Bill Text: MI HR0054 | 2015-2016 | 98th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2015-04-15 - Adopted [HR0054 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2015-HR0054-Enrolled.html
Reps. Darany, Driskell, Heise, Hoadley, Hughes, Kelly, Leutheuser, Maturen, Moss, Sarah Roberts and Singh offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 54.
A resolution to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War.
Whereas, The American Civil War started on April 12, 1861, and came to an end on April 9, 1865, when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Virginia. The conflict began when Confederate forces fired upon Fort Sumter off the coast of South Carolina and the surrender of the fort three days later sparked the deadliest war in American history, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 750,000 soldiers.; and
Whereas, Prior to the surrender of Fort Sumter, seven states had already declared their secession from the Union and established a new federal government - the Confederate States of America. Newly-elected President Abraham Lincoln called for every state to provide troops in the war effort and shortly thereafter, four more states joined the Confederacy; and
Whereas, As members of the United States House and Senate resigned their seats in Congress, many legislative initiatives that had been blocked by Southern legislators before the war were quickly passed. These laws included: the Morrill Act, which created our nation’s land grant colleges; the Homestead Act, opening up expansion in the West; a number of Transcontinental Railroad Acts; the National Banking Act; and the Revenue Act of 1861 to help finance the war efforts; and
Whereas, On July 2, 1862, the War Department assigned Michigan a quota of 11,686 as part of the proclamation for 500,000 men. Michigan originally sent one regiment of infantry, fully armed, clothed, and equipped to aid the federal government. Although the state was not in a condition to meet this request, subscription made the necessary amount available and ten companies were at once mobilized; and
Whereas, The First Michigan Infantry Regiment was heavily engaged at the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia. The battle was a resounding defeat for the Union, but the First acquitted itself well. Of the 500 men who went into action that day, 117 were casualties, including the regiment’s commander, Colonel Willcox, who was wounded and taken prisoner. By December 1861, Michigan had sent 13 infantry regiments, three cavalry regiments, and five batteries of light artillery totaling 16,475 officers and enlisted men to the front; and
Whereas, From April 1861 to April 1865, Michigan furnished 90,747 men, not counting others who served in the units of other states. According to official regimental commander's reports, Michigan soldiers engaged the enemy on more than 800 occasions. Of the officers serving, 177 were killed, 85 died of wounds, and 96 died of disease. Among the enlisted men, 2,643 were killed, 1,302 died of wounds, and 10,040 died of disease. Many Michigan soldiers finished their three-year enlistment period at the beginning of 1864 and 5,545 veterans reenlisted. Units that had reenlisted soldiers were able to display a "Veteran” designation on their battle flags which proved formidable on the battlefield; and
Whereas, During the war, Michigan furnished more than 30 regiments of infantry including the 1st Michigan Colored Infantry formed on February 17, 1863. From the first major engagements to the end of the war, Michigan soldiers played an integral part in the conflict. They were present when General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox and were present in the capture of Confederate President Jefferson Davis at the close of the Civil War by Michigan’s Colonel Benjamin Pritchard and the 4th Michigan Cavalry; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War. We commend all those who fought and those who continue to make sure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
