A portion of Market Street Bridge – perhaps one-third of it – was swept away night before last. The Bridge had stood up so well, that it began to be generally supposed that it would live through the flood. That part of it is a wreck. In brief time, the unremitting labor of months has been destroyed. The proprietor, Mr. WARNER, worked with an industry never excelled, to complete this structure, and fit it for the accommodation of the public. It is now in ruins.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 17, 1862
Showing posts with label Daily State Register Article. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daily State Register Article. Show all posts
Monday, February 16, 2009
Market Street Bridge
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Going Down
We have the happiness to announce to the world of mankind, that the Des Moines River commenced to recede slowly yesterday. Like the rebels at Pittsburgh, it has been contesting ever every inch of ground, making its assaults where the defenses of the people were weakest. It will take us about a week to recover the vantage ground lost during the watery invasion. It is a mater of public gratulation that we are coming out of the conflict without the loss of a man, woman, or child, albeit a vast amount of commissary stores and other property has been captured by the enemy. The last act of spoliation – the capture of a part of Market Street Bridge – was the most mischievous and wanton act of the enemy. It was a nocturnal theft for which there is no excuse of palliation of civilized warfare.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Interesting
Our paper this morning will be found to be rich in battle correspondence. – The interesting letters from WM. HOUSTON and MAT. LAIRD will command special attention. The paper contains direct news by letter from the Second, Thirteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth Iowa Regiments. It is gratifying to know that so far as intelligence has been received, not a soldier from Polk county was killed. Three of the boys in Company D, whose names are given in another place, were reported missing. This is ominous, but we trust they have not been killed. As intimated by Mr. HOUSTON, they were probably separated from their Regiment in the confusion of the fight on Sunday and have re-appeared since. This is the most natural inference. We regret much to hear that WM. RIDDLE, Sergeant J. H. LOOBY and JOHN WATSON were badly wounded. These we learn were the only cases of dangerous injury among Des Moines boys.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Saturday, February 7, 2009
From The Iowa 2d Infantry
We are gratified to place before our readers at the earliest moment, the following interesting letter from WM. HOUSTON of Co. D, Second Iowa, directed to his relatives in this place:
Pittsburg Landing, April 9th, 1862.
Dear Father and Mother:
You will doubtless before this reaches you have heard by telegraph of one of the greatest battles ever fought on the American Continent. You knew that our Regiment was here, and would necessarily be in the fight. You must be impatient to learn the result. – Early on Sunday morning the 6th instant, General Beauregard with an immense force under his command, had the impudence to attack us at this place. We had at that time an available force at this place of perhaps 75,000 men, with perhaps 20,000 below near Savannah, all under the command of General Grant.
The enemy came on our outer camp, and surprised some of our Regiments while at breakfast. In fact, it surprised us all to think they would have the impudence to attack us first. The alarm was soon spread over the entire camp. The Regiments were soon formed in line of battle, and moved to the scene of action. The enemy drove some of our outer Regiments at first back into camp, but were soon promptly checked by others, until the fight became general. Such a rattling of musketry and roaring of cannon, I never before heard. It was one continual shower of lead, shells and balls all day! It was first upon our right that the enemy appeared determined to force their way in, but they were met with equal determination on the part of our boys. Failing in this onset the rebels would then turn their fire and hail, first upon the center, then upon the left, only to be repulsed again! After fighting against such odds all day, our men became wearied late in the afternoon, and then the right and afterward the left wing of our army commenced giving way. Both wings were driven in. Our Brigade under command of Gen. TUTTLE in the centre held their position until after both wings were driven in, and we were about to be surrounded. We were then ordered to fall back slowly, but in doing so we were compelled to run the gauntlet for about a mile with the enemy firing on us from both sides. Most of us succeeded in getting in, however. Some were killed and a few wounded, and a few of our Brigade, were taken prisoners, but I presume it is a very few.
Myself and brother were among the wounded this time. He received a ball in the foot which lamed him slightly. I received a wound in the head, but it was not serious. I continued in the fight the next day.
Our troops after falling back, rallied near the river, and held the rebels in check until night came on, when the fight ceased, with the exception of the cannonading which was kept up all night boy our batteries and gun boats, throwing shell in the camp of the rebels. The rebel batteries responded very feebly.
In the meantime while we were holding the rebels in check, Gen. BUELL’S forces arrived on the opposite bank of the river, which was not a moment too soon, I assure you. They crossed over in the night, and early next morning we had a large reinforcement with which to renew the fight. The scale now turned in our favor. Gen. LEW WALLACE commenced the attack on the right and rear, having come up the river at night, and got in the rear. Our forces and Gen. Buell’s reinforcements were in the center and left. We soon began to drive the rebels, but we had to fight for it, for they contested every foot of ground, inch by inch, until late in the afternoon, when we had taken most of their artillery, killed Gen. BRAGG, Gen. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, and it is reported General JOHN C. BRECKENRIDGE. The rebels then gave up all as lost, and commenced a general retreat, with our men and cavalry in pursuit, killing and taking prisoners by scores.
It is reported that while we were fighting the rebels at this place on Monday, General MITCHELL’s division of Gen. Buell’s command crossed the river above, cut off the retreat of a portion of the rebels, and are now taking a great many prisoners, with their baggage, guns, &c. It is said the rebels are so panic stricken that they are throwing away their arms and scattering in all directions. – If such is the case, the war will soon be ended, for their army is so completely disorganized that they never can collect a Corporal’s Guard again.
Many of the prisoners tell us that Beauregard told them before the fight that they must whip us this time, or their cause was gone up, and they might as well give all up as lost. We have learned by letters taken from the rebels, that it was the object of Gen. BEAUREGARD to attack and whip us before the arrival of General Buell’s Division which they seem to have known was coming from Nashville.
It is impossible for me to form any correct estimate of the killed and wounded, but the loss was very heavy on both sides. But the rebels suffered greatly more than we did. – The loss in the Second Iowa regiment was 74 wounded, five killed and 7 missing. The loss of Co. D is 11 wounded as follows: - John H. Looby, severely; William Riddle, severely in thigh; R. D. Barnett in hand; John Furgeson, slightly in arm; Peter Boyle, slightly; Burbridge, slightly; Sharp, slightly in hand; L. B. Houston, slightly in foot; John Price slightly. I have also received a slight wound in the head, but being naturally a little thick-headed, the ball did not succeed in getting in very deeply. A. B. Rush, James Crystal and George Leighton are among the missing of Co D. I do not think any of them are killed. It is probable they were separated from the regiment in the confusion, and have not been able to find their way back.
The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments arrived here just in time to take part in the battle. Iowa has no cause to be ashamed of them; neither has she of any of her troops.
Col. CROCKER is all right. He had a horse shot under him. JOHN WATSON is dangerously wounded. David Winters, Will Goodrell, and Capt. W. T. Smith and all the Des Moines boys in the Fifteenth Regiment are all right and well.
The commissioned officers of Co. D were at their posts, and Gen. Halleck said of the Second at Donelson, they were the bravest of the brave! Our field officers, Gen. Tuttle, Col. Baker, and Adjutant Joel Tuttle, were fortunate in coming out without a scratch. The Adjutant had a horse shot under him.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Pittsburg Landing, April 9th, 1862.
Dear Father and Mother:
You will doubtless before this reaches you have heard by telegraph of one of the greatest battles ever fought on the American Continent. You knew that our Regiment was here, and would necessarily be in the fight. You must be impatient to learn the result. – Early on Sunday morning the 6th instant, General Beauregard with an immense force under his command, had the impudence to attack us at this place. We had at that time an available force at this place of perhaps 75,000 men, with perhaps 20,000 below near Savannah, all under the command of General Grant.
The enemy came on our outer camp, and surprised some of our Regiments while at breakfast. In fact, it surprised us all to think they would have the impudence to attack us first. The alarm was soon spread over the entire camp. The Regiments were soon formed in line of battle, and moved to the scene of action. The enemy drove some of our outer Regiments at first back into camp, but were soon promptly checked by others, until the fight became general. Such a rattling of musketry and roaring of cannon, I never before heard. It was one continual shower of lead, shells and balls all day! It was first upon our right that the enemy appeared determined to force their way in, but they were met with equal determination on the part of our boys. Failing in this onset the rebels would then turn their fire and hail, first upon the center, then upon the left, only to be repulsed again! After fighting against such odds all day, our men became wearied late in the afternoon, and then the right and afterward the left wing of our army commenced giving way. Both wings were driven in. Our Brigade under command of Gen. TUTTLE in the centre held their position until after both wings were driven in, and we were about to be surrounded. We were then ordered to fall back slowly, but in doing so we were compelled to run the gauntlet for about a mile with the enemy firing on us from both sides. Most of us succeeded in getting in, however. Some were killed and a few wounded, and a few of our Brigade, were taken prisoners, but I presume it is a very few.
Myself and brother were among the wounded this time. He received a ball in the foot which lamed him slightly. I received a wound in the head, but it was not serious. I continued in the fight the next day.
Our troops after falling back, rallied near the river, and held the rebels in check until night came on, when the fight ceased, with the exception of the cannonading which was kept up all night boy our batteries and gun boats, throwing shell in the camp of the rebels. The rebel batteries responded very feebly.
In the meantime while we were holding the rebels in check, Gen. BUELL’S forces arrived on the opposite bank of the river, which was not a moment too soon, I assure you. They crossed over in the night, and early next morning we had a large reinforcement with which to renew the fight. The scale now turned in our favor. Gen. LEW WALLACE commenced the attack on the right and rear, having come up the river at night, and got in the rear. Our forces and Gen. Buell’s reinforcements were in the center and left. We soon began to drive the rebels, but we had to fight for it, for they contested every foot of ground, inch by inch, until late in the afternoon, when we had taken most of their artillery, killed Gen. BRAGG, Gen. SIDNEY JOHNSTON, and it is reported General JOHN C. BRECKENRIDGE. The rebels then gave up all as lost, and commenced a general retreat, with our men and cavalry in pursuit, killing and taking prisoners by scores.
It is reported that while we were fighting the rebels at this place on Monday, General MITCHELL’s division of Gen. Buell’s command crossed the river above, cut off the retreat of a portion of the rebels, and are now taking a great many prisoners, with their baggage, guns, &c. It is said the rebels are so panic stricken that they are throwing away their arms and scattering in all directions. – If such is the case, the war will soon be ended, for their army is so completely disorganized that they never can collect a Corporal’s Guard again.
Many of the prisoners tell us that Beauregard told them before the fight that they must whip us this time, or their cause was gone up, and they might as well give all up as lost. We have learned by letters taken from the rebels, that it was the object of Gen. BEAUREGARD to attack and whip us before the arrival of General Buell’s Division which they seem to have known was coming from Nashville.
It is impossible for me to form any correct estimate of the killed and wounded, but the loss was very heavy on both sides. But the rebels suffered greatly more than we did. – The loss in the Second Iowa regiment was 74 wounded, five killed and 7 missing. The loss of Co. D is 11 wounded as follows: - John H. Looby, severely; William Riddle, severely in thigh; R. D. Barnett in hand; John Furgeson, slightly in arm; Peter Boyle, slightly; Burbridge, slightly; Sharp, slightly in hand; L. B. Houston, slightly in foot; John Price slightly. I have also received a slight wound in the head, but being naturally a little thick-headed, the ball did not succeed in getting in very deeply. A. B. Rush, James Crystal and George Leighton are among the missing of Co D. I do not think any of them are killed. It is probable they were separated from the regiment in the confusion, and have not been able to find their way back.
The Fifteenth and Sixteenth Regiments arrived here just in time to take part in the battle. Iowa has no cause to be ashamed of them; neither has she of any of her troops.
Col. CROCKER is all right. He had a horse shot under him. JOHN WATSON is dangerously wounded. David Winters, Will Goodrell, and Capt. W. T. Smith and all the Des Moines boys in the Fifteenth Regiment are all right and well.
The commissioned officers of Co. D were at their posts, and Gen. Halleck said of the Second at Donelson, they were the bravest of the brave! Our field officers, Gen. Tuttle, Col. Baker, and Adjutant Joel Tuttle, were fortunate in coming out without a scratch. The Adjutant had a horse shot under him.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Thursday, February 5, 2009
A Cipher Dispatch from Beauregard
From the N. Y. Evening Post.
We have been shown a dispatch or message, in cipher, from Beauregard to some Confederate in Washington, which, in addition to the ingenuity which characterizes the cipher, contains intrinsic evidence both as to its origin and the desperate means proposed by the rebel General for getting possession of the capital. It seems certain that arson and assassination were component parts of the chivalry of which we have heard so much a year or so ago, and perhaps the publication of such a dispatch as this may modify the tender sensibilities of those where adhere to the kid glove policy in dealing with rebels who themselves stick at nothing in prosecuting their traitorous schemes. The message, deciphered, reads thus:
“I shall cross the river at Little Falls on Sunday at 2 A. M. Signal red and white rockets from Turner’s Hill. For God’s sake don’t fail us. Fire the city at all points agreed upon at once. Dispatch Lincoln and Scott, can you suggest, and let the execution of our plot be perfect.
“BEAUREGARD.”
The construction of the cipher in which the above interesting communication is made is difficult of explanation but simple in practice. It consists in laying over a white surface a piece of paper on which is printed the alphabet in various combinations and in parallel lines, covering the entire sheet. By perforating both pieces at the letters needed to spell out such words as the writer wishes to use, the white paper becomes an inexplicable medley of little holes, useless to every one who has not the corresponding printed sheet to place under it. Of course the Confederate conspirator had only to fit the white paper sent to him to find the key in his possession to read with facility what his friends in Dixie would have him know and do.
We may add that the message above printed was found under circumstances which mark it as authentic and genuine. It is in the hands of a gentleman in this city, who is highly prized as an important link in the chain of evidence which will go to complete the great treason when history shall make up the account.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862 & the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862 which cites the original source of the article as the N. Y. Post
We have been shown a dispatch or message, in cipher, from Beauregard to some Confederate in Washington, which, in addition to the ingenuity which characterizes the cipher, contains intrinsic evidence both as to its origin and the desperate means proposed by the rebel General for getting possession of the capital. It seems certain that arson and assassination were component parts of the chivalry of which we have heard so much a year or so ago, and perhaps the publication of such a dispatch as this may modify the tender sensibilities of those where adhere to the kid glove policy in dealing with rebels who themselves stick at nothing in prosecuting their traitorous schemes. The message, deciphered, reads thus:
“I shall cross the river at Little Falls on Sunday at 2 A. M. Signal red and white rockets from Turner’s Hill. For God’s sake don’t fail us. Fire the city at all points agreed upon at once. Dispatch Lincoln and Scott, can you suggest, and let the execution of our plot be perfect.
“BEAUREGARD.”
The construction of the cipher in which the above interesting communication is made is difficult of explanation but simple in practice. It consists in laying over a white surface a piece of paper on which is printed the alphabet in various combinations and in parallel lines, covering the entire sheet. By perforating both pieces at the letters needed to spell out such words as the writer wishes to use, the white paper becomes an inexplicable medley of little holes, useless to every one who has not the corresponding printed sheet to place under it. Of course the Confederate conspirator had only to fit the white paper sent to him to find the key in his possession to read with facility what his friends in Dixie would have him know and do.
We may add that the message above printed was found under circumstances which mark it as authentic and genuine. It is in the hands of a gentleman in this city, who is highly prized as an important link in the chain of evidence which will go to complete the great treason when history shall make up the account.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862 & the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862 which cites the original source of the article as the N. Y. Post
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
From the Iowa Second Regiment
Correspondence of the Davenport Gazette.
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.,
April 8, 1862
EDITOR GAZETTE: Ere this, I have no doubt, the telegraph wires have brought you the intelligence of another hard fought battle, and another glorious victory to our arms.
This was the hardest fought battle on this continent, and to attempt describing it would be a thing almost impossible.
I have no time to give the particulars, as there is a great deal of work to do at the present time, but for the benefit of our friends who have the interest of the Iowa Second at heart, and are anxious to hear of their fate – as they know we must have played a prominent part in the great battle – I will say a few words.
The Iowa Second fared very well – only ten or twelve killed and about one hundred wounded. Companies B and C had none killed and but few wounded, and they slightly; with the exception of Capt. Bob Littler. At ten o’clock on Sunday morning, he was struck on the left arm by a piece of shell which shattered it in a horrible manner. He was at the head of his company at the time he was struck. The boys – or at least a few of them – led him from the field to the transports, where his arm was amputated close to the shoulder. He is now in Savannah doing very well. He being the only commissioned officer in the company at the time, command fell upon Sergt. Suiter, and right nobly did he do his duty – leading the company through the thickest of the fight until its close on Monday evening. He won a commission by his bravery, and is to be promoted to a Lieutenantcy immediately.
Captains Cox, Moore and Wilkins [sic] and several Lieutenants were wounded, none of them seriously. Col. Tuttle was acting Brigadier General through the battle, and will be promoted to one if justice has its reward. Lieut. Col. Baker was in command of the regiment. Both won laurels, and two braver men never existed. All the boys, as usual fought well, as did nearly all the Iowa troops.
Our loss in killed, wounded and missing will not fall short of ten thousand; and the rebels at least double our number. The ground for miles around is literally covered with dead bodies.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn.,
April 8, 1862
EDITOR GAZETTE: Ere this, I have no doubt, the telegraph wires have brought you the intelligence of another hard fought battle, and another glorious victory to our arms.
This was the hardest fought battle on this continent, and to attempt describing it would be a thing almost impossible.
I have no time to give the particulars, as there is a great deal of work to do at the present time, but for the benefit of our friends who have the interest of the Iowa Second at heart, and are anxious to hear of their fate – as they know we must have played a prominent part in the great battle – I will say a few words.
The Iowa Second fared very well – only ten or twelve killed and about one hundred wounded. Companies B and C had none killed and but few wounded, and they slightly; with the exception of Capt. Bob Littler. At ten o’clock on Sunday morning, he was struck on the left arm by a piece of shell which shattered it in a horrible manner. He was at the head of his company at the time he was struck. The boys – or at least a few of them – led him from the field to the transports, where his arm was amputated close to the shoulder. He is now in Savannah doing very well. He being the only commissioned officer in the company at the time, command fell upon Sergt. Suiter, and right nobly did he do his duty – leading the company through the thickest of the fight until its close on Monday evening. He won a commission by his bravery, and is to be promoted to a Lieutenantcy immediately.
Captains Cox, Moore and Wilkins [sic] and several Lieutenants were wounded, none of them seriously. Col. Tuttle was acting Brigadier General through the battle, and will be promoted to one if justice has its reward. Lieut. Col. Baker was in command of the regiment. Both won laurels, and two braver men never existed. All the boys, as usual fought well, as did nearly all the Iowa troops.
Our loss in killed, wounded and missing will not fall short of ten thousand; and the rebels at least double our number. The ground for miles around is literally covered with dead bodies.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Gen. Curtis and Gen. Sigel
A writer in the Missouri Republican, writing in defense of Gen. Sigel, closes his communication with the following authoritative contradiction of a libel perpetrated and widely circulated against Gen. Curtis:
I avail myself of this writing to contradict, on the authority of Gen. Sigel, that he was ever at a council of division commanders, at which “a surrender was seriously considered” at Pea Ridge; and I am satisfied that this and other rumors and extravagant statements which have gained currency in the newspapers are as distasteful as they are annoying to Gen. Siegel, and especially is he displeased with all those contrasts drawn between the German and American, who are harmonious in camp, and equally valiant in battle. If the credit is claimed for either, injustice is done to the other.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862 & the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, also of Saturday, April 19, 1862
Monday, February 2, 2009
Hon. Thomas B. Cooper
member of Congress from Pennsylvania, died at Coopersburgh, Lehigh Co., on the 4th inst.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1863
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1863
Saturday, January 31, 2009
From the 16th
Several Letters were received yesterday by our citizens, from Pittsburgh Landing. The ravages of the battlefield after so long a time are beginning to be revealed. The appended letter is from MAT. [sic] LAIRD directed to his brother J. M. LAIRD. Mat. belongs to the 16th Iowa Regiment. His letter will be received as sufficient evidence that the report circulated to the prejudice of the 16th Iowa Regiment had not a shadow of foundation. When an Iowa Regiment shows the white feather in the hour of battle, the pluck required to make a soldier may be set down as a minus quantity on this globe. Here is the letter:
PITTSBURGH LANDING,
APRIL 8TH, 1862.
DEAR BROTHER:– The great fight is over, and I am still in the land of the living; which is more than I can say of thousands who were well on Sunday morning. We arrived [here] on Friday night last, and on Sunday at 10 A. M., we were led into the fight. To give you a description of the battle would take more paper than I have at my command.
The attack was made by the Rebels, who must have had an immense force. They drove us inch by inch toward the river until about 4 o’clock P. M., when General Buell came in. He had no men with him but a few of his body guard; but he rode along the lines, calling on the boys for God’s sake to hold the Rebels in check for two hours longer, until his reinforcements could cross the river. These reinforcements came none too soon. We held our position until night, and lay on our arms in line of battle until morning. It rained heavily all night.
During the night, Gen. Buell’s forces were crossing the river, and fast as they came over, they formed in line of battle. When morning came, the rebels commenced the attack with the greatest fury. – They thought they had a sure thing on us, and were surprised at the warm reception with which they were met. They commenced to retreat about 11 o’clock, which soon turned into a total rout. The slaughter was then immense. The troops who were in the first day’s fight were not in the hottest part of the fight on Monday, as they were completely exhausted. They were, however brought out in line to act as a reserve, and many of the boys lay right down in the line and went to sleep when the shells were momentarily bursting over their heads.
Where the Rebels are now, I am unable to say; but I have no doubt that General Buell is giving them fits wherever they are. Our Regiment lost about 150 killed and wounded. James Devault was wounded in the arm, but not dangerously. I never received a scratch, but such a whistling of balls was not desirable to hear. I was over the field of battle the next day, and have no anxiety to go over it again. It was a horrible sight; but a soldier soon gets used to anything.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
PITTSBURGH LANDING,
APRIL 8TH, 1862.
DEAR BROTHER:– The great fight is over, and I am still in the land of the living; which is more than I can say of thousands who were well on Sunday morning. We arrived [here] on Friday night last, and on Sunday at 10 A. M., we were led into the fight. To give you a description of the battle would take more paper than I have at my command.
The attack was made by the Rebels, who must have had an immense force. They drove us inch by inch toward the river until about 4 o’clock P. M., when General Buell came in. He had no men with him but a few of his body guard; but he rode along the lines, calling on the boys for God’s sake to hold the Rebels in check for two hours longer, until his reinforcements could cross the river. These reinforcements came none too soon. We held our position until night, and lay on our arms in line of battle until morning. It rained heavily all night.
During the night, Gen. Buell’s forces were crossing the river, and fast as they came over, they formed in line of battle. When morning came, the rebels commenced the attack with the greatest fury. – They thought they had a sure thing on us, and were surprised at the warm reception with which they were met. They commenced to retreat about 11 o’clock, which soon turned into a total rout. The slaughter was then immense. The troops who were in the first day’s fight were not in the hottest part of the fight on Monday, as they were completely exhausted. They were, however brought out in line to act as a reserve, and many of the boys lay right down in the line and went to sleep when the shells were momentarily bursting over their heads.
Where the Rebels are now, I am unable to say; but I have no doubt that General Buell is giving them fits wherever they are. Our Regiment lost about 150 killed and wounded. James Devault was wounded in the arm, but not dangerously. I never received a scratch, but such a whistling of balls was not desirable to hear. I was over the field of battle the next day, and have no anxiety to go over it again. It was a horrible sight; but a soldier soon gets used to anything.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Friday, January 30, 2009
From The 13th
We learn that a letter was received by Mrs. Crocker yesterday, stating that the Colonel escaped without a scratch. The letter from Wm. Houston, which we publish in another place, shows that the Colonel had a horse or two shot under him. We are sincerely glad that Colonel Crocker escaped without injury. Of his fighting pluck, and of his ability to command a regiment, no man, acquainted as well as we are with him, would ever admit a doubt. We are proud of this gallant officer, and the City from which he went to the war is also proud of him.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Special Dispatch in the Chicago Tribune
Special Dispatch in the Chicago Tribune
Cairo, April 11, 1862
Gov. Yates arrived here this morning from Springfield, en route for Tennessee, to look after the wounded of the Illinois regiments. He was welcomed with a salute from Cairo.
The Ohio Belle came in this morning with an invoice of rebel prisoners from Island No. 10. The Ohio Bell is a secesh boat captured at the Island, and is the craft which, upon the day of the general bombardment, came around the point with rebel officers on board, reconnoitering, and was fired at by the Benton.
Cairo is filled with physician, nurses and civilians from Chicago, Springfield, Indiana and Iowa, all desirous of going up the Tennessee. The civilians will all be disappointed, as Gen. Halleck, before his departure yesterday, issued stringent orders against granting passes. The 17th Wisconsin regiment, a Chicago battery, and Coggswell’s Iowa battery arrived this morning from Benton Barracks, St. Louis.
Affairs are quiet at Island No. 10. The prisoners are rapidly being sent off. The Benton, St. Louis and Mound City are at the Island, and the Carondelet and Pittsburg at Mound City.
A large number of wounded were brought down from Pittsburg this morning to the Mound City Hospital.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862
Cairo, April 11, 1862
Gov. Yates arrived here this morning from Springfield, en route for Tennessee, to look after the wounded of the Illinois regiments. He was welcomed with a salute from Cairo.
The Ohio Belle came in this morning with an invoice of rebel prisoners from Island No. 10. The Ohio Bell is a secesh boat captured at the Island, and is the craft which, upon the day of the general bombardment, came around the point with rebel officers on board, reconnoitering, and was fired at by the Benton.
Cairo is filled with physician, nurses and civilians from Chicago, Springfield, Indiana and Iowa, all desirous of going up the Tennessee. The civilians will all be disappointed, as Gen. Halleck, before his departure yesterday, issued stringent orders against granting passes. The 17th Wisconsin regiment, a Chicago battery, and Coggswell’s Iowa battery arrived this morning from Benton Barracks, St. Louis.
Affairs are quiet at Island No. 10. The prisoners are rapidly being sent off. The Benton, St. Louis and Mound City are at the Island, and the Carondelet and Pittsburg at Mound City.
A large number of wounded were brought down from Pittsburg this morning to the Mound City Hospital.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862
Friday, January 23, 2009
THE FLAG OF THE RED, WHITE AND BLUE
Additional Verses to an Old Song
BY REV. J. G. FORMAN
Blest banner of Freedom, thy pinion
Floats wide o'er the land and the sea ;
The emblem of peaceful dominion,
Our eyes turn with rapture to thee.
Though war clouds and dangers are o'er us,
Thy folds are still dear to our view;
With the flag of our country before us,
We'll march to the Red, White and Blue,
We'll march to the Red, White and Blue,
With the flag of our country before us,
We'll march to the Red, White and Blue.
The glorious ensign ne'er sever,
Let it float in the ether above,
Its stars, the bright symbol forever
Of Union, and .Freedom, and Love ;
May they never grow dim in their shining,
Nor fade from their colors so true,
The Stars and the Stripes still entwining,
Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue!
Though traitors shall meet and dissemble,
'And armies of rebels shall rise,
Our banner shall, cause them to tremble,
As it waves in the bright Southern skies;
And millions of patriot voices,
Shall the chorus of Freedom .renew,
And shout, as the nation rejoices,
Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue!
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Feb. 1862
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Sunday, April 13, 1862
BY REV. J. G. FORMAN
Blest banner of Freedom, thy pinion
Floats wide o'er the land and the sea ;
The emblem of peaceful dominion,
Our eyes turn with rapture to thee.
Though war clouds and dangers are o'er us,
Thy folds are still dear to our view;
With the flag of our country before us,
We'll march to the Red, White and Blue,
We'll march to the Red, White and Blue,
With the flag of our country before us,
We'll march to the Red, White and Blue.
The glorious ensign ne'er sever,
Let it float in the ether above,
Its stars, the bright symbol forever
Of Union, and .Freedom, and Love ;
May they never grow dim in their shining,
Nor fade from their colors so true,
The Stars and the Stripes still entwining,
Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue!
Though traitors shall meet and dissemble,
'And armies of rebels shall rise,
Our banner shall, cause them to tremble,
As it waves in the bright Southern skies;
And millions of patriot voices,
Shall the chorus of Freedom .renew,
And shout, as the nation rejoices,
Hurrah for the Red, White and Blue!
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Feb. 1862
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Sunday, April 13, 1862
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Local and Miscellaneous
Attention is called to the advertisement of C. T. Savery, City Auctioneer.
CROSSING. – For several days, skiffs have been dispensed with in crossing the flat. Teams find much difficulty in making the passage, owing to the miriness [sic] of the ground; but footmen can get along without serious inconvenience.
PETERSON’S MAGAZINE for May has made its welcome appearance. This periodical is steadily gaining popularity out West. In the departments of literature and fashions, it has no superior.
ARTHUR’S HOME MAGAZINE for May is welcomed to our table. We are happy to learn that the subscription list to this periodical is rapidly increasing in Central Iowa. It is a magazine of great value.
GOVERNOR KIRKWOOD will go at once to the scene of the Corinth battle, and do what he can to meet the necessities of our sick and wounded. He will take Surgeons with him, and their assistants. Every thing will be done as promptly as possible to render our wounded soldiers comfortable.
DESTITUTE. – A subscription paper is circulating in town for the benefit of Mrs. Spitz, whose husband was drowned two or three weeks since. – She and her family are in straitened circumstances, and are proper objects of sympathy and charity. – Mrs. Spitz has been seriously sick for some time.
FOR PITTSBURG LANDING. – Our fellow citizens Frank M. Mills and G. W. Cleaveland will start this morning on the Des Moines City, bound for Pittsburgh Landing. We are glad that these gentle men are going on this mission of kindness to our soldiers in Tennessee.
HON. E. G. BOWDOIN of Floyd, is still here, waiting to accompany Hon. RUSH CLARK, when this latter gentleman so far recovers as to be able to travel. His recovery has not been as rapid as was anticipated. He is slowly improving, and will in all probability, be in a condition to travel in a few days.
ATLANTIC MONTHLY. – The publishers of the Atlantic Monthly will confer a special favor on the State Register by placing it on their exchange list. It is not agreeable to be without the most able and interesting periodical in the world. The Atlantic Monthly from the date of its birth has given the highest evidence of ability and genius.
GODEY’S LADY’S BOOK for May has not yet come, but we trust it will make its advent before long. Whenever we enter our quiet residence, the first question with which we are greeted is, “Has Godey come? Why in the world don’t it come?” – Mr. Godey will understand that his Book is appreciated in the highest degree in this part of the Great West.
RETURNED. – The steamer Des Moines City, after a safe voyage to Eddyville with nearly a hundred members of the General Assembly, returned at 12 o’clock Friday night. She will leave this morning at 7 o’clock, taking with her, Governor KIRKWOOD, Representative KELLOGG, Colonel NOYES and several of our citizens. Mr. McALISTER, and perhaps, other merchants of Des Moines will take this method to find their way to Eastward for goods.
GONE HOME. – Most of the families who were obligated to vacate their houses on the Flat during the flood, have returned. Some of them are philosophers enough to see some advantage in the inundation. They state their dwellings are remarkably free from rats since the flood. If the water has had the effect to immerse those vermin fatally, it has done a good thing for which the people should manifest their gratitude. Calamities, like human beings, are hardly ever too bad as to have no redeeming touches about them.
FOR the first two months after the Telegraph office was established in Des Moines, the dispatches came with commendable regularity. It was certain that when you picked up a Des Moines Daily, you found under the Telegraphic head the latest news from the seat of operations. But since the breaking up of winter, the loosening earth about the poles, the floods, the sleets and wind-storms, and the falling trees, have rendered Telegraphing and irregular and unreliable transaction. There is no use, however, to complain. No man with a clear head and vigorous judgment will make a fool of himself by fighting Providence and the elements! In spite of the most careful supervision, wires will snap, poles will fall, and the electric current will stop.
When the weather reforms, and when Spring is properly inaugurated, it is believed that we will again have regularity in the receipt of dispatches. – At least, such is the expectation at the present. “Possess ye your souls in patience,” until the good time comes when the communication between Des Moines and the world of mankind, will suffer no more interruptions.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Sunday, April 13, 1862
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Flag of the Iowa Second
It will be remembered that the Regimental Flag of the Iowa Second, riddled with rebel balls at Fort Donelson, was presented to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mr. CLARK, as speaker, became its proper custodian. A few days since, in view of his departure, he made inquires about the Flag, designing to take it with him to Iowa City, and deposit it among the archives of the State Historical Society. But the flag was non est. Some one had captured it, and carried it off during the confusion of the adjournment. We trust that Mr. CLARK, so soon as his health will permit, will institute a vigorous search. It required a vast stretch of prerogative to carry of that Flag clandestinely, and the person who did it is entitled to considerable notoriety.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, April 18, 1862
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Friday, April 18, 1862
Sunday, January 18, 2009
GENERAL ORVILLE CLARK
The following biographical sketch of General ORVILLE CLARK, we clip from the Sandy Hill Herald, a paper published at the residence of the General:
DIED. – At Des Moines, the Capitol of Iowa, Gen. ORVILLE CLARK, of the village of Sandy Hill, Washington County, N. Y., on the 19th of March, 1862, of congestion of the lungs, aged 61 years.
The above announcement by telegraph has thrown a gloom over this whole community. A cheerful face, a gladsome presence, an animated and useful citizen has disappeared from among us forever. For long years he has moved among us the vitalizing and energetic principal of every active enterprise - the untiring advocate of village improvement, the beautifier of the waste places, the adorner of neglected localities. To him a tree in full verdure was a living presence, a shrub or flower a thing of beauty; and he has done more than any other man to scatter through our streets their affluence of summer garniture. He was a lover of nature and found – “tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”
His heart was the gushing fountain of all kindly feeling – his friendships were true and unchangeable – his hand was open as day to melting charity, and his benevolence measured by his wishes would have embraced the world.
Gen. Clark was indeed a remarkable man. With few advantages of early education, with little or no classical attainments, by perseverance and self culture he ripened into respectable scholarship. He entered the profession of the law, and in a short period worked himself up to a prominent position, and stood at one time among the leading men of the profession in Northern New York. He was a good advocate and addressed juries with great power and success, and there lay his strength. He was returned to the Senate of the State in ’43 and then and there became a leader of one of the Democratic sections. He maintained through his whole Senatorial career a reputation for talents, skill and adroitness which gave him great influence with the conservative Democracy – and by his amenity of manners, his popular abilities, and his indefatigitable industry, he preserved that influence up to the hour of his death.
Gen. Clark belonged to a family of brothers who have illustrated and adorned by the splendor of their intellect and the effulgence of their virtues all the learned professions – he is the last but one of that noble band of brothers, whose graves lie scattered far and distant, by the wide reach of intervening States. We trust there will be a re-union in a purer and better state of existence.
Gen. Clark had his faults, who has them not? Perfect purity and entire perfection exist not on this earth, they are only to be found in Heaven, around the throne of the Eternal. He had his faults, but they were dwarfed by the magnitude of his virtues, and lost sight of and forgotten in the broad lustre of his good deeds. Of all the public men that old Washington has produced there is not one whose life embraced a wider circle of devoted friends, or whose memory will be cherished longer; and among all of her honored names, there will be none enshrined higher in the affections of the people than that of Orville Clark.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862
DIED. – At Des Moines, the Capitol of Iowa, Gen. ORVILLE CLARK, of the village of Sandy Hill, Washington County, N. Y., on the 19th of March, 1862, of congestion of the lungs, aged 61 years.
The above announcement by telegraph has thrown a gloom over this whole community. A cheerful face, a gladsome presence, an animated and useful citizen has disappeared from among us forever. For long years he has moved among us the vitalizing and energetic principal of every active enterprise - the untiring advocate of village improvement, the beautifier of the waste places, the adorner of neglected localities. To him a tree in full verdure was a living presence, a shrub or flower a thing of beauty; and he has done more than any other man to scatter through our streets their affluence of summer garniture. He was a lover of nature and found – “tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.”
His heart was the gushing fountain of all kindly feeling – his friendships were true and unchangeable – his hand was open as day to melting charity, and his benevolence measured by his wishes would have embraced the world.
Gen. Clark was indeed a remarkable man. With few advantages of early education, with little or no classical attainments, by perseverance and self culture he ripened into respectable scholarship. He entered the profession of the law, and in a short period worked himself up to a prominent position, and stood at one time among the leading men of the profession in Northern New York. He was a good advocate and addressed juries with great power and success, and there lay his strength. He was returned to the Senate of the State in ’43 and then and there became a leader of one of the Democratic sections. He maintained through his whole Senatorial career a reputation for talents, skill and adroitness which gave him great influence with the conservative Democracy – and by his amenity of manners, his popular abilities, and his indefatigitable industry, he preserved that influence up to the hour of his death.
Gen. Clark belonged to a family of brothers who have illustrated and adorned by the splendor of their intellect and the effulgence of their virtues all the learned professions – he is the last but one of that noble band of brothers, whose graves lie scattered far and distant, by the wide reach of intervening States. We trust there will be a re-union in a purer and better state of existence.
Gen. Clark had his faults, who has them not? Perfect purity and entire perfection exist not on this earth, they are only to be found in Heaven, around the throne of the Eternal. He had his faults, but they were dwarfed by the magnitude of his virtues, and lost sight of and forgotten in the broad lustre of his good deeds. Of all the public men that old Washington has produced there is not one whose life embraced a wider circle of devoted friends, or whose memory will be cherished longer; and among all of her honored names, there will be none enshrined higher in the affections of the people than that of Orville Clark.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Capture of Iowa Regiments
The battle at Pittsburg Landing shows conclusively that Beauregard unexpectedly attacked the command of Gen. Prentiss early Sunday morning. The rebel General, through the criminal negligence of Federal officers, caught us napping; and the record of the first day’s fight, relieved as it is by the gallantry of our troops, is not gratifying to read.
Through a palpable want of vigilance in General Grant or in General Prentiss, our forces were surprised at Pittsburg Landing by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, and slaughter and repulse were the consequence. In this surprise, the 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa Regiments were surrounded, and, resistance being hopeless, they were captured almost in a body.
The 8th Regiment was officered by Col. FREDERICK STEELE, Lieut. Col. JAMES L. GEDDES, and Major J. C. FERGUSON. The companies composing this Regiment were from Clinton, Scott, Washington, Benton, Marion, Keokuk, Mahaska, Monroe and Louisa counties.
The 12th Regiment was commanded by Col. JACKSON J. WOOD, Lieutenant Colonel, JOHN P. COULTER, and Major SAMUEL D. BRODTBECK. The companies were respectively from Hardin, Alamakee, Fayette, Linn, Blackhawk, Delaware, Winneshiek, Dubuque and Jackson. Delaware county had two companies in the Regiment.
The 14th Regiment was commanded by Col. W. T. SHAW, Lieut. Col. EDWARD W. LUCAS, and Major L. C. NOBLE. The companies were from Johnson, Jones, Des Moines, Cerro Gordo, Henry, Jasper and Tama. – Three companies of this Regiment were not in the fight. The 12th and 14th were both at the taking of Fort Donelson.
The loss bodily of these three Regiments is a sad blow on our State. We have no idea that they surrendered until they were swept under by an inundation of rebel hordes! If there is any ignominy attached to their capture, let those commanding officers who slept while the enemy in overpowering force was marching on their encampment, bear the full responsibility of the surrender. Those Regiments were there to do their duty; and had the vigilance and sagacity of the Generals had been equal to the courage of the soldiers, there would have been no repulse and no surrender!
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862
Through a palpable want of vigilance in General Grant or in General Prentiss, our forces were surprised at Pittsburg Landing by overwhelming numbers of the enemy, and slaughter and repulse were the consequence. In this surprise, the 8th, 12th and 14th Iowa Regiments were surrounded, and, resistance being hopeless, they were captured almost in a body.
The 8th Regiment was officered by Col. FREDERICK STEELE, Lieut. Col. JAMES L. GEDDES, and Major J. C. FERGUSON. The companies composing this Regiment were from Clinton, Scott, Washington, Benton, Marion, Keokuk, Mahaska, Monroe and Louisa counties.
The 12th Regiment was commanded by Col. JACKSON J. WOOD, Lieutenant Colonel, JOHN P. COULTER, and Major SAMUEL D. BRODTBECK. The companies were respectively from Hardin, Alamakee, Fayette, Linn, Blackhawk, Delaware, Winneshiek, Dubuque and Jackson. Delaware county had two companies in the Regiment.
The 14th Regiment was commanded by Col. W. T. SHAW, Lieut. Col. EDWARD W. LUCAS, and Major L. C. NOBLE. The companies were from Johnson, Jones, Des Moines, Cerro Gordo, Henry, Jasper and Tama. – Three companies of this Regiment were not in the fight. The 12th and 14th were both at the taking of Fort Donelson.
The loss bodily of these three Regiments is a sad blow on our State. We have no idea that they surrendered until they were swept under by an inundation of rebel hordes! If there is any ignominy attached to their capture, let those commanding officers who slept while the enemy in overpowering force was marching on their encampment, bear the full responsibility of the surrender. Those Regiments were there to do their duty; and had the vigilance and sagacity of the Generals had been equal to the courage of the soldiers, there would have been no repulse and no surrender!
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862
Friday, January 9, 2009
From the Battle Field
Seven wounded soldiers from the Pittsburgh battle field passed through this city yesterday. Two were from the 2nd Iowa, one from the 7th, and one from the 16th, one each from the 8th and 14th. One had lost and arm – one was shot through the leg – another through the shoulder, another through the arm, &c. All ere able to walk and to take care of themselves, and all expressed their determination to go back to their Regiments.
They report the 6th Iowa badly cut up – the 2nd lost no officers, three Captains slightly wounded. They know of no Colonels of Iowa regiments killed. Gen. Lauman commanded a Division during the battle – came out of it unhurt. They saw him after it was over. They report that the 16th Iowa fought well – good. – They confirm the report that the 8th, 12th and 14th Regiments, or most of them are prisoners, but allowed, on account of their wounds, to return to the Federal lines. The Federal wounded are most all shot low in the feet and legs.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday April 16, 1862, and also in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
They report the 6th Iowa badly cut up – the 2nd lost no officers, three Captains slightly wounded. They know of no Colonels of Iowa regiments killed. Gen. Lauman commanded a Division during the battle – came out of it unhurt. They saw him after it was over. They report that the 16th Iowa fought well – good. – They confirm the report that the 8th, 12th and 14th Regiments, or most of them are prisoners, but allowed, on account of their wounds, to return to the Federal lines. The Federal wounded are most all shot low in the feet and legs.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday April 16, 1862, and also in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862
Thursday, January 8, 2009
FROM PITTSBURG, TENN.
A FEW MORE PARTICULARS
{Special to the Chicago Journal.}
CAIRO, April 10.
Particulars are arriving from Pittsburg Landing Hourly, bringing more incidents of the great battle. Chicago batteries gained new laurels in the struggle. Taylor’s Battery did fearful execution. Their praise is in the mouth of every one. Waterhouse’s Battery was in the first attack, and was badly cut up; horses mostly killed. Taylor is said to have protected his men by peculiar movements that dealt destruction to the enemy. Company A, Chicago Light Artillery, under command of Peter Wood, was in the hardest of the fight, and performed wonders; their feats could not have been surpassed. Taylor’s Battery followed the enemy within four miles of Corinth. The 15th Illinois Regiment, under command of Col. Ellis, was badly cut up. Most of its field officers were killed. Among them were Col. Ellis, Major Goddard, Capt. Wayne and others. Col. Davis of Freeport was shot through the lungs but is still alive. Gen. Wallace with shot through the head, the ball entering back of the left ear and coming out at the nose, but he is not dead as reported. The 20th Illinois Regiment was badly cut up.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Sunday, April 13, 1862
{Special to the Chicago Journal.}
CAIRO, April 10.
Particulars are arriving from Pittsburg Landing Hourly, bringing more incidents of the great battle. Chicago batteries gained new laurels in the struggle. Taylor’s Battery did fearful execution. Their praise is in the mouth of every one. Waterhouse’s Battery was in the first attack, and was badly cut up; horses mostly killed. Taylor is said to have protected his men by peculiar movements that dealt destruction to the enemy. Company A, Chicago Light Artillery, under command of Peter Wood, was in the hardest of the fight, and performed wonders; their feats could not have been surpassed. Taylor’s Battery followed the enemy within four miles of Corinth. The 15th Illinois Regiment, under command of Col. Ellis, was badly cut up. Most of its field officers were killed. Among them were Col. Ellis, Major Goddard, Capt. Wayne and others. Col. Davis of Freeport was shot through the lungs but is still alive. Gen. Wallace with shot through the head, the ball entering back of the left ear and coming out at the nose, but he is not dead as reported. The 20th Illinois Regiment was badly cut up.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Sunday, April 13, 1862
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Interesting Letter from Cairo
Correspondence of the State Register.
CAIRO, Ill., April 6th, 1862
Allow me, through the medium of your paper, to inform the ladies of your section who are sending their hospital supplies to me, that I am receiving a large amount of supplies and disbursing them to the best of my abilities.
The hospital of the 1st Iowa Cavalry no at Sedalia is very comfortable and fully supplied. The wants of our sick and wounded down in Arkansas have been met and permanent arrangements made for their comfort in future, and I am now on my way to Pittsburg and Savannah with a heavy lot of hospital supplies to meet the wants of our sick up the Tennessee River.
We have now at Pittsburg Landing eleven regiments, viz: the 2d, 3d, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th.
Nearly all the Regimental Hospitals have been broken up and our sick are now quartered in miserable Post Hospitals at Savannah or on Hospital Steamers lying at Pittsburg, nine miles above.
There is a vast array at Pittsburg, nearly two hundred thousand including Buell’s forces, where are now mostly there, and the sick are numbered by thousands.
The provisions made for their comfort are very limited and the supplies of hospital comforts are altogether insufficient. Their food is of an inferior quality; they being subsisted mainly on dry bread and coffee, and their bread is oftentimes hard and mouldy.
This state of things exists partly on account of an inability to procure suitable articles of food in that barren and hostile country, but mainly on account of the inefficiency and heartlessness of those having charge of them.
All their crackers have to be obtained at Cairo or St. Louis, and oftentimes there is great neglect manifested.
Fresh butter, eggs, soda crackers, and fruits are very desirable for the convalescent patients, but they cannot be obtained in that section, and little effort is made to procure them elsewhere.
There is a great lack of Surgeons and Nurses, and many of our men die for want of attention.
Goods for the present may be directed to me at this place, care of Dr. Douglass, who will promptly forward them to me.
Letters may be addressed to me at Cairo.
The goods I now have on hand, will meet their wants for the present unless a battle occurs, which is now imminent. The struggle will no doubt be a most terrible one, and we ought to be fully prepared for it.
Very truly yours,
ANNIE WITTENMYER,
Cor. Sec’y. and Gen’l. Ag’t. S.A.S.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
CAIRO, Ill., April 6th, 1862
Allow me, through the medium of your paper, to inform the ladies of your section who are sending their hospital supplies to me, that I am receiving a large amount of supplies and disbursing them to the best of my abilities.
The hospital of the 1st Iowa Cavalry no at Sedalia is very comfortable and fully supplied. The wants of our sick and wounded down in Arkansas have been met and permanent arrangements made for their comfort in future, and I am now on my way to Pittsburg and Savannah with a heavy lot of hospital supplies to meet the wants of our sick up the Tennessee River.
We have now at Pittsburg Landing eleven regiments, viz: the 2d, 3d, 6th, 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th.
Nearly all the Regimental Hospitals have been broken up and our sick are now quartered in miserable Post Hospitals at Savannah or on Hospital Steamers lying at Pittsburg, nine miles above.
There is a vast array at Pittsburg, nearly two hundred thousand including Buell’s forces, where are now mostly there, and the sick are numbered by thousands.
The provisions made for their comfort are very limited and the supplies of hospital comforts are altogether insufficient. Their food is of an inferior quality; they being subsisted mainly on dry bread and coffee, and their bread is oftentimes hard and mouldy.
This state of things exists partly on account of an inability to procure suitable articles of food in that barren and hostile country, but mainly on account of the inefficiency and heartlessness of those having charge of them.
All their crackers have to be obtained at Cairo or St. Louis, and oftentimes there is great neglect manifested.
Fresh butter, eggs, soda crackers, and fruits are very desirable for the convalescent patients, but they cannot be obtained in that section, and little effort is made to procure them elsewhere.
There is a great lack of Surgeons and Nurses, and many of our men die for want of attention.
Goods for the present may be directed to me at this place, care of Dr. Douglass, who will promptly forward them to me.
Letters may be addressed to me at Cairo.
The goods I now have on hand, will meet their wants for the present unless a battle occurs, which is now imminent. The struggle will no doubt be a most terrible one, and we ought to be fully prepared for it.
Very truly yours,
ANNIE WITTENMYER,
Cor. Sec’y. and Gen’l. Ag’t. S.A.S.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Baltimore, April 9 [1862]
Old Point boat from Fortress Monroe arrived last night. The Merrimac was confidently expected with seven other gun boats first favorable day.
Latest news by Yorktown everything progressing [satisfactorily]. Gentlemen who went with flag of truce Monday say the Merrimac was then lying off Craney Island. – No particular change in appearance of Merrimac. It was the impression there with the men with flag of truce that the rebel fleet there was on their way down to attack us.
– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
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