Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 October 1899 — General Milroy and Milroy Park. [ARTICLE]

General Milroy and Milroy Park.

Lebanon, Ind. Oct. 25th. ’99. Editor Republican. I see in your issue of Oct. 24th, that the suggestion which I made in my talk at the Old Settler’s Re-union is in a fair way to be adopted. The purchase and converting into a public park, the old homestead* of Jasper Countys’ most noted man, the gallant Soldier and Patriotic Citizen Maj. Gen. Robert H. Milroy. It may not be generally known that Indiana only contributed three full Major Generals during the Civil War. Viz Reynolds, Milroy and Wallace; and of these only one Gen. Milroy held an independent and separate command. All of the others holding subordinate commands.

In a talk which I had with Col. W. R. Hollaway who was during the war Millitary Secretary of Governor Morton, he told me of a conversation he had with Mr. Lincoln, just a short time before the appointment of Miljoy as Major General. He was in Washington on a mission to the President from Gov. Morton, who at that time thought that Indiana was not re cteiving proper recognition in the shape of appointments of military officers and it was a fact of Col. Hollaway misson to call the attention of Mr. Lincoln to that fact He did so and in response, Mr. Lincoln informed him that as he knew, there were only three men from Indiana that were spoken of. Of those three Reynolds was too slow; Wallace was too much on the dress parade order; and Milroy wanted to do all of the fighting himself.

It is but right and proper that his name, fame and patriotic services should be remembered, and what more fitting manner could the people of Rensselaer choose than the presentation of his old homestead as a public park. Besides this, it will be an ornament to the city and in a few years when Rensselaer shall become larger, when it shall become in fact as well as in name, a great city (and of this there can be no doubt) the need of a public pleasure ground will be realized. I am glad that the patriotic women have taken hold of this matter. In their hands I know it will be a success. When the Park is purchased and all is in readiness I would suggest a public dedication of the same and that all survivors of the Old Ninth (“Milroys Swamp Devils as they were called by the confederates) be invited to be present and that all survivors of Co. G.* be special guests of honor. I want to be present at the dedication of this Park and will be there if possible. Anything that I can say or do to aid the ladies in their laudable undertaking I will do. With best wishes for their early success in this matter lam truly yours,

JOHN L. PIERCE.