DEDICATION SPEECH FOR 1ST MINNESOTA MONUMENT AT GETTYSBURG A rare post-war speech 2pp. on varying size letter sheets, [Gettysburg], ca. 1890 outlining the role the 1st Minnesota played during the battle of Gettysburg. The 1st Minnesota played a vital role during the battle in twice helping repulse Confederate attack. They suffered the highest percentage of casualties during the battle (and the war) of any Union regiment. Part of the speech that dedicated the regiment's second monument on the Pickett's charge filed it reads, in part: "...on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. Sickles...having advanced from this line to the Emmitsburg Road...the First Minnesota...numbering 262 men were sent to this place to support a battery...two Confederate brigades...were crossing the swall...Gen. Hancock...ordered...eight companies to charge...and the charge made down the slope...with the bayonet the enemy's front line as it was crossing the small brook in the low ground. There the...eight companies...surrounded by the enemy held it's entire force at bay...the charge successfully accomplished it's object. It saved this position and probably the battlefield. The loss...was 215...more than 83 per cent...on July 3...the survivors of this regiment (see large monument 1/3 mile south of this) aided here in repelling Pickett's charge, and ran hence to the aid of Webb's Brigade...losing...17...killed and wounded, and capturing a Confederate flag...total killed and wounded...232 out of 330 engaged... ". Even though the speech is a fragment, it is truly rare, and unique being given for a truly revered regiment. Some spotting and soiling, else very good. $400-600