Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, April 9, 1862

CAMP NEAR ALEXANDRIA, April 9, 1862.

I write a few lines to let you know I have not yet gone, though I expect to be off to-morrow. Reynolds's brigade left to-day, and though 11 o'clock was the hour fixed, yet they did not get off till after 4 P. M., being in the meantime exposed to one of the worst storms of snow and hail we have had this winter and spring. I do not know the cause of the delay, but I sincerely trust matters will be better arranged to-morrow, and we not so detained.

You have of course heard the glorious news from the West and Southwest.¹ It does seem as if Providence had decreed the South should be humiliated. Such a continued succession of victories without disaster is almost unparalleled, and seems to take from war its hitherto accepted character of being a game of chance. From Yorktown we hear nothing definite, except that our army has arrived before the enemy's works, which are found to be strong and formidable. McClellan has the means and the power to reduce them, and it is only a question of time. I have implicit confidence in his success. Rumor says the enemy has a considerable force between the waters of the Rappahannock and the Rapidan, which force will oppose the progress of McDowell's column; so that we are led to believe that a share of the glory yet awaits us. I do not believe, however, that they will make much opposition on this line after McClellan gets possession of Yorktown, for he will then threaten Richmond, the fall of which would completely cut off any force to the north on the Rappahannock, as Fremont in the Southwest and Banks in the Valley of the Shenandoah would cut off all means of escape. It does seem to me the people of the South are insane to continue the contest for the benefit of politicians and leaders, when it must be so evident to them that final success on their part is hopeless. All their calculations have failed, and there remains now but one desperate hope to them, and that is, that the enormous expenditures of the war will tire out the North; but this will prove equally false so long as we continue to gain brilliant victories, as the North will willingly spend money to acquire glory.

I suppose you remember General Mackall, just captured by Pope. He paid you a visit one evening with Dr. Simons when I was in Florida. He was a great friend of mine, a clever gentleman, who would have remained with us had the Government treated Southern officers with ordinary confidence and decency. Franklin is at Warrenton, the residence of Beckham's people; when I get to Manassas, I will inquire about them.

__________

¹ Battle of Shiloh, Tennessee, April 6 and 7, 1862. Federal troops under Major-General U. S. Grant defeated the Confederate troops under General Beauregard. Federal loss, killed, wounded, and missing, 13,047 (0. R).

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 257

From Island No. 10

NEW MADRID, April 8. – The Union force captured to-day 6,000 Confederate prisoners who were endeavoring to retreat from Island 10 and other rebel fortifications.  Three Generals and other officers were taken with them.  General McCowan was in command assisted by Generals Stuart, McCall, Gray and Gavitt.  Gen. Stuart was a class mate of Pope’s.

The rebel floating battery Pelican came drifting down the river last night.  It was caught and towed into Point Pleasant, where it now lies.  Some shots were fired into it from our batteries as it passed them, under the impression that some ruse was attempted by the enemy in thus giving up an engine of war, which was intended to accomplish marvelous results for them.  No one was on board, and no damage was done to the machine.

A gunboat also drifted down nearly to the upper fort, where it sunk and is now almost out of sight – the smoke stacks and some of the machinery only being visible, which the rebels stole last summer and transferred into the Confederate service, was scuttled by them last night and set adrift.  She was caught, however, and brought in to shore here just as she was sinking.  She has since been pumped out and is now nearly ready for use.

Gen. Pope returned to his head-quarters to-night, having been absent since yesterday morning.  He has not yet made public his plans for future operations.

This encampment will probably be broken up in a day or two.  A heavy rain is falling to-night, which in addition to previous storms, make our level camping ground quite too moist for comfort.

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

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

From Pope’s Army

NEW MADRID, April 8.

The Union forces captured to-day 6,000 Confederate prisoners who were endeavoring to retreat from Island No. 10 and other rebel fortifications.  Their generals and other officers were taken with them.  Gen. McCowan [sic] was in command, assisted by Gens. Stewart, McCall, Groy and Gavett.  Gen. Stewart was a classmate of Gen. Pope’s.

The rebel floating battery Pelican came drifting down the river last night.  It was caught and towed into Point Pleasant, where it now lies.  Some shots were fired into it from our batteries as it passed them under the impression that some ruse was attempted by the enemy in thus giving up an engine of war which was intended to accomplish marvelous results for them.  No one was on board and no damage was done to the machine.

A gunboat also drifted down nearly to the upper fort where it sunk, and is now almost out of sight – the smokestacks and machinery only being visible.

The steamer Ohio Belle, which the rebels stole last summer and transferred to the Confederate service, was scuttled by them last night and set adrift.  She was caught, however, and brought in shore here just as she was sinking.  She has since been pumped out, and is now ready for use.

Gen. Pope returned to his headquarters to-night, having been absent since yesterday morning.  He has not yet made public his plans for future operations.  Their encampment will be broken up in a day or two.  A heavy rain is falling to-night which in addition to previous storms makes our level camping ground too moist for comfort.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 2

The Spoils at Island No. 10

ST. LOUIS, April 10.

A special to the Republican from Island No. 10 says two hundred hogsheads of sugars, several hundred barrels of molasses, eighty cannon, 400 wagons, 126 horses, 600 mules, 5,000 stand of small arms, 30 pieces of light artillery and a great quantity of blankets, clothing, &c., have fallen into our hands.  The total number of prisoners captured is 5,000, one Maj. Gen. (McCall) and Brig. Gens. Gault, Walker and Schannon.  The prisoners are being embarked for Illinois as rapidly as possible.  About 56,000 solid shot and immense quantities of ammunition were taken.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

Special to the Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 8.

Dispatches from New Madrid are received.  The gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg shelled and silenced the batteries on the opposite shore, when Pope ordered the troops across; it was effected without loss.  The rebels fled toward Tipton, sinking several of their transports, among others the Grampus.

The floating battery of the rebels, mounting ten guns, drifted down last night, and aground near Point Pleasant.  It will be recovered with its armament.  The Ohio Belle was also recovered.

Gen. Paine led the advance on the batteries.  Gen Pope at once took the Pittsburg and Carondelet, and with a part of his army hastened to Tipton, attacked the enemy this morning and took 2,000 prisoners, mostly from Arkansas and Louisiana.  He will probably get as many more before night.  The rebels fled to the swamps in great consternation.

The victory is complete and decisive.  Great quantities of stores, cannon and ammunition have fallen into our hands.  All the baggage and supplies are taken.

Gen. McCall, of the rebel Adjutant General’s department, is a prisoner.

The country between New Madrid and the Island, on the east side of the river is being scoured by our troops.  Many prisoners will doubtless be taken there.

Gen. Bissell, with transports is ordered down to Tipton by Gen. Pope, which is 12 miles below New Madrid, to bring cannon and other property up to New Madrid.

Divisions of our army are pursuing the fleeing rebels in all directions.  Their entire force at and about Island No. 10 is either taken prisoners or utterly routed and demoralized.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has just arrived from Paducah – to him the news of our success is specially grateful.  His residence is 35 miles southeast of Hickman.  General Strong will send an escort with him to his home, to insure his safety.  Thousands of his former friends will great his arrival with a glorious welcome.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 2

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

By Telegraph. Particulars of the Surrender at Island No. 10.

Cairo, April 8, 8 P.M. – I have been able to gather a few more particulars from Island No. 10. Four hundred and seventy-eight prisoners, including seventeen officers, seventy pieces of artillery, a large amount of ammunition, muskets and small arms, were captured on the Island. It is said our mortar shells proved very destructive; wherever they struck and exploded, great execution was made in the earth.

It is reported that the Confederates had become perfectly demoralized; in many cases entire regiments would refuse to obey orders – Much ill feeling prevailed among the officers, and none, including the soldiers, had any confidence in their commanding officer.

No further information has been obtained in reference to the number of prisoners captured on the Tennessee shore, and it will be impossible to get anything further before morning.

Much excitement prevails here over the news of the battle at Pittsburgh. It is regarded as most fortunate that Gen. Buel [sic] came up as he did, with one Division to reinforce Gen. Grant. It evidently was the expectation of Beauregard to fight the battle before Gen. Buel [sic] cold form a junction with Gen. Grant.

We hope to get further particulars to-morrow.

At one o’clock, last night a boat came to the flag ship with a messenger carrying a letter from the commanding officer at Island No. 10 to Flag Officer Foote, proposing capitulation for the surrender of the Island. Flag Officer Foote replied that he would accept no other terms than an unconditional surrender. At one o’clock this morning the enemy surrendered unconditionally to Com. Foote. Several transports, and it is supposed one or two gunboats, the celebrated floating battery, cannon, ammunition and stores have thus fallen into our hands. Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Flag Officer and the gallant officers under his command for this brilliant achievement in capturing the Gibraltar of the Mississippi river, without the loss of a single life. We have no information at this time as to details, but it is supposed that most of the rebel troops on the Tennessee shore have effected their escape. It is supposed they commenced leaving soon after the Carondolet [sic] succeeded in turning their batteries, as that destroyed all hope of their maintaining their position. Fleet Captain Hannock, who has achieved wonders in fitting out and repairing gunboats and transports, and furnishing supplies to the fleet, has reason to believe that our mortars did terrible execution among the rebels. It is reported that Gen. Pope had 18,000 troops across the river from New Madrid last night ready to march and bag the enemy, but is believed that he was too late.

Boats commenced running to New Madrid to day. The river has fallen four feet within the last two days, greatly facilitating the operations of Gen. Pope opposite New Madrid.

Hon. Jesse Dubois is here in route for the upper Tennessee.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has telegraphed to three hundred citizens of Bourbon county, Tennessee, driven out by the rebel troops, to come down and return with him. They will probably leave to-morrow.

Reliable reports from Jeff. Thompson a week ago place him in the swamps, some eighty miles from here, with a few hundred marauders. Several men who have heretofore been in his army from the vicinity of Charleston, eight miles from in, in Missouri, have petitioned Gen. Strong for privilege to take the oath and return to their allegiance. The General authorized the County Clerk, a good Union man, to take and administer the oath.

Dr. Simpson, of the Medical Department leaves this evening for the Tennessee with two large hospital boats most completely fitted out under direction of J. E. Yeatman, Esq., of the St. Louis Sanitary Commission. They contain 800 beds for the wounded. The hospitals here have accommodations for 1,400.

Dispatches from New Madrid have been received.

The Gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg, yesterday morning shelled and silenced the batteries on the opposite shore when Gen. Pope ordered the troops across. It was effected without loss.

The rebels fled towards Lisbon sinking several of their transports, among others the Grampus.

The floating battery of the rebels, mounting ten guns, drifted down last night, and is aground near Point Pleasant. It will be recovered with its armament.

The Belle West covered Gen. Paine in the advance on the batteries.

Gen. Pope at once took the Pittsburg and Carondelet, and with a part of his army, turned to and attacked the enemy this morning, and took 2,000 prisoners, mostly from the Arkansas and Louisiana. He will probably get as many more before night.

The rebels fled to the swamps in great sonsternation.

The Victory is complete and decisive. Great Quantities of stores, cannon and ammunition have fallen into our hands. All their baggage and supplies are taken.

Gen. McCall, of the rebel adjutant Generals department, is a prisoner.

The country between New Madrid and island No. 10, on the east side of the river, is being secured by our troops. Many prisoners will doubtless be taken there.

Gen. Bissell, with his transports is ordered down to Tipton by Gen. Pope, which is twelve miles below New Madrid, to bring cannon and other property up to New Madrid.

Division of our army are pursuing the fleeing rebels in all direction. Their entire force at and about Island No. 10, is either taken prisoners or utterly routed and demoralized.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has just arrived from Paducah. To him the news of our success is especially gratifying. His residence is thirty-five miles south east of Hickman. Gen. Strong will send an escort with him to his home to insure his safety. Thousand of his former friends will greet his arrival with glorious welcome.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

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 the Hon. G. Wells 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 and 368 privates, besides one hundred of their sick and one hundred mem 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 calibre from 30 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 be lying on the Missouri Shore, near New Madrid.

The enemy upon the main land appear to have fled with great precipitation, after night, leaving in many instance, 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 tomorrow morning, had not the rebels so hastily abandoned their stronghold to mature the plans of attack, which absolutely required 28 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. Le me tell you who I am. I am a General made 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 Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862