Evening Republican, Volume 15, Number 90, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 April 1911 — Apil 15, 1861—What Happened Fifty Years Ago Today. [ARTICLE]

Apil 15, 1861—What Happened Fifty Years Ago Today.

A half century ago today President Lincoln issued his call for 75,000 troops and all over the north young men were enlisting for three months’ service. It was believed that the rebellion would be quelled within that time. Probably the most remarkable occurance as well as the most important in the north was the change in heart of Stephen A. Dotiglas, who for twenty years bad opposed Lincoln, and who had run against him for the presidency the fall before. He requested an interview on the evening of April 14th, and he and Lincoln convened about the crisis. No witness heard their words, but the “Little Giant” came out courageously and placed himself beside Lincoln for the defense of the union. Douglas advised Lincoln about the call and said he would have made it for 200,000 instead of 75,000. General Lew Wallace was at that time adjutant-general of the state militia. Companies were being organized all over the state and Company G, of Rensselaer, was being recruited full by General Milroy.