James Freeman Clarke to E. C. C., June 18, 1864

June 18, 1864.

... Do you remember David W. Norton, who joined our church eight years ago, and afterwards went to Chicago? He became major in an Illinois regiment, fought in all the chief battles, and was killed, June 3, by a rebel sharpshooter, while in front of our lines with the general, sketching the enemy's lines. Monday I went to Mount Auburn to the funeral. Yesterday I received a cane he cut for me on Lookout Mountain, after the battle.

. . . Do you see how bravely the colored soldiers have fought at Petersburg? They have been praised by the generals on the field for their courage. Still, Government can pay them only seven dollars a month! I talked with Governor Andrew about it after church last Sunday. He said, “I wrote last week to Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens that I should pursue this matter without rest or pause; that I should neither forget nor forgive any neglect or opposition in regard to it; that I would not die till I had vindicated the rights of the colored soldiers.” . . .

SOURCE: Edwin Everett Hale, Editor, James Freeman Clarke: Autobiography, Diary and Correspondence, p. 289

Southern News

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, May 14.

Memphis papers of the 9th, 10th and 11th, are just received, by special express.  They state, on the authority of a dispatch from Natchez, that the Federal fleet had returned down the river to New Orleans.

The Appeal, commenting upon the growing disposition of the part of citizens of Memphis to refuse Confederate notes, characterizes the parties as traitors, and threatens to publish their names in its columns.

The same journal says that the only condition upon which the South will accept peace is the recognition of the independence, not only of the cotton States, but of every border State whose people desire an alliance with the Confederacy.

The Appeal contains an account of the surprise and capture of the Federal cavalry by Col. Claiborne, with 15, 000 cavalry, near Dresden – substantially as I have before telegraphed.  The prisoners were taken to Jackson, Tenn.

The following telegraphic dispatch is published:

CORINTH, May 8.

The anniversary of Palo Alto opened with skirmishing between Gen. Pope’s forces and Gen. Price’s troops on the Farmington & Rienza roads.  At 2 o’clock the firing of the artillery was brisk.  Cox’s Alabama cavalry had several wounded.  There was heavy infantry firing late in the evening in which the enemy were driven back with great loss.  Surgeon W. R. Florall, of the 27th Ohio, and Maj. Applington, of the 42d Illinois were killed.  A flag of truce was sent by the enemy yesterday, asking for an exchange of Lt. Col. Adams, of Mo., and was refused.  The telegraph office at Farmington communicating directly with Washington City, was captured.

The Avalanche, of the 10th says that it has learned from reliable sources that the actual Federal loss at Shiloh exceeded forty thousand.

The Provost Marshal of Memphis has ordered the arrest of all persons refusing to accept Confederate money in payment of debts, or for goods purchased.  “Noting in the least degree calculated to discredit the operation of the Government will be tolerated.”

The Appeal of the 11th, says, “We have certain intelligence that Gen. Halleck has lost over 5,000 of his army by desertion.  The country between the Tennessee river and Kentucky is full of them.  The whole of the 40th Ohio deserted and disbanded after the battle of the 7th, and number of Kentuckians and Missourians have followed their example.  In consequence of disaffection produced by the late anti-slavery movements in Congress; one entire Kentucky regiment had unceremoniously quit Halleck’s army and gone home.

Five hundred Federal cavalry and 1,000 infantry have occupied Paris in consequence of the attack made by our cavalry on the Federal Camp at Dresden, a few days ago.

A report is brought from Little rock that Gen. Curtis’ division of the Federal army have commenced to march upon the capital of Arkansas.  Gen. Steel is marching upon the same point from Pocahontas.

The Appeal of the 11th, has the following special dispatches:

DES ARC, Ark., May 10.

The enemy are reported to be at Augusta, Jackson Co.  They took possession of all the cotton in the neighborhood.  They are reported to be in considerable force at Jacksonport and Batesville.  Their destination is unknown.

Some of the Federals, in disguise, entered this place to-day, and after reconnoitering, returned, pursued by the citizens.

Seventeen hundred bales of cotton were offered upon the shrine of liberty to-day by the citizens of this place.

The enemy are supposed to be under the command of Curtis.  His forces are reported to be between 8,000 and 10,000.

CORINTH, May 10.

Since the terrible thrashing administered to Pope’s command on yesterday, by Price and Van Dorn, we have had no further demonstrations.  Matters are accordingly quiet this morning.

The Appeal of the same date, also contains the following characteristic message from Thompson, relative to the great naval fight of Saturday:

FT. PILLOW RIVER DEFENCE FLEET,

GUNBOAT LITTLE REBEL, May 10.

Editors Appeal:  We Missourians concluded to celebrate to-day, the anniversary of the Camp Jackson massacre.  We have shown the enemy that we will still own the Mississippi river, and can run the blockade whenever we choose.  We gave them a few bullets this morning to show them our power, and after a handsome little skirmish of 30 minutes, we backed down the river with 2 men killed, and 8 slightly wounded.  The officers are all safe, with more confidence than ever, and our boats are uninjured.  The Van Dorn, Capt. Folkerson, has covered our fleet with glory; and all, from Com. Montgomery down to the powder boys, behaved like soldiers and gentlemen, and as good men as ever feathered an or round a quarter deck, or butted a Yankee.

Signed,

JEFF. THOMPSON.

The Appeal published this message without editorial comment.

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

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 39^th 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 42^nd 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 1^st Missouri artillery, are en route for the Cumberland river.  Likewise, the Henry Chouteau steamer is loading with the baggage of the 24^th 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

Died suddenly . . .

. . . at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., on Friday evening, February 14^th, Wm. McGINLEY, Co. B, Forty-second regiment Illinois Volunteers, formerly of Ottumwa, Iowa, aged 30 years.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2

From Island No. 10

Special to the Chicago Times.

CAIRO, April 2.

Accounts from Island No. 10 represent matters there unchanged.  The bombardment continued at intervals.  Shells have been thrown into the new fortifications in the bed of the river.  A few shots have been received in return, with no great damaged on either side.

The rebels are continually building new fortifications.  They are improving every moment of time, and when the attack is made it will be found that the delay has greatly enhanced the difficulty of capture.

Firing is continually heard in the direction of New Madrid, and it is supposed that the enemy are making desperate efforts to prevent Gen. Pope from crossing the river.  They have erected batteries on the point opposite New Madrid, which command a stretch of about five miles of the river, and place his transports in danger of annihilation.  He must silence these batteries before he can cross to the relief of the fleet.

The rebels have also built batteries on the river below New Madrid, and have their gunboats in readiness for action. – There are one or two of these boats guarding the point where our troops are expected to cross.

Advices direct from New Madrid report that Gen. Pope is in active preparation and will soon be in a condition to enter the field, with an overwhelming power.  We are not permitted to give details of his plans, but they will be such as will accomplish the desired result, if it is within the range of possibility.

There is nothing from the Tennessee river of direct importance.

We hear that Gen. Grant is nearly prepared for the grand battle that is expected.  The members of his staff who are here have been ordered to report at head-quarters immediately.

Gen. Buell is on the line of the Nashville and Decatur Railroad, making very slow progress.

The terrific storm that visited this locality last night extended over a wide track of country, and did an immense amount of damage.  Ten or twelve lives were lost by the breaking loose and sinking of boats. – At Paducah and Mound City a large number of houses were unroofed, and several lives lost.  We have heard nothing of its effects on the bombarding fleet.

Special to Evening Journal.

CAIRO, April 2.

The Pike arrived tonight from the fleet.  She reports the gunboat and mortars uninjured.  Two Transports were somewhat damaged.

CAIRO, April 3.

The steamer Philadelphia which was blown away in the gale, yesterday, and supposed to be lost, has been found, on the shore just above Columbus.  She is badly damaged and lost three of her crew.

Eight persons were blown overboard from the steamer Americus and drowned.

A flat boat, occupied by a poor family as resident, was blown away and sunk, the family escaping upon a coal barge, as it floated past.

The Cairo and Columbus wharf-boat was towed back last night, not much damaged.

Things are working at Island No. 10. – Night before last Col. Roberts of the Ills. 42d, with 40 picked men of his command in company with a boat’s crew from each of the gunboats, under command of 1^st master Johnson, of the St. Louis, started at 11 o’clock to take soundings.

At 12 o’clock they brought up at the redan fort, which is the upper one of the rebel works, where they landed.  The rebel sentinels fired their pieces and ran in, leaving the battery in our possession.

The union troops found six guns here which they spiked and left.  One of the guns was a massive 64-pounder; the rest were 24 and 32 pounders.

Not a man was killed or wounded on our side, nor was any one hurt on the other so far as heard from.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, March 7.

There is little news worth telegraphing to-day.

Transports are constantly arriving and departing with troops and subsistence.

The highway of travel up the Cumberland and Tennessee is now thoroughly established, and boats are running regularly, and making daily trips.

Everything is quite at Columbus.  No further danger of attack is feared, the town being guarded by gunboats, mortar boats and troops.

It is expected that the rebels will make a stand at Island No. 10, and to this end they are strongly fortifying it.

Nothing has been heard from Gen. Pope.

A large number of new boats are coming in from St. Louis and other points up the river, in view of the facilities afforded by the opening of the rivers.

It was the 42d Illinois regiment and not the 52d that accompanied the Columbus expedition.

The body of Sergeant Major Smith of the 14^th Iowa regiment, killed at Fort Donelson, passed through here last evening

14 deserters from the confederate army found concealed in cellars at Columbus, where brought here last night by Col. Buford.

Large gangs of men are engaged upon the repairs of the gunboats.  A short time will see them repaired.

The utmost activity prevails in every part of Commodore Foote’s fleet.

Capt. Duff’s Battery went to Columbus last night.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

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

From Gen. Halleck's Army

HEADQUARTERS POPE’S DIVISION (LEFT WING,)

Army of the Mississippi, Six Miles North-East of Corinth, Miss., May 14, 1862.

MR. EDITOR:  So many rumors are put in circulation in the camps, and so many sensation articles are published by news mongers – of which there are scores in the different divisions of the army – which are totally without foundation in fact, that I am determined to write nothing which is not well authenticated.  Many items have already appeared in print concerning the army – or rather armies – for it is published both of the Union and Rebel armies – that are utterly false.  The Rebel army has evacuated Corinth – the Union army has occupied – the Rebels have gone to Grand Junction – to Jackson, Mississippi, and the Union army is in full pursuit, etc., with a thousand other rumors equally reliable.  Now the truth is that up to the present writing, there is no truth in any of these statements.  Both armies occupy nearly the same positions they did three weeks ago.  They are drawing a little closer together and skirmishings are frequent between the pickets and outposts; and last Friday one took place, which, in the absence of so numerous an army, might well pass for a battle.  Fifteen thousand men were engaged, and the loss to the Federal army was about fifty killed and one hundred and sixty wounded.  The Rebel loss is not known, except that one field officer and his horse are known to be killed.  Rumor says he was Gen. Bragg.  He rode out in front of the rebel line some twenty rods.  The 42d Illinois was in the border of the woods, with quite an undergrowth in front of them which completely hid them, they lying flat on the ground, and the Rebel officer seemed to be endeavoring to discover their whereabouts.  Two members of company D, of that Regiment cocked their guns, when the rebel officer cried out, “For God’s sake don’t shoot me;” but by the time the words were out of his mouth he fell, and his horse fell on him.  I received this from two of company D, 42d Illinois who were wounded in the skirmish.  Major Course, of Gen. Pope’s staff, confirms the report.  Twenty-six of the wounded were brought into Hamburg on Saturday last.  All this took place three days before I came here.  Since I came no skirmishing has taken place.  All is quiet, and for aught that appears to the contrary to the casual observer, is likely to continue so. But the death struggle will begin soon.  Some firing in front to-day.  An advance has commenced.  Several batteries, with all their camp equipage have passed my quarters to-day to the front.

Our troops are in possession of Farmington – three miles a little north of east of Corinth.  The deadly conflict will probably commence to-morrow.  From all appearance the preparations are all complete.  Our line of battle is sixteen miles long, in the form of a crescent.  General Pope is on the left, Sherman on the extreme right, Thomas and Buell occupy the center.  General Halleck’s headquarters are at Montgomery near the center.  These places do not appear on the maps, nor have I any data from which to locate them accurately. It is reported that General [Mitchell] has been ordered to move down with his force to our left, probably to cut off the enemy’s retreat on the Mobile railroad, or south to Jackson.  We shall know in a day or two for the great battle, so long expected is just at hand.  Gen. Pope, I think, will be honored with bringing it on.  I shall go to the right wing to-morrow.

H. M. ROBERTS

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

42nd Illinois Infantry

Organized at Chicago, Ill., July 22, 1861. Left state for St. Louis, Mo., September 20, 1861. Attached to Dept. of Missouri, to February, 1862. Flotilla Brigade, Army of Mississippi, to April, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army Miss., to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 13th Division, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Right Wing 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland to January, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps to June, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, to August, 1865. Dept. of Texas, to December, 1865.

SERVICE.--Joined Fremont at Tipton, Mo., October 18, 1861. Fremont's Campaign against Springfield, Mo., October 18-November 9. Duty at Smithton, Mo., December 13, 1861, to February 3, 1862. March to St. Charles, Mo., thence moved to Fort Holt, Ky., February 3-20, 1862. Operations against New Madrid, Mo., and Island Number 10, Mississippi River, February 28-April 8. Engagement at New Madrid, March 3-4. Actions at Island Number 10, March 15-16 and 25. Action and capture at Tiptonville April 8. Expedition to Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 13-17. Moved to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., April 17-22. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Action at Farmington May 3. Reconnoissance toward Corinth May 8. Action at Farmington May 9. Pursuit to Booneville May 31-June 12. Skirmish at Rienzi June 3 (Detachment). Reconnoissance toward Baldwyn June 3. Camp at Big Springs June 14 to July 22. Moved to Iuka, Miss., July 22, thence to Courtland, Ala. Skirmish at Courtland August 22. Duty along line of Memphis and Charleston R. R. till September 2. March to Nashville, Tenn., September 3-12. Action at Columbia, Tenn., September 9. Siege of Nashville September 12-November 6. Repulse of Forest's attack on Edgefield November 5. Duty at Nashville till December 26. Hardin Pike near Nashville December 3. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26-30. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Expedition to Columbia March 5-14. Middle Tennessee or Tullahoma Campaign June 24-July 7. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Passage of Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga, Ga. Campaign August 16-September 22. Battle of Chickamauga September 19-20. Siege of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 24-November 23. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Orchard Knob November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. March to relief of Knoxville, Tenn., and Campaign In East Tennessee November 28, 1863, to January 15, 1864. Camp at Stone's Mill, Tenn., December 27, 1862, to January 15, 1864. Regiment veteranize January 1, 1864. Moved to Dandridge, Tenn., January 15, 1864. Operations about Dandridge January 16-17. Moved to Chattanooga January 21. Veterans on furlough February 21 to April 27. Atlanta, (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8. Demonstration against Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Buzzard's Roost Gap May 8-9. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Calhoun May 16. Adairsville May 17. Kingston May 18-19. Near Cassville May 19. Advance on Dallas May 22-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's Station Smyrna, Camp Ground, July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy's Station September 2-6. Moved to Bridgeport, Ala., September 28. March to Chattanooga, thence to Alpine, Ga., and return October 19-30. Nashville Campaign November-December. Columbia, Duck River, November 24-27. Spring Hill November 29. Battle of Franklin November 30. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood, to the Tennessee River, December 17-28. Duty at Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., till April 1, 1865. Expedition to Bull's Gap April 1-22. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., and duty there till June 15. Moved to Now Orleans, La., June 15-18, thence to Fort Lavacca, Texas, July 18-23, thence to Camp Irwin and duty there till August 17. Post duty at Port Lavacca till December. Mustered out at Camp Irwin December 16 and discharged at Springfield, III., January 10, 1866.

Regiment lost during service 13 Officers and 168 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 5 officers and 201 Enlisted men by disease. Total 387.

SOURCE: Dyer , Frederick H., A Compendium Of The War Of The Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1064-5

Gallant Exploit of Col. Roberts

He spikes a Rebel Battery During the late Gale --- Heavy firing at Point Pleasant.

{Special Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.}

ON BOARD STEAMER V. F. WILSON,
ISLAND No. 10, April 2, 1862
(Via Cairo 3d inst.)

A most daring exploit was performed last night by Col. Roberts and fifty picked men from his regiment, the 42d Illinois. The night was intensely dark, and the previously reported gale of wind and thunderstorm prevailed. During the height of the storm, Col. Roberts and his men, in five yawls managed by crews from the gunboats, left the steamer Benton, and with muffled oars and under cover of darkness crowded down the stream in the direction of the upper battery. When within a few rods of it a blinding flash of lightning glared upon the water, revealing the boats to the sentries. They fired upon our men five or six shots, the balls whistling overhead and doing no damage. The sentinels then incontinently fled back to the camp, which is located some distance to the rear of the battery. Our men made no reply, but pulled up to the fortification, sprang over the parapet, and in three minutes time spiked all the guns, six in number. Col. Roberts himself spiking a huge eighty pound pivot gun. The boats then returned without a man receiving a scratch. The guns, which have all been newly mounted within the past two or three days, (having been previously dismounted by our cannonading,) were sixty-fours and eighties. The rebel steamer Grampus was lying near the battery, but mad no demonstration, fearing to come out in the stream.

The mortars kept up a very heavy bombardment this morning and the rebels replied with spirit from their floating battery. Their shots were well aimed but occasioned no damage. Very heavy and rapid firing was heard last night and this morning at Point Pleasant, or in that vicinity. We have no intelligence from there as yet.

The river has commenced falling – a fact in our favor.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862