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We are permitted to copy the following letter to Col. Stephen Hiller, announcing the death of his brave son on the field of Gettysburg:Camp nkar Berlin, Md., ) July 17, 1863. Siu:—It is with deep regret I announce to you the death of your son, Lieut. Wesley F. Miller, who was killed on the 2d of July, at the late battle of Gettysburg, while participating in the repulse of the enemy’s attack on Rock-Hill,Since his appointment to the regiment, he has been constantly on duty with it, and had already become an accomplished officer. He was with his regiment in the pitched battles of Fredericksburg, and Chancelloryillc. He fought nobly in his last battle, and on a field victorious to our arms. As a soldier, he could have asked for 110 more appropriate place to die. While he was with the regiment, his many soldierly qualities gave him the esteem and attachment of his brother officers. While deeply deploring his loss, let me in behalf of the officers of the regiment, offer to condole with you in your misfortune.I am respectfully,Your ob’t servant,(Signed) D. P. HANCOCK,Capt. 7 th Inf. Com’g. Reg’t.To Col. S. Miller, Commanding 7th Minnesota Reg’t. St. Paul, Minn.We annex a brief sketch of the life of Lieut. Miller which appeared in the Saint Cloud Democrat of the 23d inst:Wesley Funk Miller was born in Harrisburg, Pa., April 1st, 1841. At Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, he received a fine academic education. For a short time he served as compositor in the office of the Harrisburg Telegraph, when in the spring of 1858 he came to St. Cloud and was engaged for two years in the Democrat office, and at intervals during the subsequent year in the St. Paul Press and St. Anthony News establishments. On the breaking out of the war he enlisted, April 29, 1861, as a private in the glorious First Minnesota, of which his father was Lieutenant Colonel, and with it won a reputation for gallantry and fearlessness at the battle of Bull Run. ^ On the 5th of August, same year, he was appointed Second Lieutenant in the Seventh Regiment United States Infantry, aud September 9th was promoted to First Lieutenaut in the same regiment. On account of his skill and proficiency in military tactics he was employed as drill master in Fort Columbus, New York Harbor, and while there gave thorough instructions to many company officers. In November, 1862, he was ordered to join his regiment, in Sickles’ Brigade, and take part in the active operations then to be inaugurated—a change he had often petitioned for. Iu the fatal battles ol Fredericksburg and Chancellorville he bore a gallant part, receiving from the officers in command the name of being the best line officer in the regiment—a praise well deserved. In this last fearful encounter at Gettysburg, when Sickles’ brigade, ever sent to the post where danger was the greatest, went lorward to meet the outpouring of Lee’s army, and staggering their impetuous charge, drove them back scattered, crushed audjbrokeu, Lieutenant Miller fell while nobly engaged in repelling the invader from the soil of his native State and in dcfendiug his country from the traitors who sought her overthrow.
Newspaper Details
Saint Paul Weekly Pioneer and Democrat
Saint Paul, Minnesota, US
Fri, Aug 07, 1863
Page 6
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 31 Jan 2024
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