The numerous friends of . . .

. . . Captain J. S. Slaymaker will be gratified to know that Mr. J. B. Rouse has just completed a splendid crayon portrait of him.  The likeness is excellent.  It can be seen for a few days at Mr. Rouse’s room, No. 3 Burrows Block, Front street.

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

A Brave Boy

An incident is related of young Spellitich, at Fort Donelson, a member of Co. C, and a son of Mr. Felix Spellitich, of this county, that ought to be recorded.  When our forces arrived at the entrenchments he clambered on top, stopped there, took off his overcoat, laid it down, then his under coat, laid that down deliberately, put his ammunition on top of the pile, then stood and coolly took aim at the enemy.  Each time, when about to fire, he would say “You scoundrel, you shot my captain,” or words to that effect, and every time he pulled the trigger an enemy bit the dust.  Seeing his dangerous position, exposed as the boy was, a prominent object for the enemy’s marksmen, Lieut. Bing ordered him down, but he either didn’t hear, or didn’t want to, and kept on blazing away as if the fate of the army depended on his maintaining his position.  When he came down, he was entirely unharmed.  Young Spellitich is about nineteen years old, and is a native of Hungary.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Public Meeting

In accordance with the call of the finance committee, a small number of the contributors to the Soldiers’ relief fund met at the Le Claire House.  The chairman of the committee stated the object of the meeting, which was to take some action with regard to certain bills which have been presented to the finance committee for telegraphing.

Mr. Campbell stated what the bills were. – One lot consisted of expenses incurred by Mr. C. H. Eldridge, as Secretary of the former meeting, in telegraphing in reference to the whereabouts of the wounded; the other of those of the committee to bring home the remains of Capt. Slaymaker.  The former amounted to about $34; the latter to about $10.  These the committee had declined to pay without further instructions.  An animated discussion arose as to the propriety of allowing Mr. Eldridge’s bills, a number of persons participating.  It was eventually decided to sustain the committee, but to reimburse Mr. Eldridge by additional subscriptions.  The claim of the other committee, it was understood, would be allowed by the finance committee.  The meeting then adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Further Particulars of the Fight

The following letter has been a long time in reaching us, but as it contanins some particulars not given both other correspondents, we publish it:

FT. DONELSON, Tenn., Feb. 18.

ED. GAZETTE:  The standard of the second Iowa floats from the highest turret of Fort Donelson, though it has been done at the cost of some of the best blood of Iowa.

On Saturday the 15^th of Feb., Fort Donelson was surrounded by fifty thousand troops, which were drawn out in a semi-circular line around the battlements, which included within their limits some three thousand acres of ground.  The work of surrounding such a vast military enclosure was attended by difficulties which I have no power to describe – dense woods to be cleared, roads to be cut through, hills to be surmounted, valleys crossed, and an immense amount of cannon and military goods to be transported across the country.  But all these were executed with an energy and determination which was an earnest of our ultimate success.

On the 14^th, the 2d Iowa, together with some fifteen other regiments, landed about five miles below the fort, and immediately marched across the country, and took positions in the line.  The 2d Iowa was stationed on the extreme left wing.  About 9 o’clock in the morning, the gunboats commenced firing shell and round ball into the fort.  At the same time the right wing opened fire with light artillery and musketry.

The enemy fought bravely, and repulsed our troops with the great slaughter.  They charged upon one of our batteries, and carried one piece within their breast-works, when suddenly our forces made a rush towards their fortifications, and in the face of a most tremendous fire recaptured the piece, and brought it back in triumph to the battery.  The enemy then withdrew within their entrenchments, and the firing ceased for the night.  In the meantime the heavy siege guns of the fort had silenced our gunboats, and as the night closed around us the fortifications were not yet entered, and a hundred or more brave boys lay dead upon the field, and we began to think anxiously upon the events of the morrow.

That night the whole line, some three miles long, lay upon their arms.  The night was extremely cold, the ground was wet from the recent melting of snow, and everything conspired to make our position uncomfortable.  What transpired among our officers in command that night I know not, but there is reason to believe there were some grave consultations.  Gen. Smith was reported to have said that they would enter the breast-works the next day if he lost every man in his brigade.

Early next morning the right wing again commenced skirmishing, through to little effect.  Our forces on the left were beginning to be impatient of waiting and eager to be doing their share of the work, when suddenly Gen. Smith and Col. Lauman rode up and commanded the extreme left to prepare for action.  Our regiment sprang to their arms, and were soon in line of battle.  Every face beamed with joy and hope, and as Gen. Smith rode by he was greeted with cheers from the Iowa Second, when the General raised his hat and said, “Boys, there has got to be a desperate charge made, and I shall depend upon the Iowa Second to do it; now boys, show what you are made of.”  When he had finished, Col. Lauman (acting Brigadier General) waved his sword and said, “Boys, remember Belmont.”  We were ordered to take the breastworks at the point of the bayonet, and the regiment moved forward on quick time.  The road we were to travel was up a steep hill covered with fallen trees and brush, which the enemy had strewn there to impede our progress.  The boys rushed forward like mad men, yelling and shouting “forward boys, we will soon be in the breastworks.”

What difficulties we encountered in ascending that hill I cannot describe; our line was broken by the trees and brush, so that the left wing of the regiment was several paces in advance of the right.  The enemy did not open fire upon us until we were within a few paces of their breastworks.  The two companies from Davenport were first to climb the works and enter, when they were met by a tremendous volley of balls from the 2^nd Kentucky.  Then commenced the work of carnage; the balls whistled by our ears, and one by one, in quick succession, our brave comrades fell around us.  Our brave Captain turned to his company and, waving is sword shouted “Forward, boys! forward!”  The words had scarcely escaped his lips, when he was pierced through the groin by a rifle ball, and fell dead before his company.  His last words were “Forward, boys! forward!”  Soon after Capt. Cloutman, of Co. K, fell dead, pierced through the head.  Our company was maddened by the sight of their dead Captain, and sent volley after volley of musketry at the enemy who fled before us.  The firing continued some three quarters of an hour.  The rest of the brigade came up to reinforce us, though their movements were not as rapid as we could have wished.  After we had driven the enemy far within their works, we rallied behind the breastwork, and the artillery came up to our support.  When the breastworks were secured we commenced the heart-sickening work of carrying off the wounded from the field.  As we bore off our brave young Captain the boys gave vent to their feelings in tears of anguish, which showed how dearly they loved him.  You will be furnished with a list of the killed and wounded as soon as it can be made out.

Next morning, after some consultation, the fort was surrendered unconditionally, and the Second Iowa marched in at the head of the whole column of sixty thousand troops, and planted our colors on the highest battlements.

I intended to write more but the boat starts in a few moments.

I remain yours, &c.,

CHARLIE HILDRETH.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2

An adjourned meeting of . . .

the finance committee for the relief of the sick and wounded soldiers was held March 1st, 1862.  Present, R. Lowrey, H. N. Powers, W. Burris, H. Sickles.  The following bills were allowed and paid:  Bill of Messrs. John L. Swits, D. S. Ture and John L. Davies, citizens’ committee, for interment of Capt. J. S. Slaymaker’s body:

Express Charges	$28.00
[Music]	$16.00
Undertaker	$9.00
Horse Hire	$1.50 -- $55.00
Luse, Lane & co., to printing of circulars	$1.00
L. G. Center, on account of services rendered	$12.00

H. LISCHER, Secretary

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

Honor to the Brave

Col. Lauman commanding the brigade that stormed Fort Donelson, prefaces his official report, of which we publish the list of killed and wounded, of the Iowa 7^th, and 14^th regiments – having already published the official list of the gallant 2d regiment – with the following tribute to officers under his command:

“Captains Slaymaker and Cloutman fell just as they entered the enemy’s fortifications.  Cloutman was instantly killed and Slaymaker died gallantly shouting to hi men to go forward and consummate the work.

“It would afford me much pleasure to particularize the various instances of personal bravery displayed on the occasion by officers under my command, but all behaved so well it would be invidious to particularize, but I cannot refrain from Mentioning in this connection, the bravery of Col. Tuttle, Lieut.-Col. Baker, and Major Chipman, (who received a severe wound in the thigh) of the Iowa Second; Col. Veatch and Lieut. Col. Morgan of the Indiana 25^th, and Col Shaw, of the Iowa 14^th; also, Lieut. Col. Parrott and Major Rice, who led the Iowa 7^th, and to whom I return my warmest acknowledgements for the gallant manner in which they led their regiment in the engagement on the 13^th and 15^th. – They did all that men possibly could do, and will sustained the reputation of the Iowa 7^th.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 1, 1862, p. 2

Capt. Slaymaker's death . . .

. . . we are informed, was caused in a singular manner.  A bullet struck his pocket knife, in his left pocket, shivered it to pieces and drove the blade into his body, so that it and not the bullet severed the artery, the rupture of which caused his death.  Pieces of the knife were found in his wallet.

                                                                   

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

From The Iowa 2d Regiment

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,

Feb. 20 1862

EDITOR GAZETTE:– Last Thursday morning we found ourselves on the Cumberland river slowly approaching the scene of contest.  At ten o’clock we stopped to wood.  Col. Tuttle said “come boys” and in a moment a lively scene presented itself as officers and men all turned out to prevent our being delayed while wooding.  We all feared we would be too late to participate.  In a few moments we were on our way up the narrow deep stream, the trees on the bank putting forth their buds in the warm sunshine.  We thought we had seen the last of cold weather this winter.

Thursday night we arrived at our destination and felt grateful that we were allowed to remain on board till morning, as it had stormed, rained and snowed and frozen up in a manner that would have done credit to an Iowa climate.  We marched at once to the left wing of the assailing army, taking two days rations and leaving our knapsacks and blankets aboard the McGill.  You that have seen the cold blustering weather of Iowa can imagine our reflections as we flocked around our fires?  We had no axes and could not find much loose wood.  All night long it snowed and blowed and we bade sleep good-bye.  We were half frozen, and in the best kind of a humor to hurt somebody.

The next day passed gloomily away till about one o’clock when Col. Lauman and Gen. Smith appeared and the order was given to “fall in.”  We were informed that it was expected that the left wing of the 2d Iowa should take the outer works at a charge bayonet without firing a shot.

The order was given and we marched out in an open field and ranged in line of battle for the breastworks, half a mile distant.  We kept a good line until we were half way up the hill to the breastworks.  Here the timber had been felled and formed an almost impassible obstacle to a line of infantry.  Their fire opened upon us, when the boys rushed forward over logs and through the brush up the hill in a manner that would have given a gymnast credit.  Their fire was well aimed and took effect on many of our brave comrades.  George Howell, of company C, was the first to fall, and others followed rapidly.  Capt. Slaymaker fell some 25 yards from the breastworks and died most gloriously, flourishing his sword over his head as he raised upon his elbow, cheering his men forward, telling them to “Charge, Charge, go on, go on, give it to them,” until he expired.  Not for one moment did the column falter, but on they rushed leaping over their dying comrades regardless of their sufferings, of danger, of every thing but the  success of our arms.  Revolving rifles poured a shower of bullets into our ranks by direct and flank fire, from behind their embankments.  In fifteen minutes from the time we had the order to fall in our men were over the works, fighting a hand to hand fight with the few of the enemy that dared brave our bayonets.  The right wing soon came up and fired at us after we had carried their embankments.  Other regiments followed, but as we were in the advance I cannot tell anything of them.  Lieut. Holmes fell on the inside of the breastwork while in advance of the men and was carried from the field.  Sergeant Doolittle fell while gallantly carrying the colors with the advance.  Corporal of company I, raised the banner to support it but a moment, when he fell.  Corporal of company F, grasped it and raising it aloft, feeling at the time that he was sealing his death warrant.  It was a courageous action in one so young to hold his life so cheaply.

In a few moments the enemy had retreated through the woods to an inner work. – Some of the bravest lingered and fired from behind trees.  Numbers of men and officers had fallen.  We were reforming one line when Gen Smith. Came up and told the men, “that we could go through,” and asked if we would go.  He was answered by cheers, and away we went on the run across the hollow to the top of the next hill.  Here we halted and opened a fire on them taking aim and picking off the rebels from behind the trees.  The Col. was stunned by a cannon ball.  Maj. Chipman had been wounded in the beginning of the engagement and the few remaining officers could not control the men if they had wished to. – The enemy had adopted the Indian style of fighting, and the 2d soon convinced them that that was a game that was understood by all parties.

No one is conscious of such music as we heard that day, except those who have been on the battle field.  The cannon ball, grape shot, Minnie ball and musket ball, each as a tone of its own.  Not for a moment did it cease, and many a note was sounded much closer to our ears than was agreeable.  Yet all were cool, loading and firing with precision.  Men fell dead without a groan while their comrades fought on as if it were an every day affair.  Lieut. Bing held his ear close to a soldier’s mouth to hear what he had to say, a Minnie ball whistled between them, cutting the Lieut’s hair.  The sentence remained unfinished.  The artillery was brought up and our men were withdrawn to the breastworks, while our cannon opened on their batteries. – Then we carried off our noble Capt.

We held our position till night when hostilities ceased.  The 2d remained all night and thought that that was the severest part of our work.  All needed sleep, but there we stood, no supper and shivered and stamped our feet all night long.  It was a beautiful night, with the full moon in a clear sky, but so cold that our whiskers were gray with white frost and filled with ice.  It was a long night, but not for a moment would we think of leaving what had cost us so dear.  Our left wing made the charge.  We alone had driven them from their works and held them until reinforcements could be brought up.

The 7th Iowa, 14th Iowa, 25th Indiana, and 52d Illinois were on hand, but the enemy did not attempt to make a charge on us.  Our presence, after one bayonet charge, was all that was required to hold the position.  The enemy was completely discouraged.  Sunday morning we prepared to try the next fortress, having replenished our cartridge-boxes.  Cheer after cheer went up from the enemy’s camp.  Far away over the hills we heard their shouts, and supposed that reinforcements had forced through the lines above us to their relief.  Judge of our surprise when an officer came, as fast as his horse could run, shouting, “They have surrendered!”  Shout after shout went up as he passed, loud enough to wake the dead.  Would that it had but for a moment, that they might know that they were not sacrificed for Liberty’s cause in vain.  What joy filled our hearts when we were ordered to lead the army into the fort, and plant our banner on its ramparts.  It was a greater honor than we had dared hope to win; and when we beheld it flying aloft of their white flag, we experienced the greatest pleasure imaginable.  The Confederates appeared joyous, and received us with cheers, and as we filed back past our troops, regiment after regiment cheered for the 2d Iowa.

Sunday night we slept soundly in the log huts within the fort.  Our killed all died in a few moments, with the exception of Capt. Slaymaker, all were buried on the battle-field, on the top of the hill.  Their graves are marked by a board, bearing name, camp, and regiment.  Our men all died bravely.  Not a shriek nor groan mingled with the din of battle.  They dying quietly expired, and the wounded were borne from the field without the least exhibition of their great suffering.  Their bravery detracted much from the horrors of the scene.  It was not like the many descriptions of battles that I have read.  But for the pools of blood we might have supposed our comrades were sleeping.

Sunday morning I for a few moments left the company as they stood on the breastworks, and strolled over the battle ground.  It wanted some hours of day and the full moon shone peacefully upon the [corpses].  I have read of the glaring eyes and gaping mouth of dead soldiers, but here lay my friends asleep; the eyes are closed, the mouth retains its natural position.  This is not like the dead of our homestead.  I could not but kneel by some of those that I thought must still be alive, but their foreheads were cold; they slept the sleep that knows no waking.  There in the silent repose lay friend and foe side by side.

One of the rebels, a religious character, saw their fire take deadly effect on our little band of 300 men, saw them rush boldly into what appeared certain death.  His heart failed him and he was convinced that they were in the right or they would not face death in that manner.  He surrendered, when he might have escaped.  While planting our flag on the fort a negro remarked to his master, “Why massa, you said these ar’ folks is Yankees and they jes looks like you is.” From what he had heard he supposed we were men in the form of demons.  We have possession of Clarksville, and the 2d will move their [sic] tomorrow.

N. A. H.,

Company C, 2d Iowa.

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

Funeral of Capt. Slaymaker

As we mentioned yesterday, the body of the lamented Capt. Slaymaker arrived on the train from the East on Wednesday evening.  It was conveyed to the residence of Mr. H. Y. Slaymaker, where it was visited yesterday by friends and citizens.  The remains were incased in an elegant metallic coffin.  The plate bore the inscription:

CAPT. J. S. SLAYMAKER

Company C,

SECOND IOWA REGIMENT,

Killed while gallantly leading his Company in the

charge on the fortifications at the

siege of Fort Donelson,

FEB. 15, 1862.

At 2 o’clock the remains arrived at St. Luke’s Church, and were brought in and deposited in front of the chancel.  A company of the 16th regiment, under Captain Smith, numbering one hundred men, formed the escort.

The beautiful burial service of the Episcopal church was then read, Rev. Mr. Powers officiating, assisted by Bishop Lee and Rev. Mr. Judd.  Mr. Powers made a few feeling and impressive remarks on the character and virtues of the dead, speaking of him as a friend, a parishioner, a Christian, and a patriot.  After the exercises at the church were concluded, the body was reconveyed to the hearse, the funeral procession formed, and the remains taken to its resting place, Oakdale Cemetery, where another brave soldier sleeps his last sleep, and where, it is hoped, all our lost heroes may be gathered together.

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

Arrival Of Capt. Slaymaker's Body

The body of Capt. J. S. Slaymaker arrived last evening on the eastern train.  It will be conveyed to its last resting place this afternoon.  The following is the

ORDER OF THE FUNERAL.

The Funeral obsequies of the late Capt. Jonathan Smith Slaymaker, of the Iowa 2d, who fell while bravely leading his command in the storming of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, on the 15th inst., will take place from St. Luke’s Church, Thursday, Feb. 27th, (this day) at 2 o’clock P. M.

The body seats will be reserved for the immediate friends of the deceased and the military.  Seats for the clergy will be provided in the chancel.

The services will be conducted by the Rev. H. N. Powers, assisted by Rt. Rev. H. W. Lee, D. D.

After exercises at the church, the remains will be conveyed to Oakdale Cemetery, under an escort from the 16th regiment, followed by friends and citizens in procession.

Carriages will be in attendance at the church for the returned soldiers of the Iowa 2d.

Committee of Arrangements,

JOHN L. SWITS

DAVID S. TRUE

JOHN L. DAVIES

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

Soldiers Of The Iowa Second

Those of this regiment who are in this vicinity and desire to attend the funeral of their fellow soldier, Capt. Slaymaker, this afternoon, will please leave their names and address with Mr. Eldridge, at the Post office, and they will be called for.  All of them who were at Fort Donelson are cordially invited and desired to attend.

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

The Steamer J. D. Perry . . .

. . . brought up to St. Louis the bodies of Capts. Slaymaker and Cloutman, and the wounded person of Major Chapman, all of the Iowa Second.

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

Killed and Wounded in Company C

A private letter received in town from Fort Donelson, gives the following names of the Killed and severely wounded.

KILLED.

Capt. J. S. Slaymaker,

George Howell,

Edward Peterson,

____ Myers,

C. H. Lenhart.

SEVERELY WOUNDED.

Lieut. W. H. Holmes,

Sergt. H. B. Doolittle.

Total loss – 5 killed and 25 wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Dead Of Fort Donelson

The report of the death of Captain Slaymaker received mournful confirmation by the letter which we publish this morning.  It has been truly said, ‘Death loves a shining mark,’ and seldom has this adage received a more striking exemplification that this sad event.  The advices that give us this intelligence also tell us of the loss of four others of that company, and the wounding of twenty more.

JONATHAN SMITH SLAYMAKER was born on the 31st of March, 1836, at Margeretta, York county, Pa.  On the paternal side, he was descended from an old German family of Pennsylvania; while his maternal grandfather, Jonathan Smith, was long president of the United States bank at Philadelphia, and Gen. Persifor F. Smith, distinguished in the Mexican war, was his uncle.  Among his first occupations, Capt. Slaymaker was engaged as civil engineer on the Pennsylvania Central R. R., the experience there acquired being of service to him in the position he has so recently filled.  Coming to this city in 1856, he remained here, with short intervals, till the breaking out of the war.  At this time, he was among the first to volunteer for the war and was elected by his company first lieutenant, and was with his company mustered into service on the 28th of May.  On the resignation of Capt. Brewster, on the 5th of October, Lieut. Slaymaker was chosen to succeed him, and in that capacity led his company at the ever to be remembered charge at Fort Donelson, which proved so fatal to him.  Of all who have gone from this county to the seat of war, none has left behind a larger circle of will-wishing friends, by all of whom he was admired, not more for his truly soldiery qualities than for the modesty and quiet dignity which eminently characterized him in whatever position he might be placed.  Beloved by all his company, and fearless of danger, he was no doubt foremost in the fight, and perished where the balls fell thickest and fastest.  When this war is over, and its heroes are reviewed, none will stand higher in the esteem of those who have known or heard of him than the modest and gentlemanly captain of Company C.

GEO. W. HOWELL, of this township, is also reported among the dead.  He was a native of New York, and was about twenty-one years of age at the time of his death.  He is the son of Mr. Howell, cotton-batting manufacturer near Duck Creek.  This death has plunged into sorrow a numerous family, of whom he was almost the idol.

EDWARD PETERSON, another of the killed, was a native of Germany, and aged about 20 years.

C. H. LENHART, enlisted at Keokuk.  He was a native of Ohio, and aged about 25 years.

There is no person named Myers mentioned in the Adjutant General’s report.  There is a Martin L. Minor, of Andalusia, mentioned, which may be the person, but it is more probably some person who has joined the company since it left the State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

Capt. R. M. Littler

Again the report is rife in our streets that Capt. Littler is among the killed at Fort Donelson. This time the rumor comes through a telegraphic dispatch from Chicago, sent by Geo. H. Parker, Esq., to the Democrat. No doubt such a report prevailed in Chicago, but we presume it to have been without foundation. The fact that Slaymaker’s death was telegraphed over the West through the regular dispatches; while no mention was made of that of Capt. Littler, and the additional circumstance of Mr. Haldeman giving the death of Capt. Slaymaker and other members of his company and making no mention of Littler, with whom he was personally acquainted, are proofs to us that the gallant Captain still lives, and will yet make his mark high up on the roll of fame.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 1862, p. 1

The Second Regiment at Fort Donelson

The following letter has been kindly handed to us for publication.  It is from a Sergeant in the late Captain Slaymaker’s Company at Fort Donelson, to his sister [of] this city.  The letter was evidently written in haste but fully confirms what we have before heard of the desperate valor of the Second regiment on that occasion, and the severe loss suffered by one of our own companies. – It is as follows:

FORT DONELSON, Feb. 15th, 1862.

DEAR SISTER: I was in my first battle – the first of the Second Regiment.  We took a fortress, driving out the sharp-shooters, armed with six-barreled revolving rifles.  In fifteen minutes after we received the order we were across their breast works.  We drove them at the point of the bayonet.  The battle lasted two hours and a half, but seemed very short to us all.  Capt. Slaymaker, George Howell, Peterson, Myers, and Lenhart were killed; Lieut. Holmes and Doolittle severely injured.  Total loss five killed twenty-five wounded.

Two bullets passed through my clothing but did not draw blood.

I am tired.  We landed here on Friday morning, and it is now Sunday night, and I have not slept.  We have 10,000 prisoners. – The Second to-day had the greatest honor, and was the first to plant the red, white and blue in the enemy’s stronghold.

Mr. Morrison, flour dealer on Brady street, received a letter last evening from his son, James, also a member of Capt. Slaymaker’s company, in which he states that Lt. Holmes was struck in the leg by a musket ball, and is feared the limb will require amputation.  Capt. Slaymaker was killed while bravely leading on his men, shouting “Come on, my boys; give it to them!” a spent ball stuck him, and the noble soldier perished.  Mr. Morrison was slightly wounded in the foot.  He states that it is thought there are not more than two hundred sound men left in the regiment fit for duty.  All honor to the brave Iowa Second!  Its first meeting with the enemy has been a terrible but glorious one.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 21, 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

Death Of Captain Slaymaker

The telegraph yesterday morning announced the death of Captain Slaymaker, of the Seventh Iowa.  As there is no such name, or any resembling it, on the roll of that regiment, among either officers or privates.  We are forced to the melancholy conclusion that the beloved and popular Captain Slaymaker, of our city, is fallen.  This news has spread sadness through this entire community, for all who knew captain Slaymaker, he was sincerely respected and beloved.  We will give to-morrow a more extended notice of the deceased.

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