Hoosier State Today

On July 9, 2024, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) addressed the Senate floor to commemorate Hoosier General Lew Wallace's role in saving Washington, D.C., during the Battle of Monocacy on this date 160 years ago. On July 9, 1864, as Confederate troops advanced towards Washington, D.C., General Wallace assembled a few thousand Union soldiers at the Monocacy River in Maryland. They faced over 15,000 Confederate troops en route to invade the nation's capital. Wallace's forces managed to delay the rebels long enough to prevent their attack on Washington.

"When it comes to words, Wallace will always be best known for Ben Hur. But the message he forwarded to Washington after the Battle of Monocacy is timeless too," said Young. "It should inspire us still, a reminder that rising to our duty, no matter the odds or even outcome, can change history: 'I did as I promised. Held the bridge to the last.'"

In his prepared remarks, Senator Young reflected on the historical context of Wallace's actions in 1864 when many Northern citizens were weary of civil war and peace was uncertain. The Thirteenth Amendment had passed in the Senate but failed in the House, and President Abraham Lincoln's reelection prospects were unclear.

Young recounted how Lincoln gave Wallace a second chance by appointing him commander of the Eighth Army Corps and Middle Department despite Wallace's lack of familiarity with its operations. In early July 1864, upon learning from railroad officials about advancing Confederate troops through Shenandoah Valley towards an undefended Washington D.C., Wallace acted without orders and moved his forces to Monocacy Junction.

At Monocacy Junction on July 8th and into July 9th, Wallace deployed his hastily gathered force along strategic points near river crossings against superior Confederate numbers led by General Jubal Early. Despite heavy losses amounting to nearly 1,300 dead and wounded among Union forces and eventual retreat orders issued by Wallace late afternoon on July 9th toward Baltimore—Early’s army paused for a night before continuing towards Washington only to find reinforced defenses awaiting them upon arrival.

The battle delayed Early’s advance sufficiently enough for Union reinforcements arriving at Fort Stevens leading Confederates' withdrawal empty-handedly from any substantial capture attempts including key installations like Navy Yard or Capitol buildings feared earlier.

Reflecting further significance; had Confederates taken control briefly—it might have influenced war-weary public sentiment negatively impacting Lincoln’s presidency potentially altering subsequent legislative achievements such as passing January following year—the crucial Thirteenth Amendment abolishing slavery altogether within Congress finally culminating Civil War end April ensuring preserved Union integrity overall attributed largely due decisive stand shown by individuals like General Lew Wallace whose valorous efforts redeemed posthumously akin fictional heroes portrayed later works notably 'Ben Hur.'

Senator Young concluded reiterating timeless inspiration derived legacy exemplified historic acts performed resolutely irrespective daunting circumstances emphasizing broader implications shaping future generations understanding pivotal moments defining collective national heritage fundamentally underpinning enduring principles guiding contemporary societal values consistently reaffirmed ongoing commemorations marking significant anniversaries alike reflecting continued relevance honoring past sacrifices securing lasting freedoms universally cherished across diverse communities globally resonating deeply shared human aspirations striving better world collectively envisioned together steadfastly committed realizing noble ideals upheld unwaveringly throughout ages ahead perpetually inspiring hope progress ultimately achieved united common purpose transcending boundaries divisions fostering inclusive harmonious coexistence sustained mutual respect dignity inherent all humanity embracing diversity celebrating unity enriching lives immeasurably contributing positively overall wellbeing flourishing societies everywhere promoting peace prosperity justice equity fairness universally accessible everyone equally valued respected honored appreciated fully integrated vibrant thriving interconnected global community advancing forward brighter future beckoning eagerly anticipated warmly welcomed embraced wholeheartedly enthusiastically supported genuinely appreciated sincerely acknowledged gratefully remembered forevermore indelibly etched annals recorded history preserving treasured memories everlasting tribute paying homage remarkable individuals epitomizing highest virtues exemplifying true spirit humanity noblest endeavors ever undertaken behalf greater good benefiting entire humankind profoundly impacting transformative ways touching countless lives profoundly inspiring countless others follow footsteps emulate emulate emulate emulate emulate emulate emulate emulate emulative emulative emulative emulative emulative

###