Private Daniel L. Ambrose: June 25, 1861

Brig. General Prentiss, and Colonels Oglesby and Paine, visit the camp of the Seventh, addressing the men upon the subject of re-enlisting.

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 8

Brigadier-General George W. Cullum to Brigadier-General Ulysses S. Grant., February 7, 1862

CAIRO, ILL., February 7, 1862.

Brig. Gen. U.S. GRANT,

Comdg. U.S. Forces on Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers:

By direction of Major-General Halleck I am here with his authority to give any necessary orders in his name to facilitate your very important operations. Do you want any more cavalry? If so, General Halleck can send you a regiment from Saint Louis. I have directed General Paine to send you, as soon as transportation can be provided, the Thirty-second and Forty-ninth Illinois and Twenty-fifth Indiana. The Fifty-seventh Illinois will be here on Wednesday, en route to join you. Several regiments are about moving from Saint Louis to add to your forces. Please ask Lieutenant-Colonel McPherson whether he wants intrenching tools or anything else I can supply.

G. W. CULLUM,      

Brig. Gen. Vols., U. S. Army, Chief of Staff.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 7 (Serial No. 7), p. 594

1st Lieutenant Charles Wright Wills: August 19, 1862

Tuscumbia, Ala., August 19, 1862.

’Tis the old, old, story, burning railroad bridges, skirmishing between our scouts and theirs, etc. They opened on a new program by firing into a train, two days since, wounding five men only, though they put 200 shots into the engine and cars. They are burning cotton in very good style. Night before last eight fires were visible from our headquarters, and last night four. They destroyed about $300,000 in the two nights. They're getting scared about their negroes, and are carrying them off to the mountains as fast as possible. The blacks are scrambling in this direction to a very lively tune. Over 100 came in on one road within the last 24 hours. About 50 can be used in a regiment to advantage, but I am thoroughly opposed to receiving any more than we have work for within our lines. You have no idea what a miserable, horrible-looking, degraded set of brutes these plantation hands are. Contempt and disgust only half express one's feelings toward any man that will prate about the civilizing and christianizing influence of slavery. The most savage, copper savage, cannot be below these field hands in any brute quality. Let them keep their negroes though, for we surely don't want our Northern States degraded by them, and they can't do the Southerners any good after we get them driven a few degrees further down. These nigs that come in now, say that their masters were going to put them in the Southern Army as soldiers. I'm sure the Southerners are too smart for that, for a million of them aren't worth 100 whites. General Paine is gobbling up these secesh here and starting them North kiting. How they are shaking in their boots. Paine is going to clean out the country and make it Union if there is nothing but desert left. There are a number of very fine people here, such men as Jacob H. Bass, highly honorable, conscientious, etc., but strong believers in State sovereignty, and because their State has seceded, they are secessionists, and for no other reason. Paine is going to make them walk the plank with the rest. It looks a little hard to me, as they are willing to be paroled, but I'll never say stop when anybody is pounding the secesh.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 127

1st Lieutenant Charles Wright Wills: June 6, 1862

Headquarters 1st Brigade Cavalry Division,

Camp near Boonville, Miss., June 6, 1862.

I am leading an inglorious life now, nothing to do but the brigade writing and ride with the colonel when he goes out on business. The only time I am on the fighting list is when the brigade goes out, and that is very rarely, and only when reconnoisances in force are made, and there is seldom any fighting done then. General Hamilton's whole division marched by our tent to-day and it was a splendid sight; I had thought that I'd never want to see any more troops but his division looked so splendidly, that I really enjoyed the sight of them. I knew that they were only marching into a new camp, but they all had got the idea that they were going into a fight and they were in grand spirits. I never saw the men look as healthy as they do now. One reason is those who were sick have been all left at the river and the weakly ones do not pretend to march in the ranks this hot weather. We are within one hundred yards of General Pope's headquarters and there are continually a lot of brigadiers passing. They nearly always ride on the gallop, and with the aids and escorts all told, say 60 in number to each general, they make quite a dashing appearance. Rosecrans, Buell, Granger, Smith, Sherman, T. W., Plummer, Paine, Hamilton and Pope all rode by at one time to-day.

All the companies we have had out to-day report skirmishing with the enemy We lost two men prisoners, some wounded and several horses. Got some prisoners. The enemy are in some force six miles from here. They are dodging all around us. Rumor says to-day that Buell with his army is going down through Alabama to Montgomery. Pope will move slowly after the enemy through Mississippi, and Thomas will go across to Memphis and down the river to co-operate with Butler in a movement through Southern Mississippi. 'Tis probably the plan of some cuss in the ranks. I wish for one day that you could hear all the camp rumors. They would make a remarkable book.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 97-8

1st Lieutenant Charles Wright Wills: May 11, 1862

Corinth and Hamburg Road, Miss., May 11, 1862.

You remember that in my last I spoke of a reconnoisance our people made on the 8th inst. On the 9th Beauregard returned it with interest, driving our advance back some two miles and almost scaring this wing of the Eagle. He appeared on our left flank, where I think Pope thought it impossible for him to reach, and drove Paine's division from the front like a drove of sheep. Tis said that a charge made by the 2d Iowa Cavalry was the salvation of both of Paine's brigades. The charge, if we hear correctly, was one of the most gallant things of the war. One of our battalions was out yesterday examining our left to see if the Rebels were still there. They found no signs of them, but on their return to camp were fired into by some of General Buford's artillery, and one man killed by a 6-pound solid shot from Company A. There is almost incessant firing along the front but too light and scattering to forbode an immediate fight of itself, although 'twould surprise no one to hear of the dance commencing at any hour. Corinth is a tremendously strong place, very difficult to approach, and holding a force that our officers think much superior to our own. This is kept from the army, though I don't think now that we have more than 80,000 fighting men here. They must have over 100,000, and this conscription act is pouring in reinforcements to them by thousands. But, notwithstanding this, I think the superior discipline of our men will give us a victory when the fight does come. The strongest evidence that I see of Halleck's weakness is his delaying the battle so long We are in distance to strike any day; roads splendid, army in better condition every day than it will be the next day, weather becoming too hot for men to endure much longer, and yet we wait. What for, I don't know, unless 'tis for reinforcements. They say Curtis and Siegel are coming. I hope they'll get here to-night and finish the thing up to-morrow. The weather is taking the vim out of the men remarkably. To-day there is a good stray breeze, and yet a man can hardly get enough of the rarified stuff they call air here to fill his lungs. Plenty of chestnuts in this country. Plenty of hills and plenty of woods but a great scarcity of about everything else. There is no more soil on the earth here than you'll find on any Illinois school house floor, and 'tis a question which would grow the best crops.

The colonel is anxious to have the regiment in the battle when it comes off, while your brother thinks if they can do the work without us he won't be at all angry. I like skirmishing pretty well but am dubious about the fun showing itself so strongly in a battle. I guess I had a dozen shots thrown at me individually on the 8th at from 100 to 450 yards, and I got my return shot nearly every time and some extra ones, but rather think they all got off as well as I did. The carbines are not very correct shooters, and your brother is a ditto, so I have the satisfaction of knowing that I haven’t killed anybody yet.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 88-9

1st Lieutenant Charles Wright Wills: May 3, 1862

Headquarters 7th Illinois Cavalry Camp,

on Hamburg and Corinth Road,

May 3, 1862.

I arrived here yesterday in safety. Stayed in Peoria the Monday night that I started, and was in Cairo at 9 p. m. Wednesday. Woke up Thursday morning on a boat at Paducah and devoted the day to admiring the Tennessee river. Stopped long enough at Fort Henry to get a good view of its well pummeled walls, and not-much-to-brag-of defences. The line of ditching without the works was the best I have ever seen, but the parapet, excepting that of the Fort proper, wasn't to be compared to our works at Bird's Point, which are the most inferior of ours that I have seen. The Tennessee runs through a perfect wilderness. There is not a landing on the river up to this point (Hamburg) that can begin with Copperas Creek, and indeed, although I watched closely, I did not see more than three or four points, that of themselves, showed they were boat landings, and those only by the grass being worn off the bank; and I did not see a warehouse on either bank unless, maybe, one at Savannah, where there are also, say four fine dwellings. At no other point did I see more than three houses, and very rarely, even one. Having heard so much of the richness of Middle Tennessee I cannot help talking so long of what ought to be, to it, what the Illinois river would be to us were we without railroads. I reached Hamburg yesterday afternoon (Friday) and started for my regiment, which I learned was five miles out on the Corinth way. I walked out as fast as I could, and reached there to hear that the army had moved on and were probably two miles ahead and yet going. I laid down and slept a couple of hours, borrowed a horse, and after six miles riding found them going into camp. Monstrous hilly country, this, and save a very few clearings, all heavily timbered. Pope's army has been reinforced considerably since we arrived here. Think he has, say 30 odd thousand men. I think the ball opened just before I commenced this letter. For two days past we have had one batallion out about four miles beyond our present camp holding an important position. They have been within gunshot of the enemy all the time, but so protected that although they skirmished a good deal, but one of ours was wounded. In one little charge our boys made out they killed four and wounded a number of Rebels that they felt of Pope's infantry came up to-day in force and relieved them. Paine's division was advanced and when not more than 40 yards beyond the post our cavalry held, were opened on first by musketry and immediately afterwards by artillery. There was very heavy firing for an half hour, but it has ceased since I commenced this page. Haven't heard the result. We have orders to move forward to-morrow morning, but although we are so close to the enemy's position, (not more than three miles) (Infantry, of course, I mean) don't think our side will commence the attack before Monday morning, when we will see — sure — if they don't run.

Supper. — Some of our boys have just come in with a lot of overcoats, trinkets, etc., spoils of the afternoon skirmish. They were all Illinois regiments that were engaged. A sergeant has just showed me an overcoat that he stripped off a dead secesh, who with eleven others was lying in one pile. He captured a captain who, after he had thrown down his sword, offered to give him a fist fight. The artillery firing was mostly from Rebel guns at Farmington at a regiment of our boys building a bridge. The Northern Mississippi line runs through our camp. We cannot be far form Iuka Springs, although no one that I've seen ever heard of the place. Report has just come that Mitchell has been driven out of Huntsville, and another that Yorktown and 45,000 prisoners are ours. Don't believe either. Shall write you from Corinth if have luck.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 84-6

3rd Sergeant Charles Wright Wills: January 10, 1862

Bird's Point, January 10, 1862.

Since daylight yesterday morning we have been all ready with five days' rations and expecting every moment the orders to fall in and commence a march. We were delayed untill 11 a. m. to-day by a fog so dense that boats could not run even from Cairo to this point. All that time we were in the greatest suspense and after everybody had conjectured all their conjectures, we were yet perfectly in the dark in regard to our destination. All the troops here, save enough for guard duty, are going. I believe I'm within bounds when I say that 75,000 different lies have been circulated here in the last 36 hours, and all in regard to the present expedition. Well the suspense is over and we (think we) know that Columbus is our goal.

At 11 a. m. to-day the fog was dispersed by a cold north wind, and immediately two gunboats steamed down the river, giving us the first intimation of our route. They were shortly followed by other gunboats and then by steamers loaded to their utmost capacity with soldiers. All afternoon they have been going down. The last boat that I saw was towing a couple of flats loaded with ambulances, or “soldier-buggies.” I think all the troops have gone from Cairo and the boats that carried them will be back and take us at daylight to-morrow noon. I think they are landing them about six miles this side of Columbus, maybe not so far from there. General McClernand is taking his whole stock in the soldier business with him. It's a permanent thing certain. If this really means Columbus, and I don't see how it can be anything else, it has been managed with more secrecy than any expedition, besides, up to this time in war. I never guessed it within the possibilities of a month. These generals, we have three of them here (Grant, Paine and McClernand) may know their business, but we of the ranks don't understand what kind of truck 20,000 men want with the army at Columbus. And 10,000 is, I'm sure, considerably outside of the number that will move from here. There are probably 10,000 more at Paducah, that I think are also going. Well, maybe we'll get the place, hope we will. If we don't it won't be the men's fault, for we do hate that hole. It's funny what an effect this soldiering has on men. I suppose there is no mistake about our being within two days, at farthest, of a great battle, and yet these men don't to any eye show a sign of even a shadow of care or concern. Since I commenced this I don't believe that one of them has given it a thought. To save my neck I can't get up enough excitement to kill a flea or even to warn him. The boys are almost all playing cards. Sam Nutt and my chum Hy thought they didn't get enough supper to-night, so they put about a peck of beans in to boil and have just got them in eating order. I suppose Sam can plant more beans than any other living man of his weight. They have also a lot of pig's feet between them. Little Ame Babcock and Ike McBean are going with us to-morrow. Colonel Kellogg goes with five companies of his regiment. The Canton company does not go. I am not real well now but I wouldn't miss this trip to Columbus to save my life. I've had my heart set on being at that fight a long time and I'm [going] if I can walk two miles.


January 13, '62. I wrote this letter and thought I wouldn't send it untill we'd start and save myself a chance of being fooled, but now I'll send it to show how badly I was misled.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 53-4

3rd Sergeant Charles Wright Wills: January 2, 1862

January 2, 1862.

We've waited patiently until after New Year for the box of provisions, and nary box yet. Have given it up for a goner. We're just as much obliged to you as though we had received it. We haven't yet eaten all the tomatoes, etc., that came with the quilts. Partly because we are too lazy to cook them, but mostly because we don't hanker arter them. Beans, bacon and potatoes are our special hobbies or favorites rather, and we are never dissatisfied on our inner man's account when we have them in abundance and of good quality. Company H of the 17th, Captain Boyd, was down here on the 30th. All the boys save Chancy Black and Billy Stockdale were along. We had a grand time, Nelson's, Boyd's and our boys being together for the first time in the war. Yesterday, New Year, the camp enjoyed a general frolic. A hundred or two cavalry boys dressed themselves to represent Thompson's men and went galloping around camp scattering the footmen and making noise enough to be heard in Columbus. The officers of the 11th Infantry were out making New Year calls in an army wagon with 30 horses to it, preceded by a splendid band. The “boys” got a burlesque on the “ossifers.” They hitched 20 mules to a wagon and filled it with a tin pan and stovepipe band, and then followed it in 60-mule wagon around the camp and serenaded all the headquarters.

General Paine said to-day that our regiment and the 11th would move in a week, but I don't believe it.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 50-1

2d Iowa Cavalry

A correspondent of the Burlington Hawk-eye, writing from Pittsburg, says, he “has it from reliable authority” that the recent skirmish of the Iowa 2d Cavalry for the reliefe of Paine’s division, 400 of them were taken prisoners.  This, of course is a mistake, as only three were missing on return to camp.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 2

From Camp near Corinth

We are in receipt of a letter some thirteen pages in length from a “Camp near Corinth” correspondent, giving us the details of the brilliant and successful charge of the Iowa 2d cavalry , in rescuing Paine’s division form the tight place in which they had gotten themselves, but adventuring too close to the enemy.  As our correspondent “Diff.” has given us full particulars we are obliged to rule out our friend’s favor, but thank him just as kindly for his attention.  As his letter is one day later that that published on Saturday, we give the concluding portion, testifying to the uncomplaining disposition of our Iowa boys, even when severely wounded:

Two or three of the wounded came in three miles on horseback, each with a foot almost severed at the ankle, yet sitting upright in the saddle and frequently making some careless remark, or threatening vengeance the next time they met the “secesh.”  Two poor fellows, which I now have the care of, were each shot through the right ankle, and apparently by a large grape shot or small cannon ball.  It was a sickening sight to see their limbs amputated, yet wonderful to observe how bravely they stood the operation.  I was with them till midnight, and have been all day long to-day, and am now sitting between their cots, writing, as they are sleeping tranquilly.  One poor man received his mortal wound, and died to-day noon, and I was told that only a few hours before he died he sat propped up in his cot and wrote a letter to his wife.

It is truly wonderful, how patiently our wounded men bear their pains, and how uncomplainingly they submit to the most painful surgical operations.  If any doubt that Iowa has brave sons, let them come and see them fight, or view them lying in the hospital tent, and convince themselves of the fact.

To-day a secesh deserter came into our camp, and told his story, the purport of which was, that, although they were last upon the field, and nearly double in number, yet they sustained a greater loss in killed and wounded.  Strange as it may seem, they evacuated their position, which of course our forces now occupy.

SUNDAY, MAY 11. – An attack is expected upon our left flank soon; and when I awoke this morning, the boys had their horses saddled, ready to start for the conflict at a moment’s notice.  Another deserter, just come in, says that Beauregard lately made a speech in which he seemed confident that he could, with 120,000 men he claimed, whip us. – Perhaps he can, but I don’t believe it.

Yours, &c.

B.

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

From the 2d Iowa Cavalry

CAMP ON HAMBURG AND CORINTH ROAD,

Friday, May 9, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS. – Of yesterday’s skirmish, and loss, I wrote you last night and to-night as a faithful chronicler, I am compelled to add further to the record, which though of noble deeds, will carry anguish to loving hearts.  About noon, orders came to be ready to move at the firing of a signal gun.  The signal soon came, and in ten minutes the regiment was in column, and on its way to the front.  I may mention that most of our force which had advanced yesterday, had retired back to camp. Vacating the ground they had occupied.  Yesterday our regiment was a mile and a half beyond Farmington; to-day two miles this side of town.  They met. Gen. Paine’s Division and three batteries, retreating.  Passing this column on coming to an opening a mile wide, on the opposite side of which the rebels had three batteries, they formed into line, Lt. Col. Hatch, commanding, with Majors Hepburn, Coon and Lave, commanding respectively the 1st, 2d and 3d batteries [sic].  The rebels had the range, and their batteries were well manned and playing rapidly on our lines.  Gen. Paine rode and ordered the regiment to “charge” those batteries.  The batteries were three-fourths of a mile distant, and formed a line a half a mile in length – sweeping with the murderous fire the whole space.

The charge sounded and officers and soldiers swept forward and through the leaden tempest!  Shot and shell hurtled through the air, or plowed up the ground beneath.  The woods flanking the open space were occupied by rebel sharpshooters, and they too poured forth their murderous fire on the rushing line.  Through such a fire of iron ball is seldom faced in a charge and horses and men went down by sections, yet onward at full speed charged the 2d Cavalry through canister and grape, to within one hundred yards of the guns, when they were found to be supported by dense lines of infantry.  When knowing we were unsupported, the rally was sounded, and we retired, but had the satisfaction of seeing the batteries limber up and cease firing.

The regiment was absent from camp less than three hours.  The charge was of short durations, but from the annexed list, which is reliable, Iowa may see whether her glory has been dimmed by the 2d Cavalry – whether another laurel has not been added to her brow – another bright page added to their immortal list – a record made that when Iowa is tried, she is never found wanting.

1ST BATTALION. – Commissary Sergt. W. W. Miller, by a spent ball in leg, slightly.

Co. K. – Killed, none.  Wounded, Corpl. Elias W. Shephard, in the head; Derwin Downer, flesh wound in leg; R. M. Downer, in leg by a piece of shell; Fred Lehart, in head; G. R. Bradley, in leg by a piece of shell; Abraham Leffler, in head and chest.

Co. L. – Killed, none.  Wounded, Corpl. M. B. Hubbard, in head; G. W. Kelso, in the thigh.  Missing, James Raymond.

Co. E. – Wounded, Lewis Kephart, in hand; Bugler, Wm. Dunderdale, in head; Corpl. W. Aldrich in head slightly; Sergt. J. W. Jennings, in hand.

Co. M. – Wounded. Nathan Smith, in the foot, amputated below knee; Sylvester L. Hazen, in shoulder, slightly; J. S. Breedan, in Leg; John Parker, wounded and missing.

3D BATTALION. – Co. I and D, all safe.

Co. F. – Wounded, Labon J. Parks, in breast, severely; Wm. Bulley, in thigh and rectum, severely; Sergt. James Fought, in thigh, slightly; Sergt. Daniel Okeson, missing.

Co. B. – Killed, John Burgh, (missing yesterday and supposed killed.)  Wounded, J. S. Brush, in right shoulder severely; W. M. Freeman, in breast by shell; Corp. Porter J. Webb, in leg; slightly; Corp. Walker, Missing; Cloud H. Brock, in arm, severely; Daniel Craft, in side, slightly.

2D BATTALION. – Co. A. Killed, Sergt. Frederick L. Ayer.  Wounded, J. B. Gaddis, in arm and side, slightly; B. F. Wagoner, in shoulder slightly; Otis Legg, in side, slightly.

Co. H. – Killed, Lt. Benjamin F. Owen.  Wounded, Corp. Haskins, in leg, slightly; A. V. Reeves, in thigh, slightly; A. N. Detwiler, in breast, slightly.

Co. G. – Wounded, Capt. Wm. Lundy, in the head, slightly; Sergt. L. H. Waterman, in hip, dangerously; Corp. J. T. Haight, arm and side; Anderson Heinly, severely, through from side to side.

Co. C. – Wounded, Capt. Henry Egbert, in thigh, by a piece of shell; James Armstrong, through both hips and bladder, (poor fellow, as I now write, just midnight, I hear his constant groans; brave man, I fear he must die;) Wm. Gordon, right heel – Amputation below knee; James Taylor, through the shoulder severely.

Total – 2 killed, 39 wounded, one wounded and missing, and three missing.

Captain Lundy, Lieuts. Schnitger, C. C. Horton, Co. A, and Chas. More, Co. K, had their horses shot under them.  Ninety-seven horses were killed and disabled, and nearly as many more wounded.  A shell divided Lt. Col. Hatch’s heavy brass stirrup, another passed so close to captain Kendrick’s head, as to deafen one side, and numerous sabres, scabbards and revolvers show the scars of cannon shot, shell and bullets.  The surgeons had all the wounds dressed before night, and the sufferers, with the exception of one or two, are quite and doing well.

It seems to be the opinion among officers, outside the regiment, that the charge, though a desperate resort, was splendidly executed, and that it saved Gen. Paine’s Division.

The weather is fine and work ahead.  And now for my blankets; I bid you adieu.

DIFF.

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

Capt. Egbert left town yesterday morning . . .

. . . for his home in Cleona township.  He was wounded in the thigh by a shell, as we stated yesterday.  He gave us some very interesting particulars relative to the skirmish between Gen. Paine’s forces and the enemy, supposed to be under Gen. Price, last Friday, in which he was engaged, and of which we publish an account in another column in a letter from “Diff.”  In a skirmish the day previous, John Wilson, a private in Co. B., 2d cavalry, from Marshall county, was killed.  Capt. E. says that on Friday the 2d had only 400 men in the action, though every company was represented.  The balance had been detailed on special duty, or were absent from other causes.  The health of the regiment has been very good ever since they left St. Louis, and they have very few in hospital.  Lt. Col. Hatch now commands the regiment, Col. Elliott having command of a brigade composed of the 2d Iowa and the 2d Michigan Cavalry.

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

Skirmishing in Tennessee

PITTSBURG, May 3 – 9 P. M.

Hon. E. M. Stanton:– Gen. Paine’s division made a reconnoissance to Farmington to-day; found about 4,500 of the enemy and drove them off in handsome style.  An artillery reconnoissance went to Glendale this A. M. and destroyed tow trestle bridges and sand track on the Memphis and Charleston R. R.  It has been a splendid day’s work for the left wing.  The weather is clear and the roads are becoming good.

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

Particulars of the Surrender at Island No. 10

CAIRO, April 8, 8 p.m. – I have been able to gather a few more particulars from Island No. 10.  Four hundred and seventy-eight prisoners, including seventeen officers, seventy pieces of artillery, a large amount of ammunition, muskets and small arms, were captured on the Island.  It is said our mortar shells proved very destructive; wherever they struck and exploded, great execution was made in the earth.

It is reported that the Confederates had become perfectly demoralized; in many cases entire regiments would refuse to obey orders. – Much ill feeling prevailed among the officers and none, including the soldiers, had any confidence in their commanding officer.

No farther information has been obtained in reference to the number of prisoners captured on the Tennessee shore, and it will be impossible to get anything further before morning.

Much excitement prevails here over the news of the battle at Pittsburgh.  It is regarded as most fortunate that Gen. Buell came up as he did, with one Division to reinforce Gen. Grant.  It evidently was the expectation of Beauregard to fight the battle before Gen. Buell could form a junction with Gen. Grant.

We hope to get further particulars to-morrow.

At one o’clock, last night a boat came to the flag-ship with a messenger carrying a letter from the commanding officer at Island No. 10 to Flag Officer Foote, proposing capitulation for the surrender of the Island.  Flag Officer Foot replied that he would accept no other terms than an unconditional surrender.  At one o’clock this morning the enemy surrendered unconditionally to Com. Foote.  Several transports and it is supposed one or two gunboats, the celebrated floating battery, cannon, ammunition and stores have thus fallen into our hands.  Too much praise cannot be awarded to the Flag Officer and the gallant officers under his command for this brilliant achievement in capturing the Gibraltar of the Mississippi river, without the loss of a single life.  We have no information at this time as to details, but it is supposed that most of the rebel troops on the Tennessee shore have effected their escape.  It is supposed they commenced leaving soon after the Carondolet succeeded in turning their batteries, as that destroyed all hope of their maintaining their position.  Fleet Captain Hennock, who has achieved wonders in fitting out and repairing gunboats and transports, and furnishing supplies to the fleet, ahs reason to believe that our mortars did terrible execution among the rebels.  It is reported that Gen. Pope had 18,000 troops across the river from New Madrid last night, ready to march and bag the enemy but is believe that he was too late.

Boats commenced running to New Madrid to-day.  The river has fallen four feet within the last two days, greatly facilitating the operations of Gen. Pope opposite New Madrid.

Hon. Jesse Dubois is here en route for the Upper Tennessee.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has telegraphed to three hundred citizens of Bourbon county, Tennessee, driven out by the rebel troops, to come down and return with him.  They will probably leave to-morrow.

Reliable reports from Jeff. Thompson a week ago place him in the swamps, some eighty miles from here, with a few hundred marauders.  Several men who have heretofore been in his army from the vicinity of Charleston, eight miles from here, in Missouri, have petitioned Gen. Strong for privilege to take the oath and return to their allegiance.  The General authorized the County Clerk, a good Union man, to take and administer the oath.

Dr. Simpson, of the Medical Department leaves this evening for the Tennessee with two large hospital boats most completely fitted out under direction of J. E. Yeatman, Esq., of the St. Louis Sanitary Commission.  They contain 800 beds for the wounded.  The hospitals here have accommodations for 1,400.

Dispatches from New Madrid have been received.  The gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg, yesterday morning shelled and silenced the batteries on the opposite shore, when Gen. Pope ordered the troops across.  It was effected without loss.

The rebels fled towards Lisbon sinking several of their transports, among others the Grampus.

The floating battery of the rebels, mounting ten guns, drifted down last night, and is aground near Point Pleasant.  It will be recovered with its armament.

The Belle West covered Gen. Paine in the advance on the batteries.

Gen. Pope at once took the Pittsburg and Carondelet, and with a part of his army, turned to and attacked the enemy this morning, and took 2,000 prisoners, mostly from Arkansas and Louisiana.  He will probably get as many more before night.

The rebels fled to the swamps in great consternation.

The victory is complete and decisive.  Great quantities of stores, cannon, and ammunition have fallen into our hands.  All their baggage and supplies are taken.

Gen. McCall, of the rebel Adjutant General’s department, is a prisoner.

The country between New Madrid and Island No. 10, on the east side of the river, is being scoured by our troops.  Many prisoners will doubtless be taken there.

Gen. Bissell, with his transports, is ordered down to Tipton by Gen. Pope, which is twelve miles below New Madrid, to bring cannon and other property up to New Madrid.

Divisions of our army are pursuing the fleeing rebels in all directions.  Their entire force at and about Island No. 10, is either taken prisoners or utterly routed and demoralized.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has just arrived from Paducah.  To him the news of our success is especially gratifying.  His residence is thirty-five miles south of Hickman.  Gen. Strong will send an escort with him to his home to insure his safety.  Thousands of his former friends will great his arrival with a glorious welcome.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

From Cairo

CHICAGO, March 13. – Special dispatches to the Post from Cairo 12th, say matters are little changed.

A lieutenant of the 60th Ohio arrived to-day from New Madrid.  His intelligence is not permitted to be telegraphed.  No change in matters at Fort Henry and beyond.

The Times’ special says the steamer Southwestern arrived to-day with troops.

Gen. Cullom left this morning for St. Louis.  Gen. Strong has taken command of this post.

(Tribune’s Special.)

Capt. Blodgett, of Boston has been assigned the command of the [Conestoga], retiring Capt. Pritchard.

The bodies of the 27 killed at Fort Donelson were brought down to-day, and will be sent to their friends to-morrow morning.  Part of them belong to Col. Logan’s regiment.  Col. Logan is improving.

It is reported that Gen. Paine was wounded in a skirmish near Sikestown, Mo., yesterday p. m., not seriously.

Several sick of the 7th Iowa came down from Fort Donelson this morning.  Their regiment has suffered severely in several engagements.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 3

War In Dead Earnest – Gen. E. A. Paine’s Specific

The following facts and correspondence have just come into my possession, and I hasten to send them to you.  They show the exasperated nature of the wary in these parts. – Soon the cry will be “No quarter!”

Col. Kellogg, commanding at Cape Girardeau, telegraphs to Acting Brigadier General Paine, at Cairo, thus:

“Yesterday (Feb 8th) several companies of cavalry, with one company of Ross’ infantry, scoured the country west, bringing in fifty prisoners.  Our cavalry also encountered a large force of rebel cavalry fifteen miles beyond Bloomfield.  They succeeded in routing them, killing seven, wounding many, and taking twenty prisoners.  We had two missing and one wounded.  They found five bodies, known to be Union men, murdered.

W. P. KELLOGG, Col. Commanding.

Gen. E. A. PAINE, commanding Cairo.”

GEN. PAINE’S REPLY.

“Col. Kellogg, commanding Cape Girardeau:

Hang one of the rebel cavalry for each Union man murdered – and after this, two for each. – Continue to scout, capture and kill.

E. A. PAINE, Brig. Gen. Commanding.

Cairo, Feb. 8th.”

That’s laconic and specific.  Had this policy been pursued from the start, rebels would have been scarce in Missouri.  I hope Gen. Hitchcock, Gen. Paine’s successor, will act out the example of Gen. now Col. P. – Cairo correspondence of Cleveland Plaindealer.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 1, 1862, p. 3

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 18. – Gov. Yates, Lieut. Governor Wood, auditor Dubois and many prominent citizens from all parts of Illinois are here to look after the wounded Illinois soldiers from Ft. Donelson.

Gov. Morton and many prominent citizens of Indiana are also here for a like purpose on account of the gallant men of that State who participated in the battle.

A salute of fifteen guns was fired this morning by order of Brig. Gen. E. A. Paine in honor of the arrival at this place of Governor Yates, commander-in-chief of Illinois troops.  It was answered at Bird’s Point at 2 o’clock P. M.

His Excellency held a public reception at the St. Charles Hotel, and all of the officers paid their respects to the Governor.  He was received by Col. Buford and the officers of the 27^th Illinois, and the officers of each regiment came up in a body lead by their several regimental bands.  Col. Beauford [sic] said they came to welcome the man who had so supplied the wants of the Illinois boys and so nobly cared for all the troops he had sent forth to avenge the wrongs and injuries of our country.

Gov. Yates responded briefly but with deep feeling, paying a handsome tribute to the memory of the fallen at Fort Donelson, and congratulating their brethren in arms for the achievement of this late victory of our arms over a traitor foe.

About 7,000 of the rebel prisoners from Fort Donelson have arrived here and departed up the Mississippi river to be disposed of by Gen. Halleck.  The question of what to do with them was discussed among the Commanding officers here last night, and the conclusion seems to be that they will be divided, a portion going to Alton, another portion to Chicago, and probably a third portion going to Fort Wayne and Detroit.

Troops are continually arriving and departing for the seat of war, and our army will soon again be in readiness to advance.

It is believed, that if permitted to do so, very many of the rebel prisoners would gladly take up arms on the side of the Union.  The privates, almost to a man, declare that they have seen quite enough of the secession elephant. – The officers, however, are generally very morose and bitter in their expressions relative to the North.

In addition to the list of killed and wounded previously reported, are the following:

46^th Illinois, Commissary Sergeant Traverse, Killed; Lt. Col. Maltby, ball in the leg; Cornelius Shay, flesh wound in the thigh; Lieut. H. H. Boyce, severely wounded in the hip from a Minnie ball; George P. Appleton, severely wounded in the foot.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 3

Special to the Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 8.

Dispatches from New Madrid are received.  The gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg shelled and silenced the batteries on the opposite shore, when Pope ordered the troops across; it was effected without loss.  The rebels fled toward Tipton, sinking several of their transports, among others the Grampus.

The floating battery of the rebels, mounting ten guns, drifted down last night, and aground near Point Pleasant.  It will be recovered with its armament.  The Ohio Belle was also recovered.

Gen. Paine led the advance on the batteries.  Gen Pope at once took the Pittsburg and Carondelet, and with a part of his army hastened to Tipton, attacked the enemy this morning and took 2,000 prisoners, mostly from Arkansas and Louisiana.  He will probably get as many more before night.  The rebels fled to the swamps in great consternation.

The victory is complete and decisive.  Great quantities of stores, cannon and ammunition have fallen into our hands.  All the baggage and supplies are taken.

Gen. McCall, of the rebel Adjutant General’s department, is a prisoner.

The country between New Madrid and the Island, on the east side of the river is being scoured by our troops.  Many prisoners will doubtless be taken there.

Gen. Bissell, with transports is ordered down to Tipton by Gen. Pope, which is 12 miles below New Madrid, to bring cannon and other property up to New Madrid.

Divisions of our army are pursuing the fleeing rebels in all directions.  Their entire force at and about Island No. 10 is either taken prisoners or utterly routed and demoralized.

Hon. Emerson Etheridge has just arrived from Paducah – to him the news of our success is specially grateful.  His residence is 35 miles southeast of Hickman.  General Strong will send an escort with him to his home, to insure his safety.  Thousands of his former friends will great his arrival with a glorious welcome.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 2

The Carondelet Brushing Around

OTHER GUNBOATS RUN THE REBEL BLOCKADE.

Gen. Pope’s Division Cross the River.

SPEEDY TERMINATION OF THE SIEGE.

_____

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, April 7, 1862 – 10 P. M.

We have glorious news to-night from New Madrid.  Last night the gunboat Pittsburgh ran the blockade in safety under a terrible fire from the rebel batteries.  Four steam transports and five barges were also got through the slough from Phillip’s Landing above Island No. 10, by Col. Bissell’s corps of engineers.

This morning, under fire of the gunboats, silencing one of the rebel batteries, a company of men under Capts. Lewis and Marshal crossed the river and spiked a battery.  Another force took three other batteries, spiked the guns and threw the rebel ammunition into the river.

At eleven o’clock, in the face of a fire from other batteries, Gen. Paine with four regiments and a battery of artillery, crossed the Mississippi to the Kentucky shore.  Subsequently the division of Gen. Stanley and Gen. Hamilton crossed, and also Gen. Granger with his cavalry.  They are strongly posted and ready for any emergency.

The spectacle of so large a body of troops crossing in the teeth of the enemy’s batteries was truly magnificent.  The praises of Gen. Pope are upon every tongue.

It is believe here that forty-eight hours will decide the fate of Island No. 10.

It is hardly credible, but reports thus far agree that not a single casualty occurred during the whole of the magnificent affair.

FROM NEW MADRID DIRECT.

NEW MADRID, April 7.

There was heavy cannonading this morning in the direction of Point Pleasant, commencing at about 9 o’clock and continuing with scarcely any intermission until this hour (4 p. m.)  At noon, as the roar of the cannon was heard, I repaired to New Madrid and discovered the Carondelet steaming down the river, belching forth shot and shell at a line of rebel batteries on the Kentucky shore, opposite the lower fort.  The fire was vigorously returned from their batteries, most of which fell short and did no damage.  The Carondelet was aided by our battery established on the Missouri shore, between the lower fort and Point Pleasant, some of whose shot did splendid execution.

It is said that the guns on Wattrous Point, the most northerly battery, are silenced and destroyed.  Whether true or not, we have no means of determining.  We only know that after a shell from our guns struck their entrenchments, there was an immense cloud of dust raised, and the rebels were seen running about in wild confusion, and the guns afterwards maintained a mysterious and obstinate silence.

At this moment, standing on the river bank below the upper fort, I can see the Carondelet steaming below the point at a distance from here apparently of 10 miles.  She must be approaching Riddle’s Point.

Besides the rebel batteries above mentioned, there are two heavy guns opposite Point Pleasant, and the same number opposite Riddle’s Point, below the latter.

A man who has just returned from that point, informs me that the rebels have collected some fifteen gunboats, prepared to dispute the passage of the Carondelet.  One of this is just visible in the distance, slowly poking her horns around the point, evidently intending to engage the Carondelet.

An express has just ridden post haste for Gen. Pope’s headquarters with some message of importance, the purport of which is not yet known, but probably relating to the passage of the Carondelet.

The smoke from the chimneys of the rebel transports is plainly discernable from any point of observation.

Things are working in this region, and you may be prepared to hear of stirring movements at any moment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 9, 1862, p. 1

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

BIRD’S POINT, Mo., March 2, 1862.

FRIEND SANDERS. – The papers reach us very irregularly here.  Those writing, or mailing for the 2d cavalry, will please direct to Cairo, Ill., until further orders; we have a regimental mail to and from Cairo daily.

The general health of the regiment is better than at any time since leaving Davenport.  Surgeons Reeder and Noyes, are enjoying at present a respite from the arduous duties imposed on them, day and night, while at Benton Barracks.

On Wednesday last I had the pleasure of going aboard the “Benton” at Cairo.  She has never yet been in action, her engines having proved deficient, on her trial trip.  She is now completed and is the largest, staunchest boat of them all.  She carries sixteen guns; of her four bow guns, two are nine inch shell, Columbiads, and two fifty-six pounders, riffled.  She is very wide and roomy and coated with iron mail from stem to stern.  On her bow she is protected by twenty-six inches in thickness of solid oak timber, besides her iron plating, her pilot house is formed of solid iron, a foot thick and so constructed as to be impervious to any shot the rebels may choose to greet her with.  She requires two hundred and fifty men to man her.  She is to be the flag ship.

When the fleet of gun and mortar boats get under way, look out for a speedy opening of the Mississippi from Cairo to New Orleans.

On Friday night, at 9 o’clock, orders came for the first and second battalions, to be ready to march in half an hour, with two days rations.  This was short notice, but at the time named the first battalion was in line on the parade ground, armed, equipped and ready for the fray.  They were soon joined by the second battalion, and at 10 o’clock the guides went forward and the march commenced.  The night was cloudy, with occasionally a sprinkle of rain, and figuratively speaking, as dark as a “stack of black cats.”

For five or six miles our route lay through the dense forest, skirting the river bank.  There was no road, and the guides picked their way as best they could, having only the course of the river for their direction.  The 7th Ill. cavalry were also in the column, which as we marched by twos, was about 2 miles long.  On we went now running against this tree, then on that stump, then over a log or entangled in a fallen tree top, or stumbling among flood wood, which had been drifted in by the previous overflow of high water; at another time in the darkness a horse and rider got off the bank, into the river. – At each of these mishaps the long column would be brought to a halt, and sometimes be brought up “all standing,” and again plunging down a steep bank or into some ravine.  Sometimes horses and riders would be down flat.

After leaving the river the road followed along the bank of a lake or bayou eight or ten miles, with a dyke extending the whole distance to prevent overflow in high water.  Sometimes we were in the road, but mostly in the ditch alongside and on top of the dyke.

Just before day Charleston was reached, the column halted, and a hasty breakfast was disposed of.  This Charleston is one of Jeff. Thompson’s points, and he and his crew were the crowd we were after.  About daylight the 2d cavalry proceeded on six miles further to Bertrand, and according to orders awaited the arrival of Gen. Paine.  He arrived about 10 o’clock, and gave orders for a return to camp.  In fifteen minutes the line was in motion, faced homewards – much to the chagrin of the 2d Cavalry, who had calculated on a brush and the capture of Jeff., sure.  But as usual, he was non est.  Had he not been, the 2d Iowa might have had a trophy.

We arrived in camp at 5 a.m. Saturday, having made nearly fifty miles in less than 20 hours.  We are up and ready for the next call, and hope when next we go, to meet secesh.  Charleston is a “right smart town,” and a beautiful country immediately around it.  Bertrand is a God-forsaken place, seeming to be deserted by every living thing.  The country through which we passed was generally well settled, and on many of the farms good, neat and substantial farm houses, but the general absence of window curtains gave a desolate appearance to the houses, and showed a great lack of good taste at least in the inhabitants.  I noticed farmers plowing, and others making garden.

8 P. M. – The 3d battalion have just received orders to march to-morrow morning about 6 o’clock, with their transportation, and encamp at Charleston.  Hoping our chance my come soon, truly yours,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 2