Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: January 16, 1863

Just returned from Richmond. B's situation still precarious, and I am obliged to stay with him a great deal. I see a number of officers and other gentlemen in his room; they seem to be in fine spirits about the country. Our President's Message has been enthusiastically received. It is a noble production, worthy of its great author. I think the European public must contrast it with the Northern “Message” most favourably to us.

Several friends have just arrived from Yankeedom in a vessel fitted out by the Northern Government to receive the exchanged prisoners. About six hundred women and children were allowed to come in it from Washington. They submitted to the most humiliating search, before they left the wharf, from men and women. The former searched their trunks, the latter their persons. Mrs. Hale, of California, and the wife of Senator Harlan, of Iowa, presided at the search. Dignified and lady-like! One young friend of mine was bringing five pairs of shoes to her sisters; they were taken as contraband. A friend brought me one pound of tea; this she was allowed to do; but woe betide the bundle of more than one pound! Some trunks were sadly pillaged if they happened to contain more clothes than the Northern Government thought proper for a rebel to possess. No material was allowed to come which was not made into garments. My friend brought me some pocket- handkerchiefs and stockings, scattered in various parts of the trunk, so as not to seem to have too many. She brought her son, who is in our service, a suit of clothes made into a cloak which she wore. Many a gray cloth travelling-dress and petticoat which was on that boat is now in camp, decking the person of a Confederate soldier; having undergone a transformation into jackets and pants. The searchers found it a troublesome business; not the least assistance did they get from the searched. The ladies would take their seats, and put out first one foot and then the other to the Yankee woman, who would pull off the shoes and stockings — not a pin would they remove, not a String untie. The fare of the boat was miserable, served in tin plates and cups; but, as it was served gratis, the “Rebs” had no right to complain, and they reached Dixie in safety, bringing many a contraband article, notwithstanding the search.

The hated vessel “Harriet Lane,” which, like the Pawnee, seemed to be ubiquitous, has been captured near Galveston by General Magruder. Its commander, Captain Wainwright, and others were killed. Captain W. was most intimately connected with our relatives in the “Valley,” having married in Clarke County. He wrote to them in the beginning of the war, to give them warning of their danger. He spoke of the power of the North and the impotency of the South. He thought that we would be subjugated in a few months — little did he anticipate his own fate, or that of his devoted fleet.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 183-5

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

Pittsburg Landing, May 7 [1862].

MR. E. RUSSELL, Cor. Secretary Scott Co. Relief Association –

ESTEEMED SIR:  I have arrived from Hamburg general hospital.  I consented to be assigned, for the present, to the 8th ward of that institution, after having assisted Dr. Varian, post surgeon, to establish it.  I have 160 of the sick of the 2d cavalry, 5th, 10th, 3d and 17th infantry of Iowa volunteers under my care.  They are doing quite as well as we could hope for under the circumstances – have lost none, have nurses plenty, but need good cooks.  This is the mistake.  Good cooks are what is most needed in our hospitals.  Fruits, potatoes, onions, barley, whisky and lots of peppers are needed too.  Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Burnell are here somewhere.  I believe Dr. G. is still in the 3d Iowa.  The army is advancing to-day three miles – they must fight or run, I think, this week; are skirmishing now.  The cannon are booming – it’s exciting music, but brings no terror.  The army is in excellent spirits, although much sickness is in it.  See that the good people of Davenport do not turn out promiscuously as a crowd to help here in case of a battle, but send a few working men.  I shall do all I can to keep posted as to the wants of our troops, and relieve them as far as that can be done with my means.

Yours,

A. S. MAXWELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1

Surgeons's Report

MR. EDITOR:  In order that the following report be rightly understood by your readers, it may be necessary to say that, though the whole is signed by Drs. Maxwell and Gamble, it is a joint report only up to the 29th ult., from which date it is continued by Dr. Maxwell alone, Dr. G. having entered the U. S. service as surgeon of the Iowa 3rd Infantry.  It is also proper to state that Dr. Maxwell is now in the employ of the State, and is therefore no longer under the direction of the Scott Co. Soldier’s relief Association, but is now acting under Dr. Hughes, Surgeon General of Iowa.  Respectfully,

EDWARD RUSSELL, Corres. Sec.

To H. Price, President Scott County Soldiers Relief Society; Rev. A. J. Kynett, Corresponding Secretary Iowa Sanitary Commission:

The undersigned surgeons, deputed by your respective societies to visit the scene of the late sanguinary conflict at Pittsburg Height, Tenn., beg leave to report:

We, together with Messrs. Burwell and Brown, as nurses, left Davenport on Thursday morning, April 11th, by railroad, and arrived at Cairo on the morning of the 12th, at 6 o’clock’ where we immediately reported to Dr. Taggart, medical surveyor, and Gen. Strong, commander of the post; also to Dr. Douglas, agent for sanitary commission.  The medical surveyor tendered us the position of surgeons in charge of rebel prisoners on their way to Columbus, Ohio.  This position, as well as several others of a similar character which would have interfered with our special mission, we respectfully declined.

To facilitate the purpose for which we were sent, at 8 o’clock on the morning of Friday we held a consultation with Gov. Yates and the Surgeon General of Illinois, at the St. Charles Hotel, Cairo, which resulted in many fair promises on their part, but which promises were afterwards studiously evaded by his Excellency and suit.

At 9 o’clock a. m., by order of Gen. Strong, we proceeded to Mound City Hospital, to care for about seven hundred wounded soldiers, just arrived from Pittsburg on board the steamer “City of Memphis.”  Here we were tendered the position of ward surgeons, by contract, but deeming the position incompatible with your instructions to us, we declined the same.  Among the wounded on board the Memphis, your committee labored several hours in dressing wounds and supplying the immediate wants of such Iowa troops as we could find on board – of which there were about seventy.  A full list of their respective names, regiments and the character of their wounds was also obtained.  Here Dr. Maxwell, by detail, remained until the next day, to assist in several surgical operations; and when he left the troops were all in comfortable quarters in the hospital.  And by special request, Dr. Cottle, of Albany, Ill., promised to see such as needed particular attention.

Dr. Gamble and Messrs. Burwell and Brown returned to Cairo and took passage on the steamer Empress for Pittsburg. – They arrived at Savannah on Sunday morning, and learning that there were many wounded soldiers there, and in need of surgical aid, Dr. Gamble remained whilst Messrs. Burwell and Brown proceeded up to Pittsburg.  At Savannah were found about three thousand wounded and sick solders, among whom were about four hundred Iowa troops.  Among these Dr. Gamble labored assiduously until Tuesday, rendering such professional and pecuniary assistance as could be conferred under the circumstances.  Here were found several regimental surgeons, with whom we most cheerfully co-operated.  It is but right that we should here state, that the regular as well as the volunteer surgeons were seriously embarrassed in their efforts to relieve the wounded, by the want of material to dress wounds, and also the want of medicines and proper food for the sick. – The preparation for the sick and wounded was very imperfect.  They were crowded into any and every place without regard to location or comfort, and often left for days together without medical aid, or even the common attentions of camp life.

On Tuesday your committee met at Pittsburg and reported to Dr. Simons, Medical Director, and solicited and obtained transports to remove our wounded and sick soldiers to a more northern clime.  We also spent a portion of our time in visiting the several Iowa regiments then in camp – Ascertaining the names of the wounded, their condition and the character of the wounds, and also the location of such as had been removed previous to our arrival.  In our efforts to obtain transportation for the wounded, we were ably assisted by Mrs. Wittermyer [sic] of Keokuk, and by Mrs. Senator Harlan, of Iowa; also, by our fellow citizen, Hiram Price of Davenport, and Mr. E. Clonky, of Iowa City.  By the steamer D. A. January we removed nearly all our wounded remaining at Pittsburg, and all at Savannah except about one hundred.

On Thursday we returned to Savannah, and have since been diligently laboring in the various hospitals, which number about thirty, among the wounded and sick, rendering such aid as we could.  We have also labored most assiduously, day and night in getting our wounded men on board transports on their way north.  Those remaining here will be removed as soon an opportunity offers.

On our way up from Cairo, care was taken to visit all hospital boats, and make inquiries as to the condition and destination of the troops on board; and when opportunity offered, accurate lists of the names, regiments, and casualties, were made.  At Cairo a meeting of the surgeons, nurses, and citizens of Iowa there present, was held, and Dr. Emeis, of Iowa, at his on request, was delegated to remain and visit all the hospital boats arriving at that point, and obtain the names, destination, and character of the wounds of such troops as were on board. – This was done that none should be overlooked.

While at Savannah, we co-operated with the Wisconsin delegation, at the head of which was Gov. L. P. Harvey, whose suite consisted of some of the most eminent men of that State; among them were general Broadhead, Quartermaster General; Gen. Wadsworth, Com. General; and Dr. Wolcott, Surgeon General of the State.  In them we found accomplished gentlemen, and active and efficient co-laborers.  Our intercourse served but to create an unusual respect for them, which will long be remembered with pleasure.  This intercourse was suddenly terminated, on the evening of the 19th, by the accidental drowning of Gov. Harvey.  While we were sitting in the cabin of the steamer Dunleith, counseling as to the best plans for accomplishing our humane mission, the steamer Hiawatha came alongside, and the Governor stepped out to obtain passage for a portion of his suite.  A moment after, we were startled by the cry of “A man overboard!”  Immediate investigation proved it to be the Governor. – Prompt and heroic efforts were made to render him assistance, but in the extreme darkness of the night, the rapid current, and amidst steamboats and barges, all proved useless. . .  Gov. Harvey, the accomplished gentleman, the friend of suffering humanity, and the devoted practical Christian, was thus in a moment taken from his field of usefulness to his reward.

Mr. Brown, being sick, was put on board the Hiawatha for home; Mr. Burwell had previously left on the D. A. January, with our wounded for St. Louis.

What of the future?  In view of coming events, your committee would earnestly recommend that efficient agents be appointed, by authority of the State, and be assigned to positions with the army, and at the nearest post hospitals, whose duty it should be to take charge of the sanitary goods, and be on hand and ready at all times to render immediate and efficient aid to our forces in the field, and to the sick and wounded of the battle.  They should also be required to communicate with our State officers and communities, from time to time, and advise them of the particular wants of the sick and wounded.  After the battle, and until the wounded soldier is removed to the hospital, is when assistance is most needed – immediate and efficient aid then would save hundreds of lives.  Here let us most earnestly protest against States, or cities sending large delegations, calculated to interfere with the operations of the army near the scene of conflict.  This is worse than useless.  A few efficient agents can do great good, but a multitude does great harm.

When it is practicable, the State should have a large, well-ventilated steamer. Properly furnished for hospital purposes, and provided with able surgeons and practical nurses, to visit the nearest navigable point to the scene of the battle.  This course, your committee think, would prove more beneficial to the soldiers and meet more directly the intentions of the people than any other; and in a pecuniary point would not be objectionable.  The States that have adopted this plan have done much more for their men than those who have relied entirely upon government transportation.

Your committee having thus given you a brief memoranda of their labors, deem it but just to themselves to state some of the difficulties with which they have had to contend.  From the time of leaving Iowa they have fared as the common soldier.  They have been obstructed at almost every step by official arrogance and egotism – more especially was this the case by the Regular Army Medical Staff.  While traveling on boats they have had to furnish their own provisions and bedding, and when on land, they have traveled through drenching rains and deep mud – the latter such as only Tennessee can produce.  At night they have frequently slept on the ground with only a thin blanket for a covering.  When they did rely on the public for accommodations, the charges were enormous, and the fare most miserable.  Your committee, however, do not regret their hard fare, as amidst it all, many were cheering evidences of kind appreciations received from the suffering soldiers, and many the kind and gentlemanly courtesies tendered them by the surgeons of the volunteer regiments, among whom we take pleasure in mentioning Drs. Gibbon, of the 15th; Nassau, of the 2d; Staples of the 12th, and Watson and Loyd of the 11th Iowa regiments.  Also Dr. Leggitt, of the Ohio 15th.  To Dr. Taggart, Medical Purveyor, and Dr. Douglas, Sanitary Agent, of Cairo, we are also under obligation for many gentlemanly courtesies.

On the 24th we proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, to visit all Iowa regiments, to learn their condition, and found men and officers of the 7th, 11th and 13th in good spirits.  The 8th, 12th and 14th were somewhat dissatisfied, having been, contrary to their wishes, forced into a “Union Brigade” with the 28th Ill. regiment, and commanded by a Captain of that regiment, being rank officer.  I think it, however under the circumstances, the best that could be done.

On the 25th, by the kindness of Capt. G. Dodge, of Port Byron, of the 4th Ill. Cavalry, we were provided with horses and equipments to visit regiments.  We were able to find all but the 15th and 16th – they being on the front lines, we did not reach them.  There are not less than 500 sick in our regiments – 200 in hospitals here – principally camp fever.

On the 26th, Dr. Gamble, with a view of being assigned to the 3d Iowa regiment, which was without a surgeon, entered the U. S. service by contract; since which, I have operated single-handed in both the field and hospitals.  On my return to Savannah, I found the steamer Tycoon taking on the wounded.  I succeeded, by the politeness of Dr. Woods, of Cincinnati, in getting on, in comfortable quarters, all of the Iowa’s sick and wounded here that would come under the general order, in all 30 – destination Cincinnati.  During our absence on the 25th, a number of sick and wounded were taken by the City of Memphis to St. Louis.

29th. – Visited all hospitals here and had our remaining sick and wounded put into the best hospitals, being about thirty still here.  I. H. Work hand his leg amputated, on the 24th, and died 28th.

May 1st. – I visited, by order of Dr. McDougal, of Gen. Halleck’s staff, Hamburg, six miles above Pittsburg Landing, and aided in establishing hospitals for the convalescing soldiers.

2d. – Returned, after putting into quarters 3,700 sick; and having everything in running order under surgeon Vairous of N. Y.  But few Iowa sick are there, but those that are there are in good condition and fair quarters.

3d. – This morning I have the promises from surgeon in charge of Black Hawk to take on a few of our worst cases here and leave them at Quincy, Ill.  I have to report to Dr. McDougal this morning.

On the 2st inst. I received Adj. Baker’s orders, and Mr. E. Russell’s of the 12th ult. – the only communication, save the telegraph dispatch to remain here until otherwise ordered.  I am doing all I can to relieve our sick and wounded.  You will see by my financial report I have expended but little money safe for board and traveling expenses.  This owning to the fact that I used in all cases, when I could get them, sanitary supplies for soldiers.  I have reported by letter to Prof. Hughes for instructions, &c.  Below I give you the character and number of Iowa wounded:  Head 27, face 39, neck 21, chest 107, abdomen 13, back and spine 31, upper extremities 422, lower extremities 381, large joints, 52.

Respectfully submitted.

A. S. MAXWELL, Chn.

JAS. GAMBLE

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 9, 1862, p. 2

Washington Correspondence

WASHINGTON, April 1, 1862.

ED. HAWK-EYE – Dear Sir: Our great army has a multitude of representatives at the hotels and “all quiet on the Potomac” is what I see; at home I only hear it.

There is a desperate effort to prop up the fortunes of Gen. McClellan, yet all agree if he does not gain a great battle, and soon, he must doff his plume and give way to Banks or somebody who defies mud and dares to lead and to die.

This city is to be free, thank God.  The Emancipation bill will pass despite the [money] used to defeat it from Baltimore and the District.  Senator Sumner’s speech was very fine as an historic statement.  He gained good attention for full two hours, and part of the speech I have no doubt, will be read with delight in Iowa.

The Iowa employees so far as I have seen them are a credit to the State, and are gradually being promoted in the Departments.

Mrs. Senator Harlan has just returned from a visit to Port Royal.  Hers was truly a mission of mercy, and at the proper time she will make public facts and theories in regard to the Carolina negroes and what can be done and what ought to be.  In her view it is a great missionary work, and can only be prosecuted by government aid in part, and the banishment of sundry official negro haters who seems to hold the power wherever there is a military occupation by the Union troops.

Senator Harlan is one of the busiest men in Washington.  Ash chairman of the Public Land Committee he is hard at work.  There is a promise of his doing some large work for the State; yet I must not particularize.  The facts will justify a large expectation and time will give more details.

Mr. Grimes has certainly a high rank here as Senator.  The commercial men of New York name him as a Secretary of the Navy, in the event of a place being made by Secretary Welles retirement.  Any one who reads the Globe cannot help seeing that the Governor knows all about this District, and that he must be the worker on the Naval Committee – not to mention the many jobs he spoils by a question, or by a very short telling, insinuating speech.

Who is this man Wilson? asks a member of the House.  I never heard of him before, but he did make a “big speech,” killing a bad Railroad bill.  He was enough for two or three of the most adroit of the old members.

I can say only for our Representative that he got Sorghum exempted from the Tax bill; that he is acting as one of the working men on the Judiciary Committee, and will get a bill for an United States Court, placing Iowa in the center of the District, embracing Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota.  Who will consent to be Judge? – on the supreme bench for life.  Have we any man who would take the place?

In the House I noticed how instinctively our Democracy voted against the tax on dogs – but it carried; but they went in for a high tax on pianos, melodeons, &c.  Don’t they love music?

I saw Le Grand Byington, a seeker for a seat in Vandever’s place, hand in glove with the traitor Vallandigham.  It will be a fine thing for him to get mileage and perchance a seat, back by 4,000 traitors votes!  Wilson will make a big fight against him, I guess.

Yours,

_______

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

The Freed Slaves

The Hawkeye has been guilty of furnishing aid and comfort to the pro-slavery press, by hazarding the impression that seems to have struck our cotemporary with the force of “brick-bat projectile from urchin hand,” that our Government will not know what to do with the slaves after they are liberated!  It is afraid they will starve to death from incapacity to take care of themselves, and instances those at Port Royal.  The Democrat of this city rubs up its fossilized ideas and declares the Hawkeye is “becoming sensible,” and in the same number its editor endorses by publication Amos Kendall’s letter from which we gave some extracts the day before yesterday, and in which the old politician says, that the end of this rebellion will be a negro community along a portion of the Southern coast, under the protection of the United States, and that if the war is protracted this is a result which the United States cannot avert if it would.  But, says the Hawkeye, the negroes will starve, they are incapable of self government.  Amen, responds the Democrat, you are “becoming sensible.”  We shall see whether they will starve.

The Atlantic sailed from New York a few days since as our neighbor should have known before he endorsed the old fogy idea, conveying about sixty persons, among whom was the estimable lady of our excellent Senator, Hon. Jas. Harlan, who went out as missionaries to the benighted slaves of Port Royal.  Some went to teach them the art and mystery of agricultural operations, how to raise vegetables as well as cotton culture. – For it be known, cotton is no longer king, he has been dethroned, and with his fall down goes slavery and up come the poor whites of the South.  The ladies went to open industrial schools.  Some few physicians and clergymen completed the assortment, and we doubt if a more intelligent or missionary lot of persons took passage on a vessel since the sailing of the Mayflower.  “Dear friends,” this is but the first installment, and if you are blind as fishes of Mammoth Cave and as impenetrable to intelligence as an inhabitant of the Silurian age, if you cannot see and understand that there is sufficient antislavery feeling at the North to keep from starvation the wretched victims of the accursed system, which the philanthropy of the last half of the nineteenth century shall vest with certain inalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 14, 1862, p. 2 

Missionaries for Port Royal – Stores and Teachers for the Contrabands

The steamer Atlantic will sail to-day for Port Royal, with a large cargo of army stores for our troops, and about sixty persons who accompany Mr. Edward L. Pierce, the government agent in charge of the plantations and contrabands at Port Royal.  These persons were all recommended by the National Freedman’s Relief Association, and its auxiliary, the Educational Commission at Boston.  Three-fourths of the whole number are men who are to be the superintendents of the abandoned estates, and will direct the labors of the negroes, who are to be employed in such agricultural pursuits as cotton-culture and raising vegetables for their own support and for the use of the army at that point.

Twelve or fifteen of the passengers are ladies who will become teachers of an industrial school, which will be at once established at Port Royal, under the superintendence of Rev. M. French of this city. – Mrs. Senator Harlan, of Iowa, is among the ladies, and will assist in some department of the work.  Rev. Dr. Floy, of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this city, is passenger by the Atlantic.  He went to Port Royal for the purpose of preparing for missionary efforts among the negroes.

A portion of the superintendents and teachers who are employed under the regulations so far as the government is concerned, explained in Mr. Chase’s letter to the “contraband” agent, receive compensation from the associations from this city and Boston; but some are volunteers.  Among the number are men of almost all trades, and some professions.  There are several physicians and one or two clergymen. – Quite a number, especially of those from Boston, have been teachers, and liberally educated; others of them are quite familiar with agricultural operations.

About three thousand dollars worth of agricultural implements, including ploughs, hoes, and others in most common use, have been purchased by Mr. Pierce, and will be taken to Port Royal in the Atlantic.  He takes also a quantity of seeds, including one barrel contributed from the Patent Office at Washington; as well as some medicines and other necessary articles. – N. Y. Eve. Post.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 11, 1862, p. 2

From Pittsburg Landing

Mr. Wm. M. Osborn returned to this city Saturday from Pittsburg Landing, where he has spent a couple of weeks among the camps, hospitals, etc. etc.  He says there is considerable sickness among our troops, who are not acclimated.  The water disagrees with them.  Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Fales, he thinks are doing more for the sick than all the Governors who have visited Pittsburgh.  Hey are laboring indefatigably and deserve great praise.  One thousand sick Iowa soldiers are in the various camps and hospitals in the vicinity of the late battle field.  Mrs. Harlan will send a steamboat load to Burlington if they can be taken care of.  She has already sent another load to Keokuk, which is expected daily.  She says hospital stores sent from this State to Doctor Douglas are used for general purposes and not for Iowa troops – that she had great difficulty in getting articles contributed by our people to use for our soldiers where they were greatly needed.

Mr. Osborne saw only a portion of our troops – did not get to see those in Gen. Pope’s division.  He says the older regiments are in the best condition – the new ones suffer most from sickness.  The 15^th and 16^th have a large number of sick.  It is not true that the 2^nd Cavalry has been or is to be disbanded.  It is one of the best in the service.  He met Capt. McFarland, of Mt. Pleasant, sick, also Lieutenant, now acting Captain Clune, of this city, sick.  Clune has been well since he entered the service until the present time, and has done remarkably well. – He is well spoken of in the Regiment, as a good and efficient officer, active and courageous, all of which we take pleasure in recording.

Mr. O thinks there will not be a battle there for a week or perhaps more – perhaps not at all.  But of this he is by no means certain.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 1

Mrs. Harlan . . .

. . . wife of Senator Harlan, Mrs. Fales, of Muscatine and Mrs. Annie [Wittenmeyer], agent of the Ladies’ Aid Society, arrived at Keokuk on Wednesday last.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 28, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Ladies and the Wounded

Our readers will be gratified to learn that the patriotic benevolence which is laboring so zealously through State and local organizations for the relief of the wounded braves of Iowa, is meeting a hearty co-operation from those who, while temporarily residing out of the Hawkeye State, delight to show their devotion to it by their willingness to aid its suffering sons. Mrs. Harlan, wife of Senator Harlan, and Mrs. Fales, wife of Jos. T. Fales, formerly Auditor of the State, are now at Cairo under authority from the Secretary of War to visit any and all places where sick and wounded soldiers from Iowa may be located, empowered to draw on the proper officers for transportation, when necessary, and provided with an order to all officers of the service to afford them courtesy, protection and aid. – These ladies will gladly receive any necessary or delicacy for sick or wounded soldiers from Iowa which may be consigned to their care, and the ladies of our State may be assured that articles thus intrusted will be carefully and effectively distributed. In thus leaving the fashionable enjoyments of Washington society to become the almoners of the bounty of the ladies of Iowa, and angels of mercy to the suffering, these ladies will certainly receive the thanks of the patriotic of their sex throughout the State. The fair ones of Iowa – at home and abroad – are working for those who have suffered so much for our State and the Union. Verily, we can be proud of Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 22, 1862, p. 1

Hon. James Harlan . . .

. . . passed through this city on Monday evening, on his way to his home in Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Fales have gone to the Pittsburg battlefield to render assistance to the wounded. They will take charge of any articles which may be sent for the use to the hospitals.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 1

Washington Correspondence

WASHINGTON, April 15, 1862.

Was the battle at Pittsburgh a victory, or was it not a victory? Did the secretary of War “put his foot in it,” in making it the subject of devout thanksgiving, or did he not? These are about the commonest questions agitated here just now. I think the general judgment is very clearly – certainly it is mine – that it was a victory, but not one to brag about, very much; and that Secretary Stanton was a little more hasty and inconsiderate than the occasion justified, in the extent and character of his thanks.

Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Fales from Iowa, left here a few days ago for Pittsburg, to assist in the nursing of our wounded soldiers. Mrs. Harlan is the wife of our estimable Senator, and has all the season manifested a practical interest in the welfare of our soldiers. Of Mrs. Fales I desire to speak especially, for she is deserving of public notice. She is the wife of Mr. Joseph T. Fales, and was formerly a resident of Burlington. Her husband is an Assistant Examiner in the Patent Office. From the first arrival of troops here, she has devoted her attention exclusively to alleviating the sufferings of the sick and wounded. Day and night she has been wherever her services were most needed, and I have been greatly surprised that she or any other woman was physically able to endure such incessant and exhausting labor. Nevertheless she goes about her business with a daily renewed vigor, not with any desire for notoriety, but under a sense of plain Christian duty. And she brings to the discharge of her duties and unusual fund of practical good sense and efficiency.

Our friend Samuel F. Miller, of Iowa, has just left here. If a new circuit is created west of the Mississippi, he will be a candidate for nomination to the Supreme Bench of the United States. I think you will agree with me that there are few men who, in all respects, are better fitted for the position, and certainly to men of our ways of thinking few would be more satisfactory. I would be very glad to swap off for him any member now sitting on that Bench.

The speech of Senator Grimes on the connection of negroes with the army, yesterday, meets with much applause from all those who have a realizing sense of the condition and tendency of things. It goes to the root of the matter, and many of those to whom his ideas are distasteful think – “fear,” they say – that “to this complexion must we come at last.” The delay in traveling towards the goal to which we are traveling and must travel, is costing us an amount of debt and blood that, in the retrospect, will cause us to shudder, and to ask why we should have been so blind, so reluctant, and so cowardly.

The next encounter with the Merrimac is awaited with the liveliest interest here, and I am persuaded is also a matter of much fear at the Navy Department, notwithstanding the bold face that is assumed. Several new kinds of shot have been provided for the Monitor, among them shells with a liquid that takes fire on explosion, similar to, or the same as, those that have been experimentally exploded there during the winter. Of their frightful nature, I have been witness. Water has no effect in quenching their flames.

The Com. Levy, of the Navy, who was buried with such honors in New York, two or three weeks ago, was a Jew, and the possessor of the homestead of Thomas Jefferson, “Monticello.” He was very rich. He has not, however, been allowed to enjoy the estate of Mr. Jefferson, as having married his own niece, the gentlemen of the region notified him, on its purchase, that he could not be allowed to live among them, on account of this marital alliance, at which they expressed an exceeding disgust. They gave him the privilege of residing on it one month in the year, merely that he might be able to look after its condition. A short time since it was “confiscated” by Virginia, though the Union army are likely soon to bring it back for the benefit of his heirs.

It would seem strange, that people, and a daily paper, right here in this city, should, as they do, vehemently maintain, even yet, that there were no wooden guns at Centerville, and try to bring those into contempt and ridicule who maintain the fact. And strange, too, that such a journal as Harper’s Weekly, that must know the facts should persistently lampoon and caricature, in the must imprudent and malignant manner people of character for asserting and insisting on the veracity of the statement. There are hundreds here who saw those guns. Mr. Julian, of the War Committee, told me he saw them himself, and should have counted them if he ever supposed their existence would have been questioned. Mr. Elbert, from Iowa, just appointed Secretary of Colorado, was there early with his brother, who is an officer in the army, and tells me the same thing; and that it was apparent that they had long been there, - in fact no other guns could stand upon their foundations without breaking through. Surely the partisanship of McClellan must be very blind and bitter to need the denial of such indisputable facts. Still, perhaps I am myself quite as unreasonable in the other extreme, for it is my deliberate and unimpassioned opinion that the war has not disclosed and cannot disclose such another stupendous humbug as Gen. McClellan. I greatly fear an unfortunate result in the limited (though immensely important) field to which his department has finally been reduced, though the extent and character of his force together with the completeness of its equipment give me a moderate degree of assurance that the campaign cannot fail.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 1