PLEASANT PLAINS, IOWA, July 28, 1861.
Governor S. J. KIRKWOOD:
DEAR SIR: Since my dispatch to you, dated Leon, July 23,
communicating a general account of the recent troubles on the border of
Ringgold County, I have the honor to report to you further troubles, with my
action in the premises, with the hope that it will meet your sanction.
On my return home from Leon, I was met by a messenger from
Capt. W. C. Drake, of Corydon, who was at that time stationed at Allenville, on
the border of Ringgold County, informing me that Colonel Cranor, of Gentry
County, Missouri, had sent to him for assistance and re-enforcements, as the
rebels were fortified on Grand River, reported to be from 800 to 1,200 strong,
with three pieces of artillery. Colonel Cranor had under his command about 300
Union Missouri men, badly armed, and over 100 Iowans, who had volunteered under
him. I dispatched a messenger from Garden Grove to the various armed companies
within reach, ordering them to march and concentrate at Allenville immediately,
also at Chariton. Communications were sent to Keokuk and Burlington for two
pieces of artillery, to be forwarded to me, if they could be obtained. I also
sent a messenger to Captain Drake, to ascertain more minutely the facts as to
the condition of affairs in his vicinity. I started for Captain Drake's camp,
but was met 25 miles this side by the returning messengers, whom I had sent the
day before. These confirmed all the intelligence brought me the day previous.
On reaching Captain Drake's camp I ascertained that
messengers had just arrived from Colonel Cranor's command, conveying the
information that the belligerents, then within 4 miles of each other, had made
a treaty of peace. I have seen a copy of it, and it is in substance as follows:
Each party was to lay down its arms, return home, and assist each other in
enforcing the laws of Missouri against all offenders. This was a decided
victory gained by the rebels, as the terms were general, and embraced the
obnoxious “military bill” of that State, and such laws as the rebel
legislature, then in session in the southern part of the State of Missouri,
might thereafter pass, under the auspices of Governor Jackson.
Colonel Cranor resides in the neighborhood of a large body
of secessionists, and was no doubt influenced to enter into such a treaty in
consequence of intimidation and threats against his life and property. The
secessionists in that region are more bold than before, and have recommenced
mustering under the military laws of the State, which are obnoxious to the
Union men, and to which they will not submit. The Union men of that region of
the State are indignant and mortified at the terms of the treaty. Many have
become disheartened, have abandoned their property and their crops, and are
leaving the State. The same feelings have taken hold? really families on the
border, in Iowa. I have seen several families who, abandoning everything to the
fates, have returned to friends in other States. The loyal men of both States,
separated merely by an imaginary line, have the same sympathies in a common cause.
Whatever excitement is raised or demonstration made in Missouri tending to
injure the property and destroy the lives of Union men of that State appeals
for aid to friends and neighbors in Iowa; nor do they appeal in vain. The
arming and military parades made by our companies along the border at most
points have produced most salutary effects; it strengthens and inspires the
Union men of Missouri, and carries over to them the neutrals and a great many
terror-stricken secessionists. They voluntarily come forward every day and take
the oath of allegiance.
In connection with the subject of my last dispatch to you, I
would say that at least 1,500 citizens of Iowa left their harvest fields and
families and rushed into Missouri to the relief of the Union men. These
citizens were armed in every conceivable manner, without officers, system, or
drill. They generally traversed a country broken with timber and undergrowth.
Had the rebels displayed sufficient nerve and skill they might have killed and
captured them all; or had a general engagement taken place, our citizens,
without officers, system, or drill, might have slaughtered each other.
The loyal men of Missouri express their gratitude to the
people of Iowa for their timely aid and support on every trying occasion.
Everything they possessed was cheerfully offered free of charge to render our
citizens as comfortable as possible. I know several gentlemen who not only fed
hundreds of Missouri citizens and their horses daily, for over a week at a
time, but spent hundreds of dollars, sometimes their last dollar, in this
benevolent manner. On account of the excitement and constant alarm along the
border our citizens lost much valuable time by frequent hurrying to arms;
therefore a vast amount of grain was lost on the fields.
In view of apprehended outbreaks, sooner or later, on the
border of Ringgold and Taylor Counties, I have ordered into camp at this place
those companies which have received marching orders and are already on the way
to the scene of difficulty. For the reasons before stated, coupled with the
news of our late reverses at Manassas Junction, the rebels here and elsewhere
will be inspired with new vigor. I came into camp last night with three
companies; the rest will follow to-day and to-morrow. I have commenced
systematizing every department of the service, placing the most competent men
in the various positions; the strictest discipline will be adopted, and drill
performed as in the United States service. Every arrangement necessary for the
comfort and health of the soldiers will be carried out. The most rigid economy
will be practiced, and an exact account rendered of every cent of expense
incurred. The times are such that the people demand that something be done at
once and effectively. We are so situated on the border that when we are called
upon to act we must act at once. Heretofore we had no system; if called into
action our men were liable to be cut off by the and by one enemy another. All
the companies called into camp are armed except the cavalry, decidedly the most
effective on the border. For want of better, I shall arm them with muskets as
far as I can.
I have ordered into camp on the line between Taylor and
Ringgold Counties two companies for thirty days, unless sooner ordered to disband,
as you may direct. I will keep out scouts for the next ten days in the vicinity
where danger will be most likely to occur. I will be ready to strike at a
moment's notice. If I am convinced that matters are settled, I will in less
than two weeks strike camp.
By that time I am of the opinion we shall be able to
determine, with some degree of certainty, the shape things will assume at the
strong secession holds. There has been a settled understanding among the
secessionists throughout Missouri to strike a blow simultaneously with Governor
Jackson, who is operating in the southern portion of the State. I will report
to you as often as I can my proceedings.
The principal design of the secessionists in the northern
portion of the State is to keep up the excitement as much as possible, to
divert attention from Jackson's operations, while they will do all in their
power to harass the Union men in both States. They will not come to a regular
engagement. In Gentry County alone they will number at least 1,000, who are
continually on the tramp, day and night, skulking in the bush.
We have derived a great deal of authentic information
through our scouts, who have penetrated their camps and councils, coming in
upon them from the southeast and passing for secessionists.
The 300 muskets have just arrived.
I remain, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN EDWARDS,
Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
3 (Serial No. 3), p. 412-4
