Showing posts with label 1st MO Lt ART. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1st MO Lt ART. Show all posts

Friday, July 22, 2022

1st Missouri Infantry. — (3 Months.)

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., for three months April 22, 1861. Attached to 3rd Brigade, Lyon's Army of the West.

SERVICE.—Removal of arms from St. Louis to Springfield, Ill. (Detachment). Capture of Camp Jackson, St. Louis, May 10. Expedition to Potosi, Mo., May 15-16 (Co. "A" Rifle Battalion). Regiment reorganized for three years June 10, 1861. Capture of Jefferson City June 14. Expedition to Booneville June 17. Dug Springs July 25 (Co. "E"). McCullough's Store July 26 and August 3. Battle of Wilson's Creek August 10. March to Rolla, thence to St. Louis August 11-21. Rifle Battalion mustered out. Company "A" August 2, 1861. Company "B" July 31, 1861, Designation of Regiment changed to 1st Missouri Light Artillery September 1, 1861. (See several Batteries 1st Missouri Light Artillery.)

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1321

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Welfley's Independent Battery Missouri Light Artillery.

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., September 25, 1861. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to January, 1862. Army of Southwest Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to March, 1862. Artillery 1st Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to May, 1862. Artillery 3rd Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to July, 1862. Artillery District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of Missouri, to October, 1862. District of Southeast Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to December.

SERVICE.—Duty at St. Louis and Rolla, Mo., till January, 1862. Curtis' Campaign against Price in Missouri and Arkansas January to March, 1862. Advance on Springfield February 2-12. Pursuit of Price into Arkansas February 14-24. Battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., March 6-8. March to Batesville April 5-May 3. Searcy Landing, Little Red River, May 19. March to Helena, Ark., May 25-July 14, and duty there till October. Expedition from Helena to mouth of White River August 5-8. Moved to Ironton and Pilot Knob, Mo., October 1, and duty in Southeastern Missouri till December. Assigned to 1st Missouri Light Artillery as Battery "B" December, 1862, which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1320

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Official Reports of the Campaign in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee, November 14, 1864-January 23, 1865: No. 227.—Reports of Col. William P. Lyon, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry, of operations December 19-21 and 31, 1864.

No. 227.

Reports of Col. William P. Lyon, Thirteenth Wisconsin Infantry,
of operations December 19-21 and 31, 1864.

HDQRS. MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. DEFENSES,        
Huntsville, Ala., December 21, 1864.

SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I left Stevenson on the afternoon of the 19th instant with one train and arrived at Woodville a little before dark. I found Colonel Prosser preparing to move to Brownsborough. He moved up the river about four miles that night, and attempted to cross at the most shallow ford on that stream, but the high water prevented him from doing so. He returned, and after several hours labor planking the railroad bridge we got his command across. The other trains arrived on the morning of 20th, and after leaving sixty infantry and a piece of artillery at the bridge, together with the dismounted and twenty mounted cavalry, we moved on to Brownsborough, arriving there at dark. The railroad and bridges are unharmed, but all of the block-houses were burned on the 19th. Colonel Prosser preceded us to Brownsborough, and at Maysville surprised and scattered from 100 to 200 rebels, killing 3 and capturing 7; several were drowned in attempting to swim Flint River. Hearing from a tolerably authentic source that there were 700 rebels, infantry and artillery, in Huntsville, besides their cavalry, I thought it prudent to send Colonel Prosser ahead to reconnoiter before putting my trains across Flint River. He moved in the night, arriving here at daybreak, and took quiet possession of Huntsville. There have been but a few troops here, and they left last evening. I arrived here with the trains soon after noon. I left 35 men at Hurricane Creek and 100 at Brownsborough. Captain Williams' command, which came here with Colonel Prosser, is ordered to the latter place to-morrow morning. I also left a piece of artillery there. When the trains left Larkinsville yesterday morning Captain Givens' command had not arrived there, and, of course, no artillery was left there; but I started a train back there this morning with the artillery and to complete the repairs to the telegraph line, which is broken in several places. I sent a guard of fifty men on this train. I learn here that the gun-boat fleet passed down the river last night, and I therefore do not send the detachment of the Seventy-third and One hundred and second Ohio Volunteer Infantry to Whitesburg. We get but little intelligence here of the movements or intentions of the enemy. A report, which I deem tolerably reliable, is, that orders were received here yesterday from General Hood to hold Huntsville at all hazards, and, further, that it was his intention to make Decatur his main position, with his right resting at this place. The intelligence of Hood's defeat did not reach here until yesterday.

The enemy did but little damage in this vicinity. They carried off Judge Humphreys a prisoner, and obtained some forty recruits. We arrived here too soon for their conscription. I await intelligence from Decatur with considerable anxiety.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. P. LYON,        
Colonel Thirteenth Wisconsin Veteran Vol. Infantry, Comdg.
Lieut. SAM. M. KNEELAND,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.
_______________

HDQRS. MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON R. R. DEFENSES,        
Huntsville, Ala., January 3, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the capture and destruction of Paint Rock bridge, on the 31st ultimo, the facts not having been obtained by me until to-day:

When I left Stevenson on the 19th ultimo, under orders from the general commanding to reoccupy this place and the railroad, I received written orders to leave fifty infantry and verbal orders to leave one piece of artillery and twenty mounted cavalry at Paint Rock bridge. I reached there on the morning of the 20th ultimo, and left the piece of artillery, the twenty cavalry, and Company G of the Thirteenth Wisconsin Veteran Volunteer Infantry, fifty-six strong, the whole commanded by Second Lieut. Samuel C. Wagoner, Company G, Thirteenth Wisconsin. I also left a corporal and one man of Battery D, First Missouri Light Artillery, to drill a gun squad which I directed to be detailed from the infantry to work the piece. These, together with Captain Kennimer's company of home scouts, nominally about thirty strong, constituted the garrison of the place. I spent considerable time with Lieutenant Wagoner, and gave him full and explicit directions to place the gun upon an elevation northeast of the bridge, to encamp his command near it on the same elevation, to immediately fortify his position by throwing up a redoubt of logs, earth, and rock on the summit of the elevation, giving him specific directions to carry up the face toward the mountain, which approaches quite near the bridge at that point, sufficiently high to protect the gunners in case of attack from sharpshooters in the mountain, to put every team necessary, of which there were several at the place, and every available man, upon this work immediately, and press it to an early completion, and to picket thoroughly every approach to his camp, throwing out his cavalry as vedettes. I endeavored to impress upon his mind that he was liable to attack at any time, and that the utmost vigilance on his part was required to save him from disaster. About a week afterward I received a note from Lieutenant W[agoner] stating that he had information that there was a large force of rebels in the vicinity of Claysville, on both sides of the river, the substance of which I telegraphed to you, and the reply of the general commanding, which was immediately forwarded to the lieutenant, reiterated in the strongest language the instructions which I had already given him. I deeply regret the necessity which compels me to state that Lieutenant Wagoner entirely disregarded the most vital of the orders. He did not fortify his position, and he put out no picket, except one man on the bridge, and had no camp guard, except one sentinel at the gun, and, incredible as it seems, although he had notice from several sources on Friday evening that the enemy were within a few miles of him in force, he did not increase his pickets or take a single precaution to guard against surprise. The attack was made by the combined forces of Mead and Johnson, and that of Whitecotton from the other side of the river, amounting in all, as nearly as I can learn, to about 400 men, at 4 o'clock in the morning. The enemy came from the mountain east of the camp, and was first discovered by the sentinel at the gun. He fired, and gave the alarm, but before the camp could be aroused the whole force was in it, and the garrison overpowered and most of it captured. The lieutenant and 37 men of Company G and 1 artilleryman were captured. Nineteen of Company G, the other artilleryman, the cavalry, and the home scouts escaped; only a few of the latter were in camp, the balance being absent on a scout. The prisoners were taken to the river by Whitecotton's command at Claysville, and were, doubtless, sent to the other side. The balance of the attacking force went north. They burned and cut the bridge so that it fell into the river, and they left the gun unspiked, but mutilated the carriage.

I go there to-morrow, and will then be able to give an account of the loss of arms, camp and garrison equipage, &c.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. P. LYON,        
Colonel Thirteenth Wisconsin Veteran Vol. Infantry, Comdg.
Lieut. SAM. M. KNEELAND,
        Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 638-40

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

1st Missouri Light Artillery.

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., from 1st Missouri Infantry, September 1, 1861.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1313

Battery "A," 1st Missouri Light Artillery.

Attached to Dept. of Missouri, to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Army of Southeast Missouri, to March, 1862. Steele's Comand, Army of Southeast Missouri, to May, 1862. Artillery, 1st Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to July, 1862. District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of Missouri, to October, 1862. District of Southeast Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to January, 1863. Artillery, 13th Division, 13th Army Corps. Dept. of the Tennessee, to March, 1863. Artillery, 12th Division, 13th Army Corps, to July, 1863. Artillery, 3rd Division, 13th Army Corps, Dept. of the Tennessee, to August, 1863, and Dept. of the Gulf to July, 1864. Defences of New Orleans, La., Dept. of the Gulf, to August, 1864. Reserve Artillery, Dept. of the Gulf, to April, 1865. Hawkins' Colored Division, Military Division West Mississippi, to June, 1865. Dept. of Alabama to August, 1865.

SERVICE.—Operations about Ironton and Fredericktown, Mo., October 12-21, 1861. Engagement at Fredericktown-Ironton February 21. Duty in Southeast Missouri till March, 1862. Ordered to Pilot Knob, thence march to Reeve's Station March 23-27. Moved to Pocohontas, Ark., April 5-11, thence to Jacksonport May 3, and to Batesville March 24. March to Augusta June 20-July 4, thence to Clarksville and Helena, Ark., July 5-14. Action at Hill's Plantation, Cache River, July 7. Duty at Helena, Ark, to October 3. Moved to Pilot Knob, Mo., October 3. Operations in Southeast Missouri till December. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Columbus, Ky., December 19-25, and to Helena, Ark., January 5-7, 1863. Expedition to Duvall's Bluff, Ark., January 16-20. Expedition to Yazoo Pass, and operations against Fort Pemberton and Greenwood February 24-April 8. Moved to Milliken's Bend. La., April 14. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battle of Thompson's Hill, Port Gibson, Miss., May 1. Fourteen Mile Creek May 12. Battle of Champion's Hill May 16. Big Black River May 17. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 5-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Ordered to New Orleans, La., August 6, thence to Carrollton, and duty there till October. Western Louisiana Campaign October 3-November 30. Bayou Cortableaux October 21. Carrion Crow Bayou November 3. At New Iberia till December 17. Moved to New Orleans, thence to Madisonville January 7, 1864. Red River Campaign May 2-20. Moved to Alexandria, La., May 2. Attached to Army of the West and Dept. of Missouri, Retreat to Morganza May 13-20. Expedition from Morganza to the Atchafalaya River May 30-June 6. Moved to Carrollton June. Duty there and in the Defences of New Orleans till April, 1865. Ordered from Greenville, La., to Mobile, Ala., April 19. Duty there and in Dept. of Alabama till August. Mustered out August 23, 1865.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1313

Battery "B," 1st Missouri Light Artillery,

Organized at St. Louis, Mo., September 1, 1861. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade. Army Southwest Missouri, January, 1862. Disbanded January, 1862. Battery reorganized from Welfley's Battery Missouri Light Artillery December, 1862. Attached to Artillery, 2nd Division, Army of Southeast Missouri, Dept. of Missouri, to March, 1863. Artillery, District of Southeast Missouri, to June, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Brigade, Herron's Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to August, 1863, and Army of the Gulf to June, 1864. Artillery, U. S, Forces, Texas, to July, 1864. Defences of New Orleans, La., to August, 1864. Reserve Artillery, Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1864.

SERVICE.—Duty in Southeast Missouri till June, 1863. Operations against Marmaduke April 17-May 2. Cape Girardeau April 26. Castor River, near Bloomfield, April 29, Bloomfield April 30. Chalk Bluffs, St. Francis River, April 30-May 1. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., June 2-10. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., June 11-July 4. Expedition to Yazoo City July 12-21. Capture of Yazoo City July 14. Moved to Port Hudson, La., July 23, thence to Carrollton, La., August 12-13, and duty there till September 5. Expedition to Morganza September 5-October 11. Atchafalaya River September 7. Sterling's Plantation September 29. At Morganza till October 11. Moved to New Orleans, La., October 11. Expedition to Brazos Santiago, Texas., October 27-December 2. Expedition to Brownsville November 4-9. Occupation of Brownsville November 6. Duty at Brownsville till July, 1864. Moved to New Orleans, La., July 24-August 7. Reserve Artillery at New Orleans till September, 1864. Consolidated with Batteries "A," "F" and "G," 1st Missouri Light Artillery, September 13, 1864.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1313-4

Battery "C," 1st Missouri Light Artillery.

Original Battery "C" disbanded September, 1861. Reorganized from Mann's Independent Battery Missouri Light Artillery August, 1862. Attached to Artillery, District of Memphis, Tenn., Dept. Tennessee, to September, 1862. Artillery, 4th Division, District of Jackson, Tenn., to November, 1862. Artillery, 4th Division, Left Wing 10th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, 16th Army Corps, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, 17th Army Corps, to September, 1863. Artillery, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, to April, 1864. Artillery, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, to November, 1864. Artillery Reserve, Nashville, Tenn., Dept. Cumberland, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.—Duty at Memphis, Tenn., till September 6, 1862. March to Bolivar, Tenn., September 6-14, and duty there till October 4. Expedition from Bolivar to Grand Junction and LaGrange, and skirmishes, September 20-22. Battle of Metamora, Hatchie River, October 5. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign October 31, 1862, to January 10, 1863. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., thence to Lake Providence, La., January 18, 1863, and duty there till April. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battle of Port Gibson May 1 (Reserve). Battle of Raymond May 12. Jackson May 14. Champion's Hill May 16. Big Black River May 17. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Expedition to Mechanicsburg May 26-June 4. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 5-10. At Vicksburg till April, 1864. Expedition to Monroe, La., August 20-September 2, 1863. Expedition to Canton October 14-20. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2, 1864. Moved to Clifton, Tenn., thence march to Ackworth, Ga., via Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., and Rome, Ga., April 21-June 8. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign June 8-September 8. Assigned to duty at Allatoona, Marietta and Kenesaw Mountain till October. Operations against Hood till November. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and duty there till July, 1865. Mustered out July 11, 1865.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1314

Battery "D," 1st Missouri Light Artillery.

Attached to 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of Cairo, February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, District of West Tennessee, Army of the Tennessee, to April, 1862. Artillery, 2nd Division, Army Tennessee, to July, 1862. Artillery, 2nd Division, District of Corinth, Miss., to November, 1862. Artillery, District of Corinth, Miss., 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. Artillery, District of Corinth, Miss., 17th Army Corps, to January, 1863. Artillery, District of Corinth, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps, to September, 1863. Artillery, 4th Division, 15th Army Corps, to April, 1864. Artillery Reserve, Huntsville, Ala., Dept. of the Cumberland, to May, 1864. Artillery, 3rd Division, 15th Army Corps, to September, 1864. Artillery, Huntsvile, Ala., Dept. of the Cumberland, to April, 1865.

SERVICE.—Duty in the Dept. of Missouri till February, 1862. Operations against Fort Henry, Tenn., February 2-6. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn.. February 12-16. Expedition to Clarksville, Tenn., February 19-March 6. Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 6-17. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Duty at Corinth till October. Battle of Corinth October 3-4. Pursuit to Hatchie River October 5-12. Duty at Corinth till April, 1863. Dodge's Expedition to Northern Alabama April 15-May 8. Rock Cut, near Tuscumbia, April 22. Tuscumbia April 23. Town Creek April 28. Duty at Corinth till September. March with 15th Army Corps to Chattanooga, Tenn., October-November. Operations on Memphis & Charleston Railroad in Alabama October 20-29. Battles of Chattanooga November 23-25; Tunnel Hill November 23-24; Mission Ridge November 25. March to relief of Knoxville November 28-December 8. Moved to Huntsville, Ala., and duty there till October, 1864. Decatur, Ala., October 27-29. Garrison duty at Huntsville, Ala., till April, 1865. Consolidated with Battery "C" April 11, 1865.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1314

Battery "E," 1st Missouri Light Artillery ("Cole's").

Left St. Louis, Mo., for Jefferson City. Mo., September 29, 1861. Attached to Army of the West and Dept. of Missouri, to January, 1862. District of Central Missouri, Dept. Missouri, to June, 1862. District of Southwest Missouri, Dept. Missouri, to October, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army Frontier, Dept. Missouri, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade. Herron's Division, 13th Army Corps, Army Tennessee, to July, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps, Army Tennessee, to August, 1863, and Dept. of the Gulf, to June, 1864.

SERVICE.—Fremont's advance on Springfield, Mo., October and November, 1861. Moved to Sedalia November 28. March to Otterville, thence to Lexington, Mo., and duty there February 11 to June 3, 1862. Operations about Miami and Waverly May 25-28. Near Waverly May 26. Moved to Sedalia June 3, and duty there till July 29. Moved to Rolla July 29, and return to Sedalia August 18. Moved to Springfield, Mo., August 29-September 4. Battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., December 7. Expedition over Boston Mountains to Van Buren December 27-29. Moved to Springfield, Mo., arriving there February 15, 1863. Duty there and at Rolla till April. Operations against Marmaduke April 17-May 2. Cape Girardeau April 26. Castor River near Bloomfield April 29. Bloomfield April 30. Chalk Bluffs, St. Francis River, April 30-May 1. Moved to St. Louis, May 9, thence to Vicksburg, Miss., June 4-16. Siege of Vicksburg June 16-July 4. Expedition to Yazoo City July 12-22. Capture of Yazoo City July 14. Moved to Port Hudson, La., July 24, thence to Carrollton, La., August 16. Expedition to Morganza September 5-12. Atchafalaya River September 9-10. Sterling's Farm September 12 and September 29. Moved to New Orleans, La., October 11. Expedition to Rio Grande, Texas, October 27-December 2. Duty at Du Crow's Point and Brownsville till June, 1864. Mustered out June, 1864.

BATTERY "E," 1st ARTILLERY REORGANIZED. Reorganized September 14, 1864, from Segebarth's Battery "C," Pennsylvania Artillery, Mississippi Marine Brigade. Attached to Artillery Post and District of Vicksburg, Miss., to November, 1864. Reserve Artillery, District of Vicksburg, Miss., to January, 1865. Duty at Vicksburg and Natchez, Miss., till January, 1865. Mustered out January 1, 1865.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1314

Battery "F," 1st Missouri Light Artillery, ("Murphey's").

to January, 1862. District of Central Missouri to June, 1862. District of Southwest Missouri, Dept. Missouri, to October, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of the Frontier, Dept. Missouri, to June, 1863. 1st Brigade, Herron's Division, 13th Army Corps, Army Tennessee, to July, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps, to August, 1863. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps, Dept. of the Gulf, to September, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Division, 13th Army Corps, Dept. Gulf, to February, 1864. Artillery, 4th Division, 13th Army Corps, to June, 1864. Defences New Orleans, La., to August, 1864. Reserve Artillery, Dept. Gulf, to December, 1864. Distrist Southern Alabama, to February, 1865. 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 13th Army Corps, Military Division West Mississippi, to August, 1865.

SERVICE.—Duty at St. Louis and Clinton, Mo., till March, 1862, and in Central District of Missouri till June. Expedition to Milford, Mo., December 15-18, 1861. Shawnee Mound, Milford, December 18. Ordered to Springfield, Mo., June 3, 1862. Moved to Jefferson City August 16, to Sedalia August 18, and to Springfield August 26. Action at Lone Jack August 16. Schofield's Campaign <dy_1315> in Southwest Missouri October, 1862, to January, 1863. Occupation of Newtonia October 4, 1862. Battle of Prairie Grove, Ark., December 7. Expedition over Boston Mountains to Van Buren, Ark., December 27-29. Duty at Springfield, Rolla, and other points in Southwest Missouri till April, 1863. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., and duty there till June. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., June 3-16. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., June 16-July 4. Expedition to Yazoo City July 12-22. Capture of Yazoo City July 14. Moved to Port Hudson, La., July 24, thence to Carrollton August 16. Expedition to the Rio Grande, Texas, October 24-December 2. Capture of Mustang Island November 17. Fort Esperanza November 27-30. Reconnoissance on Mattagorda Island January 21, 1864. Duty at Mattagorda Island till June, 1864. Moved to New Orleans, La., and duty there till December. Duty in District of Southern Alabama till March, 1865. Campaign against Mobile and its defences March 17-April 12. Siege of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely March 26-April 8. Fort Blakely April 9. Capture of Mobile April 12. Duty at Mobile and in District of Alabama till August. Mustered out August 11, 1865.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1314

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

St. Louis Budget of News and Rumors

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19. – Accounts from every camp in the State represent the joy of our troops over the Donelson victory unbounded. – At Pilot Knob a salute was fired last evening.

The officers of Col. Carlin’s 39th Illinois gave a ball in honor of the event.

A little rebel outbreak took place yesterday morning twelve miles from Jefferson City.  There was two companies of rebels organized near Stonington, destined for Price’s army, and before leaving they revenged themselves of some loyal citizens by killing two and wounding five more.  Gen. Pope dispatched three companies of cavalry after them and their capture is almost certain.

Prof. Swallow, State Geologist, residing at Columbia, Boone county, was arrested today for disloyalty.

The report of burning the bridge of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad at Decatur, Ala., by Union sympathizers is not believed at headquarters.

Ten steamboats are advertised to leave to-day for Paducah.  They carry troops up the Tennessee river.

Gen. Halleck issued an order thanking Gen. Hunter now in Kansas, for the energy displayed in organizing troops in this department prior to his (Halleck’s) arrival, by whose aid our arms were partially enabled to triumph at Donelson.  The meaning of this order, which takes the form of a telegraphic dispatch to Gen. Hunter, is by no means clear.

Gen. Halleck has also issued a spirited order congratulating out troops on their recent success, and encouraging them to look for future victories at times and places already selected.

On Change [sic] yesterday and to-day there has been a decided advance in everything needed at the South in anticipation of an early permission to trade with Tennessee.  It is noticed that whisky advanced considerably.

More arrests for disloyalty are constantly occurring.  Seventeen Rebel prisoners, not being guilty of violating the rules of war, were released to-day on giving bonds and subscribing to the oath.

Deputy Provost Marshal, Gen. Thomas C. Fletcher, proceeded to Alton this p. m. by Gen. Halleck’s order, to release a large number of prisoners from the penitentiary on parole, mostly those who have never borne arms.  Where bonds are given Secessionists are invariably preferred to Union men, as in cases of default no compunction will be felt in seizing property.

The 42nd Illinois regiment went down the river last night, on the War Eagle.  The Edward Walsh, also, carried 1,400 troops, and an immense quantity of baggage.

Brigadier Gen. Pope, and Staff, proceed south immediately, on the steamer Northerner, which boat also carries a regiment from St. Charles.

Constable’s Ohio battery and two batteries of the 1st Missouri artillery, are en route for the Cumberland river.  Likewise, the Henry Chouteau steamer is loading with the baggage of the 24th Indiana regiment.

The shipment of pig lead from this point without a permit, is prohibited.

Another company of nurses have left here for Cairo and vicinity, to attend the wounded from Fort Donelson.

The provost Marshal has ordered all business to be suspended on the 22d inst.  Extensive preparations are progressing for a magnificent celebration.

The Sanitary Commission are preparing hospitals for a large accession of wounded patriots.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Friday, November 18, 2011

The Twentieth Iowa Infantry.

This regiment was raised under the call of July 2, 1862, for 300,000 more men. It was made up of five companies from Scott and five from Linn, and went into camp at Clinton, where, on the 25th of August, its organization was completed. It numbered 902 men, and its field officers were William McE. Dye, colonel; J. B. Leake, lieutenant-colonel; William G. Thompson, major.

Early in September the regiment was sent to Rolla, Mo., where it was placed in a brigade with the Thirty-seventh Illinois, First Iowa cavalry and a section of the First Missouri light artillery, under Colonel Dye. Through the months of October and November this brigade did hard marching in Missouri and Arkansas, and the members of the Twentieth suffered greatly from sickness and deaths. On the 4th of December the regiment started on a long, hard march to the battlefield of Prairie Grove, and reached it in time to participate in the battle of the 7th. The Twentieth did excellent service on that field, and lost forty-seven men killed and wounded. The defeat of the confederate army drove the rebel forces out of that section of the country for a long time. In May, 1863, the regiment was sent to reinforce the army operating around Vicksburg. Here it remained doing siege duty until the surrender of that stronghold and General Pemberton's army. It was soon after sent to reinforce General Banks' army in Louisiana. Lieutenant-Colonel Leake was captured with his command by a largely superior force of the enemy on the 29th of September, 1863, at Sterling Farm, and the command of the Twentieth regiment devolved on Major Thompson. It was soon after sent to Texas, where it remained until September, 1864, when it was sent to New Orleans. Major Thompson had resigned in May, and the regiment had been under the command of Capt. M. L. Thompson, of Company C. In September Lieutenant-Colonel Leake having been exchanged, rejoined the regiment. The regiment was soon after sent to Brownsville, Ark., where it did duty until the 8th of January, 1865. In February it joined the army in the Mobile expedition, and remained in that region until July 8th, when it was mustered out of the service with 464 men.

SOURCE, Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 104

Friday, August 26, 2011

From The Eighth Iowa Infantry


SEDALIA, Mo., March 10, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE. – The time we have been wishing to arrive has, I believe, come at last.  An order has been received by our Col. ordering our regiment to the seat of war.  Orders of this kind are you know, usually exceedingly brief – simply stating the fact, and leaving the point of destination in interesting and exciting obscurity, thus giving ample scope for those in camp who have to speculate on the unseen and unknown, to exercise their speculative features.  I believe the present order commands our regiment to proceed to St. Louis so soon as railroad cars for men, baggage, mules, horses, wagons, &c. shall have been sent here in sufficient number for our removal.  When we reach St. Louis we shall probably learn more definitely where we are bound for.  From what I have been able to learn from authentic sources, it seems a brigade of Iowa troops is soon to be formed, to be commanded by Brig. Gen. McKean, and designed to take an active part in the fighting which is expected to be done in Kentucky, Tennessee or further South.  This brigade is to consist of the 6th, 8th, 11th and 13th Iowa Infantry, all of which are now stationed at different points along the Pacific RR.  One regiment will probably get off to-morrow evening or the next morning.  Our boys are all rejoiced at the prospect of meeting the enemies of our country and flag in open and fair field fight.  We are quite willing to leave “bush wacking,” for the more honorable civilized mode of warfare.  Remembering the caution, “let not him that putteth on his armor boast himself as much as he that taketh it off;” we make no promises or protestations, further than that we will do what we can to maintain in undimmed brightness, and if we are able add to the luster of that glorious halo which already surrounds the arms of the State of Iowa.  We have full confidence in our field and line officers, none less in the valor and patriotism of our men.

The order to march was received by our Col. – sent on to him by an express from Sedalia – while on

A SCOUTING EXPEDITION.

Information had been brought by refugees that an organized band, variously estimated at from 300 to 1,000, under the command of Jackman and Marchbank, recruiting officers holding the rank of Captain in Price’s army, was stealing, robbing and murdering in Bates Co. and the lower portion of Henry Co.  This information being regarded as reliable, Col. Geddes determined to pay his compliments to these armed marauders in a way they would be likely to remember.  Last Monday morning, Mch. 3d, he left Sedalia for the purpose of executing this determination.  The force which he commanded in person, consisted of the 1st battalion 1st Iowa cavalry, under Maj. Torrence, five Cos. 8th Iowa infantry, under Lieut. Col. Ferguson and Maj. Andrews, three Cos. 26th Indiana and two of the 6th Missouri, under Maj. Clark (this battalion was sent up from Otterville,) and one section 1st Mo. light artillery, under Lieut. Marr.  The weather was exceedingly cold, the wind blowing strong and freezing across the prairies and directly in our faces.  Nothing of interest occurred the first day out.  The second day, in temperature and wind, was like unto the first.  We passed through the village of Belmont, formerly very strongly “secesh,” now almost deserted, and thence onward to  Clinton, the county seat of Henry Co., When near this place the advance guard was ordered to charge on the town, and guard every load leading out.  This order was promptly and well executed.  When the command came up we found about 40 persons “corralled.”  A motley group this; clothed in various colored home-made linsey, divers[e] and curious head rigging in the shape of what were or had been hats and caps, with blankets white and blankets grey thrown over their shoulders and ingeniously fastened about the neck.  We had come upon the town unexpectedly, and with a rapidity which gave the fellows from the country, who were in town, no chance for escape.  Doubtless most of those we caught had been in Price’s army – perhaps some belonged to Jackman’s band. – One man was taken on a Government horse branded U. S., with a Government saddle; two we took along with us and have brought into Sedalia.  The balance, as nothing could be proved against them, were sworn en masse and turned loose. – It was a novel sight, that – forty men, more or less, with uncovered head and right hand uplifted, swear allegiance to the Constitution and the “Old Flag,” and to repudiate the Jefferson D. confederacy.  I fear they will not all keep that oath.  That night we went on to the Deep Water, and lay out in the timber on its bank.  We were well sheltered from the wind, but the ground was frozen hard, and where I lay down not very smooth.  Next Morning we were up by daylight, and by sunrise we were on our way to one Rickey’s store, a notorious stronghold and headquarters of the thieving rebel band where we expected to meet the enemy in force.  In this we were disappointed.  The rebels by some means found we were too strong for them, and ran for their hiding places like rabbits.  As we approached the store, we could see mounted men on all sides, hastening with all dispatch across the prairie to the timber.  They were too far from us, and too near the timber, to send out cavalry in pursuit.  Soon as the command came up to the store, skirmishers of infantry were sent out through the timber, and scouts of cavalry over the prairies in different directions.  Some of our skirmishers had the pleasure of exchanging shots with the rebels, and returned late in the afternoon, with a diversity of fire-arms, and many prisoners.  The cavalry were out all night, and next morning brought in between 20 and 30 prisoners and arms in proportion.  Among the prisoners was Capt. Marchbank.  The scouting party which took him got after Jackman, but he, being acquainted with the country, and well mounted, while our horses were jaded with the three days’ and one night’s hard riding, escaped their grasp.  Next evening our command started from Round Prairie, taking an occasional prisoner and fire-arm as we passed along.  Soon as the men could get at it, skirmishing and scouting parties were sent out.  Cos. C & K had a very interesting skirmish with some rebel pickets, killing one and capturing several of their horses.  We had by this time 60 or 70 prisoners, about as many firearms – rifles, muskets, shot guns, carbines, &c., - three kegs of powder, and several pounds of shot.  The afternoon and evening at headquarters were very busily occupied in examining the prisoners and administering the oath, requiring bonds, and then turning them loose, or remanding them again to the charge of our soldiers for safe conduct to this place. – Thinking that perhaps some of your readers may be curious to know what we make the fellows swear I send you a copy of the

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

“Without mental reservation, I do most solemnly swear, in the presence of God whom I call to witness my sincerity and fidelity, that I do, and will hereafter continue to bear true and faithful allegiance to the Government of the United States and to the old flag, ‘the stars and stripes;’ that I do, and will forever repudiate all allegiance to, or sympathy with the so-called Confederate States of America; and that I will never aid or abet, or render any assistance or comfort by word or act, or in any way or manner to the so-called Confederate States of America, so help me God.”  This oath was gotten up by one of our number for the occasion, and was taken by no less than thirty-six, whose names and places of residence I have carefully recorded.

While at Round Prairie the order to go South reached our Colonel.  It was his intention to give the rebels in that neighborhood a longer benefit, but the order cut our visit short.

Friday morning we took the back track, bringing along with us several Union refugee families whose neighbors would not allow them to remain.  This action of the refugees – coming away under the protection of our command – excited still more the ire of their enemies, who hung in squads about our rear threatening an attack, which, however, they were prudent enough not to attempt.  This afternoon information was brought Col. Geddes that a band of about 150 rebels were skulking in some timber a little off our line of march.  He immediately sent out a detachment of cavalry who engaged in a skirmish with them, but neither killed or captured any.  In this skirmish a man was slightly wounded in the neck by two buckshot, and his horse was killed.  This was the only casualty in our command.  We went in camp Friday night having marched that day 34 miles.

Saturday we came on to Sedalia.  The command came in about 4 P. M., making 36 miles.  It will be seen that in less and two days we marched 70 miles.  This, I think, will be admitted on all hands, as very good marching for Infantry, even though they did ride in wagons drawn by mules.  The aggregate distance was about 150 miles, exclusive of the extra miles, and they were many – travelled by skirmishers and scouting parties.

We brought in with out about 30 prisoners, who in due time will be tried, and some of them, I think, sent to the penitentiary at Alton.

The country through which we passed was very fine indeed.  I cannot conceive of a better agricultural country.  Our course was southwest through broad rich prairies, well supplied with timber and streams of water.

It has not yet transpired what Infantry regiment will take our place here.  Nearly all the 1st Iowa Cavalry are now here, the balance will be in a few days.

I hope to write you again before many days, and to have the satisfaction of dating my letter many miles south of Sedalia.  I trust the onward movement may be pressed with activity and vigor, till secessionists are swept from “Secessia” into the Southern Gulf.  Let us nail to the flag-staff a red flag on which is emblazoned in indelible characters the watchword “Forward to victory,” and bear it in advance of the glorious old “Stars and Stripes,” till this revered ensign floats triumphantly over the tomb of Rebellion, and the dishonored ashes of traitors.

Yours, &c.

C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 15, 1862, p. 1

Thursday, June 23, 2011

From The Eighth Iowa Regiment


SEDALIA, Mo., Feb. 25, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE:  While many of our friends and neighbors whose good fortune it has been to be connected with regiments more favored than ours, have been doing honor to their State by their gallantry and veteran bravery at Belmont and Forts Henry and Donelson, we have been discharging our duty in guarding this post.  This duty, though not so exciting so desirable as more active service, is of imperative necessity to the States; so that while no halo of glory from victories ever hangs around our regiment, yet we find solace in the fact, that though the service we are rendering is less distinguished and brilliant that is our choice, still it is an absolutely necessary service.  But even with this fact in our minds, when we read of the exploits of our brother regiments, and with sincerest joy rejoice in their valor and success, we cannot but wish, please Gen. Halleck, that we were among them.

Camp life at a post is very much of a sameness – one day in camp bears a striking similarity to another; so much so, that one cannot remember the days of the week without recurring to the almanac.  This failing of memory is peculiarly prevalent with respect to Sunday – reveille, company drill, battalion drill; dress parade, tattoo and taps, are the regular daily programme.  Occasionally something occurs to disarrange this clock work-like regularity; for instance,


A SCOUNTING EXPEDITION.

Several scouting parties, of which the Iowa 8th or companies of it, usually formed a part, have been sent out into the adjoining counties.  Our boys like these excursions very much.  They afford excitement and change, and they usually have the satisfaction of quartering at night upon some notorious secesh who is well known to the guide.  The most successful scouting party in which we have participated returned to camp early on Monday morning, Feb. 17th.  The scout consisted of three companies 1st Iowa Cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, who had command of the expedition, and companies G and F 8th Iowa Infantry, under command of Capt. Stubbs.  The scout left Sedalia Saturday afternoon, marched all night, and before daylight reached Warsaw.  They were in pursuit of a battalion of 500 rebels who were en route for Price’s army.  The main body of the rebels had crossed the Osage the evening before our troops arrived.  The officers had remained on this side at the house of Judge Wright, expecting to cross and join the battalion next morning.  But

“The best laid schemes of mice and men
Gang aft aglee.”

The fact that rebel officers were in Judge Wright’s house was communicated to the officer commanding the expedition.  He immediately placed a guard about the house and the first thing the rebel officers knew of the move was a request from the proper authority, that they deliver over their side arms.  The prisoners taken, were Brig. Gen. Price, son of the “old man,” Maj. Gen. Price, the hope and life of secession in this State; Col. Dorsey, Maj. Cross, Surgeon General of the rebel army in Mo., and a staff officer, of Maj. Gen. Price; Capt. Innis, and a dozen or more less distinguished individuals, commonly called privates. – The daughter of Judge Wright, who still retains her dislike to the “Federals,” seemed quite chagrined at this affair, and especially that Brig. Gen. Price should be captured in her father’s house.  She requested the officer who had the Brig. Gen’s. side arms, to give her one of the pistols.  He asked what she wished of it.  Her reply was , “to shoot you.”  Thus much for Missouri feminine chivalry!

This capture all things considered is one of the most important that has been made in this State.  The officers taken are high in rank and influence, and beside, by their timely capture, Maj. Gen. Price has in all probability lost a battalion, who might have rendered him efficient service had they reached the main army.  The honor of this capture belongs jointly to the 1st Iowa cavalry and the 8th Iowa infantry.  I see in a notice of the affair, in the “Missouri Democrat,” justice is done Capt. Stubbs, but unfortunately he is reported in print as belonging to the 6th Iowa.  I have heard too that the same mistake has been made by some of the Iowa papers – perhaps taken from the “Democrat.”  It was the 8th Iowa infantry who were on hand this time.


CHANGE IN THE FORCES AT SEDALIA.

I presume you have heard through other sources, that various regiments which were here and hereabout, have been ordered away – mostly South.  The force now here is composed of the 8th Iowa infantry, 1st battalion, 1st Iowa cavalry and two sections of the 1st Missouri artillery.  From present appearances this is likely to be the force at Sedalia for some time to come.

This is an important post which must be held, and if we were removed some other troops would have to take the position immediately.  We would be very glad to give favorable position here to any regiment Gen. Halleck may choose to send and with his permission, hasten down to Fort Donelson, Nashville or any other place where there is a prospect of fighting.


CHANGE IN FIELD OFFICERS.

Col. Fred. Steele, late of the 8th Iowa, has been appointed Brigadier General of volunteers.  His promotion caused a vacancy in our field officers.  Lieut. Col. Geddes, who has been in command of the regiment ever since we entered the field, and who has shown himself a gentleman and every inch a thorough and experienced soldier was elected Colonel by acclamation; Major Ferguson, who has always shown himself equal to every occasion, was unanimously elected Lieut. Colonel; and Capt. Joseph Andrews, of Co. F, whose well disciplined company proves him an able officer, was elected Major.  The names of these officers have been forwarded to the Governor of Iowa, and I understand must meet his approval; so I suppose the commissions will soon be forthcoming.  It would be easy to say much in praise of these officers, to point to many characteristics of each, which give proof of energy and efficiency, but in their unanimous election to their respective offices they have received from those best qualified to judge a higher testimonial of confidence and esteem for them, as men and soldiers, than any mere eulogium could express.


THE CONDITION OF THE REGIMENT.

Since Col. Geddis [sic] has been in command of this post, our regiment has obtained a full compliment of new “Sibley” tents. – These tents are each provided with a small stove, which warms it very comfortably.  In some of the tents, a small cooking stove, purchased by the “mess” at a trifling expense per man, takes the place of the stoves furnished by the Government, and is very convenient for cooking purposes.  In the tents thus furnished, the boys, to describe their condition in their own language, “live at home.”  In one of my turns through the new camp, I came upon a mess at supper.  I saw fritters and crullers in their rude cupboard, made by some of the boys, and I know by experiment that the crullers were not unworthy the skill of an experienced Hawkeye house-keeper.

The two lost companies, E and K, which for near three months were on de-tached service, and attached to Jennison’s brigade, have returned.  They do not seem to be very favorably impressed with “Jayhawking,” and are as glad to return to their regiment as we are to receive them.  We have now our full compliment of companies, and make a very respectable appearance on dress parade.

On the new camping ground a tall pole has been raised, and from its top floats the glorious “stars and stripes.”  Our secesh neighbors for miles around can look at it, as in obedience to the morning or evening breeze it spreads out its ample folds, symboling prosperity and liberty to all who will return under its shadow.


HOSPITAL AND SANITARY CONDITION.

The change in the force stationed at this post has occasioned a corresponding change in the hospital arrangements.  The sick belonging to the regiments ordered away have been taken to St. Louis.  This left room in the post hospital for the sick of the command remaining at this post.  Consequently our regimental hospital was closed, and our sick transferred to the post hospital.  In the mean time, Dr. Bordie, “Surgeon of the fifth division of the army of the Missouri,” received the information that his nomination had not been confirmed by Congress; this sent him back to private life.  An order came from Gen. Halleck appointing Surgeon Irwin, of the 8th Iowa, to the charge of the post hospital.  Surgeon I. entered upon the duties of his new position with his accustomed energy and promptness.  He selected for steward, warden, nurses &c., men from our regiment, who had been tried and were found to be qualified for the positions.  We now have in good working order a well arranged, well ventilated and well furnished hospital, one which we would not be ashamed for any of our Iowa friends to visit, containing an upper and lower ward, dispensary, dining room, kitchen, convalescent room, &c.  There is also a room off the dining room furnished with a stove, which is used as a chapel.  Our chaplain preaches there Sabbath morning, and a social prayer meeting is held in the evening.  Those of the citizens who choose to attend are cordially welcomed at either or both services.

The health of our regiment is improving.  We have fewer cases of typhoid fever and pneumonia, and the few bad cases we have are treated more successfully, as we can now make our patients more comfortable and give them proper attention.  We can report fit for duty about 750 men, all of whom would be glad to illustrate their fitness for active service by engaging in the impending battle at Nashville.  It affords me great pleasure to be able to make this favorable statement.  Our regiment has suffered severely from disease.  This suffering was made known to our friends in Iowa.  They kindly sent us supplies when we most needed them, and now we are reaping the fruits of their kindness.  We are to-day a very respectable regiment in numbers and physical strength and courage, and are still recruiting from the hospital.  Last evening Dr. Hoffmeister, assistant surgeon, vice P. B. Clark resigned, arrived and this morning entered upon his duties.  We are favorably impressed with his appearance and from the manner in which he took hold, gives promise, when he has “learned the ropes,” of an energetic and efficient assistant.

Our regiment now presents a very promising appearance, and the scouting parties in which the boys are frequently sent out, afford exercise and excitement which go very far toward making them healthy, cheerful and vigorous.  I am however, fully satisfied that the dose which would most quickly depopulate our hospital and place us firmly on our feet, would be an order from Gen. Halleck to strike tents and march South immediately.


HOW THE NEWS OF RECENT VICTORIES WAS RECEIVED.

We have a telegraph from St. Louis to this place, and very shortly after the fall of Fort Donelson was known in St. Louis, the good news was telegraphed to our Colonel.  Soon it spread through the camp, and in less time that you could think, our rifled cannon were unlimbered, and the glad tidings were heralded in thunder tones form their fiery throats.  Of course we soldiers were jubilant – so were the Union men in and about the town, but I fancy the secessionists could not sing of the sound,

“Harmonious to the ear.”

I suspect it grated somewhat harshly.

The well authenticated news that Gen. Curtis has driven price into Arkansas, was received by the loyal inhabitants of this State with even greater joy than the fall of Fort Donelson.  Price is the life and hope of secession in this State.  While he was in the Southern part of the state, the property of Union men everywhere outside of Federal pickets, was liable to be stolen or destroyed, while secessionists were firm and defiant.  Already there is a change.  The Union men breathe more freely, and secessionist come in by the scores to take the oath.  Many, perhaps the very large majority, do this to recover damages from property they have lost, and it is quite surprising how hard some of them will swear when a horse or a mule is at stake; but if there is a chance of recovering a “contraband,” they will swear to nearly anything, or in any way, till black in the face, for that matter, if thereby the negro can be carried back into slavery.  The sorest spot a slave-holding secesh can be touched, is to take away his negroes.  They will bear the loss of horses, mules, forage, etc., with philosophical patience, but if a slave escapes, then a wound is inflicted which exasperates beyond measure, and admits of no healing but the return of the fugitive.

A commission for investigating the loyalty of the many applicants for damage, and for settling their claims against the government, has been appointed.  Lieut. Col. Ferguson is presiding officer of the commission, and the loyalty of the individuals making claims is examined with great care, strictness and impartiality.  If a man is suspected, after being sworn, he is required to give bail from $1,000 to $5,000 that he will keep the oath.  The bail as much as possible, is taken from secesh, and this arrangement has a wonderful power in making their consciences tender and susceptible to the binding and sacred character of an oath.  I think hereafter even a Mo. Secessionist’s oath may be relied upon, as probably to be kept.

Yours truly, C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 2

Monday, April 11, 2011

From St. Louis

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19.

Accounts from every camp in the State represent the joy of our troops over the Donelson victory unbounded.  At Pilot Knob a salute was fired, and last evening the officers of Col. Carlin’s 38th Ills. gave a ball in honor of the event.

A little rebel outbreak took place yesterday morning twelve miles from Jefferson City.  Two companies of rebels organized near Stonington to join Price’s army.  Before leaving they revenged themselves on some loyal citizens by killing two and wounding five more.  Gen. Pope has dispatched two companies of cavalry after them, and their capture is almost certain.

Professor Swallow, State Geologist, residing at Columbia, Boone Co., was arrested to-day for disloyalty.

The reported burning of the bridge on the Memphis and Charleston R. R., at Decatur, Ala., by Union sympathizers, is not believed at headquarters.

Ten steamboats are advertised to leave for Paducah.  They carry troops up the Tennessee river.

Gen. Halleck has issued an order thanking Gen. Hunter, now in Kansas, for the energy displayed in organizing troops in this department prior to his (Halleck’s) arrival, by whose aid our arms were partially enabled to triumph at Ft. Donelson.  The meaning of this order, which takes the form of a telegraphic dispatch to Gen. Hunter, is by no means clear.

Gen. Halleck has also issued a spirited order congratulating our troops on their recent success, and encouraging them to look for future victories at times and places already selected.

On Change yesterday and to-day there has been a decided advance in every thing needed at the South, in anticipation of early permission to trade with Tennessee.  It is noticed that whiskey advanced considerably.

More arrests for disloyalty are constantly occurring.

Seventeen rebel prisoners not being guilty of a violation of the rules of war, were released to-day on giving bonds and subscribing to the oath.

Deputy provost marshal Thomas C. Fell proceeded to Alton this P. M. by Gen. Halleck’s order, to release a large number of prisoners from the penitentiary on parole, mostly those who have never borne arms.  Where bonds are given, secessionists are invariably preferred to Union men, as in cases of default no compunctions will be felt in seizing rebel property.

The 42d Illinois regiment went down the river last night on the War Eagle.  The Edward Walsh also carried fourteen hundred troops, and an immense quantity of baggage.

Brig. Gen. Pope and staff proceeded south immediately on the steamer Northerner, which boat also carries a regiment from St. Charles.

Constable’s Ohio Battery, and two batteries of the 1st Missouri Artillery are en route for the Cumberland river; likewise the Henry Chonteau steamer is loading with the baggage of the 24th Indiana regiment.

The shipment of pig lead from this point, without a permit, is prohibited.

Another company of nurses have left here for Cairo and vicinity, to attend the wounded from Fort Donelson.

The Provost Marshal has ordered all business to be suspended on the 22d inst.   Extensive preparations are progressing for a magnificent celebration.

The Sanitary Commission are preparing hospitals for a large accession of wounded patriots.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Interesting Items From The Army

The correspondent of the N. Y. World from [Pittsburg], May 7, writes as follows:

CONDITION OF THE TROOPS.

We prefer to offer no complaints about the state of the army, but, lest some good people be led to expect too much from it we are bound to say that it is no means the grand army it is supposed to be.  In the first place it is not 166,000 strong; and in the next place, fully one-third of its numerical strength is not effective.  We witnessed a division review by Gen. Davis to-day and were pleased with the appearance of the troops on the ground.  We were however struck with the diminished size of the regiments.  Several regiments, which we had known, in their better days a full thousand strong turned out with less than three hundred men.  Sickness, battle, wounds, deaths, heavy detail for transportations, and the camp guard have caused the reduction. – the men left in the ranks look well, go thro’ the evolutions well, and, we firmly believe, will fight well.  The cavalry is worn down by roads and consequent scarcity of forage.  It will hardly ever be worth anything in an engagement.

The artillery horses are also much worn down, but the men have been improved by their past experience.  Several batteries which lost their pieces have been merged into other and older batteries, where they will probably do better.  The army is in good fighting order but is not large, nor need it be expected to accomplish impossibilities.  The whole army go [sic] into the next fight to conquer – the determination is fixed, they must conquer and will.


BRIGADIER GENERALS.

We have probably on the whole as many good officers as there are in any army in the world, and possibly as many bad ones!  Of officers of high rank this may be said, because we have so many of them.  Brigadiers are so numerous that no one person can be found who knows their names.  We hear day by day of the creation of new ones by the dozen, some of whom are heard of for the first time.  The bill limiting the number of Brigadiers is regarded favorably, and it is earnestly desired that these should be made for distinction in the field.

It is also a subject of some remark that, out of the number of recent creations the claims of Col. Sweeny, of the Twenty-second Illinois should have been quite overlooked in Washington.  We was made Brigadier General of three months’ volunteers under Lyon, lost an arm at Cherubusco, was in active service eight years in the west, distinguished himself at Springfield, and received three wounds in his gallant conduct at the late battle at Shiloh.

There is also the “fighting doctor,” as he is now called through the army – Dr. Conyn who during the Sunday’s fight fought one gun in the [company] with the Captain for two hours, in the thickest of the fight and afterwards commanded one of the siege guns, in the absence of its proper officers, which contributed to greatly to the repulse of the exultant enemy; Major Cavender also the heroic commander of the batteries of the Missouri First, whose deeds have shown conspicuously from the beginning of the war, in a series of desperate battles; both have been worthy recipients of promotion for their services to the country.


PERSONAL – GEN. HALLECK.

The appearance of some of our commanders may be interesting to those who have not seen them.

General Halleck in the field is hardly the same person who might have been seen quietly gliding from the Planters house to headquarters St. Louis.  He does not look a whit more military in appearance, but looks, in his new and rich though plain in uniform, as if he were in borrowed clothes.  In truth he bears a more striking resemblance to some oleaginous Methodist parson dressed in regimentals, with a wide stiff rimmed black felt had sticking on the back of his head at an acute angle with the ground.  His demeanor in front of his tent is very simple and business like.  No pomp, no unusual ceremony, no lack of order.  His camps are pitched on a declivity on the south side of the village of Monterey.  When on horseback his Wesleyan character is more and more [prominent].  He neither looks like a soldier, rides like one, nor does he carry the state of a Major-General in the field, but is the impersonation of the man of peace.  His face is large, tabular, and Teutonic; his eyes the eyes of a genius – a kind of indistinct gray, not without expression but of that deep welling kind that only reveals the emotion without indicating its character.


GEN. CULLUM.

Gen. Cullum, who is Chief of Staff and Chief of Engineers, is a bland gray bearded old gentleman, who seems to have been in his prime fifty years ago.  He is also accoutered in the black Quaker hat, and bears a close resemblance to common engravings of Don Quixote mounted on his steed Rozinante [sic].  He exults too, in some enormous and new-fangled [leggings], which e buckles upon his shrunken calves to the great merriment of all on-lookers.  From his conversation you will soon learn that he was on the staff of Gen. Scott in Mexico – a fact which he has not forgotten.  He is supposed to be a master of scientific warfare, and we believe has a very high opinion of his chief.


GEN. GRANT.

Gen. Grant a personage now somewhat notorious, is the same unalterable good natured little man he has so often been described. – He has none of the soldier bearing about him but is a man whom one would take for a country merchant or a village lawyer.  He has no distinctive features, there are a thousand like him in personal appearance in the ranks and it is by the conspicuous stars alone that he is distinguished as a high dignitary.  A plain unpretending face, with a comely brownish-red beard, and a square forehead, of short stature and thick-set.  He is we would say a good liver, and altogether an [unpronounceable] man; he is so like others as to be only described by general terms.  He is an inveterate smoker.

Apropos of this General, the passages published from a private letter of his containing a so-called vindication of his conduct at the late battle are the laughing stock of the entire army.  He is a sad jester.  To say that he was not surprised, to intimate that all are cowards who blame him, or to excuse his being absent from the field, are insults to the intelligence of all here.  None but the brave have I heard speak thus of him, and if by accident Gen. Halleck should be disabled and he succeed to the command it would be but the beginning of much trouble.


GEN. POPE.

Gen. Pope is a large, portly person, of sociable bearing, and marked by no unusual characteristics of feature.  He is the type of a bon vivant – evidently enjoys to the full the blessings of physical comfort.  He affects a snappish and positive manner, which is not innate, but is rather put on with his uniform.  He is, we should say, ambitions and vain; this prompts him to continual action.  He is not above speaking well of his own accomplishments. – He believes, however, in fighting the enemy, and this fact wins him the best opinions of his army.  His judgment is well demonstrated in the selection of his staff officers, who rate high above the average of such selections. – His army is commanded by some of the best officers in the service, and will do him great honor when opportunity officers.  Of the other leading personages with this column more at another time.


SWINDLING CONTRACTORS.

Now that the army is in the field, with bad roads and the stock tasked to their utmost to supply the necessary rations and forage, the knavish dealing of contractors presses more heavily than ever.  While we lay encamped by the river the rations of the horses and men could be eked out by various means.  We are surprised to learn that systematic frauds upon the government have long been common in furnishing the food of the men and horses.  In the latter case it has been brought to our notice.  So many pounds of hay, oats, or corn are allowed per horse; this is rated and measured out by the bale or stack.  We are credibly told that hardly a bale of hay or a sack of oats or corn holds its full weight.  Sacks are doled out to the Quartermaster for 150 pounds, weighing actually 140, 125 and even 120 pounds, with no evidence of any loss by carriage.  The same is the way with hay and potatoes.  Bales of hay are meted out at 380 pounds, weighing less and 300.  With the hard bread, bacon and beef, there is probably not so much opportunity of fraud, as they are marked weights as issued from the scales.  The loss, I need hardly say, comes upon the poor beasts, who are now called upon to do double duty.  It is difficult to say whether the purchasing Quartermasters [sic] is privy to this swindle, but in charity let us presume he is not.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 1