A correspondent of the Dubuque Times – in whose initials we recognize Mr. Frank Doyle, formerly a printer of that city – thus speaks of the officers of the 16th Iowa regiment:
“In appointing the field officers for our regiment, Gov. Kirkwood made the very best selection. Col. Chambers is a West Point graduate, a good business man, a strict disciplinarian, always at his post, perfectly temperate, and a brave officer if I can judge correctly. Lieut. Col. Add. H. Sanders is not liked by all in the regiment, but he is really loved by every one – we love him as fondly as our lives, and he is deserving of our respect and love. He is always attending to business, and while doing so he finds time to speak a pleasant word to everybody; no matter whether a ‘Gigadier Brindle’ or a ‘high private in the rear rank.’ When he has no particular business on hand, he is found at the hospital speaking words of sympathy and pleasantry to the unfortunate sick, or providing them with some little delicacy. – This is why we love him. Major Purcell has been tried upon the battle field, and found to possess the qualifications for an officer. He was 1st Lieutenant in Col. C, 1st Iowa, and was wounded at Wilson’s Creek. He has recently recovered from the injury. He is somewhat bashful, and would seem rather reserved until you become a little acquainted, when you find him one of the best natured and must sociable men in the world.”
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 2
