The Tennessee Legislature . . .

. . . was badly scared by the turn of events at Fort Donelson.  They hustled out of Nashville, carpet-bag in hand, within two hours after the news of the surrender was announced, and as late as the 24^th, a quorum could not be got together at Memphis, the place to which they had adjourned.  That won’t make any difference, however.  Claib Jackson kept his rump legislature going with hardly enough members in it to fill the necessary offices, and if Gov. Harris can’t run the machine without a quorum he is less fertile in his resources than the now vagrant Claib.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 8, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 26. – Cairo is quiet to-day, and nothing of interest has transpired.

All military news is kept profoundly secret, and under Secretary Stanton’s orders cannot be telegraphed.

The Mortar Fleet is finished and the mechanics leave for Chicago to-night.  The gun boats are lying in the stream.

Wounded soldiers are continually passing through here on their way home.

The Ohio is rapidly rising and nearly choked up with drift wood and the current very strong.

Nothing has transpired in reference to Columbus.  Reports from rebel sources represent that a stand will be made at Columbus, Randolph and Memphis, Tennessee.

Rebel forces are constantly concentrating at Memphis, and the streets are barricaded with cotton bales.

The rumored reports of the pasification of Tennessee is denied.  Late Memphis papers contain a savage war message from Harris.

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

Curtis’ Defeat of Price

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 25. – Gen Halleck this morning telegraphed Gen. McClellan as follows:

Price’s army has been driven from his strong hold at Cross Hollow.  The enemy left his sick and such stores as he could not destroy, and burned the extensive barracks at that place to prevent our troops from occupying them.  Gen. Curtis says, most of our provisions for the last ten days have been taken from the enemy.

The Republican’s Cairo dispatch says:

The occupation of Nashville is confirmed. – Our troops took possession without opposition.  Floyd fled, as usual.

The report the Governor Harris had ordered all the Tennessee troops to lay down their arms and go home is also confirmed.

The Tennessee Legislature is called for nest Monday.

No opposition to the Union movements is made anywhere on the Cumberland.

It is reported that white flags are flying at Memphis.

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

From Tennessee

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26. – A Fort Donelson dispatch to the Democrat of yesterday says a boat just from Clarksville reports the evacuation of Nashville.

The Union citizens of that place sent a boat to Clarksville, which towed one of our gunboats for their protection.

The rebels with Gov. Harris retreated to Murfreesboro.  Harris burnt all the State documents before leaving.

Gen. Grant declared martial law over Western Tennessee, with the understanding that when a sufficient number of citizens of the State return to their allegiance and show a desire to maintain law and order over the territory, all military restriction will be withdrawn.

Postal facilities are extended to Clarksville, and the mail bags will follow the flag.

CAIRO, Feb. 25. – Our killed and wounded will be much larger than at first supposed.  McClernand’s division alone will run over 1500.

Gen. Nelson’s Ky. brigade reached Ft. Donelson on Sunday and was immediately sent forward to Nashville.  Nelson and Crittenden’s brigade had gone up the Cumberland river to join Gen. Buell.

There were many rumors in relation to Nashville, but the one generally believed was, that Gen. Buell has not occupied it, but would reach it last night.

The rebels have retreated to Murfreysboro [sic], 40 miles from Nashville, and if they do so they will make no stand there, but will retreat further. – They are destroying bridges and other facilities for transportation.  At Murfreysboro commences a range of mountains whose passes can be easily defended by the enemy.

It was reported this morning that Gen. Grant had moved his headquarters from Ft. Donelson to Clarksville.

Gen. Buell sent a letter to Gen. Grant on Saturday stating that he, Buell, would be within nine miles of Nashville on Saturday night and that there would be no resistance to his occupation of the city.

The Federal troops occupied Nashville on Sunday.  Three gun boats from Ft. Donelson are also at Nashville.

Gen. Grant went up to Nashville today with a Messenger sent to him from Gen. Buell, but he took no troops with him.

The report that Gov. Harris wished an interview with Gen. Grant is an error.  Harris has fled from Nashville to Memphis, convened the Legislature of Tennessee, and it met in that city on Saturday last.  He delivered an intense war message to the Legislature, in which he declared that Tennessee must fight to the bitter end. – This was the report of his message telegraphed to Clarksville.

Gen. Buell’s timely arrival at Nashville, undoubtedly saved the city from utter destruction as Pillow could not have saved it from his desperadoes, if a Federal force had not been in the vicinity.

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

Further News from Fort Donelson

3,000 Rebel Prisoners ask to be Armed and Enrolled in the Armies of the Union.

Clarksville Evacuated.

WHITE FLAGS FLYING AT NASHVILLE.

TENNESSEE VIRTUALLY REDEEM’D

CAIRO, Feb. 20. – Only sixteen remain of company G., 11^th Illinois regiment, who are not killed, wounded or taken prisoners.

Gov. Yates and staff left for Fort Donelson last evening.

The Wounded officers of the 11^th Illinois are Lieut. Col. Ransom, Lieut. Churchill, Co. A, Lieut. Wilcox, Co. B, Lieut. Dean, Co. D., Capt. Andrews, Co. D, Lieut. Duncan, Co. H, and Lieut. Blackstone, Co. I.  The killed are Capt. Shaw, Co. B, Lieut. Boyce, Co. G.  The Missing are Lieut. Kenyon, Co. K, and Lieut. Vore, Co. E.  Not over 100 effective men are left of the 11^th regiment.  The wounded are partly at Mound City and the rest at Fort Donelson.  It is thought that this regiment will return to their old quarters at Bird’s Point.

One thousand secesh prisoners left for Camp Douglas last evening, via the Illinois Central Railroad.  More will follow to-day.  Those sent yesterday were Mississippians and Texans.  Two boat loads have arrived and will be forwarded immediately.

The 2^nd Michigan Artillery arrived last evening by steamer City of Alton.

Jas. Friedeman of Co. D, 8^th Wisconsin was buried today at Bird’s Point.

A rebel officer states that the exaggeration of Major Post of the 8^th Illinois who was taken prisoner before the surrender of Fort Donelson materially aided in preventing any further resistance on their part.

The body of Lieut. Colonel White of the 31^st Illinois has just arrived.

Three thousand rebel prisoners at Fort Donelson have asked to be allowed their arms and enrolled in the army of the Union.

A special order was issued to-day forbidding the issue of passes to Fort Donelson and other points on the Ohio river above Cairo.

The report is current and uncontradicted that Clarksville is evacuated.

It is reported that Gov. Harris has convened the Legislature of the State of Tennessee to repeal all laws passed by the Confederate Legislature inconsistent with the Federal Constitution.

White flags are flying at Nashville, and Gen. Grant has been invited to occupy Clarksville. – If this is true, Tennessee can be counted out of the Southern Confederacy.

The casualties among the officers of the 18^th Illinois, are, Killed, Capt. J. S. Craig, company A, Lieut. John Mauseur, Company C.

Wounded – Col. Lawler, Capt. D. H. Brush, company K; Capt. H. S. Wilcox, company B; Capt. J. W. Dillon, company C; Capt. P. Lawler, company D.

Supposed to be taken prisoners – Lieut. Tole, company D; Lieut. Kelley, company E; Lieut. Thompson, company F; Capt. Cruise, company G; Lieuts. Lawrence and Conner, company K.

The whole number of killed in the regiment is 50, wounded 150.

There is an awful flutter at Columbus, but we hear nothing decisive.

Brig. Gen. John Pope arrived from St. Louis, to-night.

The number of field pieces taken is much larger than heretofore telegraphed.  We have at least 70 guns.

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

Further From Ft. Donelson

Two more Rebel Regiments, Captured, &c., &c.

FT. DONALSON [sic], Feb. 19, via CAIRO. – Two more regiments were captured to-day, east of the entrenchments, and a number of troops have come in and delivered themselves up.

About 12,000 stand of small arms have been taken.  Many of the rebel troops destroyed their arms, and large numbers were thrown in the river.  There are two water batteries, the upper one with a heavy rifled gun, 32 pound bore, two 32-pounder carronades.  The lower battery contains eight 32-poounders and one ten inch columbiad, mounted in embrasures.  Two thousand barrels of flour and 1200 boxes of beef, and a large amount of other provisions were found to-day.

All of to-day has been occupied in embarking prisoners and gathering up stores and munitions and burying the dead.  There are a great number of dead rebels still unburied, as it has all been thrown upon our men to do.

Capt. Lagone, aide to Gen. Grant, goes to Clarksville, to-morrow, under a flag of truce with the bodies of two colonels, and to effect an exchange of our wounded prisoners, who have been sent to Nashville.

Gen. Grant received official notice, last night of the creation of a new Military District, of Western Tennessee, of which he is appointed commander, with headquarters at Ft. Donelson.

Gen. Grant’s Staff remains as at present, with Maj. W. W. Leland attached, as chief of commissary.

Osband’s cavalry and Willard’s battery suffered no loss in killed.

Taylor’s battery acted nobly, and was charged on five times on Saturday, each time repulsing the enemy with great slaughter.

Among the killed, are the following officers:

Captain Wilson, Lieutenants Marsh, Sheets, Howell and Monroe, of the 8^th Illinois.  Capt. Shaw, Lieutenants Churchill, Voore, Boyer and orderly Sargeant Bedard, of the 11^th.  Adjutant Kirkpatrick, of the 30^th.

Cols. John A. Logan, M. K. Lawler and Lieut. Col. Ransom, slightly wounded.

Maj. Post, who was reported killed, was wounded and taken prisoner.

Capt. E. T. [sic] Slaymaker, of the 2d Iowa was killed.

The Confirmation of Gen. C. F. Smith, was received with great satisfaction by the soldiers. – His gallant charge of Saturday, has made him extremely popular among his men.

Gen. S. A. Hurlbut reported for duty to Gen. Grant, this evening, and has been assigned to a division.

It is currently reported that Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, has ordered all Tennesseans to lay down their arms.

The greatest indignation exists among the prisoners against Pillow and Floyd.

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

Death of General Johnston: Interpretive Marker, Shiloh National Military Park

On the afternoon of the first day of the fighting, Confederate forces under Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston sought to envelop Grant’s left wing and seize Pittsburg Landing.  While leading his men against Union forces barring his way, Gen. Johnston was fatally wounded here.

Johnston, who hand been slightly wounded earlier, was stuck just below the right knee by a stray minie ball.  The bullet tore open an artery, causing severe bleeding.  Tennessee Governor Isham G. Harris, a volunteer aide, discovered Johnston reeling in has saddle near this point and led him down to the protected ravine on your right.  The general died a few minutes later.

The tree trunk to your left stands at the sight of the oak tree under which Gen. Johnston was found mortally wounded.

Attended by Governor Isham G. Harris, General Johnston died quietly from loss of blood.  Prompt medical attention could have saved his life, but earlier that day Johnston had dismissed his own surgeon to care for Confederate and Union wounded.

Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, a West Point graduate and Mexican War veteran, was highly respected by both sides.  Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, wrote “In his fall, the great pillar of the Southern Confederacy was crushed.”

The night before the battle, after some of his officers had advised caution and delay, Johnston announced, “We shall attack at daylight tomorrow.  I would fight them if they were a million.”

Lunatic Pork

Gov. Harris tried to save a lot of port at Nashville.  He had it taken out, a few miles, to the Insane Asylum, and carefully packed away; and then around the building he had nicely put up little signs, reading “Insane Asylum; protect it for humanity’s sake.”  Our troops first examined then very carefully protected it.  There is said to be four or five hundred thousand pounds of pork.

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

From Tennessee

LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 10.

An intelligent gentleman from Memphis on Wednesday, reports that the citizens are greatly alarmed, and are relying on Ft. Pillow, near Ft. Randolph, for defense.  Very few troops are at Memphis.

The Legislature scattered after several ineffectual attempts to transact business.

Gov. Harris is greatly excited, and is flying about from one southern point to another, with little prospect of succeeding in his efforts to rally the people to his aid.

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

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 5.

Lieut. Col. Emery, of the 6^th cavalry, and Cols. [Quinby] and Patrick, of N. Y. have been nominated for Brigadier Generals.

Gen. Lander will be buried from Rev. Dr. Hull’s church, under military escort.  His body guard will be a company of sharpshooters from his native city, Salem, Mass., who have been with him since the fight at Edward’s Ferry.  Half of the pall bearers are to be civilians, Gen. Lander not having cherished special love for the regular army.  The body arrived this morning, attended by a large number of his officers and men.  It has been already embalmed and will be sent to Salem after the funeral.

Philadelphia and New York merchants have petitioned Congress for a resumption of letter and newspaper mail to Panama. – A bill will be introduced soon, restoring the old mail.  At present there will be no mail communication with Central America, the steamship company positively refusing to convey letters or newspapers without the authority of Congress.

The testimony of returned prisoners captured in July, at Falling Water, before the conduct of the war committee, tends to show that with more energy Patterson might have caught Johnston before Bull Run.

The residence of the French minister, M. Mercier, at Georgetown, was burned last night.  Loss $15,000.  The furniture might have been saved by the provost guard, but the Frenchman locked them out, while seeking to extinguish the flames by buckets of water.  All the furniture but a few pieces was thus destroyed.

Col. Jas. H. Spear, of one of the Tennessee regiments organized at Camp Dick Robinson, Ky., was confirmed as Brigadier General to-day.

Andy Johnson, Maynard and Etheridge leave for Nashville to-morrow.  The former is commissioned to form a provisional government.  He will call a State convention which will dispose of Gov. Harris and all his rebel associates in the old State government, and form a new loyal government. – All of these gentlemen hope soon to rejoin their families.

In executive session of the Senate to-day, a resolution was introduced, expressing the sense of the Senate, that no more appointment of Generals should be made, except as reward for gallantry on the field of battle.

Gen. Lander will be buried to-morrow.  The pall bearers are Senators Sumner and Gens. McClellan, Marcy and Williams, and Col. Key, with an escort of artillery, cavalry and infantry.

The Senate amended the military bill to-day so as to repeal the act giving the President power to appoint additional Aids de Camp, thinking 49 enough for Gen. McClellan.  Another bill, recently introduced, giving the president the power to appoint Assistant Adjutant Generals ad libitum will hardly pass.

The bill fixing naval salaries, reported by Senator Sherman was not introduced with the approbation of the committee, but merely to get it before the Senate, the understanding being that it shall not be taken up till the pay of Congress and the army has been reduced.

The House and Senate amendment to the appropriation bill giving but two mileages to members.

The order under our treaty with New Granada which the joint committee sitting here has extended six months, is designed to give a hundred claims pending on the 10^th of May which would otherwise cease, another chance to be passed upon.

Gen. Blenker has been three times before the military committee.  There are some discrepancies between his testimony there and before Van Wyck’s committee.  His case, with other doubtful ones, will be passed on to-morrow by the Senate, which will have a long executive session.

Mr. Browning has the floor on the confiscation bill.  A speech betwixt and between is expected.

Gen. Andy Johnson and Representatives Maynard and Ethridge leave for Tennessee to-morrow.  Gen. Johnson, immediately upon his arrival at Nashville, will call upon the loyal people of the State to elect delegates to a convention to be charged with the duty of declaring vacant the places of Gov. Harris, and his rebel associates, and electing new officers, and sitting a loyal State Government on its feet.

Gen. Spear, of Tennessee was confirmed Brigadier General to-day.

The post Master General complained to-day by letter to the post office committees of both Houses, of the refusal of Com. Vanderbilt to carry the South American mails, and some Northern Railroads to contract to carry the mails.  He recommends that legislation be adopted to relieve the Government from the dictation of railroad and steamboat proprietors.

Special to Post.

A tax upon cotton will be agreed to in the House as an amendment to the tax bill, when that measure comes up for consideration.  The bill is not yet printed.

The finance committee of the Senate has struck out the House appropriation of fifteen million dollars for the construction of gunboats, but the naval committee is urging its restoration.

Senator Johnson leaves Washington to-day for Tennessee.  He has not yet accepted his appointment as Brigadier General.

Information has reached the navy department of the capture of the schooner Lizzie Weston, with a large cargo of 290 bales of cotton, by the gunboat Itasca.  The captured vessel sailed from Apalachicola, Fla., for Havana and a market.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, March 7, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

From Washington

Tribune Correspondence

WASHINGTON, March 2.

The House judiciary committee will tomorrow report favorably on the Senate bill, making the final awards of the commissioners appointed to audit claims against the government, incurred in the Western department.

The President will nominate as Major Generals, Brig Gens. Grant, McClernand, and Wallace, who commanded divisions at the battle of Fort Donelson, and as Brigadier Generals the Colonels commanding brigades there.  Subordinate officers will also receive proper promotion.

The President, through the Secretary of war, will in his order of the day, accompanying the announcement of these deserved rewards of valor, strive to pay the just tribute to every man; high or low in rank, who contributed to the glorious result. – Flag officer Foote and his brave sailors will doubtless not be forgotten.

Special to the World.

The policy of the government is energetically directed toward supporting the loyal feeling in the attitude of resistance.  Abundant evidence is afforded that the truly loyal feeling exists which, although for some time overpowered and silenced, is now ready to avail itself of the presence of the U. S. forces for its manifestation, in meeting the enemy in battle.

Times’ Dispatch.

Gen. Buell telegraphed to Gen. McClellan, last night, that the rebels have abandoned Murfreesboro and are in full retreat towards the Tennessee river.  Crossing this river will place them in Alabama and free Middle Tennessee of every armed rebel force.  Inasmuch as the enemy retreat along a railroad line, tearing up the rails as they pass, it will be difficult for Gen. Buell to catch them.

It is announced the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers will be opened this week to free and unrestricted commerce, under the order of the Secretary of the Treasury.

WASHINGTON, March 3.

The Secretary of the Navy received a letter to-day, dated Cairo, Feb. 27^th, from Flag Officer Foote, who says, I have the honor to forward a communication from Lieut. Commanding Bryant, the substance of which I have just telegraphed.  The captain of the steamer who brings the dispatch says, that six miles below Nashville, there was a battery which mounted 15 guns, but several of them were thrown into the river before the Cairo arrived.

He also reports a strong Union feeling manifested in and near Nashville, and that Gov. Harris, after vainly attempting to rally the citizens and others, left on Sunday for Memphis.  He also reports that the gunboats were welcomed by the people at Nashville and other points on the Cumberland river, and that on hearing of my arrival, supposing the gunboats would proceed immediately to Nashville, the enemy retreated panic stricken.  The unusually high water of the river enabling the boats to ascend the river is providential.

The following is the enclosure in Flag officer Foote’s letter:

NASHVILLE, Feb. 28.

To Flag-officer Foote, commanding, &c.

Sir: Uncertain that my letter of the 23d inst. reached you, I repeat that I departed from Clarksville for this point by the request of Brig. Gen. Smith, commanding at Clarksville, and arrive here this morning, preceded by several steamboats conveying an army commanded by Brig. Gen. Nelson.  The troops landed without opposition.  The banks of the river are free from hostile forces.  The railroad and suspension bridges are all destroyed.  Very respectfully,

A. C. BRYANT, Lieut. Com.

The following is an abstract of the tax bill reported to-day.  It provides for the appointment by the President of a commissioner of internal revenue, with a salary of $5,000 per annum; his office to be in the Treasure Department, with a suitable number of clerks.  The country is to be divided as the president may direct, into convenient collection districts, with an assessor and collector appointed by the President, for each district, who shall have power to appoint such deputies as may be necessary.

The bill provides for a duty on spirituous liquors of 15 cents per gallon.

The Baltimore & Ohio R. R. is being rapidly rebuilt and will soon be in running order.  About 40 miles of iron and cross ties have been carried off by the rebels.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

Special to the Chicago Tribune.

CAIRO, March 1.

The occupation of Nashville is fully confirmed.  Our troops entered and took possession on Tuesday last.  The reports of Union feeling being strong among the citizens are unfounded.  They express themselves in bitter terms against the “Yankees.”  Store keepers will not sell anything to our soldiers and prefer taking secession shinplasters to United States gold. – The report that Governor Harris burned that State Library, is probably a mistake.  Our forces are endeavoring by kind treatment and proper representations to conciliate civilians, but thus far without avail.  Many of them confidently expect the return of Johnston and his rebel forces.

Before the advent of our troops a complete reign of terror existed in Nashville.  The rebel troops endeavored to impress civilians into their ranks.  The latter resisted, and outbreaks occurred in consequence between the civilians and soldiery, during which some of the latter were killed.  The Texas rangers, in revenge, threatened to fire the city, and one or two attempts were made in that direction, but failed.

It is now [confidently] expected that the rebels will make a stand at Chattanooga or Stevenson, about one hundred miles below Nashville, at the junction of the Nashville and Chattanooga, and the Charleston and Memphis Railroads.  This position is very strong naturally, and a desperate fight is expected.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 28.

I learn from a gentleman thoroughly conversant with Kentucky, that the rebels are dismounting their guns at Columbus and that the work of evacuation is still going on.  Several transports are lying at Columbus to carry off troops.

Every man going into Columbus is inspected, even farmers with teams.

Several hundred negroes were sent into the interior yesterday.  This is from a reliable source.

The rebel war department has called on Tennessee for thirty-two more regiments.

From rebel papers I learn that dispatches had been received at Nashville, from Jeff. Davis, addressed to Gen. Johnston, directing him to hold the city at all hazards.

The rebel army is now retreating towards Murfreesboro.  The re-crossed the Cumberland, and would make a stand north of the city, at Fort Zollicoffer, which would be held against the gunboats if possible.

Official dispatches received at Knoxville, say that an ample force will advance from Richmond to protect East Tennessee.

Gov. Harris, of Tennessee, has taken the field in person.

Two spans of the Tennessee river bridge, at Danville, are no floating down the Mississippi past Columbus.

The report of Beauregard’s illness is unfounded.  He left Corinth, Tennessee, on the 19^th.

The State officers of Tennessee are hereafter to be located at Memphis.

Three hundred and eighty of the Federal Donelson prisoners had arrived at Memphis.

Steamers are taking sugar from Memphis to New Orleans, where the article is in request.

The Memphis Avalanche says persons reported to have left Gen. Johnston’s command, say he entertained no doubt of his ability to re-enter Nashville whenever he wished to do so.  The plan was to get Buell between Nashville and the Cumberland.

The same paper says Tennessee is bleeding at every pore; her former prestige is obscured, and she must arouse to arms and vindicate her chivalry, patriotism, and former renown, or be forever held with contempt by her soldiers in their race for independence and renown.

The Avalanche therefore advocates the formation of guerilla bands, armed with rifles of a long range, to establish themselves behind trees, logs and bends of the Tennessee roads, to pick off the Lincoln pilots, and that such a corps of sharpshooters will be as great a terror to the Federal steamers as their gunboats were at Donelson.

It estimates the Federal loss at Donelson at 6,000 killed and wounded, and places the Confederate loss at 1,500, and says the prisoners, 10,000 strong, passed Paducah for Alton in fine spirits, shouting for Jeff. Davis and the Southern Confederacy.

A battalion of Confederate cavalry, from Paris, Tenn., on a scouting expedition in the direction of Tennessee river, was betrayed by a guide, who led them into an ambuscade prepared by the Federal troops, but they escaped with slight loss.

On Monday, the day to which the Tennessee Legislature adjourned, the Memphis papers state that there was no quorum and difficulty was anticipated in getting an organization.

The stern-wheel steamer Dr. Kane, loaded with pig iron for Pittsburg and Cincinnati, struck a floating log while coming out of the Mississippi into the Ohio last evening, which knocked a hole in her bow, causing the boat to sink at the levee.  No lives were lost, and the books and papers were saved.  The cabin separated from the wreck and floated off in the direction of Columbus.

SECOND DISPATCH

The rebels having now concentrated at Murfreesboro, Tenn., the Tennessee troops are anxious to lay down their arms, but are prevented by regiments form Mississippi.  Gen. Buell had surrounded them so that none could escape.  The rebels offered to surrender the position if allowed to march with the honor of war, but Gen. Buell refused and demanded unconditional surrender.

He said he would allow them two days for consideration, and if the place was not surrendered at the expiration of that time he would open fire on them.  The time expired this morning.

Nashville was occupied on the 25^th by the Union forces.

Gen. Nelson’s brigade first entered, and the flag of the Union was hoisted on the State House by Gen. Nelson.

Many of the citizens are strong secessionists, but very many warmly greeted the flag.

The rebel army left on Sunday, and left behind 1,600 sick and wounded of the Fort Donelson garrison.

They destroyed bridges, burned all the steamboats but one, which escaped.  This one came to Clarksville to obtain the aid of our gunboats and prevent the burning of the city.

The Texan soldiers fired the city in many places, but the citizens extinguished the flames.  A great majority of the property owners remained.  The excitement was intense.  Gov. Harris made a speech to the people, saying he had done all he could and was going to leave, and advised them to follow suit.

The Legislature adjourned in the utmost consternation of the news from Fort Donelson.  Harris fled with the archives, the Legislature with carpet-bags, and the whole concern was off in two hours.

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

The War News

Interesting Southern News

A CONSPIRACY DISCOVERED IN ALEXANDRIA.

Benj. Stark admitted to a Seat in the Senate.

The Bill to Establish temporary Provisional Governments in the Southern States.

Harris driven from Nashville by Union Men.

Columbus to be Evacuated!

A Stand to me made four Miles below.

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

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 28.

Memphis papers of the 19th say Gen. Polk issued orders yesterday that the track of the Memphis and Ohio R. R. should be torn up and bridges destroyed, preparatory to the evacuation of Colum/cbus, and demolition of the fortifications.  The Columbus forces are to fall back to Island No. 10, about 45 miles below Columbus which, it is said, completely commands the river, and can be fortified with heavy guns, and made impregnable.

The Democrat’s Clarksville dispatch of the 26^th, says the rebel soldiers before leaving Nashville plundered many dwellings and business houses, and excited great alarm  among the people.  Several rebels were shot by citizens when robbing.

General Nelson is in command at Nashville, Gen. Buell still being on the north side of the river.

The Union sentiment is very strong, and our troops are received with the greatest cordiality.  Great indignation is expressed against Gov. Harris, who was fairly driven away by Union men, they having become bold at the proximity of Union troops, and dared to assert their rights.  Before leaving Harris made a speech, recommending the citizens to burn their private property, and calling on Tennesseeans to rally and meet him at Memphis, but none paid any attention to him, and it is thought he will not receive any considerable reinforcements.

Gen. Crittenden’s command had joined Johnston at Murfeyville.

The railroad bridge at Nashville was destroyed by Floyd, against the urgent request of the citizens, which caused much indignation.

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

From Cairo

CAIRO, February 26.

Cairo is quiet to-day, and nothing of interest has transpired.  All military matters are kept secret, and under Secretary Stanton’s orders cannot be telegraphed.

The gunboats are lying in the stream.

Wounded soldiers are continually passing through here on their way home.

The Ohio is rapidly rising and is nearly choked up with drift wood, and the current is very strong.

Nothing transpired in reference to Columbus.

Reports from rebel sources represent that a stand will be made at Columbus, Randolph and Memphis, Tenn.

Forces are constantly concentrating at Memphis.  The streets are barricaded with cotton bales.

The rumored report of the pacification of Tennessee is denied.

A late Memphis paper contains a savage war message from Gov. Harris.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 25.

Nashville was yesterday occupied by ten thousand troops under Gen. Buell, and the Federal flag is now flying over the State House.

The Tennessee Legislature adjourned on Saturday week, and met again yesterday at Memphis.

It is reported that commissioners have been appointed to confer with the Federal authorities at Washington, to arrange terms for a transfer of allegiance, and that Gov. Harris offered to turn the confederate forces over to the Union.

Secessionism is on the wane, and Unionism in the ascendant.  Union men threaten terrible retribution upon their persecutors.

Fielding Hurst, of Purdy, McHenry Co., Tenn., ten miles from [Corinth], Miss., arrived last night.  He was first arrested by order of Gov. Harris on the 2d of December, confined twenty-seven days in a dungeon at Nashville, and released by outside pressure brought to bear on the judge who had sentenced him to be hung for treason to the Confederate States.

He was again arrested, taken to Columbus, kept two days, and permitted to return to Purdy, by Rev. Gen. Polk, to establish his innocence.  He started from the guard and was taken on board the gunboat Tyler and brought to Cairo.  He represents a general union sentiment in Tennessee, and thinks the Legislature will acquiesce in the recommendation of Gov. Harris, because fearful of the rising of the Union sentiment.

When he left Columbus there were 30,000 Confederate troops there, who were confident of whipping the d----d Yankees on land, though they confessed themselves no[t] much on water.  When first released he gave a recognizance in $25,000 for his loyalty to the Confederate army.

Another gentleman, who arrived from Nashville last night, reports the Confederates will make another stand at Murfreesboro.

All the rebel troops had left Nashville except the police force, who were picking up stragglers.

When Gov. Harris fled from Nashville with the Legislature to Memphis he burnt the State library and distributed a large amount of commissary stores and provisions among the citizens.  Stores are closed and business is entirely suspended.  Secessionists are leaving with their stock and negroes and following the Confederate army.

Geo. T. Lewis, proprietor of the Cumberland rolling mills, burned by the gunboat St. Louis, and who was brought to Cairo a prisoner of war, to-day took the oath of allegiance and was released upon parole. – He leaves for Fort Donelson and home this afternoon, and expresses the utmost gratitude for the humane treatment received and returns a confirmed Unionist.  He has been under charge of Col. Murphy, of the 9th Wisconsin, while at Cairo.

Walker Tyler, nephew of ex-President Tyler, was among the rebels at Fort Donelson.  He was wounded, and escaped afterwards.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

From Tennessee

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26.

A Fort Donelson Dispatch to the Democrat of yesterday, says that a boat just from Clarksville reports the evacuation of Nashville.  The Union citizens of that place sent a boat to Clarksville, which craved one of our gunboats for their protections.

The rebels, with Gov. Harris, retreated to Murfreesboro.

Gen. Grant Declares martial law in West Tennessee, with the understanding that when a sufficient number of citizens of the State return to their allegiance and show a desire to maintain law and order over the territory, all military restrictions shall be withdrawn.  Postal facilities are extended to Clarksville, and the mail bags will follow the flag.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Additional from Fort Donelson

FT. DONELSON via CAIRO, Feb. 17.

Two more regiments were captured to-day, and the rest of the entrenchments, and a number of troops have come in and gave themselves up.

About 12,000 stand of small arms have been taken.  Many of the rebel troops destroyed their arms, and large numbers were thrown in the river.

There are two water batteries – the upper one with the heavy rifled 32-pounders, two 32 lb carronades; the lower contains eight 32- pounders and one 10-inch columbiad, mounted on embrasures.

Two thousand bbls. of flour and twelve hundred boxes of beef with a large amount of other provisions were captured.

All of to-day has been occupied in embarking prisoners and gathering up stores of munitions and burying the dead.  There are a great number of dead rebels still unburied, as it has been thrown upon our men to do.

Capt. Logan, aid to Gen. Grant, goes to Clarksville to-morrow under flag of truce, with the bodies of two Colonels, and to effect an exchange of our wounded prisoners who have been sent to Nashville.

Gen. Grant received the official notice last night of the creation of a new military district – the district of Western Tennessee, – of which he is appointed commander, with headquarters at Fort Donelson.

Gen. Grant’s staff remains at present, with Maj. W. W. Leland attached as chief of commissary.

Ashland’s cavalry and Willard’s battery suffered no loss in killed.  Taylor’s battery acted nobly and was charged on five times on Sunday evening, every time repulsing the enemy with great slaughter.

Among the killed are the following officers: Capt. Wilson, Lieuts. Marsh, Sheats, Howell and Monroe of the 8th Ills.; Capt. Shaw, Sergt. Bendard of the 19th; Adjt. Kirkpatrick of the 30th.

Cols. John A. Logan, M. K. Lawler and Lt. Col. Ransam are but slightly wounded.

Maj. Post, who was reported killed was wounded and taken prisoner.

Capt. J. S. Slaymaker, of the 2d Iowa, was killed.

The Confirmation of Gen. C. F. Smith was received with great satisfaction by the soldiers.  His gallant charge of Saturday has made him deservedly popular among his men.

Gen. S. A. Hurlburt (sic) reported for duty to Gen. Grant this evening and has been assigned a division.

It is currently reported that Gov. Harris of Tenn., has ordered all Tennessee to lay down their arms.

The greatest indignation exists among the prisoners against Pillow and Floyd.

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 17.

The great fire, which was seen up the river from this point last night, was the burning fo the Tennessee rolling mills, some four miles from here, by our gunboats.  The works have been used by the rebels for the manufacture of shot and shell, and other materials of war.  It was an extensive concern.

Our soldiers have been engaged to-day in burying the dead on the battlefield.  The rebel dead will also be decently interred.  The spectacle on the field is a horrible one.

Gen. Grant has promulgated the most stringent orders against plundering from inhabitants, and also against stealing property taken in battle, all of which belongs to the government.

Before surrendering the rebels threw all their late mails into the river.   Col. Markland, U. S. Postal Director, succeeded, however, in seizing a number of mail bags and some outside letters, supposed to contain important information.

Floyd’s brigade when taking their departure threw their arms into the river to prevent them from falling into our hands, as they expected to be caught by our gunboats.  Their arms were Minie rifles of the best kind.  The crews of our gun-boats are now engaged in fishing them out of the river.

Capt. Dickson, the rebel chief of artillery and the engineer who constructed the fortifications here, was killed in the bombardment of Friday in one of his own batteries.  He is represented to have been a superior officer, and a great strength of the fortifications here attest the truth of this representation.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 20, 1862, p. 1

Horrible Murder

From the Knoxville Register.

“This community was inexpressibly shocked to-day by intelligence of the murder of Gen. Wm. R. Casswell, by some unknown fiend, near his residence, some six miles east of this city.  The only particulars we have of the affair is that he was found about half a mile from his own home with his throat cut.  His servants report that they saw him struggling with some one in the road, but before they could reach him life was extinct and the murderer fled.  Immediately upon receipt of the intelligence here a party of our citizens mounted horses and started out to scour the country in search of the assassin.

The General was in the city yesterday and interchanged greetings with numerous friends.

Gen. C. was about 51 or 52 years of age.  He was one of the most universally esteemed and respected of our citizens.  Perhaps no man who occupied as prominent a position as a public man ever enjoyed more personal popularity.  Affable in his demeanor to everyone, kind and generous and upright and just in all his transactions.  It is remarkable that he should have an enemy so desperate a character as his slayer must have been.  The affair is as inexplicable as horrible.

Gen. Caswell was a distinguished soldier, having served through the Mexican campaign.  He was one of the earliest in this city to embrace the cause of the South at the breaking out of the war.  He was appointed by Gov. Harris a Brigadier in the State service, and commanded the forces rendez-voused here until they were turned over to the Confederate Government when he returned to private life.

P. S.  Passengers by the train last night from above say the report at McMillans station was that Gen. Caswell had been assassinated by a party of men, who fired upon him from the woods, and after he had fallen from his horse, rushed upon him and mangled him with their knives.  A company of cavalry has been sent out to search for the perpetrators.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 3