Charles A. Dana to James S. Pike, March 3, 1860

New York, March 3.

My Dear Pike: I reckon that rumor lies this time too. I don't know, of course; but I should need to have strong evidence to make me believe those letters were puffs for lobby use. However, if there is any proof let us have it.

I wish you would come back and go to work here again. Horace rather sweats under the toil, and cries for help now and then. You might as well stay here till the first of June as not.

Yours faithfully,

C. A. Dana.

SOURCE: James Shepherd Pike, First Blows of the Civil War: The Ten Years of Preliminary Conflict in the United States from 1850 to 1860, p. 500

James S. Porter

James S. Porter, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was the fifth Major, and was appointed on March 23, 1865, being promoted from Captain of Company D, to which position he had arisen from that of Private in that Company. He was a conscientious, faithful and brave officer, and a thoroughly loveable man. As a company commander he was what is represented by the words "level headed." He shirked no duty and always did it well. And his commanding officer never left his society without feeling that he had learned something in patience, good manners and solid sense. He was a man who knew what his duty was, and did it without questioning. And though no words ever passed his lips which could be called profane, he seemed to rise to the occasion when there was work to do, and other men did the swearing. He was a true soldier and was always ready. He lives at Ewing, Nebraska, and now, as when in service, is beloved by all who know him.

George Pomutz was the first Adjutant. His history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 39