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IS 4.2
Story of an Emigrant.
the First and Second regiments; but there was no general
rising among them in our state until I published an appeal
in the Swedish newspaper Hcrnlnndct in Chicago. The
following is an extract from that paper:
"To The Scandinavians of Minnesota!
" It is high time for us, as a people, to rise with sword in hand, and fight
for our adopted country and for liberty.
"This country is in danger. A gigantic power has arisen against it and
at the san e time against liberty and democracy, in order to crnsli them.
" Our state has already furnished two thousand men, and will soon he
called upon for as many more to engage in the war. Among the population
of the state the Scandinavians number about one-twelfth, a part of its
m> >t hardy and enduring people, and ought to furnish at least three cr
four hundred men for this army. This land which we, as strangers, have
made our home, has received us with friendship and hospitality. We enjoy
equal privileges with the native born. The path to honor and fortune is
alike open to us and them. The law protects and befriends us all alike.
We have also sworn allegiance to the same.
" Countrymen, ’Arise to arms; our adopted country calls!’ Let us prove
ourselves worthy of that land, and of those heroes from whom we descend.
"I hereby offer myself as one of that number, and 1 am confident that
many of you are ready and willing to do likewise. Let each settlement
send forth its little squad. Many in this neighborhood are now ready
to go. A third regiment will soon be called by the governor of this
state. Let us, then, have ready a number of men of the right kind, and
oflVr our services as a part of the same. Let us place ourselves on the
side of liberty and truth, not only with words but with strong arms,—
with our lives. Then shall our friends in the home of our childhood rejoice
over us. Our children and children’s children shall hereafter pronounce our
names with reverence. We shall ourselves be happy in the consciousness o
having performed our duty, and should death on the field of battle be our
lot. then shall our parents, wives.children and friends find some consolation
in their sorrow in the conviction that they, also, by their noble sacrifices,
have contributed to the defense and victory of right, justice, and liberty.
And a grateful people shall not withhold from them its sympathy and
friendship."
A few days later I left a dear wife, home, and two children,
and started for Fort Snelling, but not alone; about seventy
Swedes and thirty Norwegians from Red Wing, Yasa,
Chisago Lake, Holden, Wanamingo, Stillwater, Albert Lea and
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