Major General Henry W. Halleck to Abraham Lincoln, January 6, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSOURI,

Saint Louis, January 6, 1862.

To His Excellency the PRESIDENT:

In reply to your excellency's letter of the 1st instant,^† I have to state that on receiving your telegram I immediately communicated with General Buell and have since sent him all the information I could obtain of the enemy's movements about Columbus and Camp Beauregard. No considerable force has been sent from those places to Bowling Green. They have about 22,000 men at Columbus, and the place is strongly fortified. I have at Cairo, Fort Holt, and Paducah only about 15,000, which, after leaving guards at these places, would give me but little over 10,000 men with which to assist General Buell. It would be madness to attempt anything serious with such a force, and I cannot at the present time withdraw any from Missouri without risking the loss of this State. The troops recently raised in other States of this department have without my knowledge been sent to Kentucky and Kansas.

I am satisfied that the authorities at Washington do not appreciate the difficulties with which we have to contend here. The operations of Lane, Jennison, and others have so enraged the people of Missouri, that it is estimated that there is a majority of 80,000 against the Government. We are virtually in an enemy's country. Price and others have a considerable army in the Southwest, against which I am operating with all my available force.

This city and most of the middle and northern counties are insurrectionary – burning bridges, destroying telegraph lines, &c. – and can be kept down only by the presence of troops. A large portion of the foreign troops organized by General Frémont are unreliable; indeed, many of them are already mutinous. They have been tampered with by politicians, and made to believe that if they get up a mutiny and demand Frémont's return the Government will be forced to restore him to duty here. It is believed that some high officers are in the plot. I have already been obliged to disarm several of these organizations and I am daily expecting more serious outbreaks. Another grave difficulty is the want of proper general officers to command the troops and enforce order and discipline, and especially to protect public property from robbery and plunder. Some of the brigadier-generals assigned to this department are entirely ignorant of their duties and unfit for any command. I assure you, Mr. President, it is very difficult to accomplish much with such means. I am in the condition of a carpenter who is required to build a bridge with a dull ax, a broken saw, and rotten timber. It is true that I have some very good green timber, which will answer the purpose as soon as I can get it into shape and season it a little.

I know nothing of General Buell's intended operations, never having received any information in regard to the general plan of campaign. If it be intended that his column shall move on Bowling Green while another moves from Cairo or Paducah on Columbus or Camp Beauregard, it will be a repetition of the same strategic error which produced the disaster of Bull Run. To operate on exterior lines against an enemy occupying a central position will fail, as it always has failed, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred. It is condemned by every military authority I have ever read.

General Buell's army and the forces at Paducah occupy precisely the same position in relation to each other and to the enemy as did the armies of McDowell and Patterson before the battle of Bull Run.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

 H. W. HALLECK,

 Major-General.

[Indorsement. ]

The within is a copy of a letter just received from General Halleck. It is exceedingly discouraging. As everywhere else, nothing can be done.

A. LINCOLN.

JANUARY 10, 1862.

__________

† See page 926.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 532-3

Col. Jennison at Washington

This “abolition monster,” “border ruffian,” “Kansas highwayman,” and everything else that is bad, (according to the Democratic Newspapers,) is in Washington, and was upon the floor of the Senate for a long time yesterday.  He certainly does not have the look of a monster, but is a quiet looking gentleman whom we should never suspect of committing any excesses or outrages in time of peace or war, and we presume that the Democratic newspapers of Missouri, and the West, nave attributed acts to him for which he is not responsible. – Washington Republican, 9th.

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

Col. Jennison Vilified

Some citizen, professing to write from the raging Waubsi, comes to the rescue of the editor of the Democrat and palms off upon Col. Jennison a number of murders and outrages that are said to have occurred on the bloody soil of Kansas.  The Mo. Republican, the most unscrupulous semi-secesh sheet in the West, noted for propagating falsehoods and giving employment to irresponsible correspondents, is his authority.  Now we don’t believe the outrages enumerated ever occurred in Kansas, and if they did, we believe that Col. Jennison had no more to do with them than the pro-slavery and, at heart, secession correspondent of the Democrat, who would palm off on the Republican party such acts as the result of its teachings and intimate that its members gloried in such barbarities.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 2

Col. Jennison

The Democrat publishes an article from the Chicago Journal defamatory of Col. Jennison.  The secret of the Journal’s opposition to Jennison is not that it has anything in reality against that hero, but because the Tribune spoke praisingly of him.  Were Washington alive and the Tribune to write an article favorable to him the Journal would take opposition ground.  Those are its principles.  When we have the leisure we will tell you why Col. Jenison is the object of persecution by the Buchanan proslavery press.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

Col. Jennison

An anonymous correspondent of the Democrat denies the murder of Col. Jennison’s wife and child in Kansas.  The statement of their murder was first published in the Buffalo Express, and had a general circulation over the Union, and as we never had seen it contradicted, of course we believed it to be correct.  We hope it may be true that Col. Jennison’s family are still living, as he has suffered enough from the Border Ruffians without that cruel stroke.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 2

St. Louis Correspondence

ST. LOUIS, May 2, 1862.

ALFRED SANDERS, Esq. – Dear Sir:  Reading in the Weekly Gazette of yesterday your editorial on Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, I am induced to add a word.  I knew Gen. Grant in 1858, was a collector of house rents in this city.  He was then strictly temperate, but of inactive habits.  For coolness and perfect equanimity he is justly noted.  All West Pointers pride themselves on those qualities.  But one who estimates the General with impartial eyes will accord him the possession of even the qualities for “a third rate” commander.  Aside from habits of intemperance which have resumed their sway after an interregnum of some years, the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing have fully tested him.  And curious it is, and sad as curious, to note how the successful results of those fights, so far as successful, have been passed to his credit at Washington.

At Belmont, his utter neglect to protect his rear, and to station a few field pieces to prevent the enemy from crossing, led to a terrible reverse and slaughter of the best of troops, and the Iowa boys poured out their blood like water, in vain.

At Fort Henry Grant was to co-operate with Com. Foote, but failed to get his forces to the rear of the fort for four hours after the surrender.  The rebel infantry instead of being bagged, as they might, had abundant time to “skedaddle,” which they did effectually.

At Fort Donelson he was off the field during all the important part of that bloody Saturday.  His friends say he was conferring with Com. Foote; others say he was intoxicated, but his admirers are compelled to admit that he went to confer with Foote at two or three o’clock Saturday morning, a distance of four or five miles, and did not return to the field till late in the day, when the fortunes of the day had been turned by that advance which, the N. Y. Herald says, was ordered by Capt. Hillyer, of the staff – a mere civilian – on his own responsibility.  Gen. Grant’s ablest advocate says the roads were in such condition he could not return in time – four miles!

Yet, before the facts of the affair at Fort Donelson where known, except the surrender, the President nominates Grant a Major General!  Wittily, though, profanely, has it been said Providence ought to be made a Major General, for it had given us two victories for which Grant got the credit!

But the climax of incompetency – criminal incompetency – was yet wanting.  It was attained at Pittsburg Landing.  Against orders he placed his forces on the west side of the river, on the plea that no good position could be found on the other side, and against all rule he placed the rawest troops of his command in front, under command of Prentiss, a notoriously inefficient officer.  This, too, in the face of an active enemy, distant, at the farthest, only 18 miles.  Add to this that no pickets were kept out at any proper distance, and what more could Beauregard have asked for?

The attempt has been made to show that Prentiss, alone, had no pickets out, but this is disproved by the universal testimony that all the brigades were alike surprised.  None of them had any notice of the enemy’s advance.

I have the information from a rebel surgeon, who was in the advance of the rebel army, that on the Saturday evening before the attack of Sunday morning, he, from his position, saw within his glass the evening parade of one of our regiments, and heard the drums and usual noises of the camp.  He further says that the rebel advance was in readiness to begin the attack on Saturday, but did not, because the reserve were not in supporting distance.  This surgeon is known here by union men as a gentleman, and one who entered the rebel army merely for the purposes of professional advancement, and not for love of the cause.  He has no motive for falsehood, and is corroborated by his fellow prisoners.

Thus the army was surprised and the thousands slaughtered, for whom tears are flowing through half a continent.  It was in Halleck’s fitly chosen phrase, “the heroic endurance” of the troops on Sunday, which saved them from annihilation, that their fresh reinforcements of Monday, that rolled back, but did not rout, their enemies, already weary with slaughter.

Again, before the facts were known, Gen. Grant was officially commended by Mr. Secretary Stanton, who seems to have felt that as somebody had been hurt, somebody deserved praise, and so he caught upon the readiest name and praised it.

I am happy to say that no newspaper of this city has dared, editorially, so far as I know, to say one word in favor or exculpation of Gen. Grant on the field of Shiloh, beyond testimony to his personal bravery.  But enough of General Grant.  The country has had too much of him.  His advancement has been in the teeth of his unfitness, and demerits; his successes have been in spite of disgraceful blunders; let us hope that hereafter, Providence will give us greater victories with good generalship, than those which have been won without it.

General Halleck is in the field now, and his sleepless vigilance, instructed by the late battle, will not permit a second surprise.

The Lion of St. Louis just now is Colonel Jennison, sent here in close confinement by a drunken pro-slavery General of doubtful loyalty, and unachieved promotion.  I refer to Gen. Sturgis, who, after a winter spent at the bar of King’s saloon, alternating between treasonable talk to rebels, and swallowing brandy smashes, now has signalized himself by the attempted disgrace of the peerless foe of Border Ruffians, and bushwhacking secessionists.

Nothing has so stirred up St. Louis for a long time.  The rebels, open and concealed, rejoiced greatly to know that the noted Jayhawker was here in durance vile.  The Republican fairly shrieked for joy.  It counseled indictments, and I know not what treatment.  Here was a noted enemy powerless, and with true rebel cruelty to cowardice, the Republican began to trample on him.  The Union sentiment of the city stoutly demanded that Col. Jennison be allowed his parole, as well as the rebels who parade our streets.  It was soon granted.  The Republican at once softened its tone. – Soon came permission to Col. Jennison to report himself on his parole only by letter; the Republican is mute.  The morning, its last crumb of comfort is in the apologetic card of the cowardly Sturgis, who cowering under the storm of public indignation, now seeks to evade the responsibility of Jennison’s arrest, by showing that he had instigators to do a deed for which he has yet dared to state no reason, and prefer no charges.

Jennison takes matters coolly.  He is a wiry young man, with a keen eye, and a lip of iron; but of gentle manners, and such pleasant address that Gen. Sturgis wrote to the Provost Marshal General, to warn him of the “seductive manners” of his victim!

Jennison has spoken twice in the city.  Many Union men are prejudiced against him, and many fear to be identified with him on account of his fearless avowal that he is a “real fighting abolitionist.”  The Germans regard him highly.  Anti-slavery in their opinions before the rebellion, they are now abolitionists.  Jennison makes war after the fashion of their own hearts.  He says that “rebels have no rights which loyal men are bound to respect.”  No wonder the abused and vilified Germans admire him.

Right or wrong, Jennison has been shamefully treated.  If I mistake not, the country will see him righted.  It will not tolerate the conduct of Sturgis and Denver, and there is reason to suppose they will shortly be relieved of any responsibility for such warriors as Jennison and Montgomery.

Over the capture of New Orleans there is great rejoicing, for vast interests here depend on the resumption of commerce with that city, which must soon happen unless Farragut fails to follow up his success with energy, and does not send his gunboats to co-operate with Foote on Memphis.

The weather is excellent, and reports this morning from below indicate that Halleck is taking advantage of it, and will soon, if not now, be upon Corinth.

Yesterday regiment after regiment of infantry and cavalry moved through our streets, on their way to the transports in waiting to take them, as we suppose, to Pittsburg Landing.  Whence do so many come? is the current inquiry.

Business has revived to some extent, but still suffers.  It cannot prosper till the river is opened to New Orleans, to afford an outlet for our pork and grain.

Rents are rising, and real estate is also on the ascendant.

I hope to soon give you some items relative to the emancipation movement here, but lack time and space to-day.

Yours truly.

E.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 7, 1862, p. 2

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 1.

Col. Jennison received a letter yesterday from a Senator at Washington, which stated in explicit terms that an order relieving Gens. Sturgis and Denver of thei     r commands in Kansas had been forwarded from the War Department.

Jennison was yesterday relieved of his personal parole, and is now only obliged to report by letter.  Under this liberty, he expects to leave to-day for Washington City.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

The Arrest of Col. Jennison

LEAVENWORTH, April 29.

In a circular just published, General Sturgis says the arrest of Col. Jennison was the result of representations made by Lt. Col. D. R. Anthony, of his regiment and Col. Geo. W. Deitzler, his immediate commanding officer, and it was made at the earnest solicitation of the latter officer, who, in his appeal to me of the 15th inst., demands his immediate arrest, and charges him with the most grave and serious crimes known to military law.

Hiram Rich, an old resident of the West, and for a number of years sutler at Fort Leavenowrth, died suddenly yesterday of apoplexy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

From The Eighth Iowa Regiment

SEDALIA, Mo., Feb. 25, 1862.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE DAVENPORT GAZETTE:  While many of our friends and neighbors whose good fortune it has been to be connected with regiments more favored than ours, have been doing honor to their State by their gallantry and veteran bravery at Belmont and Forts Henry and Donelson, we have been discharging our duty in guarding this post.  This duty, though not so exciting so desirable as more active service, is of imperative necessity to the States; so that while no halo of glory from victories ever hangs around our regiment, yet we find solace in the fact, that though the service we are rendering is less distinguished and brilliant that is our choice, still it is an absolutely necessary service.  But even with this fact in our minds, when we read of the exploits of our brother regiments, and with sincerest joy rejoice in their valor and success, we cannot but wish, please Gen. Halleck, that we were among them.

Camp life at a post is very much of a sameness – one day in camp bears a striking similarity to another; so much so, that one cannot remember the days of the week without recurring to the almanac.  This failing of memory is peculiarly prevalent with respect to Sunday – reveille, company drill, battalion drill; dress parade, tattoo and taps, are the regular daily programme.  Occasionally something occurs to disarrange this clock work-like regularity; for instance,

A SCOUNTING EXPEDITION.

Several scouting parties, of which the Iowa 8^th or companies of it, usually formed a part, have been sent out into the adjoining counties.  Our boys like these excursions very much.  They afford excitement and change, and they usually have the satisfaction of quartering at night upon some notorious secesh who is well known to the guide.  The most successful scouting party in which we have participated returned to camp early on Monday morning, Feb. 17^th.  The scout consisted of three companies 1^st Iowa Cavalry, under Capt. Thompson, who had command of the expedition, and companies G and F 8^th Iowa Infantry, under command of Capt. Stubbs.  The scout left Sedalia Saturday afternoon, marched all night, and before daylight reached Warsaw.  They were in pursuit of a battalion of 500 rebels who were en route for Price’s army.  The main body of the rebels had crossed the Osage the evening before our troops arrived.  The officers had remained on this side at the house of Judge Wright, expecting to cross and join the battalion next morning.  But

“The best laid schemes of mice and men

Gang aft aglee.”

The fact that rebel officers were in Judge Wright’s house was communicated to the officer commanding the expedition.  He immediately placed a guard about the house and the first thing the rebel officers knew of the move was a request from the proper authority, that they deliver over their side arms.  The prisoners taken, were Brig. Gen. Price, son of the “old man,” Maj. Gen. Price, the hope and life of secession in this State; Col. Dorsey, Maj. Cross, Surgeon General of the rebel army in Mo., and a staff officer, of Maj. Gen. Price; Capt. Innis, and a dozen or more less distinguished individuals, commonly called privates. – The daughter of Judge Wright, who still retains her dislike to the “Federals,” seemed quite chagrined at this affair, and especially that Brig. Gen. Price should be captured in her father’s house.  She requested the officer who had the Brig. Gen’s. side arms, to give her one of the pistols.  He asked what she wished of it.  Her reply was , “to shoot you.”  Thus much for Missouri feminine chivalry!

This capture all things considered is one of the most important that has been made in this State.  The officers taken are high in rank and influence, and beside, by their timely capture, Maj. Gen. Price has in all probability lost a battalion, who might have rendered him efficient service had they reached the main army.  The honor of this capture belongs jointly to the 1^st Iowa cavalry and the 8^th Iowa infantry.  I see in a notice of the affair, in the “Missouri Democrat,” justice is done Capt. Stubbs, but unfortunately he is reported in print as belonging to the 6^th Iowa.  I have heard too that the same mistake has been made by some of the Iowa papers – perhaps taken from the “Democrat.”  It was the 8^th Iowa infantry who were on hand this time.

CHANGE IN THE FORCES AT SEDALIA.

I presume you have heard through other sources, that various regiments which were here and hereabout, have been ordered away – mostly South.  The force now here is composed of the 8^th Iowa infantry, 1^st battalion, 1^st Iowa cavalry and two sections of the 1^st Missouri artillery.  From present appearances this is likely to be the force at Sedalia for some time to come.

This is an important post which must be held, and if we were removed some other troops would have to take the position immediately.  We would be very glad to give favorable position here to any regiment Gen. Halleck may choose to send and with his permission, hasten down to Fort Donelson, Nashville or any other place where there is a prospect of fighting.

CHANGE IN FIELD OFFICERS.

Col. Fred. Steele, late of the 8^th Iowa, has been appointed Brigadier General of volunteers.  His promotion caused a vacancy in our field officers.  Lieut. Col. Geddes, who has been in command of the regiment ever since we entered the field, and who has shown himself a gentleman and every inch a thorough and experienced soldier was elected Colonel by acclamation; Major Ferguson, who has always shown himself equal to every occasion, was unanimously elected Lieut. Colonel; and Capt. Joseph Andrews, of Co. F, whose well disciplined company proves him an able officer, was elected Major.  The names of these officers have been forwarded to the Governor of Iowa, and I understand must meet his approval; so I suppose the commissions will soon be forthcoming.  It would be easy to say much in praise of these officers, to point to many characteristics of each, which give proof of energy and efficiency, but in their unanimous election to their respective offices they have received from those best qualified to judge a higher testimonial of confidence and esteem for them, as men and soldiers, than any mere eulogium could express.

THE CONDITION OF THE REGIMENT.

Since Col. Geddis [sic] has been in command of this post, our regiment has obtained a full compliment of new “Sibley” tents. – These tents are each provided with a small stove, which warms it very comfortably.  In some of the tents, a small cooking stove, purchased by the “mess” at a trifling expense per man, takes the place of the stoves furnished by the Government, and is very convenient for cooking purposes.  In the tents thus furnished, the boys, to describe their condition in their own language, “live at home.”  In one of my turns through the new camp, I came upon a mess at supper.  I saw fritters and crullers in their rude cupboard, made by some of the boys, and I know by experiment that the crullers were not unworthy the skill of an experienced Hawkeye house-keeper.

The two lost companies, E and K, which for near three months were on de-tached service, and attached to Jennison’s brigade, have returned.  They do not seem to be very favorably impressed with “Jayhawking,” and are as glad to return to their regiment as we are to receive them.  We have now our full compliment of companies, and make a very respectable appearance on dress parade.

On the new camping ground a tall pole has been raised, and from its top floats the glorious “stars and stripes.”  Our secesh neighbors for miles around can look at it, as in obedience to the morning or evening breeze it spreads out its ample folds, symboling prosperity and liberty to all who will return under its shadow.

HOSPITAL AND SANITARY CONDITION.

The change in the force stationed at this post has occasioned a corresponding change in the hospital arrangements.  The sick belonging to the regiments ordered away have been taken to St. Louis.  This left room in the post hospital for the sick of the command remaining at this post.  Consequently our regimental hospital was closed, and our sick transferred to the post hospital.  In the mean time, Dr. Bordie, “Surgeon of the fifth division of the army of the Missouri,” received the information that his nomination had not been confirmed by Congress; this sent him back to private life.  An order came from Gen. Halleck appointing Surgeon Irwin, of the 8^th Iowa, to the charge of the post hospital.  Surgeon I. entered upon the duties of his new position with his accustomed energy and promptness.  He selected for steward, warden, nurses &c., men from our regiment, who had been tried and were found to be qualified for the positions.  We now have in good working order a well arranged, well ventilated and well furnished hospital, one which we would not be ashamed for any of our Iowa friends to visit, containing an upper and lower ward, dispensary, dining room, kitchen, convalescent room, &c.  There is also a room off the dining room furnished with a stove, which is used as a chapel.  Our chaplain preaches there Sabbath morning, and a social prayer meeting is held in the evening.  Those of the citizens who choose to attend are cordially welcomed at either or both services.

The health of our regiment is improving.  We have fewer cases of typhoid fever and pneumonia, and the few bad cases we have are treated more successfully, as we can now make our patients more comfortable and give them proper attention.  We can report fit for duty about 750 men, all of whom would be glad to illustrate their fitness for active service by engaging in the impending battle at Nashville.  It affords me great pleasure to be able to make this favorable statement.  Our regiment has suffered severely from disease.  This suffering was made known to our friends in Iowa.  They kindly sent us supplies when we most needed them, and now we are reaping the fruits of their kindness.  We are to-day a very respectable regiment in numbers and physical strength and courage, and are still recruiting from the hospital.  Last evening Dr. Hoffmeister, assistant surgeon, vice P. B. Clark resigned, arrived and this morning entered upon his duties.  We are favorably impressed with his appearance and from the manner in which he took hold, gives promise, when he has “learned the ropes,” of an energetic and efficient assistant.

Our regiment now presents a very promising appearance, and the scouting parties in which the boys are frequently sent out, afford exercise and excitement which go very far toward making them healthy, cheerful and vigorous.  I am however, fully satisfied that the dose which would most quickly depopulate our hospital and place us firmly on our feet, would be an order from Gen. Halleck to strike tents and march South immediately.

HOW THE NEWS OF RECENT VICTORIES WAS RECEIVED.

We have a telegraph from St. Louis to this place, and very shortly after the fall of Fort Donelson was known in St. Louis, the good news was telegraphed to our Colonel.  Soon it spread through the camp, and in less time that you could think, our rifled cannon were unlimbered, and the glad tidings were heralded in thunder tones form their fiery throats.  Of course we soldiers were jubilant – so were the Union men in and about the town, but I fancy the secessionists could not sing of the sound,

“Harmonious to the ear.”

I suspect it grated somewhat harshly.

The well authenticated news that Gen. Curtis has driven price into Arkansas, was received by the loyal inhabitants of this State with even greater joy than the fall of Fort Donelson.  Price is the life and hope of secession in this State.  While he was in the Southern part of the state, the property of Union men everywhere outside of Federal pickets, was liable to be stolen or destroyed, while secessionists were firm and defiant.  Already there is a change.  The Union men breathe more freely, and secessionist come in by the scores to take the oath.  Many, perhaps the very large majority, do this to recover damages from property they have lost, and it is quite surprising how hard some of them will swear when a horse or a mule is at stake; but if there is a chance of recovering a “contraband,” they will swear to nearly anything, or in any way, till black in the face, for that matter, if thereby the negro can be carried back into slavery.  The sorest spot a slave-holding secesh can be touched, is to take away his negroes.  They will bear the loss of horses, mules, forage, etc., with philosophical patience, but if a slave escapes, then a wound is inflicted which exasperates beyond measure, and admits of no healing but the return of the fugitive.

A commission for investigating the loyalty of the many applicants for damage, and for settling their claims against the government, has been appointed.  Lieut. Col. Ferguson is presiding officer of the commission, and the loyalty of the individuals making claims is examined with great care, strictness and impartiality.  If a man is suspected, after being sworn, he is required to give bail from $1,000 to $5,000 that he will keep the oath.  The bail as much as possible, is taken from secesh, and this arrangement has a wonderful power in making their consciences tender and susceptible to the binding and sacred character of an oath.  I think hereafter even a Mo. Secessionist’s oath may be relied upon, as probably to be kept.

Yours truly, C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 2

Kansas Correspondence

CAMP DEFIANCE, Linn Co., Kansas,
February 3d, 1862.

Events of but little interest have transpired since my last letter to the GAZETTE. Our camp is located on Mine Creek, in this county, about four miles from the State line, where are quartered the 3d Kansas volunteers, under Col. James Montgomery, and where we have been since December last; eight miles below us is the 5th regiment, under the command of Maj. Sumner, and at Ft. Scott are some six or eight companies of home guards, under Col. Judson. The U. S. paymaster and mustering officer are here, paying off these regiments and mustering them so as to make full and complete regiments, preparatory to their march South into the Indian country west of Arkansas, and between here and Texas.

Col. Jennison’s regiment of cavalry marched through Mound city to-day, under the command of Lt. Col. Anthony; they numbered 840, and were on their march to Humboldt, in Allen Co., where they will remain for a few days, when they will move as the advance column of the great expedition soon to leave Ft. Leavenworth for the South. They were well provided with tents, clothing, &c., and with but few exceptions, were live specimens of genuine border men, who at any time can whip their weight in wild cats, ever ready to face where danger is the most daring. About 4,000 friendly Cherokee and Creek Indians are assembled on the Neosho river, some 30 miles below [Humboldt], waiting to join the “big Colonel with heap fight.”

Much fear is manifested among the citizens along the boarder here, that on the removal of the troops from along the line, guerilla bands of the rebels, which still infest our borders, will march over, and, if so, murder, rapine, and plunder will follow them.

For the last few weeks news had reached camp that Gen. Lane was to lead us on south to victory. But for the last few days rumor says that Gen. Hunter is to have the command. We are all ready to march under Hunter or any other Union General, but there is no disguising the fact that Gen. Jim Lane is the popular choice of a large majority of the regiments here along the boarder, and that in him we feel that his very name is a tower of strength, and that with him at our head, though but few in numbers, we will be more mighty than a great army with banners. At all events were are all anxious to be off, and the march of this expedition, either under Lane, Hunter or any other General, will be marked with a desolation and ruin, such as now marks the homes of the rebels in southwestern Missouri.

During the last four months some 3,000 or 4,000 contrabands have left southwestern Missouri and Arkansas, many of whom have passed into your State and Illinois; yet many remain here and all readily find work and are all peaceable and quiet, and feel very happy in their exchange from slavery to freedom. Schools have been established by the benevolent for them, and it would surprise many of your readers to see with what avidity they learn; all are contented and the only anxiety you can see about them is as to how they are to get the friends they left behind from slavery.

I will give all details as they transpire en route the great expedition.

Yours,

Kansas

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 13, 1862, p. 1

Released on Bond

ST. LOUIS, April 25. – An order has been issued for the release of Col. Jennison from military prison, he giving bond in $20,000 to appear and answer to whatever charges may be preferred against him. The particular offense which led to Jennison’s arrest has not been made public, but it is presumed all the facts will shortly be forthcoming. Jennison, on being arrested immediately resigned his position.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Col. Jennison Released

ST. LOUIS, May 1.

Col. Jennison received a letter from a Senator at Washington City, which stated in explicit terms that an order reliving Generals Sturgis and Denver of their commands in Kansas had been forwarded from the War Department.

Jennison was yesterday relieved of his personal parole, and is now only obliged to report by letter. Under this liberty he expects to leave to-day for Washington City.

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

Arrest of Col. Jennison

LEAVENWORTH, April 29. – In a circular just published, Gen. Sturgis says: The arrest of Col. Jennison was the result of representations made by Lieut. Col. D. R. Anthony, of his own regiment, and Col. John W. Deitzler, his immediate commanding officer, and was made at the earnest solicitation of the latter officer, who, in his appeal to me of the 15th inst., demands is immediate arrest and charges him with the most grave and serious crimes known to military law.

Hiram Rich, an old resident of the West and for a number of [years] a Sutler at Ft. Leavenowrth, died suddenly yesterday of apoplexy.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p 3

From Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 8.

Four steamboats are loading with troops, stores, &c., and will leave to-day for the expeditions up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. The military authorities here seem determined to push matters through and will not rest until Memphis, Nashville and Columbus are occupied by the Union troops.

A gentleman who arrived by the Pacific railroad last night gives the following interesting information:

“Along the line of the road all the troops have been removed, except one regiment at Sedalia and one brigade and Lemoine bridge the latter commanded by acting Brigadier-General Hovey. Tipton and Syracuse are garrisoned by the Sixth Iowa, and California by the Iowa Eleventh.

“Col. Stevenson was within twenty-five miles of Lexington, on Wednesday, with his regiment, several companies of the First Iowa Cavalry, and one battery of six pieces – the entire force numbering 6,180 men.

“Nine hundred rebels were last reported at Waverly, Lafayette county, last Monday. They had just held an election for Colonel, and had elected Capt. Joseph Shelby to the position. The train passed some 1,500 troops on the way to Jefferson City, where they are to be stationed.

“A good deal of sickness still exists among the troops along the Pacific railroad.

“A fight took place last Monday in Jackson county between a company of Jennison’s men and a company of rebels, in which four of the latter were killed. None of Jennison’s men were hurt.

“Several houses of prominent secessionists were burned.”


ST. LOUIS, February 8.

Highly important news is momentarily looked for from the expeditions up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.

The Republican received a telegram at 9 o’clock this morning, from Cairo, notifying them that a long dispatch from their correspondent was there, awaiting transmission, but up to this hour (3:30 p.m.) it has not been received.

There are rumors on the street of a field battle having been fought yesterday in the vicinity of Fort Henry, but it cannot be traced to any reliable source.

The following special order was issued this afternoon:


HEADQUATERS DEPARTMENT OF THIS MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS, February 8th, 1862.

The Major-General commanding the Department takes great pleasure in making public the following telegram just received from the General-in-Chief of the Army, in regard to the capture of Fort Henry and the expedition up the Tennessee river:

“Thank General Grant, flag-office Foote and their commands for me.

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,
Commander-in-Chief.”

By command of Major-General Halleck.
N. H. McLEAN, Ass’t Adj’t Gen.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

THE WAR NEWS

Rebels Evacuating Corinth for Memphis.

CONTRADICTORY REPORTS FROM THE TENNESSEE.

McDowell occupies Fredericksburg. YORKTOWN SHELLED.

Jennison Released.

DEAD SOLDIERS TO BE EMBALMED.

Death of Maj. Gen. Smith.

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

Col. Jennison

Among all the men who have periled their lives in defence of the Union, none have had more at stake, or strong reason for being truly loyal to their government, than the citizens of Kansas. Living in the immediate vicinity of a vindictive and relentless foe, who hold against them an old grudge and through whose hearts hatred has percolated until they have become hard as adamant; a foe that had earned for themselves and gloried in the title of “Border Ruffians,” and who would take advantage of the license to villainy that the present turbulent state of affairs gave them to inflict every species of cruelty that the most depraved mind could conceive of; these men had the highest incentives to loyalty, to ridding the country of an organized band of traitors steeped to the eyes in double-dyed villainy. Their homes, their families, their Government, all that their hearts held dear, were at stake, and when occasion presented, they fought as men who have risked all on the result.

Among the bravest of the number was Col. Jennison, whose fault – his only fault – was uncompromising hostility to Border Ruffianism and the institution upon which it feeds, viz: slavery. Col. Jennison is a slender, delicate man, a physician; he immigrated from New York with his little family, to whom he was devotedly attached, a wife and an only child, accustomed as himself to all the delicacies of city life, to the wilds of Kansas. What tempted him, a man of cultivated mind, to leave the refinements to which he had been accustomed and bring his tenderly-reared wife, a hot-house plant, to meet the rough winds and rougher people of the Western prairies, we know not; but it is a question that men all around us can ask of themselves, and their reply may suit the case of this gentleman.

We have no account of Dr. Jennison pursuing other than a quiet life, until one day a troop of Boarder Ruffians passed his little domicil on their way to organize a provisional government for Kansas. Attracted by so many persons passing, his wife and child stepped to the door to look upon the cavalcade, and there, upon their own doorstep, they were both shot dead by those ruthless villains. Is it any wonder when Dr. Jennison returned home and saw the idols of his household thus butchered, that the hot blood coursed impetuously through his veins and he vowed hostility forever to Border Ruffianism? Yet, because he has since harassed these scoundrels at every opportunity, and sought to overthrow their beloved institution of slavery, the Democrat of this city calls him “the most heartless villain that every cursed the border.” Our neighbor is ignorant of the antecedents of Col. Jennison, or he never could utter so calumnious and libelous expressions. He has gleaned his knowledge from pro-slavery sheets, or he never would be guilty of such language toward one who has passed through the experience of Col. Jennison. That he is bitterly opposed to Border Ruffianism and an avowed abolitionist, we admit, and heaven knows he has good reason to be, but that he is a heartless villain, is as false calumny as ever was uttered. The very quotation that the Democrat makes from the covert secession sheet, the St. Louis Republican, shows that the man, so far from being heartless, is possessed of tender sensibilities, notwithstanding the terrible ordeal through which he has passed.

Col. Jennison has resigned his command and since been arrested, for what reason no one knows, further than that the officer who arrested him, Gen. Sturgis, is a man of drunken habits and suspected loyalty. He is no doubt, the victim of the dirty malice of the pro-slavery Generals – Sturgis, Denver and Mitchell. The noble and gallant Colonel, we are happy to hear, has been released on giving bonds, and now stands ready to meet his accusers face to face and show them he has done no wrong. Perhaps, as our neighbor of the Democrat says that “his crimes are legion,” he may be able to put his finger upon a single crime, just one, that ever Col. Jennison committed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 28, 1862, p. 2

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS., April 25.

An order has been issued for the release of Col. Jennison from the military prison, he giving bonds in $20,000 to appear and answer to whatever charges may be brought against him. The particular offense which led to Jennison’s arrest has not been made public, but is presumed all the facts will shortly be forthcoming. Jennison, on being arrested immediately resigned his position in the army.

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