Bridge Tolls

A rumor has been industriously circulated that the proprietors of Court Avenue Bridge, in consequence of the destruction of the Market Street Bridge, are going to take advantage of circumstances, and largely increase their toll rates. We are happy to state from the very best authority that the owners of Court Avenue Bridge are going to do no such thing. They have not designed at any time to take any such advantage of the public. If there is any change in the toll rates on their bridge, it will be in the way of reduction. There will certainly be no increase of tariff. Whoever started the false rumor to the prejudice of the Bridge Company, may have the gratification to swallow his own falsehoods. The public are assured that there will be no dishonest speculation carried on at their expense by the Bridge Company.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines Iowa, Wednesday, April 23, 1862

Market Street Bridge

A portion of Market Street Bridge – perhaps one-third of it – was swept away night before last. The Bridge had stood up so well, that it began to be generally supposed that it would live through the flood. That part of it is a wreck. In brief time, the unremitting labor of months has been destroyed. The proprietor, Mr. WARNER, worked with an industry never excelled, to complete this structure, and fit it for the accommodation of the public. It is now in ruins.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday, April 17, 1862

Going Down

We have the happiness to announce to the world of mankind, that the Des Moines River commenced to recede slowly yesterday. Like the rebels at Pittsburgh, it has been contesting ever every inch of ground, making its assaults where the defenses of the people were weakest. It will take us about a week to recover the vantage ground lost during the watery invasion. It is a mater of public gratulation that we are coming out of the conflict without the loss of a man, woman, or child, albeit a vast amount of commissary stores and other property has been captured by the enemy. The last act of spoliation – the capture of a part of Market Street Bridge – was the most mischievous and wanton act of the enemy. It was a nocturnal theft for which there is no excuse of palliation of civilized warfare.

– Published in the Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Saturday April 19, 1862