Citizens’ Meeting

A respectable number of citizens assembled at the LeClaire House yesterday morning, for the purpose of devising ways and means for the relief of the wounded at the taking of Fort Donelson.  Mr. John L. Davies called the meeting to order, and on motion, Hiram Price, Esq., was elected Chairman, and Mr. Chas. H. Eldridge Secretary.

On motion a committee was appointed to report ways and means for carrying out the objects of the meeting.  Messrs. J. L. Davies, J. C. Todd, J. E. Henry, W. Barrows and I W. Gifford were named as such committee. – While they were out, a committee on finance was appointed by the Chair, as follows: R. Lowry, T. C. Campbell, J. Thorington, Wm. Burris, and Rev. H. N. Powers, who at once went to work, and took the subscriptions of those present, which were given with commendable liberality.

The first committee appointed presented a report recommending that Messrs. Willard Barrows, L. J. Center and Ira M. Gifford be appointed a committee to proceed to the relief of the sufferers, and furnish them such aid as might be needed.  It having been suggested that some physicians should be put on this committee the report was sent back with instructions to leave the names of the delegation blank.  The names of Mr. Barrows, Mr. Center, Dr. Stephenson and Dr. Maxwell were subsequently reported.  It being suggested to appoint a German on the committee, a discussion arose, which resulted, finally, in fixing upon the following persons, viz: Dr. McCarn, L. J. Center and Dr. Maxwell.

Messrs. Hirschl and Lischer were added to the finance committee.

On motion of Mr. Davies, Rev. H. N. Powers was appointed to consult with the Ladies’ Aid Society, in regard to such aid, as they may be disposed to furnish, with power to act.

The delegation was instructed to report by telegraph, when they reached Cairo, the names of the killed and wounded, and whether any further and what assistance should be needed.

On motion of Mr. C. H. Eldridge, a telegram was ordered to be sent to the commanding officer of the Iowa 2d, informing him that a committee was on its way to their relief. – It was resolved to request the railroads the committee might use to pass them free.

The thanks of the meeting were tendered to the proprietors of the LeClaire House.  The meeting then adjourned.  The whole amount subscribed for the relief of the soldiers was $350, nearly all of which was paid in at the time.

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