A Damaging Item

We cut the following significant item from the Shiloh correspondence of the New York Times.  The writer was in the battle of Wilson’s Creek and was at that time corresponding for the New York Times and the Dubuque Herald.  Doubtless the Jones family is very loyal, but it has been exceedingly unfortunate.  Our illustrious ex-Senator and ex-Minister has been guilty of writing a “love letter” – that is what he styles it – to Jeff. Davis.  One son was bagged at Fort Donelson, fighting against his country in the secesh army.  The other son, always claiming to be loyal, has sent a valuable recruit to Dixie, from the Mahony Democracy of the lovely city of Dubuque, with a most affectionate introductory letter.  One would think that a person, in standing a position so questionable would keep himself a little in the back ground.  But no.  Jones is apparently upon a pilgrimage among the people, holding himself up as a martyr, and seeking to organize a party in this State, the evident purpose of which is to aid the rebellion and assist in making satisfactory terms for Jeff. Davis & Co. when they are beaten and “subdued.”  But the letter introductory to Mr. Quigly:

In roaming about the woods I found a well worn letter, whose contents  may prove of interest.  It is dated:

DUBUQUE, Iowa, July 1, 1861.

DEAR HUNTER:  By this I introduce to you my Friend, Daniel O. C. Quigly, of this town, and bespeak your kindness and attention toward him.  I believe he will prove himself worthy of your friendship.  With every wish for your prosperity and happiness, your friend.

CHARLES D. JONES.

To Captain S. E. Hunter, Hunter’s Rifles,

Clinton, Louisiana

The Particularities of this document consist in the fact that the writer is a son of Gen. Geo. W. Jones of Dubuque, (late minister to Bogota, fort Lafayette, &c.) and a brother of the Lieut. Jones who was bagged at Fort Henry.  The Quigly spoken of, is a son of a prominent citizen of Dubuque, and one who, soon after the war commenced, bolted to the South and offered his services to the scoundrels who are trying to break up this Government.  I offer the letter for publication from the fact that the writer now lives in Dubuque, and pretends, as he ever has pretended since the war began, to be loyal. – How far such loyalty will be tolerated by a Government whose burdens are already heavy enough, should be tested.  The letter was given, and for a treasonable purpose, at a time when the gallant Lyon was struggling against the traitorous uprisings in Missouri – at a time when hundreds of Jones’ townsmen in the First Iowa, were toiling and suffering beneath the burning sun of Missouri, inspired only by motives of patriotism, by a wish to preserve intact their beloved Constitution – it was at such a time that Jones chose to perpetrate his treason and assist in the work of breaking up the Government.

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