utmost unanimity of feeling, sentiment and enthusiasm prevailed among the speakers, and they were enthusiastically cheered by the large audience present.

On motion, William Clawater, R. 0. Bierce and C4eorge Pollard were appointed a committee to procure a cannon and have it at the next meeting.

War Meeting In De Soto

Pursuant to a call issued, a meeting was held at the Bay State house by the citizens of De Soto, and the following business transacted: The meeting was called to order b\ C B. Whiting, and on motion, N. S. Gate was cliosen chairman and Frank Huntington, secretary. Mr. Gate, upon taking the chair, slated the object of the meeting to be for the purpose of enrolling a company for active service in the cause of our country, and also to take measures thought best to get up au independent company, for drill and military exercise, subject to the military laws of the State.

Remarks were made by C. ii. Whiting, C L. Ingersoll, D. S. Mulhern and others. Thereupon George Gale, George H. Mead, Andrew Miller, James Davenport, George McDill and M. Godfrey expressed their willingness to volunteer immediately. A. Cooley offered his drum to Mr. Godfrey, if he did not conclude to go himself.

On motion of Capt. C. B. Worth, a committee of three were chosen to draw up a paper and solicit subscriptions for the relief of the families of those who may volunteer from this place. The committee drew up a paper which was read and accepted, and ordered to be circulated.

On motion of George McDill, a committee of three were appointed to make arrangements to form a volunteer company. C. L. Ingersoll, H. Miller and J. C. Kurtz were appointed. On motion of J. C. Kurtz, C. B. , Whiting and A. Carlyle were added to the committee. The committee on subscriptions soon reported $],- -396, subscrilied. Meeting adjourned.

On the 4tli of May, the Viroqua Expositor said: "The greatest enthusiasm prevails here among the people in reference to preserving the Union, enforcing the laws and subduing rebellion. It is commendable on the part of some of our good citizens, who are taking an active part in shaping every advantage in their power to raise and equip a company in this county, to be ready to do or die at their country's bidding." "A meeting has been called to take place to-day," continues the editor, "for the purpose of enlisting soldiers, and further, to do their duty as loyal citizens of a commonwealth and patriots in a common cause."

From this time onward, frequent meetings were held in different parts of the county. Finally, the result was the formation of the first company, wholly within the county for the war, known afterward as

Company I, Sixtu Regiment

'i'his company was organized at Viroqua, in June, 1861, and was mustered into the United States service in Madison, on the 21st of July, with the t\)llowing roster of offices and enlisted men :

Recruits. - William Balden, James 0. Burrell, Albert E. Fosdick, Henry A. Fosdick, John H. Hendriekson, Wm. H. Johnson, Wm. L. Lindsley, Eli Rockwell, James A. Stalker and Valentine Warner which was organized at Camp Randall, Madison, in July, 1861, and mustered into the service of the United States on the 10th of that month, and left the State for Washington on the 28th. The following was the roster of the regiment :

Colonel. - Lysander Cutler. Lieutenant Colonel. - J. P. Atwood. Major. - B. F. Sweet. Adjutant. - Frank A. Haskell. Quartermaster. - I. N. Mason. Surgeon. - C. B. Chapman. First Assistant Surgeon. - A. W. Preston. >'econd Assistant Surgeon. - A. P. Andrews. Chaplain. - Rev. N. A. Staples. Captain Co. A. - A. G. Mallory. " B - D. J. Dill. " C - A. S. Hove. " D - J. O'Rourke. " E - E. S. Bragg. " F - William H. Lindwurm. " G - M. A. Northrup. " H - J. F. Houser. " " I - Leonard Johnson.

The regiment arrived at Washington on the Vth of August, and was immediately assigned to King's brigade and went into camp on Meridian Hill, where it remained until the 3d of September, when it marched with the brigade to Chain Bridge, and was employed in picket and guard duty at Camp Lyon, until it was joined by the 2d Wisconsin, tiie 9th Indiana, and the 7th Wisconsin about the 1st of October. These, afterward, formed the famous

Early in the war Gen. Rufus King, a graduate of West Point, tendered his services to the government and was appointed brigadier general, with authority to form a brigade composed of regiments from Wisconsin. In this he only partially succeeded, as the 5th Wisconsin wai transferred to another brigade. He, however, succeeded in permanently attaching the 2d, 6th and 7th to the brigade ; these, with the 19th Indiana, afterward received the name of the "Iron Brigade," in the history of which is merged that of the 6th Wisconsin.

The brigade assigned to McDowell's division remained in camp at Fort Tillinghast until March 10, 1862, when they took part in the advance on Manassas, Col. Cutler, of the 6th Wisconsin, being in command of the brigade. The month of July found them at Falmouth, opposite Fredericksburg. Thebrigad* afterward took part in the celebrated retreat of Gen. Pope.

On the 28th of August, 1862, the battle of Gainesville was fought. This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, and wa^ fought by the "Iron Brigade" alone , it only receiving aid after the heaviest of the fighting was over. In this battle company I lost Privates Henry

Didiot, Charles Burnham, Franklin Ellsworth and George Robbins, killed.* On the 29th of August the brigade was present on the battle field of Bull Run, engaged as support to a battery, and took part in the battle of the 30th and in the retreat which followed. Company I lost Private Rodolph Fine, killed : the wounded were Sergeant E. F. Fearn, Corporal R. Warham, Privates Alexander Lowrie, E. C. Burdick, J. B. Hill, E. Lind, F. Page, J. L. Somerby, C. C. Wyman, Caleb Wright, S. G. Waller, Gilbert Allen, Hugh McClure, G. Ruby, George Sutton and Lewis Broughton.

The "Iron Brigade" took part in the battle of South Mountain, Sept. 14, 1862, in which contest Privates William Lawrence and John Harding, of company I, of the 6th Wisconsin, were killed. The wounded in this company were: Corporal C. Green, Privates M. Richardson, G. Ruby, L. Steadman, C. Bohn and H. McClurc. In the early part of the battle of Antietam (which contest was participated in, among others, liy the "Iron Brigade"), a shell fell into the ranks of the 6th regiment, killing or wounding thirteen men and officers. In this battle company I, of the 6th regiment, lost Privates George W. Atwood, George Douglas and William Fo.v, killed, and Corporals J. Williams and C. O. Jones, and Privates N. Burcbel, W. T. Barcus, C. Carnes, L. Davis, L. Hart, C. Lind, D. W. Nutting and H. M. Richardson, wounded.

General Hooker was placed in command of the Array of the Potomac, and the campaign of 186 i was begun, on the 28th of April. The "Iron Brigade" proceeded on that day to Fitzhugh's Crossing below Fredericksburg, and was attached to the first division of the first army corps. A fight occurred the ne.xt day at the crossing, but the 6lh Wisconsin, followed by the 24th Michigan, crossed over in face of the enemy and carried their works. In this daring exploit company I lost Corporal Gabriel

*In this battle, anrl in those hcieafter mentioned, in which company T were engaged, tlie number given as killed includes also such as died of wounds.

The "Iron Brigade" was in the terrible battle of Gettysburg, where company I, of the 6th regiment, lost in killed : First Sergeant Andrew Miller, privates S. M. Boughton, John Hailand, George W. Sutter, Richard Gray and Levi Stedman ; wounded, Corporal S. Goodwin, Privates, J. B. Hill, C. O. Jones, E. Lind, William Sweet, G. Shriver, G. Thurbur and S. Walles. But it was in the battle of the Wilderness that the 6th regiment suffered more than in any other of the war. The loss of company I was as follows : killed - Corporal William H. Nichols ; Privates, Leroy L. Benedict, William R. Carnes, C. F. Dibble, John P. Johnson, Reuben Thompson, William M. Collins, Dewitt C. Fenton, Richard Gray, Peter S. Markle, Clark Smith and Caleb C. Wright ; wounded - Sergeant W. H. Hockabout; Corporals J. S. Driggs, William S. Cashing and IchabodB. Hill; Privates, Gilbert L. Allen, Nathan Birehe'l, Hiram M. Richardson, Isaac W. Roberts, John C. Barry, Harman Cole, John C. Moody, Edward Willard, John C. Campbell, Abraham Searles, David Lind, John W. White and John D. Oliver.

The severity of the service engaged in by the 6th Wisconsin from this time until it was miistured out, can be judged of hy the lists of the killed and wounded at different periods ; but we must be confined to a statement of those who suffered in company I. This company, from June 11 to July 1, 1864, had Sergeant Chester A. Green ; Privates, Christian Hopp, Joseph A. Johnson and Charles Cuppernall, killed ; and in August following, Private Thomas White. In the battle of Dabneys' Mill, on the 6th aiul 7th of February, 1865, company I lost, in killed. Privates Caleb C. Ellis and Marcus D. Carter.

In the short campaign from March 29 to April 9, company I, of the 6th, for a wonder, had none killed, though other companies in the same regiment did not fare so well.

The 6th regiment was mustered out on the t4th of July, IS65, and arrived at Madison on the 16th of that month, and were publiclj' received, paid, and the regiment disbanded.

Having briefly traced the fortunes of company I, of the 6th Wisconsin during the war, we now proceed to give some facts concerning the second company raised wholly in Vernon county. This was

This company was organized at Viroqua, in December, 1861, and was mustered into the United States service at Milwaukee Jan. 19, 1802, with the following roster of officers and enlisted men:

The following members of this company were killed in action: William Kettle, Shiloh; Norris W. Saxton, Shiloh; John H. Singles, Allatoona; William Downie, Corinth.

was organized at Camp Trowbridge, Milwa - kee, under the supervision of Colonel James . Alban, early in the year 1862, and its muster into the United States service was completed on the 15th of March of that year. The regiment left the State on the .30th, with orders to report at St. Louis. The following was the regimental roster:

" D. - George A. Fisk. " E. - William Bremmer. " F. - Joseph W. Roberts. " G. - John H. Compton. " H. - David H. Saxton. " I. - William A. Coleman. " K. - William J. Kershaw. First Lieutenant Co. A. - Edward Colman.

The regiment arrived at St. Louis on the evening of the -31 St of March, 1862, and next day were ordered to proceed up the Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing. Arriving at the landing about noon of Saturday, April 5, they were assigned to the command of Gen. Prentiss, which was then in the extreme advance, about four miles on the Corinth road.

No sooner had the 18th Wisconsin reached its position on the Corinth road under Gen. Prentiss, than they found themselves confronted by the enemy. In brief they had a position of extreme danger, as the enemy were marching in force against the Union army, and early on Sunday, the day after the arrival of the regiment, the battle of Pittsburg Landing began. The result is far more than a "twice told tale." C"ol. James A. Alban was shot through the body, and Maj. J. W. Crain was killed with eight wounds on his person. Lieut.-Col. Samuel W. Beall and Acting Adjutant Colman were both severely wounded, and Capt. John H. Compton, company G, was killed. Company C lost its captain, Newton M. Layne, taken prisoner; privates William Kettle and N. W. Saxton, killed;* and privates A. Clary, W. W. Dielhman, Samuel Fisk, John Kirkpatrick, Hiram Moody, Patrick Mooney, Laughlin Quinn, Benjamin Rantz, J. J. Swain, Samuel Sager and Augustus Singer, wounded.

* In this battle and in those hereafter mentioned, in which Company C were engaged, the number given as Isilled include such as died of wounds.

ond brigade, commanded by Colonel Oliver. In the vicinity of Corinth, Col. Bouck, early in Cctober, 1862, was attacked by an overwhelming force of the enemy, but the ISth escaped though with some loss. Company C had privates Robert E. Graham and William Downie wounded. The 18th left Corinth on the 2d of November.

In May, 1863, the 18th regiment had been assigned to the first brigade, commanded by Col. Sanborn, in Gen. Crocker's division, of the seventeenth army corps. At the battle of Champion Hills, private Bent Markison was wounded. The regiment acted as sharpshooters in the assault of the 22d of May, at Vicksburg, to hold a position in front of a rebel fort, and cover the advance of the assaulting column. In this movement company C met with no casuality.

On the 4th of January, 1864, Col. Bouck resigned. Lieut.-Col. Beall had resigned the previous August. The regiment was mustered out of the service at Louisville, July 18, 1865, and reached Madison on the 29th, where they were public'y received and disbanded.

Company A, Twenty-Fifth Wisconsin

This company was organized at Viroqua, in August, 1862, and was mustered into the United States service as a part of the 25th Wisconsin regiment, in La Crosse, on the 14th of September, 1862.

This regiment was organized at Camp Solomon, La Crosse, in September, 1862, and mustered into the United States service on the 14th of that month, and was ordered to report to Gen. Pope, at St. Paul, to aid in suppressing the Indian difficulties in the State of Minnesota. They left the State on the 15th, with the following roster:

Arriving at St. Paul on the 20th of September, 1862, the regiment was divided, five companies under Lieut.-Col. Nasmith, being sent to Sauk Center, Painsville and Acton; the remainder, under the command of Col. Montgomery, was sent to Leavenworth, Fairmount, Winnebago City and New Ulm, where regimental headquarters were established.

After service in Minnesota, the regiment returned to Wisconsin, reaching Camp Randall onthel«thof December, 1862. On the Hth of February, 1863, the regiment left, under orders to report at Cairo, 111., where they arrived on the 19th, and moved next day to Columbus, Ky., and encamped. Here the regiment was attached to the 16th army corps. From this time until August, which month found the regiment at Helena, they were variously employed. Lieut.-Col. Samuel J. Nasmith died of disease contracted in the service on the I7th of August, and Maj. Rusk was appointed lieutenant colonel in his place. '1 he regiment remained at Helena until the 1st of February, 1864, when they moved down the river to Vicksburg.

The regiment reached Chattanooga May 5lh and immediately proceeded to join the forces of Gen. Sherman. The sixteenth corps formed part of the "Army of the Tennessee" under Gen. McPherson. On the 9th of the month they took part in a movement against Resaca, which was renewed on the 1-ith, with the following casualities to company A:

Private Perley. B. Grubb killed; Sergt. J. Williams and Private A. A. Richardson wounded. In attacking the enemy at Peach Orchard on the 15th of June Lieut.-Col. Rusk was wounded in the right arm.

On the 19th of July the sixteenth army corps was at Decatur. About noon on the 22d three regiments commanded by Col. Sprague were attacked by two divisions of Wheeler's dismounted cavalry. Col. Montgomery, with a force composed of companies B, E, F and I of the 25th Wisconsin, and four companies of the 63d Ohio, was ordered out to ascertain the position of the enemy. They advanced about three-fourths of a mile up a road, on the west of which was a narrow but impassable swamp, and on the other a deep, miry ditch. The enemy were met about half a mile from the swamp, by the skirmishers, consisting of coippany F and an Ohio company, under command of Lieut.-Col. Rusk. The enemy opened a severe fire and the skirmishers were driven down the road back to the reserve, which, under Col. Montgomery, was in position to the left of the road.

The enemy advancing in strong force. Col. Montgomery moved the reserve by the left flank, and in attempting to cross the ditch to reach the battery in the rear, his horse sank in the miry ground, and he was shot by the enemy and captured. Lieut.-Col. Rusk, with the skirmishers, held the enemy in check for a short time on the road, but were soon obliged to retire. In attempting to do this Lieut.-Col. Rusk was surrounded by six or eight rebels, who came at him with bayonets at a charge. One of tliem made a dash at him and caught his sword, which hung in its scabbord by his side, the squad crying out for the "Yankee" to surrender. The lieutenant-colonel made a characteristic reply and very coolly pressed his revolver to the side of the head of the rebel and gave him its contents. In f.alling, the fellow still held to the sword, which broke from its fastening. Putting spurs to his horse, the lieutenantcolonel dashed down the road, under the fire of the rebels, to which he replied with his revolver and succeeded in rejoining his regiment near the battery in the rear, not, however, until he had his horse shot from under him.

On the 15th of November, \8>M, the seven. teenth army corps left Atlanta on the grand march to the sea, the 21st acting as a train guard, as far as Monticello, when they rejoined their brigade. At Beaufert, Col. Montgomery, who hail been exchanged, returned to the army and was phiced in command of the brigade.

On the Salkahatchie river, on the 20th of January, 1865, the 25th encountered the enemy, drove in his pickets and dislodged a small force behind temporary breastworks. A shell from the enemy grazed the head of the horse of Lieut.-Col. Rusk, knocking the animal down, and the colonel was dismounted, the orderly in the rear having his head carried away by the missile. The regiment was mustered out of the service on the 7th of .Tune and set out for home, arriving at Madison on tne 11th of that month, where they were soon paid off and disbanded.

The following are all the citizen soldiers of Vernon county, so far as they can now be ascertained, arranged under the towns in which tliey lived at the time of their enlistment:

[Those marked (a) were killed in action; (b), died of wounds received in action; (c), died of disease; (d), died prisoners of war; (e), killed by accident on railroad.]

Town Of Feanklin

Nineteenth Infantry, Co. C: Wm. Davis, Corp'l; John Myer, David A. Bundy, John A. Deaver, Theodore Garrell, Henry Gosling, George Johnson, Eli Mason, John Riley

Town Of Wheatland

Sixth Infantry, Co. I: Francis A. Wallei-, Ist Lieut.; L. S. Benedick («), Albert E. Fosdick, Henry A. Fosdick (c), William Lawrence, Corporal («); Edward Jjind, George A. Mc- Dill, Corporal; Andrew Milles, 1st Sergt. (a); Charles A. Page, Richard H. Phillips (c), Gabriel A. Ruby, Daniel Remington, Robert N. Smith, Drum Major; William Sears (c), Francis A. Walker, 1st Lieut.; Samuel G. Walker, Corporal; Richard A. Warham, Corporal; Richard A. Warren, Corporal; John W. White.

Town Of Whitestown

When Pericles was called upon to deliver the oration over those who had fallen in the first campaign of the Peloponnesian war, he began by extolling Athens ; and, having expatiated upon her glories, her institutions and her sciences, he concluded by exclaiming: "For such a republic, for such a Nation, the people whom we this day mourn fell and died." It is "for such a republic - for such a Nation" as the United States of America, that the people of the North, by thousands, "fell and died" during the war for the Union ; and, to those thousands, Vernon county contributed her share.

Vernon county's war record is of such a character that her people may ever refer to it with pride and satisfaction. One of the early counties in the State, as we have seen, to respond with volunteers in the hour of gravest peril, she never faltered during the entire struggle, weary and disheartening as it oft times was. Her old men were not wanting in counsel, nor her young men or middle-aged in true martial spirit. With a firm, unswerving faith in the righteousness of the Union cause, her citizens, with scarce a distinction in age or sex, were imbued with a determination to conquer or die rather than survive defeat. It was this kind of patriotism that bore the Union cause through defeat as well as victory, whenever the oft-repeated news was brought home of depleted and scattered ranks. Vernon county valor is attested upon every street of her hospitable villages ; upon her broad sections of fertile land ; and last, but not least, within the silent enclosures of her dead. It is here that, with each recurring anniversary, the graves of her heroes are moistened with the tears of sorrow, as loving fingers bedeck them with beautiful flowers.

Although there are in the preceding pages some facts which may remind the citizens of Vernon county of the deeds of those who fought the good fight until the end, yet without these records, those days of peril, of suffering, and of victory at last, would not be forgotten by the present generation ; they are too deeply engraved in the hearts of all. Each of the citizen-soldiers from this county who stood loyally by the country's standard through the war, has wrought his name in characters that live as monuments to the memories of men.

Many gallant sons of Vernon, who went out from home to battle for the Union, with only the benediction of a mothers' tears and prayers, came back to those mothers' arms with a glorious record. Many returned having left a limb in the swamps of Chickahominy ; on the banks of the Rapidan ; at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg Vicksburg, or in the Wilderness. Many still bear the marks of that strife which raged at Stone River, luka, Chickaraauga, or on the heights of Lookout Mountain, whence they thundered down the defiance of the skies ; or of that strife which was waged before Atlanta, Savannah and in the Carolinas.

battlefield, or in the hospital. Their memory, however, is held in the most sacred keeping. Some sleep beside their ancestors in the village churchyard, where the violets on their graves speak not alone of womanly sweetness, but in tender accents of the devotion of those beneath the mounds of earth. All, al', whether buried in the distant South or at home, are remembered as they slumber on in a peaceful, glorified rest. ''Winds of Summer, Oh whisper low, Over the graves where the violets grow. Blossoming flowers and sonps of bees, Sweet ferns tossed in the summer's breeze. Floating shadows and golden lights, Dewy mornings and radiant nights, All the bright and beautiful things That gracious and bountiful summer brings. Fairest and sweetest that earth can bestow, Brighten the graves where the violets grow."

Many of the brave soldiers who battled for the Union - many, very many - "have gone before;" and they now wait upon the threshold of Paradise for the coming of those loved ones left behind, when they, too, shall have exchanged the feeble pulses of a transitory exissence for the ceaseless throbbing of eternal life. Faithful and fearless, on the march, in the strife, at victory or defeat, they at last laid down at the mysterious frontier, leaving the exalted hope behind that, though the world was lost forever, there would be unfurled another realm of unimaginable glory, where they, and all whom they loved on earth, might realize the promise which the great Ruler of the universe has made to the just.

The roll of Co. B, of the 50lh regiment "Wisconsin volunteers, on May 30, 1866, was made uplarifely of Vernon county men. It was as follows:

Two Vernon county men received commissions as field officers: C. M. Butt, major, afterward promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and Jeremiah M. Rusk, major, also promoted to lieutenant-colonel; but subsequently brevetted colonel and brigadier-general.

Gen. Jeremiah M. Rusk was born in Morgan Co., Ohio, June 17, 1830; removed to Wisconsin and settled in Bad Ax (now Vernon) county in 1853; held several county offices; was a member of the Assembly in 1862; was commissioned major of the 25th Wisconsin Volunteer Lifantry in July, 1862; was soon after promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy. Served with Gen. Sherman from the siege of Vieksburg until mustered out at the close of the war, and was breveted colonel and brigadier-general for bravery at the battle of Salkehatchie; was elected bank comptroller of Wisconsin for 1866 and 1867, and re-elected for 1868-9; represented the sixth congressional district in the 42d Congress, and the seventh district in the 43d and 44th Congress; was chairman of the committee on invalid pensions in the 43d Congress ; was a member of the congressional republican committee for several years; was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago, in 1880; was appointed by President Garfield and confirmed by the Senate, as Minister to Paraguay and Uruguay, which appointment he declined; was also tendered by President Garfield the mission to Denmark and the position of cliief of the bureau of engraving and printing, both of which he declined; was elected governor at the annual election in 1881, as a republican, receiving 81,754 votes against 69,797 for N. D. Fratt, democrat,and 13,225 votes for 1'. D. Kanouse, prohibitionist, and 7,002 for E. P. Allis, greenbacker.

Early Mention Of The Wae

1861, May 15. At a meeting of enrolled volunteers at De Soto, T. C. Ankeny was called to the chair, when the following resolutions were adopted:

"liesolced, That, for the purpose of organizing said company a meeting be called at the residence of C. G. Allen, in the town of Sterling, at 12 o'clock M., on Saturday, the 18th inst., and invite all volunteers of this county to meet us on that day to elect officers "

May 18. A meeting was held at Debello for the purpose of enrolling volunteers for active service to join a company started at Hillsborough a short time since; about MOO were present. The United States flag was raised amidst the greatest enthusiasm.

The meeting was called to order by Rev. E. Smith. On motion, T. B. Brown was chosen chairman and U Gregory secretary. Speeches were made by Messrs. Smith, Johnson, of Hillsborough: Daniels, of Wonewoc; O'Rourke, of Glendale, and Baker of Plymouth. After the speaking, a call was made for volunteers, and seven enrolled their names. The company now numbers seventy, ten of whom are from the town of Greenwood.

June 26. The Anderson Guards who paid Viroqua a visit on Friday and Saturday last, are a fine body of energetic, wide-awake men. (.'apt. L. Joiinson is a man who is full of military zeal; has done good service in Mexico, and wore, while here, a Mexican military jacket, with pure silver buttons, which he took from a Me.xican whom he shot while in the act of robbing him (the Captain), while he lay on the field of battle wounded.

They (the Anderson Guards), added twentysix recruits to their number from Viroqua and vicinity. They had a fine band, consisting of three brass instruments and a drum and fife with them. The Guard will be mustered into the service of Uncle Samuel at this place (Viroqua), on Monday next.

July 3. The Bad Ax county volunteers, "The Anderson Rifles," arrived here (Viroqua), on Sunday evening, having been brought in from Hazen's by teams from Viroqua, with the assistance of teams that came from the eastern part of the county, where most of the company reside. D. H. Johnson, Esq., and Dr. McKinney were here (Viroqua) before them for the purposes of swearing them in and making the necessary physical examination.

Some were too old, some too young, or could not get consent of parents; some were unsound, but ninety-three or four were put on the roll. We believe that before they leave the county their ranks will be full. Leonard Johnson is captain, and Messrs. Baker and Johnson first and second lieutenants. Among the non-commissioned officers we noticed J. E Newell, Jr., and Henry Osgood.

The people from Viroqua and vicinity furnished teams to carry them to the Mississippi river, at Bad Ax City, and they were to take a steamer to Prairie du Chien and thence by rail to Camp Randall at Madison. Two out of three of our (the Northwestern Times') type setters are members of the company - John L. Somerby and William E. Minshall; also a former apprentice, J. W. Longmire, and a dozen or two of our subscribers.

September 11. The volunteers from this (Bad Ax) county, headed by Capt. James Berry of the Home Guards, arrived safely at Prairie du Chien, where Capt. Berry was elected second lieutenant of the Crawford county company that our boys have united with, and the company has gone on to Madison.

the following sons of Bad Ax county went with him to join Capt. Green's Crawford county volunteers - thev are all good and true men : William Burns, William Stevenson, Wilson Pitcher, Michael Sallander, William Sallander, Henry W.Allen, George M. Drum, James S. Groves, S. M. Cummings, and McDowell Groves. George Nichols, one of the first squad that joined Capt. Greene, left here (Viroqua) on Sunday, after a short stay with his family, full of devotion to the cause of liberty.

November 13. A most energetic movement is now on foot to raise a new company of volunteers. Men of indomitable perseverance are active at the work. A liberal fund has been already donated by the citizens of this place (Viroqua). The members of the county board now in session here, have formed themselves into a committee to give assistance in their respective towns. Any one who wishes to volunteer, can go into quarters in this place immediately.

November '20. Now is the time to enlist. The Bax Ax county board, who have just adjourned, have passed an order to pay to all children of volunteers under twelve years of age $1 a month. This added to the $100 bounty and $13 a month from the United States, and $5 a month from the State to the wife of each volunteer, makes the pay of the Union soldier ample whether he has a family or not.

The Brave At Home

December 25. We (The Northwestern Times) publish this day the muster roll of the Bad Ax Tigers as it now stands. Some who enlisted have backed out, and a number of new ones have been added. It is to be hoped that no member whose name is now on the revised list will show the white feather. The company now numbers 116 hardy men, whose average weight runs up to 167 pounds. This we believe is the heaviest company yet raised in this part of the country.

1862 - January 15. Last Friday morning the company of Capt. Layne (the "Bad Ax Tigers"), took its departure for Milwaukee (from Viroqua). The morning was very severe, but, notwithstanding that, the boys seemed anxious to lest the breeze and face the storm. Quite early in the morning some fifty women - wives, sweethearts and children - thronged the North Star, to bid farewell to those they loved; and with some of them, a farewell forever.

We were here and there among the assembled crowd and frequently witnessed scenes - sad scenes, but endearing - that portrayed the generous and noble feelings of mature manhood, in parting with the partners with whom they had traveled through the sunshine and shade of life's rough road. We witnessed the meeting and the parting of loving hearts, throbbing with youthful vigor and ardent attachments; young men, impetuous in their desire to wipe out the accursed stain put upon our National banner by the hand of treason, and young female hearts swell with patriotic pride to see those whom they love so dearly and so well, eager to

I, James Lowrie, county treasurer, hereby certify that I will discharge all costs that may accrue on the tax of 1861, on all lands belonging to any person who may enlist in the service of the United States, in the 1st regiment of Wisconsin Cavalry, until such times as they receive their first payment for such service performed, if it is not longer than three months from this date ; and provided further, that the person enlisting shall furnish me a list of lands.

February 19. Lieut. T. C. Ankeny started on Monday morning for camp at Kenosha, with the following recruits for Col. Daniel's 1st Wisconsin Cavahy. They went off in good spirits : Orin Wisel, D. A. Davis, Charles K. Chaney, A. W. Partridge, Samuel Ilutchins, Henry Turner, Wall.ace Winn, John Seward, John L. Adams, Benjamin H. Rogers, William Davenport, James W. Curtis, Aaron Cooley, Parley Newton, Jonathan Willard, Napoleon B. Sterling, George Davenport, Thomas Turner, Thomas C. Rutter, Daniel Lawrence, Everett Van Vlack, Leland Brown, George W.Hancock, Jr., and Daniel Frohawk.

* * * It is reported by some of the boys recently returned from Bad Ax, that Caleb Ellis, Esq., offers 120 acres of good prairie land to the person from Bad Ax county who kills Jeff Davis; I wish to say to him that the boys appreciate the patriotism that prompted the offer, and while kindly thanking him for its expression, would say that no reward of a pecuniary nature can increase their desire to do their whole duty. He may rest assured that the boys will endeavor to merit the approval of their friends at home, C,

July 2. Mr. Aaron Cooley, of the town of Freeman, Crawford Co., Wis., died June 9, aged sixty years. Mr. Cooley was a member of the 18th Wisconsin, company C, (''Bad Ax Tigers") and was in the battle of Shiloh. His exposure in connection with that dreadful engagement brought on the disease of which he died.

August 27. Gone to La Crosse. The company lately recruited in this county (afterward known as company A, 25th Wisconsin), went to La Crosse on Monday, 130 strong. The company consists of as noble a set of men as ever went to war.

September ]7. Twenty-fifth Regiment. This regiment is expected to leave La Crosse tomorrow. They are as fine, muscular and goodlooking a body of men as has left for the war. This county has furnished about 130 men for the regiment, 101 of whom are in Capt. Berry's company, (A). The Vernon county patriots are not surpassed by any company in the regiment.

"Maj. J. M. Rusk was born in Deerfield, Morgan Co., Ohio, in 1830. In 1853 he came to Wisconsin, located at Viroqua, Bad Ax county, -ince which time he has mostly been engaged in hotel keeping. In 1854 he was elected sheriff, and has filled that oflice or been under sheriff ever since till the fall of 1861, when he was elected to the State Assembly by a large majority. In July, 1862, he was appointed major of the 25th regiment, and at once entered upon the duties of his new position. He leaves a wife and children at Viroqua. Maj. Rusk is large enough for any office within the gift of the administration, weighing 230 pounds with great ease. He is social and true to a friend, and bids fair to make as popular an officer as is in the service."

1st Lieut. C. A. Hunt and twenty-two men of the Adams county company, (a part of the 25th Wisconsin), were recruited in this (Vernon) county, mostly among the Norwegians.

Oct. 29. Immediately after the departure of Capt. Berry's company, the ladies of New Brooksville and vicinity called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a Soldiers'Aid Society. and Mrs. S. Minerva Layne was chosen president; Mrs. Eleanor Williams, secretary; and other officers were elected. The following contributions have been made at the various meetings: 14 sheets, 3.3 pillow cases, 15 pillow ticks,

2 pounds lint, 32 pads, 175 bandages, 2 cans of honey, 2 cans pie plant, 2 cans tomato butter, 1 can plum preserves, 10 pounds dried fruit, 1

March 4, 1863. J. L. Somerby, Co. I, of the 6th Wisconsin, has returned to Viroqua in good health, although he was twice wounded at the battle of Gainesville. He is still hoarse from the effects of a secret bullet sent through his neck from a Texan rifle.

August 5. Capt. N. M. Layne, Co. C, of the 18th Wisconsin, arrived home very much reduced by protracted illness. The seats were removed in the stage, and a bed prepared by James Morton, and he came through from Sparta in a day, without injury. Deputy Provost Marshal Poland and Mr. Thomas Decker, who is a member of the captain's company, and who arrived at home three or four days before him, made him a call a few days since, and found him in good spirits and improving. What a world of murder, wounds, sickness and sorrow the villainous leaders of this causeless rebellion will have to answer for.