Soldiers' Relief

It must not be forgotten by our citizens that the Soldiers’ Relief Convention will be held here on next Wednesday the 28th inst., commencing its sessions at 10 o’clock a. m.  A number of persons from other portions of the State will doubtless be in attendance, and the matter be systematized that much more good can be accomplished in future.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 26, 1862, p. 1

Scott County Soldiers’ Relief Association

The Executive Committee are requested to meet in the office of Messrs. Putnam & Rogers, on Monday evening, 26th instant, at 8 o’clock.

H. PRICE, President.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 26, 1862, p. 1

Relief Association

It is well, in view of the fact that we are soon to have a military hospital at Camp McClellan, that we have such organizations as the Relief and Soldiers’ Aid Association to make preparations, and through their energetic Executive Committee care for the invalids when they arrive, and dispense the benefactions of the kind-hearted to the relief of the sufferers in a systematic manner.  Last fall, a great portion of the donations for the comfort of the soldiers at Camp McClellan were lost for want of proper management.  It is even said that of all the goods donated at that time, in the shape of blankets, quilts, &c., none can now be found.  There was no one in particular to take care of them, and as everybody’s business is generally very well taken care of by nobody, no one can be found who knows anything of them.  Hereafter such matters will be carefully attended to, by a person or persons, especially selected for the purpose; so that articles contributed will be made to do all the good they possibly can, and care will be taken that they be not stolen or squandered.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

Hospital Supplies

Since the organization of the Relief Association, large amounts of supplies for sick and wounded soldiers have been forwarded from different parts of the county to the Executive Committee of that Association.  This committee, in the exercise of a wise discretion, have retained a large portion of these supplies, in anticipation of the establishment of a hospital here; so that the committee have something wherewith to make comfortable the expected invalids at the hospital.  A good deal more is being prepared, and much more will be needed for the comfort and convenience of those who will soon be thrown, to some extent, on our hospitality and generosity.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

To The Ladies

An appeal is again made to the patriotism and benevolence of the ladies of Davenport, in behalf of the sick and wounded soldiers soon expected here; there is much work to be done to make them comfortable, and as yet but few have volunteered their assistance, it is therefore earnestly requested that there will be an increased attendance of patriotic ladies every day until the work is completed.  The place of meeting is in the lecture room of Christian Chapel, Brady st.  Entrance on the south side of the building.

BY ORDER OF PRES. SOL. AID SOCIETY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

The following letter was written previous to . . .

. . . the date of the dispatch from Mr. Gifford, published yesterday, but contains some facts in relation to the work of aiding sick and wounded soldiers not heretofore laid before our readers:

STEAMER CITY OF ALTON,

CAIRO, Ill., May 15, 1862 – 9 A. M.

REV. A. J. KYNETT, Sec. &c.

I have very fortunately got passage on boat City of Alton in charge of Gov. Yates; through the kindness of Gen. Strong and E. Folsom.  Having a few moments before the boat leaves, I write you all the information I can obtain so hurriedly.  Gov. Yates has commissioned Mr. Raub, of Chicago, as agent, who has had a good deal of experience in sanitary matters.  He tells me the only way to reach the wants of the suffering, is to have an agent, to whom all goods shall be sent, and said agent to make it his duty to distribute the same.  He also tells me that the thing most needed is nourishment in shape of jellies – fruits (can and dried); good liquor, (whiskey and brandy.)  Also the best wines, (the home-made wine is not of any use, as it ferments, sours, &c.)

You had better make a collection of the above articles, and forward to me at Cairo, in care of E. Folsom; also send the best porter and ale in bottles, well packed – send a good quantity of it, not less than one gross.  I cannot tell you of course of all that would be of service, but things will suggest themselves to you while packing.  The Jamaica ginger (essence) is good.  I paid $3.50 a dozen for it here; if you can get it there send it.

Now in regard to clothing, I can tell you nothing, except that Rev. E. Folsom says there is a great scarcity of thin cotton drawers, of anything else he could not tell me. – Perhaps it would be as well to suggest the same to the ladies, and if you have them on hand send on.  Direct to me at Cairo in care of Folsom.

I made some inquire about steamboat accommodations, and was told that every facility would be granted by the commander at Pittsburg Landing, and that a boat could be secured there to load with wounded, if necessary and the opinion here prevails that a battle will very soon take place.  If so, we are none too soon at work, and there is plenty of it to do.  Center is useful and energetic.  Gen. Strong welcomed me very cordially and thanked the Governor for this noble effort to aid his brave soldiers.  I wrote you a few lines a moment ago, but since learned the facts above, and while the boat was still at the landing, improved the opportunity of stating them over again partially.  All well. – the weather quite warm.

Very respectfully yours,

IRA M. GIFFORD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Executive Committee Meeting

An adjourned meeting of the Executive Committee of the Soldiers’ Relief Association, was held at Putnam & Rogers’ office last evening.  The several sub-committees were present.

Mr. Dow, from sub-committee appointed to procure hospital accommodations, recommended that Camp McClellan had been selected, the consent of Capt. Hendershott having been obtained.  He also reported the action of the committee in procuring fixtures, etc.

On motion, Mr. Huot was appointed a committee to make the necessary repairs and improvements on the buildings at Camp McClellan, under direction of the Surgical Committee.

Mr. Davies moved that the Surgical Committee be authorized to have the buildings put in immediate readiness.

Mr. Dow offered the following, which was adopted:

Resolved, That a committee of one be appointed, whose duty it shall be to furnish, under the direction of the Surgical committee, all necessary supplies for the Hospital, and if it be required, that a person so appointed be paid a reasonable compensation for his services.

The chair appointed Warrant Teale said committee.

On motion, John Collins, C. E. Putnam and Israel Hall were appointed an auditing committee, to whom all accounts against the society be presented for approval.

On motion the Rev. A. J. Kynett was added to the surgical committee.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

State Sanitary Convention

Our readers will remember the State Sanitary Convention, to be held in this city on next Wednesday, the 28th.  Delegates reaching this place, either by river or railroad, will be carried for half fare.  We hope to see a large crowd in attendance, and the heterogeneous mode of proceeding among the different Sanitary Societies are systematized that more good may be accomplished.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

An Appeal To the Ladies

It is expected that three hundred sick and wounded soldiers will be brought to this place in a few days for which hospital necessaries will be needed; it is therefore requested that the members of the Soldiers’ Aid Society, and all others benevolently inclined, will meet for the purpose of making up such articles every day this week, or until the work is completed, in the lecture room of the Christian Chapel, Brady street.  Doors open at 9 o’clock, a.m.

Ladies having sewing machines to spare are requested to bring them to the room or use them at home for this purpose.

By order of

PRES. SOL. AID SOCIETY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 21, 1862, p. 1

Executive Committee Meeting

The Executive Committee of the Soldiers’ Relief Association met last evening at Putnam and Rogers’ office for the purpose of taking steps towards providing hospital accommodations for the sick and wounded, proposed to be sent her from the seat of war in Tennessee.

The dispatch from Ira M. Gifford, (mentioned elsewhere) was laid before the meeting, and the reply stated, which was to send the sick and wounded along.

Mr. Dow moved that Camp McClellan be appropriated for hospital purposes.

Mr. Collins though the committee had no right to do so.

Mr. Collins moved to amend, that a committee of five be selected to select a place for a hospital, provide for fitting it up, and report at a meeting on Tuesday, (this) evening.  Committee – Dow, Davies, Olshausen, Claussen, and Putnam.

The propriety of using Fejervary’s Block for hospital purposes was considered.  Mr. Collins and R. Langer objected, on account of improper ventilation and other inconveniences not easily overcome.

Mt. Ida College, the Main Street Church and other places were spoken of.

Mr. Claussen moved that the sum of ten dollars be appropriated for the relief of August Schulz, a soldier of the 16th regiment at home on furlough, who is in a very needy condition.  Motion. Prevailed.

On motion, G. L. Davenport and J. S. Conner, were appointed to fill the vacancies on the Surgical Committee, occasioned by the absence of Drs. Maxwell and Gamble.

Mr. Olshausen moved that Mr. Center, who is with Mr. Gifford in Tennessee, be allowed $1.00 per day as nurse.  Adopted.

Mr. Dow moved that a committee of five on providing hospital supplies be appointed – the same to be selected from outside of the Ex. Committee.  Carried.

Appointment of committee postponed until to-morrow (this) evening; and Messrs. Dow, Hills, and Lahrmann were appointed to select such committee on supplies.

Adjourned till this (Tuesday) evening at 8 o’clock.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

A Case for the Charitable

MR. EDITOR:  I desire to call the attention of the public to the case of Mrs. Adolphus Knocke, corner of Rock Island and Second streets.  Her husband and two sons have been in the army of the U. S. as volunteers since January, 1862, and have not yet been paid off by the U. S.  The family are actually suffering for food.  Some generous persons, who are able, should provide her the means of living until her husband and sons are paid off.

G. E. HUBBELL.

We had thought there was a committee appointed in our city, to see that the families here of those fighting the battles of our country did not suffer in their absence.  It seems that we were mistaken.  It should be done immediately; and is the meantime the family mentioned above should not be permitted to suffer.  We mentioned her case to a lady of our acquaintance on receipt of the above not, who said that she had visited them once but it seems they are now in actual and immediate want.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

From Mary Todd Lincoln to Abraham Lincoln, November 3, 1862

[November 3, 1862]

My Dear Husband.

I wrote you on yesterday, yet omitted a very important item.  Elizabeth Keckley, who is with me and is working for the Contraband Association, at Wash– is authorised by the White part of the concern by a written document – to collect any thing for them – here that, she can – She has been very unsuccessful – She says the immense number of Contrabands in W– are suffering intensely, many without bed covering & having to use any bits of carpeting to cover themselves– Many dying of want– Out of the $1000 fund deposited with you by Gen Corcoran, I have given her the privelege of investing $200 her, in bed covering– She is the most deeply grateful being, I ever saw, & this sum, I am sure, you will not object to being used in this way– The cause of humanity requires it – and there will be $800 left of the fund– I am sure, this will meet your approbation– The soldiers are well supplied with comfort Please send check for $200 – out of that fund – she will bring you on the bill.

SOURCE: Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Sick And Wounded Soldiers Coming Here

Messrs. Kynett and Russell yesterday afternoon received a dispatch from Mr. Gifford, telling them to prepare to receive three hundred sick and wounded.  An answer was immediately returned to send them along.  The Executive Committee of the Relief Association met last evening from the purpose of taking action on the subject.  There will probably be a boat-load of wounded here next week.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

Soldiers' Aid Society

The Ladies’ Soldiers Aid Society will meet this (Tuesday) afternoon at the lecture room of the Christian Chapel, Brady street.

BY ORDER OF THE PRESIDENT.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 1

Eighth Ward General Hospital At Hamburg, Tenn., Sunday, May 11 [1862].

ED. RUSSELL, Esq., Cor. Sec’y S. R. A.:–

Dear Sir:  On the afternoon of the 9th inst., the 2d Iowa cavalry was brought into action as an advance of Gen. Pope’s division.  They executed an order to charge on a rebel battery in a most gallant manner, and saved from capture or total destruction Gen. Paine’s brigade; but in doing so, three of our brave boys fell dead and forty were wounded.  The regiment lost, I am told, 140 horses killed and disabled.  Although I tried hard, I could procure no sooner reliable information.  I believe none of our infantry suffered.  I here give all the attention the circumstances would permit to the wounded.  Most of them are to be put on board of a steamboat to be sent home; those worst wounded are still in “hospital camp,” which is agreeable to order of Gen. Halleck.  Our sick are doing pretty well; the weather is very warm.  My charge is being greatly increased; attend to more than 200 – there being about 4,000 sick in all.  I am making every preparation to meet the increasing demands.  Sanitary Commissions are the salvation of the army, but good cooks are needed very much.  Another surgeon should be here to take charge of our men at Pittsburg.  Burwell is there.  We have none at present at Savannah, but many will be sent there soon in the event of a battle, of which there can be no doubt, and that a desperate one too.

At Pittsburg are more than 500 sick of Iowa soldiers.  Mrs. Harlan furnished all our hospitals in that (Grant’s) division last week with all needed sanitary supplies; and reports the sick doing well for the climate, which is, but the way, anything but favorable to health for Northern men – very warm days and cold nights, produce the form of fevers (congestive), diarrheas, &c. – Direct to Dr. A. S. Maxwell, general hospital at Hamburg, Tenn., care of Post surgeon.

LIST OF KILLED OF 2D IOWA CAVALRY.

Lt. Owens, Co. H; Sergt. Ayers, Co. A; John Wilson, Co. B; Jas. B. Armstrong, Co. C (died after bringing into camp).

MISSING OF 2D CAVALRY.

Wm. E. Walker, Co. B; John D. Burg, Co. B.

WOUNDED OF 2D CAVALRY.

Wm. H. Bulla, Co. F, thigh; C. H. Brock, Co. B, in arms; S. T Hato, Co. G, arm and side; Jas. Fought, Co. F, contusion; T. I. Parks, Co. F, breast; Jas. Taylor, Co. C, shoulder; John S. Bush, Co. B, breast and shoulder; a. Hinely, Co. G. back; Jas. Slawter, Co. D; Sylvester Hazen, Co. M, shoulder; Sergt. S. H. Waterman, Co. G, thigh; Capt. Egbert, thigh.

The boat on which were the wounded (D. A. January) left just as I was going on board with some of our sick, when I intended to have got the names of those of the wounded cavalry, so the list is incomplete.

Heavy firing has been heard all morning on the right wing, (Gen. Grant’s) – a skirmish, I suppose, as it is understood Halleck has got a complete communication of the different divisions – being divided by impassable sloughs, which are being bridged in many places.  I tell you, it is only those who see that can fully appreciate the extent and character of obstacles to be overcome by our army, to make success at all certain.  Perhaps there are few points either North our South, where nature and the improvements (railroads, etc.) has done more to complete a strong military position for defence, than this same Corinth, and our friends need not be alarmed if they should learn that a siege be the only course to effect their defeat.  An assault, I think, will be attempted, if we do not succeed in drawing them out.

It is now raining; the roads had become very dusty on high land.  Our main line of the army is about four miles from Corinth; the pickets are within speaking and shooting distance of each other, two miles from Corinth, a large swamp intervening, and many guns, it is said, can be seen.  Four large siege guns, 64’s, planted here, are being taken out to-day to the advance.

News has just come in that Gen. Buell’s division has been attacked and is falling back.  If true, it is easy to see the intent – to draw them out of their works and bring on a general engagement.  Very heavy firing is heard.  Excuse haste.  I must close for the mail.

Yours truly;

A. S. MAXWELL.

If editors would sent lots of papers here to an agent who would sell them fast, the boys would take it as a great favor to have it in their power to buy them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 2

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, March 23, 1865

IN THE FIELD, GOLDSBORO, N. C.,

March 23, 1865.

I wrote you from Fayetteville. On our way thence the enemy struck our left flank and I turned on him and after three days maneuvering and fighting defeated him and drove him off towards Raleigh. The fight was near Bentonsville, 20 miles from here on the south side of the Neuse in the direction of Smithfield. I got here to-day and all the army will be in by to-morrow. Thus have I brought the army from Savannah in good order, beaten the enemy wherever he attempted to oppose our progress, and made junction with Schofield and Terry from Newbern and Wilmington on the 21st, one day later than I had appointed before leaving Savannah. It is far more difficult and important than the Savannah march. Besides the immediate results we have forced the Rebels to abandon the whole sea coast.

I almost fear the consequences of the reputation this will give me among military men. I have received one letter from you and one from Minnie, also a vast package from everybody. I now have a staff officer, Maj. Hitchcock,¹ to answer them. I only have time to make general orders, and to write special letters. I must be more careful, as I find silly people to claim my acquaintance publish my letters or extracts. You know how hurriedly I always write and that I might be falsely placed by such things. I will be here some weeks. I should see Grant before assuming the offensive and I think he will come down. I could have time to run to Washington, but prefer to stay with my troops. It gives me great power with them to share the days and nights. I always encamp and am now in a shaky fly, open, with houses all round occupied by Rebels or staff officers. Soldiers have a wonderful idea of my knowledge and attach much of our continued success to it . And I really do think they would miss me, if I were to go away even for a week. I notice that you propose to take part in a Sanitary Fair at Chicago. I don't much approve of ladies selling things at a table. So far as superintending the management of such things, I don't object, but it merely looks unbecoming for a lady to stand behind a table to sell things. Still do as you please. I have nothing that would engross the profits — my saddlebags, a few old traps, etc. I could collect plenty of trophies but have always refrained and think it best I should. Others do collect trophies and send home, but I prefer not to do it.

I have no doubt that you will be sufficiently gratified to know that I have eminently succeeded in this last venture, and will trust to luck that in the next still more hazardous I will be again favored. I don't believe anything has tended more to break the pride of the South than my steady persistent progress. My army is dirty, ragged and saucy. I have promised them rest, clothing and food, but the railroads have not been completed as I expected and I fear we may be troubled thereby. I am just informed that the telegraph line is finished from the sea to this place, so our lines of communication will be shortened. Strange to say we are all in fine health and condition, only a little blackened by the pine smoke of our camp fires. I would like to march this army through New York just as it appears today, with its wagons, pack mules, cattle, niggers and bummers, and I think they would make a more attractive show than your fair. . . .

__________

¹ Major Henry Hitchcock, judge-advocate on Sherman's staff.

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 334-6.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 2/21

Cairo, Ill., May 15, [1862].

CAIRO, Ill., May 15, [1862].

A. J. KYNETT AND E. RUSSELL, SEC’Y., &c.:

We just arrived at this place, and through the assistance of Gen. Strong, got passage on the steamer City of Alton, (hospital boat) for Hamburg.  We think it fortunate, as the next boat does not leave till Saturday.

I saw Rev. Folsom, he does not know what is most needed, but says that there is a great scarcity of thin drawers.  Would it not be best to suggest the same to our ladies, that they may make up some.

I purchased a dozen essence ginger and some ale, but have no time to look around here after the sick.  Gen. Strong tells me he has made arrangements to send them all home.  We met a very sick man at Centralia of the 14th Iowa, lives in Wisconsin, name H. J. Matthews, Co. H., and assisted him to food and some funds.  We are both well and confident of being able to do great good.  Thanks to Folsom and Gen. Strong.  Boat off – good bye.

Yours, &c.,

IRA M. GIFFORD

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

Dr. Maxwell's Letter

We publish in another column a letter from Dr. Maxwell, of this city, now attending on the sick at Camp Pittsburg.  The instructions he sent for further supplies have not been received, but as the committee have a quantity on hand they will be forwarded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

We learn that . . .

. . . Gov. Kirkwood contributed $200 for the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society in this city.  Nobody could make better use of it. – Gate City.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Final Report of the Finance Committee

April 5, 1862	By cash on hand per last report		$52.00
May 12, 1862	To cash paid L. J. Center	19.00
May 15, 1862	To cas paid J. L. Davies, Treas. Scott Co. Ass’n,	38.00
		$52.00	$52.00

The committee have also handed over to J. L. Davies, the $14 received from Mr. Pinnen, of Princeton township, for the erection of a monument.

R. LOWRY	W. BURRIS
T. C. CAMPBELL	H. N. POWERS
JAMES THORINGTON	H. LISCITER,
S. HIRSCHL

Davenport, May 15, 1862.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1