Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: November 12, 1862

The heavy firing heard did no execution. Letters from Gen. Lee indicate no battle, unless the enemy should make an egregious blunder. He says he has not half men enough to resist McClellan's advance with his mighty army, and prefers manoeuvring to risking his army. He says three-fourths of our cavalry horses are sick with sore-tongue, and their hoofs are falling off, and the soldiers are not fed and clad as they should be. He urges the sending of supplies to Gordonsville.

And we have news of a simultaneous advance of Northern armies everywhere; and everywhere we have the same story of deficiency of men and provisions. North and south, east and west of us, the enemy is reported advancing.

Soon we shall have every one blaming the Secretary of War for the deficiency of men, and of quartermaster and commissary stores.

The Commissary-General, backed by the Secretary of War, made another effort to-day to obtain the President's permission to trade cotton with “Butler, the Beast.” But the President and Gov. Pettus will manage that little matter without their assistance.

Major Ruffin's (Commissary's Bureau) statement of the alarming prospects ahead, unless provisions be obtained outside of the Confederacy (for cotton), was induced by reports from New Orleans. A man was in the office to-day exhibiting Butler's passport, and making assurances that all the Yankee generals are for sale — for cotton. Butler will make a fortune — and so will some of our great men. Butler says the reason he don't send troops into the interior is that he is afraid we will burn the cotton.

It is reported that a fleet of the enemy's gun-boats are in the James River.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 187-8

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, July 22, 1865

Weather quite pleasant today. Our regiment was paid off this afternoon, and we received our discharge. This makes us free men again and we at once left Camp McClellan for town. I went to the Davis House and stopped for the night. Mr. Hatch came to Davenport for a load of us.

I bought some clothing this afternoon, the first citizen's suit which I was permitted to wear in four long years. I also bought a good watch for $50.00, which with my clothing, $41.50, amounted to $91.50.

The Sixteenth Iowa arrived this morning from Louisville, Kentucky. The men of our brigade, on being discharged, seem to be scattering to the four ends of the earth; even the boys of Company E, after bidding one another farewell, are going in all directions.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 289

Diary of 5th Sergeant Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, July 19, 1865

Our night along the lake shore was quite cool. We arrived in Chicago this morning at 2 o'clock, and then marched to the Rock Island station, where at 8 o'clock we took train for Davenport, Iowa. We arrived at Davenport at 5 p. m. A large crowd of citizens was at the station to receive us, among them our old colonel, William Hall, who gave us an address of welcome.¹ Although he was suffering from sickness, he came to welcome us, and as he could not stand on a platform, he remained in his carriage to address us. We then marched up to old Camp McClellan, where we shall remain till we get our discharge and pay, which we expect in two or three days. The Second and Seventh Iowa have just received their pay and are striking out for home.

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¹ “I cannot stand long enough to make a speech, I can only say to the citizens of Davenport, In response to the warm and generous welcome that they have extended to my comrades of the Eleventh Iowa, and myself, that the record we have made as good soldiers from the State of Iowa, while fighting in defense of our common country, will be duplicated by the record we shall make as good citizens, when we shall have returned to homes and loved ones.” — Roster Iowa Soldiers II, p. 282.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 288-9

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Friday, April 22, 1864

I started with Uncle John this morning for Davenport, but one of his neighbors, Mr. Lathrop, soon overtook us and as he had to go to town anyway, I rode with him and Uncle John returned home. I reached Davenport by noon and went to the Davis House for my dinner, after which I called for my knapsack and accouterments and made a bee-line for Camp McClellan. Eight companies of the Eleventh Iowa have already reported and it is expected that we shall leave for the South in a few days. I went down town and got my new watch repaired — costing $2.00 — and purchased a few necessary articles, such as a diary, pocket dictionary, stationery, etc., costing in all $3.15.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 181

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, April 19, 1864

I attended a party last night at Mr. Ray's and did not get home till daylight this morning. William Green and Jeremiah Argo came home with me for breakfast and left for Camp McClellan. Green is one of the veterans of Company E and Argo is a recruit for the same. The weather is getting warm, the ground is in fine condition for putting in the crops and the farmers are all quite busy seeding. I sowed some barley today for the first time. This evening I went over to Mr. Sparks's to see Jason, who is getting along well with the measles, and in a few days will be able to leave for the army.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 180

Diary of Corporal Alexander G. Downing: Monday, April 18, 1864

I stayed at home all day. Father finished sowing his wheat today. John D. Moore with Henry Clark left this morning for Davenport to go into Camp McClellan—Clark is a veteran of my company, while John is a recruit for the company. Jason Sparks could not go with them on account of having the measles. Dr. Clark went to see him and certified that he was not fit for duty.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 180

Wanted

A NUMBER OF WARDMASTERS, FEMALE nurses, men nurses, cooks, washer-women and two watchmen for the Military Hospital.

Application to be made to

Dr. J. OLSHAUSEN

Third St., near Washington Square

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 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

Wanted For The Military Hospital

We direct attention to the advertisement in another column for watchmen, nurses, &c., for the new hospital at Camp McClellan.

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

Straw

A quantity of dry straw is needed immediately for the hospital at Camp McClellan.  Farmers in the vicinity can contribute to the comfort of the sick soldiers on their way to this city, by supplying the want without delay.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 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

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

The Camp Hospital

Mr. J. J. Safely, hospital steward at Camp McClellan, is finally relieved of his duties in that capacity, Mr. Love, who died last week, being the last person under his charge.  Mr. Safely wishes us to express his acknowledgments to the ladies of this city for the kindly aid they have rendered him, while performing his duties as steward, in furnishing him not only with necessaries for the hospital, but also with innumerable delicacies.  For all these oft-repeated acts of kindness, Mr. Safely returns to the ladies of his city his most fervent thanks.

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

Death Of A Soldier

Mr. Henry Love, of Washington county, died yesterday morning at the residence of Mr. McEwen, on the Jersey Ridge road.  When camp McClellan was broken up, Mr. Love was removed to McEwen’s house, sick, and supposed to be deranged.  He sank gradually till he died.  He was quite young, and a new recruit for the 16th Iowa regiment.

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

Adjutants And Quartermasters

A number of Adjutants and Quartermasters have recently been mustered out of service.  Among the most recent are Quartermaster M. L. Morris and Adjutant J. C. Stone, of the 1st Cavalry.  The Iowa City Republican says they were mustered out because of an informality in their appointment, the regulations requiring that they should be appointed from the list of lieutenants of the regiment, which was not done in their case.  If this rule is strictly adhered to, it will throw out a good many Adjutants and Quartermasters for nearly every regiment which went from Camp McClellan had such officers thus irregularly appointed.  The regimental adjutants and battalion quartermasters of the cavalry have all been mustered out of service, as been too much of a fifth wheel, and consequently, an unnecessary expense.

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

Camp McClellan Deserted

Some seven or eight sick or recovering soldiers were brought down from the camp yesterday to take passage on the Northerner for St. Louis.  They were left at the steamboat office at the landing to await the arrival of the boat.  As she did not come for some time, the poor fellows made their way, as well as they could, to the hotels for dinner.  One of them, when he arrived at the Le Claire House, was so sick that he had to go to bed.  They all obtained their dinners, as we take pleasure in saying that the practice of the hotel proprietors here is not to turn away any soldier because he is short of money.  During the rest of the day the soldiers made themselves as comfortable as possible.  These men belong to the 4th, 6th, 13th and 16th regiments, for which they have just been recruited, and are now ordered to report themselves for duty, although they look very unfit for duty as soldiers.  They left only one man at camp McClellan, who is believed to be insane.  His name is Love, from near Washington.  He has since been removed to a private residence.  Camp McClellan is therefore now entirely deserted for the first time since its establishment last August.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

Washington, Jan. 27 [1862]

The Post’s special says Aspinwall and Minturn of New York, were examined before the Committee of Ways and Means this morning, giving their views of the proper policy to be pursued in relation to the financial matters.  The Committee reported to the House, this morning that the tax bills are making fair progress and will be completed in a few days.

Capt. Dyer, of Springfield, Mass., (Superintendent of the Armory) has been sent for to-day to take the place of Gen. Ripley in the Ordnance Bureau.

Vessels continue to pass up the Potomac, arriving here safely despite the rebel blockade.

Mr. Potter, Chairman of the Congressional Investigating Committee, made his report to the house this morning.

The Senate in executive session to-day, confirmed B. B. French as Commissioner on Public Buildings.

The Washington special to the New York Commercial says the Intelligencer of this morning publishes a long article on the Trent affair, taking, the ground assumed by Sumner in his speech.  It is said to be from the pen of Gen. Cass.

Gen. McClellan will appear before the Special Committee on Western Harbor Defenses on Wednesday.

The House committee on Agriculture will probably report in favor of an Agricultural Bureau.

Mr. Sumner intends to introduce a bill to-day codifying the United States laws.

The aggregate insurance on the loss by the Fulton street fires is over a quarter of a million dollars.

The 7th New Hampshire regiment now here is ordered to the Tortugas, and will leave soon.  It is believed that other regiments will follow.

Senator Hale’s report from the Naval Committee censures Secretary Wells and Mr. Morgan, and concludes that the $90,000 of public money now in the latter’s hands belongs to the Government and should at once be restored to the national Treasury, and reasonable compensation be paid him for his service.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, November 22, 1861

New troops are arriving all the time, and there are something like forty thousand men in the barracks at present. This camp has the appearance of being nearer the seat of war. It is a novel experience for us country boys to see so many men all armed for war, some on guard duty, others leaving for the front, while still others are arriving. The commissary work of the camp is thoroughly organized. Each company has a detail of cooks which serves a week at a time and then is relieved by another shift. The cooks go to the quartermaster and get the rations for five days at a time. The food is cooked in kettles hung in a row in the rear of the barracks, and is served on long stationary tables, each accommodating a full company. Our rations are about the same as at Camp McClellan, except that we have our first taste of “hard-tack” instead of bread.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 19

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, November 15, 1861

We received orders to leave for the South and everybody is happy in the thought that we are going to leave. A great many got passes to go down town to purchase supplies, such as letter paper, stamps and the like. We had our last drill on the old camp ground yesterday and got ready today to move.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 17