Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Cathy Wurzer
St. Paul, Minn.

Morning Edition: The Civil War through the eyes of Minnesotans

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!
Sgt. Edward Bassett
Sgt. Edward Bassett served in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and Heavy Artillery regiments during the Civil War. His collected letters are published in the new book "The First MN: Second to None." The book is edited by Bassett's great grandson Richard Krom, who lives in Rochester, Minn.
Undated photo courtesy of Richard Krom

To mark the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer and historian Annette Atkins have been following the progression of the war through the letters and diaries of Minnesotans.

On September 8th, 1861, a young man from Faribault, Minnesota wrote a letter to his family while in a field in Maryland. 19-year-old Edward Bassett was serving in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He had just fought in the battle of Bull Run.

Gallery
1 of 2
Sgt. Edward Bassett
Sgt. Edward Bassett served in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and Heavy Artillery regiments during the Civil War. His collected letters are published in the new book "The First MN: Second to None." The book is edited by Bassett's great grandson Richard Krom, who lives in Rochester, Minn.
Undated photo courtesy of Richard Krom
2 of 2
Civil War battle flag
The Civil War battle flag of the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment.
Photo courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society