Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, September 14, 1864

The troops that went from here after General Wheeler into eastern Tennessee about a month ago, returned this morning, coming in on the train. They did not succeed in capturing Wheeler, but they had several skirmishes with him, in one of which it is reported that the notorious General Morgan was killed.¹ The expedition, made up of the Thirty-ninth Iowa and the Thirty-third Ilinois, experienced some hard marching. Dr. French, in charge of the hospital here and head physician of the sick wards, left today for Atlanta.

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¹ This was another false report.—Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 215

St. Louis News

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 18. – A disgraceful affair occurred at Jefferson City yesterday.  A local Sheriff seized a contraband on the arrival of the train from Otterville.  Lieut. Hannah, of the Ohio Cavalry, attempted to procure his release, when the Sheriff threatened to shoot him.  An order from headquarters released the negro and prevented serious collision.

The 21^st Illinois is now at Greenville, and are about to start for Bloomfield.  The 33d and 38^th are still at Pilot knob and Ironton.

The second seizure of goods was made at the residence of W. G. Clark, to-day, to make up a deficit existing after the former sale.  Steamboats are loading with troops as fast as possible.

Mr. Wm. McShenn of this city, accompanied by 12 experienced nurses, and an immense store of hospital supplies, leaves here this afternoon by railroad to supply comforts to the Ft. Donelson wounded.

Several secessionists who have been particularly biter since yesterday, have been arrested.  Secession here is generally remarkable quiet.

Claimants whose claims are ready for delivery from the Claims Commission of this city, are requested, by the Secretary of the Commission, to send or call for them immediately.

Memphis is spoken of by Gen. Halleck’s staff officers as the next place in his department to fall.

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

Welcome Home

Fred Whitaker, of Co. B, 19th Ill., Is now at home on a short furlough, looking as “fat and saucy” as if he had never been on half rations of “army shingles.” W. T. Hall of Co. B., 33d Ill., has been home several days on recruiting service. He looks well also.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 1, 1863