JOHN BURNS OF GETTYSBURG. 341 



there were two other Wisconsin regiments, and the three 

 re-enlisted almost to a man at the end of their three years' 

 service, the thinned ranks being filled up by Indians from the 

 same State. 



The commander of the Seventh Wisconsin in the first day's 

 fight at Gettysburg was John B. Callis, then Lieutenant- 

 Colonel, but afterwards made a Brigadier-General. He 

 had previously commanded his regiment in the battle of 

 Antietam, Second Bull Run and Brandy Station, and many 

 minor engagements. He was Southern born, and when, after 

 the commencement of hostilities, he offered to raise a company 

 of volunteers, his proposition was looked upon rather coldly 

 by his countrymen. His bravery during some of the heaviest 

 fighting in the East showed how unjust were the suspicions. 

 In Confederate General Hill's account of the battle of South 

 Mountain, in the Century magazine's war papers, I see mention 

 of General Callis' name and the severe losses of his command. 

 He was badly wounded at Gettysburg by a ball through the 

 lungs, and was left for a day on the field from which our 

 army had been driven during the first day's fight. He is still 

 almost helpless from this wound, partial paralysis resulting 

 therefrom. He is now living in Lancaster, Grant County, 

 Wisconsin. It is from him I got the particulars of the part 

 John Burns took in the battle of Gettysburg, my acquaintance 

 'with him coming through one of his men I met on the field 

 during a recent visit. 



" On the 1st of July the ' Iron Brigade ' marched to the crest 

 of Seminary Ridge, south of the Seminary, where it drew the 

 unexpected fire of Archer's Confederate Brigade, this being 

 the first infantry firing of the battle, the previous fighting 

 having been by dismounted cavalry. Our brigade, not hav- 

 ing their muskets loaded, charged and captured the opposing 

 force with the bayonet, which took place at Willoughby's 

 Run. After sending the prisoners to the rear we re-formed 



