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

Serious Charges

A correspondent of the Cincinnati Gazette makes a horrible exposure of the villainous conduct of H. C. Hewitt, the Medical Director of Gen. Grant’s army, every charge of which the correspondent says can be proved by medical witnesses.  If such be the case, he cannot be punished too severely.  He deserves as severe punishment as the man who would give a soldier poisoned food.  One statement related by the correspondent, if true, ought to insure Hewitt at least a drumming out of the army.  He says: “Appeals to the Medical Director, and descriptions of the suffering of their sick by the surgeons elicited only this response, which I give word for word as he repeated the expression to different parties: ‘What of it?  What’s the use of complaining?  What did soldiers enlist for but to sicken and die and be killed?’”  Instances are common where he got drunk when his services were imperatively required.

It appears, too, that he has an opinion of his own in regard to the Union that would suit admirably for a minion of Jeff Davis.  Here him “The Union is gone.  It can never be constructed, and I don’t want it to be.  I think and hope that our difficulties will crystallize into a stronger military despotism, instead of our present form of government, and I hope to be fortunate enough to be one of the crystals.”

This state of affairs must be particularly distressing to the people of Iowa, who are so deeply interested and largely represented in Gen. Grant’s army; it is to be hoped that these charges will be at once sifted, and their truth or falsity be positively ascertained.

There were loud complaints by our committee at Mound City, of the criminal mismanagement at that hospital, such as allowing wounds to remain undressed for a number of days, as in the case of Sergeant Doolittle.  One case is mentioned where a tourniquet was placed on a man’s arm above and wound, and left there for several days!  If anything would justify lynching, it is just such flagrant misconduct as this on the part of men to whom are entrusted the lives of hundreds and thousands of their fellows.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 2

Late News

8th, 12th and 14th Regiments taken Prisoners.

CAPT. LITTLER LOST HIS LEFT ARM.

16^th Regiment in the Fight.

CAIRO, April 11.

TO EDWARD RUSSELL, Davenport Iowa:

The 8^th, 12^th and 14^th Iowa regiments were nearly all taken prisoners.  The 16^th was in the fight.  All our troops suffered severely.

Capt. Littler lost his left arm.

Twenty eight of our wounded are at Mound City – none of them from Scott Co.

Will leave to-night for the filed.

L. C. BURWELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Soldiers at Cincinnati

The steamer Louisiana reached Cincinnati on last Friday crowded with sick, wounded and dead soldiers from Cairo and Mound City hospitals.  We find the following in the list from Iowa:

Fed Hollin, Co. D, 14^th reg. (dead.)

H. H. Siebert, 14^th regiment.

A. C. Tatro, company C, 12^th regiment.

Wm Broadhead, company F, 7^th regt.

Albert Brown, company C, 12^th regt.

C. D. Newton, 10^th regt. (dead.)

Joel Gregory, Company K, 7^th regt.

John Butts, company B, 12^th regt.

J. L. Bayles, Co. D, 7^th regt.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 2, 1862, p. 2

Our Fleet Shelling Island No. 10

CAIRO, March 17.

ON BOARD THE BENTON,

Island No. 10, March 16.

Got under way at daylight this A. M., and dropped down to within range of the upper battery, and commenced to arouse them with the rifles of the Benton, while the mortar boats were being towed into position.  Only a couple of shots were fired, when a white flag was seen to wave violently from the work and to continue waving until answered by a white flag form the flag ship.  Of course firing ceased, as did also the hostile operations. Even the moving of the mortars, while a tug carried Lieut. Bishop down to see what was wanted.  On arriving at the work he was answered that they were signaling their works down the river, and did not wish to communicate with us – a dirty subterfuge to gain time, which was followed up by the Grampus hoisting a white flag and steaming towards the tug from the Island.  Lieut. Bishop was of the opinion that time enough had been lost and did not wait for the Grampus, but steamed up for the Benton, and the Grampus hauled down the white flag and ran back under cover again.  Up to this time no rebel colors had been shown from the battery, but now it went up, and the preparations to get it down regularly and by approved methods went on with renewed vigor.

The mortars were soon in position and engaged in throwing the terrible thirteen inch shell, and Lieut. Bishop, disgusted at the bad taste of the rebels who did not wish to communicate with so gallant and good looking an officer, by permission of the flag-officer and Capt. Phelps, opened direct communication by means of the Benton’s rifled seventy-four’s with such a skill that the rebels ran from the works and their flag was covered with dirt and water.  The firing was kept up steadily, though slowly, until 5 p.m. – the mortars expending 240 shells and the Benton 41.

The heart of every man in the flag-ship was saddened by sympathy with the poignant grief of our beloved flag-officer Foote, who receive by the dispatch boat at noon, intelligence of the death of his second son, a lad of 13 years and exceeding promise, of whose illness the Commodore had no previous intelligence.

To-morrow will see the reduction of one or more of the enemy’s works, and the closer investment of the whole place is very strong.  From our point of view we could see 44 guns in position, and negroes were busily at work on a battery out of reach, in which to-morrow we shall probably find heavy guns mounted.  With all this note of preparation and all these possibilities of a hard fight, some incredulous people will suspect that the troops which Pope drove out of New Madrid and which came to No. 10, are marching across the tracts of land from No. 10. To Merriweather landing, on the Mississippi below Point Pleasant, a distance of only five miles from the island over a practicable road, and that when they are embarked on the fleet of boats the smoke of which has been plainly seen all day at or near Merriweather, we shall find the nest empty and the river clear of rebels to Randolph for Fort Pillow.

The hopelessness of the rebel cause between Foote and Pope, in the presence of the boats, and the sullen and dull fight made by the rebel enemy give some color to the theory.  I half believe it myself.

CAIRO, March 17.

The town is full of rumors from below, but there is little of anything that can be called reliable.  We are anxiously expecting information from Island No. 10, but are as yet without anything definite.  At last accounts, Com. Foote was at work, using his flotilla to the best possible advantage, moving his mortar boats out of range of the enemy’s batteries or gunboats, and throwing shells into their fortifications, it is supposed with terrible effect.  The iron clad gunboats had not yet been brought into the action.

Two mortar flats had gained the proper range, and the accuracy of their fire fully equaled previous expectation.

We hear nothing of special interest from the Cumberland or Tennessee rivers.

Transports loaded with troops continue to arrive here and depart for their proper destination.

Cairo is still excessively muddy, and a considerable portion of the site is covered with water.

Much mortality is reported among the sick and wounded at Mound City.

The weather is clear, warm and spring-like.  River swelling slowly.

To-morrow we expect news of importance from the gunboat flotilla, and west Tennessee wing of the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 1

From the Davenport Relief Committee

CINCINNATI, March 4, 1862.

EDITOR OF GAZETTE:  I know not whether any other member of our committee has written you anything of the details of our work, and as this is the lonely moment of leisure I have had since our arrival at Cairo, I will endeavor to give you a few items, which you can make use of as you deem best.  The names of the killed and wounded have been reported by telegraph, and therefore it is not necessary for me to report them here.

The committee, after many and vexatious delays, arrived in Cairo at 7 o’clock p.m. on the Friday following their departure, and immediately commenced work to carry out the object of their mission; and although the rain poured down and the mud was inexpressibly deep, yet the committee kept on until they obtained some reliable information of the gallant Iowa 2d, and more particularly of the companies B and C, of our own town.  We finally found the headquarters of our pleasant friend, Quarter-master D. B. Sears, who had taken under his special care young Morrison, of Co. C, from whom we obtained the particulars of our first dispatch, and the probable whereabouts of our wounded soldiers.  We then had the good fortune to meet Dr. Truesdale of Rock Island, who introduced us to R. Bowman, regiment surgeon from the same town, (who, by the way, has since been promoted to brigade surgeon,) and to his kindness we are indebted for comfortable lodgings, provided for us in the hospital under his charge.  The following morning we went abord the steamer Hazel Dell, which arrived during the night with a large number of wounded, among whom was Geo. Hall; and from him we obtained additional particulars, which formed the substance of our second dispatch.  Here too was an opportunity for us to do some work, as there was no persons aboard to dress the wounds of these gallant defenders of the Union.  Dr. Maxwell, L. J. Conter and myself, together with Dr. White of Iowa City, immediately went to work, and while the balance of our committee were ashore and perfecting plans for future operations, we dressed the wounds, and thereby relieved the suffering to a great degree of 83 of our brave boys, all of whom appeared cheerful and bore their sufferings without a murmur.

We now found it impossible to get passes to enable us to reach our wounded at Mound City, Paducah and other points, unless we enlisted in the service as volunteer surgeons and nurses, and placing ourselves exclusively under the direction and control of the military authorities, which we immediately did, not knowing where we would be ordered to.  But after a delay of an hour or so we received our orders to proceed. – Drs. Maxwell and McCarn to report themselves at Paducah, and Gifford, Linderman, Center and myself to report to Surgeon Franklin at Mound City hospital.  Here the committee became divided, having to take different boats to reach the two points.

We arrived at Mound City about 8 p.m., delivered our papers to Dr. Franklin, who received us very cordially, saying that he was glad to see us, that there was plenty of work for us to do, and ordered supper and lodgings to be prepared for us; and also ordered us to report to him at 7 o’clock in the morning, and he would assign us to duty.  After receiving our instructions, we went in and through the hospital, which contained from 800 to 1,000 wounded soldiers.  Here indeed can be seen the dark side of war, a reality of suffering which no pen can describe or tongue tell, and yet these noble men bear it all with a heroism that is hardly imaginable.  Occasionally we found one whose sufferings were so intense that he would implore his attendants to put an end to his life as the only relief to him.  We soon found all of our Iowa boys that had been sent to this point, and were much gratified to find that all from Cos. B and C were in a condition promising ultimate recovery.  H. B. Doolittle is the most seriously wounded, being shot in the lower part of the abdomen, though the left shoulder and through the calf of the leg. – He seemed to be getting along very well until Monday morning, when erysipelas set in, and he was removed to a ward in the hospital set aside for these cases.  As this was a very unfavorable place for him, by the advice of Dr. Maxwell, who had now joined us here, we obtained a private room and immediately removed him thither, when he commenced improving immediately.  As all the rest of our boys are getting along well, I will not stop to particularize their cases, but proceed with the details of our work.  We did not confine our labors to the Iowa boys, but when we saw them properly cared for, assisted others were most needed, working early and late in assisting to dress wounds, at which Mr. Center proved himself equal to the task, and up to Tuesday morning Mr. Center and myself had dressed or assisted in dressing the wounds of 180 sufferers.  Tuesday morning orders were received from headquarters to remove 500 of the wounded by boat to Cincinnati.  This order entailed more work on us, but we succeeded in getting all of Cos. B and C that were here, and some others of the Iowa 2d to the number of 16, on board of one boat and in comfortable quarters; and then, through the kindness of Dr. Dunning, post surgeon, secured the appointment of Dr. Maxwell as first assistant surgeon, and myself as ward master on the boat, which gave us a position that enabled us to do all that could be done for our Iowa boys.  Through proper exertions we also procured permission for Mrs. J. C. Magill, who formerly lived in Davenport and who was hear rendering invaluable service, to go with us on the boat in the capacity of matron, and in this we were very fortunate, as the accommodations of the boat for preparing food for so many were very limited.  But for her exertions the men would have suffered with hunger, and the particular interest she took in the boys of the 2d Iowa entitle her to the thanks or some more valuable testimonial from our citizens.

We arrived at Cincinnati at 12 o’clock Sunday, and by means of the ample arrangement of the sanitary committee of this place, in two hours, had our whole charge transferred to the hospital, which is a mile from the landing.  Our boys are now very comfortably, and I may say pleasantly situated.  The building in which they are is divided into small rooms, capable of accommodating from five to twelve patients, and well ventilated, thereby avoiding that sickening and polluted atmosphere which always exists in large hospitals, with large rooms filled with patients.  On my visit to the boys to-day I found them all in the best of spirits, anxious to get well and return to their regiment, to again pay their compliments to the secesh, who, by the way, express themselves unable to return them in so pointed a manner.  We are enjoying the hospitalities of Mr. Doolittle, brother of our gallant color bearer, while here.

I regret to have to inform you that Dr. Maxwell is quite sick from exposure and over exertion, in performing his duties on our trip up the river; but is better to-day, and will probably be able to get out to-morrow or next day.  I was quite exhausted myself, but a day’s rest has sufficiently restored me to enable me to perform my duties.

I must now go back to Paducah, to report the work of our committee there.  Drs. Maxwell and McCarn reported themselves to Gen. Sherman, who is a very gentlemanly person, giving them every attention, and who gave them permission to visit all the hospitals and labor where most needed. – They found quite a number of Iowa boys, some who had been sick for some time, and were out of money or means of any kind to help themselves with, and to whom they gave immediate assistance.  Dr. Maxwell was assigned to duty on board a steamer loaded with the wounded and ordered to Mound City.  On the passage down he had some very important duties to perform, in the way of surgery.  On arriving at Mound City the hospital was so full that no more patients could be received, and the boat proceeded to Cairo for further orders, but the Doctor stopped at Mound City as instructed.

The day we left for this place, Mr. Gifford and Dr. McCarn started for Fort Donelson, and as to what they have accomplished I know not, as I have not heard from them since; but I have no doubt they will be able to make a good report.  Judge Linderman and Mr. Center we left at Mound City with H. B. Doolittle.

It is a very happy and to our boys a very fortunate affair that our citizens took such an interest in their welfare, for without the aid of volunteer surgeons and nurses, not only from Davenport but various other points, many of our soldiers would have suffered and died from want of care.  I do not mean by this any disrespect of inefficiency to our army surgeons, for in most cases they are unceasing in their labors to alleviate the suffering of our soldiers, but Government had made no adequate preparations for an emergency like this, and although it seemed as though the labor that has been performed by the ladies in all the various localities, in preparing bandages, &c., was labor thrown away; yet the last two weeks has proven quite the contrary, for all has been used, and more too, and it is now very difficult to procure adequate supplies for the wants of the different hospitals.  When we left Mound City there was not a bandage or hospital supplies of any kind that could be spared, and we had to go back to Cairo, to get what we had for the trip, which was a very short allowance. – There is much more to be said on this subject, but time will not permit, but I would say to the ladies, keep on preparing and furnishing these hospital supplies, and your labors will be rewarded in the comfort which is thereby given to the wounded soldiers.

L. C. BURWELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, March 8, 1862, p. 2

Henry B. Doolittle

The Cincinnati Commercial thus alludes to our gallant fellow citizen who was so badly wounded while carrying the colors of the noble 2d Iowa regiment in storming Fort Donelson:

Henry B. Doolittle, formerly of this city, for the past three or four years a resident of Davenport, Iowa, volunteered, early in May last, in the 2d Iowa Regiment.  Previous to the battle at Fort Donelson this regiment had charge of prisoners in McDowell’s College, near St. Louis, (some 1600 rebels.)  Mr. Doolittle was color bearer for the 2d Iowa Infantry, and in the charge on the 16^th inst., under Gen. Smith’s command, was shot in the abdomen, two inches below the navel, also in right leg below the knee, and in the right shoulder.  The surgeons pronounce him in a critical condition.  He is now at Mound City in the Hospital.  His brother, who resides here, has gone to remove him, if possible, to this place.

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

Mr. A. H. Clark . . .

. . . a private in company B, son of Mr. Palmer Clark of this city, it will be remembered, was one of the wounded at Fort Donelson.  We see, in a list published in an Illinois paper, that he is at Mound city, and his leg has been amputated.  This latter report we are disposed to doubt, as his father has late accounts from him, saying he was much better, and might be expected home last night or this morning.

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

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 19.

The Chicago committee and surgeons have been assigned some to Paducah and some to Mound City.  There is no great necessity for nurses, as many being now here as can profitably be employed.

Another consignment of rebels will reach here to-night or to-morrow.

Nothing new from Ft. Donelson.

The Michigan 3d Cavalry arrived her to-night from St. Louis.

From recent investigations we are enabled to state that the whole number of killed on the part of the Federals at the recent battle of Fort Donelson, is about 300.  The killed, wounded, prisoners and missing will reach 1,000.  This is reliable.

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

David Ross Winters

When I reach the name of one who, like David Winters, was one of my school-fellows, a companion of my boyhood days, and an acquaintance and friend for many years, my heart assists my pen, and yet I feel how barren are my words in yielding a tribute for the young life given away. To surrender life in the morning of youth — to die and be buried in the earth in defense of country — is a sacrifice the greatness of which we do not realize. We cannot bestow too much gratitude, let us be ever so liberal. I adore the memory of the soldiers. Poor men! bleeding and suffering; starving in prison; dying in hospitals, away from home and loved ones — for me and for my children; for you and for yours, O reader!

David Ross Winters was born near Steubenville, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1842 — son of Mr. Martin Winters, of Des Moines, He came to this city with his parents in October, 1853, and it was during the winter of 53-4 that I first became acquainted with him, meeting him in the school-room. Many of the old residents of Des Moines remember how well David used to speak in Mr. Nash's school exhibitions in the old Court-house. I remember well with what energy he recited, on one occasion, the eulogy of Lafayette, beginning: "Pile to the clouds the majestic column of glory; let the lips of those who can speak well, hallow the spot where the bones of your bold repose."

His mother says he always delighted in reading of heroes. He pored over the pages which record the acts of Captain Smith, and of adventurers among the Indians. His favorite books were the lives of Washington and Napoleon, which he read through a great many times. He has said often that he was sorry Be did not live in those days, to serve under Washington or Napoleon. As soon as the Rebellion began he was anxious to enter the service; but, on account of being afflicted with rheumatism, his application to enlist in Company D, 2d Iowa Infantry, was rejected. He finally succeeded in being taken into Company B, 15th Iowa, and says Captain Studer : —

"He was a most excellent and dutiful soldier in every respect, and a splendid young man. Kind, noble, generous, of a jovial disposition, he was a friend among all. To alleviate and nurse his suffering comrades, watching at their bedside by night, yet doing duty by day, was a pleasure to him. While I was lying very ill of typhoid fever in our camp, south of Corinth, this noble boy nursed me and waited on me with the tenderness and devotion of a son or brother. I will ever gratefully remember him. He behaved well at Shiloh, performed faithful duty without interruption during the siege of Corinth, took part in all the marches and duties of the regiment thereafter up to the battle of Corinth, where bravely and stubbornly fighting (Oct. 3, 1862), he received a gunshot wound in his right arm, among the foremost in the battle. After being wounded he refused to be sent to hospital, and had not the surgeon's orders been peremptory, he would have remained with the company, and, perhaps, have been a well man today. His death was deeply regretted throughout the company."

He died Oct. 19, 1863, at Mound City, Ill., in hospital.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of Common Men, p. 223-4

Iowa Dead

The following Iowa soldiers died at Mound City, In Simon’s General Hospital, between the 12th and 21st of April:

April 21 – Stephen Cousins, Co. A, 3d inf.
April 12 – Jacob Moore, Co. B, 3d inf.
April 15 – Joseph Hill, Co. G, 3d inf.
April 15 – Wm. Simmons, Co. E, 11th reg.
April 19 – Henry Ross, Co. I, 14th reg.
April 18 – Horace Layman, Co. K, 14th reg.
April 14 – Daniel Buckley, Co. I, 15th reg.

J. T. Marshall, Co. A, 8th regiment, died at Keokuk, or on his way there on the steamer Express last week.

John W. Ellis, Co. H, 15th regiment, died at the Keokuk hospital, on the 22d inst., of typhoid fever.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 28, 1862, p. 2

From Cairo

(Special to the Chicago Journal.)

CHICAGO, April 25.

The steamers Choctaw, and Belle Memphis arrived last evening at 9 o’clock, which left Pittsburg Landing early on Thursday morning. They were fired into 35 miles below Pittsburg by a band of guerillas from behind their dwellings on the left bank of the Tennessee. The Choctaw received 7 shots and her mate killed. The [Belle] Memphis received 12 shots, mortally wounding a negro boy who was blacking boots. In the mate’s room near the pilot, one ball entered the keyhole of the pilot house door lock. The guerillas fired at the house to draw our men out on deck.

The roads at Shiloh are reported improving. Skirmishing between pickets continues. Our army goes forward in a solid column.

The water has risen nearly two inches since yesterday noon, and still rising rapidly. Inundation seems imminent. Lower Mississippi fearfully overflowed, causing the greatest loss of property ever known there by flood.

It is determined soon to evacuate Mound City Hospital. The inmates are to be removed to other points, were ample accommodations are being provided.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 26, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

Special to Evening Journal.

CAIRO, April 23.

It is reported that the Mound City hospital is to be suspended until after the waters subside, sewers opened, &c. The sick and wounded are to be transported to other hospitals.

A steamboat expedition across the bottoms above the city has effected a junction with the railroad at iron bridge, some six miles above Cairo.

Very little change in the stage of water.

3 P. M. – The steamer Tigress just arrived from Pittsburg Landing with officers of the 12th Iowa on board. They report water lower than a month ago. They have but twelve effective men left of their regiment.

Arrivals from Com. Foote bring nothing of interest.

Nothing new from the army.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1

Special to the Chicago Tribune

CAIRO, April 19.

When Gen. Mitchell reached Decatur, in his late bridge-burning expedition, he took possession of the telegraph office and cut the wires, leaving Decatur and Corinth only in telegraphic communication. Beauregard sent a message to President Davis, urgently demanding reinforcements for Corinth, and saying that otherwise he could not hold the position. Of course General Mitchell promised to send the reinforcements.

The river is still on the rampage, having risen five inches during the night. It is now within a foot of the levee. Intelligence from the Tennessee and Wabash rivers says that a greater volume of water may be expected. Mound City is entirely submerged, the water running into the lower stories of the hospital and private dwellings. The Illinois Central Railroad has discontinued its trips to Cairo, the track being washed away. Passengers for Chicago were compelled to take steamer for Mound City, whence they were carried in scows to the high ground in the rear.

There is nothing of great importance from Pittsburg. The two armies were nearing each other slowly, and each waiting breathlessly for the period when the long roll should announce the renewal of battle. Late arrivals from below bring intelligence of the continued bombardment of Ft. Pillow, participated in by both the gunboats and mortar fleet. The enemy reply vigorously, but doing as yet no damage. Their guns are evidently well manned and excellently well served. There is no expectation of the reduction of Fort Pillow at present. The high stage of water will prevent any cooperation on the part of the land forces for some days.

Every house in Columbus is surrounded by water. The telegraph line between Cairo and Pittsburg is down, carried away by high water.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 22, 1862, p.1

By Telegraph

BEAUREGARD CALLS FOR RE-INFORCEMENTS!

AN IMPORTANT BATTLE SOON TO OCCUR

BOMBARDMENT OF FT. PILLOW!

CAIRO, April 20. – When Gen. Mitchell arrived at Decatur, in his lat bridge burning expedition, he took possession of the telegraph office and cut the wires, leaving Decatur and Corinth only in telegraphic communication.

Beauregard sent a message to President Davis urgently demanding reinforcements for Corinth, and saying that otherwise he could not hold the position, of course Gen. Mitchell promised to send the reinforcements.

An important movement has taken place, the particulars of which I am not allowed to give at present. It is sufficient to say that the movement is made in obedience to orders from the military authorities here and elsewhere, and points to a speedy issue of affairs in Tennessee.

A private of an artillery company established here was last night killed by a sentry on guard near the St. Charles Hotel. He attempted to thrust his sabre into the body of the officer of the guard and was shot in the mouth, the ball coming out behind his ear. He died last evening.

The river is still on the rampage, having risen five inches during the night. It is now within a foot of the top of the levee.

Intelligence has been received from the Tennessee and Wabash that a greater volume of water may be expected.

Mound City is entirely submerged, the water running into the lower stories of the hospital and private dwellings.

The Illinois Central Railroad has discontinued its trips to Cairo, the track being submerged and washed away. Passengers for Chicago were compelled to take the steamer for Mound City, whence they were carried in scows to the high ground in the rear.

There is nothing of importance from Pittsburgh at latest dates. The two armies were nearing each other slowly and each waiting breathlessly for the beating of the roll should announce the renewal of battle.

Late arrivals from below bring intelligence of the continued bombardment of Fort Pillow, participated in by both gunboats and the mortar fleet. The enemy reply vigorously, doing as yet no damage. Their guns are evidently well manned and excellently well served. There is no expectation of the reduction of Ft. Pillow at present. The high state of water will prevent any co-operation on the part of the land forces for some days.

Every house in Columbus is surrounded by water.

The telegraph between Cairo and Pittsburg is down, carried away by high water.

Steamers from the Tennessee on almost every trip bring down pretended deserters from the Confederate army. These gents are generally spies. The Provost Marshal arrested two of these this morning.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 4

Latest from Cairo

CAIRO, April 23. – It is reported that the Mound City hospital is to be suspended until after the waters subside. Sewers to be opened &c., the sick and wounded to be transferred to other hospitals.

A Steamboat expedition across the bottom above the city has succeeded in effecting a junction with the railroad at the Iron bridge some six miles above Cairo. Very little change in the state of water.

The steamer Tigress just arrived from Pittsburg Landing. Officers of the 12th Iowa on board report the water lower than a month ago. The have but twelve effective men left, of their regiment.

Arrivals from Com. Foote bring nothing interesting. Nothing new from the army.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

By Telegraph

Afternoon Report.

LATER FROM THE GREAT BATTLE.

Col. Reid Wounded!

LT. COL DEWEY WOUNDED!

Maj. Belknap Wounded!

CAP. HEDDRICK KILLED

Only 407 of the 15th Regiment answer to Roll-Call!

GEN WALLACE DEAD!

Prentiss did not Escape.

THE 12th, 14th AND 8th IOWA REGIMENTS CAPTURED.

(Special to Chicago Tribune)

Cairo, April 13 – 10 P. M.

The body of General Wallace, of Ottawa, accompanied by his staff arrived on the steamer A. Woodford this evening. She brought down some 600 prisoners, on their way to St. Louis. A special train with the body of Gen. Wallace will leave this evening for Ottawa.

Col. H. T. Reid, 15th, Iowa, from Keokuk, was paralyzed by a ball in the back of his head. Lieut. Col. Dewey was badly wounded in the shoulder. Major Belknap was slightly wounded. Capt. Hedrick killed. His noble regiment had just arrived Saturday with 1,045 men. Only 407 answered their names after the battle. They had received their guns at St. Louis and left Keokuk only two weeks ago and were in Prentiss’s division.

An officer just arrived says that Prentiss is still a prisoner.

Nearly all of the 58th Illinois and the 12th, 14th and 8th Iowa regimentss were surrounded and taken prisoners while maintaining their ground and fighting like heroes. Col. Wood of the Iowa 12th escaped.

The 14th, 16th and 18th Wisconsin regiments were all in the fight. The 16th was in Prentiss’s division, and with others was mostly dispersed or captured. What remained fought bravely and suffered most terribly. The 18th reached Pittsburg Saturday evening, and marched to the front of Sherman’s divison, and were exposed Sunday to the heaviest fire, returning it with an energy worthy of veterans. This regiment was entirely raw, had been paraded only a few times; had been hurried down from Milwaukee right into the heat of the battle, and many had never loaded a gun until they did it before the enemy. All these regiments did splendidly. It is impossible as yet to procure a list of casualties.

Gov. Harvey and party, with a boatload of hospital stores, left this evening to relieve the wounded.

Col. Hicks of the 10th Illinois was shot through the shoulder; Lieut Holmes of Co. I, 48th Ills., killed; 13th Ohio, Co. F, wounded Capt. J. J. Gardner, slightly; Capt. Willey, shot in thigh; Adjt. Tancort, slightly wounded. 55th Illinois, Co C. 2nd Lieut. Theodore Parker Hodges; Capt. Boyd, Rockford, wounded slightly. 30th Indiana, Col. Boss, seriously wounded; half the regiment reported killed or wounded; fought bravely. 28th Illinois, Col. H. A. Johnson slightly wounded; Killed, Lieutenant Col. Kilpatick. Illinois 15th, Col. D. Stuart, shot through breast; wounded slightly, Capt. S. A. Wright, shot three times. 4th Illinois, wounded severely, Col. Hicks, Capt. Hooper, Lieut. Heamphry. Taylor’s battery: wounded 10; -- lost no guns. Col. Dickey’s cavalry had two privates mortally wounded. The whole regiment was on the field. Fifteen persons were killed.

The following is a list of Ill. Soldiers wounded at the battle of Pittsburgh in the Mound City Hospital: Lafayette Wilcox 53rd Ills., co. H, finger off; D. W. McCaughey, 55th Ills., co. F, right thigh, bad; Philip Faxerson 8th Ills. Company H, through left hand; Francis A. Hall, 28th Ky, co. H, wounded in left thigh; Samuel Claywell, 14th, wound in right arm; E. Mills, 7th Ills, co. H, left wrist; Mathew Doyle, 15th Ills., co. H, through the spine; Amnas Hilley, 30th Ills., co H, left hand; J. W. Shaw, 15th Ills., left leg below the knee; Cornelius Dethrow, 12th Ills., co. H, right knee; A. B. Parker, 15th, co. B, left leg broken; Vanwinkle, Sargeant Major, 3d, right thigh, deep flesh wound; Malton T. Harns, 32d co. A, through the left lung; Cyrus Bonham 57th, shot in left knee; Samuel Miller, fore finger from right hand; Simon Shillinger, 9th, co. B, shot in right shoulder; James Hobbs, 9th, co. F, through leg and right arm; Geo. Lagbetter, 3d, shot between the shoulders; Thos. H. Boyd, 48th, co. D, left thigh and hip; James Kenny, 15th, co. E, wounded in left knee; Fred. Hammen, co I, 11th, right side and bruised in back; Wm H. Tell, 11th, co. G, left leg and shoulder; Richard Ruke, 57th, co. I, through the jaw; Martin Arnold, 9th, co. B, foot; Adam Reitz, 9th, co. D, shoulder; Andrew Robertson, 14th, co. A, shot thro’ right foot; Moses Parker, 15th, co. H, in right ankle; Moses Montgomery, 15th, co. I, in left shoulder; W. A. Long, 15th, co. H, right thigh and foot; S. Wickliff, 50th, co. K, arm broke thro’ left shoulder; Andrew Sebastian Seigt, 9th, co. A, left knee; Owen Tenant, 15th, co. G, left arm; Edwin C. Wheelock, 15th, Co. I, shot in right side; E. Hog, 41st, Co. H, left arm; Abel H. Bonneth, 15th Co, C, left hip; James H. Brown, 40th, Co. B, left leg off below the knee; Bailey Fred. Tenser, 15th, Co. H, through the knee; Hampden N. Cotten, O. S. 15th, co. C, left hand and hip; Ephraim Lake, 15th, Co. C, above and below left leg in front; Wm. H. Law, Serg’t, 15th, Co. C, left leg at ankle; Ambrose E. Partit, O. S. 55th, Co. C, left arm near shoulder; F. Benjamin, 55th Co. C, left arm above elbow, flesh; Michael Amaborny, 55th, co. C, right leg at knee; Chas. B. Danforth, 4th cavalry, left side of [head]; J. Richardson, 14th, Co. B, in the eye; Wm. Eaje, 18th, Co. F, left ear; Dan Calmer, 4th cavalry, Co. H, left legg off; J. L. Staffeen, 29th, Co. C, left side arm and thigh; Leig, 17th, Co. M, right shoulder broken; Andrew G. Johnson, 18th, Co. B, left knee; Martin Shive, 2d cavalry, Co. M; Ditiner, 45th, Co. B, left leg at knee; Henry D Wood, 34th, Co. D, left arm below elbow, James Martin, 57th, Co. C, right shoulder, and side; Chester Plummer, 57th, Co. K,, left hip; John P. Beck, 57th, Co. K, thigh; Elijah Blackman, 46th, Co. H.; in head; Monroe Cook, 46th, Co. H, right arm; Thomas J. Elvord, 55, Co. A, through the thigh; Wm. Windle, 46th, Co. D, left shoulder out at breast; Wm. A. Smith, 41st, Co. A, leg off at knee; James W. Dickerson, 41th, Co. I, right cheek; John Lohr, 45th, Co. B, left shoulder; Noble Sanford, 45th, Co. B, though right hand; James Williams, 15th, Co. F, through left foot; Hugh Donnelly, 32d, Co. A, left shoulder; Wm. Wheeler, 29th, co. H, groin, Edward Hawkins, 52d, Co. F, arm and other small wounds; L. Fuller, 43d, Co. G, left arm, Mike Cronin, 57th, Co. K, in the knee; Andrew Hammond, 15th, rheumatism; David Tibbs, 43th, Co. I, shot in left eye; Alvey Stewart, 34th, Co. D, in left leg; McComb, 28th, Co. A, right leg; Co. A, right leg; James Kinny, 28th, Co. A, breast and arm; Jacob Rickelson, 27th, Co. F, right thigh and hand; John Kinman, 28th, Co. I, in the ankle; Ferdinand Bower, 58th, through right knee; W. J. Smith, 49th, Co. D, right thigh, hip and left arm; Jno. Fitzsimmons, 28th, Co. B, thigh; Wm. Illsley, 9th, Co. H, right leg, above knee; S. Waughtzon, 45th, Co. C, right shoulder and arm, badly; Jas. Murphy, [6]th, Co. G., both thighs, slightly; Major L. Holt, 43d, Co. C, right arm and hand; Henry Kobbening, 28th, Co. A, left knee; Richard Lynch, 28th, Co. A, left thigh; John Nash, 28th, Co. A, Henry Keith, 28th, Co. A, right elbow; Geo. Lanham, 28th, Co. A, below right ear; Wm. Dollar, 28th, Co. H, in abdomen; James Hendricks, 28th, in abdomen; Orlando Bridgman, 11th, Co. D, left sholder; Byron Parkhurst, 11th, Co. C, in both legs; F. Childers, 8th, Co. G, in ankle; James Bogby, 28th, Co. B, right thigh; Joseph Ray, 41st, Co. A, left hand; Andrew Olenhausen, O. S., 46th, Co. C, in arm; Quincy Pollock, 46th, Co. A, O. S., thigh; Franklin Smith, 46th, Co. A, right ankle; George Crabtree, 11, Co. C, Harris Hackeny, 41st, Co. H, in thigh; John Smith, 15th, Co. E, in both thighs; H. Walker, 28th, Co. I, shot in the neck; W. T. Williams, 1st Corporal, 58th, Co. C, right arm shot off at elbow; Fred Sheve, 9th, Co. C, right and left hip; J. S. Denavee, 32d, Co., I, left thigh; James Gardner, 28th, Co. K, thigh and leg; Thomas B. Hogg, 52d, Co. F, through left foot; Captain Wm. Tenny, 46th, Co. G, left Cheek; David Lucas, 2Jd [sic], Co. F, left cheek; C. Cennicke, 57th, Co. F, in ribs, back and right side; Thomas P. Paxton, 45th, Co., F, left knee, Augustus Whalen, 3d Cav., through neck; T. F. Lewis, 8th Iowa, Co. D, in the neck; S. F. Sellers, 48th, Ills, Co. H, 1st Lieut, in knee and groin; G. W. Wooster, 52d, Co. K, Corporal, right thigh; Peter Woolf, Dresser’s Artillery, 1st Ills., shot in breast; Fred Strop, 9th, Co., A, across back. Edwin Naie, 9th, Co. H, right thigh; Fred Bartlesson, Major 2d Cav., left arm cut off; Alonzo Ramsey, 1st artillery, co. D, ankle; Walker Richmond, 72d O., Co. G, left arm at elbow; Thomas O’Flinn, 52nd Ills., Co. G, right leg above knee; Joseph Mowruy, 12th, H, right legg [sic] at knee; Silas Riggs, 40th, E, Left thigh; Earnest Kimble, 43d, B, right leg at knee; Adam Shutz, 43d, A, left knee; Joseph Brothers, 32d, E, hip; Mat. Hughes, 32d, E, leg, thigh and through the back; Henry Hartline, 19th, I, head; A Keler, 11th, C, right arm; Elias Challoff, 11th, C, right shoulder; David B. Smith, 25th, H, in shoulder; Jas. Eaton, 29th, I right arm at elbow; Hiram V Sanders, 12th, E, right foot; Geo. Steinburger, 12th, B, left leg below knee; C. F. Mount, 40th, I, right leg bleow knee; Nathaniel Perry, 8th, H, right leg below knee; Martin Baker, 40th, E, chest; H. Fuller, 20th, H, both legs, Geo. K. Logan, 8th, F, right side; Jas. E. Dast, 12th, E, left hip; Robt. Ramsey, 9th, K, left ankle and right leg; Joseph Norton, Sr., 15th, I, left thigh; Richard Brown, 15th, B, left leg and knee and left shoulder; Stephen Boher, 8th, H, in left hand; Samuel G. Comert, 1st artillery, shot in right thigh; Dr. Frank Reiily, Asst. Surgeon, 45th, through leg; Allen C. Waterhouse, 1st artillery, E, in thigh; james Weddon, 55th, 1st Lieut., in thigh; Geo. H. Haler, 15th, K, left shoulder; Reuben Bruckern, 40th, G, right arm broken.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862