Showing posts with label Soldier Pay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soldier Pay. Show all posts

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Diary of 1st Lieutenant Charles Fessenden Morse, Tuesday, August 20, 1861

We were relieved at six o'clock P. M., by Company A, and learned from them that the regiment was being paid off. We got our pay-rolls signed that night, and (Aug. 21st) were paid this morning, each man receiving eighteen dollars and seventy-four cents pay, up to the 30th of June. I got my full pay of one hundred and eight dollars a month, one hundred and eighty-four dollars and forty-five cents. We are paid again in less than a month, when I shall get two hundred and sixteen dollars and ninety cents. It makes me feel quite flush to see so much gold, all 1861 pieces. At twelve o'clock, noon, the regiment started to join our brigade and marched six miles to Jefferson, a very pretty town, where we camped for the night.

SOURCE: Charles Fessenden Morse, Letters Written During the Civil War, 1861-1865, p. 18-9

Saturday, January 10, 2015

James Freeman Clarke to E. C. C., June 18, 1864

June 18, 1864.

... Do you remember David W. Norton, who joined our church eight years ago, and afterwards went to Chicago? He became major in an Illinois regiment, fought in all the chief battles, and was killed, June 3, by a rebel sharpshooter, while in front of our lines with the general, sketching the enemy's lines. Monday I went to Mount Auburn to the funeral. Yesterday I received a cane he cut for me on Lookout Mountain, after the battle.

. . . Do you see how bravely the colored soldiers have fought at Petersburg? They have been praised by the generals on the field for their courage. Still, Government can pay them only seven dollars a month! I talked with Governor Andrew about it after church last Sunday. He said, “I wrote last week to Charles Sumner and Thaddeus Stevens that I should pursue this matter without rest or pause; that I should neither forget nor forgive any neglect or opposition in regard to it; that I would not die till I had vindicated the rights of the colored soldiers.” . . .

SOURCE: Edwin Everett Hale, Editor, James Freeman Clarke: Autobiography, Diary and Correspondence, p. 289

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Captain Robert Gould Shaw to Francis G. Shaw, February 16, 1863

Boston, February 16, 1863.

I arrived here yesterday morning; things are going on very well and I think there is no doubt of our ultimate success.

We go into camp at Readville. We have a great deal of work before us. The pay is thirteen dollars per month, the same as white soldiers receive.

SOURCE: Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Editor, Harvard Memorial Biographies, Volume 2, p. 203

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, October 27, 1863

The Eleventh received their pay today, and then went out on picket. Picket exchanges are directed by the aid-de-camp of our brigade, who rides out every morning with the picket relief, and after posting them, brings the retiring picket into camp and disbands them.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 149

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

National War Claim Agency

Our fellow citizen, W. Barrows, Esq., who has recently returned from Washington, has entered into the business of procuring bounty money, arrears of pay, and invalid pensions, for the widows and heirs of deceased and disabled soldiers of the present war.  Having formed a partnership with Messrs. Reed & Millard, and established an agency at Washington, they are prepared to present claims tin person at the Departments, and procure returns at once for the claimants.  We certainly know of no one better qualified for this business than Mr. B., who has handled so many bounty land warrants in Iowa, and which the old “land hunter” abundant success in this, his new business.  See advertisement.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 1

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, November 27, 1862

I signed the allotment roll for my father to draw $10.00 of my pay at home. The division received orders to be ready to march tomorrow morning. We are to pack our extra clothing in our knapsacks, which are to be stored at La Grange. Our tents are to be taken with us, the quartermaster delivering them to us every night so that we will not have to lie out in all kinds of weather.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 84

Saturday, September 14, 2013

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 8.

SENATE. – The resolution impeaching Judge Humphreys was read from the House, and referred to a select committee, consisting of Messrs. Foster, Doolittle and Davis.

The bill establishing a port of entry at Hilton S. C., was received from the House and passed.

Mr. Wright presented a petition from citizens of Florida, asking for a confiscation bill.

The bill making appropriations for the deficiencies in the payment of volunteers was taken up.  After debate relative to the number of men now in the army, the bill was passed.

The bill limiting the number of Brigadier and Major Generals was passed, Mr. Hale’s amendment being rejected.  It limits the number of Major Generals to 80, and Brigadiers tow 200.

Mr. Sumner offered a resolution saying that it was inexpedient that victories obtained over our own citizens be placed on the regimental colors of the U. S.

The bill establishing the department of agriculture was taken up and passed.

After debate, the question was taken on Foster’s substitute, making a bureau of agriculture in the Department of the Secretary of the Interior.  Lost 18 against 18.  The bill as reported to the Senate passed – 25 to 12.

The bill for the appointment of medical storekeepers was amended so as to authorize the President to appoint Chaplains for hospitals, and passed.

Mr. Doolittle called up his bill to collect taxes on lands and insurrectionary districts. – He explained its provisions, when the bill was postponed until to-morrow.

The bill for the education of colored children in the District of Columbia, providing a tax of 10 per cent. upon the colored residents therefore, was taken up.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass., moved a new section, making all persons of color in the District amenable to the same laws as whites.  Adopted.  The amendment repeals the black code of the District.  On the passage of the bill, no quorum voted.

Mr. Hale introduced a bill to abolish the office of Marshal of the District of Columbia, and establishing that of Sheriff.

Mr. Grimes presented the petition of Gen. Sigel and other officers, asking for a German professorship at West Point, and recommending Reinhaldt Solger for the office.


HOUSE. – The Iowa contested election case was taken up.  It involves the question whether a member of Congress can hold a seat and commission in the volunteers at the same time, and refers especially to Vandever, who commands a regiment.

On motion of Mr. Washburne, it was postponed till the first Wednesday in December.

The bill organizing the territorial government of Arizona was taken up and passed.  The bill repeals all laws in the organizing of territories recognizing the relation of master and slave, and prohibits slavery therein.

The bill extending the eastern limits of Nevada sixty miles was passed.

Mr. Lovejoy called up the bill abolishing slavery within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Federal Government.  The house refused by 50 to 60 to table the bill.

Mr. Mallory raised a point that the bill was not regularly before the House, which the Speaker overruled.

Mr. Lovejoy called for the previous question.

Without coming to a vote the house adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Letter From Orpheus C, Kerr

Pegasus Recovered – the Dog Bologna – Repudiation of Captain Villiam Brown’s Proclamation – the Sambory Guard – Advance on Richmond

(From the N. Y. Sunday Mercury.)

Rejoice with me, my boy, that I have got back my gothic steed, Pegasus, from the Government chap who borrowed him for a desk.  The splendid architectural animal has just enough slant from his backbone to his hips to make a capital desk, and then his tail is so handy to wipe pens on.  In a moment of thirst he swallowed a bottle of ink, and some fears were entertained for his life, but a gross of steel pens and a ream of blotting paper immediately administered caused him to come out all write.

In a gothic sense, my boy the charger continues to produce architectural illusions.  He was standing on a hillside the other day with his rear elevation toward the spectators, his head up and ears touching at the top, when a chap who had been made pious by frequent conversation with the contrabands, noticed him afar off, and says he to the soldier, “What church is that I behold in the distance, my fellow worm of the dust?”  The military veteran looked and says he, “It does look like a church, but it’s only an animated hay rack belonging to the cavalry.”

“I see,” says the pious chap, moving on, “the beast looks like a church because he’s been accustomed to steeple chases.”

I have also much satisfaction in the society of my dog, Bologna, who has already become so attached to me that I believe he would defend me against any amount of meat.  Like the Old Guard of France, he’s always around the bony parts thrown, and like a bon vivant is much given to whining after his dinner.

The last time I was at Paris my boy, this interesting animal made a good breakfast off the calves of the General of the Mackerel Brigadier’s leg’s, causing that great strategical commander to issue enough oaths for the whole Southern Confederacy.  “Thunder!” says the General, at the conclusion of his cursory remarks, “I shall have the hydrophobia and bite somebody.  It’s my opinion,” says the General, hastily licking a few grains of sugar from the spoon he was holding at the time, “It’s my opinion, that I shall go rabid as soon as I see water.”

“Then you’re perfectly safe, my conquering hero,” says I, “for when you see water, the Atlantic ocean will be principally composed of brandy pale.”

Speaking of Paris, it pains me, my boy, to say that Captain Villiam Brown’s proclamation for the conciliation of Southern Union men has been repudiated by the General of the Mackerel Brigade.  “Thunder!” says the General, taking a cork from his pocket in mistake for a watch key, “it’s against the Constitution to open a bar so far away from where Congress sits.”  And he at once issued the following:


PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS There appears in the public prints what presumptuously pretends to be a proclamation of Captain Villiam Brown, Eskevire, in the words following, to wit.


PROCLAMATION – The Union men of the South are hereby informed, that the United States of America has reasserted hisself, and will shortly open a bar-room in Paris.  Also, cigars and other necessaries of life.

By Order of

CAPT. VILLIAM BROWN, ESKEVIRE


And whereas, the same is producing much excitement among those members from the border States who would prefer that said bar-room should be nearer Washington in case of sickness, Therefore, I, General of the Mackerel Brigade, do proclaim and declare that the Mackerel Brigade cannot stand this sort of thing, and that neither Captain Villiam Brown, nor any other commander, has been authorized to declare free lunch, either by implication or otherwise, in any State, much less in a state of intoxication, of which there are several.

To persons in this State, now, I earnestly appeal.  I do not argue, I beseech you to mix your own liquors.  You can not, if you would, be blind to the signs of the times, when such opportunity is offered to see double.  I beg of a calm and immense consideration of them (signs), ranging, it may be, above personal liquor establishments.  The change you may receive after purchasing your materials will come gently as the dues from heaven – not rending nor wrecking anything.  Will you not embrace me?  May the extensive future not have to lament that you have neglected to do so.

Yours, respectfully, the

GENERAL OF THE MACKEREL BRIGADE
(Green seal.)


When Villiam read this conservative proclamation, my boy, he looked thoughtfully into a recently occupied tumbler for a few moments, and then says he:

“There’s some intelleck in that.  The General covers the whole ground.  Ah!” says Villiam, preparing, in a dreamy manner, to wash out the tumbler with something from a decanter, “the General so completely covers the whole ground sometimes that the police departmink is required to clear it.”

I believe him, my boy!

The intelligent and reliable contrabands, my boy, who have come into Paris from time to time, with the valuable news concerning all recent movements not taking place in the Confederacy were formed lately, by Villiam, into a military company, called the Sambory Guard, Captain Bob Shorty being deputed to drill them in the colored manual of arms.  They were dressed in flaming read breeches and black coats, my boy, and each chaotic chap looked like a section of stove pipe walking about on two radishes.

I attended the first drill my boy, and found the oppressed Africans standing in line about as regular as so many trees in a maple swamp.

Captain Bob Shorty whipped out his sleepless sword, straightened it on a log, stepped to the front, and was just about to give the first order, when, suddenly he started, threw up his nose, and stood paralyzed.

“What’s the matter, my blue and gilt,” says I.

He stood like one in a dream and says he:

“‘Pears to me I smell something.”

“Yes,” says I, “‘tis the scent of the roses that hang around it still.”

“True,” says Captain Bob Shorty, recovering, “it does smell like a cent, and I haven’t seen a cent of my pay for such a long time, that the novelty of the odor knocked me.  Attention, company!”

Only five of the troops were enough startled by the sudden order, my boy, to drop their guns, and only four stooped down to tie their shoes.  One very reliable contraband left the ranks, and says he:

“Mars’r, hadn’t Brudder Rhett bett gub out de hymn before de service commence?”

“Order in the ranks!” says Capt. Bob Shorty, with some asperity, “Attention, company! – Order arms.”

The troops did this very well, my boy, the muskets coming down at intervals of three minutes, bringing each man’s cap with them and pointing so regularly toward all points of the compass, that no foe could possibly approach from any direction without running on a bayonet.

“Excellent!” says Captain Bob Shorty, with enthusiasm.  “Only, Mr. Rhett, you needn’t hold your gun quite so much like a hoe.  Carry Arms!”

Here Mr. Dana stepped out from the ranks, and says he: “Carry who, mars’r?”

“Go to the rear,” says Capt. Bob Shorty, indignantly.  “Present Arms!”

If Present Arms means to sick your bayonet into the next mans side, my boy, the troops did it very well.

Splendid!” says Capt. Bob Shorty.  “Shoulder Arms – Eyes right – double quick, march!  On to Richmond!”

The troops obeyed the order, my boy, and haven’t been seen since.  Perhaps they’re going yet, my boy.

Company Three, Regiment 5 Mackerel Brigade, started for an advance on Richmond yesterday, and by a forced march got within three miles of it.  Another march brought them within five miles of the place, and the last dispatch stated that they had but ten miles to go before reaching the rebel capital.

Military travel, my boy, is like the railroad at the West, where they had to make chalk marks on the track to see which way the train was going.

Yours on time,
ORPHEUS C. KERR

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Monday, June 3, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, August 11, 1862

I wrote a letter home today and sent a ten dollar bill in it. I am sending home nearly all my pay from the Government, with the understanding that father is to keep it for me.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 62

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

How the Prisoners are to Get their Pay

WAR DEPT., ADJ’T GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, October 28, 1861

General Order No. 90

The following plan for paying the families of officers and soldiers in the service of the United States, who are, or may become prisoners of war, the sums due them by the Government, having been approved by the President, it is published for the information of all concerned.

Payments will be made to persons presenting written authority from a prisoner to draw his pay – or without such authority, to his wife, the guardian of his minor children, or his widowed mother or in the order named.

Applications for such pay must be made to the senior paymaster of the district in which the regiment of the prisoner is serving, and must be accompanied by the certificate of a judge of a court of the United States, of a District Attorney of the United States, or of some other party under the seal of a Court of Record of the State in which the applicant is a resident , setting forth that the said applicant is the wife of the prisoner, the guardian of his minor children, or his widowed mother, and if occupying either of the last two relationships towards him, there is no one who is more nearly related according to the above classification.

Payments will be made to parties thus authorized and identified, on their receipts made out in the manner that would be required of the prisoner himself, at least one month’s pay, being in all cases retained by the United States.  The officer making the payment will see that it is entered on the last previous muster roll for the payment of the prisoner’s or will report it, if those rolls are not in his possession, to the senior paymaster of the district; who will either attend to the entry or give notice to the payment to the Paymaster General, if the rolls have been forwarded to his office.  By order,

[Signed]
L. THOMAS
Adjutant General

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, August 5, 1862

The Eleventh Iowa drew two months’ pay today. I received $26. We are able to purchase most any kind of goods needed, right here at Bolivar only two miles from camp.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 61

Monday, April 22, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, June 30, 1862

The Eleventh Iowa was mustered for pay this morning. The men all looked fine — well and clean. None had on ragged clothing and few were absent from the regiment on account of sickness.

This ends June, with us in a good camp near Corinth, Mississippi.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 55

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28. – SENATE. – Mr. TRUMBULL modified the amendment so as to confine the bill to any State or District in which the laws of the Sate are opposed, or the execution thereof obstructed by insurgents or rebels against the U. S. too powerful to be suppressed by ordinary courses of judicial proceedings, which was agreed to, yeas 19 nays 17.  The bill was then passed, yeas 23 nays12 as following – Messrs. Browning, Cowan, Davis, Fessenden, Foster, Grimes, Harris, McDougal, Powell, Trumbull, Salsbury and Powell.  Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – HOUSE. – The House passed the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial appropriation bill.  Among the provisions are the following, viz.

That nothing in this act shall prevent hereafter a reduction of salaries, and mileage now due by law, shall be paid as soon as certified by the presiding officer of each House, but there shall be no construction for mileage beyond what is allowed by law, to whit.  Mileage for each regular session only, the bill makes appropriations merely for objects authorized by existing statutes.

Mr. LOVEJOY, form the committee on Agriculture, reported a bill appropriating $3,000 to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Interior, for purchasing up-land cotton seed for general distribution, through the Patent office.  Passed.

The House passed the bill providing in all cases that where a volunteer regiment has been or shall be raised to the minimum standard, the Colonel and other field officers who shall have been commissioned as such, shall be entitled to receive the pay and allowance established by law for their respective grades from the time they were severally authorized in writing by the President, Secretary of War, or Governor of their State to raise such regiment; provided however, that in no case shall such pay date back more than three months prior to such regiment being organized to the minimum standard.

The provisions of the bill are also to apply to Captains, excepting their pay shall extend back only two months.

Mr. BLAIR of Missouri, urged the passage of the Senate bill authorizing the President in certain cases to take possession of the Railroad and Telegraph lines, when in his judgment to the public safety may require it.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – SENATE. – Mr. WILSON, of Missouri, presented the credentials of Mr. Henderson.

The resolution was adopted providing for the distribution of documents belonging to seceded Senators among the members present.

The joint resolution on secret session was taken up, and after some amendments, passed.

Mr. BRIGHT’s case resumed – no action after extra session.


HOUSE. – The bill passed giving the President authority to take possession of railroads, telegraphs, &c. by 113 to 28.

The Consideration of the Treasury note bill resumed – no action.

The Army bill was taken up.

Mr. GURLEY made an attack on the inactivity of leading Generals.

The joint resolution on secret session was taken up and passed.  Adjourned.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 – SENATE. – Several resolutions were adopted.  A debate ensued on the want of proper management at the Hospitals.

Mr. JOHNSTON, from the special committee on that part of the President’s message relating to the construction of a Military Railroad from Kentucky to Tennessee, reported a bill for that purpose.

The case of Mr. Bright was then taken up.

Mr. HOWE proceeded to speak at length on the subject.  He thought it was a very poor apology for the Senator to say that he had forgotten that he had ever written that letter or that Mr. Lincoln was his friend.  Adjourned.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, June 10, 1862

It is dry and hot. I wrote a letter to father enclosing $50.00 of the $53.00 which I received from the Government on May 31st, and in greenbacks at that. I had $1.86 coming to me over and above the allowance the Government makes for clothing, which is $40.00 a year.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, May 31, 1862

There was still some fighting today with the fleeing rebels, and we took some prisoners, but the main part of the army had too much of a start on us.

The Eleventh Iowa received four months’ pay today. I drew $53.00. We had to make settlement at this time for all clothing purchased.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 51

Friday, March 22, 2013

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, December 29, 1863

LANCASTER, OHIO, Dec. 29, 1863.

My Dear Brother:

 . . . I hear you have gone on to New York, and therefore I must go off without seeing you. I have been off the line of communication since leaving Memphis, save a few hours at Bridgeport, during which I had hardly time to put my official signature to papers demanding my hand. I have made a report of our movements up to the return to Bridgeport and enclose it with this, a copy which I brought here, and which you may keep, only, of course, under the confidence of absolute secrecy until the War Department thinks proper to make the original public. . . .

I suppose you will read this report, and I invite attention to the part referring to the assault on Tunnel Hill. I know that Grant in his report will dwell on this same part. I was provoked that Meigs, looking at us from Chattanooga, should report me repulsed, and that Mr. Stanton should publish his letter as semi-official. Meigs apologized to me for using Thomas's name instead of mine throughout, which he charged to a copyist, but made no amends for the repulse. The whole philosophy of the battle was that I should get, by a dash, a position on the extremity of the Missionary Ridge, from which the enemy would be forced to drive me, or allow his depot at Chickamauga station to be in danger. I expected Bragg to attack me at daylight, but he did not, and to bring matters to a crisis quickly, as time was precious, for the sake of Burnside in East Tennessee, Grant ordered me to assume the offensive. My report contains the rest. Again, after the battle, Granger was ordered to push for Knoxville, but his movements were so slow that Grant, impatient, called on me, and my move was the most rapid of the war and perfectly successful. I could have gone on after Longstreet, but Burnside ranked me, and it was his business, not mine. So I reinforced him all he asked, and returned.

The Fifteenth Corps, now Logan's, and Dodge's division of the Sixteenth Corps are now at work on the railroad from Nashville to Decatur, and from Decatur to Stevenson, thus making a triangle of railroad which it is estimated will relieve the great difficulty of supplies which has paralyzed the Army of the Cumberland. This will take five weeks. I leave my headquarters at Huntsville, and go in person down the Mississippi to strike some lateral blows, to punish the country for allowing guerillas to attack the boats. I go on Friday to Cincinnati, and thence to Cairo, where with Admiral Porter I will concert measures to produce the result. I expect to send one expedition up the Yazoo, and go myself with another up Red River, levying contributions to make good losses to boats, and punish for deaths and wounds inflicted. I think we can make people feel that they must actually prevent guerillas from carrying out their threats that though we have the river, it will do us no good. My address will be Memphis, for a month, and Huntsville after. We can hardly fashion out the next campaign, but it looks as though we should have to move from the Tennessee River. I should prefer to take Mobile and the Alabama as well as the Chattahoochee, and move east from Montgomery and Columbus, Miss.

I wish you would introduce a bill in Congress increasing the number of cadets on this basis — one from each congressional district per annum. In districts not represented, vest the appointments in the Secretary of War out of boys not over eighteen in the armies in the field, to be selected in any manner that may be prescribed by law, or by the regulation of the President. This would hold out to young fellows the prospect of getting a cadetship. Last summer we were called on to recommend candidates, and I was amazed to find so many worthy applicants. All who came forward for examination preferred West Point to a commission. The great want of the army is good subordinate officers. The army is a good school, but West Point is better. It is useless to deny that a special preliminary education is necessary to the military officers, and the cheapest school is now at West Point and is susceptible of infinite increase. . . .

I think the President's proclamation unwise. Knowing the temper of the South, I know that it but protracts the war by seeming to court peace. It to them looks like weakness. I tell them that as they cool off, we warm to the work. That we are just getting ready for the war, and I know the effect is better than to coax them to come back into the Union. The organization of a Civil Government but complicates the game. All the Southern States will need a pure military Government for years after resistance has ceased. You have noticed the debate in Richmond, on the President's proclamation. That is a true exhibit of the feeling South. Don't fall into the error that the masses think differently. Of course property-holding classes South deplore the devastation that marks the progress of their own and our armies, but the South is no longer consulted. The Army of the Confederacy is the South, and they still hope to worry us out. The moment we relax, they gain strength and confidence. We must hammer away and show such resistance, such bottom that even that slender hope will fail them.

I still am opposed to all bounties. The draft pure and simple, annual, to fill vacancies in the ranks. Pay of men in the front increased to even forty dollars a month, and that of men at depots and to the rear diminished to a bare maintenance if not less. Four hundred dollars bounty is an absurd commentary where two-thirds draw bounty and remain absent from their rank and are discharged for disability without hearing a shot. Deal with the army as you would if you were hiring men for special work. Pay those who do the work high; those who are sick, unfortunate, or shirking, pay little or nothing. The same of officers from the major-general to lieutenant. The President must make vacancies for the rising officers, the "creations" of the war. I am willing to quit if a younger and better man can be found for my place. . . .

Your affectionate brother,
W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 216-9

Friday, September 21, 2012

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, November 29, 1861

We had inspection for pay today, which includes inspection of knapsacks and equipments. After inspection and pay, I went down town on a pass and purchased a portfolio1, a paper weight and a pocket knife for army service.

1This portfolio, together with my Bible, I carried through my four years’ service. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 20

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, March 14. – SENATE. – The bill introduced by Mr. Hale, from the Committee on Naval Affairs to-day, provides for the construction, under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, of an iron clad steam vessel of not less than 5,000 or 6,000 tons burthen and of great speed and strength, to be used only as a ram, for which purpose $100,000 to be appropriated. – Also $13,000,000 for the construction of iron clad gunboats; $783,000 for the completion of Steven’s Battery, and $500,000 for extending the facilities of the Washington Navy Yard, so as to mould and forge plates for the armored ships.

The relations between the United States and foreign nations are now, it is said, entirely free from apprehensions whatever of disturbance.  The tone of all correspondence is conciliatory.

The Senate confirmed Brig. Gen. McDowell, as Major General of Volunteers.

It is the freely expressed opinion of members of Congress, many of whom have opposed the completion of Steven’s Battery, that the bill will pass.  Mr. Steven’s plan is not the only original of mail clad vessels, but his battery is superior to any application of the same principle in any other country.


WASHINGTON, March 17. – SENATE. – Mr. HARRIS presented a petition from the citizens of New York asking Congress to dispense with the agitation of the slavery question and attend to the restoration of the Union.

Mr. WILSON of Mass., presented a petition for the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. LANE of Kansas offered a resolution that the committee on Territories inquire into the expediency of so altering the boundary of Kansas as to include the Indian Territory.  Adopted.

Mr. FESSENDEN from the Committee of Conference on the bill providing for the purchase of iron made a report which was agreed to.

Mr. HALE offered a resolution that the Naval Committee into the expediency of appropriating money to make experiments and for providing iron clad vessels of war.  Adopted.

The joint resolution authorizing the President to assign the command of the troops in the field to officers without regard to seniority, was taken up after discussion.

On motion of Mr. NESMITH of Oregon the resolution was recommitted to the Military Committee.

On motion of Mr. FESSENDEN the Post Office Appropriation Bill was taken up.

Mr. LATHAM offered an amendment that the Postmaster General be authorized to establish a mail less than semi-monthly between San Francisco and Crescent City, including the intermediate points.  Agreed to.

Mr. LATHAM also offered an amendment that American steamers and sailing vessels bound for foreign ports shall receive such mails as the Post Office Department may choose to place on board and promptly deliver the same, and that the Letter Company for foreign ports shall receive any mail matter from Consuls, &c., the compensation being the usual postage.

Mr. SHERMAN moved to add, and provided the Government shall not pay more than it receives.  On motion it was agreed to.  The amendment was then adopted and the bill passed.

The bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia was then taken up and postponed until to-morrow.

Mr. TRUMBULL, from the Committee on Judiciary, reported back the House bill to facilitate judicial proceedings for captured property.

Went into executive session.


HOUSE. – The House passed the Senate joint resolution that if any State, during the present rebellion, shall make any appropriation to pay the volunteers of the State, the Secretary of War is authorized to accept the same and use it.  To be applied by the Paymaster General to the payments designated by the Legislature’s act making the appropriation, in the same manner as if appropriated by act of congress, and also to make any sureties that may be necessary for the disbursement and proper application of such funds for the specific purpose of which they may be applied by the several States.

The House concurred in the report of the Committee of Conference on the bill regulating sutlers, who are authorized to have a lien on the soldiers for only one-sixth of the amounts.  The penalties were added for violating this provision.

A resolution was adopted calling on the Secretary of War to inform the House by whose authority certain vessels were recently chartered and the amount of compensation to be paid for the same, &c.

Mr. LOVEJOY, asked leave to introduce a resolution instructing the Committee on the District of Columbia to inquire by what authority Mr. Bressler of Georgetown, had been arrested and sent to gain; whether such arrest was not in violation of the provision in the Constitution, which says no person shall be deprived of his live or liberty without due process of law.


WASHINGTON, March 18. – HOUSE. – The House considered the Senate bill to increase the efficiency of the Medical Department of the army.

During the discussion, Mr. BLAKE said he had no doubt that the army of the Potomac had been well and medically provided for, but it was not so with the Western boys who had been murdered by neglect.  He had received letters from fathers and mothers beseeching him to have something done, so as to save the lives of their children.

Mr. BLAIR of Mo., replying, said the first steps to be taken were to place at the head of the medical department, a Director General who combines experience with great surgical skill.

Mr. BLAKE caused to be read an article in the Cincinnati Times, showing gross inefficiency in the Medical Department.

Mr. KELLOGG, of Illinois, pronounced the article a scurrilous and vile slander, and this was apparent upon its face.  It was bad taste to have the article read.

Mr. BLAKE regretted, with pain, that the gentleman, (Mr. Kellogg,) thought it necessary to administer such a rebuke.  His want of good taste might be owing to his early training.  The article states facts which came under the editor’s observation

The subject was then passed over, and the House went into committee of the whole on the Tax bill.  The proceedings were confided to discussing and amending its general provisions.


SENATE. – Mr. FESSENDEN offered the following resolution:

            Resolved, That the Secretary of the Navy furnish the Senate with copies of all contracts with R. S. Stevens for floating battery; also a statement of all payments and allowances on said contract and the report of the commissioners appointed to examine the battery.

Mr. SUMNER introduced a bill to remove all disqualifications of color in carrying the mails.  Referred.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, from Military Committee reported back Joint Resolution authorizing the President to assign the command of troops without regard to seniority, with an amendment striking out the portion giving the President power to dismiss from the service.

The amendment was adopted and the resolution passed.

On Motion of Mr. TRUMBULL the bill to provide for judicial proceedings on captured property and for the better administration of the law, was taken up and passed.

The resolution offered by Mr. STARKE, of Oregon, that the papers in referring to the loyalty of Starke be referred to the Judiciary Committee, was taken up.

Mr. Hale thought the question was already done, and hoped the Senate would spend no more time upon it.

Mr. HOWARD wanted to know if the Senator from Oregon (Starke) intended to go into an investigation of the question.

Mr. STARKE said he had offered the resolution, in order to show that he had no indisposition to meet the charges of his loyalty anywhere, but he (Starke) had no intention of being his own prosecutor.

After further discussion by Messrs. Hale, Browning Howard, Trumbull and Howe, Mr. WILKINSON moved to lay the resolution on the table.

The motion was disagreed to, by yeas 3, nays 35.

YEAS – Messrs. Hale, Saulsbury, and Wilkinson.

Mr. TRUMBULL moved to amend the resolution so as to make it referable to a select committee of five.  The motion was carried.

The resolution was then adopted, yeas 37, nays 3.

NAYS – Messrs. Howard, Hale, Saulsbury.

Mr. CLARKE introduced a bill to furnish supplies to the sailors who were on board the sloop of war Cumberland.

The bill for the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia was taken up.

Mr. HALE merely wished to reply to the statement of the Senator from Kentucky, in regard to the effects of this bill.  If passed, the most dangerous and fatal form of secession is when it argues that it is not safe to perform a plain and simple duty for fear of disastrous consequences, and this question of emancipation had rarely been argued in this country on the great fundamental principle of right and wrong.  The question was never asked in political circles what is due to the individual, but what is to be the consequences.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 22, 1862, p. 4

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, November 23, 1861

We cleaned up today, preparing for our first inspection and review at Benton Barracks. I sent $10.00 home today, the surplus of my State pay.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 19

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, November 9, 1861


We received our State pay today. I got $20.60 in paper money, thus losing only about twenty-five cents on the dollar. I served forty-five days under the State.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 17