Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood to Allen Hale, William Cochran and Thomas Moorman, August 8, 1863

State Of Iowa, Executive Office,

August 8, 1863.

Messrs. Allen Hale, Wm. Cochran and Thos. Moorman.

South English, Iowa.

Gentlemen: — I have learned with regret the unfortunate occurrence at your place on Saturday last, and also that there is danger of further conflict and disturbance in consequence. I of course cannot determine where the fault is, or who are the parties responsible, but it is very clear that this is a matter to be determined by the court and not by a mob. If it shall turn out that Tally was unlawfully killed, the law must show who is the guilty person, and must inflict the punishment If a mob of his friends are permitted to determine who is guilty, and to inflict punishment, it is just as probable that the innocent will suffer as the guilty. Such proceedings unsettle society and render every man's life and property insecure.

I have sent to the sheriff of Washington county forty stands of arms and ammunition for the same, for you. These arms are intended only and strictly for the defense of your people against any lawless attack on your town by a mob, and for the purpose of aiding the lawful authorities in enforcing the laws and maintaining the public peace. They must not be used for any other purpose, or in any other manner. You must keep your people strictly on the defensive, and clearly within the law. You must not resist the execution of legal process, but must aid in enforcing and executing it. If you are attacked by a mob of rioters and lawless men you will of course defend yourselves.

The public mind is much excited by the acts of mischievous and designing men, and it becomes law abiding and peaceful citizens not to add to this excitement. Act prudently, coolly and lawfully.

I trust the threatened danger may pass over without further disturbance.

I have written the sheriff of your county to act in this matter. Until his arrival I must trust to your judgment and discretion, upon his arrival act under his authority.

Very respectfully,

SAMUEL J. KLRKWOOD.

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 248-9

Local Matters

THE WEEKLY GAZETTE is published this morning.  It contains all the matter of the Daily during the past week, including correspondence, etc.  Send it off to your friends that they may learn Iowa is in the field with her brave troops, fighting for the stars and stripes.

SOMETHING NEW. – Ladies’ seamless vomp gaiters, new style, never before offered in this city, to be found only at Ordway’s new store, no. 26 Le Claire Row.  dlw

An extensive fire occurred in the town of Alexandria, Mo., opposite Keokuk, on Sunday morning last, consuming property to the amount of $45,000.  The Keokukers went over and assisted to extinguish the flames.

RELEASED. – Frank Collins, arrested by Officer Teagarden on Monday evening, on a warrant issued by Coroner Tomson, was yesterday released, there being no legal evidence to sustain the charge against him.

ALMOST A FIRE. – An attempt at fire occurred in a shed in the rear of Mr. R. E. Sickels’ residence, corner of Thirteenth and Main streets, night before last.  It was discovered and extinguished before any great amount of harm was done.

WILD RICE. – We are indebted to Mr. Jas. D. Hogarty for a package of wild rice, the native product of Wisconsin.  We have eaten of this rice and found it almost equal to the Southern production, being darker, more substantial and of different favor.  It is preferred by some to the Southern article.

CHARITY NOT NEEDED. – We published a not the day before yesterday, stating that Mrs. Knoeke, of this city was in an actual suffering condition.  We are informed since, by the woman herself, that such is not the case, nor is she in condition to appeal to the public for charity.

PROMPT ADJUSTMENT. – We are informed that Messrs. A. Green & Co., and C. E. Converse, who were losers of grain by the recent fire which destroyed the Elevator, have received from the New England and Lorillard companies full satisfaction for the losses sustained at that fire.

BOOTS AND SHOES. – Neighbor Todd returned home yesterday, after a trip to the East, where he has purchased an extensive lot of boots and shoes, ladies’ slippers, gaiters, and everything in his line, which he is receiving and opening at his store, Todd’s well-known corner.

NEW GOODS constantly arriving at Ordway’s, manufactured expressly for the retail trade, which he is selling at prices that will defy competition.  Every one in want of boots and shoes should call upon him before purchasing, for people do say that he is selling a good quality of goods cheaper than any other house in the city.    dlw

ROYAL ARCH-MASONS. – At a regular convocation of Davenport Chapter No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, held in Masonic Hall, on the evening of the 20th inst., the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: O. H. Watson, High Priest; Geo. H. French, King; P. L. Cone; Scribe; Samuel Perry, Captain of the Host; F. H. Griggs, Principal Sojourner; W. W. Parker, Royal Arch Captain; E. Y. Lane, Treasure; A. P. Luse, Secretary; R. D. Myers, Grand Master of the Third Veil; W. A. Remington, do Second Veil; J. J. Burtis, do First Veil; G. G. Jones, Guard.

Insurance against fire and the perils of inland transportation, and life insurance, can be had of W. F. ROSS, general insurance agent, Metropolitan building, who will not represent any but the most reliable companies.

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

Kidnappers are busy around Washington.

They lie in wait around the bridges crossing the Potomac, and carry of the negroes escaping from Virginia and sell them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 20, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

THE best, cheapest, largest stock of dry goods is to be found at Whislers.

SCOTT’S FASHION PLATES for spring and summer 1862, are now on hand at R. Krause’s.

STARTED AGAIN. – Burrow’s mill was started again yesterday, after a silence of some weeks, caused by the high water.

DON’T be in a hurry to buy your Dry Goods, but look at Wadsworth’s stock before making your purchases.  He has more and better goods than any house in the city, and is constantly receiving new lots of all kinds, and will sell them as cheap as any other man.

HOPE FOR DOGS YET. – For the benefit of those animals, and their owners, whose names do not appear as yet on the town clerk’s books, that officer will be at his room for another week, for the purpose of accommodating those who have not registered their pets.

ACCIDENT TO A STEAMBOATMAN. – The Rock Island Argus says: Wm. C. Coulter, an engineer on the Wm. L. Ewing, which went up Sunday afternoon, while cleaning the “doctor,” had his right hand caught in the machinery, breaking all its bones except one.  He left the boat at Hampton and was brought back to Rock Island, where the wounded hand was dressed.

SHIPMENTS BY RAILROAD. – The following are the shipments from Davenport by railroad for the week ending May 17: 180 brls. Flour; 3,000 bu. barley; 6,400 bu. wheat; 1,600 brls. Meal; 414 sks. Malt; 78,500 lbs. pork; 112,100 lbs. cut meats; 1,200 bu. potatoes; 3,240 lbs. hides; 20 live cattle.  The estimated value of these shipments is a little over $20,000.

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POOR TOMMY. – We appeal to the American people if it isn’t a circumstance of the most aggravating character, for a cat to take advantage of the darkness, and a broken pane of glass, and creep clandestinely to a bird cage and murder our canary? – Des Moines Register.

No, sir; after the terrible fight you had with that cat, he is justified in coming the secesh over you on every fitting occasion.

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VANDAQLISM. – Nicholas Krambech, sexton of the city cemetery, informs us that he detected a couple of young women, on Sunday robbing the graves in the inclosure [sic] of the flowers that friends had placed over the remains of the cherished dead.  He contented himself with taking the bouquet from them and reprimanding them for their conduct, but says if it is repeated he will be under the necessity of prosecuting the parties guilty of such outrage.

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SEDUCTION AND SUICIDE. – One of the most melancholy cases of death by suicide it has ever been our duty to record, occurred last Sunday afternoon in this city.  The deceased, – Jeannette Dutton, was a native of Scotland, and had been in this city two or three years, during which time she had been living with different families in town, and for some time previous to her death had been employed at the Burtis House.  The circumstances leading to her death are related in the testimony as taken before the Coroner’s Jury on Sunday evening, nearly all of which we publish elsewhere.  She first tried to kill herself with laudanum, but took an overdose which caused nausea and vomiting, destroying the effects of the poison.  Sunday morning  she procured some strychnine, with which she succeeding in accomplishing her object, death ensuing about 5½ o’clock in the evening.  She appears to have been suffering very much in her mind from the stories which had been set afloat about her, and these eventually, no doubt, led her to commit suicide.

The jury in the coroner’s inquest found that the deceased died from the effects of strychnine, and that Frank Collins was guilty of criminal misdemeanor on her person, which prompted her to commit suicide.  On the rendition of this verdict, Coroner Tomson issued his warrant for the apprehension of Collins; and last evening Constable Teagarden, assisted by Mr. Dermody, and by Justice Swander, of Rock Island, arrested him on the other side of the river, brought him over, and locked him up in jail.  The ferry boat had lain up for the night, but Capt. Robinson promptly got up steam and brought over the party, declining to receive any pay for it.  Collins will probably be examined this morning.

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Insurance against fire and the perils of inland transportation, and life insurance, can be had of W. F. ROSS, general insurance agent, Metropolitan building, who will not represent any but the most reliable companies.

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DIED.

In this city, on Sabbath evening, May 18th, suddenly, of disease of the heart, HENRY W. SLAYMAKER, aged 64 years.

The funeral will take place from his late residents on Brady street, this (Tuesday) afternoon at 2½ o’clock.

In Littleton, N. H., at the residence of her father, Mrs. ALTHERAM, wife of MILO K. PARKS, of this city, aged 34 years.

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

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, May 14.

The trial of Judge Hardy, of 16th District Court, ended to-day before the State Senate.  He was convicted by the two-thirds majority required by the constitution, for disloyalty to the Government, in uttering seditious language.  A resolution of expulsion from office passed, 21 to 14.  The various other charges against him, such as corruption in office, drunkenness, &c., were not sustained, although in some cases the majority was against him.  The charge of misconduct in the trial of Judge Terry for Killing Sen. Broderick, failed by the vote.  He was the Judge before whom Terry was acquitted.

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

Local Matters

NO DISPATCHES LAST NIGHT. – Atmospheric electricity interfered very much with the working of the lines on Saturday, and we have only about one-half our usual dispatches.  We received none at all after dark Saturday.

THE ROCK ISLAND COAL FIELDS. – The Rock Island Argus says that Prof Wilbur, of that State, will be in Rock Island next week, for the purpose of examining the extensive mineral deposits of that county, after which he will deliver a course of free lectures on the subject in Rock Island.  In his examinations he will make a geological survey of Rock river, from Sterling to the mouth.

A NICE PRESENT. – Capt. Trout, of the well-known vegetable stand, on Brady st., first door above Morrison’s flour store, sent us in, Saturday evening, a basket of goodly proportions filled with radishes, onions, asparagus, carrots, pie-plant, &c., topped off, at the bottom, with a layer of lake white fish.  The Captain keeps every vegetable in its season, and if you can’t get what you want of him there is no use of trying further.

ACQUITTED. – We mentioned a few weeks since the arrest by detective Spaulding of one J. S. Bemis, on charge of being an accomplice in the robbing of the treasury of Bremer county of some six thousand dollars.  We understand he had his trial on Monday last, and was acquitted for want of sufficient evidence.  Nowels, of this city has been bound over, and will have his trial in July.  Spaulding, we believe, does not get the reward until the thieves are arrested and convicted.

DOGS. – A little over four hundred of these animals, or rather their owners, have taken advantage of the dog law, and that number of canines are permitted to live another year.  It is gratifying to know that the “big” dogs have not thought it beneath them to comply with the law.  “Abe Lincoln,” Sigel,” etc., are registered and  numbered, and so is “Jeff. Davis.”  The owner of the last named animal explained that he was the worst dog for killing sheep he ever knew: hence his name.

A SELF-VENTILATING REFRIGERATOR. – All new inventions are not necessarily improvements; many, very many, are patented merely for the purpose of selling out again.  When an invention, however, is based on thoroughly scientific and philosophical principles, we may safely call it an improvement.  Of this character is the above refrigerator.  This article is divided into two compartments, in the upper one of which is the ice-box, through which a current of air passes.  This air, falling as it is cooled, passes into the lower chamber where, again falling, it escapes up the sides of the box into the open air.  A steady current of air is therefore always kept up, so that the impurities arising from the meat and vegetables may pass off.  Mr. E. G. Odiorne is the agent for the Refrigerator in this city, and has a glass model at his store to show the philosophy of its workings.  See his advertisement.

FIFTH WARD. – The election in the Fifth ward for Alderman, last Saturday, went charmingly unanimous.  Mr. Walter Kelly received 178 votes, four other individuals receiving each one vote.  It is understood that two of the latter sold out to each other, under a pledge, of either was successful, that he would have Iowa street opened through to the North pole, or as near there as possible.  Of course, such “bribery and corruption” wouldn’t go down with the high-minded voters of the Fifth, and the cunning aspirants will have to turn their thoughts in other directions in order to acquire fame.  We congratulate our old settler, friend Walter, on his popularity, and hope to see him run next for Governor.”

DR. GUILBERT’S LECTURE. – We trust our citizens will generaly attend the public lecture of Dr. Guilbert, of Dubuque, to be given at the Congregational church on Wednesday evening next.  His subject is, “The Hero as Physician; Habnemann, Harvey and Jenner being the types.”  Dr. G. is said to be an orator; a man of fine scholarly attainments, and pleasing address.  If there be truth in the infinitesimal system of medicine, let us have it.  This is an age of progress and we can see no reason that the science of medicine should be centuries behind every other science, when our very lives hinge upon it.

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Insurance against fire and the perils of inland transportation, and life insurance, can be had of W. F. Ross, general insurance agent, Metropolitan building, who will not represent any but the most reliable companies.

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RELIGIOUS NOTICE.

Preaching at the M. E. Church this (Sabbath) morning at 10½ o’clock by Rev. Mr. Fowler, of Chicago.  Preaching also in the evening as will be announced at the morning services.

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

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 14.

The steamer Emilie left this port to-day with 250 passengers, bound for the Bitter-Root Valley gold regions in Washington and Oregon Territories.

Among the passengers were the Treasurer and Directors of the American Mining and Exploring Company, who propose to commence mining operations in that region immediately on their arrival.

Andrew J. Vallandigham, a brother it is said, of the belligerent member of Congress from Ohio, is in custody of Col. Fitz Henry Warren, of Clinton, charged with horse-stealing, robbing and driving out Union Men, and marauding, Bushwhacking and jawhawking generally.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 17, 1862, p. 1

State Items

A number of persons have recently been expelled from the M. E. Church at Montezuma, for disloyalty to the Government, the charge having been sustained against them.  That’s right: a persistently disloyal man is unfit for membership in a Christian church.

The Dubuque Times says that 500 recruits have been obtained at the station in that city for the regular army.  Of this number, about ninety percent came from other counties beside Dubuque.

The Marshall county Times and Iowa Valley News, published at Marshalltown have been consolidated under the name of the Marshall Times and News.  Mr. E. N. Chapin, of the News, being editor and proprietor of the new paper.

The Dubuque Times says it is reported that letters found on the battle-field at Shiloh, criminating certain well known citizens of Dubuque.  It is not at all improbable.  When the accounts of this war are finally balanced, a tremendous weight of responsibility will be found to rest on the heads of those men in Dubuque who have urged on the conspirators in their mad rebellion.

Mr. J. C. Holbrook, Jesse Guernsey, and J. H. Nutting, are about starting a new monthly paper at Dubuque, to be called the Religious News Letter.  It is to be conducted by several Congregational ministers.

Miss Emily Murdick, of Iowa county, was committed to jail, last week, for cutting the throat of her infant child, to which she gave birth on the 18th ult.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

WANTED. – A journeyman tinner, at Geo. W. Smiley’s stove store.  None but a good workman need apply.

PLOWING MATCH. – The plowing match of the Winfield Township Agricultural Society comes off to-day on the farm of Mr. Irving Quinn, Long Grove.

EVERGREENS. – D. F. Kinsey, of Black Hawk Nursery, Rock Island, has the finest lot of evergreens in the West.  Citizens of Davenport are requested to call and examine his stock.

GODEY’S LADY’S BOOK. – The June number of this fashionable monthly is already received, and as usual is beautifully illustrated and teems with good things for the ladies.  It may be had at the bookstores.

MASONIC. – At a meeting of Davenport Lodge No. 37 at A. F. and A. M., held last Monday evening, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: O. H. Watson, W. M.; W. F. Kidder, S. W.;  F. H. Griggs, J. W.; Geo. H. French, Treas.; Fred. Koops, Sec’y; J. W. Jamison, S. D.; J. M. Dunn, J. D.

A NUISANCE. – A number of defunct cavalry horses were buried a few days ago near the Fair Ground under the direction of military authorities.  The work was not properly done, however, the bodies not being fully covered.  The effluvia in the neighborhood is consequently very rank, and calls for remedial action.

THE DAILY ARGUS is the title of the new Democratic paper established at Burlington, the first number of which appeared on Monday last.  It is of the Mahony stripe of politics and well calculated to stir up the dirty waters of pro-slaveryism in the loyal county of Des Moines.

THE best assortment and the best qualities of dry goods in the city can be found at Wadsworth’s.  His stock of dress goods, shawls, raglans and sacques is complete and any lady wishing the latest styles at low prices should not fail to call and examine his stock.  dw*

CROPS. – The reports from the country speak very favorably of the growing crops.  The season, though rather late, has been excellent since it began.  The few showers have been very opportune, and everything now seems to promise abundant harvests to reward the farmer’s toil.

NEW GOODS. – Mrs. McCullough has just received per express new straw goods, in different styles, checked silks, and new designs in ribbons.  Ladies desiring the latest styles, and first class goods, would do well to examine her stock.  She buys and sells exclusively for cash, and can therefore afford to offer superior advantages to purchasers.   *

INDIANS. – A couple of Indians, of the Musquawka tribe, have recently arrived in town from the West.  One of them is sadly crippled, having had both feet frozen off; he walks on his knees.  Such an object commends itself to the charity of spectators, and many a hand, as he passes by, dives into the pocket-book in search of something to help the poor fellow along.

HAINES’ HARVESTERS. – We call attention to the advertisement of Hanes’ Harvester in to-day’s paper.  This machine is rising in popular favor, and seems destined to continue to do so.  Mr. Cook, its general western agent, is a shrewd, intelligent, straightforward business man, and one, we should think, who will adhere to whatever he says, and fulfill all he promises.

FIFTH WARD ELECTION. – It should not be forgotten that an alderman is to be elected in the Fifth Ward next Saturday, to fill the place vacated by Ald. LeClaire.  It is about time to bring out the candidates, so that the people may be fully advised of their qualifications before voting.  Let the best man in the ward be selected, or both parties unite on some good man as a candidate.

AN UGLY CUSTOMER. – An Irishman, whose family name seems to be lost in antiquity, but who is commonly called “Billy, the mule,” was arrested by officer Brown, yesterday morning, and brought down to jail from his house on Perry street, above the Fair Grounds.  This Billy, if all accounts are true, ought to have received the attention of the authorities some time ago.  When under the influence of liquor, it appears he blockades the road by his house, and undertakes to prevent the public from using it.  One day last week, as a drayman was driving by, Billy ranged his own horse and dray across the street, so that the other could not pass.  The latter got down, and taking Billy’s horse by the head, backed him out of the road.  Billy then seized a shovel, and struck at the other drayman, who used his whip in return.  Monday evening, a young colored man, in the employ of Mr. Preston, went that way looking for cows, when Billy made him turn his horse’s head, and go around through a mud hole.  Returning subsequently with the cattle, he had to come by Billy’s a second time, when a fight ensued between that worthy and the sable gentleman, in which the latter dealt his opponent some pretty hard blows with the butt end of the whip.  The neighbors finally separated them.  Complaint was made yesterday morning against Billy, and a warrant issued for his apprehension.  He was accordingly arrested, though not without resistance by himself and wife, and was brought to jail on a dray.  Billy seems to be a mortal enemy to “niggers,” and has notified some of the residents on the bluff, who have colored men in their employ, that they must keep them out of his reach.  From what we can learn of him, he seems to be a perfect terror to the neighbors around when intoxicated.  A little wholesome punishment will do him no harm.

A TRIUMPH OF CHEMISTRY. – Notwithstanding the prevalent opinion that common Saleratus was poisonous, and mischievous in its effect upon the human system, it continued to be used because there was no substitute known.  The poisonous properties were not, however, essential, and starting upon this basis, Mr. DeLand applied himself to the discovery of a process to produce a pure article.  His researches were not confined to this country, but extended to Europe, and were eminently successful.  It was a glorious triumph of Chemistry, when the pure Chemical Saleratus was produced, and made gland thousands who were justly afraid to use the article commonly in use.  The Chemical Saleratus makes pure, light, and wholesome bread, and it is made only by D. B. DeLand & Co., at Fairport, Monroe county, N. Y.  Sold by them at wholesale, and by respectable dealers everywhere in this country.  For sale by wholesale grocers in Chicago.   dw*

THE DOG LAW. – The Town Clerk has been at his office for the last three days attending to the registry of dogs, under the new law. – So far, about seventy dogs have been registered as worthy of preservation.  Two days more are allowed to their owners to get all the dogs paid for: thereafter, no canine animal’s life is safe.  Those who want to keep their dogs had better pay up promptly, for there will be a determined effort to enforce this law, as it is what the interests of the State have long imperatively demanded.

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

Local Matters

TO GET your money’s worth of good goods, and cheap, go to Whisler’s.  *

IF YOU want wall papers of the newest patterns, go to Plummer’s, No. 50 Brady st.  *tf

GREAT EXPECTATIONS can be realized by buying some of those new styles of wall papers.  *tf

BOUNTY, PENSIONS, &c. – See advertisement of Parker & Edwards.  They are reliable men and will transact promptly any business entrusted to them.

DO NOT fail to call in on Farrand’s to-day and purchase a new hat or cap.  You can find them in all styles, prices and colors at cor. Second and Main sts.

DECORATE your dwellings with some of those recherché patterns of wall paper, which can be seen only at Plummer’s, No. 50 Brady street.  *tf

“ARTEMUS WARD.”- Charles F. Browne, Esp., the well known Artemus Ward, showman, etc., will deliver his celebrated lecture on “Babes in the Wood,” Thursday evening at Metropolitan Hall.  See advertisement.

LANDLORDS, paper your houses with some of the beautiful paper hangings which can be found only at Plummer’s.  Then on rent day instead of being met at the door with a broomstick, you will be greeted with pleasant smiles.  *tf

SLIPS TO RENT. – The slips in the Second Baptist Church, corner of Fourth and Perry streets, will be rented to-day (Tuesday). – Those desiring seats will be waited on by the committee, at the Church, from the hour of 9 o’clock A. M. until 4 o’clock P. M.

HITCHING HORSES. – People who are in the habit of allowing their horses to stand in the street unhitched will do well to remember we have an ordinance in this city punishing such negligence by a fine of five dollars.  Farmers had better be on the look-out, or some policeman, on scent of a fee, may haul some of them up before a magistrate and ease their pockets of some surplus demand notes.

INFLUENCE. – The Democrat says jocosely that the GAZETTE has no influence.  That depends altogether, neighbor, upon what constitutes influence.  If it is a limited circulation, published in a community that has not sentiments in common with it, without the enterprise to secure correspondents in the army to sustain the credit of Iowa soldiers, villainously abused by the correspondents of other States, etc., etc., then the GAZETTE has no influence.  If the reverse of these, then the Democrat goes to the wall.

“ORPHANS’ HOME OF INDUSTRY.” – We have received a circular informing us that there is an institution in Iowa by the above name, that it commenced in 1854 without an acre of ground or a dime of money and that now it is regularly incorporated with a board of seven responsible trustees, has more than 500 acres of land, one-fifth good timber, 12 buildings paid for and stock, wagons, machinery, tools, etc. for the use of two establishments.  In the last eight years it has collected, received and disbursed in this charitable work more than $20,000, and received from Eastern cities and provide for 230 orphans of all ages.  It is proposed now to open an asylum to provide for the homeless orphans of deceased soldiers and as the funds are all exhausted, until the crops come in, the institution will have to depend upon the public for support.  Those who are disposed to aid a really meritorious object can do so by addressing C. C. Townsend, missionary, box 142 Iowa city.

JAIL STATISTICS. – Mr. Ackley, the jailor, has kindly furnished us some statistic relative to the prisoners confined in the county prison.  The statistics embrace a period of nine months, during which time 130 persons were incarcerated in that institution.  Of this number there are 88 Americans, 69 Irish, 15 Germans, 2 English, 2 Scotch, 2 French and 2 Canadians.  Two of the number were negroes.  Their religious preferences, what they had of the article, were divided as follows, Catholics, 76; Lutherans, 14; Methodists, 12; Presbyterians, 10; Infidels, 9; Baptists, 5; Episcopalians, 2, Millerite, 1; Universalist, 1.  Of the Irish, nearly all were put in for minor offenses; while those sent to Fort Madison were mostly Americans and Germans.

Just now, there is a lull in business at the jail, there being very few incarcerations, which Is always the case in the spring. – There also seems to be, both here and elsewhere, a great diminution in the amount of crime committed.  Fewer murders and robberies are reported than usual, while the misdemeanors, in this locality, are also on the decrease.  Whether this gratifying state of affairs is to be attributed to the general absorbing interest in the war, or to the probability that many of the professional criminals of the country have gone into the army, or to some other cause is an open question.

THE RIVER probably reached the highest point yesterday it will attain the present season.  The water reached the sidewalk on Front Street, above Perry, and came up Rock Island and Iowa streets nearly to Second.  The river road under and near the bridge is covered several inches.  Cellars all along Front street are flooded.  No serious damage, however, has occurred that we have heard of.  The rise lacked one or two inches of the great flood of 1859, and still more of that of 1851.  The stream was falling at last accounts all the way down.

RAILROAD SHIPMENTS. – The following are the shipments by railroad from this station last week; 2,552 brls. Flour, 8,000 bu. wheat, 3,00 bu. barley, 400 bush. corn, 4,000 bu. potatoes, 600 bu. onions, 1,000 brls meal, 40 tons bran, 712sks. Malt, 43,780 lbs. lard, 8,900 lbs. pork, 1,010 lbs butter, 9,170 lbs. hides, 70 live hogs.  Estimated value of shipments $22,300.

ACCIDENT. – Mr. Christian Snyder, a German, employed in the plow factory of Mr. Krum, met with a painful accident yesterday at the factory.  He was engaged at a circular saw, cutting some lumber, when a piece of wood about three feet long, and a couple of inches square, was caught by the saw and hurled towards him., striking him in the mouth, cutting his lips very much, and causing the blood to flow profusely.  He will be laid up for several days.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 1

Arrest of a Murderer

NEW YORK, May 1.

Last evening, Superintendent Kennedy received intelligence by telegraph, from St. Louis, that the police in that city had arrested Radleski, who is alleged to have murdered Sigismund Fellner, a German jeweler, and robbed him of nearly $100,000 in gold, notes and diamonds, about the middle of October, 1861.

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

In 1861 a Chicago swindler by the name of Sloan . . .

. . . contracted with nearly all the Iowa papers for the advertisement of a quack horse medicine.  He never paid one of them a cent and never meant to from the first.  But about half of these papers, thus swindled, keep Sloan’s advertisements still running in their columns, thus discrediting their own papers, cheating those who do pay and holding out inducements to the public to swindle them.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

A Run For A Scamp

The City Marshal made an attempt yesterday to arrest a notorious character named Bob Knowlton, who hid himself in a house on Division street.  Being advised however of the Marshal’s intended raid, Knowlton took to his heels and went in the direction taken by his compeer, Pete Mower, a few weeks since.  The Marshal could not overtake him, and he made good his escape.  It will be much better for him to remain at a distance, if he does not desire a glimpse of daylight through the bars of the Gridiron on the North Hill.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

Robbery

On the 27th of January the house of Thomas Brown, of Flint River Township, in this County, was entered by some unknown person a little after dark, when the family was at supper and robbed of sixty dollars – two twenty and one five dollar treasury notes, thee dollars on State of Iowa, four dollars and eighty five cents in gold coin, and the remainder in silver.  The box that contained the money was found a few rods from the house, robbed of its contents excepting papers.  The track was a stocking foot track 11 inches long and very wide; no track outside of the lot.  The family had not been out of the room more than five minutes at a time after dark.  The first thing discovered was the clothing scattered over the floor out of a trunk that was in the room.  The thief must have been an old hand at the business, for the night was dark and raining.

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

Philadelphia papers of the 1st announce . . .

. . . the receipt of the pardon of Judge Vondersmith convicted in 1859 of forging applications for pensions, and sentenced to pay a fine of five thousand dollars and to undergo an imprisonment of twenty years.  Before the expiration of President Buchanan’s term of office he commuted the sentence to three years which would have expired in May next.  The pardon of President Lincoln is unconditional, and relieves him from the payment of five thousand dollars.  Since the incarceration of Vondersmith, his wife has died and this is urged as a reason for his pardon.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

A post office clerk named Charles Gay . . .

. . . at Montmorenci, Mich., is under arrest and will doubtless be sent to the State Penitentiary, for opening a young lady’s letter and writing a page of obscenity in it.  The Post Office Department takes notice only of the former offense, but the latter makes the penalty all the more deserved.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Kidnapping In Cairo

A Cairo correspondent of the Chicago Tribune, writing under date of the 26th instant, says:

“It seems that there is in Cairo an organized band of unprincipled scoundrels who had for some time before the inauguration of the war been engaged in the nefarious business of kidnapping negroes whom chance or business brought to Cairo, and running them off to Kentucky and Tennessee and selling them into Slavery.  At the head of this gang are sons of persons of high social position, resident in this city and elsewhere in Egypt.  When Capt. Turnley of the Quartermaster’s Department, came to Cairo, he found half a dozen intelligent contrabands, whom he fed, clothed, and employed as laborers in his Department. – Some time yesterday a man representing himself as a resident of Chicago, endeavored to induce them to go with him, telling them that they were free, and offered $30 a month for their services.  They refused the flattering offer, and an attempt was made by a mob, evidently controlled by the parties of standing above alluded to, to take possession of them.  This plan failed, and the negroes were placed in jail for safe keeping.  To-morrow the matter will be inquired into by the Provost-Marshal, and the guilty punished.”

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

An Old Confidence Transaction

Here is an anecdote of a confidence man, told by M. Pasquier, who was a Prefect of Police in Paris under the first Emperor:

“A magnificent carriage drove up, one day, to the door of a rich jeweler in Paris, and a well-looking, important, and overdressed gentleman alighted from it.  He said he wanted a complete wedding parure, consisting of a lady’s set of diamond ornaments, the price limited to 200,000 francs, equal to $40,000. – From several designs, which he examined with the evidently practiced eye of a connoisseur, he selected one, which he desired might be executed within five days, and insisted on leaving four thousand francs with the jeweler as a deposit.  He also selected a ring, worth 120 francs, which he begged might be sent to him the next day, giving his address as Prince Gargarin, Hotel Hollande, Rue de la Paix, which was a more fashionable house in 1805 than it is in 1862.

“The jeweler’s messenger called at the appointed time, and was shown into an apartment in the second story.  There were five or six liveried lackeys in the antechamber, one of whom escorted him to the Prince, who received and examined the ring, paid for it and presented ten francs to the messenger, who returned home, joyfully congratulating the jeweler on having so wealthy and liberal a customer.

“On the fifth day, as agreed, the jeweler carried home the diamonds and found the Prince in his study, sitting before his cylindrical secretaire.  His Highness minutely inspected the jewels with a glass, and suddenly one of the valets announced ‘Prince Dolgoronki.’  ‘Ah!, my brother-in-law,’ exclaimed his Highness.  ‘I do not which him to see the presents with which I intend surprising his sister.  Request him to stay in the drawing room and I will immediately join him.’

“Touching the table, the cylinder moved and the secretaire closed.  The diamonds were within it – but on the table was an open box filled with plump leather bags, and numerous rouleaux of louis were huddled together confusedly.  On his arrival the jeweler had noticed all this treasure, and more especially a large Russia leather port-folio, well lined with bank notes, the rough edges of which were visible.

“The Prince quitted the room, saying that he would immediately return.  The polite jeweler begged him not to hurry himself.  Twenty minutes elapsed, which seemed like three hours to the jeweler, over whom a vague apprehension crept.  The door opened – Oh! Here is his Highness, he thought.  No.  It was the master of the hotel, who asked if he was waiting for any one. ‘For the return of Prince Gargarin,’ said the jeweler.  ‘I have just sold him a set of diamonds for 200,000 francs.  Are you his secretary?’  The maitre d’hotel shook his head and sadly said, ‘I am his dupe, and so are you, I suppose.’  ‘Impossible!  The diamonds are shut up in that secretaire.  Besides, look at all this money.’

“Alas, the leathern bag which he seized was filled with nails.  The rouleaux were of wood.  The Russian leather portfolio contained scraps of waste paper.  However, there was one consolation – the diamonds were safe.  A locksmith was sent for – the secretarie opened, and found – empty!  It stood flush up against a wall, in which a hole had been made, and there being a corresponding hole in the back of the secretarie, the jewels had readily been removed into the next room.  The jeweler, as he well might be, was in despair.  The master of the hotel had been swindled.  All the servants were his except the valet de chamber, who was the confederate of ‘the Prince.’  They had decamped, without suspicion, at the door of the hotel.  All efforts to discover them were ineffectual.

“The poor jeweler nearly ruined by this robbery, had to remove his much diminished business to another part of Paris, where his name sunk in that of his partners.  Many years after he received a message from one Monsieur Teron described as a gentleman holding an official situation, who desired to purchase some rings.  Instead of sending a clerk he went himself, and was shown into a partially lighted bed chamber where, in the invalid in bed he recognized his old customer the cidevant Prince Gargarin. – The recognition was not mutual, and the jeweler held his tongue and bided his time.

“From the rings exhibited, a few were selected to the value of 6,000 francs, and M. Teron, declaring that he had not the means of paying in cash, asked if the jeweler would exchange against a curious snuff-box, which he declared to be of great value.  This was an octagon shaped china snuff-box, ornamented with ten miniatures by Clinchsteil, set in gold and rubies.  No one knew its value so well as the jeweler, for it was one which had been stolen from him shortly before Prince Gargarian’s visit.  Moreover, he knew what few others did, that it had a secret spring by means of which all the miniatures could be taken out of their settings and their reverses exhibited, on which were painted subjects treated with admirable skill, in the indelicate style peculiar to the age of Louis XV.

“Without any hesitation, the jeweler valued the box at 50,000 francs, which was more than M. Teron expected.  The jeweler on the other hand, said it was probably worth even more and made this proposal:  “Take the rings you have chosen, and put the box in an envelope, stating it to be my property – if it does not bring more than 50,000 francs, you shall have the rings for nothing.”

“Gratified al the idea of being able to obtain the rings without opening his purse, M. Teron assented.  Two of his neighbors, one of them a notary, were sent for, and the invalid asked “Who shall fix the price of the box?”  “You, sir,” said the jeweler.  “I will lay a wager that you will value it at 500,000 francs.  Let me tell you in private a circumstance connected with this box which will enable you to perceive its true value.”

“M. Teron, curious and anxious enough now, gave his consent, and the two referees retired.  Then the jeweler said, “Sixteen years ago that snuff-box was stolen from me, when I traded on the Boulevard des Italiens – a few days before I was robbed of 200,000 franks’ worth of diamonds by yourself, under the assumed name of Prince Gargain.  My evidence relative to the loss of the box is on the records of the police.  You now declare the box to be yours.  I have already sworn that I purchased it at a public sale.  The man who sold it to me is still alive.  I know a secret about the box which will further prove my ownership – a secret which you have not discovered.  Unless you fully repair all wrong you have done me, I shall at once have you arrested as a thief.  I give you five minutes to determin.”

Within that time thus driven into a corner M. Teron, who really was an invalid, handed his keys to the jeweler and bade him open a drawer, in which he would find 300,000 francs in billets la banque, and signed a cheque for 200,000 francs more, payable at his banker’s that same day.  This done the witnesses were recalled.

“Gentlemen,” said the jeweler, exhibiting the bank notes and check, “you see that M. Teron has become aware of the value of the box.  He has purchased it back from me for five hundred thousand francs.  Is it not so?”  “Yes,” sighed M. Teron, “I have given him that sum.”  “Then,” said the jeweler, “here is the box, and I will let you have the rings into the bargain.  You may explain the mystery as you please; for my part, I promise eternal secrecy.”

The jeweler retired, leaving the witnesses in amaze and M. Teron in dismay.  The notary was unable to keep silent, and the police eventually unraveled the mystery, though the jeweler faithfully observed his promise of secrecy.  M. Teron, who was so immensely rich as to leave three millions of francs to his heirs, never recovered from the mortification of having been detected and compelled to refund, with compound interest.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Felon Chivalry

Something over a year ago one Sobieski Burnett, who has had an occasional or transient domicile in St. Louis, was arrested in Northern Ohio, charged with burglary.  Before trial, by the aid of confederates he broke jail and escaped.  He was taken prisoner at Donelson, having a captaincy in the rebel army.  Being identified, he was taken back, arraigned, plead guilty and was a week or two ago sentenced to the Penitentiary for a term of years.  His is not the first instance of felons and escaped convicts being found decked with the insignia of military rank in the Chivalrous army.  There were several such in Western Virginia, in the summer – “high-toned, southern gentlemen, fighting for homes and hearth stones and all their cherished ‘institutions.’” – {Mo. Dem. March 29.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

A Conscientious Squire

The jokes that have been related concerning the ignorance of backwoods justices are many and good.  When Muscatine was smaller than it is now our oldest inhabitants will remember the old fellow who kept a “law shop” near where Butler’s Block now stands.  We’ll call him Stubbs for short.  Now Stubbs had a fellow brought before him; just after his appointment, charged with stealing a watch.  Persons swore they saw him take the article and other witnesses swore positively that the prisoner at the time the watch was stolen was at least fifty miles away.  On summing up the evidence, Old Stubbs was in a quandary.  Finally he arose and with a great deal of reluctance told the prisoner that according to the evidence on the side of the prosecution he should be obliged to fine him five dollars.  But as the defense had established an alibi, and he could not conscientiously cause an innocent man to suffer he would pay the fine himself, which he actually did, remarking that this was the most extraordinary case that had ever come to his knowledge.

This same old Stubbs once went on a spree with several friends and was terrible drunk for two or three days.  After he got sobered off he arrested his companions and fined them five dollars each for intoxication and disturbing the peace.  As soon as the trial was concluded he commanded the constable to arrest Stubs immediately.  The constable read the warrant.  Stubbs pled guilty and fined himself five dollars and costs of suit.  The record stands on the docket to this day. – {Muscatine Journal.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2