Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, October 2, 1864

October 2, 1864

. . . The Washington boat was much in the style of the other — rather worse and more crowded, people and freight similar. There were more Christian Commissioners, who were joined by those who had come with me. The funniest people you ever saw! Their great and overshadowing anxiety was dinner; that was the thing. Accordingly they had deputed the youngest — a divinity student, and supposed to be a terribly sharp fellow — to lie in wait at sundry times and secure tickets for the meal. “I have arranged it all with the steward; we shall sit together,” said this foxy one. Long before the hour, they all went down and stood against the door, like the queue at a French theatre. One of them came up, a little after, wiping his mouth; and asked me with surprising suddenness, if I “was on the side of the Lord.” They were mostly Methodists, and of course very pious. One of the soldiers on the lower deck, suddenly cried out: “Oh, H---!” upon which a Christian Commissioner said: “Mr. Smith, did you think to bring a bundle of the tracts on swearing?” I told him I hoped he had brought a good many, and of several kinds, as there was a wide field in the army. All of which reminds me of an anecdote. A group of these gentlemen, going on foot and with their carpet-bags towards the front, were addressed by a veteran with “Hullo! got any lemons to sell?” “No, my friend, we belong to the army of the Lord.” Veteran, with deep scorn: “Oh, ye—es; stragglers! stragglers!” I respect these Christian Commissioners, though they are somewhat silly often. Some of them had come all the way from Wisconsin. I arrived in camp somewhat after dark and was tenderly welcomed by all, from the General down. Barstow and Humphreys were highly pleased with their gifts. To-day a curious thing occurred. While I was away, looking for a place for the new camp, General Meade rode out with the Staff. There came a conical shell, which shaved a patch of hair off the tail of General Humphrey's horse, scraped the leg of General Meade's boot, passed between General Ricketts and Griffin who were standing within a foot of each other, and buried itself in the ground, covering several officers with sand and dirt. Four Generals just escaping by a turn of the head, so to speak! I got this shell and shall send it home as a great curiosity.

SOURCE: George R. Agassiz, Editor, Meade’s Headquarters, 1863-1865: Letters of Colonel Theodore Lyman from the Wilderness to Appomattox, p. 231-2

Governor Alexander W. Randall to Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood, December 23, 1861

Executive Office, Madison, Dec. 23, 1861.

His Excy. Gov. Kirkwood, Iowa:

Dear Sir: — It seems to me that the large amount of labor and responsibility thrown upon the executives of the several states during the past season entitle them to some consideration at the hands of congress. In all cases where forces enough have been sent from any state to entitle the state to an appointment of a Major-General, the Governor ought to be paid the compensation of a Major-General. In all other cases to be paid the compensation of a Brigadier-General, and congress ought to make an appropriation for the purpose. I propose that we make common cause with our members of congress to favor such an act. If the idea meets your approval, please write your members on the subject.

Very respectfully,

Alex. W. Randall.

SOURCE: State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa Historical Record, Volumes 1-3, Volume 2, No. 3, July 1886, p. 322-3

Governor Alexander Ramsey to William H. Acker, April 14, 1861

washington, April 14, 1861.

Wm. H. Acker, Adjutant General Minnesota,

Sir: In the excitement which the attack and reduction of Fort Sumter occasioned here and elsewhere in the East, the states all around made a tender of generous support to the government, and aware that the patriotic people of Minnesota would be offended if there were any delay on my part in doing the same on their behalf, I at once hastened to the War Office and addressed the foregoing communication to General Cameron. The call now issued to the states for men, does not, as you will doubtless have learned by telegraph ere this, include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa or Michigan; but our contingent should be in some degree of readiness, for the call may shortly be extended to us. You had better, therefore, be on the qui vive, and I will write you again to-morrow.

If troops are asked of us, they will probably rendezvous at St. Paul, and the expense of uniforming and of transportation will be borne by the government here.

Very truly,

Alexander ramsey.

SOURCE: Minnesota. Board of Commissioners on Publication of History of Minnesota in Civil and Indian Wars, Minnesota in the Civil and Indian Wars, 1861-1865, Volume 2, p. 1

Proclamation of Alexander W. Randall, Governor of Wisconsin, April 16, 1861

To The Loyal People of Wisconsin:

For the first time in the history of this Federal Government, organized treason has manifested itself within several States of the Union, and armed rebels are making war against it. The Proclamation of the President of the United States tells of unlawful combinations too powerful to be suppressed in the ordinary manner, and calls for military forces to suppress such combinations, and to sustain him in executing the laws. The treasures of the country must no longer be plundered; the public property must be protected from aggressive violence; that already seized, must be retaken, and the laws must be executed in every State of the Union alike.

A demand made upon Wisconsin by the President of the United States, for aid to sustain the Federal Arm, must meet with a prompt response. One Regiment of the Militia of this State, will be required for immediate service, and further services will be required as the exigencies of the Government may demand. It is a time when, against the civil and religious liberties of the people, and against the integrity of the Government of the United States, parties and politicians and platforms must be as dust in the balance. All good citizens, everywhere, must join in making common cause against a common enemy.

Opportunities will be immediately offered to all existing military companies, under the direction of the proper authorities of the State, for enlistment to fill the demand of the Federal Government, and I hereby invite the patriotic citizens of the State to enroll themselves into companies of seventy-eight men each, and to advise the Executive of their readiness to be mustered into service immediately. Detailed instructions will be furnished on the acceptance of companies, and the commissioned officers of each regiment will nominate their own field officers.

In times of public danger bad men grow bold and reckless. The property of the citizen becomes unsafe, and both public and private rights liable to be jeopardized. I enjoin upon all administrative and peace officers within the State renewed vigilance in the maintenance and execution of the laws, and in guarding against excesses leading to disorder among the people.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Wisconsin, this 16th day of April A. D. 1861.

By the Governor,

ALEX. W. RANDALL

L. P. Harvey, Secretary of State,

SOURCE: Edwin Bentley Quiner, The Military History of Wisconsin, p.47

Good for Milwaukie

MILWAUKEE, April 9. – The Chamber of Commerce on the Governor’s recommendation held a meeting to-day for the relief of the wounded at Pittsburg Landing.  After subscribing liberally the doors were thrown open for the reception of hospital stores.  To-night the room is well filled and an agent of the Governor’s accompanied by surgeons will leave to-morrow to render all the aid possible for the comfort of [the wounded.]

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3.  The last two words were cut off when the newspaper was microfilmed.  The exact article appeared in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862 which I have used to reconstruct the missing text in this article.

Deep Snow In Wisconsin

The past season has been a peculiar one.  All about this section there has been uninterrupted sleighing since the 29th of November, with but very little wind to drift into and fill the roads, and but very few warm, sloshy days.  On the 1st inst., a snow storm set in, and for forty hours, almost without cessation, the flakes came steadily down, adding fifteen inches more to the winter stock.  In the woods the snow is over four feet deep – quite enough for logging purposes.  If this vast body goes off with rain, people below may look out for a perfect and unheard of flood, but if taken off by the sun’s rays, there will be less damage done.  The amount of snow on the ground would, if melted, cover the surface of the ground with full 12 inches of water.

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

XXXVIIth Congress – First Session

WASHINGTON, April 10.

SENATE. – Mr. Sumner presented resolutions from the Legislature of Massachusetts, in approval of the resolution in accordance with the Presidents message in relation to emancipation.

Mr. Lane, of Indiana, presented a petition for the abolishing of slavery in the States.  He said the petitioners were asking what Congress had no power to grant, but that he was willing that citizens should be heard in foolish requests.

Mr. Wilson gave notice that he should to-morrow introduce a bill to amend the act approved in Sept. [1860], supplementary to the act respecting fugitive[s] from justice and persons escaping from the service of their masters, approved Feb. 12^th, 1793.

On motion of Mr. Latham, the bill to establish a line of steamships from San Francisco to Shanghai, was taken up.  He spoke at length in favor of establishing such a line.

HOUSE.  Mr. Vallandigham, from the committee on public lands, reported a substitute for the Senate’s joint resolution giving construction to the act of 1856, granting lands to Wisconsin for railroad purposes.  It authorizes a change of location, so that the road may be constructed from Appleton to some point on Green Bay at or near the mouth of Fox river. – Passed.

Mr. Arnold introduced a resolution expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the glorious triumph of our arms over rebels and traitors, recognizing in the brilliant victories at Island No. 10 and Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., the exhibition of that divine power which has so signally blessed us as a nation; that the gratitude and thanks of Congress is due to Com. Foot, Gens. Pope, Grant, Buell and Halleck, to each and every gallant soldier, officer and sailor, for the gallantry, energy, endurance, patriotic suffering and devotion to their country.  Their names shall be always cherished and honored by a grateful people – While Congress honors the brave who escaped death, they would not forget the wounded and dead who fell in their country’s cause.  Congress extends its sympathy to widows and children, and promises relief.

Mr. Porter suggested the name of Major General Lew Wallace.

Mr. Cox thought it proper to include Gen. McClernand and other officers.

Mr. Richardson had anticipated this difficulty.  It was usual to insert only the names of commanding officers, as they could not embrace the names of all who distinguished themselves.

Mr. Arnold consented that the resolution should be referred to the committee on military affairs.

Mr. Stevens, from the committee on ways and means, reported back the Senate’s amendments to the naval appropriation bill.  The House concurred in that appropriating $13,000,000 to be expended under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy for the construction of iron-clad steam vessels of war as a substitute for the original item.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 11, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, April 9.

                                                                                                                   

HOUSE. – The House proceeded on the consideration of the Senate bill to increase the efficiency of the medical department of the army.  The debate involved the question of incorporating surgeons from the volunteers with the regular staff, thus giving a broad field of selection.  This agreed to, the bill as amended on recommendation of the military committee was passed.

SENATE. – Messrs. Howard, Chandler, Sherman and Trumbull presented petitions in favor of emancipation.

Mr. Howe presented a memorial from the Legislature of Wisconsin for the establishment of a national armory and depot in that State.

The bill fixing the salaries of District Attorneys was taken up, and after discussion was passed – 20 to 19.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

MILWAUKEE, April 9 [1862].

There was a large meeting held her to-day for the relief of the wounded at Pittsburg Landing.  Subscriptions were liberal.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

Disastrous Fire in Milwaukee, Loss over $75,000

MILWAUKEE, March 1.

A most disastrous fire this morning destroyed the entire block, known as the Albany Buildings.  The first floor was occupied by the American Express office, Leahy’s gas fixtures, R. B. Bell’s liquor store, Wisconsin seed store, and saloons.  These stocks were mostly saved.  The second story was occupied by the law offices of Finch, Lynde & Miller, Brown & Ogden, Cory & Pratt, and several others.  Their books and papers were saved.

The large concert and opera hall covered by the third floor, which was entirely destroyed, together with scenery and stage fixtures.

The loss on the buildings is estimated at $75,000; insured for $50,000.  Other losses are not known.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 1