THE GREAT BATTLE

THE REBELS DEFEATED

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Federal Loss 1,800 Killed and Wounded

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The Rebel Loss Much Greater

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BEAUREGARD SEVERELY WOUNDED

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We have some further news of the great battle in Tennessee, but owing to the condition of the telegraph, we can get but very few items. – The Federal Loss in Killed and wounded is put down at 1,800 at least. The rebel loss is estimated to be twice as large. It is rumored that Gen. Beauregard had both his arms shot off, besides other wounds.

Allen C. Fuller, Adjutant General of Illinois, telegraphs that we had a glorious, but terrible battle on the Tennessee, and that immediate relief is wanted at Cairo. Provision is being made for the receptions of our gallant wounded at the hospital at Cairo; in charge of Dr. McVickar.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Welcome Home

Fred Whitaker, of Co. B, 19th Ill., Is now at home on a short furlough, looking as “fat and saucy” as if he had never been on half rations of “army shingles.” W. T. Hall of Co. B., 33d Ill., has been home several days on recruiting service. He looks well also.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 1, 1863

The rebels in Johnson’s army...

...are beginning to appreciate the Spencer rifle with which some of our regiments are armed, and when fully loaded, contains sixteen balls. Some of the “rebs” taken prisoners inquired what kind of guns the Yanks had, which they loaded on Sunday, and fired all the week. The motion in priming the rifle is peculiar, and led one prisoner into the belief that the Yankees were the politest soldiers in the world, “for,” said he, “when ever they kill one of our men they present arms.”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

From Washington

New York, April 8. – The New York Tribune’s correspondent, writing under date of Washington, April 7, says:

We learn from the Richmond Examiner that Trusten Polk and Waldo P. Johnson, who were expelled from the United States Senate, are both privates in Gen. Price’s army.

The Richmond Examiner learns that the rebel House of Representatives have decided by a vote in secret session, to repeal the tariff, and establish free trade with all countries except the United States. There are said to have been only seventeen votes against the proposition.

The slaves of James M. Mason have decamped from Winchester in a body, and made their way to Philadelphia. It is currently reported also that one of Mr. Mason’s daughters has become hopelessly insane in consequence of the serious family misfortunes.

A dispatch, April 7th, to the New York World states: A correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer arrived to day from the Rappahannock. He reports all quiet along the lines, our advance guard having reached there. The rebels have destroyed the magnificent bridge over the river, and the smaller bridges along the route. No signs of the enemy are observed on the opposite bank of the river, although they are supposed to be lurking behind the hills.

Scouting parties of rebel cavalry are said to be roaming over the country, plundering and destroying all property within their reach. It is thought that they consist of organized bodies of the farmers of the vicinity.

The Herald’s dispatch says: The committee of nine on the emancipation question will probably consist of Messrs. White, of Indiana; Lovejoy, of Illinois; Bingham, of Ohio; Roscoe Conkling, of New York; Pike, of Maine; Allen, of Massachusetts; Edwards, of New Hampshire; Kellogg, of Michigan, and Hickman, of Pennsylvania.

General Sickles has been relieved from command of the Excelsior Brigade, by order of Gen. Hooker, commanding the division, on account of the rejection by the Senate of his nomination as Brigadier General.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Company K, 47th Ill.

We have lately been placed under obligations to the brave boys of Co. K, 47th Ill., Capt. J. M. Brown, for a splendid silver Tuba, the instrument we used while with the regiment in the service of the U. S. It is a magnificent present, and we shall always feel proud of the gift and thankful to the donors. We do not believe there is a more generous and patriotic company of men in the whole army, and they have proved to us by their brave conduct in the recent battles of Iuka and Corinth that they are mad of the right kind of fighting material.

– Published in the Stark County News, January 1, 1863

Lincoln's Cabinet

Grouped By Office:

President
Abraham Lincoln ................. 4 MAR 1861- 15 APR 1865

Vice President
Hannibal Hamlin.................... 4 MAR 1861-4 MAR 1865
Andrew Johnson................ 4 MAR 1865 – 15 APR 1865

Secretary of State
William H. Seward ............... 5 MAR 1861- 3 MAR 1869

Secretary of Treasury
Salmon P. Chase.................. 5 MAR 1861 – 30 JUN 1864
William P. Fessenden ........... 5 JUL 1864 – 3 MAR 1865
Hugh McCulloch................ 4 MAR 1865 – 3 MAR 1869

Secretary of War
Simon Cameron..................... 5 MAR 1861- 11 JAN 1862
Edwin M. Stanton ............................... 15 JAN 1862-1867

Attorney General
Edward Bates.......................... 5 MAR 1861- 1 DEC 1864
James Speed.................................. 2 DEC 1864- JUL 1866

Postmaster General
Montgomery Blair................. 5 MAR 1861- 23 SEP 1864
William Dennison...................... 24 SEP 1864 – JUL 1866

Secretary of the Navy
Gideon Welles....................... 5 MAR 1861- 3 MAR 1869

Secretary of the Interior
Caleb B. Smith........................ 5 MAR 1861-31 DEC 1863
John P. Usher...................... 1 JAN 1864 – 15 MAY 1865


Grouped By Dates Between Office Changes:

5 MAR 1861 – 11 JAN 1862:
Vice President............................. Hanibal Hamblin
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury .......... Salmon P. Chase
Secretary of War........................... Simon Cameron
Attorney General............................ Edward Bates
Postmaster General.................. Montgomery Blair
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior................. Caleb B. Smith

15 JAN 1862 – 31 DEC 1863:
Vice President............................. Hanibal Hamblin
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury .......... Salmon P. Chase
Secretary of War........................ Ewin M. Stanton
Attorney General............................ Edward Bates
Postmaster General.................. Montgomery Blair
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior................. Caleb B. Smith


1 JAN 1864 – 30 JUN 1864:
Vice President............................. Hanibal Hamblin
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury .......... Salmon P. Chase
Secretary of War........................ Ewin M. Stanton
Attorney General............................ Edward Bates
Postmaster General.................. Montgomery Blair
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior.................. John P. Usher

5 JUL 1864 – 23 SEP 1864:
Vice President............................. Hanibal Hamblin
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury ... William P. Fessenden
Secretary of War........................ Ewin M. Stanton
Attorney General............................ Edward Bates
Postmaster General.................. Montgomery Blair
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior.................. John P. Usher

24 SEP 1864 – 1 DEC 1864:
Vice President............................. Hanibal Hamblin
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury ... William P. Fessenden
Secretary of War........................ Ewin M. Stanton
Attorney General............................ Edward Bates
Postmaster General................... William Dennison
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior.................. John P. Usher

2 DEC 1864 – 3 MAR 1865:
Vice President.............................. Hanibal Hanblin
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury ... William P. Fessenden
Secretary of War........................ Ewin M. Stanton
Attorney General.............................. James Speed
Postmaster General................... William Dennison
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior.................. John P. Usher

4 MAR 1865 – 15 APR 1865:
Vice President............................. Andrew Johnson
Secretary of State..................... William H. Seward
Secretary of the Treasury ......... Hugh McCulloch
Secretary of War........................ Ewin M. Stanton
Attorney General.............................. James Speed
Postmaster General................... William Dennison
Secretary of the Navy...................... Gideon Wells
Secretary of the Interior.................. John P. Usher


Timeline:

4 MAR 1861
Abraham Lincoln inaugurated 16th President of the United States
Hannibal Hamlin sworn in as Vice President of the United States

5 MAR 1861
William H. Seward sworn in as the Secretary of State
Salmon P. Chase sworn in as the Secretary of the Treasury
Simon Cameron sworn in as the Secretary of War
Gideon Welles sworn in as the Secretary of the Navy
Caleb B. Smith sworn in as the Secretary of the Interior
Edward Bates sworn in as the Attourney General
Montgomery Blair sworn in as the Postmaster General

11 JAN 1862 - Simon Cameron resigns as the Secretary of War

15 JAN 1862 - Edwin M. Stanton sworn in as the Secretary of War

31 DEC 1863 - Caleb B. Smith resigns as the Secretary of the Interior

1 JAN 1864 - John P. Usher sworn in as the Secretary of the Interior

30 JUN 1864 - Salmon P. Chase resigns as the Secretary of the Treasury

5 JUL 1864 - William P. Fessenden sworn in as the Secretary of the Treasury

23 SEP 1864 - Montgomery Blair resigns as Postmaster General

24 SEP 1864 - William Dennison sworn in as Postmaster General

1 DEC 1864 - Edward Bates resignes as Attourney General

2 DEC 1864 - James Speed sworn in as Attourney General

3 MAR 1865 - William P. Fessenden resigns as the Secretary of the Treasury

4 MAR 1865
Hannibal Hamlin ends term as Vice President of the United States
Andrew Johnson sworn in as Vice President of the United States
Hugh McCulloch sworn in as the Secretary of the Treasury

15 APR 1865
Abraham Lincoln dies
Andrew Johnson is sworn in as 17th President of the United States

15 MAY 1865 - John P. Usher resigns as Secretary of the Interior

JUL 1866
James Speed resigns as Attourney General
William Dennison resigns as Post Master General

1867 - Edwin M. Stanton resigns as Secretary of War

3 MAR 1869
William H. Seward resigns as the Secretary of State
Gideon Welles resigns as the Secretary of the Navy

Wm. Lloyd Garrison’s Speech

We make the following extract from a speech by Wm. Lloyd Garrison, in answer to Wendell Phillips at Boston, on the anniversary of the American Anti-slavery Society, May 10, 1864:

Our friend Phillips has said, very truly, that the American people, have laid down the principle, that once in four years they mean to look their Administration in the face, and see if it is worth while to change it. But have not committed themselves to the one term principle – they have not been so foolish as that; they say that every four years they will look and see whether they will change their President or not; but they hold to the principle that they may keep him in office for eight, twenty or fifty years, if he and they live long enough, and they like each other well enough. {Applause.} So they are coming together this season to look at him and I can only express the conviction of my own mind, that when they shall come together, and shall look the fact in the face, that no man in this nation is now so hated and detested by the rebels of the South and all the north who sympathize with the rebels, as Abraham Lincoln, they will make up their minds that he will do to “run the machine” four years longer. {Enthusiastic applause.}

A voice – Butler is more hated.

The President continued – Grant there are many sad things to look in the face, grant that the whole of Justice has not been done to the negro; grant that here or there, there are things which are to be deplored and to be redressed; still, looking at the question broadly and comprehensively and philosophically, I think the people will ask another question – whether they themselves have been one hair’s breadth in advance of Abraham Lincoln? {Applause.} whether they are not conscious that he has not only been fully up with them, but on the whole a little beyond them? As the stream cannot rise higher than the fountain, so the President of the United States amenable to the public sentiment, could not, if he wished to do it, transcend public sentiment in any direction. {Applause.} For my own part, when I remember the trial through which he has passed, the perils which have surrounded him – perils and trials unknown to any man, in any age of the world, in official station – when I remember how fearfully corrupt was the public sentiment of the north, to say nothing of the south – when I remember how nearly a majority, even at this hour is the seditious element of the north – and then remember that Abraham Lincoln has struck the chains from the limbs of more than three millions of slaves; {applause} that he has expressed his earnest desire for the total abolition of slavery, that he has implored the Border States to get rid of it; that he has recognized the manhood and citizenship of the colored population of our country; that he has armed upwards of a hundred thousand of them, and recognized them as soldiers under the flag; when I remember that this Administration has recognized the independence of Liberia and Hayti [sic]; when I remember that it has struck the death blown at the foreign slave trade by granting the right of search; when I remember that we have now nearly reached the culmination of our great struggle for the suppression of the rebellion and its cause, I do not feel disposed, for one, to take this occasion, or any occasion to say anything very harshly against Abraham Lincoln. {Loud and prolonged applause.}

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

NOTE: The Date of Mr. Garrison’s Speech was printed in the paper as May 10, 1894, an obvious printer’s error. I have corrected the error here to avoid any confusion.

From Gen. McClellan’s Army

Washington, April 8. – The following is a summery of intelligence received by the War Department up to 10 o’clock Monday night of the operations at Yorktown and Fortress Monroe:

“Yesterday the enemy’s works were carefully examined by Gen. McClellan, and found to be very strong and the approaches difficult. The enemy was in force, and the water batteries at Yorktown and Gloucester were said to be much increased.

“There was sharp firing on the right, but no harm done. Our forces were receiving supplies from Ship Point, repairing roads, and getting up long trains. It seemed plain that mortars and siege guns must be used for assaulting.”

Another dispatch, received at 10:30 this morning, states that Yorktown will fall, but not without a siege of two or three days. Some of the outer works have been taken.

A dispatch from Gen. Wool states that Magruder had 30,000 men at Yorktown.

On the afternoon of Sunday, Ship Point had been taken and our gunboats had shelled out the batteries.

There was considerable delay caused in crossing Deep Creek, at Warwick Court House, and resistance was made by the rebels, during which time several casualties occurred on our side.

All the fortified places of importance before Yorktown had been taken at every point.

A fuller account is contained in the following dispatch:

“Before Yorktown, Saturday evening.

“Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Sec’y of War:

“That portion of the army of the Potomac recently concentrated at Old Point advanced yesterday morning in the direction of Yorktown, fourteen miles distant. The right was assigned to Gen. Morrill’s Brigade of Gen. Porter’s Division, two companies of the Third Pennsylvania cavalry and a portion of Berdan’s Sharpshooters acting as skirmishers.

“Nothing of interest took place until their arrival at Big Bethel, twelve miles distant, where they met the outer pickets of the rebels. The troops were delayed here two hours, constructing a bridge which had been destroyed.

The rebels retreated before the advance of our skirmishers to Howard’s Creek, where they had some abandoned earth-works. Shots were fired here by the rebels from two field pieces, which were soon silenced by the 4th Rhode Island Battery, when the rebels beat a hasty retreat, taking their pieces with them. The main body of the army rested here for the night, while Morrill’s Brigade advance three miles to Cuckleville, six miles from Yorktown. By 7 o’clock this (Saturday) morning, the column was again in motion, and by 10 o’clock was in front of the enemy’s works at Yorktown.

The first shot fired was by the rebels, the shell passing over the heads of Gen. Porter and staff without exploding. The batteries of Griffin and the Third and Fourth Rhode Island and Fifth Massachusetts were placed in position, replying at every spot from which shot were sent by the rebels.

The cannonading continued, with but a light intermission, until dark. About 400 shots were fired by both parties during the day. The lost on our side was three killed and some five wounded.

The position of the rebels is a strong one – From present indications their fortifications extend some two miles in length and mount very heavy guns. The ground in front of their guns is low and swampy.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Grain And Stock Trade Of Chicago

We Learn that the Messrs. Fairbanks have set in the elevators in this city, during the last year, about seventy of their five hundred bushel hopper scales, and several smaller ones. Each of these can be loaded to its full capacity and the load discharged in a few minutes, which shows something of the immense amount of grain which can be weighted upon them. They have also set, at the different stock yards in the city, five of their stock scales, with platforms of sufficient size to weigh a whole car load at once, which must add greatly to the facilities for shipping live stock from this market. – Chicago Tribune.

– Published in the Stark County News, January 22, 1863

Letter from the 100 Days Men

Memphis, Tenn.
June 24, 1864

Mr. J. H. Caverly:–

Dear sir – by request of the boys from Oceola, I undertake to pen you a few lines. You have been informed of our arrival at this place, a few days ago. On last Saturday we marched out of Memphis into camp some three miles North and East of the city, in a very nice piece of wood land. This was the first march and the warmest day the boys ever felt. Some stopped by the wayside until refreshed, but finally, all arrived safe in the evening. – Since that time the boys have had some good times, and some hard times. The warm weather and change of diet have set pretty hard on some. Several of the Clark Co. boys have been unwell more or less since here in camp, among whom is the writer.

On Wednesday some of the boys were detailed to guard a R. R. train out some 40 miles. The train was fired into, the breakman killed, and one wounded. Yesterday another detail was made for same purpose; it was fired into again, one citizen killed, two wounded, two old soldiers killed and eight wounded. To-day, will be another detail. One-third of our Regiment is gone to guard Rail Road, and one third out on picket duty. The army here which numbered 60,000 one week ago is now reduced to about 20,000, who have gone in the direction of Gun Town to hunt for rebs. It is expected here daily, that our forces will be engaged in deadly conflict. Maj. Gen. Washburn is a right Gov. and will make this place loyal if it is possible. He has notified the present Mayor and City Government if they suceed [sic] in their reelection, (which is to come off on the 30th,) he will supersede them by the military. The Rebs of this city held their Convention last night. They have agreed to abide the Chicago Convention, and support it to the utmost. Nice Company for Northern Copperheads! To hell, with the whole pile of them, is my prayer.

Well, I must say something about the Oceola boys. Some five of the boys said if they were with their mothers one or two days to partake of their hospitalities, they would be all right. But finding that impossible, those five started to find a table more more [sic] congenial to their appetites than that in camp: accordingly O. B. Wilson, Duane Goss, Geo. Bates, M. Bennett, and P. Fowler faced north west half a mile and stacked arms in the yard of a wealthy Secesh woman, and ordered the best she could get up. In good time it came. The boys returned and reported that they each eat [sic] one head of cabbage, one half-quarter of beef, bushel of lettuce, pickled beets and no end to blackberry pies, and butter milk, informing the Captain, after three hours rest, that they would be ready to march to Charleston. If about six more of the Clark Co. boys could get a like treat I think that they would be able for duty. None but M. Bennett, have received a letter from home yet. They are getting very dry for news from home. A few letters from home and a few numbers of the Sentinel would be an oasis in a desert. I find , Mr. Editor, my lines cover too much space. I, in the name of the boys, bid you and kind friends good bye.

W. Watts

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

Aid For Iowa Soldiers

Mrs. Wittenmyer was in St. Louis on the 1st, and gathered up and forwarded to Cairo some forty large boxes of supplies for soldiers, valued at three to four thousand dollars. She returned to Cairo on the 2d, and thence intended to follow our army up the Tennessee river, and be near our soldiers with the much needed supplies in case of a battle. The Ladies’ Aid Societies are requested and urged to send forward additional supplies as rapidly as possible as they will be needed before long. Send to care of Partridge & Co., St. Louis.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

For our Sick and Wounded Soldiers

Last Sunday was the day set for the clergymen of the Northwest, without respect to sect or denomination, to invite, from their pulpits, the members of their churches and others to contribute to the aid of our sick and wounded soldiers, and take up collections for the Sanitary Commission.

The amount collected in the Congregational Church in this place, in all, we are informed by Rev. R. C. Dunn, was $27.

We have not been able to ascertain what amount was raised in the other churches on that day, but if they did proportionably [sic] well, Toulon will have done herself honor. But let us not stop at this. Our suffering soldiers call for assistance, and they must be relieved.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 22, 1863

It was Andrew Johnson of Tennessee,

who, in the Senate of the United States, when the secessionists were deserting their posts, dared to say to them as he significantly shook his finger at Jeff Davis, “If I were the President I would arrest you as traitors, try you as traitors, and hang you as traitors.”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

Suspended

Louisville, April 8. – The Nashville Patriot of this morning says: Gov. Andy Johnson has suspended the Mayor, Aldermen and Councilmen of Nashville who refused to take the oath of allegiance, by filling their places with loyal appointees.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Gen. Rosecrans On Discipline

A Nashville correspondent says:

“Gen. Rosecrans is digging about the roots of a great evil in this army. The officers are accountable for the conduct of the men and holds them responsible. On review a short time since, he gave a forcible illustration of his idea on the subject. He noticed a private whose knapsack was very much awry, and drew him from the ranks, calling, at the same time, for his captain, who approached. “Captain, I am sorry to see you don’t know how to strap a knapsack on a soldier’s back.” “But I didn’t do it, General.” “Oh! You didn’t. Well, hereafter, you had better do it yourself, or see that it is done correctly by the private. I have nothing more to say to him. I shall hold you responsible, sir, for the appearance of your men.” “But if I cannot make them attend to these matters?” – “Then if you can’t you had better leave the service. If you don’t I’ll see that you do leave it.”

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 22, 1863

39th Iowa Infantry

Organized at Des Moines and Davenport and mustered in November 24, 1862. Moved to Cairo, Ill., December 12-14; thence to Columbus, Ky., December 16. Attached to 3rd Brigade, District of Corinth, 17th Army Corps, Dept. of Tennessee, to January, 1863. 3rd Brigade, District of Corinth, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps, to September, 1864. 3rd Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Army Corps, to August, 1865.

SERVICE.--Defence of Jackson, Tenn., and pursuit of Forest December 18, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Parker's Cross Roads December 30-31, 1862. Moved to Corinth, Miss., January 6, 1863, and duty there till November, 1863. Dodge's Expedition into Northern Alabama April 15-May 8. Great Bear Creek and Cherokee Station April 17. Tuscumbia April 22-23. Town Creek April 28. March to Pulaski, Tenn., November 2-12, Guard duty at Reynolds Station and along railroad till January 21, 1864, and at Pulaski till March 12. Moved to Athens, Ala., March 12, and to Chattanooga, Tenn., April 30. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1 to September 8. Demonstration on Resaca May 8-13. Snake Creek Gap and Sugar Valley May 9-10. Battle of Resaca May 13-14. Ley's Ferry, Oostenaula River, May 14-15. Rome Cross Roads May 16. Kingston May 19. Moved to Rome May 22 and duty there till August 15. Expedities after Wheeler August 15-September 16. Moved to Allatoona October 4. Battle of Allatoona October 5. Moved to Rome October 9. Reconnoissance and skirmishes on Gave Springs Road October 12-13. Etowah River October 13. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Ogeechee Canal December 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. Columbia February 15-17. 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 30. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June. Mustered out August 2, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 6 Officers and 58 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 134 Enlisted men by disease. Total 200.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendim of the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 3, p. 1180

Tuff On Fremont

A correspondent of the New York Times suggests that the original of the Cleveland Convention will be found in 1st Samuel, 22 chapter and 2d verse, as follows:

“And every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, gathered themselves unto him; and he became a captain over them; and there with him abut four hundred men.”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

Ancestors & Descendants of Ulysses S & Julia (Dent) Grant

One of my most popular posts here at Civil War Notebook is Family Connections of U. S. Grant. I usually get one hit a day from a search engine for some one looking for information on Grant's ancestors and descendants, so I thought I'd follow that posting up with another post with all of the information that I currently know about the ancestors of Ulysses S. & Julia Bogs (Dent) Grant and their descendants. The links below open as .pdf files.

Ancestors of Ulysses S. Grant

Ancestors of Julia Boggs Dent

Descendants of Ulysses S. & Julia (Dent) Grant

From the Gulf

New York, A[p]ril 8. – A ship Island letter of the 24th ult. Reports the arrival of Gen. Butler on the 20th.

A rebel fleet of seven gunboats made their appearance in Mobile Bay.

The U. S. gunboat, Santiago de Cuba chased a steamer laden with cotton, ashore on the coast of Louisian[a], and threw a shell into her, burning her to the water’s edge.

The schooner, Grace E. Baker, with 130 bales of cotton, &c., from New Orleans for Havana was captured by the gunboat R. R. Cuyler.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

The “Vicksburg Cut-Off”

The Plan adopted by Brigadier General Williams, last fall, of cutting off Vicksburg from the Banks of the Mississippi by making a diversion in the channel of that river appears likely to be carried out most effectually by the operations of nature. The rise in the river is widening and deepening the artificial channel or cut of Gen. Williams, to such an extent as to alarm the citizens of Vicksburg lest they should find themselves in an inland town before next spring. It is thought that the course of the Mississippi will be so changed at this point in a few months that vessels of the largest class can go through the new channel and navigate the river without passing Vicksburg at all. – Peoria Mail.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, January 22, 1863

Letter from 8th Iowa Cavalry

Camp 8th Iowa Cav., Near
Lost Mountain, June 20th 1864

I now find time to address you again. The 8th Iowa Cavalry have been with Sherman, so far through this campaign and none of the Clark Co. boys have been hurt. They are all well so far as I know. Some of them are dismounted and are doing garrison duty at Kingston, Ga. Among the number present are Geo. Wilson, L. F. Deselm, Wesley Templeton, M. C. Christy, Joel and Geo. Miller, Nelson Homewood, Jos. Cusyan, J. R. Fullerton, William Myers and Samuel Stark.

The Reg. now numbers 295 men mounted for duty. It left Cleveland Tenn., May 3d, 950 strong. The rest of the horses have been killed, wounded, starved, warn out and have died during the campaign. The duty was very hard on man and beast. We were frequently in our saddles all night, our horses often doing without anything to eat. They were not unsaddled, on an average, over three hours out of twenty-four. – The men were as badly used as the horses, but a few days rest brought them all right again – had a weeks rest during a rain storm and all were fresh and vigorous as before.

We have met the rebels in a dozen fields and success has crowned our banner each time. The loss of the Reg. is comparatively small, only fifty killed and wounded. A detachment of the 8th went on a reconnoissance [sic] this morning, and sent back a currier, a short time since, for the ambulances, stating that they had one man killed and several wounded near Powder Springs.

Stoneman’s and McCook’s (the 8th belongs to his command) Cavalry captured Lost Mountain the 17th with but slight resistance. The 8th made two successful saber charges after the mountain was captured with but little loss. We have made several saber charges but the “Johnnies” Never stood till we got close enough to hurt them. Schofield and Hooker have been fighting incessantly for Kinnesaws [sic] and Pine mountains for the last four days and still their artillery is hurling its missiles of death into the rebel works. Johnson’s right and left wings have been turned and are steadily being driven together. – Johnson’s army is in a critical condition. Sherman has out generaled [sic] him on every field, and has flanked him on every field except Dallas. He has won the confidence and esteem of his whole army. The officials feel confident of their ability to take Atlanta, and the rank and file know not defeat. All we ask is that the men at home do their whole duty, forward the one hundred days men as readily as possible to protect our communications and rear and guard our “Hard Tack,” and we will plant the Stars and Stripes over the towers of Atlanta before July closes, or leave our bodies to rest in the mountains and on the plains of Georgia.

The army was cut down to three-fifth rations of bread, coffee and sugar, and two-seventh rations of meat – no beans hominy or rice – making less than half rations, the 20th of May. The men are frequently two days without anything to eat, but they scarcely ever grumble. Nothing that is palatable for man or beast is left in the country. Everything is taken or destroyed. None of the citizens remained behind Johnson’s army except those that were too poor to get away, and by the time our army had passed they had nothing left by which to sustain life. The government will certainly have to feed them. We are on the right wing of our army and all the other Iowa Regiments are on the left and left center. They no doubt have done some hard fighting in the past four days. I have not seen any of [the] 6th, 15th or 39th for some time. [missing text] accounts they were all in the [missing text] hunting “Johnnies,” which is [missing text]ing on a rainy day. Their, [missing text] not over 250 yards apart.

June 22d – Hooker is s[missing text]ing away at Kinnesaw [sic] [missing text]is now trying to take it [missing text]. They are two-thirds of the [missing text] and expect to make the summit [missing text] fall. Johnson’s lines are in the [missing text] of a V, the vertex at the above [missing text] mountain. Schofield’s Corps has been fighting very hard this forenoon.

Hurrah, for old Abe! He is bound to be a Veteran, bounty or no bounty.

Yours truly,
Wm. Christy

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864.

NOTE: There was a hole in the paper, near the ending paragraphs of this letter, which appeared on the right of the newspaper column causing text to be lost. I have annotated these occurrences with the citation [missing text]. Also this letter when it was printed in the paper was dated 1894, which is an obvious typesetter’s error, I have corrected the date so as not to lead to any confusion.

Thomas Alexander Trent

Sergeant, Company D, 39th Iowa Infantry
1st Lieutenant, Co. A., 110th U.S. Colored Infantry
Son of William M. & Susannah H. G. (Dyer) Trent. He was born in Owens County, Indiana in October 6,1834. At the age of 17 he moved to Iowa.

Many friends were present on at the home of his bride’s parents, Micajah & Hannah M. Parrish, 6 miles northwest of Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa on June 28, 1857 when, in a ceremony performed by Rev. B. C. Johnson of Osceola, he married Mary Elizabeth Parrish. She was born in Indiana on December 12, 1839.

When the Civl War broke out he, at the age of 28, he joined the Union forces and enlisted on August 9, 1862 as 5th Sergeant in Company D of the 39th Iowa Infantry under Capt. L. D. Bennett. C. W. Neal and Aaron Lewis of Osceola were also members of the same regiment. He was mustered in on November 20, 1862 and was discharged November 22, 1863 for promotion as First Lieutenant of Company A, 2nd Alabama Colored Infantry which later became the 110th U.S. Colored Infantry. "he is a brave and meritorious soldier," wrote Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th Iowa, "and will make and excellent officer." T. R. Oldham wrote, “This appointment is an excellent one and his many friends at home will rejoice to hear of his promotion. His company is now in the Division Pioneer corps, and is at work repairing the Railroad.” Thomas A. Trent’s name is listed on plaque D-108 on The African American Civil War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

At the close of the war he returned to Osceola and became a member of Post 173, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Trent remained a member of the G. A. R. to the time of his death. He was also at one time a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order

He died April 16, 1926 at his home on South Main Street in Osceola, after having caught a cold ten days earlier. He had been able to sit up and read his newspaper the day before he passed away. A large number of friends and relatives attended the funeral services conducted at his home by Rev. C. S. Burnette after which he was interred in Osceola’s Maple Hill Cemetery. The ball bearers were: Chas. Edwards, Harry Talbott, Verne Hicks, Will Temple, Loyd Simmons and L. W. London. Those who sang at the funeral, Mrs. Ed. Banta, Miss Tot Scott, Dr. E. W. Paul and William Beard.Mary, his bride of 68 years, deid in 1929 and is buried beside her husband in Maple Hill Cemetery. To their union were born seven children: Emily H.; Jessie F.; Thomas A., Jr., who died about 1920; Charles W., of Custer, SD; Mary E.; James L., of San Jose, CA & William W. Trent, of Denver, CO.

Mary E. Parrish was the sister of Addison A. Parrish of Co. B, 18th Iowa Infantry

Sources: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Clarke County Iowa Cemeteries, Volume 1: Maple Hill, p. 27; Obituary of Thomas Trent, Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa, 22 APR 1936 Clarke County, Iowa Early Marriages 1852-1873, p. 24; 1856 Iowa State Census for Washington Township, Clarke County, Iowa; 1880 Federal Census for Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa; Roster and Record of Iowa Soldiers in the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 5, p. 1032; Gedcom file of Marsha R. Pearson; "Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th," The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864; “A Letter From The 39th Regiment”, The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, 5 DEC 1863

Revised: Originally Posted 29 JAN 2008

Army Correspondence

Camp Shilo [sic], Pittsburg, Tenn.,
April 2, 1862

Editor Hawk-Eye:

Dear sir, – That your readers may know the whereabouts of the Sixth Iowa, I take the present opportunity to write you a line, and note a few of the passing events. After a pleasant trip of nine days, on board the steamer Crescent City, we landed at Pittsburg, Tennessee, on the 18th day of March, and since that event have passed our time as pleasantly as soldiers usually do without money or – being blessed with delightful weather – in drilling, scouting, and performing picket duty, and an occasional review.

To-day our Brigade, the 1st in the 5th Division, composed of the 6th Iowa, 46th Ohio, 40th Illinois, and Capt. _____ Indiana Battery were review by Gen. U. S. Grant. We have lain at this point fifteen days, and are becoming exceedingly impatient for an order to advance, as we have been under marching orders ever since our arrival.

Ours and the rebel pickets are nearly every day within speaking distance, and to relieve the monotony of camp life they interest themselves by shooting at each other. Almost ever day the scouts bring in a lot of – as the boys call them – the “Butternut Fellers,” who have strayed from the secesh camp. This evening quite an incident occurred. Capt. Brydolf of Co. I, Capt. Walden Co. D, Capt. Saunders Co. E, Lieut. Searcy Co. C, and Quartermaster Brunaugh were out on a pleasure excursion. When about three miles from camp on the Corinth road, the espied a couple of the Butternuts – 300 yards distant. As they were making off Lieut. Searcy ordered them to halt – they heard and acquiesced. Lieut. Searcy again put his vocal powers to the test, and ordered them to advance, and upon some warlike demonstration by our party they did so, as meek as lambs, having thrown away their guns when first discovered, with the exception of their tooth picks. They were escorted into camp, and relieved of their arms, and the contents of their pockets. Among articles found upon their persons were passes, duly signed, granting four days leave of absence by Gen. _____, who is, as appears from the papers to be at Barnesville. They are not very talkative, and as yet no information of importance can be derived from them. A few days will probably reveal important information.

On Friday last, two deserters from the rebel forces, came within our lines and gave themselves up, who report the enemy encamped at Corinth, 18 miles distant, 80,000 strong, commanded by Gen. Bragg, and that the rebels have some notion of attacking us, but are withheld because they do not know the amount of our force. When they left they had no heavy artillery, but were expecting a supply very soon. They have, according to the report of these deserters, been at work on the entrenchments since the evacuation of Columbus. They report provisions very scarce and hard to get, and that powder is worth five dollars per pound. They had not seen a drop of coffee for four months. They affirm that the 1st Sergeant and 50 men of their company would desert the first opportunity, and that hundreds more would do the same thing if they had any possible chance. From these men we learn that the rebels are fortifying half a mile this side of Corinth, on a hill, that they have felled timber and rendered the approach impassable in front, and in this barricade of fallen timber, have dug rifle pits.

We are encamped within 18 miles of Corinth and when the order is given to advance, not many hours will elapse ere the bravery of the Sixth will be tested.

Colonel McDowell is now the acting Brigadier General of our Brigade. The Division is commanded by Gen Sherman.

Lieut. Colonel Cummins has charge of the Regiment, and is alone, as Major John M. Corse is on Gen. Pope’s staff.

Soldier

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Obituary: Lieut. John T. Grimes, Co. F, 6th Iowa Infantry

John T. Grimes, 1st Lieut., Co. F, Sixth Iowa Infantry, was killed in the battle near Big Shanty, Georgia, on the 15th of June, 1864.

He was a good and brave officer, beloved by all who knew him. He was one of the many, who at the beginning of the war, had laid aside all party prejudices, and gave the Government that aid and support it so much needed.

He had been, for a long time, Inspector General on Gen. Corse’s staff, which place he filled with credit to himself. At the time of his death he was acting Adjt. of the Reg., our Adjt. having been killed a few days before, at the battle of Dallas Ga.

He has left a large circle of warm friends in the army, and we tender, to his bereaved relatives, our heart felt sympathies.

E. F. A.

{Cincinnati papers please copy.}

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

The Luce Brothers

Sons of William S. & Huldah (Rogers) Luce



Alonzo Luce, William S. Luce
Samuel M. Luce, Isaac D. Luce, and Richard R. Luce

Alonzo Luce – Company B, 19th Illionios Infantry: enlisted June 12, 1861. He was mustered in 5 days later at Chicago, Illinios and was there mustered out July 9, 1864.

Richard Rogers Luce – Company E, 93rd Illinois Infantry: enlisted August 13, 1862 at Tiskilwa, Illinois, where he was mustered in two days later. He was mustered out on June 23, 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky.

William S. Luce – Company K, 9th Illinois Cavalry : enlisted October 17, 1861 at Princeton, Illinois and was mustered in on October 26, 1861 at Chicago, Illinois. He was wounded at during an engagement at the Waddell Farm in Jackson County, Arkansas on June 12, 1862 and was mustered out on Decemer 10, 1864 at Nasvhille, Tennessee.

Isaac D. Luce - Company B, of the 112th Illinois Infantry: enlisted & mustered in on March 13, 1865 at Peoria, Illinois. He was transferred to Company F, 65th Illinois Infantry on June 19, 1865. He was mustered out on July 13, 1865,

Also pictured is the youngest brother, Samuel M. Luce, however he was too young to see military service during the Civil War.

Cowards

The friend who sent us Liet. [sic] Jackson’s letter for publication says, “In another letter, Lieut. Jackson speaks of one or two cowards, but says he will mention no names, so we are left in the dark as to who they are, excepting what we hear from other sources. We think they should be published as an example.”

Now, we think entirely different. No man is a coward by his own choice or election. – Cowardice, although considered an unworthy trait of character – certainly an unfortunate one – is a natural result of the peculiar organization of the despised being who is afflicted with it; he can no more control the de[illegible] of it in the face of danger than [illegible: an infant?] can keep from crying when in pain: it is a fact, it cannot be of his own willful making and is not a crime; and therefore we should pity rather than abuse the miserable creature whose physical deficiency makes him a coward. Thus far we differ with “civilized” society. We have not the heart to abuse a man because he can’t help running when another points a loaded gun at him and means to shoot. Although it is an unfortunate thing for our army that there are so many of that kind of men in it, yet there are cowards at home, as well as in the army, of a different manner and character – a kind of moral coward – who willfully take advantage of every opportunity to strike at the heart of loyalty, by continually finding faults and magnifying them, in the character and conduct of the only loyal and brave. Such persons do more injury to the cause of the Union that the man who runs from bullets can possibly do.

When we have a little more time and space we propose showing up these moral cowards in their proper light. They are the persons to make “examples” of, and not the poor fool who is a coward against his own will.

– Published in the Stark County News, Thursday, February 5, 1863

Letter from the Sixth Iowa

Altoona [sic], Ga., June 18th, 1864.

Mr. Caverly:–

I saw young Gregg, who lives near your place yesterday. He is in the Field Hospital, near this place. He is severely wounded, but not dangerously so. J. A. Johnson, of Co. B, 6thth Iowa, son C. R. Johnson of Hopeville, was slightly wounded on the 15th inst. No other of the Clark Co. boys hurt as I know of. I have not been with the Reg. for some time. I am on special duty in the Subsistence Department, though I hear from the boys occasionally.

I saw Adjt. King and the other boys of the 15th a few days ago. They were all well. I am now acting as commissary for Field hospital of the Army of the Tenn. at Altoona [sic] Ga., twenty miles from the “Front,” which is at Big Shanty on the Western Atlantic R. R. – More anon.

E. F. Alden

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

Gen. Halleck to Gen. Pope

New Madrid, April 8: – The following message was sent by Gen. Halleck to Gen. Pope at New Madrid this evening on receipt of the news of the glorious victory resulting in the evacuation of Island No. 10 and capture of nearly all of the army of the enemy:

Headqquarters, St. Louis, April 8.
To General Pope:

I congratulate you and your command on your splendid achievement. It exceeds in boldness and brilliancy all other operations of the war. It will be honored by future generations. You deserve well of your country.

{Signed}
H. W. Halleck
Major General

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Letter from Lieut. Jackson

A friend in Elmira has sent us an interesting letter from Lieut. Wm. Jackson of Co. B, 19th Ill., to his brother, for publication. On account of its length, and our want of space, we can only give the following extracts from it:

In Camp Near Murfreesboro,
Jan. 10 1863;

My dear brother;

I am thankful to God that he as spared me through this bloody contest. Our company suffered severely. We were in the engagement five different times. I know what it is to drive the enemy and what it is to be driven by them, which is no pleasant thing I can tell you. We went into the battle, Dec. 30th, with thirty-nine enlisted men and two commissioned officers, myself and Hunter; Capt. Murchison was with the wagons, lame with Rheumatism. We lost one man killed, and one slightly wounded: J. L. Kinion killed, and George Dugan wounded in the hand.

Dec. 31st, Capt. Murchison joined us. The enemy pressed on our right flank and drove Gen. Johnson back. We were the reserve and in the center. Gen. Negly’s division was small, consisting of only two brigades; but we disputed every inch of ground with them, while Gen. Johnson’s division was falling back in disorder. Column after column advanced on us and we were outflanked [at] every position we took. We were forced to stand in front of the enemy’s batteries to save our artillery and cowardly men, who were falling back through the woods in great disorder; but the old Nineteenth stood up to it like soldiers.

We suffered severely that day: Capt. Murchison was bruised on the back by a tree that was shot down by a shell; Lieut. Hunter was wounded in the right thigh by a musket ball. Serg’t. Robinson, wounded in the right shoulder; William Douglas, wounded in the foot. C. W. Leason and James O. Imes were killed instantly by a shell. J. M. Leacox was slightly wounded in the arm while taking Hunter off the field. Columbus Morgan was mortally wounded by a shell; he fell into the hands of the enemy and was taken to Murfreesboro and died on Jan. 7th 1863. I saw him before he died; he was a gallant soldier. T. W. Oziah was slightly wounded in the [?] by a piece of shell; G. T. Sharer was severely wounded in the right thigh and had his arm broken; Thomas Turnbull had the thumb shot off his right hand by a shell. Corporal J. L. Kennedy was taking Morgan off the field and was taken prisoner, and we have not herd of him since. Wednesday was a bloody day!

We took four guns from them and the colors of the 19th were planted on a rebel gun for once, and I stood with my hand on it. They had another battery about forty rods from it, and they threw shells at us by the wholesale, but we brought the battery off with us. We lost heavily on that day also; Col. Scott was wounded in the thigh. Capt. Chandler, Co. F, was killed; Lieut. Wood, Co. C. wounded in the hand; Lieut. Wood, Co. H. was mortally wounded and has died since. Captain Garrett was wounded slightly in the leg – Corporal George Ryerson of our company was killed; Walter Clark got a buck shot in his knee, very slight; Corporal Worth had a buck shot through his finger. We had a glorious victory on that night! The loss in our company was very heavy. We lost in the regiment some 115 or 120; there are 14 killed.

Elmira need not be ashamed of the boys she sent to the war. Our brother, Dave, and James Turnbull were with me all the time. They did not get a scratch; they are two good boys. Our wounded are all in Nashville; Capt. Murchison is there, and I am left all alone with the company. Robert Turnbull was in Nashville during the battle unwell. John Thornton was with us and fought like a tiger.

We suffered a great deal during the battle. It rained nearly all the time. We had to stand in mud and water to the knees; but it is all over now, and we are resting quietly in camp.

Wm. Jackson, Lieut. Co. B.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, February 5, 1863

Gen. Halleck to take the Field

St. Louis, April 8. – In response to a serenade to night, Gen. Halleck said that Beauregard with an immense army advanced from Corinth and attacked the combined forces of Grant and Buel [sic]. The battle began day before yesterday and continued till late in the afternoon, with a terrible loss on both sides. We have gained a complete victory, and driven the enemy within his fortifications.

He also announced his departure for the field to-morrow morning.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Thursday, April 10, 1862

Col. Ingersoll Will Speak in Toulon

On Saturday of this week Col R. G. Ingersoll will address the citizens of this county, at the Courthouse, in Toulon, on topics connected with the political issues now before the people. Col. Ingersoll is well known as one of the most eloquent and logical speakers in the state, and will not fail to interest his hearers. He will speak at Wyoming on Saturday evening.

We trust our people will all turn out and give the gallant Colonel a fitting reception.

On the same day, the Ladies of the Aid Society will give a dinner, the proceeds of which are to be appropriated for the benefit of the Families of Soldiers. This is a worthy object, and as winter is fast approaching and many of the Soldiers’ families in our county are illy prepared to survive its storms and frosts with any degree of comfort, we trust every one will assist in this laudable work.

– Published in Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, November 12, 1863

“Bad Off”

The “Democratic” party of Iowa is in a truly deplorable condition – no chance to steal from the Government, and whisky up two dollars a gallon! Only think of it! The whole party of the State couldn’t raise enough of the ‘Great Principle” to build a platform, at Des Moines, on the 7th of June. Verily, the glorious old party is “bad off.” And if “suthin don’t be did” soon she’ll be “wuss.” She could get along without any “stealins” if whisky was plenty and cheap, or whisky might “go as high as it had a mind to” if the party could get both arms into the public treasury – she wouldn’t keen for expenses then. But no such good fortune is hers. Heavily-taxed whisky and no stealings! Alas, Democracy!

[Council Bluffs Nonpareil

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864

From Before Atlanta

We have been permitted to peruse a letter from Francis Stickney, of the old 31st (Gen. John A. Logan’s old regiment) to his parents in this place, under the date of the 26th ult., from which we extract the following.

You have perhaps heard, before this time, of the heavy battle of the 21st and 22d. I was in and through it, both days in the thickest of the fight, and came out without a scratch. I am now nurse in the hospital. Our regiment lost very heavily – one hundred and seventy, killed wounded and missing. The rebels moved around our left flank and attacked us in the rear. On the 22d, they charged our works five successive times, but were repulsed with great slaughter. We covered the ground with their dead. Part of the time it was a hand to hand fight with the bayonet. When night came, they gave it up and returned to their works.

– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, August 11, 1864

Obituary: Thomas Alexander Trent

Thomas Trent Passes Away

Old Pioneer died at His Home in Osceola on Friday Evening at the Ripe Age of Over 91 years

Was a Civil War Veteran

Funeral services Were Conducted at the Home on Monday Afternoon. Interment at Maple Hill.

The death of Thomas A. Trent at his home on South Main St. on Last Friday evening at 6:30 brought sadness to the hearts of many. Mr. Trent had only been sick for about ten days suffering from a cold. He had been able to sit up and read his newspaper the day before he passed away.

The funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock by Rev. C. S. Burnette. A large number of sorrowing friends and relatives were at the last rites. Burial followed in the Maple Hill cemetery.

The ball bearers were: Chas. Edwards, Harry Talbott, Verne Hicks, Will Temple, Loyd Simmons and L. W. London. Those who sang at the funeral, Mrs. Ed. Banta, Miss Tot Scott, Dr. E. W. Paul and William Beard.

At the time of his death, Mr. Trent was 91 years, 5 months and 10 days of age. If he had lived until June 28th, he and his wife would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Trent, he was survived by the following children: Chas. W. Trent, Custer, South Dakota; Wm. W. Trent, Denver, Colorado; James L. Trent, San Jose, California; Mrs. C. E. Whitlock, Denver; Mrs. H. S. Lauder and Mrs. Emily Trent of Osceola. One son, Thomas A. Trent, Jr. died about six years ago.

Thomas A. Trent, was born in Owens county, Indiana, on Oct. 6, 1834, his parents being William and Susanah Dyer Trent. He removed to Iowa when he was but 17 years of age and has lived here continually ever since. He was married to Mary E. Parrish on June 28, 1857, at the home of the bride six miles northwest of Osceola. The nuptial rites were performed by Rev. B. C. Johnson of Osceola. Many friends were present at the wedding.

When Mr. Trent and his wife first moved to Osceola the limits of the town were marked by streets one or two blocks distant from the business section. Now the blocks extend many times that distance.

When the Civil War broke out Mr. Trent joined the Union forces to fight for his country and was assigned to the 39th Iowa, Company D, under Capt. L. D. Bennett. C. W. Neal and Aaron Lewis of this city were also members of the same regiment. The three men saw services together during three years and at the close of the war returned to Osceola where they became members of Post 173, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Trent remained a member of the G. A. R. to the time of his death. He was at one time a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order.

Mr. Trent was a good citizen and stood high in the community and the county where he lived so long. His death brings sadness to the many friends who knew and loved him. His passing away takes another member of the “thin and fading line” of the old soldiers who risked their lives in their country’s cause. Peace to his ashes.

- Published in The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa, April 22, 1926

Notice

State Of Iowa
Adjutant General’s Office
Davenport, April 1, 1864

Papers throught the State are requested to publish gratuitously the following. – The procuration money at present paid is ten dollars for raw recruits, and fifteen dollars for veterans.

N. B. Baker
Adjutant General of Iowa

–––––––

{By Telegraph from Washington}

April 1, 1864 – 12:35 p.m.

To General N. B. Baker: –

Present procuration money will be paid for recruits until further orders.

Chauncy McKeever, A.A.G.

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

Veteran Reserves

An order has been issued from the Provost Marshal General’s office, at Washington, which states that the name of the organization authorized by the War Department as the Invalid Corps is changed to that of the Veteran Reserve Corps, and that all orders relating to the Invalid Corps will remain in force as at present with respect to the Veteran Reserve corps. This is a change of name which will no doubt be hailed with great pleasure by the gallant soldiers in this corps, and will greatly increase its present high and well deserved popularity. Three years of hard fighting have given our brave soldiers of the Union armies a just title to be called veterans, in the noblest and truest sense of the term. – We have now Veteran Volunteers and Veteran Reserves; nobly have they earned their name, and proudly will they protect the title and gloriously wear its honors. – [Phila. Inquirer

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 9, 1864

A Letter from Adjutant E. H. King

Headquarters 15th Iowa Inft. Vols
Vicksburg Miss. Jan 23d, 1864

Mr. Caverly:–

It seems as but yesterday since visiting you last, and I am quite surprised to find upon examination that the last was written Jan. 4th, 1864. That and the two days immediately succeeding, [s]ufficed to consume the effervescence arising from the almost unanimous, and quite uneffectual enthusiasm of the men in the first stages of “Veteran enlistments.” And now that the men have “cooled off” and things have resumed the even tenure heretofore unbroken and not likely soon to be broken again, one may not unreasonably retrospect the doings of the past few weeks, and grasp, if he can, the reasons for the action taken, the importance of the movement, and the results likely to accrue from it. I would not have you understand, Mr. Editor, that I am about to enter upon a discussion of the merits of Veteran Soldiers, or speak words of pacification to mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters for those who have reenlisted in the Regiment for an additional term “three years or the war.” The mind of each, having the good of the country in view, will suggest this. But I do wish you to understand, that having thus acted, somewhat upon the spur of the moment, –not without good and potent reasons either, –we are still willing to scrutinize the work and prepare the mind more thoroughly for performing the grave and noble task before us. And having given the matter a reinvestigation, and having stamped the mind with every interest involved, to reenter the arena, full of terrible responsibility, with that courage, consistency and [s]eriousness so becoming to christian and patriotic [men]. Reenlistments have been pretty general throughout the Corps. Every Regiment in the third Brigade (ours) has enlisted, and vies with the others as to which shall first obtain the furlough.

The work of preparation for war goes bravely on. For four days the 3d Division (General Legetts) has been drilling for a prize, - a banner prepared by the Divisions commanders, – culminating today in a drill by the best reg’s in each of the three Brigades; viz:– 17th Ill., 124 Ill. And the 78th Ohio, terminating with the presentation of the banner by Maj. Gen. McPherson to the 124th Ill., –the judges having awarded to it the title “Exesitr” [my best guess] written conspicuously on the flag. The drill to day was very exciting, and the Regiments performed the manouvers [sic] in line and the manual of arms in splendid style. Large crowds of soldiers, citizens, fair damsels and scores of sombre hue, were in attendance, and manifested the liveliest interest in the performers.

Rumor, – twin sister to the father of lies, – says an expedition will leave Vicksburg for [illegible] in [illegible] of the State within a few days, with the express purpose of occupying Jackson, organizing a State government for Miss., and thrashing or otherwise punishing the rebel hordes infesting the country.

It is positively known that the Regiment will be paid within a few days, as some of us saw the Pay Master to day and he told us so. Nothing will be received with more thankfulness than the money now due for services rendered.

The Men in the Regiment enjoy excellent health. Isaac Haner arrived this P. M. from a visit somewhere; he has been detained for many weeks by sickness. He is a good boy and we welcome him among us.

The members of Co., “I” have all enlisted and are anxiously waiting an opportunity to pay their friends in Clark and elsewhere a visit.

The weather has been for a week past the finest imaginable. The clear enlivening sunlight never shone more benignantly on any people.

Secession only blighte[d] this fairland and sunny clime, and the return of peace will inaugurate a return to the same brilliance and prosperity enjoyed previous to the rebellion.

Enjoying this pleasant sunshine we read with dismay and horror of the ice and snow and frost and wind in Iowa Our sympathetic natures stand aghast at the thought of frozen existence, icy fettered streams and crystal covered landscapes.

But my letter is growing too lengthy and I will close. The Sentinel of the 9th ins. Is just received. Its columns are always heartily welcome.

Adieu!

E. H. King

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, February 20, 1864

The “Lost, strayed or gone into matrimony” Printer...

...has turned up at his old post again, and feels much obliged to D––l, alias that Quaker in the south-west corner of the Court House for advertising him. It would be consoling to think we were worth advertising, but we are deprived of that comfort, for, it was all done at our expense, and no reward offered at that, for our safe return.

The writer was mistaken in regard to the cause of our prolonged absence. – The facts are these: As soon as Adjt. Gen. Baker learned that we were from Oceola, he ordered our arrest, saying that three individuals, one a Quaker with a long nose, were lately there from Oceola, who drank all the Lager Beer in the City, which disarranged the whole machinery of the Legislature, and he (the General) was determined not to have the thing repeated. Our protestations that we were strictly temperate availed us nothing; we were put in the “Lock-up.” Every Beer Saloon in the City was double guarded and inspected every thirty minutes by the General in person.

Gov. Stone (as a return for having voted for him) procured our release, and we left the City, pretty well persuaded that we should, in future, notice in whose wake we travel to the Fort.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 12, 1864

Mr. Cole’s Appointment

The new Supreme Judgeship, made by the present Legislature, has been filled not to the entire satisfaction of all localities, – for that, where there are other aspirants for the same office, would be impossible – but, we think, to the very general satisfaction of the Unionists of the state, and particularly so to those who are acquainted with the ability and moral rectitude of the person appointed. To the people of this portion of the state, Mr. Cole is known as one of the most able debaters, both upon the stump and at the Bar. The thousands who listened to him during the fall campaign, in this state, will not hesitated [sic] to pronounce him a man who looks to the bottom of the subject he undertakes to handle. He sees the weak and strong points of his question, and handles them accordingly.

Politically, he took a decided stand in the favor of the union at an early day in the rebellion, and labored with zeal to bring the Democratic party to which he belonged, to a patriotic support of the Government in its struggle for life. – Finding the Copperhead element in that party sufficiently strong to run the machinery their own way, he left it, and joined hands with the party whose deeds as well as professions showed them to be for the Union.

As a jurist he stands among the first in the state, and his character is above suspicion. Such men deserve honor.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 12, 1864

6th Iowa Infantry: Special Requisition

No. 40
–––––––––6th Iowa SPECIAL REQUISITION Co D
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

For:
(46) Forty Six Uniform Coats
109 One Hundred & Nine pairs Pants
63 Sixty-three Hats
63 Sixty-three Bugles
63 Sixty-three Eagles
63 Sixty-three Feathers
63 Sixty-three Cords & Tassles
25 Twenty-five pairs Shoes
135 One Hundred & Thirty-five Shirts
99 Ninety-nine pair Drawers
48 Forty-eight Blouses
86 Eighty-six pair Socks
(24) Twenty-four Knapsacks
(7) Seven Haversacks
(17) Seventeen Blankets
(1) One Order Book
(1) One Description Book
(1) One Clothing Book
(4) Four Sibley Tents complete
(2) Two Wall Tents & Flies complete
(7) Seven Camp Kettles
(5) Five Mess Pans
(10) Ten Canteens

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:

My company is destitute and in need of the above mentioned articles

M. M. Walden
Capt.Comdg Co “D” 6th Iowa

Quartermaster U. S. Army will issue the articles specified in the above requistion

Jno. M. Corse
Lt Col. Commanding

Received at Memphis Tennessee the 15th day of August 1862 of 1st Lieut. Jas. Brunaugh Quartermaster U. S. Army 6th Iowa Infantry all of the articles specified in full of the above requisition

(Signed Duplicates)

M. M. Walden
Capt. Comdg Co “D” 6th Iowa

6th Iowa Infantry - Losses

Hick's Brigade – W. S. Smith's Division – 16th Corps.
(1) Col. John A. McDowell
(2) Col. John M. Corse; Bvt. Major-Gen.
(3) Col. William H. Clune

Total Enrollment: 1102
Total Killed: 152, 13.7%
- Officers: 8
- Men: 144
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c: 128, 11.6%
- Officers: 2
- Men: 126
Total Regimental Loss: 280, 25.4%

Breakdown By Company:

Field & Staff Officers - Total Enrollment: 14
Killed: 2
Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 0
Total Loss: 2

Company A - Total Enrollment: 104
Total Killed: 14
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Died of disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 15
- Officers: 0
- Men: 15
Total Loss: 29

Company B - Total Enrollment: 109
Total Killed: 15
- Officers: 1
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.:
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Loss: 29

Company C - Total Enrollment: 97
Total Killed: 16
- Officers: 2
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 17
- Officers: 0
- Men: 17
Total Loss: 31

Company D - Total Enrollment: 120
Total Killed: 15
- Officers: 1
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 10
- Officers: 1
- Men: 9
Total Loss: 35

Company E - Total Enrollment: 105
Total Killed: 19
- Officers: 0
- Men: 19
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 12
- Officers: 0
- Men: 12
Total Loss: 31

Company F - Total Enrollment: 116
Total Killed: 16
- Officers: 1
- Men: 15
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 14
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Loss: 29

Company G - Total Enrollment: 108
Total Killed: 14
- Officers: 0
- Men: 14
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 15
- Officers: 0
- Men: 15
Total Loss: 29

Company H - Total Enrollment: 104
Total Killed: 9
- Officers: 0
- Men: 9
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 11
- Officers: 0
- Men: 11
Total Loss: 20

Company I - Total Enrollment: 115
Total Killed: 19
- Officers: 0
- Men: 1
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 10
- Officers: 0
- Men: 10
Total Loss: 29

Company K - Total Enrollment: 110
Total Killed: 13
- Officers: 1
- Men: 12
Total Died of Disease, accidents, in prison, &c.: 10
- Officers: 1
- Men: 9
Total Loss: 23

Total of killed and wounded, 572; died in Confederate prisons (previously included), 14.


BATTLES: K. & M.W.

Shiloh, Tenn: 63
Jackson, Miss. (May 14, 1863): 1
Vicksburg, Miss: 1
Jones's Ford, Miss: 2
Jackson, Miss. (July 16, 1863): 6
Guerrillas: 3
Missionary Ridge, Tenn: 13
Resaca, Ga: 7
Dallas, Ga: 10
New Hope Church, Ga: 1
Big Shanty, Ga: 4
Kenesaw Mountain, Ga: 9
Atlanta, Ga: 10
Ezra Chapel, Ga: 8
Lovejoy's Station, Ga: 1
Griswoldville, Ga: 8
Columbia, S. C: 1
Bentonville, N. C: 1
Goldsboro, N. C: 2
Place unknown: 1

Present, also, at Athens, Mo.; Siege of Corinth, Miss.; Chulahoma, Miss.; Holly Springs, Miss.; Ezra Chapel, Ga.; Jonesboro, Ga.; East Point, Ga.; Coosaw River, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.

NOTES. – Organized at Burlington, Iowa, July 17, 1861, moving to Keokuk on August 2d, and to St. Louis on the 19th. In October it participated in Fremont's Missouri campaign against Price, and during the winter of 1861-2, the regiment guarded the railroad from Sedalia to Tipton. In March, 1862, it moved to Pittsburg Landing, where it was assigned to Sherman's Division, Colonel McDowell being placed in command of the brigade. The battle of Shiloh occurred soon after, in which the regiment was commanded by Captain John Williams, its casualties in that battle amounting to 52 killed, 94 wounded, and 37 missing; a total of 183, out of less than 650 engaged. The Sixth continued in Sherman's Division during the Siege of Corinth, after which McDowell's Brigade moved to Memphis, remaining there several months. The regiment passed the winter of 1 862-3 at LaGrange, Tenn. Under command of Colonel Corse, the regiment distinguished itself on the skirmish line at Jackson, Miss., July 1 6, 1 863, its gallantry there eliciting a special complimentary order from General William S. Smith, the division commander. At Missionary Ridge, the regiment was in Ewing's Division, Fifteenth Corps; its loss there was 8 killed and 57 wounded. Colonel Corse received a serious wound in that battle, and soon after was promoted General for his gallant services. He afterwards made a national reputation by his gallant defense of Allatoona, where he received the historic dispatch signalled from Sherman, to " Hold the Fort, etc."

SOURCE: Fox, William F., Regimental Losses in the American Civil War 1861-1865, p. 406

Letter from the 7th Iowa Cavalry

Fort Kearney
Feb. 17th, 1864

Mr. Editor :–

It seems somewhat strange that something from the Seventh Iowa Cavalry does not oftener appear in your columns. The Seventh by some has been lightly spoken of. But by old regulars, I am authorized to say that it will compare favorably with almost any other regiment in the field for good discipline, or in any other respect, though I must say there is yet room for improvement. As far as fighting is concerned the Seventh has not played much of a hand. We may yet have a change to show our fighting propensities, and I do not know of a boy in the regiment who would not welcome the day that sends us South. The companies are scattered almost from one end of Nebraska Territory to the other. Companies G and F being stationed at Cottonwood Springs, A, D and H at Fort Reamey [sic, should read Kearny], and the other companies on the Missouri River at different points above Omaha City. I don’t suppose there is another regiment in the field that guards more territory than the Seventh Iowa Cavalry. Its daily performed line of duty, too, is excessive. The civil law being of little force, the ordinary duties of the civil authorities are naturally devoted upon the military. Co. B, I understand, has recently had some difficulties with the Indians up about St. James, but I have not been able to learn the result.

A Word on our career since leaving Iowa. After crossing the muddy Missouri River we were stationed in camp for a few days, near the village called Omaha City. After having recruited our horses &c. we found that we were to be scattered to the four winds over Nebraska Territory. It fell to the lot of three companies A, D and H, to go to Fort Kearney. About the last of August, all things being ready, we gathered up our traps, turned our horses’ heads to the far west and commenced our wearisome journey. Not however without first getting the example of Lot’s wife, casting our eyes back towards home and its endearments. Our march was not accompanied with anything very adventurous. I might however say that we were one night aroused by the sound of the sentinel’s carbine and the report was instantly afloat though camp that the Indians were upon us. The boys were instantly under arms, falling into line with the speed scarcely imaginable for new troops. But no Indians. Nothing of the kind could be found, and after an hours scouting through the brush on the Platte, the boys returned to camp much dissatisfied at their novel disappointment. We arrived at Fort Kearney in due time and found it a very commodious home for the soldiers, though somewhat lonesome. The boys soon made themselves quite proficient in hunting, as the buffalo were quite plenty here at that time. Most of the boys have become excellent riders. The Nimrodian laurels belong to on John A. Guy who soon became so will skilled that while riding at full sped he brought down two large buffaloes in fifteen minutes time.

Platte River is about one mile wide, sometimes exceeding that, but seldom falling short of it. The channel is so shallow that it can be forded in almost any place. It is interspersed with numerous low islands which are covered with thick underwood and grape vines forming a good retreat for wolves &c. The one thing most remarked about this river is that in the summer season while it has plenty of water with heavy current, in others there is none. At the crossing at Fort Kearney when we came here, there was not a drop of water in the channel, but in a few weeks after our arrival the water came down with all the violence of a mill race, yet no rain had fallen to produce this effect.

The health of the three companies stationed here is very good. Some few cases of fever have occurred, but thanks to the care of Dr. A. J. Willy, none have died. The moral condition of the soldiers here is not as good as it might be. We have not been favored with a chaplain, from what reason I am not able to say. I suppose Uncle Sam thought we were coming out west where there was no danger, and consequently would not need a spiritual overseer. The post is at present under the command of Major H. H. Heath, who spares no pains to keep the soldiers under him in good discipline causing a thorough inspection of arms once a week. The horses and horse equipage are in excellent condition, although the former have several times been jaded by extensive scouting.

Solic[i]ting pleasant dreams for the Editor, his subscribers, and the good citizens of the very interesting and business city of Oceola, I am yours, and a prisoner yet.

Soldier.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 12, 1864

A Good Time At Hopeville

We are informed that friend Newton, the P. M. at Hopeville, gave quite an extensive and expensive supper to the returned soldiers, and their friends, last week. About one hundred and twenty-four persons were present, who did justice to the turkeys, chickens, and other eatables beneath which the table “groaned,” and which they left with satisfied appetites, to “trip the light fantastic toe” at the Hotel kept by Mr. Pounds, where they had a little more room for the enjoyment of that pleasant exercise, and where they “danced all night till broad daylight and went home with the gals in the morning.” All Present had a fine time.

Success to Mr. Newton! He is the soldier’s friend, and we hope he may long live to enjoy the blessings of that land, and those institutions which the soldiers are fighting to protect.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 12, 1864

Not That Kind of Patriots

A delegate from Iowa offered a resolution in the Cleveland Convention of factionists, to the effect that the delegates there in attendance shall pledge themselves to accept or hold no army contracts, and no office of trust, honor, or profit under the Government, during the next Presidential term. It was a good test of their vaunted disinterested patriotism and love of liberty, and the result was significant. They smothered the resolution of the patriotic gentleman from Iowa instanter [sic]. A convention of men who have been seeking offices and fat contracts, and who are opposing the present Administration because they didn’t get the offices and contracts they sought would be the very last to take such a pledge. It is offices and contracts they are after and nothing else. [Chicago Journal.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, June 18, 1864

Gratuitous Printing

The following very sensible remarks from an exchange almost every publisher will heartily endorse. We have had considerable of this kind of experience ourselves:

“It has been the custom of all associations and individuals to impose upon editors the publication of resolutions, obituary notices, advertisements of benevolent enterprises and various other articles of limited or individual interest without charge. We have done quite our share of that kind of work. If associations consider it due to deceased members to pass resolutions testifying to their virtues and condoling with their relations, they must henceforth consider it due to publishers to pay for them; and if literary, school and other associations cannot exist without gratuitous printing they must be too slightly prized to promise substantial benefit to the members. – Until we find teachers who teach gratis; butchers who furnish steaks and roasts without charge, lawyers who counsel without fees; farmers who donate their wood and produce, &c., we must decline being in the list of printers who print without compensation.”

A sensible publisher, that – [Gate City]

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa June 18, 1864

Reading Old Abe’s Proclamation to the Rebels

A correspondent with General Sherman’s army narrates the following:

“Brigadier General Morgan informs me of an incident that occurred on his line of operations, that is too good to be lost: While his brigade occupied the gap between Oak Knob and Rocky Face, recently a corporal of company I, 60th Illinois, broke from the line and under cover of projecting ledges got up within twenty feet of a squad of rebels on the summit. Taking shelter from the sharpshooters he called out:

“I say, rebs, don’t you want to hear Old Abe’s amnesty proclamation?”

“Yes!” was the unanimous cry “give us the ape’s proclamation.”

“Attention!” commanded the corporal, and in a clear and resonant voice he read the amnesty proclamation to the rebels, beneath the cannon planted by the rebels to destroy the fabric of government established by our fathers. When he arrived at those passages of the proclamation where the negro was referred to he was interrupted by the cries of “none of your d—d Abolition. Look out for rocks! And down over his hiding placed descended a shower of stones and rocks. – Having finished the reading the corporal asked,

“Well, rebs, how do you like the terms? Will you hear it again?

“Not to-day, you bloody Yank. Now crawl down in a hurry and we won’t fire,’ was the response, and the daring corporal descended and rejoined his command, which had distinctly heard all that passed. I regret I could not learn the name of the corporal, for he must get promotion at the hand of Father Abraham and Governor Dick Yates.”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, June 18, 1864

From the 18th

A letter received by Mrs. Duncan from the Captain, dated Fort Smith, May 31st, says the health of those of Co. B, who are at the Fort was tolerably good. – Most of the Regiment had gone on a scout down the River, 16 of whom while straggling behind were charged on by the enemy, and killed or taken prisoners – 3 of whom are known to have been killed; whether any of them belonged to Co. B was not known. He says the Reg. has lost 150 men since it started on that Camden trip – and that the bushwhackers are thick within five miles of the Fort, to avoid whom,

[The paper at this point is torn and folded over, hiding the remaining text of the article.]

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, June 18, 1864

From the 39th

We have been permitted to make a few extracts from a letter written home by J. L. Millard, of Co. D, 39th Iowa Inft., dated Rome, Ga., June 4th, which doubtless will be of interest to those having friends in that Reg. He says:

The 39th, all day Sunday, May 8th, led McPherson’s column in the successful flank movement which caused Johnson to evacuate Dalton. The 39th also lead the way through the noted Snake Creek Gap, where within six days from the time the 39th went through, they had been followed by over one hundred thousand Union Soldiers, with all their immense trains of supplies. Four companies of the 39th, (Co. D included), were in the first fight that ever took place between the Union and Rebel soldiers South of Dalton.

On the morning of the 15th (Sunday) we were moved down near the Ostanula River, in the direction where Dodge’s Division was laying pontoons. On these one brigade crossed in the afternoon, and passed through an open field half a mile. The rebels, who were lying in wait for them, charged down on them furiously. The fight was terrible but it did not last long. Our men stood firm and finally charged on, and drove them in disorder. The Iowa 7th lost heavily in this fight. Our regiment passed over immediately expecting to take part in the fight, but the rebs did not try it again that night. We threw up breast works that night, and the next morning felt for, found them and drove them for a while, when they halted, and we fought them all day. In this fight our brigade came very near being surrounded.

Our Brigade is now at this place – the advance is far down towards Alotona [sic]. It has been continual fighting from Ringgold down as far as our advance has gone.

Other items omitted for want of time and room.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, June 18, 1864

General News

It is a fact not perhaps generally known, that Washington drew his last breath in the last hour in the last day of the last week, in the last month of the year, and in the last year of the century. Saturday night, 12 o’clock, December 31, 1799.

Maxamillian is at last on his winding way to Mexico. He comes to visit a country conquered by foreign arms – to rule a people who despise and detest him. The throne he mounts is propped up by the French bayonets; the power he proposes to wield is usurped.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, June 4, 1864

A Contest Without A Parallel

The fighting in Virginia during the past week is destined to form one of the most memorable incidents in the history of human warfare. The world never saw anything like it. All other conflicts seem tame and flat beside it. It stands out in dreadful prominence, unique unprecedented, unparalleled.

Most of the great battles of history have been comparatively short duration. Even those upon the issue of which the fate of empires has turned, have been decided within the compass of a single day. The battle of Austerlitz was fought and finished between sunrise and sunset. The battle of Waterloo commenced at 11 o’clock in the forenoon and closed before dark. The battle of Marengo was an afternoon job. The battle of Solferino embraced only sixteen hours between the firing of the first gun and the route of the Austrians.

But here we have two days of almost continuous fighting! A respectable sized battle on Wednesday afternoon; fighting all day Thursday; fighting Friday until midnight; fighting lightly Saturday morning, and fiercely Saturday night; fighting desperately the greater part of Sunday; fighting by driblets Monday, and the bloodiest battle of the war on Tuesday! And yet no decisive victory achieved; and, so far at least, as we are concerned, no signs of flagging. Our brave fellows still enthusiastic – still eager for the fray – still determined to press on until the foe has been finally routed or destroyed. Was such courage, such pluck, such unflagging resolve, such constancy of purpose ever witnessed since the world began?

The, as regards the losses: the most sanguinary conflicts that history records fall short, with one or two exceptions, of the terrible aggregate of results of the bloody work of the past few days. At Solferino the French lost 12,000, the Sardinians 5,000, and the Austrians 20,000. At Marengo, the total loss on both sides did not exceed 14,[000]. At Waterloo the aggrate loss on [both] sides did not exceed 35,000, but in [this] series of battles which have been raging [in] Virginia during the few days past our loss is reported at over 30,000 while [that] of the enemy is estimated even larger. [ ] can recall only one instance in modern w[ar] where the losses were so heavy. At the battle of Leipzig the French had 60,000 a[nd] the Allies 50,000 men placed hors du combat; but then all Europe was engaged and had a three days’ tussle of it. [Albany Evening Journal.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, June 4, 1864