We are permitted to make the following extracts from the private letter of a soldier of the Iowa 2d, to his father residing in this city. His ideas are excellent:
“I have ever thought that when the South became fully acquainted with the sentiments and character of the masses of the North, that a Union feeling wound be aroused that would bury the rebellions spirit which the strong arm of the Government is now crushing to death. I feel assured that it will be so, and am confident that the present generation will in a few years rejoice that they were rescued from the misrule of the usurpers, and thank the army that released them from the fellowship of hypocritical leaders. I was surprised that the men who surrendered to us on the 16th should cheer the star spangled banner. They received it as an old friend. They fought us hard. On the right of our army the ground was well contested and neither side could boast much of victory. The rebels fought to escape, to cut their way through our lines. Many of them were told that we would not allow them to surrender. Hey had ever believed us to be cowards, thieves, ruffians, everything mean and detestable. When they found we were brave, fearless of death and more than their equals in combat, and yet willing to treat them kindly the moment they surrendered, they freely declared that their “big men” had deceived them, and they strongly denounced the rebel Generals who had fled, leaving the army to the mercies of their victors. I think one more fight will close the war, but where it will be is a question that puzzles me exceedingly.
“We don’t feel the enthusiasm displayed by Northern cities. If you had been here ever since the fort surrendered, you would have seen us all as quiet as if we had lived here always. Every one went quietly about his duties, and there was no great rejoicing. I think that our friends North must have felt doubtful of our ability to capture the fort, or they would not have gone so wild after our success. We never for one moment doubted but that we would conquer, and after the first shouts of victory had echoed from the hills, we once more became the quiet undemonstrative soldier.
“We quietly conversed with those whom the day before we waged mortal combat. But little ill feeling was exhibited, and I do not know of a case where one of our men insulted one of the prisoners. Many compliments were passed on the bravery of regiments that had fought the day before. They bestowed much praise on our regiment, and respected us for the brave charge we made at such a disadvantage.
“I was out on the battle-field again to-day. I went down to the foot of the hill where we came up. I was surprised to see the brush we rushed through on the run. My mind was so occupied then I could see no obstacle. I have no more recollection of going over that brush then I have of the little chips I step over round the camp; I have heard many others express the same surprise. The trees are felled with the tops down hill, and the brush lay thick over the hill side. The hill was higher, and about as steep as the bluff on Perry street, Davenport. We went up much quicker than we could do, now that the enemies are not there. Man knows not his strength until he is tried.
“Gov. Kirkwood is here. It is hard to tell whether he or the Iowa troops think the most of each other. He is proud of us, while we all love him for his intrinsic worth and unassuming manner. He remarked that he could not see how we ever got in here. You can’t imagine what pride we all take in our regiment.”
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 2
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