Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Wednesday, February 4, 1863

Early this morning, long ere it is light, the soldier is up with his can bucket making his coffee—how it refreshes him this cold morning. The light of day is now approaching and is being hailed with a welcome, for the night has been long and weary.

After finishing our breakfast we are ordered into line; and for once since the battle of Corinth, the Seventh takes the advance, the Twenty-seventh the center, and the Second Iowa the rear. We march briskly this morning, it being cold and frosty, and by twelve o'clock being considerably ahead of the train, we are halted long enough to eat our dinner, after which we move on; we find it difficult marching to-day, the roads being frozen. This afternoon the boys soon begin to limp, and some are compelled to drop back to the wagons. We find this country a deserted wilderness, and what few inhabitants we see, starvation seems to stare in the face; famine seems to follow both friend and foe. When within three miles of Corinth, clouds that have been gathering begin to spit snow. Onward the Seventh goes arriving in camp about three o'clock in the midst of a snow storm.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 140-1

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 4. – HOUSE. – The House went into Committee of the Whole on the States of the Union, Mr. Webster in the Chair.

On motion of Mr. STEVENS, the bill to establish a branch Mint at Denver, in Colorado Territory, was taken up, and debate limited to five minute speeches.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM said an allusion had been made in the Senate recently, to a Democratic conference held last week.  As to what took place there, he had no right to speak, but the injunction of secrecy did not apply to the call – which was in these words:

Democratic Conference. – We, the undersigned, members of the Democratic party, of the United States, determined to adhere to its ancient principles, and maintain its organization unbroken under all circumstances, as the party able to maintain the Constitution, to restore the old Union of the Sates, do hereby united in this call for a conference of all who may sign the same approving the objects indicated.

This call was signed by some thirty-five members of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Mr. STEVENS asked who signed it.

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM &c.  He continued, all of them are able to read and right.  No one made his mark.  If this did not refer to a political organization, he was not capable of understanding language.  The movement thus commenced would go on, and it was the determination of some that the organization should be completed.  Beyond this he was not able to speak.  His name was appended to the call.

The Committee rose and the bill for the branch Mint ad Denver passed.

The House went into committee of the whole.

Mr. BEAMAN expressed his views in favor of establishing Territorial Governments in the so-called Confederate States.

The committee rose and the House adjourned till Monday.

Several bills relating to the District of Columbia, were passed, and after Executive session the Senate adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, April 8. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALLANDIGHAM offered a resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, proposing with the consent of the Senate to adjourn on the third Monday in May.

Mr. ARNOLD read a dispatch from Com. Foote to Secretary Wells, dated Island Nol. 10, saying that two officers of the rebel Navy from Island 10, boarded the Benton yesterday, offering to surrender the Island.  The dispatch was received with rounds of applause.

The House resumed the consideration of the amendments to the tax bill.  Among other amendments concurred in, are the following:

Every person owning a dog to pay a tax of one dollar; pleasure or racing vessels, under the value of six hundred dollars, shall pay a tax of five dollars, when not exceeding one thousand dollars in value, ten dollars, and for every thousand dollars additional, ten dollars; organs and melodeons kept for use [or on] sale, according to value, from 60 cents to $6.  All dividends in scrip or money or sums of money hereafter held due or payable to the stockholders of any railroad company, as part of the earnings, profits or gain of said companies, shall be subject to pay a duty of 3 per cent on the amount of all such interest or coupons or dividends, whenever the same shall be paid.

Duties of dividends of life insurance shall not be deemed due until such dividends shall be payable by such companies, banks, trust companies or savings institutions.

Insurance companies are authorized and required to deduct and withhold from all payments made to any persons or parties on account of any dividends or sums of money that may be due and payable as aforesaid from the 1st of May next, the said debt or sum of 3 per cent.

Foreign bills of exchange or of credit drawn in, but payable out of the United Sates, if drawn singly, or if drawn in sets of more than one according to the custom of merchants and bankers.  For every bill of exchanged State or drawn on any Foreign country, but payable to the United States, where the sum made payable shall not exceed five hundred dollars, or the equivalent thereof, in any foreign currency, in which such bills may be exposed according to the standard value fixed by the United States, shall pay a stamp duty of five cents; the manifest of a part of a cargo of any vessel or custom of clearance shall pay a duty of twenty-five cents; a manifest in the custom house entry or clearance of the cargo of any ship, vessel or steamer, if the registered tonnage does not exceed three hundred, shall pay a duty of $1; upon every protest of every note, bill of exchange, acceptance, check or draft, in any marine paper, whether protected protested by notary public or any other officer who may be authorized by the law of any State to make such protest, there shall be paid a duty of 25 cents.

The proceedings were agreeably interrupted by Mr. COLFAX sending up to the clerk’s desk to be read:

______ Landing, Tenn., April 8, 8 p. m.

To Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

The enemy evacuated Island No. 10 last night.  It is occupied by Col. Buford of the 27th Illinois regiment.  Gen. Pope will capture all that remains on the high lands to-day.  The movement on the rear has done this work.

(Signed.)

THOMAS A. SCOTT.

This was received with loud applause and cries of good.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

From Cairo

CAIRO, April 1. – The rebel camp at Union City has fallen into our hands.

Col. Buford with 1800 men, composed of the 27th Illinois, a detachment of the 2nd Illinois cavalry, and part of the 15th Wisconsin proceeded to Hickman by transports and thence to Union City, where they fell upon the rebel camp yesterday, and completely routed the enemy.  They destroyed all his tents, camp equipage, stores, &c., and brought off one hundred prisoners and one hundred and fifty horses.  The rebels are supposed to have numbered two thousand, and were under command of the notorious H. Clay King.  Their loss is stated at 20 killed.  Our transports on their return to Island No. 10, had rebel flags flying under the Union flags.

There was very heavy firing yesterday, at Island No. 10.  It is supposed our gunboats are at work in earnest.

The weather is clear and war.  River Falling.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

From Island No. 10

ST. LOUIS, March 27. – A special to the Republican dated near Island No. 10, the evening of the 27th, says only 30 shells were thrown by the mortars to-day to which no response was made by the rebels.

This morning Col. Buford sent a reconnoitering party of 20 men of the 27th Illinois ashore.  They arrested three prominent residents who report 2,000 negroes are employed on the Island and at the batteries along the Island and at the batteries along the Kentucky shore; that 65 rebel troops including two Lieutenants and four negroes have been killed by shells; that the upper shore battery is abandoned but the others are being rapidly strengthened; that the enemy is 15,000 strong and that their encampment has been moved entirely out of the range of our guns; the rebels are confident of success and they have a good road to Trenton and other points by which they can retreat whenever they choose – they have plenty of provisions.  The rebel steamers loaded with troops were sent to watch the shore to prevent communication; the number of the enemy’s transports are eleven.

Two balloon ascensions were made by Capt. Steiner but the weather was too thick for favorable observation.

A partly finished gunboat building at Memphis was fire[d] the other night but extinguished before much damage was done.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 3

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 18. – Gov. Yates, Lieut. Governor Wood, auditor Dubois and many prominent citizens from all parts of Illinois are here to look after the wounded Illinois soldiers from Ft. Donelson.

Gov. Morton and many prominent citizens of Indiana are also here for a like purpose on account of the gallant men of that State who participated in the battle.

A salute of fifteen guns was fired this morning by order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Paine in honor of the arrival at this place of Governor Yates, commander-in-chief of Illinois troops.  It was answered at Bird’s Point at 2 o’clock P. M.

His Excellency held a public reception at the St. Charles Hotel, and all of the officers paid their respects to the Governor.  He was received by Col. Buford and the officers of the 27^th Illinois, and the officers of each regiment came up in a body lead by their several regimental bands.  Col. Beauford [sic] said they came to welcome the man who had so supplied the wants of the Illinois boys and so nobly cared for all the troops he had sent forth to avenge the wrongs and injuries of our country.

Gov. Yates responded briefly but with deep feeling, paying a handsome tribute to the memory of the fallen at Fort Donelson, and congratulating their brethren in arms for the achievement of this late victory of our arms over a traitor foe.

About 7,000 of the rebel prisoners from Fort Donelson have arrived here and departed up the Mississippi river to be disposed of by Gen. Halleck.  The question of what to do with them was discussed among the Commanding officers here last night, and the conclusion seems to be that they will be divided, a portion going to Alton, another portion to Chicago, and probably a third portion going to Fort Wayne and Detroit.

Troops are continually arriving and departing for the seat of war, and our army will soon again be in readiness to advance.

It is believed, that if permitted to do so, very many of the rebel prisoners would gladly take up arms on the side of the Union.  The privates, almost to a man, declare that they have seen quite enough of the secession elephant. – The officers, however, are generally very morose and bitter in their expressions relative to the North.

In addition to the list of killed and wounded previously reported, are the following:

46^th Illinois, Commissary Sergeant Traverse, Killed; Lt. Col. Maltby, ball in the leg; Cornelius Shay, flesh wound in the thigh; Lieut. H. H. Boyce, severely wounded in the hip from a Minnie ball; George P. Appleton, severely wounded in the foot.

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

Capture of the Rebel Camp at Union City

100 Confederates taken Prisoners

Union City taken by the Federals

CAIRO, April 1.

The rebel camp at Union City has fallen into our hands.  Col. Buford, with 1,800 men, composed of the 27^th Ill., a detachment of the 2^nd Ill. cavalry, and part of the 15^th Wis., proceeded to Hickman by transports from vicinity of Island No. 10, and crossed to Union City, where they fell upon the rebel camp yesterday, and completely routed the enemy without the loss of a man.  They destroyed all the tents, camp equipage, stores, &c., and brought off over 100 prisoners and 150 horses.

The rebels are supposed to have numbered 2,000, and were under command of the notorious Clay King.  Their loss is stated at 20 killed.

Our transports on their return to Island No. 10 had the rebel flags flying under the Union flags.

There was very heavy firing yesterday at Island No. 10.  It is supposed our gunboats are at work in earnest.

Weather warm and clear.  River falling.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 3, 1862, p. 2

A Bold Feat

An Island No. 10 correspondent of the St. Louis Democrat gives the following incident, as having occurred there:–

“In a former letter I wrote of a contemplated attempt on the part of Lieut. Allen of Company “C,” of Twenty-seventh Illinois, to spike the guns at the upper rebel fort at this place, christened, as we have been told, Fort Polk.  This bold task was undertaken last Friday night, when the Lieutenant in company with four other men dropped down in a skiff and found a large body of rebels at work constructing platforms for supporting their cannon.  The Lieutenant resolved not to be totally disappointed, and landing, very coolly approached a sentinel who was pacing a parapet at the lower extremity of the fort, and representing himself as a brother rebel, remarked: “I will relieve you from duty now sir.”  The rebel guard, wearied and thankful, moved off to his quarters, when the Lieut. spiked the 64 pounder at the lower end of the fort, which was served with such accuracy against us on Monday.  The proximity of the laboring rebels would not suffer him to prosecute any further a work which had already proven him a daring officer.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 29, 1862, p. 2

From Island No. 10

ST. LOUIS, March 27.

A special to the Republican, dated near Island No. 10, evening of the 26^th, says only three shells were thrown by the mortars to-day, to which no response was made by the rebels.

This morning Col. Buford sent a reconnoitering party of 20 men of the 27^th Illinois down the Missouri shore.  They arrested three prominent residents, who report that 2,000 negroes are employed on the Island and at the batteries along the shore; that 65 rebel troops, including 2 Lieutenants and 4 negroes, have been killed by our shells; that the upper battery is abandoned, but the others are being rapidly strengthened; that the enemy is 15,000 strong; and their encampment has been moved entirely out of range of our guns.  The rebels are confident of success and say they have a good road to Trenton and other points, by which they can escape whenever they choose.  They have plenty of provisions.

Rebel steamers loaded with troops were seen, watching the shore to prevent communication from here.

The total number of the enemy’s transports are eleven.

Two balloon ascensions were made by Capt. Steiner, but the weather was too thick for favorable observation.

One partly finished gun boat, building at Memphis, was fired the other night, but was extinguished before much damage was done.

The new Tennessee levies were disbanding – they refusing to fight with picks, the only weapon offered to them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 1

Columbus, Ky., March 4 [1862]

At 10 o’clock this morning the 27^th, 52d and 55^th Illinois Regiments hoisted the stars and stripes over the rebel fortifications at Columbus.

The gunboats Cincinnati, Flag ship Louisville, Carondelet, St. Louis and Lexington, with four more boats in tow of the steamer Lake Erie, and the 27^th Ill., Col. Buford, 52d Ill., Col. Roberts and 55^th Ill., Major Sanger, acting Colonel, upon the transports Aleck Scott, Illinois, Magill and Ike Hammit, left Cairo this morning at 4 o’clock for Columbus.

The fleet arrived at Lucas Bend, about two miles above Columbus, at 6 o’clock, and was drawn up in line of battle.  The drums beat to quarters, and guns were manned ready for action.  Two tugs were sent in advance reconnoitering, but failed to provoke a shot from the enemy.  Everything about the works was quiet.  Glasses revealed stragglers on the bluff and about the water batteries, and in a few moments a flag was raised.  Its character could not be made out.

The fleet gradually neared the town, and laid in the stream of Belmont battlefield, while scouts were sent out upon tugs towards the rebel works.  The tugs cautiously approached until within a quarter of a mile of the batteries, found the works deserted and both set off at the top of their speed for the honor of landing first.  The scouts rushed on the ‘double quick’ to the top of the bluff, and unfurled the stars and stripes, which were saluted by the crews of the gunboats as they steamed up to the town.  The transports landed their troops, and Columbus was in our possession.

The works were entirely destroyed, and the barracks, or rather rough board and log cabins, were burned.  An immense amount of stores and ordnance fell into our hands.  Many of their cannon were thrown into the river.  Six thirty-two pounders, some howitzers, and an almost innumerable quantity of grape, canister, shell and round shot, were found in the batteries.  The fortifications were very extensive, and its natural position almost impregnable.

Columbus is completely destroyed. – Every building was thoroughly ransacked and the contents destroyed by the rebels.  The rebels commenced leaving on Thursday last and finished yesterday.  The largest number ever there was 37,000.  Beauregard was not there.  It is believed that when the river falls all their guns will be found.

The land forces, mortar boats and the gunboat St. Louis remain in possession of the town.  The balance of the boats returned to Cairo in the afternoon.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, February 18.

Gov. Yates, Ex-Gov. Wood, Auditor Dubois and many prominent citizens from all parts of Illinois are here to look after the wounded Illinois soldiers from Fort Donelson.  Gov. Morton and many prominent citizens of Indiana are also here for a like purpose, on account of the gallant men of that State who participated in the battle.

A salute of fifteen guns was fired this morning by order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Paine, in honor of the arrival at this place of Gov. Yates, commander-in-chief of the Illinois troops.  It was answered at Bird’s Point at 2 o’clock p.m.  His Excellency held a public reception at the St. Charles Hotel, and all the officers paid their respects to the Governor.  He was received by Col. Buford and the others of the 27th Illinois, and the officers of each regiment came up in a body led by ther several regimental bands.

Col. Buford said they came to welcome the men, who had supplied the wants of the Ill. Boys and so nobly cared for all the troops he had sent forth to avenge the wrongs and injury to the flag of our country.  Gov. Yates responded briefly, but with deep feeling, paying a handsome tribute to the memory of the fallen at Fort Donelson, congratulating their brethren in arms, for the achievement of the late victory of our arms over a traitor foe.  Seven thousand of the rebel prisoners from Fort Donelson, have arrived here and departed up the Mississippi, to be disposed of by Gen. Halleck.  The question of what to do with them was discussed among the commanding officers here last night and the conclusion seems to be that they will be divided, a portion going to Alton and a portion to Chicago and probably a third portion to Fort Wayne and Detroit.  Troops are continually arriving and departing for the seat of war, and our army will soon again be in readiness to advance.

It is believed that, if permitted to do so, very many of the rebel prisoners would gladly take up arms on the side of the Union.  The privates almost to a man declare that they have seen quite enough of the secession elephant.  The officers, however, are generally very morose, and bitter in their expressions relative to the north.

In addition to the list of killed and wounded previously reported, are the following:

45th Illinois, commissary serg’t Traverse, Killed; Lt. Col. Maltby, ball in leg; Cornelius Shay, flesh wound in the thigh; Lieut. H. Boice, severe wound in hip from a minie ball; Geo. Poppleton, severely wounded in the foot.

Times’ Dispatch

CAIRO, Feb. 18.

Col. Buford, with a small force, went down the river on a reconnoisance to-day.  When within four miles of Columbus, heavy cannonading was heard, not, however, with any regularity.  On moving across the river, where a view of the place could be obtained, he discovered a heavy cloud of smoke, covering a large space.

Col. Buford believes the solution of the affair to be, that the rebels are dismounting their guns and blowing up magazines preparatory to evacuating the place.

A large number of the rebel prisoners brought down yesterday belonged on the Cumberland river, as they passed their homes looked wistfully for some face of recognition.  Many were under the impression they would be paroled, and when they found they were to be sent North, were ready to take any oath.  Two-thirds manifest a desire to return to their allegiance.  Some acknowledged they had been humbugged into their present unfortunate position.

Six thousand prisoners have already arrived here, and the others will be brought down as soon as transportation can be procured.

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

27th Illinois Infantry

Organized at Camp Butler, Ill., August 10, 1861. At Jacksonville, Ill., till September 1. Moved to Cairo, Ill., September 1, and duty there till March, 1862. Attached to District of Cairo to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Cairo, February, 1862. Flotilla Brigade, Army of the Mississippi, to April, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Mississippi, to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 13th Division, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Right Wing 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 4th Army Corps, to August, 1864.

SERVICE.--Expedition to Belmont, Mo., November 6-7, 1861. Battle of Belmont November 7. Expedition into Kentucky January 16-21, 1862. Occupation of Columbus, Ky., March 3. Skirmish at Columbus March 4. Operations against New Madrid and Island No. 10 March 14-April 8. Actions at Island No. 10 March 15-16 and 25. Expedition to Union City, Tenn., March 30-April 2. Union City March 30-31. Action and capture at Tiptonville April 8. Expedition to Fort Pillow, Tenn., April 13-17. Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 17-23. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Action at Farmington May 3. Reconnoissance toward Corinth May 8. Action at Farmington May 9. Pursuit to Booneville May 30-June 12. Tuscumbia Creek May 31-June 1. Reconnoissance toward Baldwyn June 3. Camp at Corinth till July 21. Moved to Iuka, Miss., thence to Courtland, Ala., and duty along Memphis & Charleston R. R. till September 3. March to Nashville, Tenn., September 3-12. Siege of Nashville September 12-November 6. Near La Vergne October 7. Repulse of Forest's attack on Edgefield November 5. Duty at Nashville till December 26. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26-30. Action at Nolensville, Knob Gap, December 26. Triune December 27-28. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Duty at Murfreesboro till June. Expedition toward Columbia March 4-14. Middle Tennessee (or Tullahoma) Campaign June 24-July 7. Christiana June 24. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Passage of Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign August 16-September 22. Battle of Chickamauga, (Ga.) September 19-20. Siege of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 24-November 23. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Orchard Knob November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. March to relief of Knoxville and Campaign in East Tennessee November 28, 1863, to January 25, 1864. Operations about Dandridge January 16-17, 1864. At London, Tenn., till. April 18. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May to August, 1864. Demonstration on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Buzzard's Roost Gap May 8-9. Demonstration on Dalton May 9-13. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Near Calhoun May 16. Adairsville May 17. Near Kingston May 18-19. Near Cassville May 19. Advance on Dallas May 23-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's (or Neal Dow's) Station, Smyrna Camp Ground July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17, Buckhead Nancy's Creek July 18. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Ordered to Springfield, Ill., August 25. Mustered out September 20, 1864, expiration of term. Veterans and Recruits transferred to 9th Illinois Infantry.

Regiment lost during service 7 Officers and 96 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 83 Enlisted men by disease. Total 188.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1057

Hutchins' Independent Cavalry Company

Organized with 27th Illinois Infantry August 10, 1861. Moved to Cairo, Ills., July 1. Duty in Military District of Cairo till March, 1862. Duty at Fort Holt, Ky. Expedition into Kentucky January 16-21, 1862. Occupation of Columbus March 3. Operations against New Madrid and Island No. 10 March and April. Expedition to Union City, Tenn., March 30-April 2. Moved to Humboldt, Tenn., thence to Corinth, Miss. Assigned to Stewart's Independent Battalion Illinois Cavalry as Company "E," July, 1862, which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1033