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Sir: In Submitting to you my report upon the military condition of Kansas, a brief explanatory statement becomes necessary. At the time of my appointment as Adjutant General you specially directed me to have prepared for publication a full and elaborate report, embracing complete descriptive lists of all the Volunteers from our State in the service of the United States; rosters of the militia; information concerning the organization and strength of the several commands; and such other subjects as would foster the military spirit of our people and promote and strengthen the military organizations of our State--both Volunteer and Militia. I have earnestly endeavored to discharge this duty; at the same time being careful that no other portion of the laborious duties of the office should be neglected. The result is the report I now submit--wide in its range and thorough in its details--embracing, I believe, everything calculated to do justice to, and confer honor upon, our brave Volunteers; to encourage and perfect our Militia system; and to present to the public such facts and information upon our military condition as they might wish to know. In the "Volunteers service" some slight defects appear in the rosters. Every effort was made; but it was utterly impossible to supply these defective data. In the articles on the "Militia" and "Volunteers" I have endeavored to give a general review of the rise and progress of those organizations; and to collate and preserve, for future use and reference, many important facts concerning them. The article on "Important Battles" I conceived to be due to our Volunteers who have so often periled their lives in defense of the State; and to the memory of those who have perished in its defense, and in support of the Federal Government.
DIVISIONS For more convenient reference the several subjects presented in the report will be found under the following divisions or heads;
Kansas was admitted into the Federal Union as a state by act of Congress approved the 29th day of January A.D. 1861. On the 26th day of March following, the first Legislature of the State convened at the capital and continued in session until the 4th day of June following, doing those "things necessary to the complete and active organization of the State Government". On the 12th day of April, 1861, the rebellion , then becoming more threatening and antagonistic each day, culminated in open way, by an attack of the Confederate forces upon the Federal flag at Fort Sumpter. Three days after, to-wit, on the 15th of April, the president issued his first call for 75,000men to suppress the rebellion. I refer to these data in order to show that Kansas took upon herself the conditions of State sovereignty at the very time the rebellion in all its fury burst upon our country. The Territorial Government transmitted to the State authorities nothing of value wherewith to meet this alarming emergency; consequently, everything concerning the military condition of our State, organization of our militia for home protection and of furnishing volunteers for the defense of the Republic had to be originated by the executive and legislative branches of our State Government in the amidst of the general alarm and the imminent danger which then threatened the very existence of the commonwealth. It is true the old Territorial Government had a quasi military organization--the remains of the early disturbances in our Territory; but owing to the fact that comparative quiet had reigned throughout our limits during the years 1858-'9-'60, such organization had fallen into disuse, or become almost wholly abandoned. At least there was nothing left of the old regime, in a military point of view, which could be rendered serviceable to the new--neither organization, nor arms, accouterments, munitions, supplies--nothing that could be made available to the new State Government in the trying emergency in which it found itself at the beginning of its State history; which was also the beginning of the civil war. The first imperative duty of the State Government was to put the State upon a substantial military basis; and among the first acts of the State Legislature was the passage of a law, approved April 22d, 1861, providing "for the organization and discipline of the militia." Under the operations of this act considerable progress was made towards ascertaining the military strength and condition of the State; and my predecessor--Gen. Chadwick--reports at the close of Gov. Robinson's administration, a very general organization of the militia throughout the State; embracing two Divisions, four Brigades, and eleven Regiments, in all, some "one hundred and eighty companies." Gen. Chadwick says that "all the companies above mentioned, when organized, were full up to the minimum number--thirty for cavalry companies and forty for infantry companies--required in the militia law for the organization of such companies; but that the large amount of recruiting for the volunteer service has drawn largely from the militia organizations aforesaid; very many of the companies entering the service entire." During the first year of your administration renewed efforts were made to put the militia of the State upon a still better footing and to have them thoroughly organized, armed and drilled, so that they might respond with greater promptness and efficiency to any call which might be made upon them to defend their State from the frequent raids, and threatened raids, from guerrillas upon our border. In the repeated efforts made by your Excellency for the procurement of arms and accouterments wherewith the thoroughly equip our citizen soldiery, no favorable response was given until after the inhuman butchery at Lawrence on the 21st day of August, 1863. This--at last-- had the desired effect; and a liberal supply of arms was at once obtained by the direction of the War Department for the immediate wants and uses of our militia. Many of these arms were, of course, of an inferior quality, having been condemned and discarded by the Federal Government. These have from time to time been changed for better arms, and additional number have been obtained; so that at this time the militia of our State are well armed, well organized, and as well versed in the manual of arms as it is, perhaps, possible, in the nature of things, for militia to become. The last Legislature, deeming that there were signal defects in the old militia law approved April 22d, 1861, passed a new law, entirely repealing the old, and making many cardinal changes in the general militia system of our State. This act was approved Feb. 24th, 1864, and went into immediate effect. Under its provisions the State has been reduced to a single Division, and an able and experienced soldier placed at its head. The State has further been divided into five Brigade Districts; has twenty-four fully organized regiments and a number of Independent Battalions and companies; all of which, with the proper Rosters, strength of Regiments, and of companies, and other important information, is fully presented in its proper place in this report. I cannot conclude this portion of my report without referring to the uniform soldierly bearing and meritorious conduct of the militia--the citizen soldiery--of Kansas. From the earliest period of our Territorial history down to the present time the militia have borne a high character for bravery and prowess. The "troubles" of 1855-6 inured almost all who were then residents to the fatigues of the march, and to the dangers of the battle. And when the early troubles had measurably subsided, the ordinary dangers of a frontier life still kept alive the military spirit; and when the enemies of the Republic first raised their hands against the life of the nation, none responded with greater alacrity or showed more daring than the volunteers from Kansas. It belongs to the historian to recount the many instances of soldierly qualities exhibited by the Kansas settlers during the early troubles in our Territory; with that alacrity they responded to the call when invasion was threatened; with what patience they voluntarily submitted themselves to the discipline of the camp; with what fortitude they endured the fatigues of the march; with what heroism they rushed into the thickest of the conflict, and with what faith and confidence they surrendered their lives in the vindication of their principles and rights. The daring and adventurous spirit manifested by these ennobling qualities, and which so greatly distinguished the early settlers of Kansas, continued, even after the troubles ceased, to be the prominent characteristic of the Kansas citizen; and the new settler, while lacking the experience, became fully imbued with the military spirit, and needed but the occasion to rapidly develop the same sterling qualities of the soldier as exhibited by the early pioneers. But our military life and education, while they contributed to the rapid development of the soldier, may not alone have been the promoting cause of these high military qualifications. The reputation acquired by our settlers in our early Kansas troubles aroused the military spirit in sympathizing breasts all over our country; and from that consideration, and the additional fact that Kansas became to be regarded as a dangerous place for settlement, the result was, that the large proportion of the immigration to our State was composed of the most daring and hardy sons of the Republic. These pioneers of a new country are always those who have more of the spirit of daring, enterprise and endurance than those who remain behind; those qualifications which, when the opportunity offers, make the possessor a worthy and deserving soldier. But when coupled with the additional fact that Kansas had acquired a reputation that represented her as being in a condition of almost continual warfare, it followed, of course, that those also who ventured among us were eminently qualified to assume the character and faithfully perform the duties of the soldier. When, therefore, the rebellion culminated in the furious and decisive attack upon Fort Sumpter, and the ensign of the Republic became outraged in a manner to excite the deepest indignation in every patriot heart, the Kansas Militia with an unanimity and enthusiasm not excelled in any portion of the country, tendered their services for the defense of our flag and to avenge the insult inflicted upon it. Entire companies, as my predecessor has correctly stated, entered the service, and great was the disappointment when, in repeated instances, a company having march many miles to the place of rendezvous, and offered its services, were obliged to retrace their steps, the two regiments reluctantly accepted by the Secretary of War, being already full and on their way to the seat of war. Such was the enthusiasm and alacrity with which the Kansas Militia responded to the first call of the President for a force to suppress the rebellion and restore the authority and preserve the integrity of the Union. And at each subsequent demand for men the same promptness has been exhibited, and the same earnest devotion been maintained. While such have been the manifestations of patriotic attachment to the General Government, the demands of our State authorities have been met with equal promptness. Again and again have the State Militia been called upon to repel invasion, to guard our Southern and Eastern frontier, or to drive the invader from our soil. In very many of these instances doing the work that but too clearly should have been done by the regularly organized Federal forces obtained from Kansas; or which, a little prompt action upon the part of the Federal authorities would have obviated the necessity of doing. All this, too, most frequently, at seasons of the year when it was most damaging to the material interests of the Militia, thus making the sacrifice; at the time of planting, or when the matured crops should be gathered. yet, let the call come when it might--whatever the sacrifice--whatever the losses sustained--with scarcely a murmur, has the Kansas Militiaman uniformly answered to the call; and throwing aside the implements of husbandry, buckled on the sword and rushed forth to the destruction alike of the enemies of the State and the nation. In many localities, embracing several counties in extent, have the Militia been called upon to guard the settlements at night, while pursuing their regular avocations by day; thus performing, at the same time, the duties both of the soldier and the citizen. And not for a brief period has this been the case, but frequently to such an extent that days have multiplied into weeks; weeks into months, and months even into years, has this arduous double labor been performed. Reticently the endurance and heroism of our State Militia have been tested, and are, at this writing, being fully tested, upon a new field of action. The long threatened hostilities of the Plain Indians has finally resulted in open and violent attacks upon our frontier settlements; and already many of our brave pioneers have been subjected to the cruelties only known to Indian warfare. Although it was long expected, and predicted by those accustomed to the habits of the Indian, that hostilities would soon commence on the part of these savages against the settlements; yet but little no provision--at least no adequate provision--was made to ward off the dangers or to protect the frontier settlements from these horrible attacks. The result is that large bodies of our local militia are again in the field to defend our Western border from the merciless savages of the plains; thus taking many of the Militia far from their homes, and exposing, during their absence, their families to all the horrors of Indian warfare. Frequently the services of the Militia have been given gratuitously, both to the State and to the Federal Government, the question of pay, in fact, never causing the citizen soldier to hesitate for a moment in performing his whole duty to his State and country. Instances are not rare where the loftiest and most disinterested patriotism has been exhibited by the Militia in absolutely refusing to present any claims for compensation for their services. Notwithstanding the large drain constantly being made upon the State Militia by enlistment's in the Volunteer Service, migration to the Western Territories, and other causes, yet each year shows a large increase in the number of enrolled Militia over the corresponding enrollment of the previous years; thus exhibiting, indirectly, the gratifying fact that our population has steadily and, all things considered, rapidly increased during all the years of our Territorial and State history. Should the magnitude of the dangers now threatening the State appear to some to be greater than at any former time the defensive resources of the State are unquestionably of proportionately much greater magnitude than at any other period, the enrolled Militia being not only much more numerous, but much better organized, disciplined and equipped for prompt and active service. In fact, so thorough and complete have been the efforts to put the Militia of our State on a solid and substantial footing, and ready at all times to meet any demands that may be made upon it, that almost the entire male population of our State, within the military ages, and who are not exempt by disability from duty, are to be found attached to some complete military organization, armed, drilled, and ready for any emergency that may arise. As an instance of this, the promptness with which the Militia forces in the West responded to the call for assistance to drive the Indians from the Santa Fe Road and the neighborhood of Fort Larned; or to the call for a like defense of the Platte Route, and the protection of the Frontier settlements on the Little Blue; or to the still more recent call from Atchison county for the like purpose and destination as the latter, may afford sufficient proof. The following comparative exhibit will show the number of enrolled Militia in the several counties of the State, as reported to this office by the Clerks of the respective counties; and, also, the number of organized Militia in the same counties, so far as this office has been enabled to obtain accurate returns of the same.
With a system so searching in its details and so effective in its application as to bring the entire Enrolled Militia into the regular military organizations of the State, fully armed and equipped; and disciplined to as great an extent as is possible for Militia to become; and ready to march whenever and wherever danger may threaten--our citizens have attained a high degree of military efficiency; and the State has been in a condition to defend itself to as great an extent as the number of our people are capable of making defense. In other words, all capable of bearing arms and liable to military duty, can be brought to the defense of the State, at any point, with almost the same promptness and celerity--and with a similar degree of efficiency when upon the field--as those belonging to the regular volunteer service of the country. No state can do more! She can furnish the full numerical strength of her arms-bearing population, which is the full complement of her resources. Taking all things into consideration, we venture to assert that no State under the Federal jurisdiction can exhibit such numerous, unselfish, and patriotic sacrifices in behalf of the Government, as those shown by the citizen soldiery of Kansas. When the history of our State shall be impartially and correctly written, that page which describes the sacrifices and sufferings, together with the lofty patriotism and true heroism of the State Militia, will be the most luminous and conspicuous of them all.
On the 14th day of April, 1861, the whole nation was startled by the announcement, that after a two day's cannonade, the proud ensign of the Republic was lowered from the flag-staff of Fort Sumter, in token of surrender upon the part of the small but gallant band of heroes therein assembled, and a rebellious flag, vaunted as the emblem of a new nationality, was hoisted in its place. So astounding--so utterly unlike anything in our previous history as a nation--was this announcement--and so foreign to all our expectations, though prompted by our fears, that, after the first hour of gloom and sadness which settled upon all hearts when the fact became fully realized, had passed away, the patriotic heart of the whole nation was aroused to avenge the insult offered to our flag. The change in the American citizen was as sudden as the electric flash that bore the news throughout the land. It was instantaneous and overwhelming. What, under ordinary circumstances would have required years, perhaps generations, to effect, was accomplished in a day--in an hour. To-day the nation is found pursuing the usual avocations of peace; to-morrow clad in the full panoply of war. The citizen retired at night a civilian; he arose at morn a soldier. Thus it was throughout all the loyal States, or those still holding allegiance to the Federal authority. In none of the States perhaps was the martial spirit so thoroughly aroused as in Kansas. The wrongs hitherto inflicted upon our people had made them suspicious of the future and watchful for the first flash of the lightning which should herald the coming storm; and when the proclamation of the President, of April15th followed, over the wires, the report of the fall of Sumter, it found in Kansas a whole population anticipating the act and anxious to resent the outrage inflicted on our country's honor, and to punish fearfully the assassins of the Republic. Whole companies of the organized Militia, as has been previously stated, and in many instances, regiments, tendered their organizations entire; and where a seeming want of promptness was manifested in the old companies they were immediately abandoned, new companies formed and marched with all dispatch to the designated rendezvous. To reconcile the conflicting claims of the many seeking acceptance for the Federal service, and in order that there might be as little occasion for complaint as possible, it was determined to accept volunteers from all portions of the State, basing the number to be received, as nearly as might be, upon the populations. Up to this time the Secretary of War had consented to accept but one regiment from Kansas; and even gave that consent with reluctance; justly considering that Kansas had made her full share of sacrifices as exemplified in the early history of our Territory; and that having but passed through the additional affliction of the terrible drought of 1860, she was illy prepared for the new sacrifice; but required all her material to recuperate her exhausted resources. Notwithstanding this, the applications were so numerous and persistent that it was concluded to accept, at once, enough to constitute a second regiment. The call was issued on the 15th of April, and on the 30th of May following, the First Regiment, under Colonel George W. Deitzler, was mustered at Fort Leavenworth, and the Second Regiment, under Colonel R. B. Mitchell, in the month of June, and were on their way to join the forces of General Lyon, and win their first and most imperishable laurels at the battle of Springfield. As the magnitude of the then impending conflict began to be better and more fully comprehended, both by the authorities at Washington, and throughout the country generally; and it became fearfully realized by the disastrous rout of the Federal forces at Bull Run, the necessity for a large and speedy augmentation of the national armies became manifest. Ask at the first; so at each succeeding demand of the Federal authorities for troops, the volunteer soldiery of Kansas were among the first to respond, and the quickest to march to the nation's defense. The State has thus far furnished the Government sixteen full regiments of three years' men, three batteries, one regiment of three months' men, and one regiment, (incomplete), of 100 day's men. In order that the full merit of our Volunteers should be duly appreciated and allowed, it should be remembered that the financial condition of Kansas was such that no pecuniary considerations could be, or were, offered for the purpose of filling up our State quotas, as has been the custom in other States; and in fact it was with difficulty even the ordinary provisioning of the troops could be made by the State authority, owing to the want of funds, and absence of legislation requisite to meet the necessities of the occasion. Another most important consideration must here be mentioned which will reflect still more in favor of the fervent patriotism of our people. In most of the States, if not all the States of the Union, after the first patriotic impulse had in a measure subsided, extraordinary inducements necessarily had to be resorted to in order to procure sufficient numbers of recruits to supply the national levies. Thus the system of the State bounties; yearly or monthly pay to the families of Recruits; additional monthly pay on the part of the State to the volunteer; and other expedients were devised and inducements offered. In many instances all these appliances--State, County, City, Township, School District and voluntary subscriptions failed to supply the requisite number, and a draft had to be resorted to in order to meet the demands. In none of these respects has Kansas either as a State, or by counties, cities or otherwise--been necessitated to raise a dollar's additional pay to encourage recruiting among her citizens. In the highest acceptation of that term they have truly been "Volunteers", laying aside their regular avocations, and impelled by a high religious and patriotic duty they have gone forth to battle for the defense of the Constitution and the Union. Of all the many marked instances of patriotic devotion occurring, and which have occurred, throughout the Republic during the prevalence of this rebellion, and we desire to do no injustice to any--none stand out in more bold relief, or is entitled to more honorable consideration than this to which I refer. Had other States not held out extra inducements for volunteering, the case would not be so marked. But when all others were paying largely for recruits; and the Kansas citizen had to go but a day or two's journey to obtain a hundred, or two, or more hundreds of dollars additional, for entering the military service; yet with all these tempting considerations, appealing often to his necessities; had sufficient devotion to reject them and enter the service, and maintain the character of his adopted State; it certainly presents the highest encomium that we can possibly pay to the patriotism and honorable State pride of the Kansas volunteer soldier. With such alacrity and promptness have our citizens responded to the Government's necessities that Kansas has at every call for troops been largely in excess of every quota assigned to her. This is true of her as related to the last call of the President for 500,000 volunteers, dated July 18th, 1864, as will hereafter appear. On the 11th day of May, this Office was officially informed by the proper bureau in the War Office at Washington, that by a settlement of the debits and credits of the State of Kansas with the Federal Government, as made last Spring, it was found that there was a clear balance over all demands in our favor of four thousand and twenty-two (4,022), three years men, as will more fully appear from the following exhibit:
State of Kansas, Dr.
State of Kansas, Cr.
By surplus April 15th, 1864, to which is to be added enlistment's from April1st to 15th, 1864..... 4,022
The assignment to Kansas under call of the President, dated July 18th, 1864, for 500,000 men is 3,723; which left Kansas in an excess of 299 men. To this number must be added all the new recruits who have joined the several regiments and batteries since 31st March, 1864, estimated at 1,500 men; also Veterans re-enlisted since the 15th day of April, 1864, 912 men; making a total surplus over all calls of 2,711 men; or sufficient to meet another requisition upon our State of upward of 364,000 men. Thus showing the gratifying fact that, if the recent call by the President dated the 19th instant, for 300,000 men, should by any process be made applicable to Kansas, that we have more than sufficient to meet the quota which would apply to this State. The forgoing conclusions are derived from and based upon the settlement made last Spring, as before stated, and transmitted to this office under date of May3d, 1864. I am satisfied from a careful examination of the data in this office that the forgoing figure fall short of the full credits to which this State is entitled. this will fully appear by the following exhibit of all the forces raised by Kansas for the Federal service, as shown by the records of this office.
LIST OF KANSAS VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE WAR
The foregoing exhibit shows an aggregate of 15,968 men in the original organizations, 4,629 recruits to the several regiments, and 1,209 veteran enlistments, making a grand total of 21,806 men as the earnest of the patriotism of Kansas Citizens, and their loyalty to the Federal Union. The sum of the quotas charged to Kansas upon all the calls made by the President, up to May 3d, 1864, as shown by the foregoing statement of Captain Maynadier, was 10,381; to which must be added the quota under the call of July 18, 1864, of 3,723; making a total of 14,104, which would leave Kansas in excess of 7,702. The grand total of 21,806, presumes that that entire number was composed of full three years' men, which was not the fact, as the 2d Infantry of 650 men were for three months enlistment, and the 17th regiment of 455 men were for 100 days enlistment. The total of these two regiments, 1,105 men, reduced to the three years standard of measurement adopted by the War Department, gives a result of only 96 men as the legitimate number which should be enumerated for those regiments. Therefore, deducting the difference, 1,009, and it leaves Kansas in an excess of 6,693 men. This number is still further liable to be reduced by the number of men enlisted in Kansas regiments belonging to other States. The exact number of these cannot, at this time, be ascertained; but, enough is known to render it reasonably certain that 1,000 will fully cover that drain and any other that man arise. Therefore, reducing our excess of 6,693 by that estimated credit of the other States--1,000--and it leaves Kansas an excess of 5,693men, wherewith to meet the last and recent call of the President, dated the 19th inst., for 300,000 men, supposing that that call could be made to apply to our State. If that call is made applicable to Kansas, and it should be based upon the same returns as the July call of 500,000, the quota of Kansas would be 2,234, which deducted from the last excess would still leave Kansas in an excess over all the requisitions of the President, of 3,459, or sufficient to meet the quota which may become due from Kansas upon still another call of 464,544 men. In addition to the foregoing, there are three regiments of Indians in the service officered originally, almost exclusively, by citizens from our State. The First and Second of these regiments, and part of Third were recruited in Kansas; those recruits consisting chiefly of refugee Indians from the Cherokee and Creek Nations. A portion, however, were resident Indians, whose lands were, and still are, within the limits of our State, and whose homes and families are still here. The question has yet to be determined, what number, if any, of these Indian soldiers shall be accredited to Kansas. While there man be some doubt about our right to claim full credit for the Cherokee and Creek refugees who emigrated to our State and received the ample and complete protection of our State Government, under which they were enlisted and organized for the Federal Union; there can, in my judgment, be no doubt as to our right to claim full credit for those Indians who belonged to tribes resident within our State, owing and controlling a portion and the most valuable portion of our soil, constituting a part of our population, and receiving the benefits arising from our State organization and laws. Our right to receive credit for the officers of those regiments who are citizens of our State, of course, no one will deny. When a settlement shall have been obtained with the Department of War upon this Indian question, and our allowance, whatever it may be, duly ascertained; it will effect the forgoing figures, of course, to the extent of such allowance, and make the aggregate of our credits still larger than it now appears. Wonderful as have been the exhibitions of patriotism--great as have been the sacrifices--earnest and intense as has been the devotion to the Government manifested by the citizens of the several States of the Union, in this their war for the maintenance of democratical government, and for the suppression of the most wicked and stupendous rebellion that has ever characterized the history of nations, yet to the gallant sons of Kansas belongs a mead of praise beyond all other for whatever intense patriotism, ennobling sacrifices, and sincere devotion may challenge at the hands of an intelligent, discerning and impartial public. Taking the exhibitions in this respect presented by the country at large, no nation has ever had such stupendous drafts made upon its physical resources in so short a time as the united States has had within the past three years. No nation has honored those drafts so promptly and so satisfactorily. Armies, the magnitude of which rival, in mere extent of numbers, the largest hostile assemblages of either ancient or modern times, and far transcending them in all the materiel of effective warfare, have been evoked, in a day, as if by superhuman agency, and precipitated upon the enemies of the Republic. The magnitude and success of these tremendous military combinations become the more wonderful when we reflect upon the extent of country from which they have been furnished, and the rapidity with which they have been concentrated at the designated rendezvous; in many instances thousand of miles having to be traversed ere the defenders of the Republic could be brought in contact with its organized public enemy. And the exhibitions of lofty courage and exalted heroism when the conflict came; where in all the battles of ancient or modern times has such determination, such pertinacity, such astounding exhibitions of personal or combined daring been furnished to the world, as those presented by the volunteer soldiers of the United States, on the many battle-fields of this war? In whatever of these conflicts the Kansas soldier has been called upon to engage, he has permitted none to eclipse him in personal prowess upon the ensanguined field. Whenever the conflict raged fiercest, wherever the danger was greatest, there could be found the soldier from our State upholding the integrity of the Republic and extending and confirming the widespread military reputation of our State. The number of Kansas heroes dead upon a hundred battle-fields attest at once the personal courage of the soldier, his devotion to the State, and his loyalty to the Federal Union--he who "in peace proves his faith by the sweat of his brow, and in war by the blood of his heart". It will be seen by reference to the "Remarks" in the Rosters of the several regiments, that the Kansas troops have participated in almost all the battles fought west of the Allegheny Mountains, and south to the Gulf. The battlefields of Springfield, Pea Ridge, Cane Hill, Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Helena, Corinth, Donaldson, Memphis, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta and a hundred others have become household words--names sacred to Kansas and her people.
MONUMENT In order that the State may make a suitable manifestation of gratitude to those who have perished in the discharge of their patriotic duty, I would suggest the propriety of the Legislature taking such action as will secure the erection of a monument to the memory of our soldiers who have fallen in the service of their country. In thus attempting to commemorate our slain soldiers we make but a feeble offering for the eminent services rendered by them to their State and county. This is even true in a pecuniary point of view as compared with that has already been done in other States and other communities. Elsewhere, as has already been stated, large sums are annually expended in the shape of extra pay, bounties, &c., to the soldier in the field, or for the support of his family at home. Kansas thus far has had no such drain upon their resources, either as a State, or as a people. When, therefore, their own generous and patriotic conduct has been the means of saving so much to our State and people, it is surely not asking too much, that a portion of the amount thus saved, should now be expended to perpetuate the memory and the heroic conduct of those who have fallen. The act itself will be of incalculable benefit to those--our soldiers--still in the field; and will stimulate them to nobler conduct and higher daring, by reminding them that they have not passed from our memories and been forgotten while living; and that should they fall in the dread conflict of arms their memory will be cherished and perpetuated as the choicest and richest of the State's inheritances. Timely, generous, and appreciative conduct like this will more than compensate the State by the renewed enlistments it will stimulate. Two plans have suggested themselves as methods by which such monument might be erected. The first by the Legislature direct. The other by the people of the State. The first of these contemplates an appropriation direct from the State Treasury of a fund sufficient to erect the monument and pay all the expenses incidental thereto. If the suggestion should meet with approval of the Legislature and this plan should be adopted, I would, in that event, recommend an appropriation of not exceeding ten thousand--$10,000--dollars, and the erection of a simple and plain obelisk or column of such size as the appropriation would procure, to be of either marble or granite. There should be inscribed upon it the purpose which the monument is intended to commemorate, together with, at least, the addition of all the battles, by name, in which our brave soldiers have participated. The second of these plans contemplates the erection of such a monument by the people of the State, under the sanction, and with the encouragement and approval of the Legislature and State authorities, as their voluntary and kindly offering to the memory of their departed friends. And as this war has effected, either directly or indirectly, almost every family and habitation in our State; and as all might wish to bear their part and contribute their mite in commemorating the heroism, honor and patriotism of their kindred dead, I am impressed with the conviction that this latter would be the most acceptable plan for the accomplishment of the object. Therefore, I would recommend that the Legislature incorporate a Monument Association, constituting the same from the purest and most patriotic of our citizens, and representing all portions of our State. In order to make the organization energetic and efficient, the corporators and their associates may be invested with authority to choose an Executive Board, which Board may also be invested with authority to employ agents, &c., to carry out and perfect the intention of the Association and the Legislature. In order that the people--all the people--may feel an earnest interest in the success of the undertaking--that it is their offering to the memory of their martyred dead--I would recommend that the subscription price to the monumental fund shall not exceed the sum of five dollars from any one person, thus making membership of the Association attainable by all our people. If the matter is taken hold of with spirit, I am convinced the sum of from thirty to fifty thousand dollars can be readily obtained by this process, assume large enough to secure the erection of a monument creditable to the State and worth the object contemplated. If this reckoning is correct, then the plan of erecting the monument by direct action of the people is preferable to independent legislative action, in providing means greater than the Legislature would feel warranted in advancing for a similar purpose. After the monument shall have been erected and completed, let it then be turned over, or transferred, to the care and protection of the State, so that it may have the highest legal authority to protect it from either violence or decay. As a site for the proposed monument there is one spot that impresses me a being not only the most appropriate, but the only place in which a public enterprise of this character should be established--that is, upon the grounds owned by the State at the capital of the State. The grounds are sufficiently ample and commodious to permit the erection of the monument without tresspassing to such an extent as would interfere with the room required for capital purposes. The objection that it might become an encumbrance to the Capital Grounds becomes, in my judgment, a prominent recommendation in favor of that location. Instead of being an encumbrance it would prove the greatest attraction that could be placed within those grounds--and, not like being erected in some out of the way cemetery where it could only be visited by a special pilgrimage for the purpose--it would here be accessible to all who visit the capital either on pleasure or business. In the front of the capital--from it the legislator would derive both inspiration and patriotism to assist him in the discharge of his duties; and at any future time, should rebellion again stalk through the land, this monument--the embodiment of the dead heroes slain in the maintenance of free and legitimate government--would silence with its sacred remembrances the first utterance of treason in our Commonwealth.
Previous to your Excellency's Administration of the State Government, the Adjutant General's Office can scarcely be said to have had a distinctive existence. Before that time the Adjutant Generalship was regarded as a complimentary or honorary appointment upon the staff of the Commander-in Chief, with but few duties to perform and with little or no compensation allowed for their performance. This defect in the military arrangements of our State was not confined to Kansas alone; but, pertained to a greater or less extent to all the States, and growing out of similar causes. Previous to the rebellion, the duties of the Adjutant General pertained exclusively to the Militia of the State; and as the services of the Militia were but seldom required, the whole system was necessarily weak and imperfect and the duties of the office inconsiderable and nominal. The office being chiefly honorary, and no pay allowed, but little service was expected. When, therefore, the rebellion broke out, and for some time after, it was undetermined as to what extent the Adjutant General's Office would have to do with the volunteer forces in the Federal service, or to what extent the duties of the office would become enlarged. From a want of proper comprehension of the importance of the subject, as well as from the embarrassments growing out of the inauguration of our State Government, together with insufficiency of means to make the office effective, the first two years of the war passed by without the proper steps having been taken to make the Adjutant General's office a distance department and investing it with authority and means to make it serviceable to the volunteer as well as the Militia forces of the State. hence, at the commencement of your Administration, the office was but little more than a name; and, as late as August, a year ago, there were but few records of any value concerning either the Volunteer or Militia service. Soon after your inauguration you took measures to remedy this great evil, and to make the Adjutant General's Office what it has since become, a necessary auxiliary to the Executive Department; rendering it as efficient as it is indispensable to the public service. Your efforts, however, in this respect, were not sustained by that prompt and liberal action on the part of the Legislature which the necessity of the case demanded; as I find that an appropriation of only five hundred dollars was made to defray the entire expenses of the office during the first year of your Administration. Perceiving the necessity for prompt, thorough, and effective action on the part of this office--if there were to be recovered and preserved, for the benefit of the soldier, his widow, orphans and heirs, as well as for the honor and renown of the State, a proper record of the volunteer soldiers of our State, and of the many battles in which they participated, and the important services rendered their country--you, on your own responsibility, ordered additional assistance to the office, directed that separate and independent quarters should be procured, and the office placed upon a footing adequate to the important and responsible duties devolving upon it. Under this new order of things the office was rapidly and successfully put into working condition; correspondence opened with the proper parties for copies of Muster and Descriptive Rolls; the prompt transmittal of monthly returns was urged upon the several commanders; information in any manner effecting the volunteers from our State was sought for and obtained wherever possible; thus placing the office in a condition to answer the many purposes of its creation. The last Legislature made more liberal appropriations for the Adjutant General's Office; but, still far short of its urgent necessities, or such as economical considerations would have suggested. A reasonable appropriation last winter, and judiciously expended, would have obtained most invaluable records and data concerning the organization of our first regiments, that now will require much money and time to procure, even if they can ever be obtained, as several of these regiments have been mustered out of the service and those data placed beyond the reach of this office. It is, therefore, to be hoped that the coming Legislature will conceive the importance of this subject and assist by such appropriation as may be requisite to make the Adjutant General's Office as comprehensive and complete as the nature of its duties demand that it should become. By so doing they will perform but a simple act of justice to our volunteers, and reflect honor upon themselves and the State whose reputation and welfare have been committed to their care.
EMBARRASSMENTS In endeavoring to supply this office with information concerning the early and subsequent history of the several regiments and batteries, every effort has been made which the facilities or the resources of the office would warrant, such as procuring copies of the rolls of such regiments as were to be found at Washington; obtaining copies of such as remained in the hands of the officers of the several regiments by correspondence with the commanders thereof, and from personal intercourse with the members and officers of regiments. As an illustration of the efforts made in this respect, I herewith insert a copy of a communication addressed to the commanding officer of each regiment, battery and independent command in the service:
Colonel: Sir: The Government of the State Of Kansas have determined that all the honors that can be conferred by any State in the Union upon the brave and heroic defenders of our country's flag, shall be conferred upon the volunteer soldiery of Kansas. To this end it is determined to publish a volume at as early a day as practicable, in which shall be duly exhibited the name, age, birth-place, &c., E., of every soldier who has upheld the honor of our State in his gallant defense of the Federal Union. In order to make this history complete it is especially desired and enjoined by the Commander-in-Chief that you furnish at the very earliest practicable period a full statement of ALL the battles and skirmishes in which your regiment, or any portion thereof may have been engaged with the common enemy of our country, together with a general review of its marches, privations, amount of actual service, and such other items as would enhance the interest of a public document of this character. I trust that you will perceive that promptness, impartiality and fairness are requisite to insure a proper notice of the doings of your regiment, and its brave members in the forthcoming Volume.
Failing to obtain any favorable response from many of the regiments, on the 24th of August last, I again addressed the several commands in the following urgent appeal:
Col. Commanding: Sir: On the 5th of May, 1864, I had the honor to address you, in common with all the Commanders of Kansas Regiments, requesting you to furnish this office, at the earliest practicable period historical data, or memoranda, of the Military operations of your command from its first organization to the present. The object in soliciting this information was: First, That it might serve as a basis of a historical sketch, now being prepared for publication, of the Kansas Soldiery who have so heroically gone forth to battle in defense of the Republic; and Secondly, That the same might be permanently preserved in the archives of the State, for future use and reference. To the communication addressed to your Regiment, I have, at this writing, received no reply. I therefor desire to again respectfully, but most earnestly, call your attention to this subject, and in order to present the matter in a form as succinct as possible, would suggest, that what is most desired is information upon the following points, to-wit: 1st. The marches of your command, and the dates when made. 2d. Forts, Military Ports, or Stations, occupied by your command, and the length of time at each. 3d. Battles, or Skirmishes, in which your command, or detachments thereof have been engaged. With a carefully prepared list by Name and Company of the Killed, Wounded and Missing in each encounter. 4th. The deaths by wounds, or disease; and the place where, and the time when, such deaths occurred. 5th. All the casualties of your command, since your organization; embracing the Killed, Deceased, Wounded, Prisoners, Discharged, Resignations, Desertions and Missing. 6th. Any other matter that you may deem of interest to the people of the State, and worthy of preservation. The Kansas Soldiery have borne a most heroic and conspicuous part in the suppression of this gigantic rebellion. The Soldiers of no State have surpassed, while few have equaled, you in the development of all those sterling qualities which have enabled you to endure the fatigues of the march, and to encounter the dangers of the battle. Your State and Nation delight to honor you as among the bravest and most heroic sons of the Republic. To the end, therefore, that all your Military operations, as a command may be preserved, and authentically presented to the public, particularly the battles, in which so many have fought and fallen--we again make this appeal. In order that the Military operations of your Command may not be omitted in the forthcoming publication, an early answer to this communication is earnestly solicited. Please acknowledge the receipt of this communication, and whether, and how soon, you can furnish the desired information.
Subsequent to this, and during this time, commanders were personally seen or written to--particularly of those Regiments whose term of service was about to expire--in order to procure, while it was yet possible, important items of information concerning the organization of those commands, or, of important data concerning the individual members thereof. All these repeated efforts have been well nigh useless, as but few responses were obtained to these urgent appeals, and but little information procured. While, therefore, without either accusing or excusing those whose business it was to look after the welfare of the soldiers from our State, and preserve in an authentic form such important information as would be serviceable to him or his family, or friends, in the future; yet it must be confessed that, had our Regimental and Battery commanders, whose duty it was, both to the Volunteer and the State, to furnish this office the proper information, responded promptly to our earnest and repeated efforts to supply these defective data, that to-day we should be in a much better condition to supply the numerous calls upon us for information, and present a more complete and satisfactory exhibit of the services of our brave Volunteers than can now be presented. Several of our Regiments and parts of Regiments having been mustered out, it will be an almost impossible thing to supply this defective information. While the State will have great cause to regret such want of information, yet it is to be feared that a greater injury will work to the soldier in preventing him from establishing his identity, and where-abouts, when important interest are involved, and embarrassing him in procuring from the Government or State that assistance and protection which he may justly claim; or in obtaining pay, pension, or remuneration for losses to which he, or those claiming under him, my be entitled. In this connection I may mention that fact that in the early organization of Volunteers the manner of preparing the papers and records, and the great necessity of preserving the same, were not so well understood as subsequently, hence the omission of the officers to make the proper returns, and the like omission of this office in making proper effort to obtain them resulted in rendering the returns of those early organizations more or less defective. One other obstacle in the way of procuring official data serviceable and highly honorable to the veteran Volunteer ought to be mentioned in this report. Under the regulations of the united State, when a regiment, company, or recruit, is mustered out of service, after having faithfully and efficiently performed his whole duty to his Government, the muster-out roll, showing the honorable discharge of the volunteer, is deposited with the Captain of the company to which the recruit belonged, instead of being forwarded to this office; thereby depriving this office of the last and most honorable record that can be made in the brave Volunteer's behalf. Thus, while this office may have the muster of the soldier, his description, the battles he was engaged in, the number of his wounds, or his capture by the enemy, it fails to have that which , next to his muster and description, most concerns him of all other considerations; that is, his honorable discharge from the service. it is true he himself may have that discharge; but it may soon become worn or lost, while, if his muster-out roll is on file in the archives of State, it becomes a matter of permanent preservation. While in his possession it is a fact known to himself, and which may be known to his immediate neighbors and friends; but if in possession of the State, all may know of the honorable termination of the soldier's period of service, as they were cognizant of his early enlistment and heroic conduct during that term of service. The honor and welfare of the soldier, no less than the honor and interests of the State, as well as of the General Government, seem to indicate that the final muster-out roll of the soldier--hitherto deposited with the captain of his company should be deposited with the Adjutant General of the State. It would there remain forever for the benefit of the soldier and his friends, the honor of the State, and the information of all, that the soldier did not desert his post in the hour of danger, or of his country's need, but closed his military career as honorably as he began and presented it patriotically. A simple order from the War Department, directing that one copy of the muster-out rolls should be deposited with the Adjutant General of the State to which the party belongs, would remedy this defect, and furnish the office with valuable information concerning the final condition of the soldier. To effect this purpose the Adjutant General of Wisconsin addressed the Department of War the following communication, and transmitted circular copies thereof to this and other States, asking a co-operative movement:
Major: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ult., in which, in reply to my request of the 15th ult., that provision be made for filing a copy of the muster-out rolls of each Wisconsin organization in this office, it is stated "that it is not deemed desirable that any more muster rolls be made than is required by the Army Regulations". And further, that "the retained copies, held by Company Commanders, should be obtained for the use of your (my) office". Permit me, Major, to state as briefly as possible a few reasons which appear to me of sufficient weight to render proper a more thorough revision of the matter before adopting as final the decision indicated. The continuance of the war has shown the propriety, if not necessity, of filing in the archives of the State complete records of the prominent facts in the military history of each Volunteer furnished for the service of the United States. In recognition of this necessity, the War Department, within a comparatively short time, has directed that muster-in rolls of all the officers and enlisted men mustered into United State service he filed in the office of the Adjutant General of the State, furnishing the organization to which they are attached. For the same reason all transfers or promotions of Volunteers are officially reported to the same officer, in his capacity of custodian of the military records of the State. This necessity has therefore already been recognized in the official proceedings of the War Department. If, then, it has appeared just that the State should be informed of the muster-into service of the Volunteers whom she has furnished under the call of the General Government, it would seem proper that the information should also be furnished of the completion of his term of service, and that among the permanent records of the State, it should appear where he has died, deserted or been honorably discharged from the service. With reference to the retained copies held by Company Commanders, it should be observed that the State has no authority over the officers in question which would enable her to demand such copies. In the Volunteer Service the Company Commander is generally mustered out with his company, and the rolls never come within reach of State authority. Besides, it may be asked, if these rolls are of no importance to the officer, why should they be furnished him, while the request of the State is refused? If they are necessary for his use, it would , of course, be improper for the State to demand them of him. The provisions of the Army Regulations referred to, appear to have been prepared with reference to the needs of the Regular Service, in which it is not contemplated that an entire company, with its officers, will be mustered out of the service at the same time, and the reserved copy of the Company Commander becomes a portion of the Company records. Without attempting to enlarge upon any right which the State may possess, entitling her to a record of her citizens in the service of the United States, it is therefore respectfully requested that the matter may be reconsidered; and that, if no objection exists, Mustering Officers be directed to send to this office direct, the muster-out rolls, heretofore furnished the Company Commanders.
Conceiving the urgent importance of the movement this office concurred in the suggestions offered by Gen. Gaylord, and forwarded the following communications to the Secretary of War upon the subject:
Sir: Under date of the 5th instant this office received a communication from the Adjutant General of Wisconsin, requesting unity of action among the several States, in order to obtain an order from the War Department instructing Mustering Officers to send the Adjutant General's Offices of the several State, direct, the Muster-out Rolls heretofore furnished the Company Commanders. Accompanying the above was the printed copy of a communication bearing the same date and from the same officer, addressed to your Department, and assigning many important reasons for the necessity of such action by your Department, and the great benefits that would accrue to the several States as the result of such action. I fully concur in the views expressed by Adjutant General Gaylord upon this important subject. It is a matter entirely beyond the power of the State to control, but can readily be controlled, and properly directed by a simple order from your office. If the issuance of such an order divested the soldier of any right, I certainly would not ask it; but, when its only purpose and effect is to enable each State to complete the history of each of its soldiers; and permanently preserve the same, for the future benefit and interest of all parties, I certainly then desire to unite with influence of Kansas with that of other States, in soliciting from the Department of War favorable action upon this question.
In answer to the foregoing letter and circular the following communication was received at this office on the 8th day of November, 1864, from the War Department, defining the rule of action adopted by that office upon this important subject:
General: I have the honor in reply to your communication of the 16th ultimo, to inform you that in order to facilitate the settlement of claims against States, the Commanding Officers of Regiments and Independent Organizations will be directed to furnish the following additional rolls and information to the Adjutant General of the State under the circumstances as explained upon their application through this office; 1st. When the State Authorities pay a regular monthly pay to Soldiers or their families--one copy of the bi-monthly and Pay Roll. 2d. When the State Authorities pay a bounty, &c., to discharged soldiers--one copy of the Muster-out Roll. 3d. In cases of death, information thereof, if desired for the settlement of claims against the State, and for no other purpose.
While this decision may meet the wants of most other States, it does not meet those of Kansas. The earnest patriotism and loyalty of our people were such that no extraordinary inducements, such as State bounties, pensions, or monthly pay to soldiers or their families, had to be resorted to in order to promote enlistments. The intense patriotism and loyalty of our people would, therefore, seem to operate prejudicially to the interests of the soldier so far as obtaining the public records of his discharge is concerned, and securing to him the advantages which should accrue therefrom. The rule of allowing the Captains to retain the Muster-out Rolls of the Volunteers doubtless grows out of the practice in and is applicable to the regular service; and, as observed in times gone by, it was eminently right and proper. The soldier then in enlisting in the regular service, looked not to his State for the preservation of any portion of his military history; but committed all into the hands of the Government. But now the order of things is changed; and all of the history of the Volunteer is preserved (or intended to be) by his State, and all is attainable except the final act of his muster-out. The Captain of the Company then bore a similar relation to the regular that the Adjutant of the State now bears to the volunteer--preserving the record of the soldier, from his early enlistment to the termination of his service--and the causes that operated to consign the muster-out roll of the one to the custody of the Captain, should operate, much more forcibly, to commit the other to the care of the Adjutant General of the State. With that final record the military history of the soldier is rendered complete. Without such record it must forever remain imperfect. As an illustration of this I may mention the case of the First Regiment, which has recently been mustered out of the service. Were the muster-out rolls of that Regiment now in the possession of this office, every man of the command would be found to be fully accounted for under the head of "remarks", in the roster of that Regiment published in this Report. The failure to obtain these rolls necessarily leave the last page of the volunteers history defective. It is earnestly hoped that the Department of War will yet see the importance of this matter as applied to the necessity of the States, and take the proper action to accommodate the views herein expressed, by directing that the copy of the muster-out rolls heretofore be retained by the Captains of Companies may be deposited with the Adjutant Generals of the State to which the volunteer recruits or companies belong; or that an additional roll may be ordered for the special deposit with the State to which the volunteer belongs. While it is to be regretted that this office has been deprived of the large amount of additional and authentic information of which it would now be invested had it not been for the embarrassments above indicated, yet very much indeed has been acquired; and to-day the office is capable of giving correct information upon almost any and every case that comes before it; concerning the organization of Regiments, Battalions and Companies; the time of their muster; the battles and marches in which they were engaged; or the enlistment of the Volunteer; his time of muster; term of service; description; and all other points valuable to himself or friends; or if "dead" or "killed" in the service of his country, to give the time, place and circumstances in which the casualty occurred. Should the Legislature be imbued with the proper spirit, and award to the office such liberal appropriations as the necessities require, there will, in my judgment, with intelligent and well directed efforts, on the part of the Adjutant General, be no difficulty in making the Adjutant General's office in this State what it is in other States, and what it ought to become in all the important essentials which should constitute it the repository of the soldiers' history, the protector of his pecuniary interest, and the guardian of his military reputation. It is to be expected, therefore, that no considerations of economy will cause them to withhold from this department of the Government a fair and serviceable appropriation. The honor of the State, and the interests of the soldier alike, require it. As in the past, so in the future, each year's delay in investing the office with sufficient means to act energetically and promptly, not only renders the chances of success more difficult and expensive, but in many instances, with further delay, the office will be entirely frustrated in procuring the information desired. In this connection, it is no more than just to conclude, that much of the present usefulness of the office is to be attributed to your Excellency's foresight and liberality in ordering upon your own responsibility such requisites as the office needed, and furnishing it such assistance as the laborious duties of the office demanded. With out this prompt and timely action upon your part, but little could have been effected, and the office would be but illy prepared to answer the numerous, and constantly, increasing demands upon its resources.
The subject of promotions has always been a vexed question; the difficulty being in establishing some fixed rule whereby promotions should be governed, which is liable to the least objection, by being promotive of the greatest good to the service. The plan of taking any officers from private life and giving them positions in old regiments, has been wholly abandoned, and need not be considered here. Three other plans suggest themselves, each of which is evidently possessed of its merits. First: When a vacancy occurs to use due discretion in making the selection to fill the vacancy, choosing the new incumbent for his military qualifications, and in consideration of past meritorious conduct, and making the selection at large, from any regiment presenting the most worthy case. There can be no question about the general correctness of this rule; could thorough information as to the fitness of the new appointee be extended throughout all the regiments in the service, so that a complete acquiescence should at once be yielded to the selection made. But owing to the diverse fields of service in which our several regiments have been engaged, it is impossible that the meritoriousness of a particular officer or private--the one to be promoted--should be known throughout the several commands. The result is serious dissatisfaction that importations are made from the companies of one regiment to furnish officers for the companies of another; and hence the conduct of the appointing power would be severely criticized and misrepresented, destroying that feeling of confidence and the good understanding which should always exist between the Executive of the State and those who have gone forth to defend the Republic and honor of the Commonwealth upon the field of battle. But it is still liable to the more serious objection of frequently awakening and a feeling of hostility among the officers of the new regiment in which he may be commissioned, so as to utterly destroy his usefulness in the new field of labor to which he is sent. And although promoted to a position which he has justly earned by the most meritorious conduct, that very merit becomes the cause of impairing, perhaps wholly destroying, his usefulness for further service. A promotion also under such circumstances may frequently work injury to the service by causing deserving ones--who think they should have had the promotion--to throw up their commissions, and retire disgusted with the service. A second plan is the other extreme of that just stated; that is: To make the promotions from the same companies in which the vacancies occur. This is unquestionable better than the one just considered, but is also liable to serious objections. If a causality occurs by which a company is deprived of its Captain--as killed, died, resigned, or otherwise--the 1st Lieutenant and subordinate officers each expects to be advanced a grade, giving an opportunity for a commission, also, to issue to some meritorious member in the ranks. Viewing the company as an independent organization, and liable to perform duty for the term of its service without any reference to its regimental connection, or its association with other companies, the rule would be correct. But when reviewed in its proper light; that is only one of ten or twelve which constitute the complete military organization, the rule then becomes objectionable, and frequently injurious to the service. By the accidents of battle, disease, or otherwise, vacancies may be continually happening in one company, and none in another; and thus persons who were serving in the ranks when the company went into the service, may now be holding all the offices in the one company, while the officers who went into the service with the other company are holding the same identical positions to-day; yet the former may possess no higher qualifications, nor evince no greater courage in the face of the enemy than the latter. And not only so, but against the latter there may not only be no feeling of inferiority, but it may be universally recognized among his brother officers that his is a case, that, for courage, and all the soldierly qualifications, especially deserves recognition by promotion, yet accident has not afforded the opportunity, and the rule prevents him. Thus some, deserving though they may be, may received promotion very rapidly; while others, equally, perhaps more, deserving, never get beyond the grade in which they entered the service. Although a good soldier and patriot--one who loves his country above all things else--and went into the service because his country called him--may fight just a well in the ranks as though he were a general officer; yet were there no appreciation of merit, no proper recognition of gallant services and commanding abilities, patriotism would soon be at a discount. In other words, next to an earnest and devout love of country; the chances of earning and obtaining higher rank and emoluments, are the greatest incentives to gallant, heroic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||