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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, APRIL 28, 1899.
No. 29
Col. Stotsenburg Killed.
Col. John M. Stotsonburg of the 1st Nebraska, formerly
Commandant of Cadets at the State University, was shot and
instantly killed while leading a charge on the insurgent in
v trenchmonts, last Sunday. Ho had just returned from Manila
,'j on a visit to his wife. As ho came upon the field, ho found
the Nebraska men exposed to the tire from the insurgent
trenches. The Nebraskans were ordered to charge. Col.
. Stotsonburg placed himself at the head of the regiment and
fearlessly led them in the charge. An insurgent bullet struck
Him in the breast, close to the heart, and he foil dead about two
hundred yards from the insurgent trenches. The troops
pushed on and captured the trenches. The Nebraska boys
were overcome with grief at the death of their colonel.
. Col. Stotsenburg was born in Indiana Nov. 2tt, 1853. He
graduated from West Point in 1881. He was appointed sec
ond lieutenant of the Gth Cavalry, and stayed with his regiment
until December, 1897, when ho was appointed professor of
fyis military science in the University of Nebraska. Ho became
f '-major of the 1st. Nebraska Volunteers, May 9, 1S9S, and
I colonel of the same regiment Nov. 10, 1898. Considerable
complaint was made when he was appointed colonel by Gov.
Hojcomb. Letters were written back by members of the reg
imont complaining of his strictness, and the legislature passed
a resolution asking for his dismissal. Recent events have
shown the good results of the discipline which the 1st Nebraska
regiment was compelled to undergo. It has taken rank as the
loading volunteer regiment in the service. It has been as
steady and reliable as the regulars. They were placed in the
most responsible position at the beginning of this Filipino
war, because, as Gen. Otis said, "They can be depended
upon." They have scon the hardest lighting and have suf
fered greater loss than any other regiment in the Philippines.
John T. McCutcheon, in the Chicago Record, interviewed Col.
Stotsonburg the day before his death. Ho says, "I had a
conversation with Col. 'Stotsonburg yesterday. lie was at
Manila, where his wifo is staying. Ho said ho wished ho was
baclc in America. 'I am tired of fighting, ' said he, 'and I am
j u. tired of seeing my men killed. More of the men in my regi-
.njent have been killed than in any other regiment in the Phil
Jffcf " ippines. Since March 25th, fifteen of my bravo boys have
3bee' killed and one hundred and twenty wounded, and tnoro
i are duc six nunareu unu uuy uiun hi wiu luftimuui,
F'. lm. A memorial service in honor of Colonel John
burg was held in chapel Monday morning. After the singing
of a funeral hymn and prayer, . the chancellor told of the
colonel's connection with the University, his enlistment in the
volunteer army, and his death while gallantly leading his com
mand. Colonel Stotsenburg's talk to the soldier boys in the
chapel a year ago was called to mind. In that address he had
dwelt on two important points: care of health and character.
Colonel Stotsenburg always stood up for high and noble char
acter When the chancellor expressed regret, that resolutions
so un-American as to condemn the character of a man who
could not bo heard in his own defense, a solemn cheer went
up from the assembly.
Professor Kimball rendered Beethoven's "Funeral March,"
and Mrs. Holyoke sang, "Trust in the Lord."
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M. Stotson-
Assistant Secretary of War Moiklejohn sent the following
letter of condolence upon the death of her husband to Mrs.
Stotsenburg: Washington, I). C, April 25, 1899,
Deah Madam: The sad intelligence that your husband,
Col. John M. Stotsenburg, First Nebraska IT. S. V., has been
killed in battle is received by this department and occasions
deep sorrow and regret, both personal and official. His great
ability, dauntless courage, high character and unsullied honor
made him a soldier to whom, in the hour of need, this depart
ment and his country looked for gallant deeds and effective
service, and did not look in vain. He met death in the dis
charge of his duty. Adoration can say no more; Malice could
say no less. He has achieved the highest honor it is possible
for a soldier to attain. His life as a man, his record as a sol
dier closes with this inscription on the roll of fame: "John M.
Stotsonburg, Colonel U. S. V., killed in battle at the head of
his command while loading a charge on the intronchments of
the enemy."
Ho is a hero, and leaves to his children the priceless heritage
of air heroic ancestor.
I did not have the honor of a personal acquaintance, but
learned to know liim by his services in the war, and corre
spondingly admired him. 1 wish I could command expressions
which would convoy to you, dear madam, the sympathy 1 feel
for you and yours in this hour of your sorrow and trial. Com
fort you, I cannot, but if there is a service I can perform for
you, it will be esteemed' a privilege to perform it.
Yours, in sincere friendship,
G. D. Meikl-bjoiin.
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