After dispatching the First Rhode Island Detached Militia and battery to the seat of war Governor Sprague, on his own responsibility, began immediately to raise and organize Battery A and the Second Rhode Island Infantry before President Lincoln's second call was made. When the second call for troops came the governor quickly responded, and started immediately with the battery and regiment for Washington, and remained with them and participated in the battle of Bull Run where he rendered conspicuous and gallant service and where his horse was killed under him. Besides being Governor of the State at that time he was also Colonel of the Marine Corps of Artillery. He is the only Civil War Governor now living. |