Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, November 12, 1861

There is some talk of our having to stay here in camp all winter. Most of the men are getting rather restless and anxious to get to the seat of war. New companies for the Fourteenth Iowa are still arriving.

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

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, October 31, 1861

The new uniforms for the Eleventh Iowa were received today by our quartermaster. We are the first to receive uniforms before leaving the State. This is the last of October — and we are still at old Camp McClellan, Davenport, Iowa.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 15

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, October 21, 1861

We received orders to keep the camp clean — have to clean up every morning. The men must all keep their clothes brushed and their shoes polished.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 14

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, October 16, 1861

Colonel A. M. Hare, who arrived today, is in command of our regiment, the Eleventh Iowa. His home is at Muscatine. More visitors in camp today, and they are usually invited to take dinner or supper with us, as the case may be.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 14

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, October 15, 1861

We moved into our new barracks today, and the boys are all pleased with the new quarters.  We had some visitors. Our camp is becoming quite a place for visitors — parents and friends of the boys coming in to bid them the last goodbye.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 13-4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, October 14, 1861

We completed building our new barracks today. Each company has its own building, built of good one-inch lumber, with just enough room between the buildings for our long stationary company tables, where we eat. In front of the building, extending the entire length, is our parade ground.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 13

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, October 10, 1861

The Thirteenth Iowa are building their new barracks just north of ours. The weather is getting quite cool, especially at night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 13

Local Matters

TAX SALE MONDAY, FEB. 3^RD. – City orders for sale by C. H. Kent & Co., Land Agents, over the post office.

RUNNING AGAIN. – The Wawautosa Mills, in East Davenport, have commenced running again, having been stopped, as mentioned at the time, by the breaking of a cylinder head of the engine.

IF the lady, who sends us a notice of the death of an officer in a New York Regiment, will do us the favor to call upon us and remove some doubts from our mind, we will reciprocate by complying with her request.

DENTISTRY. – Messrs. Newell & Charles have removed their dental rooms to those formerly occupied by Dr. Chesebrough, corner of Third and Brady streets, as will be seen by advertisement.

NATIONAL ARMORY. – Speaking of the “latter-day” effort made by the Keokuk paper in favor of that point as a site for the Armory, the Dubuque Herald says: “The place for the Armory, is Rock Island, and that place it should be located for every reason which can be suggested in favor of having an Armory located in the Northwest.”

WE are informed by the Marshal that the inmates of the Anthony House vacated the premises and left for Davenport last evening.  That is the resort for all such characters. – R. I. Argus.

Danforth is posted.  As our authorities now know where “such characters” come from, they should keep a good lookout for them.

CORNMEAL. – We are indebted to C. E. Converse, cor. Of Harrison and Fifth streets, for a couple bags of superior cornmeal made from corn dried in his new grain dryer.  The good wife had heard, in some way, of the improved meal and was anxious to try some when we surprised her with a liberal supply of it.  Visions of corn cakes appeared instantly, and the next morning the articles themselves.  We have always had a fondness for corn cakes and know a good article of them.  Our advice to others is, to try the cornmeal.

CHOICE OF GRAPE VINES. – Dr. J. Hall is getting up a club for the purpose of procuring hardy and choice grape vines at wholesale prices from Dr. C. W. Grant, of N. York. – Those who wish to treat themselves and families to this sure and most delicious of fruit, can be furnished with vines at cost and carriage by contributing to the club such sum as they may desire to appropriate for that object.  Orders and cash can be left at N. Jordan’s grocery, on Second street, any time before the 5^th of March, where, at the same time, any one anxious for information respecting the best king of vine and method of cultivation, can see Dr. Grant’s illustrated catalogue.

PATENT LOCKS. – The time for paying box rent at the Postoffice having expired a day or two since, some expedient seemed necessary to further remind delinquent box holders of the state of the case.  They would take away their letters daily, and yet remains oblivious of their promise to pay.  Charlie invested in some hooks that could be easily fasted to the inside of the box doors and keep then closed, without being seen by the unsuspecting victims without.  With the arrival of the Eastern mail, the lobby of the office was crowded as usual by citizens after mail matter, they saw the letters slipped into their boxes and naturally sought to get them, when a mystery arose; they who had paid box rent had no trouble, but the others would pull at the door, examine the key, then try again, until ‘smelling a rat’ they would desist.  The real state of the case becoming known the wiser ones would go to the delivery window and ask for their letters and arrange their little indebtedness, while others vented their vexations in left-handed compliments on all concerned.  We think this new lock a decided improvement and worth patenting. – A silver key will readily open it, and inspire at the same time an agreeable sense of freedom from pecuniary obligation.

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PRINCETON TOWNSHIP, Jan. 29th, 1862.

DEAR GAZETTE:  A petition has been set on foot in this section, begging the Legislature assembled, (in accordance with the recommendation of the Governor) to enact laws for the protection of sheep and wool-growing in this State, by the levying of a dog law or tax on all dogs, the proceeds of such tax to defray the just losses and sustained by the farmer, so far as any of his flock are destroyed by dogs; and also for the material increase of premiums offered for the capture of wolves.  Through the medium of your valuable paper if you would exert your influence to have farmers in different localities institute similar proceedings, I have no doubt it would result in incalculable benefit to all, within the limits of the true, energetic and loyal young State of Iowa, in rendering her truly a stock-raising country; as every one ere this must know it is our only alternative, from wheat raising to prosperity.

Yours Truly,

W. C. M.

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DISTRICT COURT

SPECIAL TEARM

HON. JOHN F. DILLON, Judge.

IRA M. GIFFORD, Clerk.

SATURDAY, February 1

Court opened at 9 o’clock.  The counsel in the case of Ira F. Smith vs. L. Grabbe proceeded to the argument, and the case was submitted to the jury.  The jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $145.  Defendant moved for a new trial.  Bennett and Patton , for pltff.; Parker & Edwards for deft.

Thos. L. Dawson, Esq., was admitted to the Scott County Bar.

Thereupon the Court adjourned sine die.

The regular term of the District Court begins next Monday, Feb. 3d.  The first week will be devoted to civil actions.

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“MONSIEUR TONSON COME AGAIN.” – The veritable ‘Charles Theodore,’ brother of Heintzelman, own cousin of Rosencranz, Sigel’s particular friend, Crimean hero, Price of Clarendon, &c., (by his own account); arrested in St. Louis, Davenport, Chicago and Dubuque as a traitor and spy, at different times, and also at the last place for matrimonial and financial swindling – has again turned up, and this time has ‘turned in’ to jail.  Last week he was arrested at Dubuque for stealing a trunk, but was acquitted for want of sufficient testimony, although he had acknowledged the theft.  He was afterwards arrested for stealing a watch, and this time the evidence was so strong he had to plead guilty.  He is to lie in jail thirty days for it, when the  ‘locals’ will again have his aid.  Charles Theodore is a little gentleman of German descent, quite young, and very innocent looking. – Some months ago he was arrested by the Adj. General here as a traitor spy.  The chap was in fancy uniform, and wore a medal which he said was given him for gallant serviced in the Crimean war!  His stories were very inconsistent, and evidently lies throughout.  He was advised to leave the city at once.  He again made his appearance in the city a short time since, having been recruited in a Dubuque company now at Camp McClellan.  Directly the Colonel heard of his presence he had his uniform stripped off, and ordered him out of camp, with severe penalties threatened in case of his return.  Charles Theodore took the hint, left the camp and the city, and returned to Dubuque.  Some suspect him of being insane, but there is entirely too much method in his madness.  He is sharp and stupid at the same time, and a gay little deceiver among both men and women.  He should be kept under lock and key, and should be where he might be compelled to do some hard work, such as cracking stone, for instance.

Since writing the above, we observe by the Journal, that Mr. Charles Theodore has turned up in Chicago!  How he ever escaped the clutches of the law in Dubuque is a mystery.  Last week he was arrested in the latter city, and put in jail for stealing a watch; as the Times remarked at the time he was strapped, broke, busted, played out, penniless, impecunious, and out of money.  This week he turns up in Chicago, a Major in full uniform, gold leaf, shoulder straps, sword and everything complete, with a lady hanging on his arm, for whom he was buying an outfit with the intention of marrying that evening, and strangest of all, with one hundred and forty-nine dollars and seventy-five cents, mostly in gold coin, in his pockets!  He must have made a speedy escape and a good haul from the time of being incarcerated at Dubuque.  The Major was immediately ‘cashiered’ by Superintendent Bradley, of the police, and ‘mustered out of the service.’

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COLD WEATHER. – The last two or three days the denizens of this region have experienced severely cold winter weather.  On Thursday morning the mercury was about ten degrees below zero, Friday was milder, but Saturday the Mercury again sank a few degrees below the cipher.

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ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Of the State of Iowa,

DES MOINES, January 11th, 1862.

There is now an opportunity to raise two companies for the 16th Iowa Volunteer Infantry.

Persons desiring recruiting commissions for that purpose will make immediate application to me at Des Moines, presenting such recommendations as they deem proper.

N. B. BAKER,

Adj. Gen’l of Iowa

Jan14 dw8w

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DIED.

Suddenly of Convulsions, MARY JANE, infant daughter of J. H. and A. M. PRESTON, aged two months.

The friends of the family are requested to attend the funeral at 3½ o’clock this (Sunday) afternoon from Trinity Church, corner of 5th and Rock Island streets.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport Iowa, Monday Morning, February 3, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, October 3, 1861

It rained again all day, and although our camp is on high ground, on the bluff just east of town, yet it is a jelly of mud. It couldn't be otherwise with three or four thousand men tramping over it.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 12

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, September 30, 1861

I left home early this morning for Tipton, where at 10 o'clock about one hundred of us, with a band, left Tipton in farm wagons for Wilton, which place we reached at 4 o'clock, all covered with mud. At 5 o'clock we took the train for Davenport and arrived there at 8 o'clock. We formed in double line at the station and marched through town past the Burtis Hotel, on up to Camp McClellan, where we went into the barracks. As we passed the hotel every other man was handed a good wool blanket.

Company B of the Eleventh Iowa had supper prepared for us, consisting of boiled potatoes, fried bacon, boiled beef, baker's bread and coffee. On the way down from Wilton, Governor Kirkwood passed through the train and shook each man by the hand.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 11

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, August 27, 1861

I went to Davenport today and returned to Camp McClellan. A force of about five hundred men was sent down the river by boat to Keokuk, for the purpose of reinforcing the troops at that place. It is expected that they will have a fight there. I was too late in returning to camp to go with them.

Source: Alexander G, Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, August 22, 1861

Received orders this morning to get ready for review. At 1 o'clock in the afternoon we marched down into town and through the streets for a while and then back to camp. General Baker, Adjutant General of Iowa, is in charge of the camp. Our camp was named for General McClellan in the East.

Source: Alexander G, Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 5

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, August 20, 1861

I went early this morning to Inland, where all who enlisted were to meet and go to Davenport.¹ Several of the friends came in to see us off. There were forty-five of us and at 9 o'clock we left in wagons for Davenport. After a hot, dusty ride we arrived at Davenport at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and marched out to Camp McClellan, where they received us very kindly. We had very fine barracks to go into and the boys of the Eighth Iowa had a good supper for us. It was our first meal in the army and consisted of boiled potatoes, fried bacon and baked beans. We have lots of straw to sleep on at night. We were to meet a part of a company from Le Claire under command of Captain Foster and together form one company in the Eighth Iowa Infantry. But Captain Foster did not come, and since there are only eight Le Claire boys here we have not enough to make a company.

¹ When I bade father good-by, he said: "Well, Alec, as you have made up your mind to go into the army, I want you to promise me that you will not enter into any of the vices that you will come in contact with while in the army, but try to conduct yourself just as if you were at home." Of course I was not an angel while in the army, but I always remembered father's advice, and to that I attribute what little success I have had in life — and this is my seventy-second year. Father was in his forty-sixth year, but he told me that if it were not for leaving the family alone, he would go with me. He was a strong Union man, and his father had served all through the war of the Revolution, in the command of General Wayne. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G, Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 5

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, August 19, 1861

I helped haul and stack hay this forenoon, and in the afternoon went to Inland with the other boys who enlisted yesterday, to see about going to Camp McClellan, at Davenport.

Source: Alexander G, Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 5

Camp McClellan

There are now 160 recruits at Camp McClellan, and about twenty more are expected for the 18^th regiment. – These will complete the enlistments in this state for the present.  When they go Camp McClellan will be deserted and perhaps finally abandoned, as it is doubtful if another regiment will be organized during the war.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

Death At Camp

Mr. O. A. Holmes, of Jones county, died at Camp McClellan on Thursday evening last.  His disease was pneumonia.  There [are] about a dozen others sick at the camp hospital, all however doing well.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 7, 1862, p. 1

The Legislature has . . .

. . . passed a bill authorizing the auditing board to audit and allow the just claims of Mr. John Hornby, on account of building Camp McClellan.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 4, 1862, p. 1

Swindling Iowa Soldiers

“A Soldier in the Field” writes the following communication to the Hawk-Eye, which embraces some pertinent and important enquiries:

EDITOR OF HAWK EYE:– As the Legislature is in session and will undoubtedly be investigating several things relative to the conducting of the war, it might perhaps be well enough for the Investigating Committee to enquire how it came that the troops at Camp McClellan, Davenport, were paid off in a kind of scrip or certificates signed by the Quartermaster General Price; which certificates could only be cashed by the soldier at from 15 to 50 percent. discount.  They were so cashed at the State Bank and other shaving shops.  Somebody will make what the soldier lost.  Who is it, and by whose authority were the soldiers so paid?  The pay rolls of the soldiers are made out from the time they enlisted, and if they had not been put through this shaving operation, they would have been paid by the United States Government at their first payment the full amount of gold or convertible funds.

– Published in The Dubuque Herald, Dubuque, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 7, 1862, p. 1

A Recruiting Office . . .

. . .  is open in the city for the Second Infantry and the Second Cavalry.  Lieuts. Huntington and Bandy have charge of these offices, and recruits are continually coming in.  Others are also coming in to Camp McClellan for other regiments, and a few for the regular service.  Some two hundred recruits are now in camp.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 1

From The 16th Iowa Regiment

BENTON BARRACKS,

St. Louis, March 22, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE. – Knowing the interest of your readers in the progress of the Iowa 16^th, I will give you a few items thereof.  We left Davenport for this place last Thursday morning – weather unpropitious and mud deep.  Till we arrived at Alton, it stormed continually, generally snowing hard, and excessively disagreeable.  The boys took everything philosophically, and were in the very best spirits.  The idea of a change from their old quarters was inspiriting and nothing seemed to dampen their happiness.  The long train moved tediously slow, and those who thought about the matter feared it would make the arrival at St. Louis a night exploit, and bring with it many disagreeablities that otherwise would be avoided.

We did not arrive at Alton till about 4 o’clock Friday afternoon – along after the time we should have been comfortably quartered in these Barracks.  Our train of nineteen passenger and an unknown number of freight cars, had been divided into two trains at Joliet, (where, by the way, through the thoughtfulness of Col. Chambers, several barrels of hot coffee awaited us.)  At Alton, we found everything deeply muddy, and mingled snow and rain adding to the miserable complexion of things.  We were here shipped on to a large steamer for St. Louis, and after about an hour’s delay were off, and in a little over another hour at the St. Louis wharf.

We did not get started to Benton Barracks, about four miles off, till after dark.  The march out was very muddy, but the boys seemed almost to enjoy it.  They sung John Brown & Co. with immense zeal, while our German companies indulged in songs in their own language.  The night was pitch dark, and we stumbled our way along promiscuously after leaving the gas lights.  At 1 1-2 o’clock we arrived at the Barracks.  Excepting an occasional lantern flitting about the grounds, and here and there a flickering candle in officer’s quarters, all was the darkness of the outside fields and woods.  Here our boys came as near being disgusted as their good spirits would permit.  Entering the gate, under, the guide of some non-commissioned supernumerary, we plunged from fathomable into unfathomable mud.  An Irishman with a lantern released us briefly, and then plunged the regiment into something very extraordinary, even after our past experience, in the way of mud.  Getting us well stuck, and not being able to see six feet beyond our noses, the Lt. Colonel in command, (the Colonel having gone out in advance to make arrangements, but it appears losing his way and arriving only a few minutes before us,) became wrathy, ordered the lantern bearer as escort, and started to find headquarters, and have something done for our relief instanter [sic]. – There he found the Colonel, ascertained the quarters were all full, no notice had been had of our coming, and we might get a place in the old “wash house” of former regiments.  He captured another Irishman with another lantern, and triumphantly returned, his Wentz mare snorting with the zeal of her master.  The two lanterns marched us and then countermarched us, and then mired the gallant 16^th, Iowa’s last and best hope.  Finally, we got to a great barn of a building.  Without furniture bunks or straw.  The boys however, went in gladly, and at last piled about promiscuously, were soon asleep, the officers being the last to hunt up corners, a Muscatine Lieutenant sleeping in a manger.

This morning they were an awful muddy looking set of individuals, from the Colonel down, but just as good humored as ever. – To-day all the officials have appeared anxious to do what they could for the 16^th.  In fact, the Iowa boys stand A. No. 1 here.  There is no mistake about that, as remarks all over the camp hourly illustrate.  We have had a large number of bunks put up, and to-morrow will be really comfortable.  The officers have rooms separate from, but adjoining those of the men.  The field and staff officers have a kind of dwelling some distance from the company quarters, and I learn have got their larder filled and cooks at work.  We will immediately recommence our drill, and continue at work till ordered away, which may be any day.

It may seem strange, but in Camp McClellan there is better discipline than at Benton Barracks.  Our “guard mounting” was infinitely better done than here, and rules more rigidly adhered to.  Our reception here, last night, was simply disgraceful, whether we were expected or not.  I did not see a commissioned officer, outside of our own regiment, before I went to bed.  Two Irish sergeants were the only persons who did a thing for us.

I should have said, that in every town and village through which we passed, we were received with cheering, waving of handkerchiefs, &c.  To this our boys grew hoarse in responding.  Our sick are none the worse for the trip, and we have added none to the list, although many a 16^th slept with wet feet last night.  We have not commenced longing for home or feather beds yet.

ORDERLY.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 28, 1862, p. 2