Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 12, 1864

Cloudy——rained in the afternoon.

This is the anniversary of the first gun of the war, fired at Fort Sumter.

It is still said and believed that Gen. Lee will take the initiative, and attack Grant. The following shows that we have had another success:

MobiLE, April 11th, 1864.

TO GEN. S. COOPER, A. & H. GENERAL.

The following report was received at Baton Rouge, on the 3d inst., from the Surgeon-General of Banks's army: “We met the enemy near Shreveport. Union force repulsed with great loss. How many can you accommodate in hospitals at Baton Rouge 7 Steamer Essex, or Benton, destroyed by torpedoes in Red River, and a transport captured by Confederates.”

Farragut reported preparing to attack Mobile. Six monitors coming to him. The garrisons of New Orleans and Baton Rouge were very much reduced for the purpose of increasing Banks's forces.

D. H. MAURY, Major-General Commanding.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 185-6

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant, January 30, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,         

Saint Louis, January 30, 1862.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,

Cairo, Ill.:

SIR: You will immediately prepare to send forward to Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, all your available forces from Smithland, Paducah, Cairo, Fort Holt, Bird's Point, &c. Sufficient garrisons must be left to hold these places against an attack from Columbus. As the roads are almost impassable for large forces, and as your command is very deficient in transportation, the troops will be taken in steamers up the Tennessee River as far as practicable. Supplies will also be taken up in steamers as far as possible. Flag-Officer Foote will protect the transports with his gunboats. The Benton and perhaps some others should be left for the defense of Cairo. Fort Henry should be taken and held at all hazards. I shall immediately send you three additional companies of artillery from this place.

The river front of the fort is armed with 20-pounders, and it may be necessary for you to take some guns of large caliber and establish a battery on the opposite side of the river. It is believed that the guns on the land side are of small caliber and can be silenced by our field artillery. It is said that the north side of the river below the fort is favorable for landing. If so, you will land and rapidly occupy the road to Dover and fully invest the place, so as to cut off the retreat of the garrison. Lieutenant-Colonel McPherson, U.S. Engineers, will immediately report to you, to act as chief engineer of the expedition. It is very probable that an attempt will be made from Columbus to re-enforce Fort Henry; also from Fort Donelson at Dover. If you can occupy the road to Dover you can prevent the latter. The steamers will give you the means of crossing from one side of the river to the other. It is said that there is a masked battery opposite the island below Fort Henry. If this cannot be avoided or turned it must be taken.

Having invested Fort Henry, a cavalry force will be sent forward to break up the railroad from Paris to Dover. The bridges should be rendered impassable, but not destroyed.

A telegram from Washington says that Beauregard left Manassas four days ago with fifteen regiments for the line of Columbus and Bowling Green. It is therefore of the greatest importance that we cut that line before he arrives. You will move with the least delay possible. You will furnish Commodore Foote with a copy of this letter. A telegraph line will be extended as rapidly as possible from Paducah, east of the Tennessee River, to Fort Henry. Wires and operators will be sent from Saint Louis.

H. W. HALLECK,    

Major-general.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 121-2

Flag Officer Andrew Hull Foote to Gideon Welles, February 15, 1862

U. S. Flagship St. Louis,                     

Near Fort Donelson (via Paducah), February 15,1862.       

(Received February 16, 1802.)

I made an attack on Fort Donelson yesterday at 3 o'clock p. m., with four ironclad gunboats and two wooden ones, and after one hour and a quarter severe fighting, the latter part of the day within less than 400 yards of the fort, the wheel of this vessel and the tiller of the Louisville were shot away, rendering the two boats unmanageable. They then drifted down the river. The two remaining boats were also greatly damaged between wind and water, this vessel alone having received 59 shots and the others about half that number each. There were 54 killed and wounded in this attack, which we have reason to suppose would, in fifteen minutes more, could the action have been continued, have resulted in the capture of the fort bearing upon us, as the enemy was running from his batteries when the two gunboats helplessly drifted down the river from disabled steering apparatus, as the relieving tackles could not steer the vessels in the strong current, when the fleeing enemy returned to the river battery guns from which they had been driven and again hotly poured fire upon us. The enemy must have brought over twenty guns to bear upon our boats from the water battery and the main fort on the hill, while we could only return the fire with twelve bow guns from the four boats. One rifled gun aboard the Carondelet burst during the action.

The officers and men in this hotly contested but unequal fight behaved with the greatest gallantry and determination, all deploring the accident rendering two of our gunboats suddenly helpless in the narrow river and swift current. On consultation with General Grant and my own officers, as my services here until we can repair damages by bringing up a competent force from Cairo to attack the fort, are much less required than they are at Cairo, I shall proceed to that place with two of the disabled gunboats, leaving the two others here to protect the transports and with all dispatch prepare the mortar boats and the Benton with other boats to make an effectual attack upon Fort Donelson.

I have sent the Tyler to the Tennessee River to render impassable the bridge, so as to prevent the rebels at Columbus reinforcing their army at Fort Donelson.

A. H. Foote,                       

Flag-Officer, Comdg. Naval Forces, Western Division.

Hon. Gideon Welles,

Secretary Navy.

SOURCE: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Volume 22, p. 584-5

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 17, 1864

Headquarters Div. Seventeenth Army Corps,

Red River Expedition, Fort De Russey,

Avoyelles County, Louosiana, March 17, 1864.

My Dear Wife:

My last hurried letter to you was dated from on board ship at Vicksburg. The fleet of transports under my command sailed from that point at seven o'clock, Thursday, 10th inst., arrived at mouth of Red River and reported to Admiral Porter on Friday at noon. At 10 A.m., Saturday, sailed up Red River and Atchafalaya under orders and signals from flagship Black Hawk, to Simmesport. Morning of Sunday debarked my troops for inspection, review and drill by regiments. At seven o'clock P.M., received marching orders, and at 8 P.M. marched, bringing up the rear of the column, repaired bridges through the night, roads for greater part of the way bad and swampy; bivouacked at 4 A.M., Monday, eight miles from Simmesport. Meanwhile, Gen. A. J. Smith, with General Mower's command, had reconnoitred the front, driven four regiments of the enemy from a fortification, situate some five miles from Simmesport, and was making across country for Moreauville on Bayou L'Eglise. Gave my troops rest two hours; at six o'clock took up the line of march, moving forward rapidly till eleven o'clock, when I halted, ordered coffee for the men and fed the animals. Meanwhile pioneers were reconstructing bridge destroyed by the enemy. At noon resumed march which till this time had led us for the most part through a rich and highly-cultivated country past extensive canefields and sugar-houses, now crossing a bayou and penetrating a swamp spreading some few miles before us. Ascending a slight elevation, we suddenly emerged in one of the most beautiful prairies imaginable. High table land, gently undulating, watered by exquisite lakes occasional groves, the landscape dotted with tasteful houses, gardens and shrubberies. This prairie, called Avoyelles, is settled exclusively by French emigrés, many of whom, as our army passed, sought shelter under the tricolor of France. Pushing forward rapidly, we gained Marksville at 4.30 P.M. Deserters had warned us that the enemy were on our left flank and rear as early as three o'clock. My troops were well closed up. Two and a half miles beyond Marksville, I formed line of battle at 5.30, my right resting immediately on the left of the advanced forces. My transportation and ambulances parked far to the rear. As my command came to front, brisk musketry firing commenced at the fort. Some shells fell to the rear and right of my line. I was ordered by the general commanding to look well to my rear and left wing, that I might anticipate attack from General Walker with six thousand Texans. I stood to arms. At 6.30 news was brought me that the fort had surrendered. I threw out heavy pickets, stacked arms and went into bivouac, a piercing cold “Norther” sweeping over the plain. In summary, I remark that the command on the 14th inst, marched twenty-eight and a half miles, built a substantial bridge of sixty feet in length, repaired minor ones, and took a fort between sunrise and sunset. But one brigade, Colonel Ward, commanding, was actively engaged; their casualties nine killed, thirty-seven wounded. The substantial results I enclose in memorandum of ordnance and ordnance stores, to which may be added a large amount of commissary stores, flour, beef, sugar and molasses, and three hundred and thirty-four prisoners, thirty-four of whom were officers from lieutenant-colonel to third lieutenant.

Meanwhile, convoy and fleet had made slow and devious way through the tortuous windings of Red River, where navigation at present stage of water is difficult. Rapid current, frequent eddies, sharp bends and snags, are the natural obstacles; to these the enemy added rafts and spiles; nevertheless, as the fort surrendered, the Black Hawk rounded to land shortly afterwards the general commanding received the congratulations of the Admiral, whom he will compliment by present of the nine-inch Dahlgren, of the Indianola, and the two heavy guns of the Harriet Lane, recaptured. My command is in occupation of the fort, and will be engaged to-day and to-morrow in the demolition of the casemates, bridges, etc., etc., and finally the blowing-up of the magazines, in which we shall permit to be destroyed vast quantities of powder. The main body under command of General Mower, convoyed by Admiral Porter, sailed last night for Alexandria, where I expect to join them in three days. Gen. A. J. Smith remains with me, and gunboats Essex and Benton, Captains Grier and Townsend.

A glance at the map will give you my present locality without the aid of sketch; but I will enclose herewith draft and dimensions of fortifications that you may intelligently answer questions; to which end, indeed, I have written you a sort of condensed report. If you have not “Colton's” maps, you had better buy first volume, North and South America; meanwhile you can borrow and trace me down the Mississippi, up the Atchafalaya, pronounced “Chafalia,” to Simmesport, across country to Marksville, from thence to Fort De Russy, on the Red, thence up the river to Alexandria.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 356-9

From Tennessee

CAIRO, May 14.

A deserter came on board the flag boat Benton, on the 12th and stated that the rebel rams and gunboats engaged in the encounter of Friday morning were not sunk, as represented in a previous dispatch. – They were terribly shattered, but our gunners undoubtedly fired the most of their shots above the water-line, and they struck where the rams were either heavily plated or protected with a layer of cotton bales.

Experienced naval men are of the opinion that the same number of shots, at the same distance, directed near or below the waterline, would have sent every one of the rebel crafts to the bottom.

The deserter reported that the rebel fleet lay off Ft. Pillow yesterday, busily engaged in repairing the damage received, faithfully promising to return in exactly 48 hours, and whip us most handsomely.  They may for once in their lives prove as good as their word, and come up to-day, and make a second desperate attempt, for no one supposes that anything but a most critical condition on their part could induce them to come out in this manner.  Farragut in the rear, Commander Davis in front, Curtis on the east, and the swamps of Arkansas on the west, are enough to make the most cowardly desperate.

An officer of the Union flotilla went out in a skiff on Friday afternoon, within sight of the rebels, and remained for more than an hour taking observations.  His report to the commander confirms the state of the activity in their fleet, and the fact that their rams were not sunk in the late engagement.

The rebels in the late fight were provided with an apparatus for throwing hot water, and actually tried it on the Cincinnati.  The bursting of their hose only prevented great havoc among the Union crew.  This bursting of the scalding concern probably gave rise to the idea that the rebels had collapsed a flue.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 2

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 4. – HOUSE. – The House went into Committee of the Whole on the States of the Union, Mr. Webster in the Chair.

On motion of Mr. STEVENS, the bill to establish a branch Mint at Denver, in Colorado Territory, was taken up, and debate limited to five minute speeches.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM said an allusion had been made in the Senate recently, to a Democratic conference held last week.  As to what took place there, he had no right to speak, but the injunction of secrecy did not apply to the call – which was in these words:

Democratic Conference. – We, the undersigned, members of the Democratic party, of the United States, determined to adhere to its ancient principles, and maintain its organization unbroken under all circumstances, as the party able to maintain the Constitution, to restore the old Union of the Sates, do hereby united in this call for a conference of all who may sign the same approving the objects indicated.

This call was signed by some thirty-five members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Mr. STEVENS asked who signed it.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM &c.  He continued, all of them are able to read and right.  No one made his mark.  If this did not refer to a political organization, he was not capable of understanding language.  The movement thus commenced would go on, and it was the determination of some that the organization should be completed.  Beyond this he was not able to speak.  His name was appended to the call.

The Committee rose and the bill for the branch Mint ad Denver passed.

The House went into committee of the whole.

Mr. BEAMAN expressed his views in favor of establishing Territorial Governments in the so-called Confederate States.

The committee rose and the House adjourned till Monday.

Several bills relating to the District of Columbia, were passed, and after Executive session the Senate adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, April 8. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALLANDIGHAM offered a resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, proposing with the consent of the Senate to adjourn on the third Monday in May.

Mr. ARNOLD read a dispatch from Com. Foote to Secretary Wells, dated Island Nol. 10, saying that two officers of the rebel Navy from Island 10, boarded the Benton yesterday, offering to surrender the Island.  The dispatch was received with rounds of applause.

The House resumed the consideration of the amendments to the tax bill.  Among other amendments concurred in, are the following:

Every person owning a dog to pay a tax of one dollar; pleasure or racing vessels, under the value of six hundred dollars, shall pay a tax of five dollars, when not exceeding one thousand dollars in value, ten dollars, and for every thousand dollars additional, ten dollars; organs and melodeons kept for use [or on] sale, according to value, from 60 cents to $6.  All dividends in scrip or money or sums of money hereafter held due or payable to the stockholders of any railroad company, as part of the earnings, profits or gain of said companies, shall be subject to pay a duty of 3 per cent on the amount of all such interest or coupons or dividends, whenever the same shall be paid.

Duties of dividends of life insurance shall not be deemed due until such dividends shall be payable by such companies, banks, trust companies or savings institutions.

Insurance companies are authorized and required to deduct and withhold from all payments made to any persons or parties on account of any dividends or sums of money that may be due and payable as aforesaid from the 1st of May next, the said debt or sum of 3 per cent.

Foreign bills of exchange or of credit drawn in, but payable out of the United Sates, if drawn singly, or if drawn in sets of more than one according to the custom of merchants and bankers.  For every bill of exchanged State or drawn on any Foreign country, but payable to the United States, where the sum made payable shall not exceed five hundred dollars, or the equivalent thereof, in any foreign currency, in which such bills may be exposed according to the standard value fixed by the United States, shall pay a stamp duty of five cents; the manifest of a part of a cargo of any vessel or custom of clearance shall pay a duty of twenty-five cents; a manifest in the custom house entry or clearance of the cargo of any ship, vessel or steamer, if the registered tonnage does not exceed three hundred, shall pay a duty of $1; upon every protest of every note, bill of exchange, acceptance, check or draft, in any marine paper, whether protected protested by notary public or any other officer who may be authorized by the law of any State to make such protest, there shall be paid a duty of 25 cents.

The proceedings were agreeably interrupted by Mr. COLFAX sending up to the clerk’s desk to be read:

______ Landing, Tenn., April 8, 8 p. m.

To Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

The enemy evacuated Island No. 10 last night.  It is occupied by Col. Buford of the 27th Illinois regiment.  Gen. Pope will capture all that remains on the high lands to-day.  The movement on the rear has done this work.

(Signed.)

THOMAS A. SCOTT.

This was received with loud applause and cries of good.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Latest from Island No. 10

FLAGSHIP BENTON, ISLAND NO. 10,

EVENING of April 3.

At an early hour this morning a large object was seen moving up along the Island, and glasses revealed it to be the floating battery, which the rebels were towing into position, from which to command good range of the mortar boats. – When it got sufficiently near, a brisk fire was at once opened upon it, and in the course of half an hour the battery was struck several times – splinters being thrown in all directions, and several beams displaced.  One mortar shell fell and exploded directly inside, wrapping the inside in a cloud of smoke.  The fire must have been terribly destructive to the gunners, for the battery was immediately sunk to the water’s edge by the rebels, and towed back out of range.  The few shot previously fired from it fell some distance short, but evidently only from unskillful gunnery, as the ordnance as at other times proved of long range.

A shot from one of the new rifled Dahlgrens on the Benton, carried away the smoke-stack of the steamer thought to be the Lackland, which attempted to run reconnoitering along the Kentucky shore.

At one time a crowd of rebels could be seen busily at work on their upper battery, the guns of which were spiked two nights ago.  They were repairing the work apparently endeavoring to unspike the cannon.  Some shell were thrown at them, when they immediately disappeared, and did not return again.

A great source of annoyance for some time has been the steamer Winchester, lying sunk in the stream some distance from the island, and used by the enemy’s spies, who could from there watch easily every movement of the fleet.  An effort was accordingly made this morning to destroy it, and a mortar shell being lodged successfuly, the boat was soon in flames, and burned to the water’s edge.

The skillful firing to-day has rendered the foe extremely cautions; all their tents are moved back far out of range, and it is only at rare intervals that individuals show themselves.

Advices from New Madrid report affairs here quiet, and the fact is fully ascertained that the rebels have erected batteries on the Kentucky shore opposite New Madrid.  The ballon has been taken from herp.

The river is falling very rapidly, and it will soon be possible to land troops at any point wished along the banks here.  This will much facilitate operations.

CAIRO, April 5. – The firing at Island No. 10 last night disabled a floating battery of the rebels.  One shell struck directly in it, killing three of the men and disabling it so that it floated down towards the foot of the Island.  The firing to-day has been more active and has done good execution.

A messenger from New Madrid this evening reports that the rebels erected a battery last night opposite Point Pleasant, and this morning opened fiercely upon our works.  After firing for some time the battery was silenced by our guns, and a warehouse on the Kentucky shore was fired by our shells.  It and its contents were consumed.  No casualties on our side reported, and the loss of the rebels is not known.  Several must have been killed.  All quiet here.  No news from the Tennessee.

The bombardment to-day upon our side had been very heavy.  The mortars have kept up a regular and splendid fire.  The work admirably and with great precision.

At 2 o’clock this afternoon one o four shells struck the sunken steamer Winchester, which the rebels sank in the shoot.  The shell set her on fire and she was soon consumed.  She has been used as a rebel picket house.  The enemy has replied but a few times, and then wildly.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Report of Com. Foote

WASHINGTON, April 9. – The following was received at the Navy Department, this morning:

“Flag Ship BENTON, Island No. 10,

April 8, 1862.

“To Hon. G. Wells [sic] Sec’y of Navy

“I have to inform the Department that since I sent the telegram last night, announcing the surrender to me, of Island No. 10, possession has been taken both of the Island and the works upon the Tennessee shore, by the Gunboats and the troops under command of General Buford. – Seventeen officers & 368 privates, besides on hundred of their sick, and one hundred men employed on board the transports, are in our hands unconditional prisoners of war.

I have caused a hasty examination to be made of the forts, batteries and munitions of war captured.  There are 11 earth works, with 70 heavy cannon, varying in caliber from 32 to 100-pounders, rifled.  Their magazines are well supplied with powder, and there are large quantities of shot and shell and other munitions of war and also great quantities of provisions, four steamers afloat, have fallen into our hands and two others, with the rebel gunboat “Grampus,” are sunk, but will be easily raised.  The floating battery of 16 heavy guns, turned adrift by the rebels, is said to by lying on the Missouri shore, near New Madrid.

The enemy upon the main land appear to have fled with great precipitation, after night, leaving many instances, half prepared messes, in their quarters, and there seems to have been no concert of action between the rebels upon the Island and those occupying the shore, but the latter fled, leaving the former to their fate.

These works, erected with the highest engineering skill are of great strength, and with the natural advantages would have been impregnable if defended by men fighting in a better cause.

A combined attack of the naval and land forces would have taken place this p. m., or to-morrow morning, had not the rebels so hastily abandoned their stronghold to mature the plans of attack, which absolutely required 23 days of preparation.

Gen. Pope is momentarily expected to arrive with his army at this point, he having successfully crossed the river yesterday under a heavy fire, which no doubt led to the hasty abandonment of the works.

I am unofficially informed that the two gunboats which so gallantly ran the fire of the rebel batteries a few nights since, yesterday attacked and reduced a part of the works opposite, dismounting eight heavy guns.

The following is a copy of an order of Gen. McCall on assuming command of the Rebel forces on the 11th inst.

Soldiers:  We are strangers, Commander and commanded, each to the other.  Let me tell you who I am.  I am a General made by Beauregard.  A General selected by Beauregard and Bragg for this command when they knew it was in peril.  They have known me for twenty years.  We have stood together on the fields of Mexico.  Give me then, your confidence.  Soldiers, the Mississippi Valley is entrusted to your care.  Exhibit the vigilance and coolness of last night and hold it.

(Signed.)

W. D. McCALL,

Brig. Gen. Commanding.

I regret that the painful condition of my feet, still requiring the use of crutches, prevented me from making a personal examination of the works.  I was therefore compelled to delegate Lieutenant Commanding Phelps of the Flag Ship Benton.

(Signed.)

A. H. FOOTE,

Flag Officer Commanding.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

The Battle at Island 10

FOURTH DAY.

Monday, March 17. – Last night was one of unusual clearness and the river and shores were bathed in the most delicious moonlight.  If painters need any business, when the grim dogs of war are baying, they would have reveled in the scene.  Although I was surrounded by all the fearful paraphernalia of war, there was nothing to disturb the serenity of the night.  No sounds were audible save the plash of the water, the snarling trumpet calling our pickets afar off, and the sound of the bells upon the gunboats as they called the hours.  The forenoon was consumed until 10 o’clock in supplying the mortar rafts with shells and powder from the ammunition boats.  About half-past ten the mortars commenced practice, occupying the same position as the day before excepting two, which were moored on the left bank about three miles below the upper battery.  Two of the mortars shelled the rebel encampments round the point, the fire of the others concentrating upon the upper battery.  About 11 o’clock, the gunboats took position.  The Benton, Cincinnati and St. Louis lashed together, slowly dropped down the river and opened fire upon the same battery. – The scene now became animated in the extreme, the ball being fairly opened.  I took a position on shore, near the point and alongside the mortars, to witness their practice.  The firing of a mortar is the very poetry of a battle.  A bag of powder weighing from eighteen to twenty pounds is dropped into the bore of the huge monster.  The derrick drops the shell in; the angle is calculated; a long cord is attached to the primer; the gunner steps out upon the platform, and the balance of the crew upon the shore.  The Captain gives the word, the gunner gives his cord a sudden jerk, a crash like a thousand thunders follows, a tongue of flame leaps from the mouth of the mortar, and a column of smoke rolls up in beautiful fleecy spirals, developing into rings of exquisite proportions.  One can see the shell as it leaves the mortar flying through the air, apparently no larger than a marble.  The next you see of the shell, a beautiful cloud of smoke bursts into sight, caused by the explosion.  Imagine ten of these monsters thundering at once, the air filled with smoke clouds, the gunboats belching out destruction and completely hidden from sight in whirls of smoke, the shell screaming through the air with the enemy sending their solid shot and shell above and around us, dashing the water up in glistening columns and jets of spray, and you have the sublime poetry of war.  An incident, however, will show how completely the battle may lose its poetry and develop into a stern and suggestive reality.

FIFTH DAY.

TUESDAY, March 18, 1862. – The firing of our boats yesterday very seriously damaged the upper fort, and at an early hour this morning some two or three hundred men could be discovered busily at work repairing the breaches.  The Benton at once dropped down and commenced using her bow rifles with the happiest effect, causing a complete suspension of labor upon the works, the laborers running pell-mell to the nearest shelter.  The Benton continued her practice until the mortars commenced, when she ceased firing.  The gunboats have been idle to-day, the mortars occupying the time exclusively and making some excellent shots.  Several shells have been lodged in the head of the Island.  The mortar practice is rapidly improving, and at the present rate of improvement will warm up the rebel encampment and fortifications to a degree which must cause a speedy evacuation.

This morning I visited Com. Foote.  He expressed himself confident of reducing the place, but says it will take time.  He is fighting the battle at fearful odds.  The gunboats are too unwieldy and unmanageable to fight down stream in the mad current, which sweeps round the point with irresistible fury.  Should one of them become crippled, no power could save her from falling into the hands of the rebels, or being entirely destroyed by their floating battery.  Still the Flag Officer is hopeful.  Undaunted by the difficulties which stare him in the face, by the mean, despicable lack of sympathy with his plans upon the part of certain army officers and others high in power, thus thwarting him in his endeavors to expedite matters to a successful issue.  He will yet cut the Gordian knot by a splendid victory, and clear the river to Memphis and thence sweep triumphantly to the Balize.

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

First Day’s Fight at Island No. 10

CAIRO, March 17, on board the Benton, Island No. 10, March 16. – Got under way at daylight this a.m. and dropped down to within range of the upper battery and commenced to arouse them with the rifles of the Benton, while the mortar boats were trying to wade into position.  Only a couple of shots were fired, when a white flag was seen to wave from the works and to continue waving until answered by a white flag from the flagship.

Of course firing ceased, as did also all operations, even the moving of the mortars, while a tug carried Lieut. Bishop down to see what was wanted.  On arriving at the work he was answered that they were signaling their works down the river and did not wish to communicate with us; a mere subterfuge to gain time, which was followed up by the Grampus, with a white flag, steaming towards the tug from the Island.  Lieut. Bishop was of the opinion that time enough was lost and did not wait for the Grampus, but steamed off for the Benton and the Grampus hauled down the white flag and ran back under cover again.

Up to this time no rebel colors had been shown from the battery, but now it went up and the preparations to get it down regularly in the approved method went on with renewed vigor.- Eight mortar boats were soon in position and engaged in throwing 13-inch shell.

Lieut. Bishop disgusted at the bad taste of the rebels who did not wish to communicate with so gallant and good-looking officer, by permission of the flag-officer and Capt. Phelps, he opened directions by guns of the [Benton’s] rifled 74; with such style that the rebels ran from the work and their flag was covered with dirt and mud.

The firing was kept up steadily though slow until 5 P. M.  The mortars exploding 210 shells and the Benton 41.  The heart of every man in the flagship was saddened by sympathy with the grief of our beloved flag officer Foote, who received by the dispatch boat at noon intelligence of the death of his second son, a lad of 13 years, of exceeding promise, of whose illness the Commodore had no previous intelligence. – To-morrow will see the reduction of one or more of the enemy’s works and the close investment of the whole.

The place is very strong – four our point of view we could see forty-four guns in position and negroes were busily at work on the battery out of our reach, on which to-morrow we shall probably find heavy guns mounted.  With all these notes of preparation and all these premonitions of a hard fight, some incredulous people will suspect that the troops marching across the woods from Island No. 10, to Maryweather’s landing on the Mississippi below Point Pleasant, a distance of only 5 miles from the Island over a practicable road, and that when they are embarked on the fleet of boats, the smoke of which has plainly been seen all day at Maryweather’s, we shall find the next empty and the river clear of rebels to Randolph of Fort Pillow.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

From Island No. 10

CAIRO, March 18. – A messenger just from Island No. 10, says that our boats kept up a short range fire on the enemy’s works all day yesterday.  The rebels have six batteries on the Tennessee shore.  Our mortar boats kept firing every half hour during the night.  One shell from a rebel battery struck the Benton, killing one and wounding seven others.

A rifled gun on the St. Louis bursted killing one of the crew.  The St. Louis was struck several times.

The enemy is very strongly fortified and have a large number of batteries on the main land.

The shells from the mortars fall in the enemy’s batteries on the Island every time.

All the mortar boats here are to leave for the Island.

The gunboat Cincinnati received a shot which is said to have done some damage to her machinery.

The bursting of the gun on the St. Louis killed one, mortally wounded two and severely wounded several others.

The previous report that one was killed and several wounded on the flag ship is contradicted.  No damage was done to any other of the boats.

Nothing has been heard from the land forces at New Madrid yet.

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

WASHINGTON, April 9 [1862].

The following was received at the navy department this morning:

FLAGSHIP BENTON,

ISLAND NO. 10, April 8.

HON. G. WELLES, Secretary of Navy –

I have to inform the department that since I sent the telegram last night announcing the surrender to me of Island No. 10.  Possession has been taken both of the Island and the works upon the Tennessee shore by the gunboats and the troops under command of Col. Buford.  17 officers and 368 privates, besides one hundred of their sick and one hundred men employed on board the transports, are in our hands, unconditional prisoners of war.

I have caused a hasty examination to be made of the forts, batteries and munitions of war captured.  There are 11 earthworks, with 70 heavy cannon, varying in caliber from 35 to 100-pounders, rifled.  The magazines are well supplied with powder, and there are large quantities of shot, shell and other munitions of war; and also great quantities of provisions.  Four steamers afloat have fallen into our hands, and two others, with the rebel gunboat Grampus, are sunk, but will be easily raised.  The floating battery of 16 heavy guns was turned adrift.

The rebels are said to be lying on the Missouri shore below New Madrid.  The enemy upon the main land appear to have fled with great precipitation after dark last night, leaving in many cases half-prepared meals in their quarters, and there seems to have been no concert of action between the main shore, but the latter fled, leaving the former to their fate. – These works erected with the highest engineering skill, are of great strength, and with their natural advantages would have been impregnable if defended by men fighting in a better cause.

A combined attack of naval and land forces would have taken place this P. M. or to-morrow morning, had not the rebels so hastily abandoned this stronghold.  To mature the plans of the attack it absolutely required twenty-three days of preparation.

Gen. Pope is momentarily expected to arrive with his army at this point, he having successfully crossed the river yesterday under a heavy fire, which no doubt led to the hasty abandonment of the works.

I am unofficially informed that the two gunboats which so gallantly ran the fire of the rebel batteries, a few nights since, yesterday attacked and reduced a fort of the enemy opposite, dismounting eight heavy guns.

The following is a copy of the order of Gen. McCall, on assuming command of the rebel forces on the 11^th inst.:

SOLDIERS – We are strangers, commander and commanded, each to the other.  Let me tell you who I am.  I am a General made by Beauregard; a General selected by Beauregard and Bragg for this command when they knew it was in peril.  They have known me for twenty years.  We have stood on the fields of Mexico.  Give them your confidence now; give it to me when I have earned it.  Soldiers, the Mississippi valley is entrusted to your patience; exhibit the vigilance and coolness of last night and hold it.

(Signed.)

W. D. McCALL,

Brig. Gen. Commanding.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

From Island No 10

Special to the Chicago Times.

CAIRO, April 6.

The most exciting event of the siege occurred on Friday night.  At ten o’clock P. M. the gunboat Carondelet, under command of Capt. Walker ran the blockade, and escaped safely the fire of the enemy’s batteries, arriving at New Madrid at daybreak.  She was prepared for the event by mooring alongside on the side towards the batteries, a barge loaded with bales of hay, which were so arranged as to protect her from shot.  The night was excessively dark and stormy.  The sky became overcast at about 10 o’clock, and a storm of wind and rain arose, accompanied with vivid and incessant lightning.  The wind was not very strong but the darkness and the lightning were intense.

The Carondelet passed the first battery before she was discovered.  The second opened upon her as soon as its guns could be brought to bear, but owing to the darkness, and the speed with which she moved, the fire was totally harmless.

The 3d battery concentrated its fire upon her, but not a shot struck the boat. – The effect of the vivid lightning was blinding to the gunners, and the speed of her movements rendered an aim extremely difficult.  She continued her course unchecked, and ran by the fourth and fifth batteries with the same fortunate result.  Fifty-three shots were fired at her, but not one struck her.

The battery on the head of the Island was the most formidable, but none of its guns took effect.

About three miles below the Island the rebel floating battery opened on her and delivered its fire as long as she continued within range, but not a single shot took effect.  However, a continuous fire of musketry was kept up from the shore, and many bullets struck the boat, but all hands were below, and nobody was hit. – This fire is described as very hot.  All the troops on the line of the shore poured in their fire as fast as they could load and discharge.

The Carondelet did not discharge a gun during the entire passage.  She pursued her way in silence, and with ports closed.  She passed the last battery about an hour after she left the fleet.  The cannonading was distinctly audible, and all awaited with intense anxiety for her signal of safety and success.  It came finally in the form of three guns, fired at intervals of five minutes, followed by a repetition of the same after a lapse of ten minutes.  The sound of the signal was received with wild enthusiasm throughout the fleet, and shouts went up which waked the echoes of the night.  The success of the attempt was thus established, and the details were looked for with the greatest interest.

Yesterday Col. Phelps returned and communicated the cheering fact that the Carondelet was uninjured, and is now safely moored at New Madrid.  She laid by after running by the batteries, and waited for daylight for fear of our batteries at New Madrid, which, not knowing what she was, would have fired into her.  She was received at New Madrid with the greatest rejoicing, and congratulations were tendered to her brave officers for their successful achievement.

Gen. Pope and Mr. Scott, assistant secretary of war, visited Capt. Walker on board his boat, and escorted him ashore where he was received at headquarters with many cheers.  The sailors were welcomed with extravagant demonstrations.

Exciting news may be expected soon.  The enemy seem to be very much irritated at the various successes that have attended our cause within the past week.  The spiking of the guns of the upper battery has not been removed.  The battery seems to be effectually silenced, though they were engaged in mounting a new gun at that place yesterday.  A sharp firing was kept up all day yesterday, to which the rebels replied vigorously, showing their irritation.  The Benton succeeded in lodging a shell in the rebel steamer Izel, causing her to run hastily under cover of the island.

Their wharf boat was also dislodged, and sent down stream.

Four or five shells from one of the mortar boats exploded in the midst of their upper encampment.

Heavy cannonading has been heard all day in the direction of New Madrid, indicating that the Carondelet has not failed to find plenty of work.

Of Gen. Pope’s movements we have no news.

Our mortar boats are firing occasionally to-day, but get no response from the enemy.

6 P. M. – very heavy firing continues to be heard in the direction of New Madrid.  It is thought that the Carondelet is engaged with some rebel gunboats.  From one to eight heavy reports are heard per minute.  Whatever the occasion, the engagement at this writing is a desperate one.

Official dispatches have been received by the flag officer, announcing that the Carondelet escaped the rebel batteries uninjured.

A single musket ball struck the rail, but otherwise she was untouched.  Her escape is attributable to the fact that she hugged the shore of the island closely.

It was impossible for the rebels to depress their guns sufficiently to hit her.

There is a great rejoicing throughout the fleet at her signal escape.

Special to Tribune.

NEW MADRID, April 4.

A severe storm passed over camp this A. M., and during its continuance, we heard nothing of artillery practice at Island No. 10.

This afternoon the roar of the mortars is heard continually.  A furious bombardment is progressing.

The entire army will be paid off this week.  The paymaster escorted by two companies of cavalry arrived to-day from Sikeston with the necessary funds.

A teamster who has just returned from Commerce, reports that S. G. Kitchen of the rebel Thompson’s band of thieves is in the swamps back of that post, with a squadron of rebel cavalry, estimated at 200, and that fears are entertained that Union men in the vicinity will be subjected to fresh persecutions.

Another report is current this evening that Jeff. Thompson has assembled a force of considerable strength at Holcomb’s Island at the terminus of the blank road extending westward form Point Pleasant, about twelve miles from this camp.  His position is represented by scouts as exceedingly strong, and his defenses are so arranged that with insignificant force he can withstand almost any army we can bring against him.

The entire country hereabouts is strongly secession.  The women are particularly violent, and denounce the army and Government in unmeasured terms.  The men from motives of prudence keep quiet tongues in their heads.

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

From Cairo and Below

Special to the Chicago Journal.

CAIRO, April 4.

A boat arrived here from Island No. 10 at 12 o’clock last night.  Firing was resumed yesterday morning by the gunboats and mortars.  The gunboats replied lustily.  One of our shells burst upon the rebel steamer Winchester, which set her on fire and burned her to the water’s edge.  The Winchester was sunk by the rebels on the morning of the arrival of the Federal gunboats in the main channel on the Missouri side of island No. 10.

During the firing the rebels towed their floating battery up to a new position, and tried to reach us with shot from her 32-pound rifles, but her shot fell far short, and after a couple of hours maneuvering she was taken back to her old position, out of harm’s way.  Several shots were fired at the rebel transports by the Federal gunboats.

The rebels are erecting batteries all along the Tennessee shore, to prevent the landing of the Federal troops from Missouri.

ST. LOUIS, April 5.

The correspondent of the Republican writing from the flag ship Benton, on the evening of the 3d says, early this morning an attempt was made to tow the rebel floating battery to a point where it could command our mortar boats.  A brisk fire was opened by the mortars and in course of half an hour the battery was struck several times, and several beams displaced.  One shell exploded directly inside of the battery, when it was immediately submerged to the water’s edge, and towed out of range.

The rebel steamer Winchester, which was sunk some time since, to obstruct the channel north of the island, used by the rebels as a point from which to watch our movements, was shelled to-day, and burned to the water’s edge.  Skillful firing to-day was made.  The enemy is very cautious and all their tents have been moved far out of range.

Advices from New Madrid confirm the previous reports of the erection of batteries opposite that point.  All quiet there.

The river is falling rapidly, and troops can soon be landed at any point along the banks here.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 7, 1862, p. 1

From Island No. 10

CAIRO, March 28 [sic].

A special to the Chicago Times, dated off Island No. 10, March 29, says: There are no indications of an immediate renewal of hostilities.  The bombardment is kept up at intervals, and is doing good service in keeping the enemy awake, and preventing too much activity in fortifying.

The Benton opened yesterday, and delivered an effective fire into the upper battery, but elicited no reply.

The mortars are firing shell into the Island fortifications every half hour, but no reply is received except an occasional shot at a transport which has ventured within range.  The Wilson received a rifled salute yesterday which did no damage.

A man came across from the Island yesterday, who reports that the effect of our fire on the batteries was very serious; states that the upper battery was entirely silenced, and 69 men killed; 20 or 30 men were killed on the Island.  Our shells reached the main land three miles and a half from here, and did some execution – He reports the rebels determined to resist, and showing no signs of evacuation.  They are fortifying continually, and evidently expect a desperate struggle.

We can see steamers running up and down continually between the Island and the main land.

No tidings from Gen. Pope.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 2

From Island No. 10

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, March 20 – 3 P. M.

I left the fleet above Island No. 10 yesterday at 1 o’clock p. m. the firing was only moderate from the Benton and Mound City, at intervals of fifteen minutes each, the object being to reduce the upper battery, two guns only of which were left standing, from which occasional shots were fired.

One of these struck the water close astern the transport Lewella, and within fifty feet of the tug on which was your correspondent.  The distance was at least two miles, showing that the rebel guns are not only rifled, but of their first class.  This arm of the service is fully meeting the expectation of the officers, and with a little more practice will make rapid work with the rebel fortifications.  Their range is three and three and a half miles.  The sixteen now in place ready to open will make fearful inroads in the ranks of the enemy.

The works at that point, both on the main land and the Island, are much more extensive than is generally supposed, as there are at least eighty heavy guns, and over 20,000 troops.  I saw ten regiments at one time on dress parade, on the main land.  These have moved their quarters out of the reach of the mortars, but the island is pretty will covered with tents.  The guns are many of them the largest size, and several rifled.

Our gunboats and mortars will drive this force out.  More mortars will be sent down, if required, but the officers think the present number enough to make it altogether too hot for the rebels, as these monster shells reach all parts of the works, dealing death and destruction in their pathway.  It is evident, however, that all of the rebel batteries have enough bomb proof casements for the men, as they can be seen to disappear when our shells fall into the batteries.

As soon as the upper fort or battery is reduced, then the gunboats will advance on the others in detail, and thus reduce them one by one with little danger or loss to themselves.  On Tuesday night the Mound City kept up a steady fire on the upper battery, preventing the rebels from making their usual nightly repairs, and the result was, that early in the morning they commenced removing their dead and wounded from the casemates of the fort.  Large numbers were carried out and taken back into the woods on stretchers, showing the deadly effect of the shot from the well aimed guns of the Mound City.

On Monday over 900 shots were fired from the gunboats, mostly shell, besides three hundred shell from the mortars.  The effect, as witnessed by the spectators, was grand and sublime, but to the rebels most terrific.  On Tuesday the Commodore directed that the fuses be cut down, with a view to destroy the works, and dismount the guns, and the result was most satisfactory.

The last guns of the rebels are in the two batteries below the bend; a distance of over two miles from the gunboats, and which threw their shot beyond them.

The old Pelican dry dock mounts fifteen guns and is iron-plated, but has not opened fire to show the range and size of her guns.  A masked battery near her has been by some mistaken for her.

The Pelican is an ugly looking customer, but she has no propelling power she cannot other was than fall a victim to tour ponderous mortars so soon as they can be brought to bear on her.

Gen. Halleck has sent a hospital boat sufficient to accommodate 300 patients.

As yet but one man has been killed by the enemy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 22, 1862, p. 1

Additional from Com. Foote

ON BOARD THE FLAG-SHIP, TWO MILES ABOVE ISLAND NO. 10,

Saturday, March 15, via CAIRO 16.

The flotilla got under way at 5:30 this a. m., in weather thick with occasional showers and unfavorable for operations at long range.  Dropped down slowly till about 7, when the flag-ship being about six miles above Island No. 10, a stern-wheel steamer ran out from the shelter of a point on the Kentucky shore, and made double-quick down the river.  The Benton’s bow guns were cast loose and four shells thrown at the rebel steamer, but the distance was too great and the only effect of the shots was to accelerate the speed and set its whistle at work signaling the forces below.

At 9 a. m. the fleet rounded too about 3 miles above Island No. 10, and the Commodore ordered three of the mortar boats into position.  At this hour, 1 p. m., we are well within range, but as yet have heard nothing from the enemy.

There appears to be a large force on the Kentucky shore, and we count thirteen guns in position on the bluff.  A large number of transports can be seen across the low point on the Missouri shore, busily engaged around the Island; what they are doing we cannot determine.  The Pollard goes now.  Mortars will open soon we discern the much talked of floating battery at the island.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 2

Our Fleet Shelling Island No. 10

CAIRO, March 17.

ON BOARD THE BENTON,

Island No. 10, March 16.

Got under way at daylight this A. M., and dropped down to within range of the upper battery, and commenced to arouse them with the rifles of the Benton, while the mortar boats were being towed into position.  Only a couple of shots were fired, when a white flag was seen to wave violently from the work and to continue waving until answered by a white flag form the flag ship.  Of course firing ceased, as did also the hostile operations. Even the moving of the mortars, while a tug carried Lieut. Bishop down to see what was wanted.  On arriving at the work he was answered that they were signaling their works down the river, and did not wish to communicate with us – a dirty subterfuge to gain time, which was followed up by the Grampus hoisting a white flag and steaming towards the tug from the Island.  Lieut. Bishop was of the opinion that time enough had been lost and did not wait for the Grampus, but steamed up for the Benton, and the Grampus hauled down the white flag and ran back under cover again.  Up to this time no rebel colors had been shown from the battery, but now it went up, and the preparations to get it down regularly and by approved methods went on with renewed vigor.

The mortars were soon in position and engaged in throwing the terrible thirteen inch shell, and Lieut. Bishop, disgusted at the bad taste of the rebels who did not wish to communicate with so gallant and good looking an officer, by permission of the flag-officer and Capt. Phelps, opened direct communication by means of the Benton’s rifled seventy-four’s with such a skill that the rebels ran from the works and their flag was covered with dirt and water.  The firing was kept up steadily, though slowly, until 5 p.m. – the mortars expending 240 shells and the Benton 41.

The heart of every man in the flag-ship was saddened by sympathy with the poignant grief of our beloved flag-officer Foote, who receive by the dispatch boat at noon, intelligence of the death of his second son, a lad of 13 years and exceeding promise, of whose illness the Commodore had no previous intelligence.

To-morrow will see the reduction of one or more of the enemy’s works, and the closer investment of the whole place is very strong.  From our point of view we could see 44 guns in position, and negroes were busily at work on a battery out of reach, in which to-morrow we shall probably find heavy guns mounted.  With all this note of preparation and all these possibilities of a hard fight, some incredulous people will suspect that the troops which Pope drove out of New Madrid and which came to No. 10, are marching across the tracts of land from No. 10. To Merriweather landing, on the Mississippi below Point Pleasant, a distance of only five miles from the island over a practicable road, and that when they are embarked on the fleet of boats the smoke of which has been plainly seen all day at or near Merriweather, we shall find the nest empty and the river clear of rebels to Randolph for Fort Pillow.

The hopelessness of the rebel cause between Foote and Pope, in the presence of the boats, and the sullen and dull fight made by the rebel enemy give some color to the theory.  I half believe it myself.

CAIRO, March 17.

The town is full of rumors from below, but there is little of anything that can be called reliable.  We are anxiously expecting information from Island No. 10, but are as yet without anything definite.  At last accounts, Com. Foote was at work, using his flotilla to the best possible advantage, moving his mortar boats out of range of the enemy’s batteries or gunboats, and throwing shells into their fortifications, it is supposed with terrible effect.  The iron clad gunboats had not yet been brought into the action.

Two mortar flats had gained the proper range, and the accuracy of their fire fully equaled previous expectation.

We hear nothing of special interest from the Cumberland or Tennessee rivers.

Transports loaded with troops continue to arrive here and depart for their proper destination.

Cairo is still excessively muddy, and a considerable portion of the site is covered with water.

Much mortality is reported among the sick and wounded at Mound City.

The weather is clear, warm and spring-like.  River swelling slowly.

To-morrow we expect news of importance from the gunboat flotilla, and west Tennessee wing of the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 1

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

BIRD’S POINT, Mo., March 2, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS. – The papers reach us very irregularly here.  Those writing, or mailing for the 2d cavalry, will please direct to Cairo, Ill., until further orders; we have a regimental mail to and from Cairo daily.

The general health of the regiment is better than at any time since leaving Davenport.  Surgeons Reeder and Noyes, are enjoying at present a respite from the arduous duties imposed on them, day and night, while at Benton Barracks.

On Wednesday last I had the pleasure of going aboard the “Benton” at Cairo.  She has never yet been in action, her engines having proved deficient, on her trial trip.  She is now completed and is the largest, staunchest boat of them all.  She carries sixteen guns; of her four bow guns, two are nine inch shell, Columbiads, and two fifty-six pounders, riffled.  She is very wide and roomy and coated with iron mail from stem to stern.  On her bow she is protected by twenty-six inches in thickness of solid oak timber, besides her iron plating, her pilot house is formed of solid iron, a foot thick and so constructed as to be impervious to any shot the rebels may choose to greet her with.  She requires two hundred and fifty men to man her.  She is to be the flag ship.

When the fleet of gun and mortar boats get under way, look out for a speedy opening of the Mississippi from Cairo to New Orleans.

On Friday night, at 9 o’clock, orders came for the first and second battalions, to be ready to march in half an hour, with two days rations.  This was short notice, but at the time named the first battalion was in line on the parade ground, armed, equipped and ready for the fray.  They were soon joined by the second battalion, and at 10 o’clock the guides went forward and the march commenced.  The night was cloudy, with occasionally a sprinkle of rain, and figuratively speaking, as dark as a “stack of black cats.”

For five or six miles our route lay through the dense forest, skirting the river bank.  There was no road, and the guides picked their way as best they could, having only the course of the river for their direction.  The 7th Ill. cavalry were also in the column, which as we marched by twos, was about 2 miles long.  On we went now running against this tree, then on that stump, then over a log or entangled in a fallen tree top, or stumbling among flood wood, which had been drifted in by the previous overflow of high water; at another time in the darkness a horse and rider got off the bank, into the river. – At each of these mishaps the long column would be brought to a halt, and sometimes be brought up “all standing,” and again plunging down a steep bank or into some ravine.  Sometimes horses and riders would be down flat.

After leaving the river the road followed along the bank of a lake or bayou eight or ten miles, with a dyke extending the whole distance to prevent overflow in high water.  Sometimes we were in the road, but mostly in the ditch alongside and on top of the dyke.

Just before day Charleston was reached, the column halted, and a hasty breakfast was disposed of.  This Charleston is one of Jeff. Thompson’s points, and he and his crew were the crowd we were after.  About daylight the 2d cavalry proceeded on six miles further to Bertrand, and according to orders awaited the arrival of Gen. Paine.  He arrived about 10 o’clock, and gave orders for a return to camp.  In fifteen minutes the line was in motion, faced homewards – much to the chagrin of the 2d Cavalry, who had calculated on a brush and the capture of Jeff., sure.  But as usual, he was non est.  Had he not been, the 2d Iowa might have had a trophy.

We arrived in camp at 5 a.m. Saturday, having made nearly fifty miles in less than 20 hours.  We are up and ready for the next call, and hope when next we go, to meet secesh.  Charleston is a “right smart town,” and a beautiful country immediately around it.  Bertrand is a God-forsaken place, seeming to be deserted by every living thing.  The country through which we passed was generally well settled, and on many of the farms good, neat and substantial farm houses, but the general absence of window curtains gave a desolate appearance to the houses, and showed a great lack of good taste at least in the inhabitants.  I noticed farmers plowing, and others making garden.

8 P. M. – The 3d battalion have just received orders to march to-morrow morning about 6 o’clock, with their transportation, and encamp at Charleston.  Hoping our chance my come soon, truly yours,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 2