XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, March 6.

SENATE. – Mr. Harris presented a petition in favor of conferring the rank of Major General on Gen. John E. Wool.  He also presented a petition in favor of the emancipation of slaves.

Messrs. Harlan and Collamer also presented petitions in favor of emancipating slaves.

Mr. Fessenden, from the committee of finance, reported back the P. O. appropriation bill without amendment.

Mr. Collamer, from the P. O. committee reported back the postal money order bill.

Mr. Hale, from the naval committee, reported on a joint resolution, tendering the thanks of Congress to Com. Goldsboro, his officers and seamen, for their gallant conduct at Roanoke Island.  Adopted.

On motion of Mr. Sherman the bill in relation to the pay of members of congress was taken up.  The amendment was adopted, making the mileage of member of 20 cents per mile.  The bill, as reported, allowed 10 cents per mile.  After some discussion, at 1 o’clock the Senate went into executive session.

HOUSE. – Mr. Buffinton introduced a bill authorizing the appointment of two Inspector Generals.  Referred to committee on military affairs.

Mr. Aldrich repoted a bill to increase the medical efficiency of the army.

The House concurred in the report of the conference committee on the disagreeing amendments to the joint resolution providing for the payment of the claims growing out of the military operations in the Western department.

The House then took up the Senate bill providing for the organization of the staffs attached to the divisions of the U. S. regular and volunteer service.

Mr. Blair, of Mo., explained that the bill proposed no increase of the army, but allowed certain officers to be detailed for staff duty.  The passage of the measure was deemed essential by military officers.

Mr. McPherson opposing the bill said it would increase the staff of every division, and proportionately the expense.  Under present circumstances the President can increase the staff of any division, when an emergency requires it.

After further debate the bill, as amended, was passed.

The Speaker laid before the House a message from President Lincoln, suggesting the passage of a joint resolution providing for the co-operation with any State for the abolition of slavery with pecuniary compensation.  The president proposes this as an initiative step, predicting important practical results therefrom.

On motion of Mr. Stevens the bill was referred to the committee of the whole.

The house went into committee of the whole on the bill regulating the franking privilege.

Mr. Perry spoke in opposition to extreme anti-slavery measures.  This was a time for the exhibition of patriotism, and defense of the Union.  He was at a loss to see how it was necessary to set the slaves free as an ally in the suppression of the rebellion.  This was not a war for the destruction of the South, but for the restoration of the respect everywhere to the authority of the government.  Behind the dark clouds of the rebellion the sky of the Union was clear and bright, and the stars were sparkling in all beauty.  Soon it would be that the dark cloud would pass away, and one by one the stars would reappear in all their glory, and the people would thank God they were all there.

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

Charlie Comly

The good-natured face of the gentleman, whose name is above mentioned, will be remembered by many of our citizens from having served in the capacity of “local” to this paper, some two or three years since.  It will also be recollected that Charlie was taken prisoner after a hard fight – “the only man who did fight,” said the enemy – at Chickamacomico last summer.  We had understood that he had been sent with other prisoners to South Carolina, but this proves to be an error.  In a letter to his mother; received a few days since, he says that he is still at Richmond, and has been treated in all respects as a gentleman.  This may be so, but still as his letter had to be inspected before being mailed, perhaps it was policy for him to disguise his real situation.  As Charlie is a citizen of Iowa, by virtue of several years’ residence here, Senator Harlan has promised to intercede for his exchange and we may expect ere long to hear of him again fighting for the maintenance of the Union.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 17, 1862, p. 1

First Session - 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 6., - HOUSE. – The resolution declaring F. F. Lowe not entitled to a seat from California, was adopted.

The Pacific Railroad and Telegraph bill was then passed by a majority of 30.

The Virginia contested election case came up and a resolution was passed admitting Mr. Segur to a seat from the 1st District.

The Nebraska contested seat was taken up.


SENATE. – A general debate ensued in referring to confiscation bill to a special committee.

Mr. FESSENDEN, from the Committee on Finance, reported the tax bill with amendments.

Mr. McDOUGAL offered a substitute therefore, embodying the views of the Board of Trade of Boston and the Chamber of commerce of New York on the subject.

On Motion of Mr. SUMNER, 3,000 copies were ordered to be printed.

Mr. SIMMONS expressed dissent from some features of the bill, as reported.

The confiscation bill was resumed, and after debate, Mr. CLARK’S motion to refer it to a special committee of nine was agreed to, 24 against 14.

Executive session – adjourned.


WASHINGTON, May 7. – SENATE – Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution for the expulsion of Mr. Starke of Oregon.

Mr. KENNEDY, presented petitions from the citizens of Maryland asking for the immediate repeal of the law abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia and the determent of the fugitive slave law. Also a petition of W. R. Bowen asking for compensation for a slave who was appropriated to the military service of the Government.

Mr. FESSENDEN, from the Committee on Finance, reported a bill making appropriations to reimburse the sinking fund of the officers of the Secretary of the Treasury, and for temporary clerks of 1856. Passed. Also the House bill to provide for the deficiency for payment of troops in the Western Department. The bill appropriates over $30,000,000.

Mr. GRIMES asked how many men were in the army.

Mr. WILSON, of Mass., thought that there was from 500,000 to 520,000. He could not say exactly.

Mr. TRUMBULL thought it rather hasty legislation to attempt to pass a bill like this. It would be better to wait till the bill was printed.

Mr. FESSENDEN said the bill was printed and had been on the table three weeks.

Mr. TRUMBULL said it was the House bill that was on the table and that the bill just reported was from the Committee this morning. – He thought we ought not to appropriate the people’s money carelessly.

Mr. FESSENDEN said this was the manner of appropriating which had long been pursued. The Finance Committee could not know all things. How many men were in the army, the Department cannot tell exactly. No more of the appropriation will be used than is absolutely needed, and it is a perfectly safe way of making the appropriation. If the Senator was so careful he would examine into these facts. There was no foundation for anything like a general splurge against the Finance Committee for carelessness in making appropriations.

Mr. WILSON, of Mass., claimed that it was absolutely impossible for the Department to keep a strict account of the exact number in the army regiments. They were continually changing and loosing men by disease, &c., and the Department cannot at any moment tell the precise number.

Mr. GRIMES thought if the officers of the army were obliged to make proper returns promptly this difficulty would be obviated. The bill was laid over.

Mr. FESSENDEN, from the Committee of Finance also reported the House bill to provide increased revenue. Passed.

Mr. WILSON, of Mass. Sent to the Clerk’s desk dispatches from Gen. McClellan concerning the occupation of Williamsburg, also a dispatch from Gen. Hortsuff.

Mr. FESSENDEN offered a resolution that the Committee of Commerce inquire whether any legislation is necessary in relation to vessel belonging to loyal citizens heretofore which had been seized and confiscated by the rebels and recaptured at New Orleans and other places. – Adopted.

Mr. SAULSBURY objected to its present consideration, and Mr. Sumner’s resolution to expel Mr. Stark. It was laid over.

Mr. McDOUGAL from the Naval Committee reported a bill fro the relief of Capt. D G. Farrugat [sic]. The bill authorizes the payment of advances made by him while in California. It passed.

A committee from the House appeared and impeached Judge Humphreys of Tennessee.

The President said the Senate would take proper order in the premises.

The Senate disagreed to the House amendments to the Georgia Railroad, and a committee of Conference was appointed.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., introduced a bill from the appointment of military store-keepers.

The bill to limit the number of Brigadier and Major Generals, was debated without action

The following is the Select Committee on the Confiscation bill: Clarke, chairman, Collamer, Harlan, Cowan, Wilson, Harris, Herman, Henderson and Willey. Adjourned.


HOUSE. – The Secretary in response to a resolution of the House calling for regimental and brigade reports of the battle of Shiloh, says that Gen. Grant’s is the only one received up to the 2d inst.

The Speaker has appointed Representatives Bingham and Pendleton to present to the Senate the thumping impeachment question alluded to yesterday in the reports of the House Proceedings.

Mr. ELLIOT, from the committee on Commerce, reported a bill establishing a port of entry and delivery in the collection district of Beaufort, South Carolina, at or near Hilton Head, to be called the Port of Port Royal, providing for the appointment of a Collector at a salary of $1,500 per annum, and for weighers, guagers, &c.

Mr. ELLIOT remarked that a letter from the Secretary had been sent to the committee stating the importance of this measure. The bill passed.

Mr. CRISFIELD ceased to be read the resolution of the Maryland legislature, appropriating $10,000 for the relief of the families of those of the Massachusetts 6th, who suffered by the 19th of April riot in Baltimore, and the responses of the Massachusetts Legislature, in acknowledgement of the generous sympathies, and kind fraternal feelings they exhibited, which should always prevail among the States of the Union.

Mr. CRISFIELD said the proceedings afforded some sign of a restoration of peaceful relations while we were receiving accounts of the glorious success of our arms.

The House resumed the consideration of the Nebraska contested election case.

Considerable debate ensued, participated in by Mr. Morton, the contestant, who argued his right to the seat now held by Mr. Daily.

Mr. DAILY supported his claim to the seat.

Both parties contended that the other had resorted to fraudulent voting.

Mr. DAWES replied to Mr. Voorhees speech of yesterday.

Mr. WASHBURNE moved to table the whole subject. Carried, 64 to [38]. This vote retains Daily in his seat. Adjourned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 10, 1862, p. 3

Death of Mr. Harlan’s Child

We deeply sympathize with Senator Harlan in the affliction he as sustained in the loss of a beautiful little daughter. It was our melancholy allotment to sustain the same bereavement a twelvemonth since, and our heart is yet softened beneath the terrible affliction, and alive to the kindred sorrows of others. A correspondent of the Hawkeye thus alludes to the death of the little daughter of Mr. Harlan: –

“The family of one of our Senators – Mr. Harlan – are at present in deep affliction. A beautiful promising daughter of some six years old has been suddenly stricken down by a mysterious disease. In the very height of health and bloom of beauty, when no concern, no thought of danger was entertained, the Destroyer claimed her for his own. So sudden, so strange was her sickness and her death, that even in the last moments of dissolution her parents could not realize that she was in danger, and only after the pulse had ceased to beat and the bosom to heave, did the painful truth come home to them. The funeral occurs today. The body, still fresh and beautiful as in life, has been embalmed and will be ultimately laid in the soil of Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 14, 1862, p. 2

James Harlan

JAMES HARLAN was born in Clarke County, Illinois, August 26, 1820. His father removed to Park County, Indiana, three years later where the son was reared on a farm. He graduated at Asbury University in 1845. In 1846 Mr. Harlan located at Iowa City where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. In 1847 he was nominated by the Whig party for Superintendent of Public Instruction and was elected over Charles Mason, the Democratic candidate. In 1840, at the Whig State Convention, Mr. Harlan was nominated for Governor but not being eligible on account of youth, he declined, and another candidate was named by the State Central Committee. In 1853 he was chosen president of the Wesleyan University at Mount Pleasant. At the session of the Fifth General Assembly in 1855, after a long and exciting contest for election of United States Senator, the Whigs and Free Soil members united upon Mr. Harlan and, casting their votes for him, he was declared elected for six years to succeed General Dodge. His election was contested in the Senate and the seat was declared vacant, in 1857. The Legislature being in session, Mr. Harlan was promptly reelected. In 1861 he was elected for a second term of six years. In March, 1865, he was invited to a seat in the Cabinet of President Lincoln as Secretary of the Interior but did not enter upon the duties of the position until May 15, when he resigned his seat in the Senate. In the meantime the President had been assassinated and was succeeded by Andrew Johnson. In September, Mr. Harlan resigned his seat in the Cabinet and in January, 1866, was again elected to the Senate for six years. During his long service in the Senate Mr. Harlan became one of the foremost leaders of the Republican party. Serving during all of the years in which the momentous issues of slavery, secession, rebellion and reconstruction were absorbing the profound attention of the ablest statesmen of America, he was called upon to assist in solving the most difficult problems that have arisen since the formation of our Government and was equal to the occasion. How wisely and ably he and his colleagues guided the Nation through its imminent dangers is recorded in history. Among the foremost statesmen of that period the name of James Harlan will always stand conspicuous. During the administration of President Grant, Senators Sunmer and Schurz, who were among the great leaders of the Republican party for many years, became alienated from the President and organized an opposition in the Senate which assailed the Administration and its chief measures, with great bitterness. President Grant had negotiated a treaty with the government of San Domingo, by which that island desired to be annexed to the United States on favorable terms to our Nation. Sumner, Schurz and a few other Senators dominated by their influence, formed a combination which was strong enough to defeat the ratification of the treaty. In a studied speech Sumner assailed President Grant personally in one of the most abusive speeches ever delivered in the Senate, in connection with this treaty. Senator Harlan in a calm, able and statesmanlike address, made a masterly reply in vindication of President Grant and his patriotic services to the country in civil and military affairs, and the wisdom of the policy that would have given to the Nation one of the most important and productive islands of the West Indies. This speech of the senior Iowa Senator made a profound impression upon the country and Europe and placed him in the front rank of patriotic American statesmen. As his third term drew to a close, a powerful movement was organized by the northern half of the State (which had long been unrepresented in the Senate) to secure the election of a member living in that section. William B. Allison was the candidate united upon and in the Republican caucus he was nominated over Mr. Harlan and elected. Senator Harlan had for nearly eighteen years served as the colleague of such eminent statesmen as Seward, Douglas, Sumner, Fessenden, Edmunds, Bayard, Jefferson Davis, Mason, Grimes and Henry Wilson. He was a trusted adviser of Presidents Lincoln and Grant. His knowledge of the affairs of government was unsurpassed. As a public speaker he was calm, deliberate, logical and impressive. After his retirement to private life, Mr. Harlan was, from 1882 to 1885, the Presiding Judge of the Alabama Claims Commission. He was one of the commissioners who erected the Iowa Soldiers' Monument. His last act in a public capacity was presiding at the laying of the corner-stone of the Iowa Hall of History, May 17, 1899. He died at Mount Pleasant on the 6th of October of the same year.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 118-9

Hon. James Harlan . . .

. . . passed through this city on Monday evening, on his way to his home in Mt. Pleasant. Mrs. Harlan and Mrs. Fales have gone to the Pittsburg battlefield to render assistance to the wounded. They will take charge of any articles which may be sent for the use to the hospitals.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 1