TABLES AND STATISTICS.
COMPOSITION OF ORIGINAL COMPANY.
_Nationality_: 82 men were of German blood, 4 born in North America; 4
of American (U.S.); 4 of Scandinavian; 2 of French; 1 of Magyar; and 1
of British.
_Religions_: Proportion of Lutheran and Methodist, 25 per cent.; Roman
Catholic, 19 per cent.; Rationalistic, 17 per cent.; and 39 per cent.
were unclassified.
_Occupations_: Proportion of farmers, 30 per cent.; mechanics, 54 per
cent.; professional men, 8 per cent.; and miscellaneous and unknown, 8
per cent.
STATISTICS OF DISEASE.
Previous to the summer of 1864 the health of the regiment had always
been very good. At the time of the departure for the South the
proportion of sick in the whole company was under 5 per cent., the
cases being mostly of a trivial nature. The following table, compiled
from the monthly returns, will show how rapidly the ratio increased
during the sojourn at Helena:
Whole Number Aggregate Percentage
Day. of Sick. of Company. of Sick.
-------------------------------------------------------
June 30 10 84 12
July 31 24 82 30
August 31 41 78 52
September 30 46 76 60
October 31 30 81 37
The "daily" and "extra" duty men would swell the last column somewhat
if their health had been generally reported, but it is not customary to
enter their names in the "sick" book. Every man of the company was sick
at one time or another while in the South.
The poor economy of sending the regiment to Helena immediately from a
northern climate at the commencement of the summer, and keeping it
there so long, is plainly seen in the following calculation (and other
companies showed a similar state of things to Company E): If we take
the sum of the "aggregates" of the morning reports during each month
the product is the maximum number of days' service the government can
expect for that period, but which, however, it really never gets. By
similarly adding together the columns of "sick" we have a figure
representing loss of service, and which should be within reasonable
limits. While in Minnesota this loss never amounted to 20 per cent. of
the whole service due, and generally fluctuated between 8 and 17. In a
space of time equal to and immediately preceding the time spent at
Helena,--nineteen weeks,--it was as low as 3 per cent.; while there it
was 43; and for the same length of time immediately after leaving
Helena, it was 23. In March, 1865, it was 13; in April, 13; in May, 18;
and in June, 27. As no morning reports were made after the middle of
July, the figures for the remainder of the term of service cannot be
obtained, but undoubtedly they would result in at least 30 per cent.
The number of deaths occurring while in Helena, and traceable to
disease contracted while at that point and Montgomery, is 13, equal to
15 per cent., or nearly one-sixth of the whole company.
NUMERICAL SUMMARIES.
MEMBERS.
Resigned, 1; transferred, 13; discharged previous to expiration of
service, 16; died, 14; deserted, 2; missing, 1; mustered out at
expiration of service in June and July, 1865, 5; mustered out in
corpore August 19th, 1865, 59; in military prison and unknown, 2. Total
number of members, 113.
OCCUPATION OF TIME.
En route, on campaigns and expeditions, 177 days. En route, changing
stations, 68 days. Stationary, at posts and barracks, 439 days.
Stationary in camp, 412 days. Total, or entire term of service, 3
years.
DISTANCES TRAVELED, APPROXIMATELY.
On foot, 2,800 miles; in wagons, 100 miles; by steamboat, 4,235 miles;
by railroad, 865 miles. Total, 8,000 miles.
LIMITS AND EXTENT OF COUNTRY TRAVERSED.
_Latitude_: From 47 deg. 32', at Lake Jessie, D. T., approximate
position, to 27 deg., at the mouth of the Mississippi; being 20 deg. 32'
difference, equal to 1,416 statute miles, measured on a meridian line.
_Longitude_: From 86 deg. 25', at Montgomery, Ala., to 100 deg. 35', at
the mouth of Apple River, D. T., approximate position; being 14 deg. 10'
difference, equal to 757 statute miles on the line of middle latitude.
_Greatest included right line_: From Lake Jessie, D. T., approximate
position, to the mouth of the Mississippi; course S. 21 deg. E., distance
1,372 miles.
An air line drawn from Montgomery, Alabama, the last station, to St.
Paul, Minnesota, would be 945 miles in length, course N.N.W. The water
route to the latter place, via Mississippi Sound and New Orleans, is
about 2,350 miles; while that actually traveled, via Vicksburg, is
about 1,585 miles.
APPENDIX.
LIEUT. COL. MARSHALL'S RAID INTO DAKOTA--1862.[3]
BY
CAPT. CHARLES J. STEES.
After the memorable release of the captives at Camp Release, the scouts
were very diligent in searching out and locating the numerous small
bands of hostile Indians who were scattered through the country to the
north and west of the camp. Upon learning that there were several
lodges of Indians to the westward in the vicinity of Wild Goose Nest
Lake, General Sibley, under date of October 13th, 1862, directed
Lieutenant Colonel Marshall of the Seventh Regiment to take command of
an expedition detailed to capture any bands to be found along the upper
Lac qui Parle valley, and, if necessary, to go as far as the western
side of the Coteaus, about 45 miles distant.
[3] From the journal of Charles J. Stees, late captain of Company
G, Sixth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and formerly
major of the Fourth Regiment, Third Brigade, First Division,
Pennsylvania Infantry.
October 13th (1862). Cold, windy day. Company G was ordered to be ready
to move at 12 o'clock, midnight, with six days' rations. The men
thought they were going below with the prisoners, but were disappointed
on learning that we were off on an Indian hunt. The expedition under
Lieutenant Colonel Marshall consisted of Company G, of the Sixth
Regiment, under command of Captain Valentine; 100 men of the Third
Regiment--50 mounted--under Lieutenant Swan; Company B, Seventh
Regiment, Captain Curtis; a mountain howitzer with 8 men under Sergeant
O'Shea; Major Joseph R. Brown and 4 scouts (Bell, Quinn, and 2
Indians). Left Camp Release at 10 p.m. for the Lac qui Parle valley.
It was very cold traveling, so much so that the water froze in our
canteens.
October 14th. We made a very rapid march during the night, and reached
the Lac qui Parle River before daybreak, made a bridge, using the
wagons for the purpose, and all crossed over. Soon after passed a
deserted bark village. The scouts reported that there were Indians
ahead with eight ox teams, but there was nothing to be seen but the sky
and prairie. The Indians, discovering that they were pursued, now fired
the prairie in front of us with the evident intention of retarding our
movements and to prevent our horses from having forage. The wind being
high, it carried the burnt dirt and ashes along in clouds, flying into
our eyes, and they became very painful and bloodshot. Was appointed
officer of the guard for the night, and, by using three reliefs of 15
men each, dug six rifle-pits for the protection of the camp.
October 15th. Aroused the camp at 4 o'clock, struck the tents, and was
on the march by 6 a.m. Following up the Lac qui Parle, at 10 o'clock
we captured four prisoners,--an Indian warrior, a half-breed boy, and
two squaws. The half-breed was a son of Roubillard, a Frenchman who
lived back of us in St. Paul, in 1851. I used to play with him. He
speaks French, English, and Sioux, and gave us much information about
what we were after. A short distance beyond we crossed the state line
into Dakota Territory. William Wallace, E. J. Van Slyke, and I visited
one of the line posts, which was marked, "26 miles from Big Stone Lake"
(located about 8 miles north of Gary, South Dakota); and the other
three sides were marked "Minnesota," "Dakota," and "1859." Wallace was
on the survey and helped plant the post. In order to celebrate the
event, each of us, with one foot in Dakota and the other in Minnesota,
shook hands together. We were now in sight of Re Wakan or Spirits Hill
(so named by the Dakotas). Although distant, the appearance of the
Coteau des Prairies, as they loom up like a dark wall against the clear
western sky, is very beautiful. Halted in a hollow for a lunch. The
scouts returned and reported 19 Indian lodges ahead, which made the men
feel joyful at the prospect of a fight. Marched three miles further and
camped for the night in a beautiful dell at the headwaters of the Lac
qui Parle. One wagon and six Indians were brought in. Of those captured
up to this time, the young men were held as prisoners, and the squaws
and children were given into the custody of the old men and ordered to
report at Camp Release, and they faithfully followed the instructions.
October 16th. During the night wolves were howling in the vicinity of
the camp. Left camp before daylight and commenced ascending the Coteau
des Prairies, the highest table-land in this section of the United
States, and full of lakes. A chain of twenty or more lakes could be
seen from the highest point, which form the headwaters of the Lac qui
Parle, Yellow Medicine, and Whetstone Rivers, on one side, and furnish
many tributary streams to the Big Sioux on the west side,--many miles
of land and bluffs, prairies, and lakes seeming as not ten miles
distant. At various points we passed through fields of buffalo bones.
Arrived at "Two Lakes" (Mde-nonpana), where the Indians camped last
night and left a sign indicating that they had moved to the westward
two days previously. In order to overtake them, Colonel Marshall took
the mounted men, howitzer, and the best teams, and pushed ahead,
leaving the infantry and baggage train, under command of Captain
Valentine, to follow on his trail and camp at the next creek for the
night, with instructions to continue the forward movement if he did not
return. Instead of following instructions, Captain Valentine crossed
the creek, and, ascending the next hill, perceived what appeared to be
a beautiful lake a few miles distant; he continued the march, intending
to camp there; so we marched and marched, but no lake appeared; the
men, worn and fatigued, lagged behind, some straggling back for five
miles, and curses, loud and deep, were heard on every hand,--the lake
turned out to be a mirage, a sight not uncommon in this region. Failing
to arrive at the lake, we finally camped in the prairie grass, without
wood or water; and, the rations being short, we went to sleep,
supperless, after marching until 10 o'clock at night.
October 17th. The morning found us camped on the top of the Coteaus
with no sign of Colonel Marshall and his men. Struck tents before
daylight and were on the march without breakfast. At about two miles
from the last camp we arrived at the Big Sioux River (here very narrow,
with marshy banks), and halted for breakfast; but there was no feed for
the horses. The men of the Third Regiment dealt out their last
crackers, and Company G had one ration of flour, sugar, and coffee.
Flour mixed with water and fried in fat was indeed and in truth a great
luxury, of which even a white plumed knight might well be proud,--at
this stage of the game. The expedition was now four days' march from
Camp Release, and the provisions were all gone. The scouts returned and
reported that they had seen "nothing of Marshall or any other man." We
again resumed the march, and at sundown arrived at Hawk's Nest Lake.
Here we met Quinn (the scout), and some mounted men, who brought the
cheering news of the capture of 150 Indians, including 34 warriors.
On leaving the main body of the expedition, Colonel Marshall had moved
forward as rapidly as possible, and soon after midnight on the 17th
overtook and surrounded the Indians, who, not anticipating such an
event, were camped down and peacefully enjoying a good night's rest.
The baying of their dogs was the first intimation that they had of the
presence of the troops. The scouts informed them that they would not be
harmed, and demanded their immediate surrender, which was complied
with. A few of the younger men attempted to get away, but were
overtaken and all made prisoners. By this capture much stolen property,
in the way of goods, oxen, horses, and wagons, was recovered. Only one
white child was found among them. The prisoners (warriors) were brought
in under guard, their weapons having been taken from them, and they
were securely tied. Among them was one chief, Wa-ka-mo-no (Wa-kan-mane),
Spirit Walker, or Walking Spirit. At 10 p.m. William Quinn and two
mounted men were dispatched to Camp Release to obtain a reinforcement
to meet the expedition with provisions and forage.
In honor of the successful termination of the pursuit and capture of
the Indians, Colonel Marshall changed the name of Hawk's Nest Lake[4]
to Captive Lake. The lake is very long, winding, and deep, and was very
high, trees standing in the water 12 feet from the shore. Very
singularly it rises and falls without any apparent assistance from the
rains or snows, as if it had a connection with some underground system
of streams.
[4] This lake is probably the most eastern one of the two lakes
now known as Twin Lakes, situated in township 118 north, of range
54 west, in Coddington county, South Dakota, as no other lake in
this region corresponds with the description. Its Dakota name
is Chan-nonpa (Two Wood Lake), and that of the western one is
Tizaptona (Five Lodge Lake). "Wild Goose Nest" (Magaiticage) and
"Hawk's Nest" (Hecaoti) Lakes are "on the Minnesota Coteaus," and
not over thirty miles west of the state line.--T. H. L.
October 18th. According to the estimates of the scouts and others we
were about 120 miles from Camp Release and 25 miles from James River,
or half way between the Big Sioux and the James. Left Captive Lake
bright and early, and halted on the Big Sioux for dinner, at the place
where we breakfasted (?) the day previous. Took coffee with the Third
Regiment. At the request of Major Brown, we took his sister-in-law (a
squaw by the name of Sinte, the wife of Captain James Gorman of the
Renville Rangers) into our wagon. In order to have a little fun as a
side diversion, a race with our mules was commenced, the tailor George
driving. His position was lubricous as he drove over the rough ground,
shaking the squaw and the old man well. Having gotten some distance
ahead, we halted at a creek for target practice; and some good shots
were made.
Homeward bound, as viewed from a high ridge, the appearance of our
train was romantic and picturesque. The Indian warriors with their
mounted guard were in the advance, and then the infantry with their
arms and bayonets shining brightly. The mounted men with their Sharps
rifles, contrasting with the Springfields carried by Company G; then
comes the "little barker" (the mountain howitzer on wheels in a wagon),
the gunners riding alongside; then our teams laden with camp equipage,
tents, kettles, etc., the whole cavalcade ending with the Indian camp
following in true Indian style. Ponies loaded almost to the ground:
cows, oxen and wagons the same; and squaws loaded as if their backs
would break. A pretty squaw, with a snow-white blanket around her, is
perched high on top of a big load on a little pony; then there are
other ponies with papooses on their backs, followed by any quantity of
dogs. A simple strap is thrown across the back of a pony, ox, or cow,
supporting the ends of two poles, while the other ends drag on the
ground; midway between the ends are perched the teepee skin, camp
traps, etc., and on top of the whole are placed the children, who are
riding as gaily as if they were on a honeymoon; a string of bells
around the pony's neck, with the bellowing of the cattle, the bright
blue sky above, the surrounding hills (some black with burnt grass,
others green and waving), with the beautiful lakes contrasted,--combined
to make it one of the strangest, wildest, and most beautiful and
romantic pictures I ever witnessed. Camped at sundown on a creek
between two high hills, where a cow was shot,--a promise of fresh beef
for to-morrow.
Sunday, October 19th. It was cold sleeping last night; water frozen in
canteen; but the day was ushered in with the sun shining bright.
Breaking camp in the valley was a beautiful sight, as viewed from the
top of the adjoining hill,--fires burning, tents taken down, mounted
men starting off at a brisk trot. Infantry looked lively and cheerful
at the prospect of soon greeting their comrades at Camp Release, with
their good success, prisoners, spoils, etc., they march straight up the
hill, while the teams and "Moccasin Train" wind around the sides to
make the ascent more easy. Such a scene as here witnessed carries one
back to the days when he read fancy sketches of such expeditions in
novels. With a party of friends we were now in advance of the train,
and during the day shot geese, brant, ducks and snipes. It was indeed a
grand sight to see thousands of white brant flying between us and the
burned and blackened hills. Arrived at our old camp "Hollow" at the
head of the Lac qui Parle at 3 p.m.,--one hour in advance of the
train,--and took advantage of the occasion to cook and feast on some of
our game. The train arrived, having in charge more prisoners, who had
been out hunting, and, on returning and finding their band all gone,
followed our trail and gave themselves up.
October 20th. More Indians joined us last night; they attempted to slip
in past the guard, but were caught. Struck tents at daylight and
resumed the march, crossing the line into Minnesota at 10 a.m. Met the
relief train under Quinn at 11 a.m. After leaving Captive Lake, and at
a point some 18 miles distant, William Quinn's horse gave out, and was
abandoned. He walked all the rest of the way to Camp Release beside of
the other horses, reaching there at 11 o'clock Saturday night (making
good time). He took a short nap, started on the return trip Sunday
morning, and met the train as above stated. He brought the news of the
capture of 23 more lodges (67 Indians) near the lower Lac qui Parle by
Captain Merriman and a detachment of the Sixth Regiment, who took them
to Camp Release. At 12 o'clock, noon, we arrived at the camping place
first used on our outward trip. Took dinner with the artillery. The
prairie took fire from Company G's cook-fire, making us skedaddle at a
double-quick. The flames spread with fearful rapidity, causing
consternation and alarm, and inducing the moccasin train to move at a
lively gait. There was a feeling of real joy when all had reached
burned ground. Quinn now led us by a new route. The prairie was on fire
all around us, and at one point we passed between two fires. The camp
for the night was established on a beautiful spot near the bank of the
Lac qui Parle River. Was appointed officer of the guard.
During the night there were indications of the prisoners trying to
escape. C. J. Sudheimer and Peter Molitor were placed as sentinels on
the top of the edge of the plateau, near the camp. The wind was blowing
at a 30 or 35 mile gait, so they finally took post on the more
sheltered slope near the top. About 11 p.m. an Indian with a halter in
his hand appeared and crossed the line some 50 feet distant, when he
was halted by Sudheimer, who, finding that he was a prisoner trying to
make his escape, promptly arrested him. I immediately doubled the guard
and had all the prisoners (warriors) searched, which resulted in the
finding of a pocket-knife, which was duly confiscated. The job of
searching them was very disagreeable. Ugh! what filth. This task being
completed, they were securely tied, placed in a Sibley tent, and a
double guard stationed over them. Visited the Indian camp with George
Brown to see the sights. Found them in their teepees spread out around
the fire, which was located in the center.
October 21st. Broke camp before daybreak, and was on the march before
sunrise. The day proved to be a horrible one, the wind blowing a
perfect hurricane; the black dust of the burnt prairie filling and
blinding our eyes, the lashes on which the dust accumulated creating a
cutting, grinding pain, causing us to suffer much pain. Being near our
journey's end, we moved forward as fast as it was possible under the
circumstances, and arrived at Camp Release at 4 p.m., where we joined
our comrades, who were very glad to see us. But our arrival did not
improve matters so far as we were concerned, for the camp was a perfect
wreck,--tents ripped up and chimneys blown down. There was not much
news at the camp, the most important event during our absence having
been the arrival of the sutler, on which occasion nearly all hands got
tight, with the result that one colonel, six captains, and any quantity
of lieutenants were put under arrest.
With all our forced marches, cold nights, windy days, and fasting, the
trip was a most successful one; for, besides those who voluntarily
surrendered themselves, we captured 39 men and 100 women and children,
not to mention the horses, cattle, wagons, and plunder, which were also
brought in.