The favorite of the day is Mr. Stanton; he has touched the heart of his countrymen. They like his sharp, clear cut manifestoes, and his sounding pronunciamentos. The recent successes are, they think, somehow or other connected with his accession to power. He has, indeed, endeavored to disabuse the Northerners of their delusion that the movements of Grant, Buell, and Lander are portions of a concerted plan, each directed from headquarters in reference to the other, and has plainly intimated that their victories are due to individual inspiration, and to fortune typifying the God of Battles. One of his boldest acts has been the liberation of the victims of the Lettres decachet of the State Department, on the condition that they give parole not to afford aid or comfort to those engaged in hostility against the United States; and his seizure of the agent of a journal which pretends to exercise great influence in America as a spy has been regarded with satisfaction, for it is proof of his indifference to the enmity he will no doubt provoke in the discharge of his duty, and of his contempt for its power.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 9, 1862
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Russell’s Opinion Of Mr. Stanton
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Obituary: Miss Jane Miller
Miss Jane Miller, daughter of Eld, T. Miller of Osceola, Aged 21 years and 11 months in obedience to the call of her Master, departed this life Thursday the 21st of this month.
While this dispensation of Providence is gain to the departed, it sends sorrow and mourning to the family and a large circle of relatives and friends. Society also shares in this loss for Miss Miller was a pattern, well calculated, to lead her associates in paths of virtue and happiness. – Perhaps, however, none will more keenly feel this stroke than the church, of which she was a worthy member, and especially when it is sitting under the droppings of the sanctuary and sees her seat forever left vacant. But while the church mourns, it has also great reason to rejoice that the religion which comforted her in life, was a great solace to her in death, and that she is now sweetly sleeping in Jesus. Jennie in early life obeyed the spirit’s call, and gave her heart to God and has since been a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. On her dying bed she rejoiced to know that she would soon “depart and be with Christ’ which she thought would be far better.”
Never shall I forget that death bed scene. As I approached her, her face seemed to reflect the glory of heaven; she reached out her hand and said, “Meet me in the better land,” said she, “This is a beautiful day to die.” She told me that death had no terror, and it was the happiest day of her life. Thus died the obedient daughter, the loveing [sic] sister, faithful friend and devoted christian. “Oh, let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like theirs.”
A. A. Mintonye
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 30, 1863
The Fortifications At The Rip Raps
It is a circumstance worth notice that the material for the structure of the Castle of the Rip Raps is drawn from most of the commercial States of the Union. In walking over the piles you behold the dark grey granite of Maine, the whitish blue and black speckled granite of Connecticut, the red freestone of the same State, the pied granite of the Susquehanna, the deep blue of the Little Falls of Potomac, and the ash-colored of the James river.
In this edifice, which is to form a stronghold in a central position, defend our great naval depot, and to protect our naval power over the ocean, and especially to afford a place of refuge to the commerce of the nation, each commercial State may point to a portion of the blended strength which it has contributed to the common structure. The Castle at the Rip Raps should then be called, as well from its use as from its origin, The Castle of the Federal Union; and when attacked by foreign or domestic assailants, it should run up with the ensign of ‘the Federal Union’ the watchword, “it must be preserved.’”
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April, 9, 1862
Goshen Township Farmer’s Union
Minutes of Meeting.
The third regular meeting of the Goshen Township Farmer’s Union was held on Friday evening March 6th. Jacob Fall was called to the chair, and Wm. Nowlan elected Sec’y. Minutes of previous meeting read and adopted. A committee of three, J. H. Quinn, Wm., Pate and Jas. Nowlan, was appointed to prepare a programme of business for the evening.
While the committee were out quite a number of names were signed to the Constitution.
Committee reported, report accepted and Committee discharged.
Proceeded to ballot for officers resulting in the election of Jacob Fall Pres., H. J. Barnett 1st Vice Pres., J. H. Smith 2d Vice Pres., Jas. Nowlan Rec. Sec’y and Treas, Jas. Frail Asst. Rec. Sec’y, and Wm. Nowlan Corresponding Sec’y.
Moved and carried that we tender a vote of thanks to the Editor of the Stark Co. News, for his kindness and courtesy in publishing the proceedings of our meetings.
Moved and carried that when we adjourn we adjourn to meet at the school house in Dist. No. 7, known as Independence Hall, two weeks from this evening at 7 o’clock.
Moved and carried that a general invitation be extended to all to attend the meetings of this society, especially the ladies.
A committee of the three, H. J. Barnett, Jas. Nowlan, and J. H. Quinn, was appointed to investigate the comparative product of the wheat, the soil preparation of the ground, time and mode of harvesting, ravages of and what kinds of insects may be found in the wheat fields of this Township.
Moved and carried that the following subjects be discussed at the next meeting: best manner of putting in wheat, whether with drill or otherwise, kinds of, and mode of preparing ground, harvesting, &c., and best combined Reaper to use in harvesting same.
John Nowlan was appointed to read an essay on farming at the next meeting.
Moved and carried that the proceedings of this meeting be furnished to the Stark Co. News for publication.
Adjourned.
Jas. Nowlan, Sec’y
Jacob Fall, President
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, March 12, 1863
Friday, November 7, 2008
Gen. Mitchell and the Contrabands
Yesterday morning I was in the quarters of a Colonel of one of our Ohio regiments. A slave-holder, clad in the inevitable butternut colored stuff, with a black cloth overcoat, entered the tent.
“What is your business, sir?” queried the Colonel.
“Why, I’ve lost a boy. I understand he is in your regiment, and I want to look for him.”
“Have you a pass?’ demanded the officer.
“No, I was told it wasn’t necessary to have a pass.”
“We want nothing to do with you here,” replied the Colonel. “Adjutant, conduct this man over the lines.”
My lips remained closed, but my heart said, “God bless you, Colonel, for a soldier and a man.” I have seen officers cringe in similar cases, as though they supposed that only the most disgusting servility would save their backs from the slave holder’s lash. But those officers did not belong to General Mitchell’s division.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 9, 1862 & in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
Physical Training For The Soldier:
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, May 30, 1863
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Letter from Lieut. Col. N. C. Buswell
Camp Near Memphis, Tenn.
Feb’y 9th 1863
Dear Bro.:– I have just been talking with Mr. Howe the Ill. Representative to the Legislature from Bureau, and have learned something of the feelings of that body, as well as of the people generally.
It is a pity that the people can not all see the subject in the same light, now that the war is upon us, whether they agree on the causes or not.
From all that I can learn, by the papers and otherwise, the people are getting somewhat wild in the good State of Illinois, while we, the soldiers of that State have little or no trouble to agree.
We all agree to fight for the Union and are willing to admit that Abraham Lincoln is and will be the President of the U. S. until the 4th day of March 1865, and whether we like all his plans or not, we must give him our earnest support in carrying them out. If a man in the army could appose his superior officer in all things that he might not think proper or sensible, the army would not hold together an hour.
All have got to see the necessity of cheerfully carrying out with alacrity the orders of his superior in rank, whether he thinks him superior in ability or not. No man should enter the service unless he can see and feel this necessity, for the simple reason that he is not possessed of the necessary qualifications for a soldier.
Neither is a man in civil life, fit to be a citizen under a Republican form of government who cannot at a glance see the necessity of submitting to the legally appointed head of that Government.
The President is either commander in Chief of the army and navy of the U. S. or he is nothing more or less than a private citizen. If Commander in Chief he has power as a military necessity to do all that he has yet attempted to do, and much more and no man has a right to say to him that this or that measure is not a military necessity. – His position gives him individually the right to be the judge what measures are necessary. When the people discover that they have elected a man to the presidency of poor judgement [sic], they must submit, but be more careful about their future choice. A war policy may be a bad one, yet it is better so submit and go to work cheerfully to carry it out than to show a spirit of insubordination by refusing to do so.
I suppose the Democrats of Illinois are conscientious in thinking the emancipation proclamation an unwarrantable measure, under existing circumstances, and they doubtless have a right to express themselves so but they should at the same time see the necessity of taking the ground, that the Union can only be restored by the cheerful support of the President by all loyal men in whatever measures he may see fit to adopt.
Abraham Lincoln is either at the head of this Government or we have no Government.
Now, I feel sorry to think we were not allowed to make Mississippi a barren waste, as far as we went, and that we did not go further south when we started, but because we were not permitted to do so where we went and were ordered back when in my opinion we could have gone directly on to Jackson and Vicksburg, living off the country as we went, whipping rebels every mouthful we eat, making the raid upon Holly Springs which cut off our supplies, the sorryest [sic] act of their lives, and obliging us to get all our supplies from the country, would it, I say, be justifiable in me to say, I would not give my support to such a policy, by remaining in the army longer? I think certainly not.
The feeling of the army is not opposed to the President, and it brings a cloud of gloom upon them to hear of the wrangling of politicians at home, who seem to be at war with the administration.
I have been in at least 50 regiments and have not found any complaint, only that things look dark at home. We don’t talk politics here in the army, we talk war. I wish you would say to those who have sore heads about proclamations, Habeas Corpus, and other such things, don’t all “amount to a row of pins when all summed down,” say to them for me that if they will stay at home, keep quiet and wish us well, we will attend to Mr. Snake down here and go home within twelve months, even pursuing the present (in my opinion) poor policy. I tell you, 8 millions of people are being whipped every day, they have among themselves one million of their enemies; even if the first fight in self defense Vicksburg will fall as certain as God reigns. It must come and we all feel it, but you must be patient for it will take some time and cost many lives. The sick are getting better or dying, they don’t remain sick very long.
Your Brother,
Nick C. Buswell
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, March 12, 1863
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Gen. Fremont’s Departure
It is announced that news from Gen Fremont’s departure is to be looked for before many days. Gen. Fremont is at Wheeling, Virginia, where he has issued general orders, assuming the command of his division and assigning to Gen. Kelly the Command of the railroad district, including the north eastern counties of the State. The Wheeling Press of the 31st. Ult says:
“Gen. Fremont comes among us in the face of considerable popular prejudice growing out of his prior political status and associations. But he is a patriot and a skillful officer, a man of determined and untiring energy, and has the advantage of birth and education in the South, and enlarged experience in mountainous regions, and among mankind generally; which will enable him to appreciate the wants and peculiar position of our people; and we have confidence that he will rightly fulfill his mission in the mountain department.”
Gen. Rosecrans, relieved of his command by the appointment of Gen. Fremont, addressed a general order to his troops, taking leave of them in which he says:
“Companions in arms: In this vast department of mountains and forests, in the rains of summer, and cold and storms of winter, for nine months I have witnessed your uncomplaining patience, zeal and activity – your watchings, your marchings and your combats. Under God, to your bravery and good conduct it is due that not a single reverse has attended our arms in all three vast regions. Wherever I go, I shall bear with me the remembrance of men, who, leaving home and all its endearments, against the force of all former tastes and habits, have undertaken to inure themselves to the toils, privations, hardships and dangers of military life, and have succeeded. But, comrades, proud as I am of the manly energy you have thus displayed, I am prouder still to bear testimony to the pure and lofty patriotism which has called it forth. No mean and sectional spirit, no low truckling to reckless leadership, no blind and ignorant fanaticism has animated you. By your intelligence, your magnanimity and forbearance toward those whom the rebellion has misled, you have shown that you entered into the conflict with a conviction that the interests of free government and even of freedom itself, opposed by arbitrary and despotic will – by rebellion in favor of despotism – lay in the issue, and that you fought for the liberties of all, both North and South. Such men deserve to be and will be free themselves, or, dying will bequeathe liberty and a glorious name to their posterity. That it may be your happy lot, in the Union under the Constitution and the laws, to be happy yourselves, and to bequeathe freedom and happiness and a glorious name to your children, is my cherished hope.”
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 9, 1862 & in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Notice!
Justice Of The Peace, Constables, and Township Officers.–
The Excise Law of the United States requires a stamp affixed on all your bonds now on file in [the] Clerks office, this was neglected when [you] filed your bond’s {Jan 5th 1863} you [will] therefore please affix the stamp and [avoid] trouble.
[Missing First Name] Burrows Clerk.
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 18, 1863
Note: there was a small vertical tear thrugh the middle of this article. The words in brackets are my best guess as to what is missing. – Jim
The Ninth Annual Fair of the Stark Co. Agricultural Society
Will be held at Toulon on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, September 22, 23 & 24, 1863.
The Admission Fees will be as follows:
Membership Tickets, admit holder and family (all under 21 years of age) during the Fair - $1.00
Tickets for one entrance only - .23
Double carriage or wagon Tickets, (exclusive of occupants) - .50
Single carriage Tickets, (exclusive of occupants) - .25
Horse Tickets, (exclusive of rider) - .25
The Board of Managers have completed arrangements for making this one of the most attractive Fairs ever held by the Society. The list of Premiums offered embraces nearly everything know in Agriculture and the Mechanic arts, and considering the present condition of our country, the Prizes are more liberal than those of any previous Fair of the Society. Competition is invited, and it is hoped that every citizen of Stark County who has anything that will add interest to the Fair will contribute his mite by bringing the same in for exhibition.
Good Music will be secured to enliven the occasion. The Seats, formerly owned by individuals and rented, are now the property of the Society, and will be free for the accommodation of all. Nothing will be omitted that will tend to make the occasion pleasant and agreeable for all who attend, and it is the determination, if possible, to make this the best Fair ever held in the County.
Every man, Woman, and child, is invited. Come to to [sic] the Fair.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, September 3, 1863
{Tribune’s Dispatch}
Secretary Seward is not going to Corinth as reported.
Gov. Sprague of Rhode Island, will be elected U. S. Senator from that State. He Goes to Yorktown to-morrow.
The Commercial reports Senator Dixon’s re-election as certain. There is no opposition to him.
Minister Randall leaves for Rome by the next steamer.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862
Monday, November 3, 2008
Gov. Andy Johnson’s Policy
There was a slight symptom of activity on Saturday in the arrest of T. M. Brennan, who figured and fattened so largely as manufacturer of cannon here, with his brother J. C. Brennan. The preceding rather took us by surprise, and I suppose it agreeably disappointed the Federal soldiery. The Alderman and Common Council erected to their position by the disordered public stomach have been trying to persuade our policemen to refuse the oath of office required by the Governor. But in spite of all efforts and the mutual hesitation meeting in the City Hall, many of the police have come forward and subscribed heartily to the oath of allegiance. – {Nashville Cor. Cin. Gaz.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 9, 1862
The Indianapolis Journal says . . .
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, March 19, 1863
Civil War Governors – Part 3: The Confederate States
Andrew B. Moore, Democrat, December 1, 1857 – December 2, 1861
John Gill Shorter, Democrat, December 2, 1861 – December 1, 1863
Thomas H. Watts, Democrat, December 1, 1863 – May 1, 1865
Arkansas
Elias Nelson Conway, Democrat, November 15, 1852 – November 16, 1860
Henry Massey Rector, Democrat, November 16, 1860 – November 4, 1862
Harris Flanagin, Democrat, November 4, 1862 – April 18, 1864
Isaac Murphy, Republican, April 18, 1864 – July 2, 1868
Florida
Madison S. Perry, Democrat, October 5, 1857 – October 7, 1861
John Milton, Democrat, October 7, 1861 – April 1, 1865
Abraham K. Allison, Democrat, April 1, 1865 – May 19, 1865
Georgia
Joseph E. Brown, Democrat, November 6, 1857 – June 17, 1865
Louisiana
Confederate:
Thomas Overton Moore, Democrat, January 23, 1860 – January 25, 1864
Henry Watkins Allen, Democrat, January 25, 1864 – June 2, 1865
Union:
George F. Shepley, Military, July 2, 1862 – March 4, 1864
Michael Hahn, Republican, March 4, 1864 – March 4, 1865
James Madison Wells, Unionist Democrat, March 4, 1865 – June 3, 1867
Mississippi
John J. Pettus, Democrat, November 21, 1859 – November 16, 1863
Charles Clark, Democrat, November 16, 1863 – May 22, 1865
North Carolina
John Willis Ellis, Democrat, January 1, 1859 – July 7, 1861
Henry Toole Clark, Demcrat, July 7, 1861 – September 8, 1862
Zebulon Baird Vance, Conservative, September 8, 1862 – May 29, 1865
South Carolina
William Henry Gist, Democrat, December 10, 1858 – December 14, 1860
Francis Wilkinson Pickens, Democrat, December 14, 1860 – December 17, 1862
Milledge Luke Bonham, Democrat, December 17, 1862 – December 18, 1864
Andrew Gordon Magrath, Democrat, December 18, 1864 – May 25, 1865
Tennessee
Isham G. Harris, Democrat, November 3, 1857 – March 12, 1862
Andrew Johnson, Democrat/Military, March 12, 1862 – March 4, 1865
Edward H. East, Republican, March 4, 1865 – April 5, 1865
William G. Brownlow, Republican, April 5, 1865 – February 25, 1869
Texas
Sam Houston, Independent, December 21, 1859 – March 18, 1861
Edward Clark, Democrat, March 18, 1861 – November 7, 1861
Francis R. Lubbock, Democrat, November 7, 1861 – November 5, 1863
Pendleton Murrah, Democrat, November 5, 1863 – June 17, 1865
Virginia
Henry A. Wise, Democrat, January 1, 1856 – January 1, 1860
John Letcher, Democrat, January 1, 1860 – January 1, 1864
William Smith, Democrat, January 1, 1864 – May 9, 1865
KEY: Name, Party, Term In Office
See Also:
Civil War Governors – Part 1: The United States
Civil War Governors – Part 2: The Border States
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Death Of A Female Salve Trader
Mrs. Watson, nee Lackey, an American woman noted for being in the slave trade, has recently died at Cadiz, Spain. There were three indictments against her in New York for fitting out slavers, and she fled to Spain last summer. She fitted out several slavers at Cadiz, but the United States Consul at that port, being advised of her movements, withdrew the registers of her vessels and they could not sail. It is said that the female slaver then resolved to drink and die. She was a native of New York.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 9, 1862 & in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
William S. Busick
William S. Busick was born in Indiana about 1842. In 1860 he was living in Marion Township, Lawrence County, Indiana and he was still residing in Lawrence County when he enlisted as a private in Company A of the 24th Indiana Infantry on July 31, 1861. He was mustered out of the 24th Indiana Infantry on July 30, 1864.
It is likely that he is tha same William S. Busick who resided in Lawrence County, Indiana when he enlisted as a corporal in Company I of the 13th Indiana Cavalry on October 28, 1864 and mustered out of that organization on October 27, 1865.
By 1885 Mr. Busick had been widowed and was residing in Washington, Township, Clarke County, Iowa. He died there on February 2, 1894 and is buried in Section 5 in Osceola’s Maple Hill Cemetery near the obelisk erected by the Women’s Relief Corps “In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes.”
SOURCES: Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System; Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Clarke Co., IA; Clarke County, Iowa Genealogical Society, Clarke County, Iowa Cemeteries, Volume 1: Maple Hill Cemetery, p. 67; 1860 Federal Census for Marion Twsp., Lawrence Co., IN; The following Ancestry.com databases: Headstones Provided for Deceased Union Civil War Veterans, 1879-1903, Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934, American Civil War Soldiers
Gen. Fitz-John Porter
1. “Disobeying, on the 28th of Aug. an order of Gen. Pope, thin his superior officer, directing him to bring his corps to help Hooker and others in what is now known as the second battle of Bull Run.
2. Disobeying another order of Gen. Pope on the day following, directing him to make certain movements.
3. Totally disobeying very important orders as to the movements of his corps while the battle was in progress on the said 29th day of August.
4. Disregarding a peremptory order from Gen. Pope to bring his command into action and to report in person on the field.
5. Permitting certain of his brigades, in defiance of positive orders, to march back to Centerville, thus greatly delaying the arrival of Pratt’s Brigade on the field of battle of the 30th August.
6. When peremptorily ordered into battle he “did there shamefully disobey, and did retreat from the advancing forces of the enemy, without any attempt to engage them, or aid the troops who were already fighting greatly superior numbers, and were relying on the flank attack he was thus ordered to make to secure a decisive victory, and to capture the enemy’s army, as a result which must have followed from said flank attack, had it been made by said Gen. Porter in compliance with the said order which he so shamefully disobeyed.”
7. In that, “being with his army corps on Friday, the 29th of August, between Manassas Station and the field of battle then pending, and within the sound of the guns, and in presence of the enemy, and knowing that a severe action of great consequence was being fought, and that the aid of his corps was greatly needed, did fail in that day to bring it on the field, and did shamefully fall back and retreat from the advance of the enemy, without any attempt to give them battle, and without knowing the forces from which he shamefully retreated.”
8. That “being in the belief that the troops of Gen. Pope were sustaining defeat and retiring from the field, did shamefully retreat, and fall back with his army to the Manassas Junction, and leave to the disaster of a presumed defeat the said army, and did fail by any attempt to attack the enemy to aid in averting the misfortunes of a disaster that would have endangered the safety of the capital of the country.”
These charges were submitted to a Court Martial composed of Maj. Gen. Hunter, President; Maj. Gen. Hitchcock; Brig. Gens. Rufus King, Prentiss, Ricketts, Casey, Garfield, Buford, and Morris, the Hon. Joseph Holt, Judge Advocate General, acting as Judge Advocate. Gen. Porter was defended by the Hon. Reverdy Johnson and Charles Eames, Esq., with such eminent ability as to make the defenses especially notable, and it led to the opinion that he would be acquitted. The hearing was long and patient, and the largest latitude was allowed to the accused consistent with the rules of war. The record of the trial, made up by Judge Holt, was laid before the President, was by him approved, and the sentence ordered to be forthwith executed. The findings of the Court were that Gen. Porter was guilty of every one of the charges, and the sentence was “Dismissed from the service.” {Dubuque Times.
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 18, 1863
Friday, October 31, 2008
The News
There is no news from the army worth reposting except what our readers have already heard, and the news from other quarters is very light and uninteresting.
There seems to be a general uprising of the loyal people all over the country, in support of the government in the prosecution of the war. Meetings are being daily held by unconditional loyalists, and all seem to be awakening to the importance of sustaining the administration in its efforts to maintain our laws and the Constitution.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, March 19, 1863
Impoliteness In Church
A gentleman with rather a seedy overcoat on, some time ago attended a funeral in the fashionable Grace Church, New York city. He took rather a prominent seat, but the ceremonious sexton sent him off to a free pew near the door. A pompous little Lieutenant, wearing an elegant new uniform, was graciously shown to the eligible seat. On the congregation rising at the singing of a hymn, the seedy overcoat was partially removed, displaying the starred shoulder straps of a Major Gen. Urgent civilities were pressed on the distinguished officer – prayer books, offers of a better seat, &c.; but Gen. Banks quietly declined these flunkey attentions, and concluded his devotions in the free pew near the door, having egregiously mistaken Grace Church for a Christian institution, in the character of some of its frequenters.
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 18, 1863
Important and highly interesting news . . .
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 9, 1862
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Book Review: Tried By War by James M. McPherson
Tried By War: Abraham Lincoln As Commander In ChiefBy James M. McPherson
February 12, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Consequently, over the next year and a half, the average bookstore browser will be buried underneath an avalanche of new books on the most written about figure in all of American history.
“Tried By War: Abraham Lincoln As Commander In Chief,” by James M. McPherson, noted Civil War historian & the George Henry Davis '86 Professor Emeritus of United States History at Princeton University, is among the newest in the crop of the Lincoln Bicentennial titles.
In “Tried By War” Dr. McPherson highlights how Abraham Lincoln came to understand and define the largely undefined role of commander in chief. He takes us through each phase of Lincoln’s development into the role: from first deferring to General Winfield Scott, then to prodding George B. McClellan into action. After studying military tactics, Lincoln felt confident enough and wondered if he might borrow the army when McClellan fell ill with typhoid fever. In the end McClellan was a disappointment to Lincoln, as were Henry Halleck, Don Carlos Buell, John Pope, Ambrose Burnside, Joseph Hooker, William Rosecrans and George Meade. Through each successive general Lincoln learned and grew into the role of commander in chief, not largely because he wanted to, but because he had to. Finally, with Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman & Philip Sheridan, Lincoln found generals who understood the defeat of the Confederate armies and not the surrender of Richmond, the Confederate capital, would bring the rebellion to an end.
Sadly there is little, if anything, new in fact or interpretation in this book. Dr. McPherson seems to have relied on the tried and true. Most of the content between the covers of “Tried By War” can be found in a number of other books on Lincoln.
The Lincoln-McClellan relationship is complicated, and one worthy of a book of its own. Dr. McPherson seems to have “cherry picked” every negative word and action of McClellan’s for inclusion in his book. To be fair, McClellan has served up these quotes and snubs toward Lincoln (not to mention his overestimates of Confederate troop strength, his constant pleas for more men and his apparent lack of will to send the Army of the Potomac into battle) on a silver platter for historians. But I think Dr. McPherson’s diagnosis of McClellan’s “messiah complex” goes a bit too far.
If anything, at 270 pages of text, the book is too short. It is a great survey of Lincoln as commander in chief, but an in depth review of the facts and analysis of them it is not. On its merits, the book it well researched, and well written. Dr. McPherson’s narrative flows effortlessly from topic to topic and is easily read. Though “Tried By War” may not be the book for the well read student of the Civil War it would serve as a great introduction for some one just developing their interest in the subject.
ISBN 978-1-59420-191-2, The Penguin Press, © 2008 - Hardcover - 329 Pages - $35 Photographs, Notes, Index
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Letter from New Orleans
A letter from Brock’s Bay of San. [sic] 15, says, I have just learned of the particulars of an affair of some importance which took place yesterday.
Early in the day Commodore Buchanan went up the Teche with the Calhoun until he came to the obstructions placed in the river by the rebels, at this pint unluckily they got aground.– Commodore Buchanan, however, it is said went forward some distance and was shot throug[h] the head, from one of the riflepits [sic] near by; a man named Whitehurst, belonging to the Calhoun, was killed at the same time, Col. Thomas of the 8th Vermont, hearing the firing ordered his regiment to charge the pit which resulted in the capture of 30 rebels and the dispersion of the rest. I have been told that 6 rebels were killed. I learn on good authority that the Captain of the rebel gunboat Tallieu was killed, it is also reported that the gunboat was captured.
The steamer Northern Light, from New Orleans 17th, has arrived, news anticipated by the Mary Boardman last evening.
Gen Banks has issued orders requiring the [r]ebels to support the poor, disposing of confisticated estates, &c; allowing produce to be sold in open market by well disposed persons, and requiring all registered enemies to take the oath of allegiance. Also that insult to soldiers will be punished.
It was reported at Key West 22nd, that the rebel pirate Oveito had escaped from Mobile and captured and burned a Boston Brig off Tortugas on the 17th.
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 18, 1863
A Key West letter to the Boston Journal contains the following:–
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 9, 1862 & also in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1962
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Value of Rebel Money
Money, estimated by the gold standard, is now worth about eight cents on the dollar. – The rebels have fixed a standard, however, by which they profess to regulate the value of their money. That standard is wheat. – the price of this cereal is fixed by the rebel government at five dollars per bushel. With this however, many of the farmers are dissatisfied, and assert that five dollars in currency is, in reality, less than fifty cents – The Richmond Sentinel, in this connection says.
“There is a fact to which we think it popper to call the attention of the fair minded, and even the insatiably greedy themselves. All the officers of the government are paid the old salaries, except a slight increase in the salary of some of the clerks. -- According to the rule of the correspondent whom we have noticed, the President gets less than twenty-five hundred dollars a year; the Secretary less than six hundred; the clerks less than a hundred and fifty. Our thrice noble soldiers, also, are paid only the old price. According to the rule now applied, it is less than one dollar per month for the privates. Our field and line officers receive eight to twenty dollars per month, out of which to board and clothe themselves. – All these are receiving the old prices. But not so with the wrathful correspondent. Instead of one dollar per bushel for his wheat, which he would in other times have been glad to get, he now receives five dollars per bushel. He gets five prices for the wheat that he feeds soldiers working at the old price, and he raves over his pay as a mockery, and a cheat, and a swindle.”
This shows very clearly that all the efforts of the rebel press to bolster up the currency are futile. Even the wheat standard will not prevent people from thinking that the confederate money is almost worthless.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday September 3, 1863
The most important item of news during the past week...
It is a point of the greatest importance that the soldier should have the utmost confidence in his commanders. We regard this as the great secret of Napoleon’s success; When a man believes he is whipped, he is whipped; but if he is confident he can whip his antagonist, the work is half done, and this is true of armies as well as men.
Gen. Hooker, who fills his place may not be a better General than Burnside, but he has not yet been so unfortunate.
If he succeeds no better than his predecessor, we hope he will follow in his footsteps and give place to another.
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January, 18, 1863
Glorious News!
We have the news of the unconditional surrender of the Rebel forces at Island No. 10. – Commodore Foote run [sic] the blockade with two of his Gunboats and several transports, probably attacked the enemy in front and rear, and thus made quick work of the siege. Up to the time of writing, were are unable to get any particulars, the line being, as usual out of fix. If anything comes it will be found in the proper place.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Wednesday, April 9, 1862 & in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862
Monday, October 27, 2008
Army Correspondence
Crab Orchard, Ky., Aug 19th, ‘63
Dear Kaysbier:–
On the 28th of July we were ordered to move from Danville, where we were then in camp, for the purpose of meeting a rebel force that had come into the State under Scott, which was estimated at from 15,00 [sic] to 2,000 men. They had attacked on the morning of that day, some 500 men of our force, under command of Col. Sanders, at Richmond, Ky., and used them very badly. About 150 of the 112th were in the fight, and some six or seven of them were wounded, and about thirty taken prisoners. A son of Calvin Davidson, of Penn township, was on a visit to the regiment, and went with the detachment to Richmond, and was the only one killed. – Such is the uncertainty of human life.
It is said our forces acted badly, and the truth is, they were thrown into confusion and could not be rallied; but it was owing to a blunder of the commanding officer. He allowed himself to be flanked, while they were amusing him with artillery at long range, and when he returned, as he did, in good order, through the town of Richmond, he found himself quite surrounded and the rear guard, who it is said, was out of ammunition, being attacked on both flanks and in the rear, broke, and running in upon the others, threw them into confusion so much so that all attempts to rally them proved ineffective. Perhaps no troops could have been rallied under such circumstances. The men of the 112th were in the advance, with the exception of some thirty men of Co. K, who were sent back to support the rear guard, and when the rear guard broke they ran in upon them, and in fact over them, throwing them into such confusion that it was quite impossible for them to do anything. The rear guard was composed of one company of the 10th Ky., I understand. Although the 112th were in the advance, by some means they got mostly in the rear, which does not look very cowardly on their part, and shows, at least, they were not very good runners. I think they suffered more than any other detachment. Col. Sanders is a very brave man, and has a good reputation, but he made a blunder in allowing himself to be flanked and to cover that blunder up, the men were accused of being panic-stricken. I have never seen any evidences of cowardice, unless in case of a very few individuals, in the 112th. But I have seen many evidences to the contrary. The foregoing are the facts, as I learn them from the officers of our regiment, who, it is admitted, behaved themselves well, and I have written them to you because it was charged in the papers that the men acted cowardly in the fight, including of course, the men from the 112th, and such charges may have reached the friends of the regiment at home. If so, I thought I would like to have you in possession of the facts.
We left Danville about 2 o’clock p.m., and then with a force of about 2,000 men moved to Winchester, and arrived there just about dark. The main body of the rebels had “skedaddled” before we got to the town. We drove the balance out after a little skirmish on the double quick, and then we began a chase, not soon to be forgotten, by those engaged in it. I cannot give you the particulars, although they were exciting and interesting from the beginning to the end of the chase. We drove them before us about 140 miles, skirmishing nearly all the way, except at night. The chase was continued for four successive days and nights; stopping about three hours at Irvine and about the same at Stanford. – during all the time I slept about four hours – three hours of that was the night we got to Lexington – and eat [sic] but three scanty meals, with an occasional hard cracker, that I begged from some one. The men also were out of rations after the second day, and we had no forage for our horses. When we drove them across the Cumberland River at Smith’s Ferry, we were compelled to give up further pursuit. Both men and horses were worn down and tired out. We took, however, in the various skirmishes, some 500 prisoners. We scattered and drove hundreds of others into the woods. We compelled them to abandon large quanties [sic] of property, a large number of stolen mules and horses, two pieces of artillery; gave them a “big scare” – one they have not yet got over, I assure you; and finally left them with only five or six hundred “demoralized” men.
We are now going, I cannot say. – But the general indications are that our destination is into East Tennessee. And everything begins to look like work. We have here to-night sixteen regiments. There are other columns moving on different roads, of the 23d army corps, and the 9th army corps is also moving along in the rear. It is said in all, the force amounts to – well, it may be contraband, and I will not mention it – but the force is large.
Hundreds of East Tennesseeans now are flocking in here weekly, fleeing from the conscription, which is being enforced there. – Hundreds of them are now returning with us with guns in their hands. We have two fine regiments in our division, from East Tennessee – one of them in our brigade (1st brig. 4th div. 23d army corps) and they are by far the strongest regiment we have in numbers and good fighting men. They are going home too, many of them, to visit their wives and children, after an absence of two years, and they go with light hears and cheerful spirits. The 65th Illinois is also with us.
The 112th is now in better condition than it has been for some months, and the boys are in better health. We have about 641 men present.
Company F is now the largest company in the regiment, I believe – at least it has more present for duty. The boys are generally well, too, in the company, and are in good spirits. Lieut. Armstrong is quite well again, and is now first Lieutenant. Edwin Butler is now Orderly, and is always on duty – he is no shirk. Sam Edridge id Regimental Post Master – ever prompt attentive and faithful; he daily delights the boys with messages from the “dear ones at home.” When he makes his appearance in camp, with mail bag in hand, it is the signal for a grand rejoicing. George Green is well and makes a capital good soldier. So are all the boys in company F – officers and all are ever ready for duty.
Somerset
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, September 3, 1863
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Review: Storming the Heights by Matt Spruill
Storming the Heights: A Guide to the Battle of ChattanoogaBy Matt Spruill, Maps by Lowell Forbes
Visiting Civil War battlefields to try to gain a sense of what happened there can often be tricky. Reading the signage and monument inscriptions only gives you the most basic information. Or as in the case of Chattanooga only a small part (or parts) of the battlefield have been preserved and the rest is obfuscated by urban sprawl. A good guide book can make the difference when visiting a Civil War battlefield. Matt Spruill has written just such a book, “Storming the Heights: A Guide to the Battle of Chattanooga.”
When people think of Civil War battles they tend to think in terms of one army attacking another army in one geographic place and the battle is usually over in one day. That indeed is true for some Civil War battles, but not all, especially not for Chattanooga. There isn’t one engagement that I could pinpoint and say “That is the Battle of Chattanooga.” In reality, however, there were several battles that took place around Chattanooga which culminated in the Union Army’s ability to break the Confederate siege lines around the city and the to Confederate Army’s retreat from those lines.
Beginning with the opening of a Federal supply line at Brown’s Ferry & Wauhatchi, then to the Battle for Lookout Mountain and ending with the Battle for Missionary Ridge Mr. Spruill guides us through these engagements. He has also included side trips to the Lookout Valley, the site of Fort Wood, Orchard Knob, Rossville Gap and Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Mr. Spruil takes us to the site of these engagements with turn by turn directions. There are several tour stops for each engagement. At each stop Mr. Spruill has included topographical maps overlaid with the Union and Confederate troop positions. He lets the participants relay what happened there by relying heavily on official reports. Both Union and Confederate sides are covered for each engagement.
In my opinion Mr. Spruill has leaned too heavily on the official reports for the story telling. I would have liked to read quotes from letters, journals and diaries of the common soldier alongside the official reports of the Union and Confederate officers.
The maps included in the book, drawn by Lowell Forbes, are also a bit problematical. Certainly I wish there were more of them (one can never have too many maps when studying a Civil War battle). I also would have liked to have seen at least a few of them include modern roads, which would be especially helpful when trying to follow Mr. Spruill’s turn by turn directions. Also the maps aren’t generally oriented so that north is at the top of the page, and Mr. Forbes did not include a directional indicator on any of the maps in the book.
That being said, “Storming the Heights” is an indispensable book for one studying the engagements during the Battles for Chattanooga, and touring its battlefield sites.
ISBN 1-57233-237-9, University of Tennessee Press, © 2006 - Softcover - 341 Pages - $21 Photographs and Maps, Appendices, Index
Saturday, October 25, 2008
From Corinth
Well I want to know what you at home think about the war. For my part, believe that the war would have been settled long before to-day if the South had not been encouraged by those in the North who seek the destruction of the Government, just to accomplish their own designs. Now the question will arise. who are they? Well, they are a set of men who call themselves “Conservative Democrats, or, “Peace Democrats.” They are doing more to prolong the war than the meanest rebel in the South. Well I will tell you what I think of such men. – I think they never ought to die a natural death; and hell would be too good a place for them. It makes my blood boil to think that while thousands of our brave soldiers have fallen in battle, and thousands more are willing to offer their lives to sacrifice to the good old stars and stripes and while we are thus contending to preserve the honor of that emblem of our fore-fathers, those who ought to be engaged with us in the great struggle, are in reality our most bitter enemies, and doing all they can to defeat the Union cause. Well, all we ask of such men is to keep still, for we know they are cowards and will never fight on either side.
I know that secession is about played out. They say themselves that unless they can succeed in dividing the North the thing is “gone up.” They are becoming alarmed, and a few more victories on our side, will decide the contest.
Deserters from Bragg’s army are coming in almost every day; they report things in a horrible condition.
F. Marietta
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 14, 1863
Military
John N. Bell, Capt.
Wm. Candy, O. S.
ap5-tf
*~*~*~*~*
Attention Soldiers! – Wanted for the 19th Regiment Regular Infantry, 100 able bodied unmarried men between the ages of 18 and 35 years, not less than 5 feet 3 inches high and of good moral character. The term of service for persons enlisting before January 1st, 1863 is three years. The soldier in the regular army is entitled to the same bounties as those in the volunteer service. Pay from $13 to $22 per month and one hundred dollars in addition if honorably discharged from service. The soldiers will be well clothed and cared for under my personal supervision, and all subsistence provided as soon as enlisted. This regiment is commanded by old army officers of experience, and the headquarter is at Indianapolis, Indiana. Recruiting rendezvous on corner of Jefferson and Third street, above Cook & Baxter’s bank, Burlington, Iowa, where all necessary information will be given.
John Rziha,
Capt. 19th Inf. U. S. A.
Recruiting Officer
march14-dtf.
*~*~*~*~*
The Governor of Iowa has authorized the undersigned to organize a Company for the above named Regiment. My head-quarters are in the City of Burlington Iowa, corner 3d and Jefferson streets, over cook & Baxter’s Bank.
Clark R. Weaver, Captain
feb13dtf.
*~*~*~*~*
Wanted – 100 able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 years, for my own Company, in the 11th Infantry of the Regular Army of the United States, to serve for three years unless sooner discharged.
This Regiment is commanded by superior Regular Army officers of known ability and experience, and now encamped at Washington, D.C., where a school for the instruction and drill of soldiers has been opened.
Pay from $13 to $22 per month from time of enlistment, and $100 additional in cash, when honorably discharged from service.
The recruits will be clothed, and cared for, under my personal supervision, and all necessary subsistence and rations supplied as soon as enlisted.
Recruiting Rendezvous on the corner of Jefferson and Main streets over the Branch of the State Bank, Burlington, Iowa where all required information can be given.
T. W. Newman,
Captain, 11th U. S. Infantry,
Recruiting Officer
nov4-dtf.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 9 & 12, 1862
Friday, October 24, 2008
Letter from Dr. Miller
Feb 17th, 1863
Mr. Editor:
I believe I promised to send you an account of the remainder of our foraging. It has been so long since, that I almost forget where I left off, but I think it was at Dr. Taylor’s. His wife is a Northern lady, and says that she detests slavery and would willingly yield all their negroes in order to be relieved of the very great care and anxiety consequent upon keeping slaves.
As an instance of the social and religious condition of the neighborhood in which they live, she told us that she had not attended church but once during the seven years they had resided in Louisiana, and that was while visiting New York or New Orleans; not because she did not wish to go, but because there was not a church sufficiently near. What a commentary on the institution of slavery! Neither church nor school house within the reach of the planter and his family, what then must be the condition of the poor slave?
Leaving the Doctor’s, we stared for home, or rather for camp, by a different rout from the one upon which we went out in order to avoid the three miles of muddy roads. Upon approaching the first house on our homeward trip, we discovered a white man leaving it rather unceremoniously, as though he was not desirous of cultivating a more intimate acquaintance just then. On reaching the house we were saluted by the voices of a dozen or more negroes with exclamations such as “gor Cap’n have him focht back.” “Take and hang him; he is mighty mean.” “He running away massa, gor how scara he look when he see you’ens comin.” &c.
Thinking that it might be quite as well to take charge of him until we were ready to leave a sent a couple of mounted men to detain him and turn him over to Captain White, who set him free as soon as we were fairly started for camp. We learned that he was the plantation overseer and was tyrannical and brutal and a perfect terror to the poor negroes.
From here we pursued our homeward course without any adventure worth recording, and arrived in camp at 8 o’clock. The fruits of the day’s foraging were four barrels of molasses, two barrels of pork, 500 pounds of fresh beef steak, 150 chickens, 20 dozen eggs, a barrel or more of honey, several bushels of sweet potatoes, 8 mules, three horses, 2 guns, 2 pistols and one wagon with five loads of corn and fodder. Thus ended the day’s foraging. – Hoping our friends with you are all well, I remain, Yours,
J. G. Miller
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, March 14, 1863
Thursday, October 23, 2008
In another column...
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, June, 4, 1863
{Times’ Dispatch}
Merrill Paris
Merrill Paris, a shoe and harness maker, was born in Kentucky between 1824 & 1825 and was probably married before 1845 to Jane (--?--) who was born between 1826 & 1827 in Virginia. They had the following children:
John Allen W., born about 1845 in Indiana
Martha I., born about 1847 in Indiana
Sarah F., born about 1849 in Indiana
Alice J., born between 1851 & 1852 in Indiana
Lucy A. C., born between 1853 & 1854 in Indiana
James M., born between 1855 &1856 in Indiana
Orville M., born about 1857 in Indiana
Oliver L., born about 1859 in Indiana
Mary A., born about 1862 in Indiana
May O., born about 1863 in Indiana
The Paris family resided in Orange, Fayette County, Indiana in 1850 and by 1860 they had removed to Union, Rush County, Indiana.
On March 7, 1864 Merrill Paris enlisted as a private in Company F, 123rd Indiana Infantry at which time he listed his residence as Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana. He was mustered out of national service on May 11, 1865.
By 1870 Jane Paris had died the Paris family had moved once again, this time to Doyle Township, Clarke County, Iowa. It was in Clarke County, that Alice J. Parris married Valentine Nelson on July 18, 1871, and her Mary J. Paris married David E. Webb the following September 14th.
Merrill Paris married secondly between 1870 & 1880 to Lydia Ann (--?--), who was born about 1852 in Ohio. They had the follwing children:
Ruby A., b. about 1877 in Iowa
Winfred P., b. August 14, 1879 in Iowa
Merrill Paris and his family were enumerated in the 1880 Federal Census for District 103, Lucas & Jackson, Lucas County, Iowa where he was a music teacher, but by January 1, 1883 they had moved back to Osceola, Clarke Couty, Iowa.
As a result of his military service he suffered from chronic diarrhea, dropsy and kidney disease. He was granted a pension, certificate # 61,008, and received $12 a month from the United States Government for his service during the Civil War. He died in Osceola, Iowa between January 1, 1883 when he was enumerated on the pension roll and May 28, 1884 when his wife Lydia Ann Paris filed for a widow’s pension. He is buried in Section 5 in Osceola’s Maple Hill Cemetery near the obelisk erected by the Women’s Relief Corps “In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes.” His son, Winfred P. Paris, died March 16, 1891, Clarke County, Iowa & is buried in Section 6 of Maple Hill Cemetery.
SOURCES: Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; United States Pension Bureau, List of Pensioners on the Roll January 1, 1883, p. 677; Clarke County Genealogical Society, Clarke County Cemeteries Volume 1: Maple Hill Cemetery, p. 67, 74; 1850 Federal Census, Orange, Fayette County, Indiana; 1860 Federal Census, Union, Rush County, Indiana; 1870 Federal Census, Doyle Township, Clarke County, Iowa; 1880 Federal Census, District 103, Lucas & Jackson, Lucas County, Iowa; 1885 Iowa State Census for Clarke County, Iowa Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934, American Civil War Soldiers & Headstones Provided for Deceased Union Civil War Veterans, 1879-1903 databases at http://www.ancestry.com/; Clark County Genealogical Society, Clarke County Iowa Early Marriages 1852-1873, p. 18 & 25
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Connecticut Election
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Friday, April 11, 1862
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
From The 56th Illinois Regiment
In Field, Near Vicksburg, Miss.
May 28th, 1863
On the evening of the 24th, after dark our regiment was sent to the front, on picket, where we remained forty-eight hours; and when I tell of what we did, you will think we were rather close quarters with the “rebs” to be safe.– But first it will be necessary to give you an idea of the nature of the ground we are contesting for: There is nothing but hills– very steep and rough from 100 to 300 feet high. The ravines are not over 20 to 100 feet wide at any place. We have fought over nearly such ground from Grand Gulf to this place.
Our camp at present is on the side of one of these hills, just far enough down from the top to let their shells and cannon balls pass over and strike some other hills in our rear. Here we consider ourselves as safe as coons in a tree.
At daylight, on the morning of the 25th, we found our position only two hundred yards from a rebel Fort, directly in our front, and in range of rifle bullets from two other forts on the right and left of the first named one. Our duty was to keep a constant fire of musketry on any “reb” that might venture to show himself, and in the port holes of the Forts, so that they could not use their cannon on us; which we did so effectually that they fired but two cannon in the forty-eight hours; and our artillery got positions so close that they have been throwing shells into their Forts at pleasure. At half past three, p.m., on the 25th, the “rebs” sent out a flag of truce, and every gun was silent.
In less than five minutes after firing ceased, our men and the “rebs” commenced hallowing at each other, and in ten minutes they were meeting halfway between our lines, shaking hands and having a social time generally. They wanted to know what regiment of sharpshooters ours was and were surprised when we told them we were only infantry. The flag was sent out to stop hostilities to bury their dead, and was in force till half past eight p.m., but there was no more fighting until the morning of the 26th, when we gave them our best until dark, at which time we were relieved.
I had twenty men out with me, and they used nearly six thousand rounds of cartridges in the forty-eight hours. We had to raise our flag at one time to show the artillery where our line was, and in one hour there were fourteen holes shot through it, one of the tassels shot off, the fringe cut, and one ball through the center of the staff. You can form an idea how good a range they had on us; but we don’t expose ourselves, only to fire, and then we are very careful.
I cannot give an opinion of how long will bill be in getting Vicksburg yet, but I think it will not be many days. They have been turning their horses and mules out to our lines for two nights – upwards of 1,000 I saw Rod’t Rob, Ed. Williams, Ike Harris and Shivvers, on the 25th; they were all well.
We have sent north a large number of prisoners, and have more here. We are prepared to whip all the reinforcements they can send here, and hold those we have in Vicksburg besides.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, June 18, 1863
From Yorktown
Near Yorktown, April 9, 1.20 P. M. – The weather still continues unfavorable for military operations. It has been raining for nearly two days; the creeks are very much swollen, and the roads almost impassible for empty wagons.
Information received shows that the rebels have a force of 60,000 which is being rapidly added to by troops from the neighborhood of Richmond, which is one day from Yorktown by railroad and river – they having four steamers and sixteen transports in use, and by the time the roads are in condition for the Union army to move, the rebels may be able to meet them with one hundred thousand – the flower of their army, with the best arms in a strong entrenched position opposed to our troops, occupying their present position. The military authorities have no means of ascertaining the extent of the rebel works.
Information obtained through deserters, contrabands and other sources show that the enemy have nearly 500 guns, some of them of the largest calibre.
The rebel Gen. Johnson [sic] with some of his forces has arrived; he takes command in person. They intend on making a desperate resistance to our advance. Their forces extend from the James to the York rivers, entirely across the Peninsula.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862
Mattie
May pleasures attend thee,
Whereever you go,
And heaven defend thee
From sorrow and woe;
May sunbeams be o’er thee,
To brighten thy way,
And roses before thee
Their beauties display
May Friends ‘round thee cluster
With love’s perfect chain –
Oh! bright be its lustre,
While life’s scenes remain;
May he, whose selection
Has rendered thee blest,
Soothe down with affection
Each care in thy breast
And Thus shall live ever
Pass moothly with thee,
As some quiet river
That winds to the sea,
Then blessings be on thee,
The purest and best,
Till angeels have won thee
To mansions of rest.
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, September 24, 1864
Monday, October 20, 2008
Broken Up
St. Louis, April 10. – The police of this city yesterday broke up an extensive counterfeiting establishment; seized about twenty five thousand dollars bogus U. S. Treasury notes, and some 10,000 dollars counterfeit notes on State Bank of Indiana, together with eleven banknote plates, and an assortment of materials used by bank note engravers.
An adroit counterfeit note engraver named Harvey Walter alias Hill, and a number of suspicious characters residing here, all known to have been heretofore engaged in the sale or passing of counterfeit bills, were arrested.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Fourth
Celebration at Wyoming
The Citizens of Wyoming are making extensive preparations of a county Celebration of the Fourth of July at that place – We expect to have had the proceedings of the Committee appointed for that purpose to publish in this issue, but by some means they have failed to arrive in time.
We understand the demonstration is to be got up on the pic-nick plan, with the usual reading of the Declaration of Independence, Orations, toasts, Music, &c.
The Committee of Arrangements consists of Messrs. Isaac Thomas, W. H. Butler, A. M. Pierce, G. M. Fox, H. A. Holst.
Marshall of the Day, Capt. Wm. B. Armstrong.
The ladies will have a provision and refreshment stand at which persons will be supplied with provisions, ice cream, &c., for a consideration in Cash the proceeds to be applied for the benefit of our Stark County sufferers in the army. There will be no occasion for private speculation in the refreshment line.
We hope everybody in the county will make calculations to go to Wyoming on the Fourth. We will give the programme next week.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, June 18, 1863
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Frank R. Milton Letter: Jany 6th 1865
Nashville, Tenn. Jany 6th, 1865
Dear Father,
Your welcome letter of Jany 1st was received last night and I was pleased to hear from you No, I am not homesick, but of course I would like to be home a few days to see you all. I have no reason to be homesick for I am a great deal more comfortably situated than most soldiers and am very thankful of it. I am so much obliged to receive a box from home and thank you heartily for sending it. I met Mr. Caffat last night he is Sutler of the 12th. Iowa, and was very glad to see him or anybody from Dubuque.
I am very sorry indeed to hear of your being unwell and sincerely hope that you will be better. I don’t see why you should not succeed in your business. You have the best trade of any of them in Dubuque, and I am confident that you will prosper. So you have gone in to “mining” again. That is the most uncertain business of them all and it is my earnest wish that you will make a big strike. I wrote to you a few days ago and requested you to send me a few things. I would not have asked you but we do not get paid untill March and perhaps not then and I am entirely out of the things I asked for. The 5th were in a fight and Henry Saulsbury my old “partner”was wounded, but not dangerously. Capt. Moreing acted very disgracefully he got the boys in a tight place and then left them. Charley Weigel (Sergt, and a braver soldier never rode a horse) led them out. Willie Andrew is all right, but is not here he is “front” with Gene Thomas Army Moving is not thought much of in fact very few of the officers in the regiment have a good standing. I am so glad I am not with the regiment. I think my getting a commission is not very favorable just now. But if I could get an appointment in some regiment from the state that will be raised under this new call 300.00 I would take it. I will send recommends from the Staff and if you could get some influential man with the Governor to put this thing through I would be greatly obliged, one of the clerks has just received our appointment in the 14th U.S.C.T. I would never accept a commission in a nigger regiment. You know a great deal more of the news than we do only what goes on the Past command Kiss the girls and Mother and Fred. with love to all and many wishes for your speedy recovery I remain
Your Affectionate Son
Frank R. Milton
Friday, October 17, 2008
Aid for the Wounded
Louisville, April 10. – Telegraphic communication opened between here and Savannah, Tennessee this afternoon.
Forty Physicians and nurses arrived from Frankfort this evening, and immediately left on the steamer Autocrat for Fort Donelson and Pittsburgh Landing. Several other boats with similar aid are passing down the river form this city and elsewhere.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862
Letter from James Shivers
Vicksburg, Miss., June 4th, 1863
Dear Father – Yours of the 26th came to hand yesterday; glad to hear you got home from Iowa all right; think you might make it pay if you have another buggy to trade – the rebels have a camel in Vicksburg, you had better come down and trade for it to mate the jackass.
We have had no fight since I last wrote to you, except an artillery duel yesterday the rebels opened on*our [sic] left with eight pieces of cannon and it was not more than two minutes till we had more than fifty pieces blazing away at them, and in less than ten minutes not a rebel gun was to be heard, the most of them being dismounted. The talk is that we are to make a charge on the fortifications to-morrow, with 20,000 men. I saw the ladders yesterday. We took the ladders when the first charge was made, and since then our regiment has went by the name of the “hook and ladder regiment.” Yesterday nine boats loaded with troops landed at Haine’s Bluff, and Gen. Banks is ten miles below Vicksburg with one corps of his army and report says that Rosecrans has started one of his corps for this place, by way of the river; while he is after old Bragg, who is making for this place with all possible speed. Rebel Johnson is only 45 miles from here with 20,000 men; he is waiting for Bragg to come up then they are going to rescue their pets that we have got caged in this place. When they get to the Black River we will lock Vicksburg, throw the key in the river and go out and meet the two rebels, Johnson and Bragg, give them a sound threshing, (if they are not too much for us.) At least we have not any fears from that source. If you want a view of where we have been and what we have done just look at the Chicago Tribune of the 29th, and you will know as much as though you had been with us. The same paper will show you our position now. We are in the center in Gen. McPherson’s camps, he has four divisions, and in each division four brigades, with five regiments in each brigade. He has the largest corps in the Western Department and he is the best General we have except John A. Logan who will not ask his men to go where he will not go himself. Al the boys like him and will go where he tells them to, if it was to the bad place that we read of in the big book I think some of us will go there to-morrow if another charge is made. On the 22nd for about five minutes I would have took two cents for myself and glad to get that much. Everything is quiet along the lines to-day. We lay in line of battle last night all night, waiting for Mr. Secesh to show himself. We have works almost as good as the rebels have and are all the time ready to meet them if they want to try us. Mighty warm – as warm as I ever see in Illinois, has not been much rain for a week or more, which it would rain if only enough to lay the dust. No more this time. James Shivvers.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, Thursday, June 18, 1863
From Company D 39 Iowa
Davis Mill, Ga.
Sept. 4, 1864
Friend Caverly:
It is folly, perhaps, for me to attempt to anything in relation to our Company or Regiment which you do not already know, for other and more able correspondents have kept you posted. They have already, no doubt, told you of the hardships we endured on the march from Athens, Ala., to Rome, Ga. - - of the skirmishes we participated in – of the death of the noble and heroic Carnahan; who fell pierced by a rebel bullet, with his face to the enemy; and also of the death, in the hospital of the lamented Kyte, whose remains rest on the hillside a little way north of Rome. But has any one told you of our present locations?
Our Camp is situated on the Kingston and Rome R.R., about midway between the two places. We are guarding the bridge spanning Dykes’ Creek, which empties into the Etowah river at this point. We have erected formidable fortifications, to drive us from which will require a rebel force of at least five hundred. We have very convenient and comfortable quarters, and live on the best the country affords.
We have fruit and vegetables in abundance.
There are 74 present in the Co. including commissioned officers, - one sick in hospital, and two sick in quarters. Our time is spent in fishing and hunting the Johnnies. The river, only one hundred and fifty yards wide, is all that separates us from them, and almost daily we cross to the south side, and scarcely ever fail to discover their whereabouts, and occasional exchange of shots is the consequence. A few days since a squad of us under Capt. Bennett and Lieut. Mathews, started out at 3 o’clock in the morning, marched four miles through a dense forest, surprised a camp of Rebels, capturing one prisoner, five horses, two shot guns, and one revolver. We wounded one man but he escaped.
It is but justice to say that Co. D has done as much fighting as the balance of the Regiment. It was the first to enter the fight in Snake Creek Valley,- it held an advanced position, and the most important one, while at Rome, - and is now stationed nearly eight miles from any support, with nothing but the Etowah river, which is fordable at almost any point, separating it from the rebels who literally swarm on the opposite bank. You may ask why Co. D is selected in preference to other companies? I answer, it is owing to the well known and acknowledged ability of its officers, and the courage and dicipline [sic] of its men.
Of the Regt. I can say but little. It was ordered to Resaca about two weeks ago, to repel an attack on the R.R. by old Wheler [sic], since which time I have heard but little from it. I have heard of its having been to Cartersville, Marietta, Kingston, Dalton and Tunnel Hill, Ga., at Chattanooga, Cleveland, Bridgeport and Athens, Tenn. It will probably be back to Rome in a few days.
The news of the capture of Atlanta reached us yesterday, and to-day was added the capture Mobile. We are all in good spirits and will all vote for Old Abe.
Dixie
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, September 24, 1864
Thursday, October 16, 2008
News From New Mexico
Kansas City, Mo., April 7. – The Santa Fe mail has arrived.
The Texans, one hundred and fifty strong, had evacuated Santa Fe and were marching down the river.
It was reported that Col. Canby had intercepted an express with orders to the commander of the Texan forces to evacuate the territory and return to Texas.
Col. Stough had left Fort Union with 1,400 men to effect a junction with Col. Canby.
The Texans were exacting contributions and forced loans from the inhabitants – as high as $20,000 being extorted from single individuals residing near Albuquerque; clothing and provisions were taken from merchants without regard to politics or circumstance.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The News
The President has issued a proclamation calling for 100,000 volunteers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and Western Virginia.
Simultaneously with the attack on Milroy, Gen. McReynolds was attacked at Perryville. He made a brave fight and effected a junction with Milroy at Winchester.
Gen. Hooker is in the place and will be heard from at the proper time.
All Sick and wounded in the hospitals at Falmouth and Aquia, about seven or eight thousand, where brought here.
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, June 18, 1863
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Republican County Convention
By order of the central Committee.
A. H. Burrows Chairman.
Feb. 9, 1864
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, February 13, 1864
Latest from Fortress Monroe
Fortress Monroe, April 10. – The Storm is at last over. Nothing has been heard or seen of the Merrimac to-day, and in view of the recent reverses of the rebels it is doubtful whether they will attempt offensive operations even with their iron-plated monster. Their desperate strait my induce an attempt at something in this way. If she ever does come she will probably come to-morrow.
Parties who have come in from the army report no special change in affairs. A continual skirmishing is going on and a brilliant affair occurred on Monday in which Griffin’s battery participated with marked effect, killing and wounding 27 rebels.
The rebel position extends across the peninsula from Yorktown to Warrenton near the James river a short distance above Mulberry Point. The conformation of the land and the making in of the creek from James river shortens their line of defense and enables them to command with their fortifications all the roads up the Peninsula.
Gens. Lee and Johnson [sic] are both reported to be with the rebel force here, one commanding at Yorktown and the other at Warrington, Magruder holding a subordinate command is with the reserve at Wallenberg.
According to reports of deserters, the rebel force numbers about fifty thousand, of whom thirty thousand are reinforcements received by or drawn from the line of the Rappahannock and about Norfolk.
Despite the weather and bad roads our Generals are pushing forward preparations for the assault upon the enemy’s works, and not many days will elapse before Yorktown will be ours, and Richmond threatened.
The glorious news from the West is acting as an example for our army, and greatly encourages the troops.
Berden’s [sic] sharp shooters give good accounts of themselves. They hold an advanced position under the rebel batteries, from which they constantly practice on the enemy, and a head above the parapet becomes an instant mark for half a dozen rifles, which at the length of a thousand yards distance rarely fail to hit their mark. One sharp shooter belonging to the California regiment has almost wholly prevented the rebs from using a large gun in an important position – from a well selected rifle pit he keeps a constant aim upon the gun, and hardly an attempt has been made for two days to fire it without the rebels losing one or two men from his deadly aim.
It is said one of our divisions has secured an important position, the holding of which will lead the eventual forcing of the rebel line of defense.
Much important preliminary work has been perfected by our troops, and with the return of good weather active operations will not be postponed many days.
The task before McClellan in reducing fortified entrenchments is one for which he is held specially qualified, and the result is not doubted.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862
Stark County Agricultural Society
Present, James Holgate, President; Wm. H. Butler, Secretary; O. Whitaker, Treasurer; Jas. M. Thomas & Geo. W. [illegible], members of the executive board.
The business before the Board, as announced by the President, being the appointment of Delegates from the Stark County Agricultural Society to the National Canal Convention to be held at Chicago on Tuesday the 2d day of June, 1863.
On motion, The following Delegates were appointed, James M. Thomas, Benjamin Turner and Aaron Schnuck.
On motion, Delegates are empowered to select substitutes should they not be able to attend.
On motion, it is recommended to the next meeting of the Board of Managers that a reasonable sum be paid out of the treasury of the Society to defray the expenses of the Delegates.
On motion, Proceedings of this meeting ordered Published in the Stark County News.
Adjourned to meet at the Court house on the 15th of August, next, at 10 o’clock, a.m.
James Holgate, President
Wm. H. Butler, Sec’y
Toulon, May 30, 1863
– Published in the Stark County News, Toulon, Illinois, June 4, 1863
Monday, October 13, 2008
Poem: The Book of Memory
The Book of Memory
By Letson.
There is a book which none can read,
Save him by whom it is possessed.
A wonderous volume ‘tis indeed,
That’s written in each human breast!
Could we but turn its pages o’er,
And scan the lines on each engraved;
And read the trials, troubles sore,
And thoughts by which the mand’s enslaved;
The traces left by Passion deep;
The lines by Folly’s finger traced;
Where Hope so bright, that never sleeps,
Has many thrillling chapters graced;
And see where Conscience, stearn and true,
Has written warnings, broad and clear,
(A voice that’s listened to by few,)
Which caused the wayward soul to fear;
And view the page which Love did write,
The joys and fears thereon contained;
And read of Hymen’s sweet delight,
When he in regal triumph reighed;
Then scan the many pictures fair,
By Mercy and Benevolence drawn;–
The brightest, sweetest traces ere
Were painted the pure soul upon;–
Oh! could we view, each line, each word,
Each thought, each deed, as there portrayed,–
And all the soul has seen and heard,
Well might we start and be dismayed!
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January, 31, 1863
The Armies at Yorktown
The Armies at Yorktown
Baltimore, April 9. – A letter to the New York Herald says the accounts of the progress of the affairs at Yorktown, which have reached this city through channels believed to be reliable, differ materially from the accounts furnished by the government.
It was known at Richmond when a portion of the Union Army, of the Potomac, moved from Manassas to Washington. It was known there when the Corps de Armie landed, and were assembled at Fort Monroe. It was known there when Gen. McClellan and staff arrived at the Fortress. It was known there when the march commenced, and the number of troops General McClellan had wherewith to make the attack.
These facts convinced the Confederate Government at Richmond that their hour was [sic] come, unless they took instant measure to arrest the march of Gen. McClellan. The fortifications of Yorktown were all that could be desired, both as to strength and armament. But Gen. Magruder had, as yet, only thirty five Thousand troops. The withdrawal of such a large number of our troops from Manassas, rendered it unnecessary to keep the main body of their army of the Rappahannock along that stream, and from that source Gen. Magruder has been largely reinforced. Troops have been arriving at Yorktown from Gordonville, every day, for the last week.
It is believed that General Johnson [sic] and Jeff Davis are both at Yorktown and that General Johnson [sic] is in command.
The number of Rebel Troops at Yorktown is thought to be not less than 100,000.
– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, April 12, 1862