Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, March 31, 1862

General Nelson directs me to conduct the march so as to reach Savannah, Tenn., Monday, April 7, as we are not wanted there before that time. Marched 10 miles, passed Mount Pleasant, encamp by a large stream; hear of some provisions about 3 miles off, belonging to the Confederates; send a detachment, and get six wagon loads of salt pork, &c.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 5, 1862

Marched 9½ miles over bad roads, and reached Savannah, Tenn., before 12 m. General Grant was not at his headquarters (Savannah), and no one to give orders. General Nelson ordered me to go into camp. The-Tenth Brigade encamped on the southwest side of the town, about half to three-fourths of a mile from the brick house on the river (headquarters). About 3 p. m. General Grant and General Nelson came to my tent. General Grant declined to dismount, as he had an engagement. In answer to my remark that our troops were not fatigued and could march on to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., if necessary, General Grant said, “You cannot march through the swamps; make the troops comfortable; I will send boats for you Monday or Tuesday, or some time early in the week. There will be no fight at Pittsburg Landing; we will have to go to Corinth, where the rebels are fortified. If they come to attack us, we can whip them, as I have more than twice as many troops as I had at Fort Donelson. Be sure and call at the brick house on the river to-morrow evening, as I have an engagement for this evening.” He and General Nelson then rode off. General Buell arrived about sundown. I called on him at his headquarters, about a quarter of a mile from my tent. The Nineteenth and Twenty-second Brigades encamped near the road before reaching the town. I was not at these camps. As the division is to remain here some days, I issue orders to the Tenth Brigade for review and inspection, to take place Sunday, April 6, 9 a. m.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330-1

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Major-General Don Carlos Buell, March 18, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,      

Saint Louis, March 16, 1862.

Major-General BUELL, Nashville:

Move your forces by land to the Tennessee as rapidly as possible. Our troops have destroyed the railroad at Purdy, but find the enemy in strong force at Eastport and Corinth, reported 60,000. Grant's army is concentrating at Savannah. You must direct your march on that point, so that the enemy cannot get between us. He still holds on to Island No. 10. We bombarded him yesterday and renew it again today. The detention of your boats at Paducah is without my orders. It will not be repeated.

H. W. HALLECK,    

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 42

Major-General Henry W. Halleck to Major-General Don Carlos Buell, March 14, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE MISSISSPPI,        

Saint Louis, March 14, 1862.

Major-General BUELL, Nashville:

A diving-boat will be sent up the Cumberland as soon as possible. The enemy has a large force at Island No. 10, and holds on with great tenacity. The position is turned, and will soon be attacked.

I am satisfied that the enemy's present line of defense extends from Decatur to Island No. 10. We must attack it in the center, say at Corinth or Jackson. General Smith has established himself at Savannah. I think all your available force not required to defend Nashville should be sent up the Tennessee. This seems to be the best line of operations, as it leads directly to the enemy's center, and is easily supplied. Give me your views.

H. W. HALLECK,    

Major-General.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 38

1st Lieutenant Charles Wright Wills: May 3, 1862

Headquarters 7th Illinois Cavalry Camp,

on Hamburg and Corinth Road,

May 3, 1862.

I arrived here yesterday in safety. Stayed in Peoria the Monday night that I started, and was in Cairo at 9 p. m. Wednesday. Woke up Thursday morning on a boat at Paducah and devoted the day to admiring the Tennessee river. Stopped long enough at Fort Henry to get a good view of its well pummeled walls, and not-much-to-brag-of defences. The line of ditching without the works was the best I have ever seen, but the parapet, excepting that of the Fort proper, wasn't to be compared to our works at Bird's Point, which are the most inferior of ours that I have seen. The Tennessee runs through a perfect wilderness. There is not a landing on the river up to this point (Hamburg) that can begin with Copperas Creek, and indeed, although I watched closely, I did not see more than three or four points, that of themselves, showed they were boat landings, and those only by the grass being worn off the bank; and I did not see a warehouse on either bank unless, maybe, one at Savannah, where there are also, say four fine dwellings. At no other point did I see more than three houses, and very rarely, even one. Having heard so much of the richness of Middle Tennessee I cannot help talking so long of what ought to be, to it, what the Illinois river would be to us were we without railroads. I reached Hamburg yesterday afternoon (Friday) and started for my regiment, which I learned was five miles out on the Corinth way. I walked out as fast as I could, and reached there to hear that the army had moved on and were probably two miles ahead and yet going. I laid down and slept a couple of hours, borrowed a horse, and after six miles riding found them going into camp. Monstrous hilly country, this, and save a very few clearings, all heavily timbered. Pope's army has been reinforced considerably since we arrived here. Think he has, say 30 odd thousand men. I think the ball opened just before I commenced this letter. For two days past we have had one batallion out about four miles beyond our present camp holding an important position. They have been within gunshot of the enemy all the time, but so protected that although they skirmished a good deal, but one of ours was wounded. In one little charge our boys made out they killed four and wounded a number of Rebels that they felt of Pope's infantry came up to-day in force and relieved them. Paine's division was advanced and when not more than 40 yards beyond the post our cavalry held, were opened on first by musketry and immediately afterwards by artillery. There was very heavy firing for an half hour, but it has ceased since I commenced this page. Haven't heard the result. We have orders to move forward to-morrow morning, but although we are so close to the enemy's position, (not more than three miles) (Infantry, of course, I mean) don't think our side will commence the attack before Monday morning, when we will see — sure — if they don't run.

Supper. — Some of our boys have just come in with a lot of overcoats, trinkets, etc., spoils of the afternoon skirmish. They were all Illinois regiments that were engaged. A sergeant has just showed me an overcoat that he stripped off a dead secesh, who with eleven others was lying in one pile. He captured a captain who, after he had thrown down his sword, offered to give him a fist fight. The artillery firing was mostly from Rebel guns at Farmington at a regiment of our boys building a bridge. The Northern Mississippi line runs through our camp. We cannot be far form Iuka Springs, although no one that I've seen ever heard of the place. Report has just come that Mitchell has been driven out of Huntsville, and another that Yorktown and 45,000 prisoners are ours. Don't believe either. Shall write you from Corinth if have luck.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 84-6

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 21, 1862

HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGIMENT O. V. U. S. A.,

2D BRIGADE, 1ST DIV., TENNESSEE EXPEDITION,

ENCAMPED NEAR PITTSBURGH, TENN., March 21, 1862.

You will have been made very anxious about me by the one or two letters I regretted writing immediately after they were sent; but we had every hope of an engagement with the enemy, every reason to expect it would come off within a few hours, and in the excitement of the moment I deemed it my duty to write you just then. But the enemy retires as we advance, and up to this time refuse to give us a battle. Since writing last we have encamped and marched in Alabama and Mississippi, and are now encamped within a few miles of Pittsburgh, a point on the Tennessee River, above Savannah. Our camp is high, and I hope will prove healthy. The First Division, under General Sherman, has the advance, and the Second Brigade has the advance of the Division. I am second in command in the brigade, and therefore next to the first regiment in the whole army. The army will doubtless be from one hundred thousand to one hundred and fifty thousand strong, so that I have great reason to be satisfied. I have reason to believe that the 54th is well thought of.

The service of my regiment has been very active, though we have had no general engagement, marching, changing camp often, with scout and picket duty, has kept them constantly on the “qui vive.”  I find the life of a soldier full of excitement, and to me perfectly fascinating. My mind and body are constantly at work. I hope good will result to the country from the efforts we are now making, but every one here is opposed to us. The people almost without exception are “secesh.” I have taken a great many prisoners, some of them men of wealth, who do not hesitate to declare their traitorous feelings. An army of occupation will give us the control of trade, however, and restore to the Northwest the commerce of the Mississippi.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 190-1

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith

HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGIMENT O. V. U. S. A.,

ENCAMPED NEAR PADUCAH, KY., March 7, 1862.

MY DEAR WIFE:

We are under marching orders, and should have left for Savannah, up the Tennessee River, yesterday. If you look on the map, you will discover the point near the straight line between Tennessee and Alabama. The transport steamers did not arrive, as we expected, yesterday, and we shall embark to-day. My troops are well armed and well equipped and in good spirits. My own health is excellent.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 188-9

Eighth Ward General Hospital At Hamburg, Tenn., Sunday, May 11 [1862].

ED. RUSSELL, Esq., Cor. Sec’y S. R. A.:–

Dear Sir:  On the afternoon of the 9th inst., the 2d Iowa cavalry was brought into action as an advance of Gen. Pope’s division.  They executed an order to charge on a rebel battery in a most gallant manner, and saved from capture or total destruction Gen. Paine’s brigade; but in doing so, three of our brave boys fell dead and forty were wounded.  The regiment lost, I am told, 140 horses killed and disabled.  Although I tried hard, I could procure no sooner reliable information.  I believe none of our infantry suffered.  I here give all the attention the circumstances would permit to the wounded.  Most of them are to be put on board of a steamboat to be sent home; those worst wounded are still in “hospital camp,” which is agreeable to order of Gen. Halleck.  Our sick are doing pretty well; the weather is very warm.  My charge is being greatly increased; attend to more than 200 – there being about 4,000 sick in all.  I am making every preparation to meet the increasing demands.  Sanitary Commissions are the salvation of the army, but good cooks are needed very much.  Another surgeon should be here to take charge of our men at Pittsburg.  Burwell is there.  We have none at present at Savannah, but many will be sent there soon in the event of a battle, of which there can be no doubt, and that a desperate one too.

At Pittsburg are more than 500 sick of Iowa soldiers.  Mrs. Harlan furnished all our hospitals in that (Grant’s) division last week with all needed sanitary supplies; and reports the sick doing well for the climate, which is, but the way, anything but favorable to health for Northern men – very warm days and cold nights, produce the form of fevers (congestive), diarrheas, &c. – Direct to Dr. A. S. Maxwell, general hospital at Hamburg, Tenn., care of Post surgeon.

LIST OF KILLED OF 2D IOWA CAVALRY.

Lt. Owens, Co. H; Sergt. Ayers, Co. A; John Wilson, Co. B; Jas. B. Armstrong, Co. C (died after bringing into camp).

MISSING OF 2D CAVALRY.

Wm. E. Walker, Co. B; John D. Burg, Co. B.

WOUNDED OF 2D CAVALRY.

Wm. H. Bulla, Co. F, thigh; C. H. Brock, Co. B, in arms; S. T Hato, Co. G, arm and side; Jas. Fought, Co. F, contusion; T. I. Parks, Co. F, breast; Jas. Taylor, Co. C, shoulder; John S. Bush, Co. B, breast and shoulder; a. Hinely, Co. G. back; Jas. Slawter, Co. D; Sylvester Hazen, Co. M, shoulder; Sergt. S. H. Waterman, Co. G, thigh; Capt. Egbert, thigh.

The boat on which were the wounded (D. A. January) left just as I was going on board with some of our sick, when I intended to have got the names of those of the wounded cavalry, so the list is incomplete.

Heavy firing has been heard all morning on the right wing, (Gen. Grant’s) – a skirmish, I suppose, as it is understood Halleck has got a complete communication of the different divisions – being divided by impassable sloughs, which are being bridged in many places.  I tell you, it is only those who see that can fully appreciate the extent and character of obstacles to be overcome by our army, to make success at all certain.  Perhaps there are few points either North our South, where nature and the improvements (railroads, etc.) has done more to complete a strong military position for defence, than this same Corinth, and our friends need not be alarmed if they should learn that a siege be the only course to effect their defeat.  An assault, I think, will be attempted, if we do not succeed in drawing them out.

It is now raining; the roads had become very dusty on high land.  Our main line of the army is about four miles from Corinth; the pickets are within speaking and shooting distance of each other, two miles from Corinth, a large swamp intervening, and many guns, it is said, can be seen.  Four large siege guns, 64’s, planted here, are being taken out to-day to the advance.

News has just come in that Gen. Buell’s division has been attacked and is falling back.  If true, it is easy to see the intent – to draw them out of their works and bring on a general engagement.  Very heavy firing is heard.  Excuse haste.  I must close for the mail.

Yours truly;

A. S. MAXWELL.

If editors would sent lots of papers here to an agent who would sell them fast, the boys would take it as a great favor to have it in their power to buy them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 2

Editor Of Gazette:

At A meeting of the executive committee of the Scott County Soldiers’ Relief Association, held on the 7th inst., it was resolved that in order to obtain such information of the condition of our sick and wounded soldiers in Tennessee as would enable the Association to labor understandingly in their behalf, and that a faithful disposal of all supplies donated might be secured, a competent person should be appointed to proceed without delay to Savannah, Pittsburg, and vicinity, to visit the troops in the field and report from time to time to the Association the results of his investigations.  Messrs. J. S. Thompson, J. L. Davies, and G. S. C. Dow, were appointed a committee to nominate such a person and report their nomination to the Executive committee.  At a meeting held on the 19th inst., this committee reported their inability to select an agent, no suitable person having expressed a willingness to go. – By a unanimous vote I. M. Gifford was requested to act, and in compliance with urgent request consented.  A committee of five appointed to confer with Gov. Kirkwood deputed Rev. A. J. Kynett to act for them, and through him a commission was secured for Mr. Gifford as agent of the State, with authority to visit sick and wounded in the field, and render them assistance as may be needed. – Acting under this commission and with the co-operation of the Association, Mr. G. left for Pittsburg Landing this morning, attended by Mr. L. G. Centre, engaged as nurse, and provided with medicines, wines, &c. for the sick.  If he deem it necessary Mr. G. is empowered to charter a steamboat on the Tennessee for the conveyance of wounded soldiers home or to hospitals.  The Governor will appropriate as much towards the payment of the expenses of this agency as the limited funds at his disposal will permit, but it is probable that the greater part of the cost must be met by voluntary contributions through the Scott Co. Association or by the co-operation of the several county organizations with the Iowa Army Sanitary Commission.  This co-operation it is hoped to secure through the action of the State Sanitary Convention, to be held in this city on the 28th inst.  In the meantime it is hoped that the friends of the soldier will continue their efforts in obtaining the funds, without which the Association cannot prosecute the work it has begun.

On behalf of the Executive Committee.

JOHN COLLINS, Vice Prest.

EDWARD RUSSELL, Corres. Sec.

Davenport, May 13, 1862.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, May 14, 1862, p. 1

Surgeons's Report

MR. EDITOR:  In order that the following report be rightly understood by your readers, it may be necessary to say that, though the whole is signed by Drs. Maxwell and Gamble, it is a joint report only up to the 29th ult., from which date it is continued by Dr. Maxwell alone, Dr. G. having entered the U. S. service as surgeon of the Iowa 3rd Infantry.  It is also proper to state that Dr. Maxwell is now in the employ of the State, and is therefore no longer under the direction of the Scott Co. Soldier’s relief Association, but is now acting under Dr. Hughes, Surgeon General of Iowa.  Respectfully,

EDWARD RUSSELL, Corres. Sec.

To H. Price, President Scott County Soldiers Relief Society; Rev. A. J. Kynett, Corresponding Secretary Iowa Sanitary Commission:

The undersigned surgeons, deputed by your respective societies to visit the scene of the late sanguinary conflict at Pittsburg Height, Tenn., beg leave to report:

We, together with Messrs. Burwell and Brown, as nurses, left Davenport on Thursday morning, April 11th, by railroad, and arrived at Cairo on the morning of the 12th, at 6 o’clock’ where we immediately reported to Dr. Taggart, medical surveyor, and Gen. Strong, commander of the post; also to Dr. Douglas, agent for sanitary commission.  The medical surveyor tendered us the position of surgeons in charge of rebel prisoners on their way to Columbus, Ohio.  This position, as well as several others of a similar character which would have interfered with our special mission, we respectfully declined.

To facilitate the purpose for which we were sent, at 8 o’clock on the morning of Friday we held a consultation with Gov. Yates and the Surgeon General of Illinois, at the St. Charles Hotel, Cairo, which resulted in many fair promises on their part, but which promises were afterwards studiously evaded by his Excellency and suit.

At 9 o’clock a. m., by order of Gen. Strong, we proceeded to Mound City Hospital, to care for about seven hundred wounded soldiers, just arrived from Pittsburg on board the steamer “City of Memphis.”  Here we were tendered the position of ward surgeons, by contract, but deeming the position incompatible with your instructions to us, we declined the same.  Among the wounded on board the Memphis, your committee labored several hours in dressing wounds and supplying the immediate wants of such Iowa troops as we could find on board – of which there were about seventy.  A full list of their respective names, regiments and the character of their wounds was also obtained.  Here Dr. Maxwell, by detail, remained until the next day, to assist in several surgical operations; and when he left the troops were all in comfortable quarters in the hospital.  And by special request, Dr. Cottle, of Albany, Ill., promised to see such as needed particular attention.

Dr. Gamble and Messrs. Burwell and Brown returned to Cairo and took passage on the steamer Empress for Pittsburg. – They arrived at Savannah on Sunday morning, and learning that there were many wounded soldiers there, and in need of surgical aid, Dr. Gamble remained whilst Messrs. Burwell and Brown proceeded up to Pittsburg.  At Savannah were found about three thousand wounded and sick solders, among whom were about four hundred Iowa troops.  Among these Dr. Gamble labored assiduously until Tuesday, rendering such professional and pecuniary assistance as could be conferred under the circumstances.  Here were found several regimental surgeons, with whom we most cheerfully co-operated.  It is but right that we should here state, that the regular as well as the volunteer surgeons were seriously embarrassed in their efforts to relieve the wounded, by the want of material to dress wounds, and also the want of medicines and proper food for the sick. – The preparation for the sick and wounded was very imperfect.  They were crowded into any and every place without regard to location or comfort, and often left for days together without medical aid, or even the common attentions of camp life.

On Tuesday your committee met at Pittsburg and reported to Dr. Simons, Medical Director, and solicited and obtained transports to remove our wounded and sick soldiers to a more northern clime.  We also spent a portion of our time in visiting the several Iowa regiments then in camp – Ascertaining the names of the wounded, their condition and the character of the wounds, and also the location of such as had been removed previous to our arrival.  In our efforts to obtain transportation for the wounded, we were ably assisted by Mrs. Wittermyer [sic] of Keokuk, and by Mrs. Senator Harlan, of Iowa; also, by our fellow citizen, Hiram Price of Davenport, and Mr. E. Clonky, of Iowa City.  By the steamer D. A. January we removed nearly all our wounded remaining at Pittsburg, and all at Savannah except about one hundred.

On Thursday we returned to Savannah, and have since been diligently laboring in the various hospitals, which number about thirty, among the wounded and sick, rendering such aid as we could.  We have also labored most assiduously, day and night in getting our wounded men on board transports on their way north.  Those remaining here will be removed as soon an opportunity offers.

On our way up from Cairo, care was taken to visit all hospital boats, and make inquiries as to the condition and destination of the troops on board; and when opportunity offered, accurate lists of the names, regiments, and casualties, were made.  At Cairo a meeting of the surgeons, nurses, and citizens of Iowa there present, was held, and Dr. Emeis, of Iowa, at his on request, was delegated to remain and visit all the hospital boats arriving at that point, and obtain the names, destination, and character of the wounds of such troops as were on board. – This was done that none should be overlooked.

While at Savannah, we co-operated with the Wisconsin delegation, at the head of which was Gov. L. P. Harvey, whose suite consisted of some of the most eminent men of that State; among them were general Broadhead, Quartermaster General; Gen. Wadsworth, Com. General; and Dr. Wolcott, Surgeon General of the State.  In them we found accomplished gentlemen, and active and efficient co-laborers.  Our intercourse served but to create an unusual respect for them, which will long be remembered with pleasure.  This intercourse was suddenly terminated, on the evening of the 19th, by the accidental drowning of Gov. Harvey.  While we were sitting in the cabin of the steamer Dunleith, counseling as to the best plans for accomplishing our humane mission, the steamer Hiawatha came alongside, and the Governor stepped out to obtain passage for a portion of his suite.  A moment after, we were startled by the cry of “A man overboard!”  Immediate investigation proved it to be the Governor. – Prompt and heroic efforts were made to render him assistance, but in the extreme darkness of the night, the rapid current, and amidst steamboats and barges, all proved useless. . .  Gov. Harvey, the accomplished gentleman, the friend of suffering humanity, and the devoted practical Christian, was thus in a moment taken from his field of usefulness to his reward.

Mr. Brown, being sick, was put on board the Hiawatha for home; Mr. Burwell had previously left on the D. A. January, with our wounded for St. Louis.

What of the future?  In view of coming events, your committee would earnestly recommend that efficient agents be appointed, by authority of the State, and be assigned to positions with the army, and at the nearest post hospitals, whose duty it should be to take charge of the sanitary goods, and be on hand and ready at all times to render immediate and efficient aid to our forces in the field, and to the sick and wounded of the battle.  They should also be required to communicate with our State officers and communities, from time to time, and advise them of the particular wants of the sick and wounded.  After the battle, and until the wounded soldier is removed to the hospital, is when assistance is most needed – immediate and efficient aid then would save hundreds of lives.  Here let us most earnestly protest against States, or cities sending large delegations, calculated to interfere with the operations of the army near the scene of conflict.  This is worse than useless.  A few efficient agents can do great good, but a multitude does great harm.

When it is practicable, the State should have a large, well-ventilated steamer. Properly furnished for hospital purposes, and provided with able surgeons and practical nurses, to visit the nearest navigable point to the scene of the battle.  This course, your committee think, would prove more beneficial to the soldiers and meet more directly the intentions of the people than any other; and in a pecuniary point would not be objectionable.  The States that have adopted this plan have done much more for their men than those who have relied entirely upon government transportation.

Your committee having thus given you a brief memoranda of their labors, deem it but just to themselves to state some of the difficulties with which they have had to contend.  From the time of leaving Iowa they have fared as the common soldier.  They have been obstructed at almost every step by official arrogance and egotism – more especially was this the case by the Regular Army Medical Staff.  While traveling on boats they have had to furnish their own provisions and bedding, and when on land, they have traveled through drenching rains and deep mud – the latter such as only Tennessee can produce.  At night they have frequently slept on the ground with only a thin blanket for a covering.  When they did rely on the public for accommodations, the charges were enormous, and the fare most miserable.  Your committee, however, do not regret their hard fare, as amidst it all, many were cheering evidences of kind appreciations received from the suffering soldiers, and many the kind and gentlemanly courtesies tendered them by the surgeons of the volunteer regiments, among whom we take pleasure in mentioning Drs. Gibbon, of the 15th; Nassau, of the 2d; Staples of the 12th, and Watson and Loyd of the 11th Iowa regiments.  Also Dr. Leggitt, of the Ohio 15th.  To Dr. Taggart, Medical Purveyor, and Dr. Douglas, Sanitary Agent, of Cairo, we are also under obligation for many gentlemanly courtesies.

On the 24th we proceeded to Pittsburg Landing, to visit all Iowa regiments, to learn their condition, and found men and officers of the 7th, 11th and 13th in good spirits.  The 8th, 12th and 14th were somewhat dissatisfied, having been, contrary to their wishes, forced into a “Union Brigade” with the 28th Ill. regiment, and commanded by a Captain of that regiment, being rank officer.  I think it, however under the circumstances, the best that could be done.

On the 25th, by the kindness of Capt. G. Dodge, of Port Byron, of the 4th Ill. Cavalry, we were provided with horses and equipments to visit regiments.  We were able to find all but the 15th and 16th – they being on the front lines, we did not reach them.  There are not less than 500 sick in our regiments – 200 in hospitals here – principally camp fever.

On the 26th, Dr. Gamble, with a view of being assigned to the 3d Iowa regiment, which was without a surgeon, entered the U. S. service by contract; since which, I have operated single-handed in both the field and hospitals.  On my return to Savannah, I found the steamer Tycoon taking on the wounded.  I succeeded, by the politeness of Dr. Woods, of Cincinnati, in getting on, in comfortable quarters, all of the Iowa’s sick and wounded here that would come under the general order, in all 30 – destination Cincinnati.  During our absence on the 25th, a number of sick and wounded were taken by the City of Memphis to St. Louis.

29th. – Visited all hospitals here and had our remaining sick and wounded put into the best hospitals, being about thirty still here.  I. H. Work hand his leg amputated, on the 24th, and died 28th.

May 1st. – I visited, by order of Dr. McDougal, of Gen. Halleck’s staff, Hamburg, six miles above Pittsburg Landing, and aided in establishing hospitals for the convalescing soldiers.

2d. – Returned, after putting into quarters 3,700 sick; and having everything in running order under surgeon Vairous of N. Y.  But few Iowa sick are there, but those that are there are in good condition and fair quarters.

3d. – This morning I have the promises from surgeon in charge of Black Hawk to take on a few of our worst cases here and leave them at Quincy, Ill.  I have to report to Dr. McDougal this morning.

On the 2st inst. I received Adj. Baker’s orders, and Mr. E. Russell’s of the 12th ult. – the only communication, save the telegraph dispatch to remain here until otherwise ordered.  I am doing all I can to relieve our sick and wounded.  You will see by my financial report I have expended but little money safe for board and traveling expenses.  This owning to the fact that I used in all cases, when I could get them, sanitary supplies for soldiers.  I have reported by letter to Prof. Hughes for instructions, &c.  Below I give you the character and number of Iowa wounded:  Head 27, face 39, neck 21, chest 107, abdomen 13, back and spine 31, upper extremities 422, lower extremities 381, large joints, 52.

Respectfully submitted.

A. S. MAXWELL, Chn.

JAS. GAMBLE

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 9, 1862, p. 2

From Cairo

Special to Chicago Times

CAIRO, May 6.

The steamer Ella, from Pittsburg Landing, with advices to nine o’clock last night, has arrived.

Gen. Halleck has issued an order restraining civilians and all others from visiting the army.  The steamers going up during the last week have been crowded with civilians, going to gratify their curiosity by the sight of a battle, none of whom have been allowed to pass the lines.

Four deserters came in on Sunday, and reported that the enemy had not evacuated Corinth, but, on the contrary, had been largely reinforced of late.  Other deserters, however, report that Beauregard has withdrawn the greater part of his forces.  It has been impossible to ascertain which of these reports is correct.

The guerilla Morgan again made an attack on our pickets at Savannah on Sunday, but was driven back after light skirmishing.

The steamer Brown reached here this morning from Ft. Pillow, but brought nothing of interest.  The rebel fleet had not made its promised attack.  Preparations were quietly making for an active bombardment of the rebel stronghold.

At the election held here to-day for a member of Congress from the 9th Congressional district, votes were cast as follows: Judge Allen, of Williamson county, 210; Haynie, 83; Marshal, 29; Dougherty, 22; Sloan 1.

The nomination of Marcellus V. Strong for asst. Adjt. Gen. on the staff of General Strong, commanding at this post, has been confirmed by the Senate.

The steamer Bowen, which arrived here this p. m. from above, brought intelligence that a party of Capt. Hollin’s company of flying artillery, while out on a scouting excursion near Paducah last night, were captured by a company of rebel guerillas.

Up to Monday night no general engagement had taken place at Corinth.  Orders had been issued to troops to march on Sunday night but the movement was prevented by condition of roads, which heavy rains had made impossible on Sunday morning.  Gen. Pope, by placing a battery of artillery in an open field at Farmington, in sight of three rebel regiments, succeeded in drawing them on to take the artillery, and took the whole force prisoners, numbering nearly 2,000.  Several deserters [came] into our camp on Monday, and reported that great dissatisfaction exists in the rebel army, both among officers and men.  Beauregard had made a speech to some of the troops saying that he would make a desperate stand, and force the Federal army to retreat, and he appealed to them to stand by him.

A band of guerrillas still maintain warfare on all passing steamboats, and on Sunday drove in our pickets around Savannah, but fled on the approach of our infantry.  The Gunboat Tyler is now plying between Clifton and Pittsburg Landing, shelling the woods where the rebels are supposed to be located.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 2

More Wounded From Pittsburg

The steamer Tycoon arrived at Cincinnati last week from Savannah, Tenn., which place she left with 140 wounded and 60 sic, of which number four died on the passage.  We find the following Iowa names among her list of passengers:

Dan. A. McCleary, Co. A, 3d infantry; wounded in right arm.

Jas. R. Smith, Co. B., 6th, right leg.

Henry Z. Howler, Co. E, 8th, left arm.

M. Schellaberger, Co., A, 11th, shot in right arm.

John Ramsey, Co. B, 11th, right arm.

H. B. Moon, Co. A, 12th, diarrhea and typhoid fever.

John Dolloson, 12th, typhoid fever.

____ Heallison, Co K, 12th, bilious fever.

J. Darth, Co. G, 13th, shot in left arm.

Wm. J. Jackson, Co. G, 13th, left arm broken.

Thos. B. Pearce, Co. A, 16th, lung fever.

Thos. G. Stockdale, Co. B, 16th, rheumatism.

Aug. Shultz, Co. B, 16th, gathering in the head.

Peter Esmoil, Co. C, 16th, left hip.

Joshua Carbin, Co. D, 16th, typhoid fever.

Daniel Holcomb, Co. D, 16th, left elbow.

Gabriel Miller, Co. D, 16th, kidneys affected.

Henry Biscall, Co. I, 16th, wounded in left arm and side.

Ira Rhodes, 16th, chronic diarrhea.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 2

The Surgical Committee

Mr. Russell, Corresponding Secretary of the Relief association has received a letter from Dr. Maxwell, dated at Savannah, May 2d, in which he says he has kept a complete register of all things done, and has his report up to the time Dr. Gamble entered the U. S. service, April 24th, ready, and will forward it at the earliest moment.  The Dr. says there are 1,000 sick and wounded at Savannah, 5,000 at Pittsburg Landing, and 3,700 at Hamburg; of this number there are not less than 600 Iowans.  The army is advancing two or three miles per day.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, May 4.

Intelligence from the army before Corinth has been received up to 6 o’clock Saturday night, at which time no engagement had yet taken place, but a battle was momentarily expected.

Gen. Halleck has removed his headquarters 12 miles toward the front.

Our advance was within two miles of the enemy’s outer works, and the entire column is still pressing forward.  Skirmishes with the advance of the rebels had been of daily occurrence – the latter making but a slight show of resistance, and then falling back.

On Thursday 400 Germans from a Louisiana regiment who had been sent out from the rebel camp on outpost duty, in two detachments, came into our lines in a body, with white flags on their guns, and gave themselves up as deserters.  From this fact arose numberless rumors to the effect that our divisions had been attacked by the enemy and that the latter had been repulsed with great loss, in killed and wounded, and over 1000 prisoners taken.

Gen. Mitchell was within five miles of Gen. Parker’s division.

Deserters report that Gen. Lovell’s advance was at Grenada, Miss., at the junction of the Central Mississippi and Memphis & New Orleans railroads, fortifying the place which is naturally a strong position.

Beauregard was being rapidly reinforced from all points of Gulf States – merchants and business men, in large numbers having closed their stores and flocked to his standard.

The steamer Lacrosse brought down the body of Gov. Harvey.  It was found forty miles below Savannah by an old negro and some children, who had taken it ashore and riffled his pockets of their contents, which were subsequently recovered.  The body had been interred, and is much decomposed.

Fifty-four prisoners arrived here, who have been taken on the outposts since the battle of Shiloh.  Most of them are Germans from New Orleans.

There is no news from the flotilla.  Com. Foote is awaiting certain movements of Gen. Halleck, when his plans will be consummated.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 2

Major General Ulysses S. Grant's Headquarters Monument: Shiloh National Military Park, Savannah, Tennessee

HEADQUARTERS

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

MAJOR GENERAL ULYSSES S. GRANT, COMMANDING

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, April 5. – The Mobile Advertiser of the 4th has a special message from Memphis stating the Buell’s army reached Savannah, on the Tennessee river, and there had been brisk skirmishing, and great activity on both sides for the great struggle.

MOBILE, April 4. – Wednesday a Yankee force of 2,000 strong landed at Biloxi and cut the telegraph lines between Mobile and New Orleans.

There is authority from the War Department for saying that dispatches from Fortress Monroe, dated 3 P. M. Sunday had been received.

A reconnoissance had been made towards Yorktown.  The headquarters of our army are now about five miles from Yorktown.

There had been some cannonading, but with out injury on either side.

FORTRESS MONROE, April 5. – The latest intelligence received of the Virginia, otherwise Merrimac, is dated Norfolk, last night.  She was then coaling at the Navy Yard and was expected to come out to-day.  Capt. Pegram is still mentioned as likely to command her.

The Yorktown, Jamestown and Teazer and four other gunboats are at Norfolk.

A deserter who came in this morning reports the force on the Peninsula not so large as supposed.

Magruder’s headquarters are at Lee’s Mills.

Three tugs arrived from Newberne Thursday, bringing little news of interest.

Reports are current that Burnside has been ordered to evacuate Newberne within six days, and he replied that he would not.

The rebels at Goldsboro’, Raleigh and fort Macon still hold out.  Extensive preparations are being made for the reduction of the Fort. – A few shells had been already thrown at it.

FT. MONROE, April 7. – Nothing has been done in front, Yorktown except reconnoissance in that direction and some skirmishing.

A telegraph has been established at headquarters near Yorktown.

The Spaulding came in this morning from Shippings Point.  The rebel works abandoned there are quite formidable.  The rebels took off their guns.  Shippings Point is about eight miles from Yorktown, affording a fine base of operations.

A great crowd of Norfolk people assembled on the shore near Sewall’s Point on Sunday, including men, women and children, all eagerly engaged in watching the Yankees.

A Norfolk paper of this morning contains a dispatch from Mobile, dated the 6th inst., announcing the reception of news from Corinth that morning of a great battle – that the Confederates had taken Buell’s batteries, and a large number of prisoners.  It was expected that the whole Federal army would be swept away.  This is given as a specimen of the rebel mode of keeping up the spirits of the people, and the courage of the army.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, March 22, 1862

It is disagreeable weather — a cold rain from the north. The Thirteenth Iowa started to Pittsburg Landing, about ten miles up the river. The Eleventh Iowa is expecting marching orders any time.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 38

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, March 21, 1862

It is cloudy and cold. Captain Chambers' battery of six guns arrived today. Orders came for us to embark at once, and we struck our tents and got ready to start. After waiting six hours for the order to fall in, the order was countermanded and we had to pitch our tents again.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 38

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, March 20, 1862

It is cloudy, chilly and very disagreeable weather. A great many of the boys are getting sick with the chills and fever, and the doctors are no account. We have no drill nor dress parade; we seem to be just stopping here in the mud. Troops are passing here every day going up the river. The boys are getting anxious for a fight.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 38

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, March 19, 1862

There are about ten thousand men of all arms in camp at this place. We are expecting marching orders every day. Our camp is on high ground, but there has been so much rain that the water stands on the surface. We cut brush and place it on the ground in our tents to lie on at night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 37