Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 11.
Frank Moore, Ed.

[520] not have been worth much. We put the colors in one of Lieutenant Hartz's trunks, and next day left San Antonio for the North. On the route we guarded the colors with our lives, always fearing that the rebels might find out what we had taken away and come after us, but they did not. We arrived safe, with our colors, on the twenty-sixth of May, 1861, in Washington, and turned them over to the regiment. Under these circumstances I think I am entitled to the honor of receiving a medal, as I believe that Congress intended to award them to enlisted men who have done acts similar to mine. I, therefore, very respectfully request that I may receive one, believing that I have performed one of the highest duties of a soldier, “having saved the colors of my regiment.” And it will always be a happy day for me if I can see my regiment marching with their colors flying, and can say “that color I have carried on my body, and have rescued it from the hands of the rebels.”

I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

I endorse the within statement as true.

Note.--A medal was awarded Corporal Hesse for his good conduct in rescuing the colors of his regiment.