Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 20, 1863

Nothing definite from Lee. I fear his little campaign from the Rapidan to Bull Run was not a glorious one, although Meade did run to the fortifications at Centreville. He may possibly have had a counter-plot, which is not yet developed. Our papers are rejoicing over thousands of prisoners "picked up;" but Captain Warner, who furnishes the prisoners their rations, assures me that they have not yet arrived; while our papers acknowledge we lost 1000 men, killed and wounded, besides several guns.

The Secretary of War received a dispatch to-day from Gen. Barton, Kinston, N. C, stating that a number of Federal regiments were embarking for (he thinks) South Carolina. This, the Secretary, of course, sends to Gen. Beauregard, but doubts, however, the destination of the troops. He thinks they are to menace Richmond again, and says there are indications of this purpose on the York River. Is Hooker really there? The public knows nothing, as yet, of what is going on down that river. What if Meade retreated to entice Lee away from Richmond, having in preparation an expedition against this city? I should not wonder at anything, since so many equivocal characters are obtaining passports to the United States. Gen. Winder and Judge Campbell are busy signing passports — one granted by the latter yesterday (recorded) also allows the bearer to take with him 2000 pounds tobacco!

A letter was received to-day from the President, ordering certain concessions to Governor Brown, relating to exemptions and details.

Letters have been received justifying the belief (notwithstanding the forebodings of Lieut.-Gen. E. K. Smith) that we have taken Little Rock, Ark., again. This is Price's work; also that Quantrell and other bold raiders in Missouri have collected some thousands of desperate men, and killed several regiments of the enemy. They have burned a number of towns (Union), and taken the large town of Boonville. These are the men against whom Kansas Abolitionists have sworn vengeance — no quarter is to be granted them. I suspect they are granting no quarter!

Yesterday I saw a Captain Commissary on Broad Street give his dog a piece of beef for which I would have given a dollar. Many little children of soldiers stood by with empty baskets. He would not sell a shank!

Dispatch from Alabama:

selma, October 18th, 1863.

President Davis arrived here this evening, and was welcomed by the citizens en masse. An immense crowd gathered in front of the hotel. The President congratulated the people on meeting them under such favorable circumstances, and spoke in glowing terms of the gallantry of Alabamians on every battle-field. He said if the non-conscripts of Alabama would gather their guns and go to the rescue, by guarding Courtland and other points, thereby relieving regular soldiers who are now, from necessity, discharging that sort of duty, such blows would be dealt the enemy as he would find it difficult to recover from. In this way most effective aid could be given the gallant men and officers who are carrying out the plans of the noble Longstreet, under the supervision of the heroic Bragg.

In this way the President was confident that Rosecrans could be crushed to dust. It was only by force of arms that the Yankees could be brought to reason and their plans for our subjugation defeated. Self-reliance and energy were now our only duty. We should not look to Europe for aid, for such is not to be expected now. Our only alternative was to sustain ourselves with renewed energy and determination, and a little more sacrifice upon the part of the people, and the President firmly believed that next spring would see the invader driven from our borders. Then farmers, who are now refugees, could return to their families and pursue their business undisturbed as heretofore. In fact, he believed that the defeat of Rosecrans would practically end the war.

Mr. Randolph has signified his purpose to vote for the bill reducing prices, rather than resign; but Mr. Wyndham Robertson, the delegate, has resigned. Nearly all the papers have taken ground against the "Maximum Bill." To-night a mass meeting is called, to urge the passage of the bill.

The "mass meeting" to-night was a small affair. Mr. Robinson, my old compositor, made a speech, abusing the editors; but the editors have succeeded in putting down for the present the cry for bread. I fear, however, it is but the work of Sisyphus, and it may destroy them; for, if the measure fails before the Legislature, the prices will be sure to advance, and then the people will attribute their woes to those who were instrumental in the defeat of the plan of relief. It is a dangerous thing to array one's self against a famishing people, even when the remedy they demand is not calculated to alleviate their distresses. I saw flour sell at auction to-day for $61 per barrel. This, too, when there is an abundant crop of new grain but recently harvested. It is the result of the depreciation of a redundant currency, and not of an ascertained scarcity. Timber and coal are as abundant as ever they were; and the one sells at $32 per cord, and the other at $30 per load of 25 bushels. And cotton is abundant, while brown domestic is bringing $3.00 per yard. Many are becoming very shabby in appearance; and I can get no clothes for myself or my family, unless the government shall very materially increase our salaries.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 75-7

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 27, 1863

There is trouble in the Conscription Bureau. Col. Preston, the new superintendent, finds it no bed of roses, made for him by Lieut.-Col. Lay — the lieutenant-colonel being absent in North Carolina, sent thither to compose the discontents; which may complicate matters further, for they don't want Virginians to meddle with North Carolina matters. However, the people he is sent to are supposed to be disloyal. Gen. Pillow has applied to have Georgia in the jurisdiction of his Bureau of Conscription, and the Governors of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee unite in the request; also Generals Johnston and Bragg. Gen. Pillow already has Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, etc.—a much larger jurisdiction than the bureau here. Col. Preston, of course, protests against all this, and I believe the Secretary sympathizes with him.

Prof. G. M. Richardson, of the Georgia Military Institute, sends some interesting statistics. That State has furnished the army 80,000, between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years. Still, the average number of men in each county between sixteen and eighteen and forty-five and sixty is 462, and there are 132 counties: total, 60,984. He deducts 30 per cent, for the infirm, etc. (18,689), leaving 42,689 men able to bear arms still at home. Thus, after putting some 500,000 in the field (if we could put them there), there would yet remain a reserve for home defense against raids, etc. in the Confederate States, of not less than 250,000 men.

Gen. Winder sent to the Secretary of War to-day for authority to appoint a clerk to attend exclusively to the mails to and from the United States — under Gen. Winder's sole direction.

Major Quantrel, a Missouri guerrilla chief, has dashed into Lawrence, Kansas, and burnt the city — killing and wounding 180. He had Gen. Jim Lane, but he escaped.

Gen. Floyd is dead; some attribute his decease to ill treatment by the government.

I saw Mr. Hunter yesterday, bronzed, but bright. He is a little thinner, which improves his appearance.

Gen. Lee is in town—looking well. When he returns, I think the fall campaign will open briskly.

A dispatch received to-day says that on Tuesday evening another assault on Battery Wagner was in progress — but as yet we have no result.

Lieut. Wood captured a third gun-boat in the Rappahannock, having eight guns.

The prisoners here selected to die, in retaliation for Burnside's execution of our officers taken while recruiting in Kentucky, will not be executed.

Nor will the officers taken on Morris Island, serving with the negroes, suffer death in accordance with the act of Congress and the President's proclamation. The Secretary referred the matter to the President for instruction, and the President invited the advice of the Secretary. The Secretary advised that they be held indefinitely, without being brought to trial, and in this the President acquiesces.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 24-6

Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney to Emeline Harris Tenney et al, December 2, 1862

Camp at Ray's Mills, Arkansas, Dec. 1, 1862.

My Dear Friends:

I guess you wonder a little why you don't hear from your soldier boy. Well, I presume you will wonder often if we stay in the field and keep up our scouts and marches. Since last Tuesday, my regular day for writing and the day I intended to write, I haven't had a minute's opportunity for writing until yesterday, and then I was busy till night, when I was too tired to write.

Tomorrow another train leaves for the Fort. Several sick boys return. I should have liked to go back for comfort, but after all as long as there is a man in the Regiment in the field, I want to be there, too, though there must be some suffering and sacrifices.

Today I had an opportunity to go into the Brigade Commissary as clerk and get $12 a month extra. Lt. Shattuck, brother of Nina, is acting Brigade Commissary and wanted me to help him. N. thought I hadn't better go. I don't care much. Should have liked the little spondulics though.

Sunday night when we arrived here I found six letters, three from home, two from Fannie, and one from Will. I guess I was happy that night and as usual dreamed of home. Thede, I thank you very much for your good long letter. You did me proud. Please do so more.

I see by the papers that Col. Ford has received his just deserts. I enjoy all the particulars of the home circle visits, calls and town gossip. It is always my Thanksgiving Day when my letters come. My letters both received and written have been quite irregular of late and I presume will be in future.

During the last week we have been on our horses most of the time. My ague left me just in time. Tuesday and Wednesday our detachment was out on a scout down below here a little. We had the pleasure of overtaking 400 of Quantrell's men Tuesday night and turned their course from the north southward on double quick. The Major had 115 men. I had the pleasure of being in the advance and had two or three little skirmishes with the rear guard. None of us, how I don't know, was hurt. Afterwards some of the 3rd Wis. were sent ahead of us and when a few rods in advance were fired into from the bushes and two of the men wounded.

I suppose you have heard by this time of the fight at Cane Hill and beyond.

Thursday our detachment went in advance of the whole division but Friday we were rear guard and the Brigade was left at Cane Hill as a reserve. It was aggravating to hear the roar of artillery and not partake. There will be some hard fighting if we go over the mountains.

I have no ambition to die immediately or anything of that sort. I guess life, real life, is precious to the most wicked, but I do long to have our armies hasten on to victory or defeat. If Schofield's forces join ours, I believe our success will be sure, though earned by a good deal of sacrifice.

Lt. Shattuck has been acting Adj. but has gone now. So I have enough to do his duties and those of Sergt. Major.

I have just been out doors and I could see the “fire on the mountains” along our line of march over the hills from the North.

Tonight the air is cold and the fire in our little stove is comfortable and cozy enough. We are getting well used to bivouacking in the open air with few blankets and no fires. When out scouting we go without fires so as not to let the enemy know our movements. Sometimes we can't get much sleep, though. Don't you believe I occasionally long to creep into that soft bed at home and to sit down at our little supper table? Oh no, never!

Please excuse another hasty letter. The Independents have come as usual. I presume we will remain here a few days and then go over the mountains. I hope so.

The boys are all talking as loudly as can be and I can't think overmuch straight.

With much love,

Luman.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 46-9

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: Tuesday, November 25, 1862

Went over to see secesh but they had gone. Shattuck went on detail as chief of commissary. Capt. Seward said I must make out morning reports after this. Major Purington received orders to proceed at once with his command to Evansville. Blair's Battery practised with artillery — shell. Major and detachment started out on a scout, an odd old genius on a white horse as guide. Went by a byroad. When 4 or 5 miles from Cincinnati, crossed a byroad where 400 or 500 had passed. I had charge of advance. Before going a half mile, saw two “butternuts.” Wheeled and ran like fun. Followed about a mile and learned from a family that 4 or 5 had passed not more than ten minutes before. Reported back. Followed most of the time at a trot. When we had gone two miles, we struck the main road and here the rebels fired at us from the brush. I had 20 men. All wheeled but 3 men. Soon rallied. Moved on a few rods and saw 15 or 20 in line by the bushes ready to fire. They fired and we in line fired in return. Soon Major sent word to reload. While reloading the rebels crossed the byroad to the main road. We followed a few hundred rods and were ordered to halt. Soon some of the 3rd Wis. came up, and passed dismounted. When 5 or 6 rods ahead a volley was poured into them, wounding two. Two days after, we heard that they were 400 of Quantrell's men and that they ran to Cane Hill, also that 4,000 went over the mountains. Also that we killed two men. Bivouacked without fires.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 44-5

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: Sunday, May 15, 1864

On the march at 7 a. m. Left the river and passed through a forest five miles coming out on a plain or open prairie near Fort DeRussey. We found the rebels in force with several pieces of artillery. A large part of the army wheeled in position four lines deep. It was a beautiful sight all in open view. The rebels fired a few shells and retreated. Quamtrell's [sic] guerrillas on the opposite side of the river had a good time all day firing into our transports. A little beyond the town of Marksville the advance came up again with the enemy at about sundown. Our brigade was ordered to the front at double quick. We arrived within supporting distance of the cavalry and night coming on the firing ceased. We were soon supported by two or three other lines in our rear when we laid down on the prairie and slept on our arms all night.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 113

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant George G. Smith: April 28, 1864

Heavy skirmishing all day with cavalry, artillery and infantry. Afternoon preparations for a general engagement. Squadrons wheeling into line, and maneuvering at the front. At night the torch was again at work and soon the heavens were aglow with burning buildings. Firing ceased. Next day all was quiet. The enemy had felt our position, did not like it and withdrew. The notorious Quantrel, the bushwhacker was on the opposite side of the river so the Second brigade was ordered to cross and take positions to protect that part of the town. We encamped near a house in rear of Pineville. It was empty, and the soldiers re girded it as lawful plunder, and raided it, as was their custom. It seemed to be an unwritten law that, if the family fled, it was evidence of guilt, and the property was theirs; but if they remained the property was respected and a guard was placed over it to protect it. In the case in question the house was occupied by a lady who had gone to a neighbor's for a short time, but on returning and seeing what had been done she wept bitterly, and complained that she had been treated unfairly, and well she might, for it turned out that her husband was a union man, and had been hiding in the woods for several months to keep from being drafted into the rebel army, and she had been feeding him. It is needless to say she got her things back, and officers and soldiers chipped in and gave her a barrel of flour, and stocked her house well with provisions. And I might as well say that this was not an isolated case for we found many men, and women too, throughout the South faithful to their country and flag: ready to sacrifice property, and life too, if need be to protect them from that wicked rebellion. We raised a company of mounted Mexicans, and put many recruits in the union armies.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 105-7

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Sunday, August 17, 1862

Breakfasted and under way at 5 A. M. Passed through Rose Hill, a very pretty little town. Hugh Watson and I went ahead and got apples, watermelons, plums and wild grapes. Had a good time. Passed through “Index,” another little town. Major rode with us in the wagon all day, good time. Reached “Lone Jack,” where the enemy were, at sundown an hour before. A man came up and reported 1500 enemy in our rear. Major Purington with rear guard, watched them and kept near them. Fired a good deal and tried to detain them. Proved to be the enemy retreating the way we had come. Major sent word for reinforcements. Some went but did not follow fast enough till dark set in. Commenced to rain. Command moved. Baggage soon could not go, it was so dark. So the enemy escaped us, so slickly through the gap. General Salomon had advised and entreated Blunt to keep flankers and scouts out through the woods near “Lone Jack.” They had intelligence from Warren that they were surely there, and we were passing within a mile. The ground was favorable for their retreat from the town — unseen. They kept a large picket about town and thus fooled our men. Warren could not believe that they had gone. So they left us, as a mouse from a trap. All the officers were enraged and disgusted with Blunt's mistake, still hoped to overtake them. I went out a mile and got an old mare to ride. The history of the fight of the day previous was as follows: The day before, Quantrell, with 1200 men burned Independence and then skedaddled; Capt. Burns from Kansas City, with two companies of cavalry, four of infantry and two pieces of artillery, followed; at night overtook them and shelled their camp. They ran. The next morning Quantrell met Coffee and turned back. Lay in the brush and waited for them, coming through a lane. When the Feds came along they rose up and poured volley after volley into them. They hurried back to the village and there fought desperately. Finally overpowered, spiked one of the guns, destroyed the ammunition and ran. Warren, who had followed Coffee from Butler, watched them here that and the next day, till we came up confident that they would stand a fight. About 60 killed and many wounded on each side. Rebels burned ten of our wounded men in a house used as a hospital.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 26

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: Wednesday, August 6, 1862

In the morning there was a great scare about Quantrell's band. Reported near Montebello, 40 miles east, preparing for a raid against Fort Scott. A report that three companies of the 3rd Wisconsin had been captured. At nine "to arms" blew and to arms the men went. They seized their old rusted carbines, scoured them and were in line for the assembly. They were assembled, mounted under Capt. Smith and dismounted under Major Purington. 3rd came in unharmed save one killed, several wounded and baggage train lost. Rations for five days were issued. Went over to town at retreat, got shaved and hair cut by Charlie Fairbanks.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 24

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: March 1, 1862

Up town all day. Issued rations. Body guard went out on expedition for Quantrell. Failed. Orders to return to Kansas City. "General" (Colonel Doubleday) and Co. L returned. Co. H came with orders.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 8

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: February 26, 1862

Went down and saw Brownell and the other wounded boys. All getting along well. Guarded against Quantrell. The boys, about two hundred, saddled and went out to meet the wagons. Met them and escorted them in. Quantrell captured two horses. Another night alarm.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 8

Diary of Luman Harris Tenney: February 21, 1862

Continued our journey and reached Kansas City a little after noon. Arrested two men pretending to be secessionists — drunk. Encamped out on snow and ice a little distance from town. Major heard of a gang of jay-hawkers and secessionists at Independence under Parker and Quantrell. He detailed 150 men to go after them under Lieutenant Nettleton. Brownell and I got leave to go too. Was up nearly all night issuing cartridges and preparing to go.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, 7

A Severe Skirmish -- Rebel powder secured

ST. LOUIS, March 29. – From the mail agent of the Pacific Railroad intelligence has been received of a spirited skirmish which took place on Wednesday last at the town of Womelsburg, between Quantrell’s guerrilla followers and a detachment of Col. Phillip’s Missouri Regiment, under the command of Major Fenton.  On the day named Quantrell unexpectedly appeared in the town with 200 men, and made a furious attack on the Union troops, who were only sixty in number.  The latter made a gallant defence, and having the protection of a thick plank fence around their position, they succeeded, after an obstinate conflict, in repulsing the guerrillas and driving them beyond the limits of the town.

Quintrell returned to Wartensburg on the day following, and began a new attack about 11 o’colck, the result of which is not yet known.

As my informant came through Georgetown, Lieut. Col. Crittenden, of Phillip’s regiment was preparing to go south with a detachment of the regiment, to furnish assistance.  Colonel Crittenden stated that scouting parties from the regiment has succeeded in discovering and capturing about 200 kegs of powder belonging to the rebels in Pettis county.

The following was received at headquarters this evening:

To. Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War, Washington:

“Official information has been received that Lieut. A. H. Crittenden, Missouri Militia, on the 19th inst., found buried on the farm of Mrs. B. B. Marten, near Warrensburg, 125 kegs of powder, and that on the 22d, Lieut. J. M. Jewett, with twenty men, had a skirmish with the rebels near the same place.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Border Ruffian Outrages – Further Particulars of the Battle in New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, MO., March 10. – [Quantrill’s] band entered Asbury town on the 7^th, and killed five men and stole fifteen or twenty horses.

A letter from Santa Fe 23d, with a postscript dated 24^th, from reliable sources, makes no mention of the battle reported to have taken place at [Valverde] on the 21^st.

On the 16^th the enemy appeared within a mile and a half of Fort Craig, showing a front of fifteen hundred cavalry, with a reserve of five hundred, and six pieces of artillery.  Several shots were exchanged, and the enemy retired in good order.  The loss was one killed on each side.

Several small engagements had occurred during the week, which resulted in our forces capturing some prisoners, and one of the enemy’s flags.

An Express arrived on the evening of the 23d, 24 hours from Fort Craig, but brought nothing official.

A letter from Gov. Connolly stated that fighting was going on when the Express left.  Our forces had captured over one hundred of the enemy’s mules and their principal wagon master.  A number of Texans has also been killed.  The enemy were hard pressed for water, and were moving towards Valverde, at which point two thousand of our men were stationed.

There is a reliance to be placed on the report via Denver City and Julesburgh.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 15, 1862, p. 4

The First Iowa Cavalry

Colonel Fitz Henry Warren, one of the most distinguished citizens of Iowa, commanded the First regiment of cavalry raised in Iowa for the war of 1861. The men making up this regiment were enlisted from all parts of the state in the summer of 1862. Charles E. Moss was the first lieutenant-colonel and E. W. Chamberlain, James O. Gower and Wm. B. Torrence were the first majors. The regiment went into camp at Burlington, where it remained until October, when it was ordered to St. Louis. The different battalions of the regiment were employed in Missouri through the winter in the field, patrolling a large portion of the state, protecting union settlements from guerrillas and doing hard riding on various duties. In July, 1863, Major Gower with his battalion whipped Quantrill near Pleasant Hill, killing a large number of the outlaws. On the 7th of August the regiment was brought together for the first time since it left camp at Burlington. Soon after Colonel Warren was promoted to brigadier-general and took final leave of his regiment to enter upon his new duties, and Lieutenant-Colonel Gower succeeded to its command. On the 6th of December, two battalions of the regiment, under Colonel Gower, joined General Blunt and took part in the battle of Prairie Grove. In the pursuit after the battle the First Iowa cavalry was in the lead and came up with two regiments of the enemy's cavalry near Van Buren. A lively fight ensued and a large amount of stores, wagons, four steamboats and all the camp equipage was captured from the retreating army. In General Steele's campaign against Little Rock, the First Iowa cavalry had a sharp fight with the enemy at Bayou Metaine, in which it made a brilliant charge, losing thirty-seven men. In the capture of the city the First cavalry was under fire a good portion of the day and lost several men. Among the wounded was Major Caldwell. Colonel Gower resigned in August on account of ill health and Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson succeeded him, Major Caldwell was made lieutenant colonel and Captain McQueen was promoted to major. The regiment continued to serve (having re-enlisted) with distinction until the close of the war and was one of the last to be mustered out of the service. Few regiments have left a more worthy record of duty well and faithfully done.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, Biographies And Portraits Of The Progressive Men Of Iowa, Volume 1, p. 119-20

Severe Skirmish in Missouri

ST. LOUIS, March 29.

A special dispatch to the Chicago Journal from the mail agent on the Pacific railroad states that intelligence has been received of a spirited skirmish, which took place on Wednesday last, at the town of Warrensburg, between Quartrell’s [sic] guerilla followers and a detachment of Col. Phillip’s Missouri regiment, under command of Maj. Foster.  On the day named, Quartrell unexpectedly appeared in the town with 200 men, and made a furious attack on the Union troops, who were only 60 in number.  The latter made a gallant defence and having the protection of a thick plank fence around their position, they succeeded after an obstinate conflict in repulsing the guerillas, and driving them beyond the limits of the town.

In the action, Maj. Emory Foster in command, and Capt. Foster, his brother, were wounded.

One private was killed, and one mortally wounded, since died.  Nine commissioned officers and privates were wounded.

The rebels sustained a loss of 9 killed and 17 wounded, and 20 of them lost their horses, which fell into the hands of Foster’s men.  Quartrell returned to Warrensburg the following day, and began a new attack about 4 o’clock, the result of which is not known.

As my informant came through Georgetown, Lieut. Col. Crittenden, of Phillips’ regiment, was preparing to go with a detachment of the regiment to Foster’s assistance.  Crittenden stated that scouting parties from the regiment had succeeded in discovering and capturing about 200 kegs of powder belonging to rebels in Pettis county.

The following was sent from headquarters this evening:

HON. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:

Official information has been received that Lieut. H. H. Crittenden, Missouri militia, on the 19^th inst., captured 125 kegs of powder buried on the farm of Mrs. Sarah B. B. Brinksner, near Harrisburg, and that on the 22d Lieut. J. M. Jewett, with 20 men, had a skirmish with rebels near the same place killing 4 of them.  Our loss was 1 killed and 1 badly wounded.

Signed,

H. W. HALLECK,

Major General

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

Kansas City, Mo., March 10 [1862]

Quantrel’s band entered Amboy, Kansas on the 7^th, killed 5 men and stole 15 or 20 horses.

A letter from Santa Fe, 3d inst., with a postscript from a reliable source, makes no mention of the battle reported to have taken place at Valverne [sic] on the 21^st.  On the 16^th the enemy approached within a mile and a half of Fort Craig, showing a front of 1,500 cavalry, with a reserve of 500 and 6 pieces of artillery.  Several shots were exchanged, and the enemy retired in good order.  The loss was one killed on each side.

Several small engagements had occurred during the week, which resulted in our forces capturing some prisoners and one of the enemy’s flags, which was a United States flag with the letters altered.

An express arrived on the evening of the 23d twenty-four hours from Fort Craig, but brought nothing official.  A letter from Governor Connolly stated that fighting was going on when the express left.  Our forces had captured over one hundred of the enemy’s mules and their principal wagon master.  A number of Texans had also been killed.  The enemy were hard pressed for water, and were moving towards Valverde, at which point two thousand of our men were stationed.

There is no reliance to be place on the report via Denver City and Julesburg.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 12, 1862, p. 2

A Romantic Brigand

Quantrell is the name of a depredator in Kansas who, at the head of some thirty men armed with Sharpe’s rifles and navy revolvers, has made himself a terror of the whole region, neither the loyal men nor the secessionists claiming him to belong to them.  His men are mounted on the best horses in the country.  He makes his camp in the timber of the bottoms, and can travel twenty miles through the brush in hog paths unknown to any save his own men. – Every few days he robs the mail, and steals both stage coach and horses.  Some mounted volunteers from Kansas City recently had a hunt for him, and succeeded in killing six of his men and driving him thirty miles southwest, but he returned a few days after with more men and again robbed the mail, killed two Union men, and jayhawked all the Union stores at Westport, two miles from Kansas.  Quantrell is a tall, well proportioned, light haired man, wears a long handsome mustache, and like Cleveland, has his sweetheart to travel with him.  “Nancy Slaughter,” as she is called, is the daughter of a prominent citizen of Blue Spring, and has the reputation of being a widow of the “grass” sort.  She is a very stylish Amazon and sits her horse like a queen.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 6, 1862, p. 2

Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Thompson

Company G.

James Danforth Thompson, son of Captain Isaac K. and Emily D. Thompson, is a native of Fredonia, Chautauqua county, New York, and was born on the 19th day of September, 1832. His early life was passed on the farm of his father, attending the common school, and subsequently the academy in his native village. Like many young men having their own way to make in life, he engaged at the age of seventeen in teaching during the winter months, to secure means to defray his expenses at the academy during the remainder of the year. At the age of nineteen years he entered the law office of Hon. O. W. Johnson, in Fredonia, New York, where he continued until he was compelled by ill health to discontinue his studies, and in the fall of 1852 he visited Cincinnati, and subsequently spent the winter in Kentucky. In the summer of 1853 he engaged in civil engineering on railroads in southern Ohio, and in the spring of 1854 for awhile on the Michigan Southern railroad in northern Ohio.

Having regained his health, he resigned his position as engineer and started for Iowa, arriving at Eldora, county seat of Hardin county, on the 10th day of June, A. D. 1854, when he at once engaged in practice of his chosen profession. In the fall of that year he was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, and in April, 1857, as an independent democrat, was elected judge of that judicial district.

In 1861, at the first intimation of war, he announced himself unconditionally in support of the general Government, and as chairman of the democratic central committee united in a call for a public meeting to endorse its action, and was one of the most active at the special session of the State Legislature, in May, 1861, to urge that body to authorize the Governor to tender the United States a regiment of cavalry, armed and equipped at the expense of the members of the regiment. So soon as it was known that the Governor would be authorized to offer the regiment he returned from Des Moines, and at once began enlisting men for a company, buying and furnishing a number of horses to those unable to buy. When the order came to go into rendezvous he marched his command across the country to Burlington, Iowa, at which place he was, on the 31st day of July, 1861, mustered into the army of the United States as Captain of Company G, First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Volunteers. Upon General Fremont refusing to order the regiment into service unless the men would sell their horses and equipments, he was ordered by Colonel Warren to St. Louis to secure a modification of the order, which he was largely instrumental in accomplishing.

On his return Captain Thompson was sent to Davenport to induce Adjutant General Baker to order Captain Heath's and Captain Ankeny's companies to join the First Regiment at Burlington. In this he succeeded. and Companies L and M completed the First Iowa Cavalry.

Being absent from his regiment when ordered to St. Louis, he only joined it after his company had marched with General Fremont to Springfield. and was ordered to escort a supply train from Tipton to Springfield, but upon reaching the Osage river was ordered back to Syracuse, and soon after joined his company.

Was with General Pope in his march to cut off General Raines, and commanded his company at the battle of Milford, on the 19th day of December, 1861, and was present at the capture of Colonels Robinson and McGoffin and their command of 1,500 troops. The next day he escorted General Pope back to Sedalia.

He commanded his company in the march into Howard county. which resulted in the defeat of Colonel Poindexter, at Silver Creek. January 8th, 1862.

When Major Torrence was relieved of the command of the First Battalion, Captain Thompson was placed in command, and on the 22d day of February commanded the cavalry on the march toward the Missouri river.

In April, 1862, he commanded the troops sent to defend Warrensburg from Quantrell [sic], and on the following day defeated Colonel Parker, captured him and fifteen or twenty of his command, and then returned to Sedalia.

In May he was ordered to Lexington. and thence to Clinton. Missouri, He was then detailed to serve on military commission at Butler. Bates county, serving till the commission was ordered to Sedalia. in August, 1862.

In October of that year he resigned (on Surgeon's certificate of disability) from the First Iowa Cavalry.

In 1863, having improved in health, was commissioned Major of the Eighth Iowa Cavalry, and was subsequently breveted Lieutenant Colonel for gallant and meritorious services.

Commanded sub-district west of Nashville in 1863 and 1864. In February, 1864. was ordered to Iowa to escort recruits to their commands, along the railroad from Nashville, Tennessee, to Huntsville, Alabama.

In March was detailed on military commission at Nashville. His health having again yielded to the effects of the hard service and exposure, he was sent to the Nashville hospital, and in the summer of 1864 honorably discharged on Surgeon's certificate of permanent disability.

Returning home. Colonel Thompson engaged in agriculture until 1866, when ho was induced to accept the nomination of the people's party for Congress and was defeated.

In the spring of 1867 he was appointed and confirmed United States Pension Agent at Des Moines.

In 1875 he left Iowa and has since made his home in California. For a time he practiced his profession in San Francisco, but of late years has been engaged in mining, railroading and real estate. His headquarters are rooms 23 and 24, 230 Montgomery street, San Francisco.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lothrop, A History Of The First Regiment Iowa Cavalry Veteran Volunteers, p. 336-9

Bartlett, a member of . . .

. . . the brigand Quantrell’s band in Western Missouri, was recently arrested and tried before a military commission on charge of having committed murders and with being accessory to the burning of Blue Bridge. On his trial he admitted the truth of these charges, and was sentenced to be hung. – He was executed in Independence Missouri on Friday of last week.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862

From St. Louis

St. Louis, July 13. – The Democrat learns from Fort Leavenworth that Platte City, Missouri, is occupied by 200 bushwhackers, who have been joined by most of the so called Paw-Paw Militia under Thornton. They planted [the rebel] flag, and boast of expected [missing text] Quantrel [sic].

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 16, 1864