Diary of 2nd Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Wednesday, February 15, 1865

Start at 2 A. M. Rowena passed us in the night. touched at St Charles at 8. A. M. negro Regt. there & fortifications landed at mouth of White river at 1. P. M. & camped ½ mile from river at 2 P. M. carried all our water from the river 126th Ill & detachment of 1st Ind Cav garrison this Post under comd of Genl ——. Liu Wm Wallace arrives from Pine Bluffs with F. L & K cos of 1st Iowa Cav enroute for Memphis. Some 6 or 8 boats here Weather Pleasant.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 574

Diary of 1st Sergeant John S. Morgan: Sunday, January 22, 1865

Morning drizzly, over to Amb. C. & to see Lt Sharman who is better before day. Regt to St Johns Square at 9 a. m. all there at 11.30 and start. 1st Mo cav. 1st Iowa cav 43d Ill Inft. 50th Ind Inft. 28th Wis Inft 9th Wis Inft 33 Iowa Inft. 2 secs, of 25th Mo battery, all light order. Roads rough. Camp at 4. P. M. at Mill burned by Webs jeorillas 8 miles from town. Snow from 3.30

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 571

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Wednesday, October 14, 1863

Feel tolerably well visit 1st cav. in evening stay all night.

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 499

Diary of 4th Sergeant John S. Morgan: Tuesday, July 28, 1863

10. Ill cav. up. 2 co. of 1st Iowa from Davidsons comd who is 80 miles out in this A. M. Troop reported up White river in transport

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 7, January 1923, p. 493

Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to Milton B. Cochran, January 5, 1863

Executive Office, Iowa,

Iowa City, Jan. 5, 1863.

M. B. Cochran, Surgeon First Regiment Iowa Cavalry,

Acting Medical Director 3d Division Army of Frontier.

Sir: — I returned from Washington on the 2nd and found your letter of 13th December this morning. I am truly rejoiced to hear from you and am both grateful and grieved to hear the particulars of the hard fought battle of Prairie Grove. Iowa as usual did her share of the lighting, and did it nobly, but also as usual lost heavily. I regret the loss of McFarland very much. He was a noble man. How is Thompson doing? *Please write me how he is. He is a gallant fellow. I need not impress on you the necessity of doing all that can be done for our brave boys. Let me say one thing: Don't let them lack for anything, “red tape” or no “red tape;” see that they have all that they need. Please write often.

Very truly your friend,

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD.

_______________

* Wm. G., [Maj..] of the 20th Reg’t

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 234

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 14.

The steamer Emilie left this port to-day with 250 passengers, bound for the Bitter-Root Valley gold regions in Washington and Oregon Territories.

Among the passengers were the Treasurer and Directors of the American Mining and Exploring Company, who propose to commence mining operations in that region immediately on their arrival.

Andrew J. Vallandigham, a brother it is said, of the belligerent member of Congress from Ohio, is in custody of Col. Fitz Henry Warren, of Clinton, charged with horse-stealing, robbing and driving out Union Men, and marauding, Bushwhacking and jawhawking generally.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

Adjutants And Quartermasters

A number of Adjutants and Quartermasters have recently been mustered out of service.  Among the most recent are Quartermaster M. L. Morris and Adjutant J. C. Stone, of the 1st Cavalry.  The Iowa City Republican says they were mustered out because of an informality in their appointment, the regulations requiring that they should be appointed from the list of lieutenants of the regiment, which was not done in their case.  If this rule is strictly adhered to, it will throw out a good many Adjutants and Quartermasters for nearly every regiment which went from Camp McClellan had such officers thus irregularly appointed.  The regimental adjutants and battalion quartermasters of the cavalry have all been mustered out of service, as been too much of a fifth wheel, and consequently, an unnecessary expense.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Thirty-Five Pounds of Chains

A fellow citizen sends us for publication a couple of letters from the Jefferson (Pa.) Star written by a worthy citizens of the county in which that paper is printed, giving his reasons for being under arrest.  The second letter, which we omit, states that Mr. Jenks is no longer under arrest, but is in command of a company and doing good service for the Union.  The gist of the matter is that the Major Leffingwell alluded to so honorably in this connection, is none other than Judge Leffingwell, of Clinton county, Iowa, well known for his strong pro-slavery sentiments.  Like every conscientious Democrat, who has enlisted in defense of his country in her hour of peril, he has had his eyes opened to the enormity of slavery and now refuses to lift a hand in furtherance of the cause of all our national troubles.  Good for the Judge! May he return home thoroughly reformed:

LEXINGTON, MO., Feb. 28, 1862.

DEAR BROTHER: You will, no doubt, be surprised to learn that I am under arrest.  The reasons are as follows:  Yesterday I was informed that there was a negro in irons about three miles from town.  Last night I called at the house, accompanied by a few of my own men.  I found the negro with chains on him weighing thirty-five pounds!  I brought him into camp; Lieut. Burdell, a sergeant of Company B, and myself, took the chains off him.  Col. Stephenson of the Seventh Missouri, ordered Major Leffingwell to arrest me.  This he refused to do, but said he would call me in, which he did, and the following conversation took place:

Colonel – “Lieut. Jenks, did you go to the country, get a negro and bring him into the camp last night?”

Answer – “I did.”

Colonel – “Are you aware that you have violated an order of Gen. Halledk?”

Answer – “I am not, Sir.”

Colonel – “By whose order did you act?”

Answer – “I acted on my own responsibility, and by order of suffering humanity.”

Colonel – “You will return the negro immediately.”

Answer – “Colonel, that is impossible; I do not know where he is.”

Colonel – “you may then consider yourself under arrest – bring me your saber.”

Answer – “Very well, sir.”

So I am arrested for daring to take the chains off a human being – a man who has a soul like our own.  He was chained because he dared to attempt to escape from the hellish bondage in which he was held.  This man had done what he could for the Union cause in the battles at this place.  Now, brother, I feel that I have done right in the sight of Heaven, and with the blessing of heaven, I fear not what man can do with me.

Your brother,

JAMES D. JENKS.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 2

Iowa Items

Pitt Cooke, Esq., of Ohio, took the entire non-resident delinquent tax list at the late sale in Franklin county, amounting to near 60,000 acres, and producing a revenue of about 7,000.  This amount put all the county finances in a flourishing condition.

The 4th Iowa Cavalry reached the camp of Billows Creek, Taney county, Mo., about the 17th ult.

The Tipton Advertiser suggests the 10th of September next as the time, and Tipton as the place, for holding the Republican Congressional convention for this district.

Patrick Donegan, an industrious citizen of Dubuque, was killed on Wednesday night last by falling into a mineral hole.  He left a wife and four children to mourn his untimely death.

One Vowell, of Keokuk, is threatening to demolish the editor of the Gate City for speaking disparagingly of secession sympathizers.  Which Vowel is that, friend Howell?  We presume he is one of the numerous family of i. o. u’s.

John Sherfey brought into town yesterday the head of a cold born two or three days since, which had but one eye, and was minus the upper jaw.  The single eye was located in the most approved Cyclopean style – right in the center of the forehead, and was very large.  The upper jaw being non est, the lower one protruded far out like the nose of a shovel fish.  Barring these two little discrepancies the animal was otherwise all right.  It lived but one hour. – Muscatine Journal, 3d.

Maj. Perry, of the 3d Iowa cavalry, has taken command at Lebanon, Mo., in place of Col. Warren who rejoins his regiment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 2

Another Account of the Murder of Harbach, Cameron and Higgins

We are permitted to copy the following private letter:

OSCEOLA, MO., May 29th.

By order of Col Warren we had ceased all scouting, fancying that we had effectually rid the surrounding country of the enemy, but we have been suddenly brought to a terrible realization of our mistake.  The Day before yesterday, while reading a soldier came galloping up to my tent, inquiring for Major Leffingwell, who was out in the country, and reported that our foraging party had been attacked and two men killed.  I immediately ordered every man in our camp off duty, into the saddle, at the same time sending information to the other companies.  In a few minutes ninety men were in the saddle, and we immediately started for the scene of combat.  A short way out we met the remains of the train that had escaped, but they were so excited we could gain no reliable information.  We galloped hard till we came to the spot, and we found at a glance the extent of our loss.  One man killed, Sergeant Harbach, of Burlington.  Two mortally wounded, privates Cameron and Higgins.  Two slightly wounded, Sergeant Clarke and Al. Stoddard.  Four missing.  Three horses killed and six mules taken.  The killed and wounded were all from our company. – They were shamefully stripped.  After seeing them started for town in ambulances, with a sufficient escort, we started, just at dark, in pursuit of the murderers, and rode all night. – We were unable to catch them.  At one time we passed within a few hundred yards of them, but the night was very dark and the foliage so dense that we missed them.  We returned to camp in the morning, after a fatiguing ride of forty miles, unsuccessful.  Other scouts were sent out immediately, one of which has just returned, having captured all the mules and arms that were taken, scattering the miscreants in all directions.  The two mortally wounded have since died.  If you see Stoddard’s friends tell them he is but slightly wounded and is doing finely.  A private in Co. F was killed to-day, accidentally shot by Henry Hart. – Another had his arm broken.  The Paymaster has just paid us off.  But, like Peter Piper with his wife, would don’t know where to keep our money, as we have nothing to spend it for and no way to send it home.  More anon.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

Three members of Co. C, 1st Iowa Cavalry Murdered in Missouri

The sad news of the death of three members of Co. C, 1st Iowa Cavalry, murdered by guerillas in St. Clair county, Missouri, was received here yesterday, casting a shadow over our people.  The news came in a private letter from W. A. Clark, of the same company, and the only one of the foraging party who escaped unhurt.  Harbach and Cameron were from Burlington, young men of much promise, twenty one or two years of age.  Higgins about the same age we think was from the northern part of the county.  Stoddard, also about the same age, is from West Point, Lee county.  He is wounded in the arm and will probably recover.  Young Harbach and one brother who was a member of the 1st Iowa – is now in the 11th Regulars with Gen. McClellan.  His father is Captain of 1st Iowa Battery, now with General Curtis in Arkansas.  Below we print Clark’s letter, written to his brother in law, Mr. Fullerton.  Although not intended for print we see no impropriety in publishing it.

__________

OCEOLA, St. Clair Co., Mo., May 28

BRO. NICK: – It becomes my duty to notify through you the friends of some of the wounded and dead of our Company that were shot yesterday while out foraging.  Wm. G. Harbach, dead, M. Higgins, dead, Josiah Cameron and A. Stoddard wounded.  My horse was shot, and two or three balls penetrated my clothes, and a fine come caved me.  I had a comb in my watch pocket, the ball struck it and glanced off and just grazed the skin.

I will give you the particulars.  We started out in the morning after forage, 12 miles.  We got out all right, loaded the wagons and started back, and were eight miles from camp when we stopped at a creek to water our horses.  Harbach and Cameron were sitting in the wagon.  Higgins, Stoddard and myself were setting on our horses by the side of them talking when some twenty Jayhawkers, concealed in the brush, fired into us, killing Harbach, wounding Cameron, Higgins Stoddard and I supposed that I was wounded, but I am happy to say that I was not hurt.  My horse was shot from his head back to his tail.  Several shots went thro my coat, pants and hat.  I run my horse after he was shot some two miles before he fell, I then jumped over into a field where there was a man plowing; I jerked the harness of the horse and jumped on him bare back and rode about four or five miles as hard as he could run, when I overtook another foraging party.  I sent two of the men to camp for help.  It was but a little while before our men could be seen on a full gallop coming to our assistance.  I went back with them.  We found Harbach dead, Cameron wounded in the leg, it has since been amputated above the knee, Higgins wounded, has since died, Stoddard wounded in the arm.

I intended to start with the body of Harbach home this evening but could not get ice, and therefore could not start, but will bury here for the present.  The boys propose to send to St. Louis for a metallic coffin.  I will then fetch the body home.

We take no more prisoners.  We are going to shoot every man that we catch in the brush.

P. S. – Since I wrote the above Josiah Cameron has died.  We will be obliged to bury them here for the present, as the weather is so warm and there is no ice here.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

The Post Hospital

Yesterday we paid a visit to the Hospital at this place.  We found there some seventy patients belonging to the 5th Iowa and 37th Illinois, and also some of the 1st Iowa Cavalry and Merrill’s Horse, wounded at the battle of Silver Creek, who, we are glad to say, are all rapidly recovering.  The whole arrangements of the hospital are excellent. – The rooms are kept warm and are as clean and neat as any hospitals in the Eastern cities.  The patients all seemed well satisfied with the treatment received.  They have excellent attendance by the numerous nurses, and in every case have as good care as they would have at home.  Dr. Carpenter, the Assistant surgeon of the 5th Iowa, has recently been appointed Post Surgeon, who besides an able and efficient Surgeon gives his unwearied and undivided attention to mitigate sufferings of the sick and wounded soldiers. – The friends of the soldiers in the 5th Iowa may rest assured that when the men are sick, they have as good attendance as can be afforded.  It is true that on a march the accommodations are not great, but every attention is paid to their wants and comforts that can be procured.  Dr. Carpenter is assisted by Dr. Haas of Booneville, and Mr. Smith, one of the best Stewards in the service. – {5th Iowa Register, Booneville, Mo.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

The Iowa Troops in the Pittsburg Landing Battle

From the Dubuque Times.

A dispatch from Chicago to Col. H. A. Wiltse of this city, states that the following Regiments of Iowa troops were in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, viz.

The Second, Third, Sixth, Seventh, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth Infantry, and the First Iowa Cavalry, making eleven regiments in all.

We are all very anxious to hear farther from the scene of conflict.

– Published in The Waterloo Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 2

The Clinton Journal

We have received a little paper with the above title, printed at Clinton, Henry county, Missouri.  On the outside it is secesh and printed by Richard E. Day.  After the outside form was in type, Day left at the approach of the 1st Iowa Cavalry and Frank Pease as Editor and Samuel Marchant as publisher continue the paper.  Col. Warren as commander of the Post; Wm. Thompson, Acting Major of 3d Battalion; Capt. Heath, Provost Marshal.  Below are a few items from the local column.

FOR ST. LOUIS. – Last Tuesday fifteen prisoners were sent to St. Louis from this place – men who were found in arms against the Government.  How they will be dispose of we are not unable to say, but they will no doubt have justice don them.

THE HOSPITAL. – This post is provided with an excellent building for the accommodation of sick and wounded soldiers.  There are not many, however, occupying the building as yet.  We have a few sick and wounded of our own men there, besides some wounded secesh.  All are receiving excellent care at the hands of those having them in charge; and most of them will soon be themselves again.

PRISONERS. – Not a day passes without a fresh installment of secesh prisoners being brought to town, by various scouting parties of the Iowa First.  Our boys have also taken a supply of guns, which for variety, eclipse Mrs. Toodles’ assortment of sundries in the old garret.  These fellows are required to take the oath of allegiance, and give heavy bonds for their future good conduct.  The presence of the Iowa First in this locality is having a salutary effect.

“OLD PI.” – We have about a bushel and a half of pi, that is of no earthly use to us, unless we conclude to remain here and publish a paper just for the “fun of the thing,” but as we do not propose doing that, we’ll let some one have it to “distribute” on shares.  Our office looks as if the former occupants had taken French leave, and like the kangaroo going into the mountain had kicked the sand and gravel behind them.  They left the “pi” referred to, some rusty “sticks,” a few “chases,” seven pieces of “riglette,” a stove pipe hole, an empty bottle of whiskey, a sardine box full of “quods,” a jackass cut – also a small cut representing a runaway nigger.  With this outfit, which we regard as a “fat take,” we are doing Uncle Samuel’s job printing and find work sufficient to keep three printers busy day and night.

MORE PRISONERS. – Just as we go to press we learn that the detachment under Col. Warren which left here last Monday, is returning from the scout in the direction of Monigaw Springs with from 40 to 50 prisoners.  There was no chance to bring the rebels into an engagement, but a little skirmishing took place in which a few were wounded.  We have no room for particulars.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Good for the 1st Iowa Cavalry

ST. LOUIS, March 24. – The following is a copy of a dispatch to the Secretary of War:

“A detachment of the 1st Iowa Cavalry sent out from Jefferson city by Gen. Totten against a guerrilla band had a skirmish with the enemy killing and wounding one and taking seventy-five prisoners, over twenty horses, forty-eight kegs of powder and a quantity of arms were captured.  Our loss was four wounded.

(Signed.)

H. W. HALLECK,

Major General.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, 

William M. Wilson

WILLIAM M. WILSON, attorney at law at Osceola, is one of the prominent members of the Clarke County bar. He was born in Guilford County, N. C., near the city of Greensborough, April 23, 1838, his parents, R. D. and Ruhama (Spoon) Wilson, being natives of the State of North Carolina. They removed with their family to Iowa in the spring of 1853, locating in Mahaska County, and in 1860 settled in Warren County, this state, near New Virginia, where the parents still make their home, the father being now eighty-one years of age and the mother seventy-five. To them were born six children, five sons and one daughter, all of whom are yet living.  William M. Wilson was fourteen years of age when he came with his parents to Iowa, and received his primary education in the log school-houses of Mahaska county. In the fall of 1857 he entered the high school at Oskaloosa where he pursued his studies until 1861, returning to his home in Warren County at the breaking out of the late war.  He enlisted in Company D, First Iowa Cavalry, and was immediately sent to Missouri, then to Northern Texas, most of his term of service being spent West of the Mississippi River. He served three years and three months, during which time he participated in many severe engagements, including the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and the skirmish at Black Water. He was honorably discharged in September, 1864, when he returned to his home in New Virginia.  In February, 1865, he was married to Miss Martha Fleming, of Warren County, a daughter of Asa Fleming. After his marriage Mr. Wilson located on a farm on which was erected a steam saw-mill, which he operated in connection with attending to his agricultural pursuits, until 1867.  He then began reading law under Mr. Conklin, of Osceola, and also under Judge Chaney. He was admitted to the bar in 1869, at Indianola, Judge H. W. Maxwell presiding, and was admitted to practice in the supreme courts in June, 1872. He began the practice of his chosen profession at Osceola in the fall of 1869, where he has since been actively engaged, and has established a large and lucrative practice.  Mr. Wilson was elected a member of the State Senate, to represent Clarke, Lucas and Union counties in the State Legislature. He was elected mayor of Osceola in the spring of 1875. In 1876 he was appointed receiver of the First National Bank, of Osceola. In 1880 he was appointed one of the commissioners to appraise and lay off the Fort Ripley Military reservation, it having been, by an act of Congress, thrown open for settlers. In 1882 he was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, one of the commissioners to establish and locate the United States post office building, at Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1885 he was elected First Lieutenant of Company A, Fifth Regiment, Iowa National Guards, and December 14, of the same year, was promoted to Judge Advocate with rank of Major, on the staff of Brigadier-General H. H. Wright, which position he still holds.  Mr. Wilson is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue-lodge, chapter and commandery. He is also a member of the Good Templars and a life member of the W.C.T.U. and State Alliance, of Iowa. He has six children living, three boys and three girls – the oldest girl is married to S. M. Gilbert and now resides in Salem, Dakota. At the reunion of veteran Union soldiers, held at Creston, Iowa, August 17, 18, and 19, 1886, Mr. Wilson was chosen as Colonel of the First battalion and commended with credit.

SOURCE: Biographical and Historical Record of Clarke County, Iowa, Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1886 p. 260-1

A band of guerillas in Lafayette county, Missouri . . .

. . . were attacked on the 10th Inst. by a detachment of the first Iowa cavalry and dispersed with a loss of nine killed and three wounded.  Guerilla warfare doesn’t seem to pay in Missouri.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 1

Weekly Report of the Morality . . .

. . . among Iowa Soldiers in the Hospitals and Camps in the Vicinity of St. Louis, Mo.

Feb. 19, Andrew Vananfrink, Co. G, 3d Inf.

Feb. 23, James M. Potter, Co. E, 1st Cav.

Feb. 24, Alonzo Conaway, Co. I, 2nd Cav.

Feb. 25, Wm. Piersall, Co. H, 2nd Cav.

Feb. 27, Richard B. Truby, Co. K, 5th Inf.

Feb. 27, Samuel Shinnemann, Co. D, 12th Inf.

Feb. 27, Alphonzo Clark, Co. F, 12th Inf.

Feb. 28, Washington Bickford, Co. F, 3d Cav.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Contraband News

At the risk of a free journey to Lafayette, we venture to state that the Third battalion of the First Iowa Cavalry, now it St. Louis, is ordered to Jefferson City, where it is expected that the whole regiment will be reunited.  Lieut. Col. Moss, of this regiment, now in this city, on a visit to his family will leave to-morrow, to join his command. – Gate City.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Ottumwa, Feb. 24. 1862

MR. DUNHAM, - The funeral of Capt. CHAS. C. CLOUTMAN took place to-day.  The attendance was the largest ever had here, every body nearly turned out from town and country.

The body was received here by the Committee on Saturday night, and remained in their charge until Sunday morning 10 o’clock, when it was taken to his residence, where it remained until 8 p. m., when religious service was had at the house.  It was then taken to the Court House, where it lay in state until to-day at 1 p. m., when the funeral took place.

Capt. Jos. W. Caldwell, who was at home on furlough, acted as Marshal.  The order of procession was 1. Band; 2. Hearse; 3. Pall Bearers; 4. Volunteers who were here; 5. Ohio mourners; 6. Clergy; 7. Civil societies, citizens on foot, citizens in carriages and on horseback.

There is one fact you may not be aware of and perhaps it will be well enough to mention it here.

Capt. Cloutman was the first man in the state to offer his services to quell this rebellion.

The Stores were all closed to-day from 10 a. m. until 4 p. m.  Flags around town were at half mast and draped in mourning.

He fell to preserve our country and every body seemed to feel it.

Yours, truly, &c.

D. O. MITCHELL.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 1