Lt. Col. Sanders

We received a lengthy letter from our brother yesterday, written on Sunday and Monday of last week.  His health is no better, still he refuses to come home. – They were at that time expecting a battle hourly.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

16th Iowa Infantry Correspondence

CAMP NEAR PITTSBURG, Tenn.,

May 4, 1862.

EDITOR GAZETTE. – I have been intending to write to you for some time, but our frequent moving, sickness, &c., have prevented.  Even now there is no certainty that a letter commenced will be finished at one writing or in the same camp, even if it take[s] only an hour to write it.  Our marching orders are sudden, and the brief interval is a busy time of preparation.  At all times we have to be prepared for a battle, and generally with rations cooked ahead.  The battle will be daily or hourly expected until it happens, unless we should get news of Beauregard’s retreat, something we do not expect.

A little over a week ago we were in camp thirteen miles from our present location.  An order to move received after dinner, a dismally rainy afternoon, took us four miles away through mud and mire to supper.  We left a beautiful camp, but located in one even more lovely, we occupy the left, the 15th next, 13th next and the 11th on the right, Col. Crocker of the 13th commanding the brigade – (these are the regular positions of the regiments of the brigade in camp.)  Had a brigade inspection, by Inspector Gen. Judah, and our regiment was probably more complimented than any other.

On the 29th our brigade was ordered to march with all the ammunition we could carry, and two day’s rations.  We started in the afternoon, with the prospect of a fight ahead, Lieut. Col. Sanders in command of the 16th, Col. Chambers being absent for some days, with the intention of staying perhaps a month, on business connected with his old government duties.  We marched eight or nine miles and after dark we halted in the woods, where we slept on the ground without covering, in the old style.  In the morning we marched about a mile farther, halted, and soon about faced and marched back to our own camp.  Gen. Wallace’s cavalry attacked Purdy, and we were sent out to support him, and make a reconnoissance.  But he took the place without our aid, and destroyed a long railroad bridge and another property used by the rebels – a serious disaster to our butternut breeched friends.

April 30th, we had our regular inspection and muster for May.  The “pay” has not yet turned up, however.

May 1st, We again struck our tents, and made another move of four miles towards the advance, and in such a lovely place we felt an inward conviction it could not long be enjoyed by us.  Here we received notice that our Division (6th) had a new commander, Gen. McKean being transferred to the first division, and Gen. T. W. Sherman (Port Royal and “Sherman’s Battery” Sherman) commanding our division.  He is reported a splendid officer.

My 3d, yesterday we again moved our camp, taking a five mile step in the advance.  This time the 16th landed with its tents in the middle of a wheat field, far different from the rare forest beauties of our other camps.  The wheat is about a foot high and moderately thick.  The planter is doubtless with the rebel army.  At all events as there are tents scattered all over the immense field, the crop will be effectually blasted.  This country is sparsely settled, and but little cultivated.  It is a beautiful region, but soil generally poor – yet good enough to produce will under free culture.  Whether our camp is in Tennessee or Mississippi, I do not know.  It is certainly very near the line, and about seven miles from Corinth.

Yesterday afternoon there was heavy artillery firing several miles off, and for an hour or two we expected to be called to march and mingle in the strife.  The roar of guns finally died away, and the cause remains yet unexplained to us.  At night we were ordered to provide four days rations, and may any hour be ordered to march leaving our tents behind.

Yesterday, our regimental commander commenced “stripping” us for a fight or quicker marching.  Each company left behind two or three of its five Sibley tents, one of the two officers’ tents, and all the “property” that could be spared, the hospital and extra commissary stores, bed ticks, extra blankets and sick.  Although we have not so large a sick list as a week ago (about one hundred off duty now) yet the sick have been a great incumbrance, and their frequent removals over these very rough roads have been anything but beneficial.  Every regiment has a train of convalescents straggling in its rear when changing camps, with the bed confined to follow in ambulances and wagons.  Yesterday our sick were sent to the river hospital, excepting those likely to be ready for duty in a few days.  This will greatly relieve us, and be better for them.  Several of our officers are sick, and this morning Capt. Smith, of Co. A, will be sent to the hospital, where he out to have been days ago.  He is the “noblest Roman of all,” did his whole duty in the battle, and has been the most eager for another fight.  The prevailing sickness is diarrhea, and it seems uncommonly difficult to control.  Mere astringent medicines will not do it in most cases, but the cause has to be struck at.  The 15th has about two hundred on its sick list, and ever regiment has a pretty large list.  There are however, but few deaths.  Several have died in our regiment, and among them is the old drummer, Mr. Russell, of Boone county.  He was 78 years old, and was a drummer in the war of 1812.  He had not been well since we left Camp McClellan, and here he got the diarrhea which in a few days carried him off.

A letter in the Lyons Mirror has created great indignation among our men and officers, from Clinton Co. especially.  Speaking of the battle the writer (suspected to be an officer most ridiculously bepuffed in the letter) says the 15th did not leave the field until the 77th Ohio and the 16th Iowa had retired.  Now the fact is, the 16th did not leave till that identical 15th flag sent home to the State Historical Society with several holes in it, had gone from the field, and the most of the 15th with it.  This flag had been stuck up on a stump in the battle, and was a pretty mark to shoot at, and without endangering the color sergeant or guard.  I was in another part of the field, but these are told me as facts by a number of reliable officers and men who witnessed what they state.  Our color sergeant was killed while gallantly bearing his banner, and six of the eight color guard wounded.  The 15th did not occupy the position at all stated by this Lyons Mirror correspondent, who was either not in the battle or too badly scared to notice the position of things.  Both regiments did well, and neither should, in doing justice to itself, do injustice to the other.  Both have been outrageously slandered, without cause, and both are eager for another fight to properly annihilate these slanders by deeds instead of words.

Our old friend Wilkie, the war correspondent of the N. Y. Times, is in our camp nearly every day, and is actively at work getting items in this great field of military operations.

J. B.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 15, 1862, p. 2

The 16th Regiment

We are asked so frequently whether we have had anything late from our brother, Add. H., that the following extract from a brief letter received from him yesterday, dated Camp near Pittsburg, April 24th, may be of interest:

“Mr. Parker, our sutler, going direct to Davenport, I send my trunk by him, that you my store it away in a safe place.  We are ‘stripping’ in a manner, for another fight. – Our regiment is going on the advance line to-morrow, and in case of any strong attack by the enemy we should be compelled to fall back, and in that event lose our baggage.  I have a satchel, in which to carry under clothing, &c., but will miss my trunk very much.  Col. C. goes away to0day, to stay a month, or twenty days at the shortest, to settle up his Government business, leaving me in command of the regiment.  I have had the diarrhea for eight or ten days, and cannot get rid of it except temporarily.  Yesterday afternoon I was sicker than I ever was in my life before.  This morning I am so weak I can hardly stand.”

The chronic diarrhea is one of the worst enemies of our soldiers in the South have to contend with, and will be far more fatal to many of them than the bullets of the enemy.  Add should either resign his position or leave until his health is recruited.  A few weeks of good nursing might save his life.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Official Reports of the Battle of Shiloh: No. 84. Col. Alexander Chambers, 16th Iowa Infantry

No. 84.

Report of Col. Alexander Chambers, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry (of the Second Brigade).

HDQRS. SIXTEENTH IOWA VOLS., THIRD BRIGADE,

SIXTH DIVISION, ARMY OF WEST TENNESSEE,

Near Pittsburg Landing, April 24, 1862.

SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday morning, April 6, while my regiment was preparing to join General Prentiss’ division, as was previously ordered, an aide of General Grant ordered my regiment in line on the right of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers, to act as a reserve and prevent stragglers from reaching the river. The line had been formed but a short time when I was ordered to march it, following the Fifteenth Iowa, to General McClernand’s division, whose right was giving way. At this time large numbers of men in squads were returning. Cavalry, infantry, and several batteries of artillery were met on the road without being disabled or having lost their horses or expended their ammunition. From 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m., the time occupied in reaching the battle-field, we met more men returning, of all arms, than belonged to the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments, but I must say, for the credit of the State of Iowa, not one of her quota did I meet.

On crossing an open field, beyond which was the position of the rebels, two of my command were wounded. My regiment was formed on the right of this field in rear of a fence. An aide ordered the regiment to be formed across this open field, which was raked by heavy fire of musketry and a part of a battery of artillery. I marched the men there and ordered them to lie down, when the greater part of the enemy's fire passed harmlessly over us. I had, however, several wounded here. From this position the regiment was ordered forward to the edge of timber, within close range of the enemy, as many of my men were wounded at the same time by both ball and buck-shot. The right of the regiment was of very little service, as they were not in a position, from the lay of the ground, to fire with much effect; but the left of the regiment became hotly engaged with the enemy, and did great execution.

For nearly or quite an hour the regiment held its ground against a much larger force of the enemy, supported by artillery, when they were compelled to give way to their destructive fire and advance or be captured. Word came down the line that a retreat had been ordered, but no such order came through me. At this our whole line gave way and became mixed up with other regiments. My regiment was rallied by Lieut. Col. A. H. Sanders to the number of about 300 and was posted in rear of a battery during the remainder of that day and night, during which time those who had become mixed with other regiments returned and reformed with those under the lieutenant-colonel, I having been wounded and struck by a spent ball in the hip-joint, which was very painful, and rendered me quite lame.

The next day the regiment held the same position in rear of this battery during the fight. I am thus particular in giving an exact account of the part taken in Sunday's and Monday's fight, as some correspondents have been trying to throw the disgrace of their own regiments’ actions on a new regiment that had never gone through the motions of loading a gun even, but notwithstanding this behaved with as much gallantry as any regiment on the field, as its list of killed and wounded will show, for the time they were engaged.

With a few exceptions all the officers and men behaved with judgment and gallantry. The field officers were particularly cool under a destructive fire and rendered great assistance. The horses of all the field and staff officers were killed or wounded, evidently showing an intention on the part of the enemy to pick off the most prominent officers. Captains Ruehl and Zettler, both gallant men, were killed or mortally wounded, and First Lieut. F. N. Doyle, a brave and efficient officer, was also killed.

The loss during Sunday's fight was 2 officers and 16 non-commissioned officers and privates killed, and 9 officers and 94 non-commissioned officers and privates wounded, and 15 non-commissioned officers and privates missing.*

I inclose a list of the killed, wounded, and missing,

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

ALEX. CHAMBERS,

Colonel Sixteenth Iowa Volunteers.

The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL,

General McClernand's Division, Army of West Tennessee.

__________

*But see revised statement, p. 104

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume X (Serial No. 10), Part I, pages 286-7

This vicinity is well represented in Grant's army . . .

. . . and doubtless equally so in the fight.  We have there Capt. Stuhr’s company from this county; and are largely represented in those of Capts. Van Hosen, Williams and Fraser.  We have also Lieut.-Cols. Hall, Price and Sanders; Adjutants Tyner and McCosh, and perhaps Capt. W. T. Clark.  Rock Island county is represented in eight companies.  The anxiety in both cities is naturally very great, and is aggravated by the long delay in hearing from our own immediate representatives on the field, and especially is this the case in this county, for we do not so much as know anything of the whereabouts of an Iowa regiment on that day.  But we cannot be much longer without news.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 1

16th Iowa Monument: Jones' Field, Shiloh National Military Park

IOWA

TO HER

16TH INFANTRY.

MILLER’S (2D) BRIGADE.

PRENTISS’ (6TH) DIVISION.

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

IOWA

16TH REGIMENT INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS,

COMMANDED BY COL. ALEXANDER CHAMBERS, WOUNDED,

LIEUT. COL. ADD. H. SANDERS.

This regiment early in the morning of April 6, 1862, formed on the bluff at Pittsburg Landing and for the first time received ammunition. It remained in this position an hour, when by orders of General Grant it marched with the 15th Iowa to the support of McClernand's (1st) Division. It entered the field near Oglesby's headquarters and while passing over it was fired upon by artillery and musketry. Its Colonel commanding officially reported that the regiment formed line of battle here about 10.30 in the forenoon, and advancing to the edge of timber held that position for an hour or more, and then retired under orders. Later in the day under command of Lieutenant Colonel Sanders it supported Schwartz's battery. On Monday it was on the reserve line.

Present for duty 785. Its loss was 2 officers and 15 men killed; 11 officers and 90 men wounded; 13 men captured or missing; total, 131.

[Per the Shiloh National Military Park Monument Location System:  NOTE* The Shiloh National Military Park Commission disagreed with the Iowa Shiloh Battlefield Commission concerning the time of day this regiment was in action here. Park Historian D. W. Reed records that this regiment joined McClernand on his fifth line. That line was not formed until after 12:00 noon. Reed states that the regiment's severest action occurred between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The farthest advance of the 16th Iowa was possibly 2/10's mile southwest of this monument to a point near or in the camp of the 20th Illinois Infantry, before retiring to this place by 2:00 p.m.]

See Also:

• Dedication Exercises at the 16th Iowa Regimental Monument
• The Iowa Monuments At Shiloh National Military Park
• Official Report of Col. Alexander Chambers
• Iowa Colonels and Regiments: Alexander Chambers

Officers of the 16th Regiment

A correspondent of the Dubuque Times – in whose initials we recognize Mr. Frank Doyle, formerly a printer of that city – thus speaks of the officers of the 16^th Iowa regiment:

“In appointing the field officers for our regiment, Gov. Kirkwood made the very best selection.  Col. Chambers is a West Point graduate, a good business man, a strict disciplinarian, always at his post, perfectly temperate, and a brave officer if I can judge correctly.  Lieut. Col. Add. H. Sanders is not liked by all in the regiment, but he is really loved by every one – we love him as fondly as our lives, and he is deserving of our respect and love.  He is always attending to business, and while doing so he finds time to speak a pleasant word to everybody; no matter whether a ‘Gigadier Brindle’ or a ‘high private in the rear rank.’  When he has no particular business on hand, he is found at the hospital speaking words of sympathy and pleasantry to the unfortunate sick, or providing them with some little delicacy. – This is why we love him.  Major Purcell has been tried upon the battle field, and found to possess the qualifications for an officer.  He was 1^st Lieutenant in Col. C, 1^st Iowa, and was wounded at Wilson’s Creek.  He has recently recovered from the injury.  He is somewhat bashful, and would seem rather reserved until you become a little acquainted, when you find him one of the best natured and must sociable men in the world.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 2

From The 16th Iowa Regiment

BENTON BARRACKS,

St. Louis, March 22, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE. – Knowing the interest of your readers in the progress of the Iowa 16^th, I will give you a few items thereof.  We left Davenport for this place last Thursday morning – weather unpropitious and mud deep.  Till we arrived at Alton, it stormed continually, generally snowing hard, and excessively disagreeable.  The boys took everything philosophically, and were in the very best spirits.  The idea of a change from their old quarters was inspiriting and nothing seemed to dampen their happiness.  The long train moved tediously slow, and those who thought about the matter feared it would make the arrival at St. Louis a night exploit, and bring with it many disagreeablities that otherwise would be avoided.

We did not arrive at Alton till about 4 o’clock Friday afternoon – along after the time we should have been comfortably quartered in these Barracks.  Our train of nineteen passenger and an unknown number of freight cars, had been divided into two trains at Joliet, (where, by the way, through the thoughtfulness of Col. Chambers, several barrels of hot coffee awaited us.)  At Alton, we found everything deeply muddy, and mingled snow and rain adding to the miserable complexion of things.  We were here shipped on to a large steamer for St. Louis, and after about an hour’s delay were off, and in a little over another hour at the St. Louis wharf.

We did not get started to Benton Barracks, about four miles off, till after dark.  The march out was very muddy, but the boys seemed almost to enjoy it.  They sung John Brown & Co. with immense zeal, while our German companies indulged in songs in their own language.  The night was pitch dark, and we stumbled our way along promiscuously after leaving the gas lights.  At 1 1-2 o’clock we arrived at the Barracks.  Excepting an occasional lantern flitting about the grounds, and here and there a flickering candle in officer’s quarters, all was the darkness of the outside fields and woods.  Here our boys came as near being disgusted as their good spirits would permit.  Entering the gate, under, the guide of some non-commissioned supernumerary, we plunged from fathomable into unfathomable mud.  An Irishman with a lantern released us briefly, and then plunged the regiment into something very extraordinary, even after our past experience, in the way of mud.  Getting us well stuck, and not being able to see six feet beyond our noses, the Lt. Colonel in command, (the Colonel having gone out in advance to make arrangements, but it appears losing his way and arriving only a few minutes before us,) became wrathy, ordered the lantern bearer as escort, and started to find headquarters, and have something done for our relief instanter [sic]. – There he found the Colonel, ascertained the quarters were all full, no notice had been had of our coming, and we might get a place in the old “wash house” of former regiments.  He captured another Irishman with another lantern, and triumphantly returned, his Wentz mare snorting with the zeal of her master.  The two lanterns marched us and then countermarched us, and then mired the gallant 16^th, Iowa’s last and best hope.  Finally, we got to a great barn of a building.  Without furniture bunks or straw.  The boys however, went in gladly, and at last piled about promiscuously, were soon asleep, the officers being the last to hunt up corners, a Muscatine Lieutenant sleeping in a manger.

This morning they were an awful muddy looking set of individuals, from the Colonel down, but just as good humored as ever. – To-day all the officials have appeared anxious to do what they could for the 16^th.  In fact, the Iowa boys stand A. No. 1 here.  There is no mistake about that, as remarks all over the camp hourly illustrate.  We have had a large number of bunks put up, and to-morrow will be really comfortable.  The officers have rooms separate from, but adjoining those of the men.  The field and staff officers have a kind of dwelling some distance from the company quarters, and I learn have got their larder filled and cooks at work.  We will immediately recommence our drill, and continue at work till ordered away, which may be any day.

It may seem strange, but in Camp McClellan there is better discipline than at Benton Barracks.  Our “guard mounting” was infinitely better done than here, and rules more rigidly adhered to.  Our reception here, last night, was simply disgraceful, whether we were expected or not.  I did not see a commissioned officer, outside of our own regiment, before I went to bed.  Two Irish sergeants were the only persons who did a thing for us.

I should have said, that in every town and village through which we passed, we were received with cheering, waving of handkerchiefs, &c.  To this our boys grew hoarse in responding.  Our sick are none the worse for the trip, and we have added none to the list, although many a 16^th slept with wet feet last night.  We have not commenced longing for home or feather beds yet.

ORDERLY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 2 

Sale By Auction

Did you ever attend an auction sale?  A goodly number of our citizens can answer that question in the affirmative, judging by the crowd we saw yesterday at Col. Sanders’ sale.  Whether it was the popularity of the individual, or the expectation of finding something recherché, or to obtain articles at an unusually low price, certain it is a goodly number of people were gathered there, and not an article was offered but found somebody ready to take it at a fair valuation.  The fact is, it has been so long since the household goods of any one declining housekeeping have been sold at auction here, that our citizens were eager to purchase.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

Auction Notice

Our citizens will not fail to remember and to attend the auction sale of the furniture and household goods of Col. A. H. Sanders, this morning at 10 o’clock, at his residence on Eighth, between Rock Island and Perry street.  As nothing has been sold at private sale, every article usually required in housekeeping will be found and as all must be sold, purchasers can take them at their own prices.  The furniture has been well kept and is in good order.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

John W. Dewey

ENLISTED as a private in Company F, 16th Iowa, January 27, 1862, and was promoted to Quartermaster-Sergeant of the regiment. The following was written by the late Lieutenant Madison R. Laird, of the same company : —

"John W. Dewey was in the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862; in the siege of Corinth, during April and May, 1862; in the battle of Iuka, September 19, 1862; in all of the marches and skirmishes of the regiment until the 8th of February, 1863, when he was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant. He served during the campaign that reduced Vicksburg, and after this he reenlisted as a veteran volunteer, and with his regiment joined Sherman's army at Big Shanty, Ga. He was engaged with it in all of the skirmishes and battles in front of Kenesaw Mountain, where he was killed July 7th, 1864, by the explosion of a shell from the rebel batteries in front of Nickojack works."

The following particulars of the manner of his death are given by Lieutenant Hope, Quartermaster 16th Iowa, in a letter written to Colonel Dewey of Des Moines : —

"He was on duty at the time — evening July 7th, at 7 o'clock. The Rebels commenced shelling our works — the heaviest shelling I ever experienced. A shell bursted near us, one piece hitting John in the left side, and another small piece in the head, killing him instantly. Either wound would have caused death. He was not mangled except in the side, and when laid out he had more the appearance of being asleep than dead. John was a great favorite in the whole regiment. Many were the tears shed by the group of friends gathered round, when at midnight the coffin was consigned to the grave. Colonel Sanders, though accustomed to look on death, on seeing John's remains, wept like a child."

He was very companionable, and made many friends. I am not aware that he had any enemies except the enemies of his country. General Crocker always spoke of him in the most complimentary terms. It was through the influence of General Crocker that he was promoted. Had Dewey lived, still higher promotion awaited him.

Born in Westfield, Mass., his early life was mainly spent in Lebanon, N. H., his home for many years. He received a very good academical education. Came to Iowa in 1850, at twenty years of age; thought of entering into the practice of law with his uncle, J. N. Dewey, of Des Moines, but the gold excitement took him to the mountains in 1860. He returned to Des Moines in the fall of the same year; taught a term of school during the winter; returned to Colorado in the spring of 1861; came to Des Moines again in the fall, and began recruiting a company for the 16th Iowa, himself enlisting as a private.

After the battle of Shiloh, he spent a few weeks in Des Moines on sick leave, and resumed his place again in the ranks; returned again to Des Moines on a few weeks' furlough after the capture of Vicksburg.

He was hopeful and cheerful; bore misfortune with the composure of a philosopher; he made the best of everything; a man of strict morals.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of "Commen Men", p.230

Local Matters

CLOCKS. – An other installment of clocks just received for sale low for cash, at billon’s No. 10 Le Claire Row.

THE snow storm of Saturday evening was attended by thunder and lightning; rather unusual attendants at this season of the year.

JUST RECEIVED at Plummer’s, a large lot of ladies’ work baskets’ also a fine assortment of cutlery baskets.

$10,000,000 CASH CAPITAL. – There is probably not an insurance agency in the United States that represents more strong companies or a larger capital, than is represented by Mr. R. Simpson.  See advertisement.

THE fire at Princeton on Thursday evening originated in the dry goods store of Mr. Blake, and destroyed that and the adjoining building, which was the dwelling and shop of Mr. Smaltz, a traitor.  Total loss about $4,000; partially insured in the Aetna.

THE SNOW on Friday, though light, drifted so much that it is feared great obstruction has been caused to trains on the different railroads.  The western train started with the Samson locomotive, but could not get beyond Harrison street.  Another locomotive took the train back to the depot, whence it was divided, and subsequently taken out.

A CHANCE FOR BARGAINS! – By advertisement it will be seen there will be an auction sale next Wednesday of all the household furniture of a citizen who is about leaving our midst.  As there is a great quantity of articles to be sold, some of which may be required in almost every household, and there will be no reservation, there should be a large attendance at this sale.  ADD would doubtless be glad to see all his friends at his house, on this the last occasion that he can invite them.

FIRST DAY OF MARCH. – There is an old saying to the effect, that is the month of March come in like a lion it will go out like a lamb, signifying that if it commence[s] boisterously it will close very quietly.  We have the first part of the adage, and will take old Time’s note at thirty days for the balance.  People hereabout were very much surprised – if they are surprised at anything this winter connected with the weather – on awakening Saturday morning to find several inches of snow had fallen during the night, which the wind had drifted in all directions.

THE FIRST BIRD OF SPRING. – We have heard it, and on the first day of spring.  It was early in the morning, the “ground was all covered with snow,” and as we drew our shawl closer around our ears to protect them from the fierce wind, a robin seated himself on a neighboring tree and caroled forth his sweet notes.  Now what brought him so early to this cold and inhospitable clime?  Had he missed his reckoning, or was he ambitiously bent upon being the first messenger from the sunny South?  He came not to tell of war, for amid the desolation of snow around him he sung the glad symphony of peace.  The very birds in their migrations tell us how nearly allied are the extremes of this vast republic, and how necessary to happiness is a union of all the parts.  As the little bird was the harbinger of spring, so may it be the restoration of peace, and prosperity to our distracted country.

THE COURAGE TO SAY ‘NO.’ – The author of Lacon says, ‘that it is better to be laughed at than ruined.’  We were very forcibly reminded of this saying a few days since in observing several big boys daring some little ones to crawl through the snow, under a bridge that spans the deep gutters of Rock Island street.  One little fellow stood there and watched the others as they emerged all covered with snow and dirt, and when the bigger boys dared him to do the same, he proudly drew himself and with dignity said, ‘No, I’d rather take a banter than do that!’  If spared, that little fellow will make his mark in the world.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 1

Household Furniture At Auction

Wednesday, March 5^th, 9 a. m.

ALL THE HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE at the residence of Add. H. Sanders will be sold at public auction, commencing Wednesday morning, March 5^th, at 9 o’clock.  This comprises full

Kitchen, Dining-Room, Parlor and Chamber Furniture,

AND WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVATION.

TERMS CASH.

The furniture is in good condition and every article offered will be SOLD.  Place of sale at the residence on Eighth street, between Perry and Rock Island streets.

PARKER AND VAN TUYL,

Auctioneers.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 1

Gov. Kirkwood On His Way To Cairo

We received the following dispatch yesterday afternoon:

To A. SANDERS:

Gov. Kirkwood and surgeon General Hughes left Des Moines this morning for Cairo. 

GEO. H. PARKER.

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

Funeral Notice

The Funeral of LIZZIE DONALDSON, Wife of ADD. H. SANDERS, will take place this, Thursday, afternoon at 2 o’clock, from the residence on 8th street, between Perry and Rock Island streets.  The friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

A Sad Affliction

Yesterday we announced the sudden death of the beloved wife of our brother, he who so long stood at our side in the editorial capacity of the GAZETTE, and only recently left us to engage in the service of his country.  Widely known, and loved by all that knew here, the unexpected announcement of Lizzie’s death has caused deep sorrow in a large circle of friends.  Within a few years our brother has had the affliction, which only a parent can know, of burying five children, three of whom have lived to an age when the affections of the heart become so deeply enlisted in them.  As each one left, the affections of the parents were centered more deeply on those remaining, but they are all gone, and last of all she who has shared so much affliction with him has been taken away, and an infant is all that is left of his family.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Died

Yesterday afternoon, at 4 o’clock, after a brief illness, LIZZIE DONALDSON, aged 30 years, wife of ADD. H. SANDERS.

Notice of the time of funeral will be given to-morrow.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Addison H. Sanders

ADDISON H. SANDERS was born on the I3th of September, 1823, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His education was begun in a printing office of his native city and completed at Cincinnati College. In 1845 and again in 1846 he came to Davenport, where his brother, Alfred, was struggling to put his Gazette on a paying basis. During each of these visits he stayed several months, taking editorial charge of the paper and thus relieving his overworked brother, so that he might bring the business department into better condition. When the city had grown large enough to demand a daily paper, Addison H. removed to Davenport, in October, 1856, took editorial charge of the Daily Davenport Gazette and continued in that position until he entered the Union army. At the beginning of the Civil War no newspaper in Iowa had wider influence than the Daily Gazette of Davenport. Early in 1861, Add. H. Sanders was commissioned aid to Governor Kirkwood, serving with Judge Baldwin of Council Bluffs and later in the year he was placed in command of Camp McClellan, at Davenport, where the Union volunteers were mustering for the organization of regiments and for drill. The Sixteenth Regiment was organized early in the winter of 1862 and Governor Kirkwood was so impressed with the excellent work and superior qualifications of Add. H. Sanders, that he offered him the position of colonel of the new regiment. But having observed the disadvantage of placing inexperienced officers at the head of new regiments he declined the command, urging the selection of a regular army officer for the place. The Governor and General Baker realized the wisdom of such a selection and Captain Alexander Chambers of the Eighteenth United States Infantry was appointed colonel and Mr. Sanders was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. The regiment received its "baptism of fire" at the desperate and bloody battle of Shiloh and at Corinth, Lieutenant-Colonel Sanders was wounded very severely. He did gallant service during the war, often in command of the regiment. At the Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, Colonel Sanders was taken prisoner, suffering everything but death in the Confederate prison and when exchanged was so low with starvation and fever that for a long time his recovery was doubtful. On the 2d of April, 1865, he was discharged from the service for disability, having been brevetted Brigadier-General for gallant conduct on many battle-fields. Upon his return home, he was appointed postmaster of Davenport. In 1870 he was appointed by President Grant Secretary of Montana Territory and became acting Governor. In 1872 he was appointed Register of the United States Land Office for Montana. He returned to his old home at Davenport where for many years he has done editorial work on several of the daily papers. As a writer, General Sanders has for a third of a century ranked among the ablest in the State.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 230-1

Alfred Sanders

ALFRED SANDERS, pioneer journalist, was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, having been born in that city on the 13th of May, 1819. Like his brother, Addison H., he received his education in the printing office and at Cincinnati College. In 1841 he came to Davenport, Iowa, where in August he established the Davenport Gazette, a weekly Whig newspaper. It was from the first a model typographical journal and gave particular attention to the local interests of the new city and Territory. The young man was but twenty-two years of age and possessed all of the enthusiasm and ability to "work and wait," that characterized the youthful adventurers who hesitated not to leave the comforts of civilization, to help found a new State. For twenty-one years Alfred Sanders worked in his chosen field with undeviating faith in a brilliant future for his journal, his city, and State. The "old Davenport Gazette" was, under his administration, among the most potential forces in helping to lay a sure foundation for the upbuilding of one of the most beautiful and substantial cities of Iowa and no paper in its day contributed more largely toward the material development of all that is most desirable by good citizens, in the growth of a State. Alfred Sanders never sought office and held steadfastly to the career of journalism which he had chosen in youth; was an active member of the Christian Church and died at the early age of forty-six, on the 25th of April, 1865.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 231-2

John A. Rowan, Co. B, 8th Regiment . . .

. . . of this county, who was wounded at the battle of Pittsburg, arrived home yesterday. He says that twice on the battle field he gave acting Colonel Sanders, of the 16th, a drink out of his canteen. Mr. Rowan had the end of the fore finger of his right hand, the trigger finger, shot away. He is home on a short furlough.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 1