Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 April 1911 — April 14, 1861—What Happened Fifty Years Ago Today. [ARTICLE]

April 14, 1861—What Happened Fifty Years Ago Today.

Fifty years ago today the union troops evacuated Fort Sumpter according to the terms signed the evening before by Major Anderson. The decision was made after a bombardment of 34 hours and after fire had ragerl for some time and threatened to set fire to the powder stored in the casemates. The brave men had made a great struggle and they marcued out of the fort flying “Old Glory” and the band playing “Yankee Doodle.” Although President Lincoln did no,t issue his call for troops until April 15th, Governor Oliver P. Morton issued a proclamation on the 14th calling upon the patriotic men of the state to hold themselves in readiness for tli6 call. . Robert H. Milroy had been in Indianapolis and when the news reached Governor Morton that Fort Sumpter had been fired upon he at once started home, traveling all night and reaching Rensselaer before daybreak He procured a drum and went through the streets beating it vigorously. That was probably fifty years ago this morning. He at once enlisted a company of men. This organization became Company G of the 9th Indiana. The officers selected were: Robert H. Milroy, captain; Edwin P. Hammpnd, first- lieutenant, and Gideon C. Moody, second lieutenant. They hastened to report the organization to Governor Morton and the 9th Indiana was the first regiment to leave the state.