General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, March 18, 1875

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES,        

ST. LOUIS, Mo., March 18, 1875.

Dear Brother:

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

To-morrow Generals Sheridan and Pope will meet here to discuss the Indian troubles. We could settle them in an hour, but Congress wants the patronage of the Indian bureau, and the bureau wants the appropriations without any of the trouble of the Indians themselves. I don't suppose in the history of the world there is such a palpable waste of money as that bestowed on the Kioways, and no wonder our government is sinking deeper and deeper into debt. We have spent in the past seven months, at least half a million dollars in bringing down these Indians, and this is the fourth time since I have personal knowledge of the fact. . .

Yours affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 344

Lieutenant-General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, September 28, 1867

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSOURI,        

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 28, 1867.

Dear Brother:

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

We have now been near two months on the Indian Commission, and I can pretty closely judge of the result. It cannot be complete or final, because it will take years to do all the law requires, and I suppose the pressure will force Congress to do something conclusive this winter. According to existing treaties with Indians, they have a right to wander and hunt across all the railroads toward the West, and Henderson thinks we had no right to locate roads through without a prior assent, and by the payment of damages. Whether right or wrong, those roads will be built, and everybody knows that Congress, after granting the charts and fixing the routes, cannot now back out and surrender the country to a few bands of roving Indians. Henderson says, also, that the demand of these railroads, stage, telegraph, and other lines on me for military aid or protection were not contemplated, but that these companies took their franchises and contracts with a full knowledge of the difficulties. Now I and all who have gone before me have acted on the general theory that when Congress located a road, that it amounted to an implied promise to give reasonable military protection. However, by the time Congress meets, we can, I think, submit to you some general plan that is practicable, and will in time not at once - attain a result. . .

Yours,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 296

Diary of Gideon Welles: Tuesday, August 15, 1865

Seward read a letter in relation to St. Domingo matters, to which I for some cause did not give that attention which its importance demanded. After he had read it Stanton suggested that one expression was too strong, he thought. Seward appealed to me. I asked to have the passage reread, and concurred with Stanton that more cautious language should be used.

Stanton says there is to be a large reduction of the force which is moving against the Indians; that by the 1st of October the force will be about 6000; that large supplies have gone on, but they can be diverted or deflected to New Mexico and other points, so that they will not be lost.

This whole proceeding is anything but commendable in the War Department. Stanton professes not to have been informed on the subject, and yet takes credit for doing something in the direction of reduction. When questioned, however, he gets behind Grant or Pope or some military officer. An army of twenty-two thousand and a winter campaign, which he said would cost certainly not less than fifty million and very likely eighty or one hundred million, are arranged, a great Indian war is upon us, but the Secretary of War is, or professes to be, wholly ignorant in regard to it, and of course every member of the Administration is uninformed. If Stanton is as ignorant as he professes, it is disgraceful and ominous, and it is not less so if he is not ignorant. There are some things which make me suspicious that he is not as uninformed and ignorant as he pretends. This matter of supplies, so ruinously expensive, is popular on the frontiers, with Lane and others in Kansas. I have seen enough of Stanton to know that he is reckless of the public money in fortifying himself personally. These great contracts for supplies and transportation must have been known to him. How far Grant, whom he does not like, has acted independently of him is a question.

SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 2: April 1, 1864 — December 31, 1866, p. 360-1

In The Review Queue: Lincoln and Native Americans

Lincoln and Native Americans

By Michael S. Green

President Abraham Lincoln ordered the largest mass execution of Indigenous people in American history, following the 1862 uprising of hungry Dakota in Minnesota and suspiciously speedy trials. He also issued the largest commutation of executions in American history for the same act. But there is much more to the story of Lincoln’s interactions and involvement, personal and political, with Native Americans, as Michael S. Green shows. His evenhanded assessment explains how Lincoln thought about Native Americans, interacted with them, and was affected by them.

Although ignorant of Native customs, Lincoln revealed none of the hatred or single-minded opposition to Native culture that animated other leaders and some of his own political and military officials. Lincoln did far too little to ease the problems afflicting Indigenous people at the time, but he also expressed more sympathy for their situation than most other politicians of the day. Still, he was not what those who wanted legitimate improvements in the lives of Native Americans would have liked him to be.

At best, Lincoln’s record is mixed. He served in the Black Hawk War against tribes who were combating white encroachment. Later he supported policies that exacerbated the situation. Finally, he led the United States in a war that culminated in expanding white settlement. Although as president, Lincoln paid less attention to Native Americans than he did to African Americans and the Civil War, the Indigenous population received considerably more attention from him than previous historians have revealed.

In addition to focusing on Lincoln’s personal and familial experiences, such as the death of his paternal grandfather at the hands of Indians, Green enhances our understanding of federal policies toward Native Americans before and during the Civil War and how Lincoln’s decisions affected what came after the war. His patronage appointments shaped Indian affairs, and his plans for the West would also have vast consequences. Green weighs Lincoln’s impact on the lives of Native Americans and imagines what might have happened if Lincoln had lived past the war’s end. More than any many other historians, Green delves into Lincoln’s racial views about people of color who were not African American.

About the Author

Michael S. Green, an associate professor of history at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is the author or editor of three books on the Civil War, including Lincoln and the Election of 1860 (Southern Illinois University Press) and Politics and America in Crisis: The Coming of the Civil War, and several books on Nevada, as well as dozens of articles and essays. He is on the editorial advisory board of the University of Nevada Press and is the executive director of the Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association.

ISBN 978-0809338252, Southern Illinois University Press, © 2021, Hardcover, 176 pages, Photographs, Illustrations, End Notes, Bibliography & Index. $24.63. To purchase this book click HERE.

From Arkansas

ROLLA, Mo., March 29.

Reliable persons just from the army in the Southwest, say the rebels, some thirty-five thousand, under Van Dorn and Price, have retreated entirely across the Boston Mountains, and are at Van Buren and Fort Smith, receiving supplies from Memphis and Little Rock via Arkansas river, which is high.

The Texan Troops are much disheartened at the death of McCulloch, and the Arkansas Troops feel the loss of McIntosh very much.  The rebels are badly off for shoes and clothing.

Pike’s Indians have mostly returned to the Indian nation.  They were not formidable in battle, being panic-stricken at the effect of our artillery.

Price received his Major General’s commission in the Confederate service on the 16^th.  One regiment of Texans reached Van Buren on the 15^th to reinforce Van Dorn, and more were expected from Louisiana.  The whole rebel reinforcements will not exceed five thousand in the next six weeks.

Lieut. Co. Herron, of the 9^th Iowa who was taken prisoner, was in the hands of the rebels for two weeks.  They were badly frightened and retreated very rapidly, and for the three first days of their flight had nothing to eat.  Their cannon and baggage train might have been easily captured.  Gen. Curtis’ army fell back to Keitsville, to secure forage, Arkansas, North of Fayetteville being entirely out.

Our forces are now camped at the head of Cross Timber Hollow, where the water and forage are plenty.  Our pickets extend into Arkansas and the rebel pickets come north to the top of Boston Mountains. – Fayetteville is unoccupied.  Very little union sentiment has been developed in Arkansas.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 31, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, March 24.

SENATE. – Mr. TenEyck presented a joint resolution from the legislature of New Jersey asking Congress to take immediate action for the defense of the coast of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, and resolving that the several States loan Government funds for this purpose.

Mr. Powell presented resolutions from the Legislature of Kentucky, relating to the tax on tobacco, asking that it be reduced.  Referred.

Mr. Sherman of Ohio, presented resolutions from the Legislature of Ohio against any proposition for a settlement of the rebellion, except on unconditional surrender and a condign punishment of the traitors.  Referred.

Mr. Morrill presented resolutions from the Legislature of Maine, endorsing the Administration and in favor of the confiscation of the property of rebels.  Referred.

Mr. Pomeroy introduced a bill from the removal and consolidation of the Indian tribes.  Referred.

On Motion of Mr. Trumbull, the joint resolution in regard to affording aid to the States in favor of emancipation was taken up.

Mr. Saulsbury said this was a most extraordinary resolution in its purpose and, in the source from whence it came.  It was mischievous in its tendency, and he was not sure it was at all patriotic in design.  It was ignoring all the principles, he thought, of the party in power.  It was an interference with the subject of slavery in the States.  It was an attempt to raise a controversy in those States.  None of the slave holding States asked aid.  He believed that the President, had this thing in contemplation for some time.  The Legislature of his State (Delaware) had been in session and a printed bill had found its way there, offering Delaware $800,000 for the emancipation of her slaves, and the legislature rejected it.  The object of this bill is simply to renew and intensify the agitation of the slavery question in the Border States, and to raise an abolition party there.  He would like some member of the judiciary committee to show him any authority in the constitution for thus applying money to the States.  This bill presents the view of the government going into the wholesale negro trading business.  The State of Delaware will never accept of the bill, but the true Union people of that State will go before the people upon it, and there will not be a vestige of the Republican party left.

Mr. Davis offered an amendment as a substitute for the resolution as follows:

Resolved, That although the subject of slavery in the States is exclusively in the jurisdiction and cognizance of the government and people of the States, and cannot be interfered with directly or indirectly by the government of the United States, yet when any of these States or people may determine to emancipate their slaves, the United States shall pay a reasonable price for the slaves so emancipated and the cost of colonizing them in some other country.

Pending the consideration of the resolution, the morning hour expired, and the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia was taken up.

The question was upon the amendment offered by Mr. Doolittle to Mr. Davis’ amendment, for colonization, namely, that only such persons shall be colonized as desire it, at a cost not exceeding $100 per head.

Morrill and King explained that they should vote against the amendment, as they preferred the bill as it was.  The question was then taken on Mr. Davis’ amendment, with the following result: yeas 19, including Harlan; nays 19, including Grimes.  This being a tie vote the Vice President voted in the negative.  Mr. Davis made a speech against the bill.  Executive session.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. Blair, of Va., presented the certificate of Election of Job. Segur a representative from the first district of that State.

Mr. Bingham said: No election in the exact form of law could have been held on the day stated, namely the 15^th inst.  The election was extemporized.  He moved to refer the papers to the committee on elections.  The papers were referred.

Mr. Dunn offered a resolution, which was adopted, instructing the ways and means committee to inquire into the expedience of organizing a large force of miners, with the necessary machinery, to proceed to the gold mines of the West, and work the same for the benefit of the Government, as a means of defraying the expense of the war.

Mr. Holman offered a resolution, which was adopted, requesting the Secretary of War to inform the House why he has not responded to the resolution of last December, calling for a list of paymasters and division paymasters; and that he now be directed to furnish the same, and to what extent they can be dispensed with.

Mr. Rice, of Mass., submitted a resolution, which was referred, authorizing the Secretary of the Navy to expend a sun not exceeding $50,000, for the purpose of testing the plans for rendering ships and floating batteries invulnerable.

Mr. Anthony introduced a resolution requesting the Secretary of War to inform the House of the cause, if any, of the protracted delay in the release of Col. Corcoran, prisoner of war since July; and that the secretary be directed and requested to stop all exchange of prisoners until Col. Corcoran be released.  Laid over.

Mr. Wickliffe introduced a bill to provide funds in part to pay the interest and principal on the public debt.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 25, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, March 5.

The rebel congress have unanimously adopted a preamble and resolution, setting forth that whereas the U. S. are waging war with the avowed purpose of compelling the Confederate States to reunite with them under the same constitution and government, and which only tends to consolidation of general government and a consequent destruction of the rights of States and the results attained by separation, and whereas the two sections can only exist together in the relation of oppressor and oppressed, because of the great preponderance of power in the Northern section coupled with a dissimilarity of interests therefore

            Resolved, That this Congress do solemnly declare and publish to the world the unalterable determination of the Confederate States to suffer all calamities of a most protracted war, but never again to politically affiliate with a people guilty of an invasion of their soil, and butchery of their citizens.

Mr. Faulkner denies in a published letter having made a Union speech at Martinsburg.

The Massachusetts 2d occupy the court house at Charlestown, where John Brown was tried.  The regiment, while marching thither, broke forth in the John Brown chorus.

It is rumored that Mr. Toombs is to be made Lieutenant General, and put in chief command of the rebel army, and that he will inaugurate offensive warfare by throwing an immense military force into the free States.

Practical men estimate the franchise of the Pennsylvania avenue railroad as worth half a million dollars annually.

Maj. Meyers, the head of the signal corps, has invented a rocket which carries up a parachute and leaves it in the air to descend slowly, displaying colored fires, scarlet, red and white, at intervals.  The arrangement of these and the time of burning being indicative of the words and phrases.  Also to facilitate night signaling, he has invented colored lights termed Asterisk signals.  Successful experiments were recently made at midnight.

Mr. Foster’s cotton land cultivation bill passed the Senate this morning, by the following vote:

Yeas – Anthony, Chandler, Clark, Collammer, Dixon, Fessenden, Foot, Foster, Grimes, Hale, Harlan, Howard, Howe, King, Lane, Morrill, Pomeroy, Sherman, Simmons, Sumner, Teneyek, Trumbull, Wade, Wilcox, Wilmot and Wilson of Massachusetts.  Total 26.

Nays – Browning, Carlisle, Cowan, Davis, Henderson, Kennedy, McDougal, Pearce, Powell, Rice, Saulsbury, Thomas, Wilson of Missouri, and Wright.  Total 14.

Mr. Harris was in his seat, but did not vote.

Mr. Doolittle left the chamber three minutes before the vote, having first voted against a motion, to postpone the special order for the purpose of taking up the bill.

Mr. Carlisle of Va., made a proslavery speech against the bill and indicated his opposition to the President’s message.

The Senate in executive session to-day confirmed Brigadier Generals St. Geo. Cooke, Butterfield, Graham, W. T. Ward, Pain Sykes, William W. Richardson, Stanley, Burns, Rousseau, Reno, Fitz John Porter, Plummer and Davis.  A general disposition was shown to reject Brig. Gens. on McClellan’s and Halleck’s Staff.  Gens. Morgan, W. K. Strong, Lockwood, Sickles and Gorman were all passed over.

The Senate military committee, had under consideration a bill for a railroad from Washington to Baltimore, through the upper counties of Maryland, by which the fare shall be reduced from $1, to seventy cents.

The Secretary of the Navy has addressed a letter to the naval committees of both houses, urging the necessity of the construction of more gunboats.

The bill providing for the carriage of mails to and from foreign ports, as reported from the committee on post offices and post roads, vessels clearing from foreign ports for the United States are obliged to receive mail matter placed on board by the American Consul or the postal officers at such ports.

NEW YORK, March 8.

Specials this morning are very barren of real news.  The Tribune’s dispatch says contracts for the transportation of army supplies for the next two years, from Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City to posts west of those points, including all Kansas, Nebraska, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico, were to-day awarded by Gen. Meigs to Irwin, Jackson & Co., the former contractors, their bid being regarded as the one most favorable to the government.

Times’ Dispatch.

The more the President’s message is discussed, the more difficult it is to define the position of parties in regard to it.  One great point however, is gained.  The subject is universally discussed with more calmness than ever before characterized a question about slavery.

WASHINGTON, March 8.

Commissioner of Indian affairs, Dole, has returned from the West.  While in Kansas and Nebraska the Indian chiefs called upon him and tendered the service of their warriors for military service, but these cannot be accepted.  Our six thousand loyal Indian refugees from the Cherokee country are in the lower part of Kansas, in their retreat thither from the superior forces of the enemy.  They threw away everything which impeded their stampede.  The panic among them at the time represented as frightful.  These Indians being in a destitute condition Gen. Hunter supplied their immediate necessity.  Com. Dole telegraphed the Government authorities, and through his representations Congress passed an act for their relief.

The Post Office Department received a letter from Nashville to-day, dated the 3d inst., in which it is stated that the special agent, Markland, on taking possession of the Post Office in that city, found the rebel postmaster had stripped it of every article of property, including blanks, locks, mail bags, time, scales, keys, &ct.  The agent had managed to get the mails from Nashville to Louisville.  The letter adds that the Federal officers and troops have again agreeably disappointed the secessionists by their good behavior and deportment.  Others are mad because the officers and men will not commit acts of violence or perpetrate some outrage of some kind.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 10, 1862, p. 1

Washington News

WASHINGTON, May 16. – The Senate to-day confirmed the nomination of Brevet Major General Wool to be Major General for gallant conduct on the 10th of May in taking the city of Norfolk, and for other gallant services.  Also of Chas. Case as Postmaster at Winchester, Virginia.

The mails for New Orleans will be made up at New York to be forwarded by sea or every steamer which may leave for that port, therefore the communication between these cities will be frequent.  Postmasters are requested to forward all mail matter for New Orleans to New York.

Representative Norton, at present connected with the Agricultural branch of the Patent Office, has been nominated by the President as Commissioner of Agriculture.

Benjamin F. Leeabough, of Nebraska, is confirmed as Agent for the Pawnee Indians in that territory.

The Navy department has information that on the 1st inst. Acting Lieut. Nyckles, of the Onward dispatched Acting master Sloper in his vessel’s launch in chase of the Schooner Serape, about one hundred tones burden, endeavoring to run the blockade off Bull’s Bayou on the coast of South Carolina.  Her crew, thereupon ran her ashore and burned her, themselves escaping.

On the 6th the United States gunboat Ottawa captured the schooner C. C. Pickeny from Charleston for Nassau, with 94 bales of cotton.

On the night of the 8th the Alabama passed the light house.  The next day the Pocahontas endeavored to get her but could not as she was under the protection of the shore batteries.

Gen. Sickles was to-day ordered to resume the command of the excelsior Brigade, attached to the army of the Potomac.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 14 – SENATE – Mr. WRIGHT presented a petition form citizens of Indiana asking Congress to leave off the agitation of the negro question, and attend to the business of putting down the rebellion.  He said he believed those were the sentiments of a very large majority of the people of his State.

On motion of Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, the resolution to suspend the payment of troops actually employed in the Department of the West was taken up.  He stated that under the act, it has been reported that great frauds have been perpetrated, and the only remedy is to have a Commission appointed to investigate the claims.  After a discussion the resolution was laid over.

The resolution by Mr. POWELL, asking the Secretary of State for the number and names of prisoners arrested in Kentucky, how long imprisoned, why they are, &c., was taken up.

The question was on the amendment by Mr. SUMNER that the President be requested to inform the Senate, if compatible with the public interests, concerning the arrests in Kentucky, which was adopted, yeas 30, nays 7.

Mr. POWELL offered an amendment to Mr. Sumner’s amendment, which the Chair said was substantially the same as the original resolution, therefore it was not in order.

Mr. POWELL appealed from the decision of the Chair.

The decision was sustained, 34 to 1.

Mr. POWELL read a letter concerning an interview by the citizens of Kentucky with the Secretary of State, when he refused to give them any information, and said he did not care a damn for the opinion of Kentucky, but meant to hold her in the Union, &c!

The resolution, as amended, was adopted.

Mr. CLARKE, from the special Committee on Confiscation, reported a bill.

Mr. TRUMBULL offered a resolution that the President inform the Senate, if consistent with the public interests, of any information he may have of any design on the part of any foreign Power to interfere in the contest now existing, and whether any foreign nation has made any arrangement with the insurgents or has it in contemplation to do so.  Laid over.

After consideration and amendment of the Indian Appropriation Bill the Senate went into Executive Session.  Adjourned.

HOUSE. -  Mr. WALTON, of Vermont, reported back from the Committee on Printing the joint resolution requiring the Superintendent of the Census to keep records of the names of adults, heads of families and free holders.  The subject was discussed.

Mr. ELLIOTT, from the Select Committee on Confiscation, reported two bills.  He said the time for the restoration of this subject ought not to be much longer postponed.  He suggested that it be made the special order for Monday next.  The first bill provides that all estates, property and money of persons holding, or hereafter holding, office under the so-called Confederacy be forfeited to the United States, and that the President be requested to issue a proclamation giving sixty days.

Mr. PHELPS, of Missouri, suggested that it made the special order for Tuesday, after the morning hour, and the rest of the week be given for debate.

Mr. ELLIOT acquiesced in this, and further that the vote be taken on Monday week on both sides.

Mr. SHELLABARGER offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of the Interior to inform the House what retrenchments can be made in the expenditures.  Passed.

Mr. WICKLIFFE had ineffectually endeavored to offer an amendment, calling on the Secretary of War, to state whether he had provided arms and clothing to arm the fugitive slaves in the South.

The house went into Committee on the Army Appropriation bill.

Mr. CRISFIELD made a speech against confiscation.

Several amendments were offered to the army bill.  One by Mr. Calvert, that no portion of the appropriation should be appropriated to keeping, supporting or equipping fugitive slaves for service in the army.

After debate it was rejected.

The Army Appropriation bill passed without amendment.

Adjourned.

WASHINGTON, May 15. – Mr. WADE presented petitions in favor of confiscation.

Mr. GRIMES presented a petition for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

Mr. WADE, from the Committee on Territories, reported back the house bill to provide for the temporary government of Arizona.

Mr. WILKINSON, from the same Committee, reported back a bill to amend the act for the government of Colorado.  The bill makes the Governor’s veto qualified instead of absolute. – The bill was passed.

Mr. BROWN, from the same committee, reported back the House bill to secure freedom to the people of the Territories, with an amendment which changes the language of the bill to that of the ordinance of 1787.

HOUSE – On motion of Mr. FENTON, the House proceeded to the consideration of the bill introduced by him for the adjudication of claims for loss or destruction of property belonging to loyal citizens, and the damage done them by the troops of the United States during the present rebellion.

The bill provides for the appointment by the President of three Commissioners, together with a Clerk and Marshal.  The commissioners are prohibited from taking cognizance of claims for slaves, while the bill is guaranteed to prevent disloyal citizens from being benefitted by the act.  The claims ascertained are to be reported to Congress, to the end that provisions may be made for their relief, as may be deemed just and proper.

Report agreed to 24 to 28.

A message was received from the President recommending a vote of thanks to Com. Farragut and other officers in his expedition.

The Conference Committee on the homestead bill made a report which was agreed to.

A resolution was offered calling on the Secretary of the Navy for the number of iron clad gunboats under contract, their armaments and when they will be ready for service.  Laid over.

Mr. HARRIS offered a resolution asking the Secretary of State what were the rights and obligations of the United States and Great Britain in regard to the maintenance of armaments on the Lake.  Laid over.

The Indian appropriation bill was taken up and discussed.

A message was received from the House announcing the death of Geo. F. Barley, of Massachusetts.

Mr. SUMNER paid a brief tribute to his worth, &c.

The customary resolutions were passed.

Adjourned.

Mr. FENTON said this bill had been materially considered by the Committee on Claims and was based on the principle of equity and justice.  While sincerely desirous of indemnifying Union men for the losses they had sustained, he was anxious that congress should pass a confiscation bill, denouncing special pains and penalties against the leaders of the rebellion, who having plundered loyal men and sequestrated their estates, shall not escape punishment.  Their property and substance should be used to pay the expenses incidental to the suppression of the most wicked and causeless rebellion.

Mr. WEBSTER moved an amendment making it the duty of the Commissioners to take cognizance of the losses of slaves, which the bill, as reported, prohibits.

Mr. MORRIL, of Vermont, moved the postponement of the bill till Monday.  The bill should be maturely considered, as it involved the expenditure of $100,000.  If passed it might supercede the amount of claims.

Mr. FENTON explained that all adjudicated claims have to be reported to Congress, which is to control the appropriation.

Mr. MORRIL’S motion was adopted.

The House passed the Senate bill authorizing the appointment of medical store-keepers for the army, and hospital chaplains.

Among the measure passed on are the following:

The Senate bill setting apart 10 per cent of the taxes paid by the colored persons to be appropriated for the education of colored children of the District.

The Senate bill requiring the oath of allegiance to be administered to persons offering to vote whose loyalty shall shall [sic] be challenged.

The House bill requiring the oath of allegiance to be taken by attorneys and solicitors in Court within the District of California.

Mr. POTTER from the Conference Committee on the homestead bill, made a report which was adopted.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, April 29. – Steamer Panama arrived from Mazatlan with dates to the 19th.

The Confederates in New Mexico and Arizona are making efforts to bring the Border States into [sympathy] with them. Gen. Sibley commanding the Confederate forces had sent Col. Reilly to open negotiations with the Governor of Sonora. Reilly tendered troops to enter Sonora and chastise Apache Indians, for whose Services he asked right of way, overland from Guyamas to Arizona, and also privilege of purchasing supplies at Mazatlan. The Governor entered into a long correspondence with Reilly and sent special messenger to the Governor of Cinaloa on the subject of his mission. No definite arrangements appeared to be agreed upon, but Reilly received courteous treatment from the government officials, and at last accounts he had arrived at Guayamas, where he boasted that he had been far more successful than he had hoped for.

Ship Joseph Peabody has been forfeited to the Government for smuggling.

Trade has recently revived to supply the demand for goods suitable to Oregon and British California miners, in advance of anticipated large emigration.

Business with the interior of the State continues unusually backward.

Gov. Wright has issued an order requiring the arrest of all persons charged with aiding and abetting, by words or deeds, the rebellion, such persons to be confined unless they subscribe to the oath of allegiance.

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

XXXVIIth Congress – First Session

WASINGTON, April 18.

HOUSE. – Mr. Aldrich reported a bill providing for the examination of claims for Indian depredations in New Mexico.

The house went into committee of the whole on the Pacific R. R. Bill.

Mr. Schofield opposed the bill. The committee rose and further consideration of the bill was postponed till Monday week.

Several private bills were passed.

Adjourned till Monday.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, April 21, 1862, p. 1

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 18. – HOUSE – Mr. ALDRICH reported a bill providing for the examination of claims for Indian depredations in New Mexico.

The House went into committee of the whole on the Pacific Railroad bill.

Mr. SHEFFIELD opposed the bill.

The committee rose, and the further consideration of the bill was postponed till Monday week. Several private bills were passed.

Adjourned till Monday.


WASHINGTON, April 21. – HOUSE – Mr. EDWARDS introduced a bill making appropriation for destitute widows and heirs of volunteers who have died, been killed, or may be killed in the service. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. ELLIOTT offered a motion that the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to communicate a statement of expenditures of money in the Department of the West.

Mr. BLAKE offered a motion that the Secretary of War be directed to cause the necessary blank forms to be distributed among the sick and wounded soldiers and their relatives, in order that they may obtain the back pay and bounty due to said soldiers.

Mr. COX, of Ohio, submitted the following: Resolved, that the Secretary of War inform the House of the following facts. 1st. What has delayed the reply to the resolution of this House calling for information as to the age, sex, condition, &c., of the Africans moved in Gen. Wool’s Department, and what number of slaves has been brought into this district by the army officers or other agents of the Government from the State of Virginia since the enemy abandoned the possession of Manassas and their lines on the Potomac. 3d. What number of fugitives from Maryland and Virginia are now in the city of Washington, their sex, and probable ages; what number is now and has been sent to Frederick, Maryland. 5th. How many are now fed and supported by the United States; by what authority were both old and young, male and female, sent by rail to Philadelphia, and at whose expense, and the proposes for which they were sent. If the Secretary has not the means to answer the enquiries to take the necessary steps to obtain the information.

On motion of Mr. LOVEJOY the resolution was tabled by a vote of 65 against 31. The Republicans generally voting in the affirmative.

On motion of Mr. PORTER, a resolution was adopted instructing the Committee on Invalid Pensions to report a bill providing pensions for disable soldiers of the present war.

The House reconsidered the vote by which the resolution was today adopted calling for the expenditures of the Western Department, and then rejected it.

Mr. DIVIN’S resolution requesting the Attorney General to bring suit against Gen. Fremont and Mr. [Bard] to recover money obtained on the order of Fremont, was taken up.

Mr. DIVEN continued The extravagance of the expenditures in the St. Louis fortifications; the money having been drawn without any form of law.

Mr. COLFAX disapproved of the St. Louis contracts, but the circumstances under which they were undertaken offered an extenuation for them. Why did gentlemen wait until General Fremont was in the face of the enemy before their [malignity] pursued him – why not wait until the end of the war instead of so acting as to cause him to lose the confidence of his army in front of the foe.

Mr. BLAIR replied to Mr. Colfax, that St. Louis never was in danger excepting from Gen. Fremont who brought there a gang of Californians to the prejudice of the good name of the people of Missouri. He was partly influential in placing Gen. Fremont in command in the west, but he had suffered for it and he hoped he would be pardoned.


SENATE. – The President pro. tem. presented petitions in favor of the bankrupt law; also in favor of a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

Mr. LANE, of Indiana, presented a petition from the free colored [citizens] of the Untied States, praying for setting aside portions of the territory outside of the National lines, for their colonization and maintenance in Central America.

The memorial was respectful and deserving of the attention of Congress. He desired it should be read and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, which was agreed to.

Mr. LANE said while he did not believe that free colored people where entitled to all the rights or privileges of white citizens of the U. S., nevertheless favored their just right to petition, a right awarded even among the most despotic Governments of Europe. It was evident that slaves were freed, and by our armies. – Something must be done with them and emancipation, an apprenticeship or other measures adopted for them. It is not in accordance with the genius of our institutions, that these people should be returned to slavery. He alluded to the great bloodless and moral triumph of freedom in the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, as fully equal to the armies by the chivalric and brave sons of the west.

Messrs. HOWE and HOWARD presented memorials from the citizens of Wisconsin and Michigan praying for a ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river.

Mr. DOOLITTLE presented a joint resolution from the Wisconsin Legislature, tendering to the President of the United States an approval of his course. He said these resolutions passed almost unanimously.

The resolutions were received, and the House resolution for supplying the Smithsonian Institute with a copy of Wilkes’ expedition was taken up.

Mr. HALE supposed they would pass the resolution and have the books sent to the Smithsonian Institute, as the two most gigantic humbugs ought to go together.

Mr. DOOLITTLE spoke in favor of the resolution in regard to Brig. Gen. Stone.

Mr. WADE replied to him.

Mr. POWELL offered a resolution calling on the Secretary of State for the names of all persons residents of the State of Kentucky who have been arrested by his order and confined in forts and camps as prisoners since the first of September, also the number and age of those who has been released, and the number, name and ages of those retained.

Mr. SUMNER objected and the resolution lies over under the rule.

The resolution calling for information in relation to the arrest of Brig. Gen. Stone was then taken up.


WASHINGTON, April 21 – SENATE. – The debate continued at great length, when Mr. McDOUGAL accepted Mr. WILSON’S resolution in place of his own, calling on the President, if not incompatible with the public interest, for all the information relative to the arrest and imprisonment of Brig. Gen. Stone, which then passed.

The confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. DAVIS obtained the floor.

Executive session – adjourned.


HOUSE – Mr. DIVIN’S resolution was tabled.

The resolution of Mr. ALDRICH instruction the Judiciary Committee to report back the bill for the trial and punishment of military officers charged with swindling, was passed.

Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, April 22 – SENATE. – Several petitions for emancipation and bankrupt law were presented.

Mr. CLARK, from the Select Committee on the case of Senator Stark of Oregon, made a report, but whether adverse or not was not stated. Ordered to be printed.

Mr. ANTHONY presented a resolution calling on the President for copies of all orders of the commanding general’s instructions, &c., given to Gen. Sherman, lately commanding the S. C. Department. Mr. Anthony said the credit of Fort Pulaski belonged to Gen. Sherman, and he believed that the correspondence could or would show that he had discharged all the duties required of him. If Savannah had not been taken it was because he had acted in accordance with [orders]. He didn’t desire to deprive the North of anything.

The bill for the establishment of the department of Agriculture was taken up and the substitute of Mr. Wright for the bill was rejected.

Mr. FOOTE moved to amend the bill by a substituted providing for a statistical and agricultural Bureau.

Pending a vote the bill to confiscate the property and free the slaves of rebels was taken up.

Mr. DAWES objected.


HOUSE. – Mr. McPHERSON presented a petition in favor of the establishment of a Professorship of German in the West Point military Academy on the ground of the value of the study and its practical utility, in view of the number of Germans in the army and the richness of German literature in military science.

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

First Session – 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, April 22. – HOUSE – On motion of Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, it was resolved that the President should be requested to strike from the rolls, the name of any army officer has been known to be habitually intoxicated by the use of spirituous liquors, while in the service.

Mr. MORRILL stated that he had been assured that the commanding General who failed to reinforce the two Vermont companies who suffered severely at Yorktown, was drunk and had fallen off his horse into the mud.

Mr. Morrill was asked for, but declined to give the name of the General.

An unsuccessful effort was made to lay the fifteen or sixteen confiscation bills on the table, but the motion to do so was lost , by yeas 39, nays 60.

Mr. BINGHAM’S substitute, providing for the capture and condemnation of the enemy’s property, and to indemnify the United States for expenses incurred in the suppression of the rebellion was agreed to, 62 against 48, and the House adjourned.


SENATE – Mr. DAVIS spoke two and a half hours against the bill without concluding, when there was an Executive session, and then Senate adjourned.

The select committee to whom was referred the question of the loyalty of Senator Starke [sic], of Oregon, reported, to-day, that he is disloyal to the Government of the United States, having found that for many months prior to November he was an ardent advocate of the rebellion, and after the formation of the Rebel constitution, openly declared his admiration for it, and warmly avowed his sympathy with the rebel cause.

It subsequently appeared that the committee found that Senator Starke is disloyal to the government of the United States.

A caucus of the Republicans in Congress is called for to-morrow night.


WASHINGTON, April 23 – SENATE – Mr. TRUMBULL presented a petition from W. C. Jewett for a defensive stand still policy at Yorktown to secure a reserve force of 250,000 men.

Mr. TRUMBULL from the Judiciary Committee reported a resolution in relation to the pay of the first Senators and Representatives from the State of Minnesota, which was passed.

Mr. HALE offered a resolution that the Military Committee inquire if any General in the army before Yorktown had exhibited himself drunk in the face of the enemy, and if any measures had been taken for the trial and punishment of such officer.

Mr. SUMNER suggested the subject be referred to the Committee on the Conduct of the War.

Mr. HALE referred to the statement of Mr. Morrill in the House yesterday, and stated that he thought it high time some notice should be taken of these things. If officers thus leave brave men to be slaughtered like beasts, no punishment is too great for them.

Mr. FOSTER said the Senate had not taken high ground enough. The Senate should never have confirmed men known to be intemperate. It becomes us to weed our garden first and correct our laxity and he was pained to say criminality in this respect.

Mr. FOOTE said that the General referred to has not been confirmed.

Mr. HALE said that the Senate had not taken high ground enough, but if officers were so drunk that they could not sit on their horses he tho’t some notice ought to be taken of it. The resolution was adopted.

Mr. DAVIS introduced a bill prescribing an additional oath for Grand and Petit Jurors in the United States Court.

The bill recognizing the independence of Hayti [sic] and Liberia, and the appointment of a diplomatic representation was taken up.

Mr. SUMNER said thus far our Government friendly to new Governments, had turned aside from these nations. He thought that it was time to put an end to this, an anamoly [sic] in history.

Mr. SUMNER continued his speech in favor of the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, and concluded by saying, by recognizing these two nations we only tardily follow the example of the principal nations of the world.

The bill was then postponed until to-morrow and the confiscation bill was then taken up.

Mr. DAVIS resumed his remarks in opposition to the bill. He said that he had already detained the Senate at some length on this question, but he considered that in the importance of its effect the bill had no parallel. He contended that Congress had no right to pass such a bill under the war power.


HOUSE – The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill which was pending when the adjournment took place yesterday and upon which the main question had been ordered – the bill was tabled by a vote of 54 against 48.

The next bill taken up was to facilitate the suppression of the rebellion and prevent the recurrence of the same. It authorizes the President to direct our Generals to declare the slaves of rebels free, and pledges the faith of the United States to make full and fair compensation to loyal men who have actively supported the Union, for any losses they may sustain by virtue of this bill.

Mr. OLIN understood that the committee on Judiciary had agreed substantially that none of the confiscation bills referred to them ought to pass.

Mr. THOMAS of Mass., remarked that the committee recommended that none of the confiscation bills pass.

Mr. OLIN said that the disposition of the House and the country was that there should be some legislation on the subject; as the Judiciary committee could not agree on the matter, he proposed that a select committee of seven be appointed to take the subject into consideration, such a committee being [untrammeled] the House might anticipate a proper measure of legislation.

Mr. DUNN was glad to hear Mr. Olin’s suggestion. The subject of confiscating Rebel property, was one of the most difficult questions before congress, and the decision of which was involved the restoration of the Government to is former state of prosperity. He congratulated the House and country, that this morning, there had been laid upon the table, a bill which if it had been passed would have disgraced the civilization of this age. (Exclamations on the Democratic side of “good,” “good;” “that’s so.”) It was a bill which, at one fell swoop, would have impoverished the people generally – from old age down to innocent childhood.


WASHINGTON, April 23. – HOUSE – Mr. COLFAX advocated the appointment of a Select Committee.

Mr. DUNN was opposed to a sweeping confiscation bill. He wanted a distinction made against leaders.

Mr. BINGHAM maintained the propriety of a law to punish all who willfully rebel by depriving them of their property.

Mr. LEHMAN was opposed to confiscation bills. He looked on the march of our armies as the proper mode of suppressing the rebellion and re-establishing the Constitution.

Mr. HICKMAN claimed that the Constitution gave the President ample power without Congressional action.

Mr. Crittenden was against all confiscation measures which would tend to exasperate the war and postpone the time of putting down the rebellion.

After further debate, without action the House adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. SHERMAN offered an amendment specifying persons to whom confiscation should apply, including those who may hereafter hold office under the rebels.


WASHINGTON, April 24. – HOUSE. – Mr. VALANDIGHAM offered a resolution requesting the President to transmit to the House, if not compatible with the public interest, copies of the correspondence between the French and Unites States Governments, as may have been received within the last two months, relative to the present troubles in America. Referred to the committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr. ALDRICH from the committee on Indian Affairs, reported a bill authorizing a treaty to be made with the Indians of Utah, with a view to purchasing lands.

Also a bill authorizing a treaty with the Nevajoe [sic] Indians, of New Mexico, defining their limits and extinguishing their titles to lands outside of the United States. Referred to the committee of the Whole.

The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bills from yesterday.

Mr. LOVEJOY, said that while this government is engaged in a serious war to put down the rebellion, it was seen this unnatural and parricidal insurrection has sympathizers and advocates on this floor. Those who defend slavery are the defenders of the rebellion, for slavery and rebellion are synonymous. They are unchangeable terms. Wherever slavery is there is rebellion. It is the corner stone, pillar and support. He took the position that either slavery or the Republic must perish. He would tell the gentleman from Kentucky, (Crittenden,) and all other advocates and defenders of the system, and those who cry themselves hoarse, in attempting to throw the protection of the Constitution around it, that it is the desire of the Republic that it should cease to exist. – There is no city of refuge for it. Like an infernal assassin, it has its knife drawn, and is endeavoring to strike it at the heart of the Republic. We are bound to strike the monster, and gentlemen need not cry the Constitution for its defence [sic]. It shall be said, “be slain in the name of my country and my God.”

He denied that slavery has any quarter or recognition in the Constitution. He argued that it was their right duty to destroy slavery because slavery is destroying or will destroy the Republic. He was in favor of the restoration of the Union with the right to stand on the American soil anywhere and proclaim his sentiments. He wanted to stand anywhere on American soil without the enforcement of a despotism to make him hold his tongue. He wanted to speak in South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Louisiana, without the fear of lynching or a coat of tar and feathers. The gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Crittenden) asked what would four millions of slaves do turned loose. This term was used as if the slaves were wild beasts. Now he (Mr. Lovejoy) had this to say: At present he let them alone to take care of themselves, which they were abundantly able to do. The slaveholders had better turn their attention to another point, namely: What will they do when they cease to live on the unrequieted sweat and toil of slaves? He denied that he and his friends want to make this an antislavery war, but the only way to put down the rebellion and restore the Union was to destroy slavery.

Mr. ROSCOE CONKILING expressed himself in favor of the confiscation bill, to amplify the punishment of treason. He wanted to punish the ring leaders of the rebellion, and have reimbursement of the expenses incurred in suppression the rebellion. The subject was referred to a select of seven.

The House went into committee of the Whole, and took up the bill making appropriations for bounties to widows, and the legal heirs of Volunteers.

Mr. ROLLINS, of Missouri, made a speech against the Rebellion, and complimented Mr. Lincoln for his efforts in behalf of the Union. He was opposed to any and all extreme measures and for prosecuting the war on the principle laid down at the extra session, that when the supremacy of the Constitution and Laws are established the war ought to cease.


SENATE.

A communication was received from the War Department, transmitting copies of contracts made by that Department, for 1861.

Mr. GRIMES presented 420 petitions from beer and malt liquor manufacturers, asking fro a reduction in the proposed tax on beer and malt liquors.

Mr. BROWNING presented similar petitions.

Mr. POWELL moved to take up the resolution offered by him concerning the arrest of civilians in Kentucky, &c.

Mr. SUMNER opposed taking the resolution as independent.

Mr. POWELL did not see why the Senator should make any opposition to the resolution. It simply asked how many citizens of the free States have been dragged from their homes without warrant of law and called on tyrants and usurpers to know where they are and what their names are.

They are free white men, if they had been negroes the Senator from Massachusetts would make no opposition to the resolution. He (Sumner) was extremely pained about the wrongs of the negro but white men had some rights, and he wanted the Secretary to tell us why and what for these men were thus unlawfully dragged to prison without any charge of crime being bro’t against them.

Mr. SUMNER said the Senator from Kentucky had made an inflammatory speech and had called a high officer of the Government a tyrant and usurper. In the event of the resolution being taken up, the whole question must be gone into. If the Secretary of War was a tyrant and usurper, there were men arrested who were traitors.

Mr. POWELL (in his seat). Who are they? Name them.

MR. POWELL said that some of the men who have been arrested are as loyal as the Senator from Massachusetts (Sumner). He defied the Senator to point out any law by which the Secretary of State can carry off citizens of Kentucky and imprison them in the forts of Massachusetts and New York.

The bill for the recognition of Hayti and Liberia, being the special order was taken up.

Mr. DAVIS moved to substitute, authorizing the President to appoint a Consul to Liberia and a Consul to Hayti, with power to negotiate treaties. He was opposed to sending any ambassadors to those countries. If they send ministers here, and send a full blooded negro, he could demand to be received on equal terms with white men. He knew that a big negro fellow was admitted to the Court of France as Minister from Hayti, but he (Davis) wanted no such exhibition. He was sick and disgusted with the subject of slavery in the Senate.

Mr. SUMNER said the senate would bear him witness that he had said nothing about slavery on this bill, the Senator from Kentucky did that. The Senator from Kentucky might banish all fear of any social difficulty. He (Sumner) was sure that no representative from Hayti would ever force himself where he was not wanted. He said the Committee had come to the conclusion that we should be represented by diplomatic agents in those countries and this was in accordance with the precedents of this Government, and the example of other Nations.

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

Indian Troubles

From The Council Bluff Nonpareil.

Ft. Kearney, Aug. 8th. – 10 o’clock, P.M. – A party of one hundred Indians attacked a train of nine wagons one mile east of Plum Creek station at 7 o’clock this morning, and killed all the men, burned the wagons, and killed and drove off the stock. – Two women and four children with the train were taken prisoners. The same band afterwards attacked another train near the same place, but were driven off three times.

Three men were killed in this engagement. Eight dead bodies were counted lying in the road by the stage passengers coming east this morning.

There were supposed to be more lying in the grass. They burned Fred Smiths 27 mile-point Ranche, killed his hired men and drove off his stock. Col. Sumers, Capt. Murphy and Capt. Talbot, with eighty mounted men, started this morning for the scene of action. Maj. Brien, from Cottonwood, with a company of troops has gone to co-operate with Col Sumners. At one o’clock this afternoon sixteen Indians drove off a lot of horses from Dog Town, eight miles east of Kearney.

Ten men followed them as far as the bluffs when they were met by a large force of Indians, and compelled to retreat, with the loss of three men killed.

Private dispatches from the west this afternoon, later than the news report, represent the Indians in a large force in the neighborhood of Kearney. They are killing, capturing and burning everything on the road. All the troops have been driven into the fort which is now surrounded by Indians. Nearly all the small out-posts have been evacuated, and the savages now hold undisputed possession of all the country above the fort. The present outbreak bids fair to be a much more serious affair than was at first anticipated; the Indians are in large force, are determined on war and it is doubtful whether there is sufficient military force on the Platte to prevent them from coming down to the settlements. The stages and mails are stopped and there is now no communication above Kearney, except telegraph, which is yet unmolested.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, August 20, 1864

Letter from the 7th Iowa Cavalry

Fort Kearney
Feb. 17th, 1864

Mr. Editor :–

It seems somewhat strange that something from the Seventh Iowa Cavalry does not oftener appear in your columns. The Seventh by some has been lightly spoken of. But by old regulars, I am authorized to say that it will compare favorably with almost any other regiment in the field for good discipline, or in any other respect, though I must say there is yet room for improvement. As far as fighting is concerned the Seventh has not played much of a hand. We may yet have a change to show our fighting propensities, and I do not know of a boy in the regiment who would not welcome the day that sends us South. The companies are scattered almost from one end of Nebraska Territory to the other. Companies G and F being stationed at Cottonwood Springs, A, D and H at Fort Reamey [sic, should read Kearny], and the other companies on the Missouri River at different points above Omaha City. I don’t suppose there is another regiment in the field that guards more territory than the Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Its daily performed line of duty, too, is excessive. The civil law being of little force, the ordinary duties of the civil authorities are naturally devoted upon the military. Co. B, I understand, has recently had some difficulties with the Indians up about St. James, but I have not been able to learn the result.

A Word on our career since leaving Iowa. After crossing the muddy Missouri River we were stationed in camp for a few days, near the village called Omaha City. After having recruited our horses &c. we found that we were to be scattered to the four winds over Nebraska Territory. It fell to the lot of three companies A, D and H, to go to Fort Kearney. About the last of August, all things being ready, we gathered up our traps, turned our horses’ heads to the far west and commenced our wearisome journey. Not however without first getting the example of Lot’s wife, casting our eyes back towards home and its endearments. Our march was not accompanied with anything very adventurous. I might however say that we were one night aroused by the sound of the sentinel’s carbine and the report was instantly afloat though camp that the Indians were upon us. The boys were instantly under arms, falling into line with the speed scarcely imaginable for new troops. But no Indians. Nothing of the kind could be found, and after an hours scouting through the brush on the Platte, the boys returned to camp much dissatisfied at their novel disappointment. We arrived at Fort Kearney in due time and found it a very commodious home for the soldiers, though somewhat lonesome. The boys soon made themselves quite proficient in hunting, as the buffalo were quite plenty here at that time. Most of the boys have become excellent riders. The Nimrodian laurels belong to on John A. Guy who soon became so will skilled that while riding at full sped he brought down two large buffaloes in fifteen minutes time.

Platte River is about one mile wide, sometimes exceeding that, but seldom falling short of it. The channel is so shallow that it can be forded in almost any place. It is interspersed with numerous low islands which are covered with thick underwood and grape vines forming a good retreat for wolves &c. The one thing most remarked about this river is that in the summer season while it has plenty of water with heavy current, in others there is none. At the crossing at Fort Kearney when we came here, there was not a drop of water in the channel, but in a few weeks after our arrival the water came down with all the violence of a mill race, yet no rain had fallen to produce this effect.

The health of the three companies stationed here is very good. Some few cases of fever have occurred, but thanks to the care of Dr. A. J. Willy, none have died. The moral condition of the soldiers here is not as good as it might be. We have not been favored with a chaplain, from what reason I am not able to say. I suppose Uncle Sam thought we were coming out west where there was no danger, and consequently would not need a spiritual overseer. The post is at present under the command of Major H. H. Heath, who spares no pains to keep the soldiers under him in good discipline causing a thorough inspection of arms once a week. The horses and horse equipage are in excellent condition, although the former have several times been jaded by extensive scouting.

Solic[i]ting pleasant dreams for the Editor, his subscribers, and the good citizens of the very interesting and business city of Oceola, I am yours, and a prisoner yet.

Soldier.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 12, 1864