NORWAY-L Archives

From: Neil A Hofland< >
Subject: Uncle Rasmus - 120 -
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 1997 16:06:51 +0000

Hi All,

(Uncle Rasmus continues with the exploits of the 36th Illinois Volunteer
Regiment.)

Of the engagement thus described by Porter C. Olson, Gen Rosecrans says:
" The firing was terrific, and the havoc terrible. The enemy retreated
more rapidly than they had advanced. In 40 minutes they lost 2000 men."
In his report of this bloody battle, Gen. P. H. Sheridan says: "I refer
with pride to the splendid conduct, bravery and efficiency of the
following regimental commanders, and the officers and men of their
respective commands: Major Silas Miller, 36th Ill., wounded and a
prisoner; Capt. P. C. Olson, 36th Ill." The 36th Illinois suffered more
than any other regiment in this battle, the list of the dead and wounded
filling 2 closely-printed pages in Bennett's History.

Although Col. Heg and Col. Olson probably were strangers to each other,
it is interesting to note the fact, that Colonel Hans C. Heg also was
present and took an important part in the battle of Stone River,
attracting the attention and admiration of his superiors for his great
bravery and efficiency. Col. Heg and Col. Olson, both sons of pioneer
immigrants from Norway, fought together in the battle of Stone River and
on several other bloody battle-fields. They were both destined to meet
death in later engagements for the life of our dear republic, but their
fame shall henceforth go linked together down to the latest generations
of the descendants of Norwegians in America.

On the 9th of February, 1863, Col. N. Greusel felt constrained from the
state of his health to tender his resignation, which as accepted.
Captain Jenks, of Company A, Cavalry, was promoted to take his place.
"He was a man of excellent abilities, of fine taste and culture, a man
whom to know was to esteem," says Mr. Bennett, "but unfortunately he
found himself in a position equally unpleasant for himself and the
regiment. It was felt that the 2 companies of cavalry attached to the
36th Illinois, being so distinct in organization and service, ought not
to be reckoned in the line of promotion, but that the regimental officers
should be taken from the regiment itself. This feeling was so intense
that neither kindness nor discipline could overcome it. At one time it
seemed so high that it almost threatened mutiny, when Col. Jenks wisely
resigned and returned to his profession, in which he proved himself so
successful." The result was that Capt. Porter C. Olson again took
command of the regiment.

On the 11th of May, 1863, Olson was regularly appointed lieutenant
colonel, and took command of the regiment for Silas Miller, who had
received a commission as colonel, but was still a prisoner at Libby and
did not return till May 22. The promotion of Olson to the lieutenant
colonelcy "was," says Mr. Bennett, "highly honorable to that worthy
officer, whose fidelity and courage, tested both in camp and field, had
won the confidence of the regiment. The appointment, too, will never
cease to be equally honorable to Major George D. Sherman, who, though
himself the ranking officer and entitled to the position, recommended
Capt. Olson." This was an instance of self-abnegation as honorable as it
is rare, and speaks volumes both for Mr. Olson and Mr. Sherman.

It does not concern Col. Olson, but it interested me immensely to find
that in 1863 the 36th Illinois resolved to carry a library of books with
them for the social happiness and mental and moral improvement of the
soldiers, and that my publishers, Messrs. S. C. Griggs & Co., of Chicago,
sold them the books and presented the regiment with a copy of Webster's
Unabridged.

(Kneel here. This interests me as well. Remember, this was before
centerfolds and paper backs were invented. These were real books, nice
and heavy. They would have needed an extra wagon and a couple of horses
to lug them around. Think how they must have been envied by other
regiments. All they got to do during the war was march around shooting
at people and getting shot at. Not only did the Norwegian regiment get
to have all that fun, but when they weren't shooting or getting shot at,
they were engaging in social happiness and enjoying mental and moral
improvement. Actually the Webster's Unabridged was a secret weapon that
was never used. If it had every been launched by catapult into the enemy
lines, it would have crushed an entire regiment before it stopped
bouncing and sliding along.

I am surprised that Uncle Rasmus didn't relate that many of the victories
scored by the 36th were set up by the exchange of insults along the front
line before the actual battles began. The enemy was no match for the
literate Norwegians. They were cowed and demoralized by the brilliance
of the Norwegians repartee and knew that they were facing superior
forces. The fact that the repartee was shouted in a Norwegian accent
only increased its effectiveness.)

The 36th Illinois suffered terribly in the battle of Chickamauga, where
our gallant Col. Hans E. Heg was shot on the 19th of September and died
the following day, September 20. Here is a glimpse of Col. Olson on the
day that Col. Heg died. I take it from Bennett's History: "In the
meantime the fiery conflict grew more desperate and deadly. Col. Miller,
on whom the command of the brigade devolved, gallant as ever; Lieut. Col.
Olson, brave to a fault, and Major Sherman, true and unflinching, were
everywhere conspicuous, encouraging the men by their example to wring
from unwilling hands of fate the victory which was denied."

At the battle of Mission Ridge Col. Olson again commanded the regiment
and led it into the thickest of the fight.

(To be continued. The next episode will finish off the tribute to the
36th Illinois.)

Kneel

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• Uncle Rasmus - 120 - by Neil A Hofland< >