Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, October 4, 1851

Marshfield, October 4, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—I was just sitting down to write to you today, when I received yours of the 2d.

The information communicated by Mr. Rives, if true, may become important, but we must wait to learn its particulars. I doubt exceedingly, whether the English government would do so rash a thing as to interfere with American vessels, on the seas, under pretence of their containing Cuban invaders. This could never be submitted to. I do not think that any further attempt is likely to be made, at present, by these lawless people, as I do not see where they can now raise the funds, and therefore I hope we may have no more trouble. If an official communication be made to us of such a treaty as Mr. Rives supposes may have been entered into, it will deserve close consideration. We must look to our own antecedents. In General Jackson's time, it was intimated to Spain by our government, that if she would not cede Cuba to any European power, we would assist her in maintaining her possession of it. A lively fear existed, at that time, that England had designs upon the island. The same intimation was given to Spain, through Mr. Irving, when I was formerly in the Department of State. Mr. J. Quincy Adams often said that, if necessary, we ought to make war with England sooner than to acquiesce in her acquisition of Cuba. It is indeed obvious enough what danger there would be to us, if a great naval power were to possess this key to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Before receiving your letter, I had made up my mind, that if this matter of the treaty between England and France should be announced to us, and should seem to require immediate attention, I would hasten to Washington.

The recent weather, very cold for the season, has been useful to me. The catarrh with its sneezing, and nose-blowing, its cough and its asthma, seems to be taking leave; my eyes are still weak, but my greatest difficulty, at present, is a general want of strength. I am trying to pick up, and hope to be able to be in Washington by the 20th of the month, or thereabouts, somewhat recruited.

I pray you, my dear Sir, to command me, if there be any thing which I can do, and call me back to Washington, whenever you see a necessity for so doing. Marshfield is very pleasant, and its air, I think, useful, but I am ready to quit whenever duty requires.

Yours truly,

DAN’L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 475-6

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, October 11, 1851

Boston, October 11, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—I have been at Manchester for a day, and returned yesterday. It was the occasion of a great State fair, at which an immense multitude assembled.

I have had thoughts of fulfilling a promise of long standing to the Vermontese, but I have given it up. Nor shall I go again to New Hampshire, as I feel it to be my duty to be looking to the South, and the more so, as I expect to be obliged to return to Boston for a few days, on important professional business. The weather is fine, and I am gaining in health and strength. Yours, always truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

P. S. It is news to me that I am expected to make an address at Baltimore.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, p. 476

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, October 11, 1851

Boston, October 11, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—I give this to Mr. Cook, a gentleman from Alabama, who brings very respectable letters from Mr. Hilliard and others. These letters he wishes you to read. His object is to solicit the aid of the government in favor of his son, one of the Cuban prisoners, now on his way to Spain.

I have given him a private and unofficial note of introduction to Mr. Calderon, to whom I have advised him to show his letters, after you shall have read them.

Of course, we can do nothing officially for any one of these prisoners, which we do not do for all.

Yours, always truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 477

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, October 12, 1851

Boston, October 12, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—I received this morning yours of the 10th, in regard to the insurrection in Tamaulipas.

I entirely concur in the result to which the cabinet has come, to wit, that there is no sufficient information, at present, on the subject in regard to England and France, and the Cuban business.

I cannot bring myself to believe that these governments, or either of them, dare to search an American merchantman on the high seas to ascertain whether individuals may be on board, bound to Cuba, and with hostile purposes.

The only case to justify a seizure and detention, would be that of an armed vessel fitted out obviously and flagrantly for warlike purposes, found sailing on the high seas without a commission from any acknowledged government. Such a vessel might be regarded as a pirate, being hostis humani generis, and might be destroyed by the ships of war of any government. But then it must be certain that the vessel was destined to act piratically.

I have written to Mr. Rives to send us an account of the French laws respecting enlistments in France for foreign military service, and the prevention of expeditions set on foot in France against states or governments, with which France is at peace.

I am glad that you have thought of Mr. B. as commissioner to China. I have known him long and well. He has talent and knowledge for the place, and is acquainted with the French language, though not, of course, with the Chinese.

He is a thoroughly sound Union Whig.

I thank you for your kindness in sending me the article from the Republic. It is fair and manly, and quite sufficiently favorable towards me.

While you and I are together, my dear Sir, in the administration of the government, that administration will not be bifaced; but it will be one in principle and purpose.

I go to-morrow morning to Marshfield, to put things in order for my departure South.

Yours, always truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 477-8

Private William O. Gulick to Mary Parkes, about October 1, 1861

Dear Mary,¹⁷

I thought I must write you a few lines in answer to your letter I was very happy to think you was so good as to write me and hope you may not forget to do so again. That paper of Candy I sent with John for you to pay for your letter. If I had have had time I would have sent something I would have been glad to made you a visit from Davenport as you requested me. But I had no time tell Woodworth and Parkes they must write to me be a good girl and remember your

Cousin Billie

I went to supper when the other sheet was full, but before we were half through Dress Parade was called and we had to leave every thing to get cold but however I ate enough such as it was

I was very glad to hear that Hattie and Mother were going to Wis. Hope they may enjoy it

I just wish that you could be here one day and see the soldiers and their fare there is a guard all around our camp and one can not get out unless he has a pass or run the beat Isaac and my self are going out in the country tomorrow if we can just for a pleasure trip

There was a secessionist or spy arrested here Friday. Maj. Lefingwell¹⁸ took him to St. Louis, have not heard from him since but he may have to suffr, This morning two men were arrested and brought in camp said to be from Missouri and spies they are in the guard house I do not know what they will do with them

It was so dark I just moved toward a camp fire I find it rather disagreable writing and will have to close I was very glad to hear from you want you to write as often as you can and I will do the same. If I had time I could write a great deal more you must send all my letters if I have any to me by the directions below

Direct W. O. Gulick

Camp Warren,        

Burlington    

Iowa

Care of Capt. Ankeny

Company M

1st Regiment Iowa Cavalry

You must excuse this poorly written letter if you can read it but writing on a rough board makes it look worse than it would,

Isaac was just here and says he has not time to write, but tell you he is all right, the camp is very healthy and my self and Fred are very well give my love to all and write soon

Yours in hast

W. O. Gulick

I forgot to tell you that Peter Barr has a soldiers Library of Fifty books with him

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¹⁷ This letter is undated, but from the mention of his mother's impending trip to Wisconsin we may infer that it was written about October 1, 1861. Mary was William's cousin by marriage; she had married his cousin Woodworth Parkes of Clinton. Hence Gulick writes or refers to them frequently as "Mary & Woodie".

¹⁸ Wm. E. Leffingwell, according to Lothrop's A History of the First Regiment Iowa Cavalry, which is substantiated by the rosters of the Iowa Union forces, was not actually commissioned with a higher rank than Captain of Company B. However, he was for all practical purposes acting Major of the First Battalion, which was detached from the regiment, placed in his charge, and sent to West Central Missouri in the early part of October.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 206-8.

Private William O. Gulick to Parkes Gulick, October 1, 1861

Camp Warren, Oct. 1st/61        

Co. M. 1st Iowa Cavalry

Dear Brother:¹⁹

I am happy to have an opportunity to answer your letter. I received one from you, Mary & Mother, in one envelope, but intend to answer them sepperate, so to have you all write to me again one at a time I wrote a short letter to the girls day before yesterday I was standing on guard then, I had a fine old time of it, as it continued to rain all night, and I had four hours to stand in the middle of the night. A fellow attempted to run my station but I heard him and demanded him to halt he did so, I then demanded the counter sign, he could not give it He said his horse had crossed the line and he wanted to get him I told him to go to Head quarters and get the counter sign, or to travel, he left and was heard of no more

I came off Guard at ten o'clock I got a pass to go down town I run about town all day I see Isaac leave with his company there was four companies left, all took the boat, the horses were put on flat boats, you would have seen a great sight had you been here when they started Isaac did not have time to send his box by express so I sent it for him I sent your over coat home and my linen coat and shirt I give you, I have a long tailed Blue You would laugh to see me with it on, but it is very comfortable It makes a great difference in the appearance of a company of soldiers when they have their uniform on. There was four more companies left for St. Louis this morning I wished my self along with them but we will have to stay here yet three or four days to get the remainder of our horses and saddles It looks rather war like to see so many men all mounted, and then to have them to give three cheers and fire off a canon it makes a person feel like fighting I tell you Parkes I would advise you not to go to war. I think you are not strong enough and most to easy excited, for camp life is almost a continual drudge     To day I have to cook I expect to morrow to stand on guard and evry day brings work By the way how is your onion crop, how does the sugar cane turn out. I would like to have some of the Molasses We only draw Molasses once a week and then only a little. What are you doing this fall, tell me what you with all the rest are about I should like to hear from Charlie²⁰ & Richard²¹ also tell Peters folks to write I suppose you will have charge of affairs when father and mother goes to Wis. do it up well. Tell father I have seen the company Blacksmiths shoe horses all day out in the rain it looked rather hard but it was just before they started for St. Louis and there is no stop of any thing in war As soon as I get to St. Louis I will write to mother & father You had better wait untill I write to them before you answer this, then it will come direct to St. Louis Tell Woody to write me a letter and I will answer it as soon as I can he said he would write to me. You must write all about my friends and about affairs at home as it is most time to get supper I will have to close

Your dear brother

W. O. Gulick

P. S. Give my love to Henries²² folks tell him to write me I will answer a long letter.

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¹⁹ "Dear Brother" was Parkes Gulick, who remained at home. William's letters contain frequent admonitions to his brother not to enlist, as he did not believe him strong enough to stand army service.

²⁰ "Charlie" was Charles Jones of Low Moor, who married William's sister Cynthia. After the conscription act was passed he was summoned to service; but he succeeded in hiring a substitute, which was not only a very common practice, but specifically legalized by the draft law.

²¹ Richard Wagner, before mentioned, a brother-in-law of William Gulick's.

²² Henry Gulick, an older brother at home.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 208-10.

Private William O. Gulick to His Parents, October 18, 1861

Camp Benton,²³ Mo. Oct. 18th/61

Co. M. 1st Ia. Cavalry        

Dear Father & Mother

I have just set down to write you a letter. I have a great deal to write and but little time to write in. I have been very busy for the two days I have been here. It was very rainy the day we came in and cleaning up and geting settled is quite a chore. I wrote a very short letter the day we left Burlington stateing that we was about to leave We had a very pleasant trip down to this place We were from Monday noon untill Wednesday morning but we lay up; one night above the Keokuk rappids I was very glad as it gave me a chance to pass Canton and many other towns in the day time, we did not pass any town but what the Glorious old Stripes and Stars were seen floating from some part although some were said to be quite rank secessionists The finest looking City I see was Quincy, we stoped there about two hours. The Iowa third Infantry was encamped there, I believe to recrute awhile. and to my surprise I came across Charlie James from Camanche Township.²⁴ He said he expected to go home on a furlough soon, if he dose you will see him and an hours chat would be interesting as he was in the Battle of Blue mills²⁵ & severel skirmishes. I set up all night on the boat to see the Bluffs and cave above Alton I could not distinguish the cave but the rocks I could see planely, I also see the mouths of the Ills. and Mo. rivers We arrived in St. Louis about 7 oclock in the morning It shows to good advantage to the river, It was a long time before we could land as the levee for two miles was crowded with steam boats I tell you, St. Louis is a large city and things look warlike. There is a great many Gun boats building and the streets are lined with soldiers canons are seen drawn through the streets with other arms and shiped to the different camps. The St. Louis streets are very narrow. Our camp is just out of the City and five miles from the river I thought we would never find the M. Barracks,²⁶ although we were tired the march from the boat was more interesting than I thought it could be, as we were cheered from evry side and the seens of a city to a country greenhorn were all new, When we arrived at Benton Barracks I found the best Quarters I ever seen I will send a View of the Barracks in a newspaper I believe there is about 7,000 thousand soldiers encamped here and in the Fare Grounds adjoining. On this sheet there is a view of the fare grounds on review day There is soldiers from Iowa, Ill, Wis, and many other states they are comeing and leaving evry day. By the way I said Isaac and his company were all here when we arrived, Well they had marching orders yesterday they saddled and packed their things but did not get off untill today three oclock they have a part of their arms and expect to go by Jefferson Barracks and get the rest of their arms. Jef. Barks, is about five miles below St. Louis. I do not know how many soldiers are encamped their I do not know where Isaac is going but he will undoubtedly see a fight before he gets back I was sorry to see him leave, but still I was very anxious to go with him, but I know I shall have a chance before long to smell Rebble Powder, When I look around me and see so much that Government has done and has to do, I do not wonder at its slow movements as we used to call them Evrything here is on the strict order I was on guard today and it is night now, soon will be tattoo when all lights have to be extinguished I have only received your two letters that you sent to Burlington since I left home Except one from H. H. Judson and Aaron I should like to get some letters from any body (only so I get some) I came across some of Mr. Lafayette Tallmans Relations the day before we left Burlington some of their boys came to camp and when they found who we were and where from, nothing would do but that we should go out in the country about 2 miles where they lived and see them We did so and had a good dinner and an excellent visit, They wanted I should write so Tallman would know it, They said tell Tallman that Old Aunt Elen of Henry county was dead. This Tallmans name is Thomas _____     The Iowa eighth Rej. left here two or three days before we came in I was sorry for I should like to have seen some of the Eden boys. Isaac said that John Dam was left here in the Hospital. Was not able to go with the Rej. I have not had time to go and see him yet but think I shall go tomorrow If I can get a pass. I expect when I leave here that I will not be allowed to carry any thing except what I can carry in my saddle so I will have to send my carpet sack home or give it away as soon as I get my arms I intend having my likeness taken again and send home I only wish I could get all of yours I believe you might send them all in one case that is taken on single plates Again I wish you all might be here to see the encampment and see the soldiers drill &c one day if no more The talk is that we will get our pay soon. I do not know but hope we will for many of the Boys are out of money I have plenty as yet however I do not know how long we may stay here yet but I guess the best way is to send your letters here as they are all forwarded on after evry company You must all write to me evry one of my folkes and direct to, Benton Barracks, St. Louis Mo. Company M 1st Ia. Cavalry

P. S. Give my love to all my friends and receive this from your affectionate son.

W. O. Gulick

_______________

²³ Benton Barracks, also called Camp Benton, was just outside St. Louis. It was the chief point of assembly for the Union armies in Missouri late in 1861 and early in 1862.

²⁴ Camanche Township in which the town of Camanche, Iowa, is located, lies along the Mississippi River a few miles southwest of Clinton.

²⁵ This refers to the action at Blue Mills Landing (about five miles from Liberty, Clay County, Missouri), on September 17, 1861. About 4400 Confederates attacked 900 Union men and the latter were forced to retire. Union losses were about 130 killed and wounded, the Confederate about 160. The Third Iowa Infantry, as Gulick reports, was engaged. —Official Records: War of the Rebellion, Series I, Vol. III, pp. 193-195. This series was published by the Government Printing Office at Washington, 1880-1898.

²⁶ That part of Benton Barracks occupied by Company M of Gulick's regiment.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 210-3.

Private William O. Gulick to Mary Parkes, October 19, 1861

Benton Barracks        

Co. M 1st Ia. Cav. Oct. 19

When I read over my letter this morning I found I had not written something I wanted to, because I did not have time, and finish my letter before tattoo

This small sheet was here so handy, and one that Isaac gave me, I thought I would direct it to you and write to all. I intend to write to Uncle Jacobs in a day or two and if I go any where near them I shall get a pass to go and see them There is quite a difference in the climate here from that of Low Moor. There has not been the least frost here yet, and the trees grass and all nature looks green and fresh By the way how does evry thing get along at home let me know all the little particulars Has Father & Mother got back from Wis. and how did they enjoy their visit. Is Kich Vleharts threshing yet, how does John and all of Peters folks together with Henries folks get along I do not know but I promised to write them a letter but I have not got time.

Tell Rich I have got a good tough horse, and well he might be for he has since I had him had the saddle on his back four days & nights with out changing Evrything has to get used to hardships When on Picket Guard a person is not allowed to unsaddle his horse

I have not got a name for my horse yet if you can think of a good one I want you to name him. I did not think about the picture of the Fare grounds on the first sheet when I was writing so poor, I am writing now in hast for the Bugle is sounding for drill excuse all errors, and write soon.

Your dear friend & Cousin

W. O. Gulick

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 213-4.

Private William O. Gulick to His Sisters, October 27, 1861

Camp Benton, St. Louis, Mo.        

Co. M. 1st Ia Cav. Oct. 27/61

Dear Sisters

I received your long looked for letter last night and I set my self about answering it as soon as I had read it, but had hardly commenced when the word came (to arms) or rather to go and get our new Sabers. I had to go. I have a very good one indeed. There was so much nois and clamor that I could not think of writing more last night. This Sunday morning we had to pack up evrything that is caried on horse back and appear on grand review or inspection after forming in line of Battle we marched around Brig. Gen. Curtis'²⁷ quarters, He (with his Body Guard close by) was to inspect our Battalion as we marched by. I had a fine opportunity of seeing him he is a fine looking old man, and quite gray hair, all the soldiers had to salute him with the Saber. It was dinner time when I came in quarters, and as soon as I could take care of my horse and put away my things it was two oclock, and now as I want to write this letter (not knowing when I may have another opportunity) I will have to give up going to meeting, which is at four oclock We have orders to leave here between this and Wednesday. I know not where, but unless the order is countermanded we will go. I expect we will have to be put through drilling while we stay here, we drill mostly on a trot and a gallop, and when chargeing, on a dead run. I am geting used to riding, I beleive I shall make a good horseman a number of the boys have been thrown from their horses and some been run away with I believe that not any of them have been hurt. I am proud of my horse he is such a steady good one, When I get my accouterments all on and drilling I tell you I feel animated and like fighting. I beleive I shall do good exicution when I get a chance at those Missouri Ruffians. I think my chance is good for one stroke at least soon too, Day before yesterday our Lt. Crissy²⁸ came back from Lyons with recruits among them were Blacksmith-Clark J. Kilmer, Thoms. Else,²⁹ Although they are nearly strangers to me, they seem like old friends. It came my turn to stand on stable guard that night from twelve untill six in the morning. I had so many long stories to exchange with the Camanche boys that I did not go to bed to get any sleep that night. Aaron Reccord & Lucian Beely³⁰ also came down at the same time in pesuit of their Regt. I suppose you knew that they had been in the Hospital at Camp McClellan, and home on a furlough They are here yet and as Aaron is quite lame (from the affects of over walking when too week) I think he will stay here untill he is better, while Beely will start tomorrow morning, to over take his Co. that I think is near Warsaw.³¹ I got a pass to go to the Hospital but they would not admit me I enquired for John Dam and was told that he was not There, I suppose that he went with his Co, The last I heard of Isaac and Co R. they were at Jeferson City. Tell Aunt Rebecca³² Isaacs letters will be forwarded from Head Quarters and I will not see them You said you was glad to hear of any delay of our Co. for my personal safety I do not want you to feel so, I came to fight, and the sooner we get at it the sooner it it [sic] will be ended I can not give you any information concerning the war I do not get the news regular and there is so many rumors in camp that a person can not beleive any of them, and a soldier never knows where he is going or what he is going to do I beleive our Regt is as good as any them is, or at least Col. says so, & Brig. Gen. Cortis [Curtis] says it has cost as much as any two Regt. organized.

We have another suit of evry day clothes in the Col.['s] charge so we shall not get out this winter Besides we have a dress suit for a fancy rig but the Col. will not give it us yet I do not want it to mus now since I wrote you last we have received fatigue caps and partly enough overalls, expect the rest soon they are a good institution If I have time before I go from this place I will send you my likeness with my arms I shall expect to receive yours soon (I mean all the folks) Emma wondered if I was standing on guard the night she wrote I beleive I was or the night before I am not positive which You told me about Parkes how hard he had to work I am sorry he has to work so hard I believe it is easier to soldier, but since we have been at Benton Barracks my whole time has been occupied though it is not hard work, We have so much cleaning to do by the way I will tell you something I have to do We have to keep our Buttons Bright (we use chalk and a brush) all our clothes brushed clean, our Boots Blacked There is a great deal of Brass about our saddles, spurs Bridles and all have to be kept Bright and clean We have Brass shoulder Plates or Appauletts our Arms &c all have to be kept Bright. We also have to keep our Quarters clean and take care of horse. We Drill five hours evry day and have Dress Parade at five oclock it takes about half or three fourth hours I have to cook every ten days and stand on guard once in from three to six days, we all have to get up at six oclock or Reveille, (The sound of the Bugle) and cannot go to bed untill after Roll call or Tattoo (sound of the Bugle) which is at nine oclock P. M. If we do not answer at Roll Call we get a black mark, and about three markes makes extra guard duty (I never got a black mark yet) I was sorry to learn that Father and mother did not go to Wis. I think they would have enjoyed the visit by the way there is some boys here from McGregor, Iowa. Some are acquainted in Grant Co, Wis. they say they are acquainted with some Kaslers but not our friends relatives as I can learn. There is some here from Adair Co. Mo. They Have been at Shibleys Point³³ but not acquainted there I have not written to Uncle Jacobs yet. I will the first spare time I have, for I know they would be glad to hear from me, But I want to write a good & a long letter when I write. I hope I may have an opportunity to visit them, though I think the prospects of geting a furlough is rather dubious, several have applied but to no effect I almost forgot to tell you of my visit to the Arsinal Yesterday I got a pass to go down town I went on horse back and rode nearly all day through the city The Arsinal is about three miles below the city and on the river Bank It is surounded by a high stone wall and includes about ten acres There is many large stone and Brick buildings where all kinds of arms are manufactured I see 1.25 large cannon about half were six and eight inch bore and Riffled Cannon the rest were light and ten inch and one did weigh 12,051 lbs I see a number of morters and Bom shells a number of Brass cannon In one building they were makeing cartridges and five hundred boys would make two hundred Thousand a day it would seam enough to shoot all the rebbles in existence It was interesting to see the process of cartriges makeing and others makeing impliments of war, I have no time for explanations.

I also went to the City Reservoir, I see many interesting senes, but I beleive they are not worth your attention and my time. I forgot to say that I see the Clinton Herald and a list of the Premiums awarded at the Fair. I was glad to find you had taken the premium on carpet Doc Ankeny Capt['s] Brother³⁴ is down here he says he see father in Clinton a day or two before he started with Lt. Crissy for St. Louis, and told him he was going, from him I learned that folks were all well How is fathers arm I thought he must be lame, or had more work than he could do for Clark said he done some work for Schuyler just before he came down. Clark has enlisted as teamster he says he has had Blacksmithing enough at home. Our B. Smiths have to work very hard shoeing our horses. I have heard the hammer ringing on the Arsenal to day (Sunday) I have not seen Mrs. Lee I might stay here six months and not see her. There is many Hospitals, I was sorry to hear of Riches falling, but that goes to show that that [sic] people are exposed to danger at home, and in time of peace. Is there much carpenter work, and is times changeing for the better or for worse have all the folks Riches Peters Henries Uncle Abes³⁵ and all the rest write to me for I like to get letters and I dont get any I understand that I cannot take my carppet sack with me any more so I will send it home I was just thinking that I would like to get my pay so that I could send you all a present with the money I have I could not send a present worth while I see I will have to close or get another sheet I might write more but I will leave it for some other time tell Woody and Parkes I want them to write and let me know all that is going on at home Tell Mary to write me in answer to my letter. You must give my love to all the folks let me know how the Lodge is doing I have some other things to write but will wait untill next time You must excuse all errors I see the necesity of having a dictionary Direct as before I will write as soon as I get to any place from here Write soon from your Affectionate Bro.

_______________

²⁷ Samuel R. Curtis was at this time a brigadier general; shortly afterwards he was promoted to major general, and in March, 1862, was in chief command of the Union army at the decisive victory of Pea Ridge, which gave an opening wedge for later Union invasions of Arkansas. On September 24, 1862, he was assigned to command of the Department of Missouri and Kansas. He kept the Confederates in this field on a defensive and guerrilla basis of warfare throughout his period of command; but his policy of maintaining as many troops as possible in Missouri to dragoon southern sympathizers into submission instead of furnishing contingents to other fields when asked for them set him at odds with the authorities at Washington. On March 10, 1863, President Lincoln ordered Gen. E. V. Sumner to relieve him. Sumner died on the way to St. Louis, so the President on May 13th ordered General Schofield to relieve Curtis. Curtis afterwards commanded the Department of Kansas and Indian Territory. - Battles and Leaders of the Civil War (New York. The Century Co., 1888), Vol. III, pp. 446, 454, Vol. IV, pp. 376, 377.

²⁸ James Crissy, 1st lieutenant in Company M.

²⁹ "Blacksmith-Clark" was James Clark; "J. Kilmer", Jeremiah Kilmer; "Thoms. Else", Thomas C. Elce. All three were evidently from Lyons and all enlisted after muster. They re-enlisted in 1864 and apparently served out the war.—Lothrop's A History of the First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, pp. 396, 403.

³⁰ Reccord and Beely were evidently friends and neighbors at home. Nothing further is known about them.

³¹ Warsaw is the county seat of Benton County, Missouri; it lies about 60 miles southwest of Jefferson City.

³² William's Aunt Rebecca Gulick, wife of Abraham Gulick, a brother of William's father.

³³ Shibley's Point is a small inland town about 15 miles northwest of Kirksville, in Adair County, Missouri.

³⁴ Dr. Ankeny was a brother of Captain William H. Ankeny who was in command of Company M at this time.

³⁵ "Uncle Abe" was Abraham Gulick, William's father's brother.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Shambaugh, The Iowa Journal of History and Politics, vol. 28 (1930), pp. 213-20.

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, Sunday, February 1, 1863

10 Oc I went down to the 3 Iowa Cavelry in hopes of hearing their Chaplain, Brother Ingalls preach but he had no meeting 2½ Oc Our services was opened with prayer by Capt J B Casebeer of the 24 Iowa the sermon one of power Preached by John T Simmons Chaplain of the 28th Iowa, text 1st Psalm then our Chaplain MH Hare read the order above referred to & commented some & then invited our Brig Genl Clinton B Fisk to close he sung Come thou fount in the old methodis[t] stile then gave us a feast of fat things in his exortation in which he remarked he would rather go into battle with 10 devoted unflinching Christians than 100 wicked profligate, demoralized men. he closed by an able prayer, we ware all enabled to say it was good for us to be here Evening I attended worship in Co F & spoke from these words, Work out your salvation with fear & trembling &c. after which we had several warm prayers & then had a good speaking meeting.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, pp. 107-8

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, February 2, 1863

We drilled in Bayonet exersize & at 4 Oc we ware on dress perade I have been quite feeble but am on duty, this night I took 2 pills the first medicine I have taken since I have been in the Service. One was a blue mas & the other an Opium pill

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 108

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, February 3, 1863

The mud was stiff enough to walk on this morning & a thin ice around the edges of the ponds We drilled in bayonet exersize & at 4 Oc ware on Dress perade I have felt verry feeble & after Dress perade I was quite sick & vomited severely evening I took a dose of oil & have powders to take every 4 hours through the night A soldier shot & killed a black man this evening cause not yet known

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 108