Volunteering in Oceola Township

At a Meeting of some of the citizens of this township Saturday evening January 2d, to provide for filling our quota under the President’s call for 300 thousand men, the members resolved to raise money by subscription sufficient to pay each recruit who may be accepted, $100, in addition to the bounty paid by Government. A Committee was appointed to take subscriptions, who have succeeded in raising $912, to this date.

Below we give the names of the subscribers and the amount each subscribed.

Others have not yet been solicited, and some whose names hare here given have agreed to sign more if it is necessary to make up the full amount. The names of those who may sign hereafter, and those who increase their subscription will appear in another issue.

A. H. Burrows, $25; L. M. D. Sherick, $25; N. H. Annis, $5; J. B. Kelly, $3; E. M. H. Fleming, $5; C. B. Bonney, $5; J. Williams, $20; George W Howe, $25; D. Sayer, $10; C. E. Millard, $20; Abner Fitzgerald, $5; E. M. Smith, $10; A. Knotts, $25; Jas. Rice, $50; R. B. Parrott, $25; S. R. Burgess, $25; D. T. Musselman, $15; W. E. Henderson, $20; Aaron S. Johnson, $25; H. F. Gross, $25; F. G. Winkler, $5; M. W. Morgan, $10; A. C. Johnson, $15; George W. Clapp, $20; Jas. Brown, $5; William B. Orr, $10; J. H. Warfel, $10; W. N. Barnard, $25; J. R. Rhea, $10; A. Lyons, $25; Moses Parvis, $10; L. R. Regley, $25; A. J. Linder, $5; E. A. Lanham, $15; David Brier, $25; J. W. Blake, $10; Wm. Brier, $20; D. Miller, $5; E. L. Orr, $15; Jacob Roberts, $10; A. A. Mintoyne $14; N. H. Ridgeway, $20; John Daily, $40; Wm. Grimes, $5; H. W. Peckett, $20; J. D. Howard, $5; Jacob Lingle, $25; Sam Moorhouse, $5; H. C.Sigler, $25; E. M. Laws, $25; O. P. Anderson, $10; Adam Lingle, $25; P. J. Goss, $10; P. C. Templeton, $5; B. F. Chapman, $5; Jas. Polly, $10 John M. Moore, $5; J. H. Caverly, $15.

Whole amount subscribed, $912.00.

The following are the names of those who have volunteered from this County.

Oceola: E. M. Legerwood, J. T. Polly, J. F. Tibbs, J. M. Campbell, H. E. Mintoyne, T. C. Laport, H. H. Adams, John Wells, John Witcraft, John Story, C. A. B. Watson. Doyle Tp: Wm Burham, James Lent, D. O. Ball, James Edwards, A. H. Wetherell, John Powers, and three others whose names are unknown. Knox Tp.- Stephen Stiverson, Wm. Ford, Soloman Thomas, Nathan Thomas.

Green Bay Tp.- P. C. Baily (colored.)

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

A Young Lady’s Soliloqy

Uselessly, aimless’y drifting through life.
What was I born for? “For Somebody’s wife,”
I am told by my mother. Well, that being true.
“Somebody” keeps himself strangely from view;
And if naught but marriage will settle may fate,
I believe I shall die in an unsettled state.
For tho’ I am not ugly – pray, what woman is? –
You might easily find a more beautiful phiz;
And then, as for temper and manners, ‘tis plain
He who seeks for perfection will seek here in vain.
Nay, in spite of these drawbacks, my heart is perverse.
And I sho’d not feel grateful for better or worse.
To take the first booby that graciously came
And offered those treasures, his home and his name.
I think, then, my chances of marriage are small,
But why should I think of such chances at all?
My brothers are all of them younger than I.
Yet they thrive in the world, why not let me try?
I know that in business I’m not an adept.
Because from such matters most strictly I’m kept.
But – this is the question that puzzles my mind –
Why am I not trained up to work of some kind?
Uselessly, aimlessly, drifting through life,
Why should I wait to be “Somebody’s wife?”

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Lost

By Nute Rice, while sleighriding with the girls Tuesday night, between Oceola and the Fremont schoolhouse, a shawl. Any one who will return the same to this office shall have five cents reward.

It is said that Nute was sitting so near the girls that he did not miss the shawl until he got home. Great thing, this animal heat.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa January 16, 1864

Stone’s River Campaign 26 December 1862 - 5 January 1863, Volume 1: The Union Army

As a general rule I usually stay away from self-published books, but after reading recent posts by Drew Wagenhoffer & Brett Schulte I decided to dash out to Stones River National Battlefield and check out Lanny K. Smith’s Stone’s River Campaign 26 December 1862 - 5 January 1863, Volume 1: The Union Army. I asked the park ranger about the book and he grabbed one right off the shelf for me and gushed about the book, telling me that he’d never seen anything like it. At 723 pages (those are 8 ½ by 11” pages and a pretty small font) it’s the most scholarly and detailed book yet written about the Stones River Campaign. In fact he was so excited about it that he asked me if I knew when volume two, covering the Confederate Army, is going to be printed. With five relatives that fought here (Stones River National Battlefield is just across town), I’m anxiously waiting to read it, as its narration of troop movements is detailed down to the regimental level. I don’t know exactly when I’m going to get the chance to read it, rest assured when I do I’ll post a review here. If you should be interested in obtaining a copy, click on the link above, but you’d better act fast as Mr. Smith printed a limited run of 330 copies. I have # 39.

Letter from Adjutant E. H. King

Headqu’r’s 15th Iowa Inft. Vol’s.
Vicksburg Miss. Dec. 28th 1863

Mr. Caverly:-

How vain are the thoughts and imagination of man! In one short hour the fairest hopes are blasted, and the brightest pictures of imaginative joy are hurled away, leaving only a pang as the price of anticipated bliss.

Every thing had been passing with an even tenure in camp: the approach of the holidays had created a desire in many minds to enjoy a season of pleasure as in days of yore, and to this end, preparations of no mean character had been in progress from the beginning of the week until the evening of the 24th inst., when everything was in a state bordering on completion, and high hopes were on the point of realization, and those who had predicted the sudden tumbling of all their expectations, were constrained to admit those were to be realized on this occasion, and the morrow would witness the full fruition of their hopes. But not so. In the midst of all, with countless numbers of half cooked turkeys, and well filled baskets of sweetmeats of every variety, and wines and liquors in greatest profusion: - when every thing had been provided which it was possible to secure to make Christmas a day of the gayest festivities, all was thrown into confusion and disappointment by an order for the 11th and the 15th Iowa Inft. To move at once to “Red Bone” 12 miles distant, under command of Col. Belknap of the 15th Iowa and reenforce [sic] the 2nd Miss. Cavalry, and 16th Miss. Infantry, stationed at that point, and which the Rebels were expected to attack early on the morning of the 25th. The column was moving by 11 p.m. and at 3 o’clock a.m. of the 25th was at its destination, and ready for enacting any scene the rebels might see fit to introduce. But considering, possibly, that discretion was the better part of valor, and that their foe being forewarned and fore-armed and doubled in numbers, were too powerful for them to be sure of a victory, the rebels failed to make the descent and at 2 o’clock p.m. of the 26th was enroute for Vicksburg, where it arrived at 5 ½ p. m. of the same day.

I did think of writing a description of the country through which we passed, but it beggars description. It is the poorest hilliest, and must desolate looking country it has been my misfortune to behold in the Southern Confederacy. There is not an acre of level ground for the whole 12 miles and not half an acre any place but is cut by gutters, five, ten and even twenty feet in depth. A more good-for-nothing, God-forsaken country than this appears to be, is certainly beyond the conception of man, and he who possess [sic] his ten thousand acres of such land, would be ten thousand times more intensely poor, than the meanest operative in New York city. “God bless our native land,” but save us from a land cursed with such hills and ditches. Every year adds to the poverty of such a country.

The weather is cold, windy, disagreeable at present, though it is generally very pleasant. No snow has yet fallen, and we are not anxious for any to fall, as it would only add to the discomfort of the troops. The health is magnificent. One could not ask for it to be better.

An effort is making in some quarters to have a good time on New Year’s day to make up for the disappointment on Christmas. As to the subscriber, he expects to spend it as any other day is spent in the army. The returns to be made up for the month, the two months, the quarter and the year just closing, will sufficiently occupy his attention, without indulging extensively in any of the festivities of the day.

But – wishing you and your readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year – I bid you a kind good night.

E. H. King

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, January, 16, 1864

Report of General Averill

EDRAY, POCAHONTAS COUNTY, W. VA., DECEMBER 21,
Via Beverly, December 22, 1863. (Received 4.15 p.m., 23d.)

SIR: I have the honor to report that I cut the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at Salem on the 16th instant, and have arrived safely at this point with my command, consisting of the Second, Third, and Eighth [West] Virginia Mounted Infantry, Fourteenth Pennsylvania, Gibson's battalion cavalry, and Ewing's battery.

At Salem three depots were destroyed, containing 2,000 barrels flour, 10,000 bushels wheat, 100,000 bushels shelled corn, 50,000 bushels oats, 2,000 barrels meat, several cords leather, 1,000 sacks salt, 31 boxes clothing, 20 bales cotton, a large amount of harness, shoes, and saddles, equipments, tools, oil, tar, and various other stores, and 100 wagons. The telegraph wire was cut, coiled, and burned for half a mile. The water-station, turn-table, and 3 cars were burned, the track torn up, and the rails heated and destroyed as much as possible in six hours. Five bridges and several culverts were destroyed, over an extent of 15 miles. A large quantity of bridge timber and repairing materials were also destroyed.

My march was retarded occasionally by the tempest in the mountains, and the icy roads. I was obliged to swim my command and drag my artillery with ropes across Craig's Creek seven times in twenty-four hours. On my return I found six separate commands, under Generals Early, Jones, Fitz. Lee, Imboden, Jackson, Echols, and McCausland, arranged in a line extending from Staunton to Newport upon all the available roads to prevent my return.

I captured a dispatch from General Jones to General Early, giving me the position, and that of Jackson--at Clifton Forge and Covington-was selected to carry. I marched from the front of Jones to that of Jackson during the night. His outposts were pressed in at a gallop by the Eighth [West] Virginia Mounted Infantry, and the two bridges across Jackson's River saved, although fagots had been piled ready to ignite. My column, about 4 miles long, hastened across regardless of the enemy until all but my ambulances, a few wagons, and one regiment had passed, when a strong effort was made to retake the first bridge, which did not succeed. The ambulance and some sick men were lost, and by the darkness and difficulties the last regiment was detained upon the opposite side until morning, when it was ascertained that the enemy seemed determined to maintain his position up the cliffs which overlooked the bridge.

I caused the bridges, which were long and high, to be destroyed, and the' enemy immediately changed his position to the flank and rear of the detachment which was cut off. I sent orders to the remnants to destroy our wagons and come to me across the river or over the mountains. They swam the river, with the loss of only 4 men drowned, and joined me. In the meantime, forces of the enemy were concentrating upon me at Callaghan's over every available road but one, which was deemed impracticable, but by which I crossed over the top of the Alleghanies with my command, with the exception of four caissons, which were destroyed in order to increase the teams of the pieces.

My loss is 6 men drowned, 1 officer and 4 men wounded, and 4 officers and 90 men missing. We captured about 200 prisoners, but have retained but 4 officers and 80 men, on account of their inability to walk. We took also about 150 horses. My men and horses have subsisted entirely upon a very poor country, and the officers and men have suffered cold, hunger, and fatigue with remarkable fortitude.

My command has marched, climbed, slid, and swum 365 miles since the 8th instant.

WM. W. AVERELL,
Brigadier-General.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.

SOURCES: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies During the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Vol. 29, Part 1, p. 924-5; an edited version of this report also was published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, on January 9, 1864 with the heading of "Report of General Averill."

Adjutant General Thomas reports...

...Col. Hawkins’ Brigade of 5000 colored soldiers at Milliken’s Bend, as in excellent condition and its commander avers it can whip any 5000 rebels now in Arkansas. General Thomas thinks by spring there will not only be negroes enough in the field to guard the banks of the Mississippi its whole length but also to give a large surplus for duty at other points, or in the field.

An expedition, to co-operate with Gen. Averill, consisting of two regiments of infantry, 400 cavalry, and a battery of six guns, the whole force numbering 1,400 in all, under the command of Col. Geo. D. Wells of the 34th Massachusetts infantry returned to Harper’s Ferry without the loss of a man. After penetrating to Harrisonburg. When Averill has finished his work, after Wells had accomplished his diversion, strictly according to orders, he found himself confronted by from 7,000 to 10,000 of Lee’s forces and with Gen. Bosser’s brigade and a part of Stewart’s cavalry in his rear at Front Royal, but by clever strategy and forced marches he escaped the former and avoided the latter forces, and reached his post with his men and munitions unharmed. So desperate, at one time, seemed the chances of the expedition that the rebels in Winchester offered to bet that not a man would return. One hundred rebel prisoners were safely brought off.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Senator James W. Grimes to Dr. Clarke

Burlington [Iowa], August 12, 1863

Yours of the 10th inst. is recd ~ I do not know exactly what position in the Mississippi Squadron would suit your nephew that would be attainable. I advise you to write to Capt. Wells on the subject. I think he can find him a place where he can be most useful and at the same time be free from the irksome duties that fall to the lot of most men. I will be pleased to write him tomorrow & whenever it may be in my power. If he had had any experience on a boat or ship I do no doubt that I could secure him a yard position at once.

Your friend,
J. W. Grimes

[Pencil docketed on verso] Nephew of Dr. Clarke recommended for some position by Mr. Grimes & Capt Wells.

6th Iowa Infantry

Organized at Burlington and mustered in July 17, 1861. Moved to Keokuk August 3, thence to St. Louis, Mo., August 9, and duty there till September 19. Attached to Dept. of Missouri, to March, 1862. 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Army Tennessee, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army Tennessee, to July, 1862, and District of Memphis, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, District of Memphis, 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of Tennessee, November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Memphis, 13th Corps, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Corps, to May, 1863. 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Corps, to July, 1863. 4th Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Corps, to September, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Corps, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Moved to Jefferson City, Mo., September 19, 1861. Fremont's Campaign against Springfield, Mo., October 7-November 9. At Sedalia till December 9. Moved to Lamine Bridge November 9, thence to Tipton January 22, 1862, and duty there till March 7, Expedition to Crump's Landing, Tennessee River, and operations there March 7-14. Expedition from Savannah to Yellow Creek, Miss., and occupation of Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 14-17. Battle of Shiloh April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., via La-Grange, Grand Junction and Holly Springs June 2-July 21. Skirmish with Forest July 2. Provost duty at Memphis till November. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862, to January, 1863. Tallahatchie march November 2-December 12. At Grand Junction and duty along Memphis & Charleston railroad till June, 1863. Regiment mounted. Expedition to Hernando, Miss., April 17-26, 1863. Holly Springs April 17. Scout from LaGrange into Northern Mississippi April 29-May 5. Salem May 20. Expedition to Senatobia, Miss., May 21-26. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., June 9-14. Siege of Vicksburg June 14-July 4. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 4-10. Birdsong Ferry, Big Black River, July 4-6. Jones' Ford and Messenger's Ferry July 6. Queen Hill July 7. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. At Big Black till September 25. Moved to Memphis, thence march to Chattanooga, Tenn., September 25-November 20. Operations on Memphis & Charleston railroad in Alabama October 20-29. Battles of Chattanooga November 23-25. Tunnel Hill November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Pursuit to Graysville November 26-27. March to relief of Knoxville November 28-December 17. At Scottsboro, Ala., till April, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstration on Resaca May 8-13. Near Resaca May 14. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 6-17. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Ezra Chapel. Hood's second sortie, July 28. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October 1-26. Snake Creek Gap October 15. Ships Gap October 16. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Griswoldsville November 22. Ogeechee River December 7-9. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Salkehatchie Swamps, S.C., February 3-5. South Edisto River February 9. North Edisto River February 12-13. Congaree Creek February 15. Columbia February 16-17. Lynch's Creek February 25-26. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 9-13. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June. Mustered out July 21, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 8 Officers and 144 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 126 Enlisted men by disease. Total 280.

SOURCE: Dyer , Frederick H., “A Compendium Of The War Of The Rebellion,” Part 3, p. 1167

William (S. or L.) Brown

Private, Company B, 6th Iowa Infantry

Son of Rev. Ziba Brown (Chaplin of the 5th Iowa Cavalry) & Jane B. Coffee, he was born between 1840 & 1841 in Indiana. In 1855 & 1860 he was living with is parents in Liberty & Freemont Townships (respectively), Clarke County, Iowa, but when he, at age 20, enlisted in Company B of the 6th Iowa Infantry on July 1, 1861 he listed his residence as Osceola, Clarke Co., Iowa. He was mustered in on July 17th, 1861.

He was wounded severly in the left arm at the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi on July 16, 1863 and was consequently discharged due to his wounds November 3, 1863 at St. Louis, Missouri

Sources: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 1, p. 802; Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System; The History of Union County, Ohio (1883), p. 578; 1855 Iowa Sate Census, for Liberty Twsp., Clarke Co., IA; 1860 Federal Census for Freemont Twsp., Clarke Co., IA

See Blog Entry:
A Private Letter From W. S. Brown, of the 6th Iowa Infantry

Death of Gen. Corcoran

Genl. Milche [sic] Corcoran died on the 22 inst. from injuries received by the fall of his horse. Our readers will remember Gen. C- in connection with the battle of Bull Run, as Colonel of the N. Y. 69th, the Irish Regiment, that did such noble fighting on that occasion. In that battle Gen. C- was wounded and taken prisoner. He was after a long Confinement exchanged, promoted, and did his adopted country much valuable service, not only upon the field by the the influence

[… and there the article abruptly ends in mid-sentence.]

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Letter from Capt. Reid.

Camp 15th Reg., Iowa Inft. Vol.
3d Brig., 1st Div., Vicksburg
December 13th, 1863

Part of our Army Corps commanded by Major-General McPherson, and about nine “nigger” regiments of artillery, infantry and cavalry are now holding this post.- Brig.-Gen. Dennis commands our division, Brig.-Gen. Alex Chambers our brigade and Brig.-Gen. McArthur commands the post of Vicksburg.

We have nothing of thrilling interest – no skirmishes, and with the exception of occasional firing on pickets of nights and at target every morning when the Grand Guard is relieved, all is calm as a summer monring. The weather is so mild and pleasant; persons coming from the north would hardly realize that it is winter. Yet we have an occasional cold “spell of weather,” with cold winds and rains; yet like “morning cloud and the early dew,” it soon passes away. Our regiment is generally very healthy – In my company there is not a single man on the sick list, and we have had during the summer and autumn, fewer sick men than any other company in the regiment. Three-fourths and perhaps more, of my company will reenlist at the expiration of their two years service, as “Veteran Volunteers” among these about all the boys from Clark County. Hailing from “Old Lee,” the “Empire County… let me say to you, reader, and to their many friends and relatives, (and to their sweethearts too) for I am an old bachelor myself, and never forget the ladies – that I feel proud of the boys in my company from Clark County. “None but the brave deserve the fair,” and they are truly a gallant set of boys as ever shouldered a musket, and are “dreaming of the hour” when they hope to go home as a company to reorganize and recruit, see their friends, and have a good time generally. An order has recently been issued by the terms of which, when three-fourths of any company or regiment reenlist as Veteran Volunteers, they are permitted to go home to the State from whence they came, and will be permitted to spend not less than thirty days at home. Under that order Co. I will be almost certain get North, as we have counted noses, and ten men have gone in as Veterans, and nearly all the others, whose times are not yet up have signed a paper agreeing to do so. By the 20th of February the “Veterans” will be ready to march.

Sutler’s goods are here at pretty reasonable prices.

No Newspaper is yet published in Vicksburg; but white and unbleached American [illegible, looks like wheels], and a theater are in operation. Quite a number of officers have their wives and children here.

The River is now in good stage and we get Northern and New Orleans papers almost daily.. Oranges, apples, persimmons and fresh oysters are plenty with a sprinkling of cat-fish and almost everything else in the market, which is open every day.

Guards daily patrol the city, taking up citizens and able bodied “niggers” without passes,- the latter are pressed ino the service.

Dutch balls, suppers &c. are the order of the day, - a few nights ago the heroes of Wilson’s Creek had a grand time. I was not present, but understand it was a very “spirited” affair.

A General Court Martial, the “Court of Inquiry,” and a Court Martial for our division are now in session. No civil Court is yet established.

Col. John Adir McDowall, late of the 6th Iowa, and now U. S. Revenue agent, arrived here on the 11th inst.

Confederate money is only worth ten cents on the dollar, and corn meal $2.00 per bushel.

James M. Reid
Capt. Commanding Co. I

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Charitable Appropriations Passed

Appropriations for the several charitable institutions of the State, have passed the senate; also a bill locating the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Des Moines, appropriating $13,000 for the erection of buildings therefor [sic]. Also an appropriation for the erection of an Arsenal at Des Moines, worth, $3,000.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 2, 1864

Married

In this place by the Rev. H. B. Heacock, on the 27th of March at the residence of the Bride’s Father, Adjutant E. H. King of the 15th Iowa Infantry to Miss. F. C. Wilson of Oceola.

The wedded couple have our best wishers for their future happiness; and we doubt not that our readers, who have so many times been entertained by Mr. King’s letters published in the Sentinel, will join us in wishing them a long and blissful life.

Of the party at Mr. Wilson’s the Wednesday evening following, we shall speak on another occasion, for want of time this week.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 2, 1864

From the 6th Iowa

Bridgeport, Tenn., Dec 18, 1863.- Mr. Editor. – Sir. After traveling nearly three weeks I have arrived at this place where the camp of my company and regiment is. The regiment is out at Athens, on the Chattanooga and Knoxville railroad, but are expected to return soon. Our regiment has suffered a great deal from the long and hard marches they have made since coming to this place.

The health of the soldiers is generally good – we have plenty to eat here at this place and it will be but a very short time till the railroad bridge across the river here, will be finished and then there will be a better chance of getting supplies to Chattanooga, there are also three small boats being made here for the purpose of transporting provisions up the river.

Please send me your Weekly paper, as we have nothing to read down here, and accept the thanks of a soldier.

A. P. Lowery

[Hawk Eye.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th

Head Quarters Co. D. 39th Iowa
Parson’s Mill Dec. 18th 1863

Friend Caverly:-

While looking over your paper of the 5th, I noticed a letter from T. R. Oldham, in which he states that Sergt. T. A. Trent had been mustered in the service as 1st Lieut. Of a Colored Company in the 2nd Ala. A.D. I can now state with much pleasure and satisfaction that our friend “Tom” was also mustered in a few days ago as Capt. of Co. E of the same Regiment.

No better selection could have been made that that of T. R. Oldham for that position. He is worthy and well qualified, and merits the place he now holds. As. Sergt. Major of the 39th Iowa, he was ever ready and willing to do his duty, and he had the respect and good will of every officer and man in the Regiment.

As regards Lieut. Trent, he is a brave and meritorious soldier, and will make and excellent officer.

My Company is detached, and we are now guarding and running a mill for the benefit of the troops of our brigade. We have built a fine Stockade with comfortable quarters attached to it, and are now living at our care and in peace, except with poultry and hogs, and as they are not reckoned in with the Commissary supplies, it seems impossible for me to reconcile my boys to let them remain in their presence.

Whether we will remain here this winter or not, I am, at present, unable to say. Gen. Dodge is ambitious and desires to be in front, and I was told yesterday that he had gone to visit Gen. Grant at Nashville with that object in view. Should we be ordered forward, we can have no excuse to complain, for I must say that our lot has rather been one of ease than otherwise, compared to that of the majority of the Iowa Regiments.

Our men are ever ready and willing, and will cheerfully go to any point when the order is given.

The boys of Co. D are in excellent health and spirits: the sanitary condition of the Co. has never been better.

Sergt. Pike is now at Louisville Ky. in the Hospital. He is afflicted with rheumatism.

I will remark, before closing this letter to those persons of Clark Co. who wish to volunteer in some of the old Regiments under the last call, that Co. D lacks some twenty men of having its maximum number, and that we will be glad to receive any who will join us. It will be to the advantage of those who desire to enlist in this way. We are one among the last Regiments that was raised and consequently will remain much longer in the service from this time, and hence, any one joining us will have the satisfaction of knowing that they will not be placed among strange[r]s in a few months by the mustering out of their friends in the old regiments.

And again, should we remain here all winter, there will be a fine opportunity of milling, besides becoming accustomed to camp life before being mustered into more active service.

Your friend;
Capt. L. D. Bennett

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

Married

At the residence of Mr. Wm. Gustin, on the evening of the 31st ult., by the Rev. Bartlett, Mr. J. L. Adkins, Co. “H.” 6th Iowa V. V. I., to Miss E. Flora Bates of Hopeville.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 2, 1864

William M. Duncan

Captain, Co. B, 18th Iowa Infantry

The son of James & Margaret Duncan, he was born Aug 14, 1828 in Kent County, Kentucky. When he was six he removed with his parents to Monroe County, Indiana where he grew to manhood. He spent his youth on a farm & received his education in the common schools there. After leaving school he taught for several terms in Indiana.

On April 10, 1851 he married Mary J. Morgan of Morgan County, Indiana. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1831 and was of Welsh & Irish descent. Two children were born to this marriage: Mary E. and James M. both of whom were born in Indiana, in 1852 and 1854 respectively. William Duncan & his family moved to Warren County, Iowa in 1855 where he taught school for eighteen months. In 1857 he moved once again, this time to Clarke County, Iowa where he was alternately a teacher and a carpenter.

There he joined the Missionary Baptist church and was an earnest & consistant Christian.

He enlisted in Company B of the 18th Iowa Infantry on July 26, 1862 and was unanimously elected its captain. He mustered in August 5, 1862 at Clinton Iowa, and mustered out at the expiration fo his term of service on July 20, 1865 at Little Rock, Arkansas having earned an honorable discharge.

He died May 3, 1879 and his widow, Mary, died in 1913. They are both buried in Greenbay Cemetery, Greenbay Twnsp., Clarke Co., Iowa. "He was a brave officer, and was loved and honored by all who knew him."

Sources: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 3 p. 146; Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Clarke County, Iowa Cemeteries, Vol. 2: The Rural Cemeteries, p. 85; History of Clarke County, Iowa, p. 154; 1856 Iowa State Census for Knox Township, Clarke County, Iowa; 1880 Federal Census for Knox Township, Clarke County, Iowa; Greenbay Cemetery, Greenbay Twsp., Clarke Co., IA

See Other Blog Entries:
Captain Duncan After The Copperheads
Letter from Captain Duncan to Mrs. Duncan
18th Iowa Infantry

For President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln

Our President – 1864

Abraham Lincoln knows the ropes!
All our hopes
Center now about the brave and true.
Let’s us help him as we can;
He’s the man,
Honest for the country through and through.

Others good, perhaps, as he,
There may be;
Have we tried them in the war time’s flame?
Do we know if they will stand,
Heart in hand,
Seeking for the Right in heaven’s name?

Let the nation ask him then,
Once again,
To hold the rudder in the stormy sea,
Tell him that each sleepless night,
Dark to light,
Ushers in a morning for the Free.

Let us not forget our rude
Gratitude!
But lend our servant the poor crown we may!
Give him four more years of toil,
Task and moil,
Knowing God shall crown him in has day!

(Independent.

Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 7, 1864

Soldiers’ Aid Society

A meeting of the citizens of Oceola was held, at the Protestant Methodist Church, on Tuesday May 3d, 1864, for the purpose of assisting the Soldier’s Aid Society in raising means to furnish material for the Society to forward to the Hospitals.

Judge Rice was appointed President of the meeting, which was then opened by prayer by Elder Fleming. The meeting was then addressed in a very able manner by Rev. H. B. Heacock, Elder Elliott, and Elder Fleming. A collection was then taken to raise money to buy materials for the Society to make into clothing and other necessary comforts for a sick room, to be sent to the hospital were Soldiers are suffering from sickness and wounds. The congregation were liberal with their means, which the members of the Society will be thankful for, and the Soldier that gets hem will be made comfortable. May they warm his body, raise his drooping spirits, and cheer his soul.

The Scurvy is raging in many portions of the army, and the best relief for it is vegetables. The Society therefore makes an earnest appeal to the good citizens through the county to send the Society such vegetables as they can spare, and they will send them away, as arrangements are already made so that transportation does not cost anything to the Sanitary Commission – Vegetables that may be sent will be properly taken care of and forwarded to the hospitals.

W. G. Kennedy, Sec.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 7, 1864

A Warning to Snuff Takers

Lately a gentleman traveling through England entered a first class carriage, where he found a person comfortably scaled, who soon entered into conversation, and civilly offered his new acquaintance a pinch of snuff, which was accepted, but had no sooner entered his nostrils that it produced the effect of a powerful narcotic, of which the weary traveler soon took advantage by relieving his companion of three thousand francs in bank notes, three thousand francs in other money, besides his watch, chain and ring, with which valuables, it is needless to say, he escaped undetected

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 14, 1864

Good Place For Copperheads

The last news publises [sic] a letter from Idaho, a portion of which must be very comforting to persons of the Copperhead persuasion who contemplate emigrating to that country. The writer gives notice that there is no restraint upon Copperheads, and they can express their sentiments openly without let or hindrance. He also says that there is no recruiting there, and that a draft will not be submitted to. – Also, that there are plenty of gamblers and lots of whiskey, and bad women are on the increase. Certainly Idaho must be a very Heaven for Copperheads. No volunteering, no draft – plenty of whiskey – and can talk and do as they please – what more could a butterhead or coppertail wish? – [Keosuqua Re.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 14, 1864

From the 1st Iowa Cavalry Co. D

Little Rock Arkansas,
April 22d 1864

Friend Caverly: -

I will now attempt to inform you of my whereabouts. The reason I have not done so before this, we are not assigned to any Company yet, but think that we will go in Company D, The Reg. was gone when we came here with General Steele to Shreveport on the Red River expedition. I suppose that we will start to the Reg. in a few days.

The boys are in good health that came from Clark Co. We just came off picket this morning – everything is quiet on the lines. There is not anything of importance going on at this post. The 18th of the present month will be a day long remembered by natives of this place. That was the day the Governor delivered his Address to the citizens and soldiers, and great was the rejoicing of the Darkies.

I must close.

Send me the Sentinel if you please

Yours,
J. W. Miler

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 14, 1864

Obituary of J. M. Campbell

Died in Oceola, Iowa, December 2nd, Mr. J. M. Campbell, in the 52nd year of his age.

The deceased was born in Christian Co., Kentucky, where he was raised by respectable parents. At the age of 22 years he removed to the State of Indiana, where he was united in marriage, December 24th, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth J. Burton, whose, companionship he was permitted to enjoy but a few brief years. In 1846 he was married to Nancy Davis, who, with a family of seven children is called to mourn her irreparable loss.

Mr. Campbell, as a man, was respectable in his appearance – kind, courteous, and obliging in his manners. As a Husband and Father, his devotion to the welfare of this family has been surpassed by few.

He held the responsible office of Treasure and Recorder of this (Clark) County, for five years after his removal to Iowa, discharging his public duties with promptitude and fidelity, and dying in office, respected, honored, and lamented by his constituents.

The Christian Religion experimental and practical, enjoyed and lived for nearly 30 years, was the crowning excellence of his character and life. He professed faith in Christ, and united with the M. P. church in the 25th year of his age, continuing to be a worthy and useful member of said Church while he lived, and dying in the responsible position of Leader of the Society of the above order meeting in this place. The power of Christianity which he so long professed, sustained him in the dying hour, and inspired him with a hope which threw the sunlight of Immortality over the gloom of the grave.

His disease was Bilious Pleurisy, from which he suffered much, but was resigned, calm, hopeful, and his final end was “peace.”

A large and deeply affected audience attended his funeral. The writer tried to improved [sic] the occasion, by a discourse from Prov. 14-32, - The Righteous hath hope in his death.”

May the family, friends, and all follow his example and meet him in the “better land.”

A. S. Elliott
Oceola, Dec. 22, 1863

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Dec 26, 1863

Married

At Portland, Oregon, Nov. 4th, by Rev. Mr. Rutledge, Mr. D. B. Weterhouse of Oregon to Miss Jennie Rhea formerly of Oceola.

As Miss Rhea, and Mr. Waterhouse formerly resided in our village, we append the following which is taken from a letter to Mrs. Rhea.

Dear Mother

Jennie arrived at Portland, on the steamer Pacific, on the night of Nov. 3d. On the following morning I met her at the boat, and at 8 o’clock we were married by Rev. Mr. Rutledge of the M. E. Church, at the Temperance House. We were waited upon by our landlord to a very nice supper prepared expressly for the occasion. Several young gentleman and ladies were introduced to the wedded couple, and partook of the refreshments with seeming delight. Mrs. Waterhouse and myself will remain here a short time and then remove to our future home for the winter.

From your Son,
D. B. Waterhouse

That’s the way the gals go and “pop goes the weasel.” If they keep on in this way, there wont be any chance for an old bachelor in this world. Whose turn comes next?

Oh I wouldn’t be a married man,
No I wouldn’t if I could,
But I needn’t fret about it,
For I couldn’t if I would.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

Letter from Capt. Samuel Denny

St. Louis Mo.
Nov. 18, 1863

Dear Brother: -

In order that you may know some of my trials since I have been in the service, I will commence by saying that I made up a company of men in about 15 days and led them into the field; and I believe they were as good and brave as any set of men that ever used a gun; but poor fellows, a number of them are now in their graves. We have been in several hard fought battles, and were at the siege of Vicksburg. From the first of December to the middle of May I lost 23 men, and have lost several since. My company numbered only 42 the last time I heard from it. Owing to not being able for field duty I was sent to Madison Ind. To take command of the post there. After about three months I was transferred from that post to the Invalid corps and ordered to this city and put in charge of a compan[y] of 80 men. We are now ordered to C[olum]bus, Ohio, for which place we shall probably leave in a few days.

In intend to come and see you when the war is over, though I am now commissioned as a U.S. Officer and can remain in the service after the war is over if I choose, which I may do if I feel it my duty. It was from a sense of duty that I shut my Bible, closed up my business, left my family and the church, and went forth in defence [sic] of my country; and though I have shed my blood and suffered a great deal in the cause, I do not regret the hour I started.

There is nothing pleasant about the service, though I do not dislike it as much as I thought I should. Money however, could not tempt me to leave a comfortable home and happy family for the hardships of war. But my country demands my services and [I] intend she shall have them until this re[bellion] is closed up, - until the last gun is

[The rest of the letter is fragmented & illegible.]

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

The Cincinnati Times tells this good story:

The boarders at a certain boarding house in this city, being dissatisfied with the house, resolved the other day to desert in a body. – They accordingly looked up new quarters intending to leave on a certain day. The landlady, it appears, got wind of the intended stampede. On the morning of the day they were intending to leave (one of the number was deputize[d] to inform her of the movement, but had not yet,) she entered the breakfast room wearing a look of mingled pain and perplexity. Says she: “Gentlemen and Ladies, I regret very much to be compelled to ask you all to find another boarding place – this very day, if possible. – I have been so annoyed by help – my cook left me this morning. – that I have resolved to shut up shop.” The madam beat the boarders that time.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

Great Telegraphic Feat

The President’s Message, which contained nearly eight thousand words, was transmitted by the American Telegraph Company from Washington, and a copy dropped at Philadelphia and Baltimore, in exactly fifty two minutes. The copy of the Message had to be delivered at the Telegraph office after its reading had commenced in the House, and yet it was all in New York City, and a portion in the hands of the press, a half hour before the reading of it was finished in the House. It was at once pushed forward for all the cities between this and Boston, and was all in Boston in one hour and thirty minutes from the time it started from Washington. While this was being done the regular business of the Office was not seriously delayed.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

Women’s Relief Corps Monument

Located in Section 5 of Maple Hill Cemetery in Osceola, Iowa. This obelisk, erected in 1903 by the Osceola Women’s Relief Corps, is “In Memory Of Our Heroes 1861-1865.”

The following soldiers are buried near the monument:

Merrill Paris
Co. F. 123rd Ohio Infantry

W. S. Busick
Co. A 24th Indiana Infantry

Sgt. J. D. Burr
2nd Minnesota Infantry

Amon Wheeler
Co. B 116th Illinois Infantry

Z. T. Pettit
U. S. Soldier

Jos. Brease
Co. E 25th Iowa Infantry

Samuel Peter
Co. A 1st Nebraska Cavalry

C. C. Hargis
Co. B. 18th Iowa Infantry

Corp. Leonard S. Wilson
Co. L 3rd Iowa Cavalry

Samuel Fink
Co. D. 33rd Wisconsin Infantry

George Davis
Co. C 121st Ohio Infantry

Thos. Turk
Co. D. 5th U.S.C. Cavalry

Confiscation Of Rebel Property

The tory party in the North who have waged so fierce and unrelenting a war upon the Administration of Mr. Lincoln, have made the confiscation of Rebel property a pretext for so doing. Union men and families in the Border States, whose property was confiscated by the Rebel authorities, for opinion sake, where right, and are denied the sympathies of these traitors!

We hold that the property of all Rebels in arms, should be confiscated; and the infernal necks of the leading Rebels should be confiscated at the end of a rope. The loss of property, and the right to hold office of honor and profit, on the part of the guilty participates in the rebellion, is not enough in the way of retaliation to be visited upon them for their crime. The later should have been summoned from the star, to do its appropriate work. And we repeat now, what have we said from the beginning --- that winding up this rebellion without hanging the leaders, is showing to all the generations to come after us, that our war against the Rebels was a failure.

Parson Brownlow.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

Mr. Ashely of Ohio...

...will introduce to-day an important bill, providing in accordance with the suggestion of the President: a Message and Proclamation for the establishment of a provisional military government over that district of country in rebellion, and for authorizing the loyal citizens of such districts to organize the such State governments. The bill also confers upon the president power to appoint for every district in rebellion a military governor, who is to have the civil administration until a State government can be formed and Senators and Representative[s] to Congress elected. Whenever the people desire the reorganization of the state governments, the Military Governor is to order an enrollment of the loyal electors, and as soon as the number of the latter will be equal to one-tenth of the votes cast at the Presidential election in 1860, the Military Governor shall order an election of a State Convention, which shall be authorized to form a State Government, provided it shall not be repugnant to the Constitution of the United States or the President’s Proclamation of Jan. 1st, 1863, and that Slavery be forever abolished and prohibited. The new constitution to be submitted to the people, and after its adoption Senators and Representatives may be chosen. All laws of the former constitutions of these districts making a distinction between black and white persons are abrogated, and any infringement of individual freedom to be punished as kidnapping.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

Memorial Service At McGavock Confederate Cemetery

Earlier today, in observance of Tennessee's Confederate Decor-ation Day (June 3rd, Jefferson Davis' birthday), I attended the annual commemoration by the United Daughters of the Confederacy at McGavock Confederate Cemetery on the grounds of Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN, in . Kraig McNutt has a nice write up of the service on his blog. You can even see me in the 2nd picture in the article, standing just left of center, in the blue plaid shirt with the yellow t-shirt underneath. Included in the service was the reading of a poem, We All Drank From The Same Canteen. Another nice blog entry about the service can be found at the McGavock Confederate Confederate Cemetery At Carnton blog.

Being a transplanted Iowa Yankee, this was the first event of this kind that I have attended. Though I must say, I found it a bit odd to recite The Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag, and then immediately thereafter to recite a pledge to the Confederate flag. There is, however, something so very poignant about Amazing Grace played on bagpipes in a cemetery followed by Taps. It's hard, if not impossible, not to be moved by such ceremonies, no matter the color of the uniform.

After the service Carnton historian, Eric Jacobson, led a brief ceremony to dedicate a bronze marker honoring Maj. Gen. William W. Loring and his division of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana troops and their role in The Battle of Franklin.

Flag for the sixth Iowa.

The notice in the Hawk-Eye of the 14th Inst., calling attention to the propriety of presenting the Sixth Iowa Infantry a National banner, suggests to the writer a few incidents that may not be uninteresting to your readers.

The regiment in question went into service from this place, without any provision for their usefulness or comfort having been made, further than such marks of respect or friendship as were tendered to the several companies by the respretive [sic] communities in which they were organized.

There were some five, or six companies in the regiment that had been presented with flags by their friends, but Company I from Des Moines county commanded by Capt. Brydolf was, I believe, never thus honored. When ascertained that a stand of colors could not be procured from the Government, Co. B. of Lucas county, tendered their flag to the regimental use – the other flags being sent by the respective companies to the donors for safe keeping, as orders prohibited the use of more than one flag in the organization.

The flag of Co. B was not a “regulation National color,” being smaller, and bearing on one of the stripes some words the exact report of which I forget. However if not [illegible] the men recognized it as the stars and stripes, and though not of proper dimensions or of the best material, would as willingly die in its defense.

This banner was borne through all the affairs in North, Central and South Missouri in which the command participated and [illegible] was completely riddled at the battle of Shiloh.

The young man who bore the flag during the two days fight at Shiloh, Sergeant Roberts, [illegible] was slightly wounded and the staff was shot away three times while in his hands. He finally carried it by the [illegible] and bore it through the entire conflict, in the language of his comrades, “without ever flinching.”

This flag, I believe was carried to Memphis and from thence sent to the Historical Society in Iowa City. At Memphis the regiment obtained the first stand of colors from the Government. Serg. Roberts was made Color Sergeant for his gallant conduct at Shiloh, and took charge of the national colors. That banner was borne through the celebrated Central Missouri campaign and all of the engagements in which the 6th Iowa participated in South Tennessee and North Mississippi, was carried through the Vicksburg and Jackson campaign, was furled on Lookout Mountain near McLemore Cove before the battle of Chattanooga, and has the honor of being the first flag planted on Mission Ridge in that celebrated battle, On the 25th of November during the assault on Tunnel Hill, it was literally shot into ribbons, and only by wrapping the remnants around its Staff could its identity as a flag be preserved.

The gallant Roberts, still Color Sergeant, was hit six times by ball and fragments of shell, and towards the end of the conflict was injured as to be compelled to relinquish his banner, and was borne to the rear. As soon as he recovered from the shock he left the hospital, returned to the Color Company in time to join in the pursuit of the enemy, carrying the remnants of his beloved banner through the entire chase, thence up to Knoxville, where the 6th went to aid in relieving Gen. Burnside.

In this connection it is eminently proper that mention should be made of the gallant Sergeant Edwards, who has carried the Regimental colors since the battle of Shiloh, with great credit to himself and honor to the command.

The Company from Burlington, Company I, commanded by Capt. Clune, is the Color Company, and will accept with great pride the National color at the hands of their friends at home.

Contributions for the purpose of raising a new flag for the above Regiment will be received at the Book Stores of J. L. Course and J. P. Brown.

[Hawk-Eye

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 26, 1863

Obituary of Benjamin Garretson

Died, at his residence in Oceola, on the morning of the 27th of November, Benjamin Garretson, in the 72nd year of his age.

He died as the Christian only can die. He exemplified in his death the Saving power of that righteousness of which he had been a preacher for more than forty years.

His Death has widowed his aged companion with whom he had lived in uninterrupted affection for more than half a century. He was the father of Eleven children, only four of whom survive him.

He was a native of Pennsylvania. He was converted to the Christian Religion an[d] joined the M. E. Church in 1820. In 1822 he was licensed by that church to preach, which he did not only by precept, but by example also. Twenty-one years since, being strongly in sympathy with the Mutual Rights Reform in church government, he attached himself to the M. P. Church, in which he lived, and to which he was much attached until the hour of his death, which was another triumph of our holy christianity.

An appropriate funeral discourse was preached at this place by the Rev. A. S. Elliot, – text 2nd Samuel, 14th chapter, and 14th verse – after which his body was removed to the cemetery at Wintersett [sic], and there deposited with the remains of other members of the family, to await the Second coming of Christ.

His family, and a large circle of friends greatly mourn his loss, but they mourn not as those having no hope.

N. W. G.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

The Official Records: Duplicate Volumes For $ale Or Trade

Listed below are the duplicate volumes of The Official Records that I mentioned in a previous post which I would like to offer for sale or trade. If you wish to purchase them I’m asking $10 per volume + $4 for shipping. Please note these are the 1985 Reprints from The National Historical Society, not the originally published volumes.

Series 1
Volume 8, Serial No. 8
Volume 9, Serial, No. 9
Volume 10 Part 2, Serial No. 11
Volume 12 Part 1, Serial No. 15

Volume 20 Part 2, Serial No. 30
Volume 25 Part 2, Serial No. 40
Volume 28 Part 2, Serial No. 47
Volume 38 Part 4, Serial No. 76

Volume 45 Part 2, Serial No. 94
General Index, Serial No. 130

However, I will gladly & happily trade any of the volumes above for any of the below listed volumes. If you are either interested in purchaseing one of the above volumes or would like to trade please email me HERE.

Series I
Volume 24 Part 3, Serial No. 38
Volume 25 Part 1, Serial No. 39
Volume 26 Part 1, Serial No. 41
Volume 32 Part 1, Serial No. 57
Volume 34 Part 1, Serial No. 61
Volume 38 Part 2, Serial No. 73
Volume 38 Part 4, Serial No. 75
Volume 40 Part 2, Serial No. 81
Volume 41 Part 4, Serial No. 86
Volume 42 Part 2, Serial No. 88
Volume 43 Part 1, Serial No. 90
Volume 43 Part 2, Serial No. 91
Volume 46 Part 2, Serial No. 96
Volume 46 Part 3, Serial No. 97
Volume 47 Part 1, Serial No. 98
Volume 47 Part 3, Serial No. 100
Volume 48 Part 1, Serial No. 101
Volume 49 Part 1, Serial No. 103
Volume 49 Part 2, Serial No. 104
Volume 51 Part 1, Serial No. 107
Volume 51 Part 2, Serial No. 108

Series II:
Volume 2, Serial No.115
Volume 3, Serial No.116
Volume 4, Serial No.117

Series III:
Volume 3, Serial No.124
Volume 5, Serial No.126

Series IV
Volume 1, Serial No.127

Died

In this town on the 12th inst. Nancy Winkler of Bilious Pneumonia

Also in Oceola on the 13th inst Mrs Wm. Adams.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

The Chicago Journal says...

...there is almost a universal feeling among the members of Congress at Washington in favor of abolishing the first and Second class clause in the enrollment act.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

An Atlas Of A Battle

The Maps of Gettysburg:
An Atlas Of The Gettysburg Campaign,

June 3 - July 13, 1863
By Bradley Gottfried

I can’t begin to tell you how many descriptions of Civil War troop movements I’ve been frustrated by: this brigade moved here or that regiment moved there. I am a visual person, I learn best when I can visualize things… therefore I, by my nature, am a map person. Most books on Civil War battles contain only enough maps to cover the most basic aspects of troop movements in a particular battle. There are never enough maps for me.

Bradley Gottfried understands me and others like me and has authored nothing less than an atlas of the Gettysburg campaign. Like an oasis in the middle of the desert, The Maps of Gettysburg: An Atlas Of The Gettysburg Campaign, June 3 - July 13, 1863, has quenched my thirst for maps.

Mr. Gottfried’s book contains 29 maps map sets, each containing between 2 & 21 maps, covering the advance to Gettysburg, the battle and the Confederate retreat. In all the 136 maps give nearly an hour by hour account of the three day battle that changed the course of American History. At last I am able to see and understand the fighting back and forth across the unfinished railroad cut on July 1st, the bloody, awful fighting in the Wheatfield and Peach Orchard on the 2nd and the breathtaking and awe inspiring lines of the Picket-Pettigrew-Trimble charge as they moved across the Emmitsburg Road on July 3rd.

Each map is accompanied on its left facing page by a descriptive text detailing the specificities of troop movements at the corps, division, brigade, regimental and some times even down to the company level.

My one and only criticism of Mr. Gottfried’s book is there is almost no reference to time. A date/time stamp on each map would have been helpful, when moving from one map set to another in identifying events that were taking place on different areas the battlefield at approximately the same time. That is but a small flaw in an otherwise nearly perfect book.

The Maps of Gettysburg is without a doubt, an indispensable work on the Gettysburg Campaign. No library, Civil War historian or student of the war should be without a copy.

Bivouac Of The Dead

Stones River National Cemetery

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo;
No more on Life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On fame's eternal camping ground
Their silent tents to spread,
And glory guards, with solemn round
The bivouac of the dead.

No rumor of the foe's advance
Now swells upon the wind;
Nor troubled thought at midnight haunts
Of loved ones left behind;
No vision of the morrow's strife
The warrior's dreams alarms;
No braying horn or screaming fife
At dawn shall call to arms.

Their shriveled swords are red with rust,
Their plumed heads are bowed,
Their haughty banner, trailed in dust,
Is now their martial shroud.
And plenteous funeral tears have washed
The red stains from each brow,
And the proud forms, by battle gashed
Are free from anguish now.

The neighing troop, the flashing blade,
The bugle's stirring blast,
The charge, the dreadful cannonade,
The din and shout, are past;
Nor war's wild note, nor glory's peal
Shall thrill with fierce delight
Those breasts that nevermore may feel
The rapture of the fight.

Like the fierce Northern hurricane
That sweeps the great plateau,
Flushed with triumph, yet to gain,
Come down the serried foe,
Who heard the thunder of the fray
Break o'er the field beneath,
Knew the watchword of the day
Was "Victory or death!"

Long had the doubtful conflict raged
O'er all that stricken plain,
For never fiercer fight had waged
The vengeful blood of Spain;
And still the storm of battle blew,
Still swelled the glory tide;
Not long, our stout old Chieftain knew,
Such odds his strength could bide.

Twas in that hour his stern command
Called to a martyr's grave
The flower of his beloved land,
The nation's flag to save.
By rivers of their father's gore
His first-born laurels grew,
And well he deemed the sons would pour
Their lives for glory too.

For many a mother's breath has swept
O'er Angostura's plain --
And long the pitying sky has wept
Above its moldered slain.
The raven's scream, or eagle's flight,
Or shepherd's pensive lay,
Alone awakes each sullen height
That frowned o'er that dread fray.

Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground
Ye must not slumber there,
Where stranger steps and tongues resound
Along the heedless air.
Your own proud land's heroic soil
Shall be your fitter grave;
She claims from war his richest spoil --
The ashes of her brave.

Thus 'neath their parent turf they rest,
Far from the gory field,
Borne to a Spartan mother's breast
On many a bloody shield;
The sunshine of their native sky
Smiles sadly on them here,
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by
The heroes sepulcher.

Rest on embalmed and sainted dead!
Dear as the blood ye gave;
No impious footstep here shall tread
The herbage of your grave;
Nor shall your glory be forgot
While Fame her record keeps,
For honor points the hallowed spot
Where valor proudly sleeps.

Yon marble minstrel's voiceless stone
In deathless song shall tell,
When many a vanquished ago has flown,
The story how ye fell;
Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight,
Nor time's remorseless doom,
Can dim one ray of glory's light
That gilds your deathless tomb.

- By Theodore O'Hara

Letters For Soldiers

We are requested to call the attention of the friends of soldiers to the important of prepaying in full every description of mail matters sent by them. If you are not certain about the weight of a package, it is but little trouble to ask your Postmaster to test it on his scales. This will save both time and money to the soldier, and relieve the postal office of a great source of annoyance. To illustrate: At present Nashville, Tennessee, is the point where the mails for General Grant’s army center; thence they are taken by military conveyance to the different corps. The postal law forbids Postmasters suffering any mail upon which postage is due, leaving their custody before the postage be paid. A package or letter for a soldier at Chattanooga is received at Nashville, “due six cents.” It is there detained until a notice can be sent to the front, the soldier found, and the six cents sent to the Postmaster; this is occasioned by some careless friend at home who neglected to pay the proper postage.

Louisville Journal, 19th inst.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

Recruiting

To the people of Clark County,

In as much as we have only about four weeks in which to raise our quota of men by volunteering, it is hoped that every citizen will see the importance of at once making a united effort to raise the quotas of the several townships of this county.

Let meetings be called and organized in each township, and while these meetings are being held for raising volunteers let arrangements be made for taking care of the families of those who now volunteer for the full period of three years, they will receive the whole amount of bounty remaining unpaid, the same as if the full term has been served – Veterans $402, and new recruits $302.

Shall we not have it to say that Clark is the first county in the distinct to raise the full quota? what township will first fill her quoto? Oceola has been first to respond.

I would say that I will be in Oceola every Saturday to receive recruits, and the balance of my time I will be traveling through the county; but don’t wait for me to come to you – but come up and volunteer. Have it to say, when this rebellion is wiped out “I fought for my country,” or let your children say ‘,my father fought for this government, (and be careful that you don’t have it to say I was drafted to fight for my country) for the 5th day of Jan., 1864, is the day set for the draft to commence, and every township that don’t [sic] furnish her full quoto by volunteering will be drafted, undoubtly [sic]. I hope that loyal Clark county will fill her quoto and escape this draft.

Oceola Cec–1st 1863.

A. Lyons.
Recruiting agent
For Clark County, Iowa

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863 & December 26, 1863

Notice.

Any person Enrolled in the 5th Congressional District of Iowa, may appear before the Board of Enrollment of said District, at their office in the City of Des Moines, on the 20th of December 1863, and claim to have his name stricken off the list if he can show to the satisfaction of the Board that he is not, and will not be, at the time fixed for next draft, liable to military duty on acct of

1st. Alienage.
2nd. Non-Residence.
3d. Unsuitableness of age.
4th. Manifest permanent physical disability.

Persons who may be cognizant [sic] of any other persons liable to military duty, whose names do not appear on the Enrollment list, are requested to notify the Board of Enrollment so that their names may be enrolled.

Lists of all the names enrolled in each Township or Ward are now being printed and will be posted for public inspection within a few days.

S. C. Brownell, J. N. Cornish, J. P. Finley
Board of Enrollm’t 5th Dist., Iowa
Des Moines, Dec. 9, 1863.–d2w.wlt..

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December, 19, 1863

Gone to Hell.

Although death has visited many a Northern home during the two and a half years the war has been waged, desolation, starvation and pinching want have visited the Seceding States alone. Nay, there is now no equal extent of territory on earth that has as large a delegation in hell, as the Southern Confederacy can boast! Rebels have gone to hell from the South since this ware commenced, at a fearful rate, and still the cry is, they come! Some may think this profane language but it is nothing more or less than a recital of facts in plain unostentious language. Parson Brownlow.

- Publishied in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

What Jeff. Davis Says.

Fortress Monroe, Dec. 11. – Jeff. Davis, in his Message, is very despondent over the losses of Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and other points. He says there has been no improvement in relations with foreign countries since his last Message, but on the contrary, there is a greater divergence in the conduct of European nations, assuming a Character positively unfriendly, and speaks of the marked partiality of Great Britain to the North.

The Monitor Weehawken sank inside Charleston bar on the 6th inst. 30 lives lost.

The New York Times says:
The army of the Potomac is to be re-organized and made larger.

Advices from Texas say that health of our troops there is excelent [sic]. Banks and Staff was at New Orleans on the 5th.

The 79th Pennsylvania have re-enlisted.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

Obituary of Liberty H. Kennedy

On the 25th of November, Liberty H., son of J. R. Kennedy, of Franklin Township, Clark County, - a member of Co. F. 6th Iowa Infantry, aged 25 years, was killed in the battle of Chattanooga.

In the death of Mr. Kennedy, the community has sustained the loss of a young man who bore a character that is an ornament to his race.

Brave and patriotic, he was among the first that left the endearments of home for the camp, at the call of his country. He enlisted in ,61, [sic] and ever at the post of duty, he shared the hardships and dangers of war, till the messenger of Death at the moment when Victory was hovering above our banner, laid him low upon the field of carnage’ ‘neath the flag whose honor, he, with his fellow soldiers had so nobly upheld at Shiloh, atJackson [sic] and upon other less sanguinary fields. With others who have given their all – their lives to our country, to sustain the rights of man, in this land dedicated to freedom, he sleeps in the patriot’s grave; and while his comrades in arms shall drop a tear upon the unturfed earth that presses the form of one so good and true, the family circle at home, have to mourn the loss of a noble, kind and affectionate son, a gentle, generous, and loved brother. He lived highly esteemed, and died deeply lamented by all who knew him and we trust his spirit is at home, with kindred spirits in those regions of bliss, where the good and brave find rest from their earthly toil, and where the notes of the bugle fall no more upon the patriot’s ear.

“Soldier, rest! thy warfare o,er, [sic]
Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking;
Dream of battlefields no more,
Days of danger, nights of waking.”

C.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, December 19, 1863

6th Iowa Infantry: Special Requisition

This "Special Requisition" was auctioned on Ebay last night. I was the high bidder with 23 seconds to go before being outbid. On the upside there was a really good scan of the requisition (above) from which I was able to make the following transcription:

No. 40

SPECIAL REQUISITION

For
87 Eighty seven Uniform Coats
113 One Hundred & thirteen Prs Pants
89 Eighty nine Hats
81 Eighty one Feathers
89 Eighty nine Bugles
89 Eighty nine Cords & Tassels
89 Eighty nine Eagles
1 One Knapsack
13 Sets Chevrons
165 One Hundred & sixty five Shirts
68 Sixty eight Prs Drawers
149 One Hundred & forty nine Pr Socks
34 Thirty four Prs Shoes
24 Twenty four Prs Boots
11 Eleven Blankets
92 Ninety two Blouses
2 Two Jackets
1 One Canteen
10 Ten Camp Kettles
27 Twenty Seven Mess Pans

I certify that the above Requisition is correct; and that the articles specified are absolutely requisite for the Public Service, rendered so by the following circumstances: The articles above mentioned are needed in my company.

H. Saunders
Com'd’ing Co. “E” 6th Iowa Vols.

Lt. James Brunaugh Quartermaster 6th Iowa Vols U. S. Army will issue the articles specified in the above requisition.

Markoe Cummins
Lt Col Commanding

Received at in the Field in Mo. & Tenn. the 30th day of March 1862 of 1st Lt. Jas. Brunaugh Quartermaster U. S. Army 6th Iowa Vols all of the articles above specified in full of the above requisition.

(Signed Duplicates)

H. Saunders
Com’d’g Co. “E” 6th Iowa Vols

My Favorite Civil War Novels

As I mentioned in a previous post, I love to sit down with a good novel from time to time and loose myself in the pages between its covers. My reading is nearly split 50-50 between nonfiction and fiction. When I read novels I mainly read historical fiction, a couple of times a year I’ll veer off to read the latest Janet Evonovich book, and every so often I’ll pick up a novel from the best seller list to read, but by and large historical fiction is what I love to read when I'm NOT reading nonfiction. I especially love to read Civil War novels. Here is a list of just some of my favorites:

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara – Hands down the best Civil War novel of all time. Mr. Shaara, in his Pulitzer Prize winning masterpiece, covers the turbulent three days of the Battle of Gettysburg through the eyes, minds and hearts of the men who fought it. I read it about every 12 to 18 months or so.

John Jakes’ North And South Trilogy – My first foray into historical fiction. I think I must have first read North And South (the first book in the series) sometime around 1983 or 1984. Mr. Jakes is the grandfather of the family saga and follows the Hazard and Main families from the antebellum years (North And South), through the Civil War (Love And War) and to the end of Reconstruction (Heaven And Hell). It is truly a panoramic vision of those years as Mr. Jakes is a master at interweaving the plot lines of multiple characters.

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier – Though not really a book about the war as much as it is set during the war, it follows Inman, a wounded Confederate deserter, as he walks his way across the North Carolina wilderness to his home on Cold Mountain, and Ada, the woman he loves. I fell in love with the language of this book.

And lastly…

Gods and Generals & The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara – the prequel and sequel to his father, Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels. Both books pale in comparison to the volume that spawned them, but taken on their own merits they are good reads. If anything I think their drawback is they try to cover too much historical terrain. The Killer Angels focused on the three day Battle of Gettysburg, while Gods And Generals covers the two years before Gettysburg and The Last Full Measure covers the war's final two years.

Henry E. Hartsock

Henry E. Hartsock
Private, Company B, 7th Pensylvania Cavalry

The son of Daniel & Mary Hartsock, he was born September 30, 1843 in Liberty Township, Tioga County, Pennsylvania. He enlisted as a private in Co. B, 7th Pensylvania Cavalry on February 29, 1864 and died June 15, 1864 (but recorded September 6, 1864) at Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee. He was buried in Section L Grave 381, Stones River National Cemetery, Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee.

Historical Fiction vs. Nonfiction

I have just finished cataloging my collection of 86 Civil War Novels. Over the years I’ve listened to, read and watched more than a few interviews with authors of Civil War nonfiction and often heard many of them say “I never (or rarely) read novels. I just don’t have the time.” Often I get the feeling what they are really wanting to say is “I never read novels… they are beneath me.”

I find tremendous pleasure by settling down into my reading chair (and yes, I looked for 3 weeks to find just the perfect chair) to read a great historical novel. Historical fiction can do things that historical nonfiction cannot. A great novel can transport its reader backward in time, and place the reader into history, while in nonfiction the reader is often detached from the story and is relegated to merely being an observer of the described events.

Novels take you inside their characters heads and hearts. Often you experience the world as a character experiences it. As a reader you know the character’s motivations, and their inner thoughts as well as being able to see their actions from a distance. While reading a novel, the reader becomes intimately familiar with all the characters, and identifies with them, heroes, heroines and villains alike. The reader lives vicariously through the author’s characters and experiences the same, joys and fears, triumphs and tragedies.

Historical novels can take a complicated and multifaceted subject, such as the events that lead up to the outbreak of the American Civil War, and through their many characters, explore the topic from any different vantages and view points.

Nonfiction works often keep a reader at an arm’s length from the topic… there is a certain detachment the reader has while reading nonfiction. An author of nonfiction is like a detective rooting out the details of a case. The author can only relay to his reader what can be documented, and then analyze and interpret the facts for his reader.

Which do I find more rewarding to read? It’s a toss up. I find myself being drawn to nonfiction because I want to learn. On the other hand, I love a good historical novel

Civil War Veterans On File

I have been researching my family tree for twenty years. Consequently have 17,355 persons in my genealogy database and still going strong. Among my many ancestors, I have 13 Mayflower Passengers and two American immigrants of royal descent. I can also claim Pocahontas as an ancestress, I can’t prove her to be, but at this point no one has been able to disprove my line either.

During my many years of genealogical research I have documented 46 Civil War Veterans (click HERE for the list). Many I have researched thoroughly, others I have not. There are a few notables, which are, of course, extremely distant relation to myself:

John C. Breckenridge – 4th cousin 5 times removed
Benjamin F. Butler – 3rd cousin 5 times removed
James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok – 5th cousin 4 times removed
Ulysses S. Grant – 6th Cousin 5 times removed

It is doubtless that a careful culling of my files will yield many more veterans, as well as further genealogical and historical research.

My Reading Log

I have kept a reading log since January of 2001. It is interesting to go back through it and see what I read, when I read it and how long it took me to read it. As you may no doubt be able to tell I definitely have a few favorite authors that I like to read: John Jakes, Janet Evonovich, Jeff Shaara. In the last couple of years I’ve read a lot more nonfiction.

In 2006 I read 26 books. In 2007 I finished off the year with 27, and my goal for 2008 is 28. However the year is nearly half over and I’m only in the middle of my 8th book. I need to crank it up a notch or two if I’m going to make my goal. Of course Janet Evanovich's new Stephanie Plum novel comes out next month, and I’ll have that cranked out in a couple of days… yes it’s a bit of cotton candy fluff, but it’s fun and I enjoy it! It gives me a break from my heavier nonfiction reading.

THE TRI-WEEKLY NEWS.

BY LAIRD AND JAMES.

=============================================

TERMS

FIVE CENTS PER SINGLE COPY.

=============================================

TERMS OF ADVERTISING.

Advertisements of ten solid lines, or less, $1. For the first insertion, and .50 cents for each subsequent insertion.

A liberal discount will be made from the above rates where persons wish to advertise by the year.

Announcements of candidates for county office $5. State $10.

Special or editorial notices charged double the rate of advertisements.

Tributes of respect charged half advertising rates. Marriages and Deaths inserted as news.

=============================================

Shelbyville, Tenn., April 19, 1862

Enough Fault For Everyone

Plenty Of Blame To Go Around
Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi

As the last of George Pickett’s men limped off the battlefield on the evening of July 3rd, 1863 it was clear the Confederate Army, after three days of fighting, had been defeated. General Lee, as the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, accepted all responsibility for the loss, but many, after the battle, blamed General J.E.B. Stuart instead. It has been 145 years since the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg, and the controversy over who is to blame for the loss has never abated.

Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi have brought the case to trial in their book, “Plenty Of Blame To Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg.” The first half of the book is an inquiry into the facts of the case, as the authors present General Lee’s orders to Stuart as exhibits. Their careful and diligent research has turned up many witnesses, both Union and Confederate, who add their testimony, and together, they form a narrative of the events following Stuart’s departure with his cavalry, their ride around the Federal Army and their arrival on the battlefield of Gettysburg on July 2nd.

The second half of the book enters the historiography of Stuart’s ride into evidence, and breaks it down into three phases. In the first phase, immediately after the battle and war, those immediately involved in the Confederate high command, and those involved in the ride, begin the finger pointing and placing of blame. In the second, the controversy continues, and heats up, during the post war years, as the participants continue quarreling with one another. Finally, after the passing of the participants, the debate continued into the 20th & 21st centuries, when the historians took up the argument. In all three phases, JEB Stuart had his supporters and detractors. The authors have done a fine job, presenting the evidence and arguments on both sides of this complicated issue.

Was the infallible Robert E. Lee at fault for issuing vague orders to Stuart? Did Stuart disobey, either willfully or unintentionally, Lee’s orders? The authors, in their conclusion, deliver their verdict and find there is no one single person entirely to blame for the Confederate loss at Gettysburg. There is enough fault for every one. Or, in other words, there’s “plenty of blame to go around.”

“Plenty Of Blame To Go Around” is the definitive history of Jeb Stuart’s ride to Gettysburg. Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi’s outstanding research has produced a book that is truly a joy to read.

Memorable Sundays Of The War

Sunday is a memorable day in the events of this war. On Sunday, the 5th of May, 1861, President Lincoln’s twenty days notice expired; on Sunday the 21st of July, the battle of Manassas was fought; on Sunday, the 19th of January, 1862 was fought the battle of Mill Springs Ky., ending in the defeat and death of General Zollicoffer; on Sunday, the 16th of February, Fort Donelson was surrendered; on Sunday, the 23rd ult., the pickets of Gen. Buell’s army entered Edgefield, opposite Nashville; on Sunday the 2nd of March, Brunswick, Ga. was occupied by a portion of the Dupont expedition; on Sunday, March 9th, the battle between the Merrimac and the Monitor, in Hampton Roads; on Sunday March 23, the battle of Winchester; and on Sunday the 6th of April the Battle of Pittsburg Landing was commenced.

- Published in The Tri-Weekly News, Shelbyville, Tennessee, Volume 1 Number 1, April 19, 1862 and reprinted by The Blockade Runner.