Wednesday, March 7, 2012

St. Louis Budget of News and Rumors

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 19. – Accounts from every camp in the State represent the joy of our troops over the Donelson victory unbounded. – At Pilot Knob a salute was fired last evening.

The officers of Col. Carlin’s 39th Illinois gave a ball in honor of the event.

A little rebel outbreak took place yesterday morning twelve miles from Jefferson City.  There was two companies of rebels organized near Stonington, destined for Price’s army, and before leaving they revenged themselves of some loyal citizens by killing two and wounding five more.  Gen. Pope dispatched three companies of cavalry after them and their capture is almost certain.

Prof. Swallow, State Geologist, residing at Columbia, Boone county, was arrested today for disloyalty.

The report of burning the bridge of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad at Decatur, Ala., by Union sympathizers is not believed at headquarters.

Ten steamboats are advertised to leave to-day for Paducah.  They carry troops up the Tennessee river.

Gen. Halleck issued an order thanking Gen. Hunter now in Kansas, for the energy displayed in organizing troops in this department prior to his (Halleck’s) arrival, by whose aid our arms were partially enabled to triumph at Donelson.  The meaning of this order, which takes the form of a telegraphic dispatch to Gen. Hunter, is by no means clear.

Gen. Halleck has also issued a spirited order congratulating out troops on their recent success, and encouraging them to look for future victories at times and places already selected.

On Change [sic] yesterday and to-day there has been a decided advance in everything needed at the South in anticipation of an early permission to trade with Tennessee.  It is noticed that whisky advanced considerably.

More arrests for disloyalty are constantly occurring.  Seventeen Rebel prisoners, not being guilty of violating the rules of war, were released to-day on giving bonds and subscribing to the oath.

Deputy Provost Marshal, Gen. Thomas C. Fletcher, proceeded to Alton this p. m. by Gen. Halleck’s order, to release a large number of prisoners from the penitentiary on parole, mostly those who have never borne arms.  Where bonds are given Secessionists are invariably preferred to Union men, as in cases of default no compunction will be felt in seizing property.

The 42nd Illinois regiment went down the river last night, on the War Eagle.  The Edward Walsh, also, carried 1,400 troops, and an immense quantity of baggage.

Brigadier Gen. Pope, and Staff, proceed south immediately, on the steamer Northerner, which boat also carries a regiment from St. Charles.

Constable’s Ohio battery and two batteries of the 1st Missouri artillery, are en route for the Cumberland river.  Likewise, the Henry Chouteau steamer is loading with the baggage of the 24th Indiana regiment.

The shipment of pig lead from this point without a permit, is prohibited.

Another company of nurses have left here for Cairo and vicinity, to attend the wounded from Fort Donelson.

The provost Marshal has ordered all business to be suspended on the 22d inst.  Extensive preparations are progressing for a magnificent celebration.

The Sanitary Commission are preparing hospitals for a large accession of wounded patriots.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

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