bread-stuffs were still largely imported. Everybody was in the most desperate straits financially A winter of gloom and depression set in, such as has never been experienced in the history of the Northwest, and, it is scarcely probable, ever will be again. The price of labor, for such as could get employment at all, touched an unprecedentedly low figure, though, fortunately, the cost of living had declined in the same ratio. Meantime, the negotiation of the bonds in New York, proceeded very slowly. Capitalists were very unwilling to invest in them, as already some journals in the State had predicted the failure and break-down of the whole scheme, added to pretty clearly expressed threats that the bonds would be repudiated. Anxious to save the credit of the State, and prevent a disastrous ending of the measure, Gov. Sibley went to New York in person, about the close of the year (1858) and gave his best endeavors to aid the pending negotiation of the bonds; but the capitalists there, alarmed at the hostile tone of the newspapers in the State, finally refused to touch them at all. The only recourse now left for the holders of the bonds, and those interested in the railroad scheme, was to use them as a security for the issue of bank notes, under the recently enacted general banking law. Purported sales at ninety-five cents on the dollar having been certified to the State Auditor, he received a large number at this figure, and procured for the owners currency in like amount. Meantime, work was progressing on the four land grant roads.

No session of the legislature was held in the winter of 1858-'9. The stringency increased with each month. The newspapers of the state which survived, were crowded with mortgage foreclosure advertisements. Taxes were scarcely paid at all, and the warrants, or scrip, of both State and counties, depreciated, in some instances, to forty or fifty cents on the dollar. These were soon replaced by the issues of the new banks based on the state railroad bonds which now began to flood the state, until the names "Glencoe," "Owatonna," "La Crosse" and "La Crescent," etc., were familiar words. These issues were regarded with considerable distrust from the outset. Bankers in the state received them with much disrelish, and generally at a discount, while outside the state, they scarcely

circulated at all. The Chicago papers, and some financial journals in New York, classed them as "wild-cat." Their issue was pushed for a few weeks, however, until in the spring of 1859 over $200,000 of the currency was in circulation. There were, in addition to these "railroad banks," several based on Minnesota 8 per cents. which were actually worth par.

During the summer of 1859 the reported discovery of gold on Frazer River, and other points in British North America, called the attention of the people of Minnesota to the importance of an overland route to the Pacific, which might ultimately lead the way for a northern railroad route. Meetings were held, and money was subscribed, to equip a train to open a wagon road via the northern bend of the Missouri River. Col. Wm. H. Nobles was placed in command of the expedition, which left St. Paul on June 11, and proceeded safely through. Another important step towards settling the regions beyond us, was the successful navigation of Red River, by a steamer launched this season. The Minnesota Stage Company also established a line to the Red River.

The "Wright county war," as it has been facetiously termed, occurred this summer. In the fall of 1858, one H. A. Wallace was murdered in Wright county, and a neighbor, named Oscar F. Jackson, was tried for the offense in the spring of 1859, and acquitted. On April 25, a crowd of men assembled, and hung Jackson to the gable end of Wallace's cabin. Gov. Sibley offered a reward for the conviction of any of the lynchers. Not long afterwards one Emery Moore was arrested on charge of being concerned in the outrage, and was taken to Wright County for trial, but was rescued by a mob. Gov. Sibley at once decided to take vigorous steps to maintain the majesty of the law. A military force was called out, and three companies dispatched (Aug. 5) to Monticello to arrest the rioters. The troops proceeded to Monticello, reinforced the civil authorities, arrested eleven lynchers and rescuers, and turned them over to the civil authorities. Having vindicated the supremacy of law and order, the bloodless expedition returned.

The financial condition had meantime been growing worse. Early in June, the brokers of the state had combined to depreciate the "Glen coe money," as the railroad currency was called,

and as several sums which had been presented at the banks for redemption, were not redeemed, they were protested, and the state auditor was compelled to advertise the securities for sale. This caused a still further depreciation of the money, until shortly it was scarcely current on any terms. Meantime all work on the land grant lines had been finally and completely suspended, and $2,275,000 of the state bonds had been issued. In October, it was stated that the bonds had been sold as low as ten cents on the dollar. The coupons due on Dec. 1, 1859, were unpaid, and the companies holding the bonds declared in default. The whole scheme had thus been brought to a complete failure, and was now practically abandoned, while not a mile of road had been completed.

The hard times, and the failure of the real estate speculative era, had one good result, however, which was, to turn increased attention to agriculture. A greatly enlarged area was sown, and the agricultural resources of the State began to be known as the true source of its wealth. For the first time, breadstuffs were exported, and immigration began again.

The fall of this year witnessed a bitter political fight. Two years before, the parties had been pretty evenly divided. This campaign each one spent its full force and energy, and had nominated for state officers their most popular men. The election took place on Oct. 11. Hon. Alex. Ramsey was chosen governor, by a vote of 21,335, over Hon. George L. Becker, who received 17,532. The legislature which met on Dec. 7, was largely republican.

The most important work which came before this session was some adjustment of the dilemma into which the state had fallen, through the adoption of the loan amendment. Nearly the entire session was consumed in debating various plans of extrication without much fruit. The loan amendment was expunged, however, and a new amendment was framed for submission to the people, providing that there should be no further issue of bond to the companies; also, that no law levying a tax to pay either principal or interest on the bonds already issued, should be of any force or effect, until ratified by a popular vote. These constitutional amendments were adopted by a large majority of votes, in the fall of the same

year. The governor was also directed to foreclose the deeds of trust given to secure interest on the bonds loaned, and bid off and purchase the property sold, in the name of the state. This was done, the following summer, and the state again secured the forfeited rights, franchises and land grants.

The Federal census taken this year (1860), showed that the state had a population of 172,123. The harvest was a good one, and business was considerably revived. Immigration was beginning to become brisk, and building in the towns and cities was perceptibly increasing, while the tiled area was receiving great additions. It seemed that the "hard times" had about ceased, and the hope of prosperous days was beginning to enliven all. But this gleam of sunshine was of short duration. The memorable presidential contest of that year, the first in which Minnesota had a voice, was a period of unprecedented heat and excitement. The electoral vote of Minnesota was cast for Abraham Lincoln by a very large majority, he receiving 22,069, Douglas, 11,920, Breckenridge 748, and Bell 62. It was not long before the disunion cloud arose in the slave states, and the mutterings of rebellion began to be heard. It was a period of doubt and forebodings. The currency used generally in the state, being largely based on the bonds of seceding states, became greatly depreciated. All classes suffered much loss, business became depressed, real estate unsalable, and soon a condition of distress ensued, almost equal to the darkest days of the panic, three years before.

The legislature of 1861 considered the railroad question at length, and passed acts designed to facilitate the construction of the land grant roads by turning over the forfeited franchises of the old companies to new organizations, believed to be able to complete them. The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad Company was also chartered.

The secession movement progressed steadily during the winter, and it soon became apparent to all that war was inevitable. Lincoln was inaugurated, but his address promised only coercion, and coercion war. The feeble and unreal movements for compromise and conciliation all failed. Meantime business in this state was daily growing worse. Large numbers were out of employment, and anticipating still further disaster.

Origin of the name Saint Croix-Du Luth, first Explorer-French Post on the St. Croix-Pitt, an early pioneer-Early settlers at Saint Croix Falls-First women there-Marine Settlement-Joseph R. Brown's town site-Saint Croix County organized-Proprietors of Stillwater-A dead Negro woman-Pig's Eye, origin of name-Rise of Saint Paul-Dr. Williamson secures first school teacher for Saint Paul-Description of first school room-Saint Croix County re-organized -Rev. W. T. Boutwell, pioneer clergyman.

The Saint Croix river, according to Le Sueur, named after a Frenchman who was drowned at its mouth, was one of the earliest throughfares from Lake Superior to the Mississippi. The first white man who directed canoes upon its waters was Du Luth, who had in 1679 explored Minnesota. He thus describes his tour in a letter, first published by Harrisse: "In June, 1680, not being satisfied, with having made my discovery by land, I took two canoes, with an Indian who was my interpreter, and four Frenchmen, to seek means to make it by water. With this view I entered a river which empties eight leagues from the extremity of Lake Superior, on the south side, where, after having cut some trees and broken about a hundred beaver dams, I reached the upper waters of the said river, and then I made a portage of half a league to reach a lake, the outlet of which fell into a very fine river, which took me down into the Mississippi. There I learned from eight cabins of Nadouecioux that the Rev. Father Louis Hennepin, Recollect, now at the convent of Saint Germain, with two other Frenchmen had been robbed, and carried off as slaves for more than three hundred leagues by the Nadouecioux themselves."

He then relates how he left two Frenchmen with his goods, and went with his interpreter and two Frenchmen in a canoe down the Mississippi, and after two days and two nights, found Hennepin, Accault and Augelle. He told Hennepin that he must return with him through the country of the Fox tribe, and writes: "I preferred to retrace my steps, manifesting to them [the Sioux] the just indignation I felt against them, rather than to remain after the violence they had done

to the Rev. Father and the other two Frenchmen with him, whom I put in my canoes and brought them to Michilimackinack."

After this, the Saint Croix river became a channel for commerce, and Bellin writes, that before 1755, the French had erected a fort forty leagues from its mouth and twenty from Lake Superior.

The pine forests between the Saint Croix and Minnesota had been for several years a temptation to energetic men. As early as November, 1836, a Mr. Pitt went with a boat and a party of men to the Falls of Saint Croix to cut pine timber, with the consent of the Chippeways but the dissent of the United States authorities.

In 1837 while the treaty was being made by Commissioners Dodge and Smith at Fort Snelling, on one Sunday Franklin Steele, Dr. Fitch, Jeremiah Russell, and a Mr. Maginnis left Fort Snelling for the Falls of Saint Croix in a birch bark canoe paddled by eight men, and reached that point about noon on Monday aud commenced a log cabin. Steele and Maginnis remained here, while the others, dividing into two parties, one under Fitch, and the other under Russell, searched for pine land. The first stopped at Sun Rise, while Russel went on to the Snake River. About the same time Robbinet and Jesse B. Taylor came to the Falls in the interest of B. F. Baker who had a stone trading house near Fort Snelling, since destroyed by fire. On the fifteenth of July, 1838, the Palmyra, Capt. Holland, arrived at the Fort, with the official notice of the ratification of the treaties ceding the lands between the Saint Croix and Mississippi.

She had on board C. A. Tuttle, L. W. Stratton and others, with the machinery for the projected mills of the Northwest Lumber Company at the Falls of Saint Croix, and reached that point on the seventeenth, the first steamboat to disturb the waters above Lake Saint Croix. The steamer Gypsy came to the fort on the twenty-first of

known by Gov. Ramsey on May 3d, to the Secretary of War, he at once authorized the raising of a second regiment, and the recruiting for the same was proceeded with, with alacrity. The regiment was filled to the minimum, and mustered in on June 26th, with the gallant Van Cleve as Colonel, and rendezvoused at Fort Snelling, for the time being, some of the companies, meantime, garrisoning the forts in and near Minnesota.

The First Regiment on reaching Washington, was, after a few days of camp life at Alexandria, pushed to the front, and took an active part with Heintzelman's Division, in McDowell's campaign against Manassas, acquitting itself well. On July 21st, scarcely more than three weeks after its arrival in the field, it took part in the memorable battle of Bull Run, in which disastrous engagement it lost 174 men, of whom 44 were killed, 107 wounded, and 23 taken prisoners. The gallantry of the men, and their fine conduct in the heat of battle, gained the regiment as well as our State, great praise; but the sad news of the loss it suffered, filled our citizens with gloom. The magnitude and solemnity of the great struggle in which the nation had engaged, began to be realized, while the sympathy and benevolence of the citizens of the State, especially the ladies, was aroused by the wants of the wounded and sick soldiers in the hospitals, and a general movement made for such contributions of money and clothing and delicacies suitable for invalids. Nearly $2,000 in money alone, was promptly contributed, and sent to the Chaplain of the First. This was the commencement of a splendid stream of gifts towards the same object, which continued to flow during the whole four years of the war, the Sanitary and Christian Commissions being soon after organized as a means of collecting and distributing relief. In no State, during the struggle for the Union, was found a more patriotic, liberal, actively generous people, than in Minnesota.

Not long after the battle of Bull Run, the First Regiment went into camp between Poolesville and Edwards Ferry, Maryland, for winter quarters, remaining there several months.

While these events were occurring, the material progress of our State was receiving an impuise. Capitalists from Ohio were induced, under the legislation of the last winter, to embark in the

completion of the "Minnesota and Pacific Railroad," from St. Paul to St. Anthony. This line had been partially graded three years before, and with little labor was made ready for the superstructure. Ties and rails for several miles were provided, and track-laying commenced. A locomotive and cars arrived, and the first wheel turned by a locomotive in this State, was on September 19th. At this juncture, unfortunately, a disagreement sprang up between the contractors and the officers of the road, and resulted in a suspension of the work for several months.

Business remained very much depressed all the season, a result, in part, of the miserable currency used in trade.

Recruiting for the second regiment did not cease until September, by which time all the companies were filled to the maximum, and the battalion was ready for service on southern fields. Meantime a company of Sharp-Shooters had been recruited by Capt. Peteler, and having been accepted (Sept. 3d), left on Oct. 6th for Virginia, where they were attached to Berdan's U. S. sharp-shooters.

Congress, at its special session, commencing July 4th, had authorized the raising of 500,000 troops. Under this call Minnesota was called on for two more regiments, on Sept 17th. There were already some partially completed companies, and recruiting commenced vigorously in all parts of the state. Up to this time all the troops recruited had been for the infantry service, but in order to give all who wished to enlist, their preference for the different arms of service, cavalry, and artillery organizations were commenced. Three companies of cavalry were authorized, and began to receive recruits, while a battery of light artillery was gotten under way.

On Oct. 3d, Capt. N. J. T. Dana, formerly of the regular army, was commissioned as Colonel of the First, vice Gorman, who had been promoted to Brigadier General.

On Oct. 14, the Second Regiment left for Virginia, but at Pittsburgh was ordered to Louisville, Ky., and soon after went into camp at Lebanon Junction, where they remained some weeks, guarding bridges. On Oct. 29th, the Third Regiment was announced as organized, and Henry C. Lester appointed Colonel. On Nov. 16th the Third left for Kentucky, and were employed in

the same service as the Second, near which they were encamped for some weeks. The Fourth Regiment was filled nearly at the same time, and Adjt. Gen. John B. Sanborn appointed Colonel. It was retained in the state, doing garrison duty, until spring.

On Oct. 19th the First Regiment participated in the action at Edwards Ferry, suffering small loss, but making a noble record for gallantry.

The state election occurred on Oct. 9th. Partisan politics were not much noticeable in this contest. Alex. Ramsey was re-elected for governor, by a vote of 16,274 over E. O. Hamlin, who had 10,448.

The three cavalry companies, commanded respectively by Capts. Von Minden, Brackett, and West, were ordered to Benton Barracks, Mo., in December, and incorporated into an Iowa troop called Curtis Horse, and subsequently Third Iowa Cavalry.

The First Battery Light Artillery, Capt. Munch, also left for St. Louis Dec. 1st, and was soon after ordered to Pittsburgh Landing. During this month a Fifth Regiment was authorized, and considerable progress made in filling it.

*

*

On January 19th, 1862, occurred the memorable battle of Mill Springs, in which our Second Regiment won a national reputation. Early on that day, the enemy, under Gen. Zollicoffer, attacked the union forces. Col. Van Cleve says in his official report: "After proceeding about half a mile, we came upon the enemy, who were posted behind a fence along the road, beyond which was an open field, broken by ravines. The enemy, opening upon us a galling fire, fought desperately, and a hand to hand fight ensued which lasted about thirty minutes. The enemy gave way, leaving a large number of their dead and wounded on the field. * * * We joined in the pursuit, which continued till near sunset, when we arrived within a mile of their intrenchments, where we rested upon our arms during the night. * * Six hundred of our regiment were in the engagement, twelve of whom were killed and thirty-three wounded." Gen. Zollicoffer himself was among the enemy slain. Private George G. Strong, of Company D, is thought to have killed Baillie Peyton, a prominent rebel officer.

*

The news of the victory at Mill Springs, occur

ing, as it did, during a period of depression, was like a gleam of sunshine, and our Second Regiment won bright laurels for their gallantry. For meritorious service in this engagement, Col. Van Cleve was soon after promoted to Brigadier General.

On Feb. 24th Capt. Alfred Sully was commissioned colonel of the First Regiment, vice Dana, promoted to Brigadier General.

66

The legislature of 1862 had many important questions under consideration, prominent among which were those measures providing for military necessities, and putting the state on a war footing." The work of releasing the land grant railroads from the entanglements resulting from the old five-million loan, and bestowing the franchises on real capitalists, who would undertake to build in good faith, was another of the important measures of the session. The latter work was successfully accomplished in most cases. On the line of the Minnesota & Pacific, between St. Paul and St. Anthony, work was recommenced and pushed vigorously.

On April 6th the battle of Pittsburg Landing occurred. The only Minnesota troops engaged in this conflict was the First Battery, which was in the heat of the action at several points. Several cannoneers were wounded (Capt. Munch severely) two killed, and also a number of horses. The battery did splendid service, and "mowed the enemy down with cannister." Capt. (formerly adjutant general) Wm. H. Acker, of the Sixteenth Regulars, was killed during this engagement.

On March 20th, the Fifth Regiment was declared organized, and the field officers were commissioned. Rudolph Borgesrode was appointed Colonel. The Second Sharpshooters, Captain Russell, which had been recruited during the winter, soon after left for Washington, arriving there April 26th. On April 24th, the Fourth Regiment, and Second Battery of Light Artillery, Captain Hotchkiss, left for Benton Barracks, and were soon pushed to the front in Mississippi. May 13th, the Fifth Regiment also left for the same destination, excepting companies B, C, and D, who remained behind to garrison forts, and a few weeks subsequently took a conspicuous part in the Sioux war.

On

On May 26th, the call for a sixth regiment was