REGIMENTAL AND BRIGADE RESOLUTIONS.

The despondency of the army after Fredericksburg was magnified in some sections and was proving a weakness to the Union cause. A distinctive anti-war party had arisen in the North to oppose every war measure of the government. Clement L. Vallandigham, a member of Congress from Ohio, was the leader of this faction. They flooded the army with letters encouraging desertions, and discouraged enlistments. Thus, while the South would tolerate no division of sentiment among themselves, the North had not only the rebellion to fight, but was annoyed by this enemy at home. To counteract the impression of apathy, many regiments set forth their sentiments and belief in the ultimate triumph of the Union arms. A committee consisting of Captains Edwards, Gordon and Edwin B. Wight, and Lieutenants Hutchinson, Yemans, and Colonel Morrow (all Democrats except Captain Edwards), drafted some resolutions which were unanimously adopted by the Twenty-fourth Michigan on March 11, as follows:

WHEREAS, We have heard with astonishment, that a feeling is fostered in the North and West, adverse to a vigorous prosecution of the war, and believing that this feeling, unless checked by the patriotism of loyal citizens, may extend until the government shall be compelled to make peace on dishonorable and disastrous terms, therefore

Resolved, 1.-That a settlement of this war on any other terms than an unconditional return of the rebellious states to their allegiance, shall meet our united disapproval; that as the only way to secure a speedy, lasting and honorable peace, we are in favor of the government using its vast resources in a vigorous prosecution of the war; that we discard all former differences of party or sect and unite with the loyal citizens everywhere in restoring our blood bought union to the high prestige it has heretofore held among the nations of earth for guaranties of constitutional liberty; that we have seen with regret and indignation, the efforts of professing friends of the government, to discourage the volunteer soldier, and that we recognize no difference between such traitors and those in armed rebellion.

2. That the law for the enrollment of the National forces meets our approbation; that every citizen owes allegiance to the National Government, and if able-bodied men, not justly exempt from military service, are so base as to refuse their support to the government when called for under the Supreme Law of the land, we shall be ready to meet their resistance at the point of the bayonet.

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3. That we not only feel but know that the Army of the Potomac is neither disorganized" nor demoralized," but at this moment is as efficient in discipline as any army in the world.

A few days later, General Meredith rode. over to the Twenty-fourth Michigan camp. The bugle was sounded and the men assembled without arms. He stated that they were called together, not to obey orders, but to vote upon a set of Iron Brigade

resolutions, and each soldier was invited to vote as he felt. The resolutions were as follows:

WHEREAS, Certain evil minded persons in the army and at home, have circulated slanderous reports as to the demoralization of this army, a report circulated by Northern traitors to justify their own wicked designs, and that we are in favor of peace on any terms. To refute a slander so insulting to us as soldiers and citizens, we, the members of the IRON BRIGADE, do resolve:

1. That we denounce such reports and emphatically declare that there are no men in our ranks but would blush at a dishonorable peace, or sacrifice their all for the maintenance of our constitution, the integrity of our country and the crushing out of the rebellion.

2. That, toilsome as soldier life may be, and much as we long for the society of our families and the endearments at home, we feel it our duty to carry on this war to the bitter end, and whatever the consequences to ourselves, do not desire peace until the last rebel in arms has vanished from our soil.

3. We warn our friends at home to beware of the traitors in their midst, and never forget that the first duty of a good citizen and true patriot is a maintenance of his rightful government, and submission of all personal, political or social interests to the great common cause. The blood of thousands of our friends, already sacrificed upon the altar of our country, cries aloud to you to follow their glorious example and fill the thinned ranks of an army which will never submit to an inglorious peace. 4. The safety of our country lies in a vigorous prosecution of the war until the last rebel in arms is subdued, and the stars and stripes float over every inch of territory of the United States.

5. We endorse the late Congressional militia law and hope that the grumblers at home may have an opportunity of shouldering the musket and understand that no neutrality can exist in the present struggle, and that they must "fight, pay or emigrate."

6. That we recognize the administration as the government de facto and endorse all its acts or measures having for their object the effectual crushing out of this rebellion.

The resolutions were adopted with such a tremendous "aye, that it sent the horses of the General and his staff plunging away from the thunder of half a thousand voices, cheering for Generals Meredith and Hooker, and for the Union.

April 1, 1863, found the regiment still in winter quarters, and likely to continue so until the roads should permit a move. The reports showed the regiment to be in excellent order, in discipline, drills, arms, clothing, health and patriotic ardor. There were present for duty 619 men and officers; present sick, 55. No paymaster had been seen for five months. The men tenderly enclosed the regimental burial ground with a neat post and rail fence, about twenty-four by forty feet. Some resignations were made about this time for bad

health and other causes. During the past week Governor Morton of Indiana visited the camp. The bugle assembled the men who were briefly addressed by the distinguished visitor. He declared for "War to the knife-no compromise with traitors-the Union, the whole Union, and all for the Union."

For the purpose of ready recognition of the divisions and corps,. cloth badges were ordered to be sewed on the caps or hats of every officer and man, in shape, each corps as follows: First, a Sphere or round piece; Second, a Trefoil; Third, a Lozenge; Fifth, Maltese Cross; Sixth, Greek Cross; Eleventh, Crescent; Twelfth, Star. In color First divisions, Red; Second divisions, White; Third divisions, Blue. The Twenty-fourth Michigan and all of the Iron Brigade being now in the First Division, First Corps, their distinctive badge was a round piece of red woolen cloth sewed to their hats.

On April 2, the First Division was reviewed by General Wadsworth and General Hooker. On the 3d, the Iron Brigade was complimented in general orders, as follows:

Soldiers of the Iron Brigade: your Commanding General takes great pleasure in thanking you for the manner in which you appeared upon the Review yesterday. Your soldierly bearing and general fine appearance, attracted the attention of the military men present, winning for yourselves the highest encomiums from all.

The Twenty-fourth Michigan was specially complimented, follows:

COLONEL HENRY A. MORROW,

as

HEADQUARTERS FOURTH BRIGADE, April 3, 1863.

Twenty-fourth Michigan Volunteers.

COLONEL - While feeling more than gratified with the conduct of my command at the Review yesterday, I cannot refrain from expressing the extreme pleasure afforded me by the manner in which your Regiment conducted themselves on that occasion. The cool courage displayed by them when first under fire upon the plain of Fredericksburg, had led me to expect much of them, but that they should, in the short time that has elapsed since they entered the service, be able to compare so favorably with the veteran troops with whom they are associated, was not expected. Their soldierly conduct and bearing, efficiency in drill, and the discipline displayed by them, richly entitles them to the position they now hold in the Iron Brigade. It gives promise that a glorious future awaits them. Accept, Colonel, for yourself and men, my sincere thanks.

S. MEREDITH, Brigade-General.

A day or two later, there was a cavalry review near Falmouth, at which Colonel Morrow, Acting-Major E. B. Wight and other officers of the Twenty-fourth were present. The review over, the officers were presented to the President and General Hooker. remarked to Colonel Morrow:

The latter

Oh, we are old friends. I noticed your regiment the other day; it's a splendid regiment; IT'S AS FINE AS SILK.

The above compliment was well deserved, for no officers had labored harder to make a regiment excellent in discipline. Then there was a commendable rivalry between the companies as to which should be best drilled, have brightest guns, etc. It received a daily inspection, the right wing by Lieutenant-Colonel Flanigan, and the left by Acting-Major E. B. Wight. Besides, the Twenty-fourth being the only Michigan troops in the First Corps, it was determined to sustain the honor of the State.

REVIEW BY PRESIDENT LINCOLN.

On Thursday, April 9, 1863, the First Corps was reviewed by President Lincoln, General Hooker and staff. Chaplain Wm. C. Way thus described the occasion at the time:

The day was fine and at ten o'clock the whole corps was in reviewing position. The batteries were in rear of the troops en masse. Uniforms were clean, guns bright as new, and equipments in fine condition. At two o'clock the booming of cannon announced the approach of the cavalcade, our Battery B doing the honors of the day.

Looking to the left we saw a cloud of dust, and all eyes were bent in that direction. The expected ones round a curve in the road and gallop past us. President Lincoln was mounted on a splendid bay, richly caparisoned, while General Hooker rode his pet gray on his left. They were followed by a host of officers in gay uniforms, and these in turn by lancers with fluttering pennants, a troop of orderlies galloping after. In the crowd we noticed Master 'Tad' Lincoln and his orderly.

Having reached the right of the column the cortege rode down the front in review. The numerous banners dipped gracefully, the banners playing while the bugles sounded their flourish of greeting. The President rode down the front with head uncovered. He next took a position with the generals in front, and then commenced the almost ceaseless tramp of the regiments by him, like waves of the sea. As each regiment passed, its banners were dipped gracefully, which was acknowledged by the President by lifting his hat. Mrs. Lincoln accompanied the President, riding in a carriage drawn by four bays, The affair passed off in fine style, and must have been gratifying to the Chief Magistrate. The general bearing of the troops was excellent, and the Iron Brigade was not excelled by any other, while the Twenty-fourth won golden opinions. The marching of the regiment was splendid and fully deserved the high compliment paid it by General Meredith on April 3d. My position was just in rear of the President and reviewing officers, and such that I noticed each regiment in the entire corps, and especially those of the Iron Brigade. No regiment had brighter guns, cleaner accoutrements, or tidier men than the Twenty-fourth.

A SOLDIER'S LETTER ON CAMP AFFAIRS.

As the spring advanced, mild weather and good roads appeared. The peach trees were now in bloom and all nature was gay. On Sunday, April 12, 1863, Peter C. Bird of D wrote from Camp Isabella, to the author, describing camp affairs as follows:

We have fine times here now-inspection every morning and Sundays twice. The men have to turn out with boots blacked, clothes brushed and besides that the two cleanest and neatest men, and the two dirtiest and most slovenly in each company, have their names read on dress parade. So we have a chance to get our names up

now.

We had another scene this morning. Ira F. Pearsoll of H, who deserted last fall while we lay in the woods near South Mountain, was caught at Grand Rapids, Michigan, about three months ago and sent here under guard. He was tried by court martial and sentenced to be dishonorably discharged with forfeiture of all pay due or to become due, which was a very slight punishment and he thought so too, and boasted and danced around all day yesterday which provoked Captain Merritt so that this morning, the time he was to leave, the Captain formed the company at open ranks and surrounded him with twelve bayonets, and the band behind him, and marched him all around the regiment, the band playing the Rogues' March." As he passed between our regiment and the Nineteenth Indiana, Captain Merritt ordered him to take off his hat, but he refused. So it was taken off for him. Our regiment followed, hissing and jeering him half way to the Landing.

William H. Ingersoll, of H, was discharged with him for desertion, also. The regiment is disposing of its cowards pretty fast. Colonel Morrow comes it over them