COLONEL ABRAHAM M. HARE

FIRST COLONEL, ELEVENTH INFANTRY.

Abraham M. Hare, the original colonel of the 11th Iowa Infantry, is a native of Ohio, where he was born about the year 1812. He was one of the earliest settlers of Muscatine, Iowa, having established himself in that place before the year 1839. For several years after settling in Muscatine, he carried on the hatter's business; and later, opened a hat and cap store. He was successful in business, and, in the course of a few years, acquired a respectable fortune. I am told he stands among the wealthy and most exemplary men of Muscatine. He had some knowledge of military matters before entering the service, having been a major of militia in Ohio.

He was mustered colonel of the 11th Iowa on the 1st day of November, 1861, and served with his regiment until the battle of Shiloh, when he resigned his commission, on account of a wound received in that engagement.

But little of the history of the 11th Iowa Infantry was made under Colonel Hare. The regiment was recruited mainly from the counties of Muscatine, Iowa, Hardin, Marshall, Louisa, Cedar, Keokuk, Washington, Henry, Clinton and Linn: Muscatine is the most largely represented. It was mustered into the United States service, by companies, in the months of September and October, 1861, and the following Winter, served in Missouri. Shiloh was its first battle, and the only one it was engaged in during the colonelcy of Colonel Hare: indeed, it was not under him in that engagement; for he was in command of the brigade to which it was attached. Lieutenant-Colonel, afterward Colonel Hall commanded the regiment, and made the report of the engagement. The 11th and 13th Iowa were attached to the same brigade at Shiloh, and the part the regiment sustained in the engagement, may be seen in the sketch of Brigadier-General M. M. Crocker.

Among the killed at Shiloh, the 11th Iowa lost Lieutenant John F. Compton, Sergeants Henry Seibert, Ezra McLoney and George E. Daniels; and Corporals William F. Hough, George J. Barns, and Martin A. McLain. Captain Charles Foster was wounded, as also was Sergeant E. D. Akers, who was not long after promoted to the captaincy of his company. The regiment lost heavily in killed and wounded, but the exact number I have been unable to learn. The rebel General A. Sidney Johnson fell in front of the 11th Iowa, and was doubtless killed by this regiment.

Colonel Hare was quite severely wounded near the close of the first day's battle, and left the field. He was wounded where his brigade made its last stand; and in speaking of him General McClernand says: — "Colonel A. M. Hare, commanding the 1st Brigade, who had borne himself through the day with great constancy and courage, was here wounded, and the command of the brigade devolved on his able and gallant successor, Colonel Crocker."

Colonel Hare is a large, athletic man, of billious-sanguine temperament, and dark complexion. His hair once black, is now streaked with gray; his eye though mild, is penetrating. He is determined in purpose, and kind-hearted, a fact universally attested by the "boys" of his regiment. He is cool, deliberate and fearless in battle, and unostentatious in manners. It is doubtless owing to this peculiar trait of character that I am unable to get further details of his history. He seems satisfied with having done his duty.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 235-6

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, April 16.

The course recently adopted by the authorities here, in reference to Southern newspapers frequently received by flags of truce, deprive the public of news which is often of considerable importance, and always of the greatest interest. Until within a short time there has been no obstacle in the way of obtaining such papers for the use of the northern press. But at present some are allowed to be received, and those which find their way to headquarters are not allowed to be seen by the correspondents.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1

Two boys of tender age . . .

. . . who went by the names of Tom and Jack, became members of a district school in a certain New England town. On making their appearance, the teacher called them up before the assembled school, and proceeded to make certain interrogatories concerning their names, ages, &c. “Well, my fine lad,” said the teacher to the first one, “what is your name?” “Tom,” promptly responded the juvenile. “Tom!” said the teacher; “that does not sound well. Remember always to speak the full name. You should have said Thom-as. Now, my son,” turning to the other boy whose expectant face suddenly lighted up with the satisfaction of a newly-comprehended idea, “now, then, you tell me what your name is?” “Jack-ass,” replied the lad, in a tone of confident decision.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

By Telegraph

(Reported expressly for the Gazette.)

The Forts near New Orleans Attacked.

Probable Evacuation of Newport News

From Fortress Monroe – Southern News

FORT MONROE, April 16.

There was some firing this morning by the rebel batteries to the left of Yorktown, but no damage was done.

An extensive smoke has been rising all day from the direction of Newport News, leading to the belief that preparations are making to evacuate it. It has now ceased to be a position of importance.

The following are taken from Norfolk papers:


RICHMOND, April 15.

Both houses of Congress have passed resolutions to adjourn on Monday next, and to meet again on the third Monday of August.

Reports have been received here of the landing of Yankee troops at Tappahannock, Essex county, Virginia, on the Rappahannock. Gunboats went to Urbana, on the Rappahannock river on Sunday, and next day proceeded to Tappahannock. No troops were landed. This is supposed to be a reconnaissance or feint.

Official information from New Orleans states that an attack on Forts Jackson and Phillips commenced yesterday.


SAVANNAH, April 14.

The Morning News learns that Jacksonville, Fla., was evacuated by the Federals last Tuesday. They said they were going to Tybee. The town is now in possession of the Confederates. The conscription bill passed Congress on the 9th inst.


NORFOLK, April 15.

The Day Book announces the arrival of the French frigate Gazindi with M. Mercier, the French Minister at Washington, on board. There is great curiosity and many surmises at to the object of his visit. The Editor of the Day Book says M. Mercier has dispatches from the French consul at Richmond, which is the cause of the visit.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1

Edward Munk

Sergeant, Company D, 105th Illinois Infantry

Captain, Company C, 14th U.S. Colored Infantry

COLONEL PARIS PERRIN HENDERSON

THIRD COLONEL, TENTH INFANTRY.

Paris P. Henderson was born at Liberty, Union county, Indiana, on the 3d day of January, 1825. He was educated at the Common Schools of his native town, where he resided till he reached his eighteenth year. At eighteen, he learned the tanner's and currier's trade in Vermillion county, Illinois. He settled in Warren county, Iowa, in the fall of 1847, and two years later was appointed organizing-sheriff of that county. In August, 1851, he was elected County Judge of his county, which office he held for three consecutive terms. In the fall of 1859, he was elected to the State Senate, and was the Senator of Warren county at the outbreak of the war.

In September, 1861, Mr. Henderson was commissioned captain of Company G, 10th Iowa Infantry, which he had enlisted in Warren county. On the 27th of January, 1863, he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and, on the 18th of the following August, to the colonelcy of the 10th Iowa Infantry. On the arrival of General Sherman at Savannah, in his grand march from Atlanta to the sea, Colonel Henderson resigned his commission, having served three years and nearly three months. The military history of Colonel Henderson reflects on him much credit: it is the same as that of his regiment; for, from the time of his entering the service until the date of his leaving it, he was present with it. Even during the greater part of the time of his lieutenant-colonelcy, he commanded it; for Colonel Small was sick and absent.

Early in September, 1863, the 10th Iowa Infantry, which was then in camp at Vicksburg, left with its division for the purpose of reinforcing General Steele, then marching on Little Rock; but, news coming of the fall of Little Rock on the arrival of the division at Helena, it remained in camp at that place, awaiting transports in which to return to Vicksburg. In the meantime, General Sherman's old Corps had been ordered to report at Chattanooga. The march from Memphis commenced about the middle of October. Why, I do not know, but for some reason the 7th Division of the 17th Corps was separated from its command, and ordered to join General Sherman in this march. There were many other troops, who for a long time had done little, and who, in fairness, should have been selected for this arduous campaign. It was supposed by the division that the mettle of which it had shown itself possessed, on so many battle-fields, had determined the commanding general in this choice; for General Grant was once reported to have said: — "One knows just what he can do with that division." In justice to the veteran troops of this command, these facts should be stated; for they should receive the credit due to their gallant services. And here, although not in strict keeping with my plan, I yield to what I know would be the earnest wish of the regiment whose history I am recording, and append the names of the regiments which constituted this noble command. In the First Brigade were the 4th Minnesota, the 48th and 59th Indiana, the 18th Wisconsin, and the 63d Illinois. In the Second Brigade were the 10th Missouri, the 17th Iowa, the 56th Illinois, and the 80th Ohio. In the 3d Brigade were the 5th and 10th Iowa, the 26th Missouri, and the 93d Illinois. In our great National struggle there has been no more worthy or potent representative from the great North West than the 7th Division, 17th Army Corps.

Moving up the river from Helena to Memphis, the 10th Iowa left that city early in October, and proceeded by rail as far as Glendale, Mississippi, nine miles east of Corinth. From that point the regiment marched to Chattanooga, by way of Dixon's Station; Chickasaw Landing, on the Tennessee River; Florence, Alabama, Rogersville, Prospect Station, on the Nashville and Decatur Railroad; Fayetteville, Winchester, Decherd and Bridgeport. The Tennessee River, at Chickasaw Landing, was crossed on the night of the 30th of October, and, in the evening of the 19th of November, the 10th Iowa, with its division, arrived under Lookout Mountain. The night of the 30th of October, 1863, was stormy and dismal, which not only rendered the crossing of the Tennessee disagreeable, but soured the tempers of all. General –––, in command of the division, superintended the crossing of his troops, and, like every one else, was irritable. On one occasion, while his boat was approaching the south bank of the river, the detail on shore had left their post, and no one chanced to be at hand but a lieutenant, the son of a Congressman. The hawser being thrown ashore and no one there to receive it, General ––– cried out, "Take hold of that rope, sir." "I am a lieutenant, and the son of Congressman –––." " Don't care a d—n, take hold of that rope." But the lieutenant was relieved by the detail, who at that instant came up.

I have said that the 10th Iowa, with its division, arrived at the foot of Lookout Mountain in the evening of the 19th of November. The head of the division arrived in Lookout Valley just before night-fall, and no sooner was it seen by the enemy, than he commenced displaying his signal-lights. Bragg knew that General Grant was receiving reinforcements, but the number he could not tell, for darkness intervened soon after the head of the column came in view. Before day-light the next morning, the division was marched across the Tennessee River, and behind some hills, out of view of the enemy. It was said that this was one of the plans which General Grant had adopted to puzzle and mislead the enemy; and it may be correct history. It was even said that General Grant would, in the night-time, march troops from the north bank of the river under Lookout Mountain, and, after day-light the next morning, march them back to their former position. But, however this may be, it is certain that Bragg was, by some means, thrown from his reckoning; for he attributed to General Grant, at Chattanooga, a much larger army than he had.

From the 20th of November until the 23d, the 10th Iowa, with its brigade and division, rested in camp behind the hills above mentioned, but at mid-night of the last named date marched down to the river to effect a crossing. The crossing was to be made in pontoons, and just below the mouth of South Chickamauga Creek. The pontoon-boats had already been launched in the North Chickamauga, so that all was in readiness. The brigade of General Giles A. Smyth, numbering about eighteen hundred men, led the advance. Embarking on the pontoon-boats, they floated quietly down into the Tennessee, and then made rapidly for the opposite shore; and so quiet and systematic were their movements that they surprised and captured the entire picket-guard of the enemy but one. By day-light in the morning, nearly three entire divisions of Sherman's command had reached the south bank safely, and were behind intrenchments nearly a mile and a half in length. These successes insured victory to General Grant at Chattanooga; for he could now swing round on the enemy's right and rear, and force him to abandon his boasted impregnable position.

In the fighting which followed, the 5th, the 10th, and the 17th Iowa regiments took a conspicuous part, though neither of these regiments met the enemy till the 25th instant. Nor did the 6th Iowa, which was the only other Iowa regiment that crossed the Tennessee with Sherman, meet the enemy before that time. In a south-westerly direction from where the crossing was effected, and about four miles distant, was the long range of irregular and precipitous hills, known as Mission Ridge; and to wrest these from the possession of the enemy, was the object of General Sherman's crossing the river. At about three o'clock in the afternoon of the 24th instant, the 10th Iowa, with its brigade and division, (the whole command drawn up in column by division) marched down through the timber and wet bottom-lands that intervened between the place of crossing and Mission Ridge, to assault and capture a high hill in the northern portion of the ridge. The movement was made, and the hill gained without a casualty; for, not having been fortified, it was abandoned by the enemy. But on the next hill beyond, which was about half a mile distant, were the enemy in large force, and strongly fortified; and against this position were the attacks of the 7th Division directed the next day. Retiring from the hill just occupied by its division, the 10th Iowa bivouacked the night of the 24th in the woods near the Chattanooga and Knoxville Railroad; but there was little sleep for the regiment, for it was during that night that General Hooker was driving the enemy from Lookout Mountain; and such an incessant and appalling fire of musketry was hardly ever heard before in the night-time. It raged from sun-down until near day-light the next morning. Thus far every thing had worked favorably, and "on the night of the 24th our forces maintained an unbroken line, with open communications, from the north end of Lookout Mountain, through Chattanooga Valley, to the north end of Mission Ridge." General Bragg was now defeated; and to save his army, his baggage, stores and artillery, was with him the important question. The point against which the attacks of the 5th, 6th, 10th and 17th Iowa regiments, with their respective commands, were directed on the 25th instant, covered and protected Bragg's line of communications to the rear; and hence it was that the fighting at that point was of the most desperate character; for, that hill lost, and Bragg would have lost nearly every thing.

The 10th Iowa, with its brigade, was ordered up to reinforce General Ewing's command at eleven o'clock in the morning. Moving west across the railroad already alluded to, it marched out across an open field, and down into low ground, which was covered with under-brush. Next, it was faced to the south, which brought it fronting the hill in question, and for the possession of which, General Sherman was now struggling. Thus far, the entire brigade had lost but two men; but now orders came for an advance — first to the White House, (which was already in flames) and then to the top of the hill. In the advance to the White House, the artillery-firing of the enemy was most frightful. Their position on the hill, or succession of hills, was semi-circular, and, at different points along their line, were some forty pieces of artillery in battery, the range of which was short and accurate. They used solid shot, shell, canister and grape; and, altogether, it was the most terrific artillery-fire the 10th Iowa ever passed under in the open field. It was also the most terrific artillery-fire the 5th and 17th Iowa ever passed under. To this day, I can not recall that hour, without feeling in sympathy with the old Latin poet: "Steteruntque comoe et vox faucibus hoesit."

On the hill-top, the 10th held the left of the brigade, and fought with its accustomed gallantry; but the numbers of the enemy, with their strong position, could not be overcome, and a retreat had to be ordered soon after General Matthies, its brigade commander, was wounded. The engagements of Champion's Hill and Mission Ridge are regarded by the 10th Iowa, as among their hardest battles.

From the 25th of November, 1863, until the following May, the histories of the 10th and 17th Iowa regiments are similar. The 10th marched to Graysville, Georgia, in pursuit of Bragg's forces, and then, returning, was ordered to Huntsville, Alabama, where it remained until the following May. It was then sent to Decatur, Alabama, the junction of the Nashville and Decatur with the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. While at Huntsville, the regiment had re-enlisted as veterans; but it did not receive its veteran furlough until the following June.

While stationed at Decatur, the 10th Iowa, under Lieutenant-Colonel McCalla, with some one hundred and thirty men of the 9th Ohio Cavalry, had a little affair with the rebel forces of General Forest, on the south side of the Tennessee River; but I omit details, for their recital could give no additional lustre to the already brilliant record of the regiment.

The 10th Iowa Infantry returned to the front late in July, 1864, and arrived at Kingston, Georgia, on the 1st of August. Here it remained on guard-duty along the railroad, until the time of Wheeler's celebrated cavalry raid on General Sherman's rear line of communications, when it joined the command which was organized to make pursuit. The expedition was out about twenty days, and marched, during that time, more than five hundred miles. But their fleet-footed adversary could not be brought to a stand, and, after pursuing him through East and Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama, they finally came up with him just as his rear-guard was crossing the Tennessee River at Florence. Soon after, followed the flank movement of General Hood, after which, the 10th Iowa moved with General Sherman on his memorable march to Savannah. Its last campaign was from Savannah to Raleigh, and that will probably be its last in the war; for the veteran army of Northern Virginia has now surrendered.

Colonel Henderson is about six feet in hight, and well formed. He has a pleasant face, and an easy, winning address. No one can know him but to like him. The Colonel was a brave and efficient officer, and popular with his regiment; but he was too kind and conceding, I am told, for an excellent disciplinarian.

Henderson was one of the Iowa colonels who would do justice to a subordinate, without an express or implied consideration. He never bartered his honor to enhance his chances for promotion.

SOURCE: Addison A Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 227-34

Walking Advertisements

You have probably heard the legend of the fashion in which the blacking of a certain eminent man rose into universal fame. The eminent man hired four footmen, of brazen countenance and loud and fluent power of expression. He arrayed them in gorgeous liveries; that of each being quite different from the other three. Then each alone, from morning till night they pervaded London, and this is what they did. – When each footman saw a shop in which blacking appeared likely to be sold, he rushed into it with great appearance of excitement, and exclaimed in a hurried manner. “Give me some of Snook’s blacking instantly.” “Snooks’s blackin?” said the shopman; “we never heard of it.” “Not heard of Snooks’s blacking!” exclaimed the footman; “Why my master won’t let me brush his boots with any other, and just now he is roaring at me for brushing them with that of Stiggins. I must be off elsewhere and get Snooks’s blacking forthwith.” This interview naturally startled the man in the shop; he began to think, “I must get some of Snooks’s blacking;” and the last, in crimson livery, “his Majesty won’t use anything but Snooks’s blacking,” – the man in the shop took his resolution. He found out the factory of Snooks, and ordered a large quantity of his blacking. – {Rev. A. H. Boyd.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

Alamance

The old spirit of Alamance is still alive. We learn that the County now has 700 men in the field.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

The Army At Yorktown

The army of the Potomac is before Yorktown; and we have had for the past ten days the same happy assurances that we had for the eight months that it lay around Washington – only now it is, “All quiet before Yorktown!” We have all the old bugaboo stories that we used to hear about the “stupendous fortifications” of the rebels; only now the fortifications, “masked batteries,” and God only knows what other diabolical rebel contrivances are all at Yorktown. The “immense army” of the rebels, numbering something less than the host of Xerxes, is no longer at Manassas. Neither (need we say?) is Gen. McClellan; and the “impassible roads,” and the “balloon ascensions,” and all the claptrap and humbug with which we were amused for two-thirds of a year in front of Manassas – all are at Yorktown! When the leaves were on the trees we waited for them to fall, then for them to come out, and now probably to fall again! In summer we waited for autumn; in autumn for winter; in winter for spring; and now we presume, there is some “strategic” purpose in waiting for summer. We hope soon to hear of a “grand review” on the peninsula. It has been some days since the army and nation has been exhilarated by a spectacle of the kind. Still as “all is quiet before Yorktown,” and the expense of the late Army of the Potomac is but a little over a million a day, we probably ought not to complain!

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

Married

In Rock Island, at the Baptist Church, on the 15th inst., by Rev. Isaac Grey, Dr. JAMES A. REID, of Davenport, to Miss ANNIE E. BERRY, of Rock Island.

We called upon our young friends yesterday, after their return from that city of deep ravines and extensive water privileges, yclept Muscatine, and found them quite as happy as young people are generally while enjoying the rose-dream of prospective earthly bliss.

– Published in the Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p.1

COLONEL WILLIAM E. SMALL

SECOND COLONEL, TENTH INFANTRY.

William E. Small, the successor of Nicholas Perczel to the colonelcy of the 10th Iowa Infantry, is a native of the State of Maine. At the time of entering the service, in September, 1861, he was a resident of Iowa City, and a practicing lawyer. He was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the 10th Iowa Infantry, the 10th of September, 1861; and with this rank served till the second of November, 1862, when, Colonel Perczel resigning, he was promoted to the colonelcy of the regiment.

During his colonelcy, as also from the time of its organization, the 10th Iowa Infantry has a proud and interesting history. From the second of November, 1862, till after the fall of Vicksburg, the time of Colonel Small's discharge, this regiment was always at the front; and, if there was any fighting to be done, like the other Iowa regiments of the 7th Division, 17th Army Corps, the 10th was sure to have part in it.

Late in November, 1862, the 10th Iowa joined its division in the march of General Grant down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Passing through Abbeville and Oxford, it had reached a point as far south as the Yockona River, when, the line of communications being cut, it was ordered to return. On the 26th of December, it marched with its division from near Lumpkin's Mills, Mississippi, to Memphis, having in charge a provision-train of six hundred and twenty-five wagons; and this was one of the most vexing and fatiguing marches the regiment ever made. It was the coldest part of the Southern Winter, and the trip was made without baggage, or only such as the men could carry on their persons. A cold, sleety rain was falling almost constantly, and the red, clayey mud, the dirtiest and daubiest in the world, was half-knee deep. Hanging on their flanks and rear was a band of guerrillas, ready to pick up the stragglers, and to fire into the train whenever occasion offered. Usually, men are merry on the march; but, without rest by day or sleep at night, there was little merriment here. For so short a one, this is regarded the hardest march the old 7th Division ever made.

After this march was completed, the balance of the winter of 1862-3 the 10th Iowa passed on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad; but, in the opening Spring, moved down the Mississippi to Helena. Prior to the 22d of March following, the operations of the division are detailed elsewhere; and the history of the division is the same as that of this regiment. On the evening of the last named date, the 10th Iowa sailed into the mouth of the Yazoo Pass, which opens into the Mississippi on its east side, and eight miles below Helena, This was a most wonderful expedition, and, had it not been a military movement, would have been romantic. For the labor and skill employed in opening this pass, and in clearing it of obstructions, General Grant was chiefly indebted to Iowa troops under General Washburn. For more than a week, the 24th, 28th, and 33d Iowa regiments were kept half-leg deep in mud and water, hauling out the timber, which the enemy had felled for purposes of obstruction.

The object of the Yazoo Pass Expedition was a flank movement on Vicksburg, but it ended, as it begun, in strategy. This was one of the forty-three plans, which General Grant had pocketed for the reduction of Vicksburg. The story Is as follows, but I do not vouch for its truth: A Federal soldier was captured on the Deer Creek raid, and taken before a rebel officer, when the following colloquy occurred: "What in the devil is Grant in here for? what does he expect to do?" "To take Vicksburg," was the soldier's reply. "Well, hasn't the old fool tried this ditching and flanking five times already?" "Yes," said the soldier, "but he has got thirty-seven more plans in his pocket."

From the mouth of this pass to Moon Lake, (so named from its crescent shape) the distance is five miles, and was passed over without much trouble; but, for forty miles after leaving Moon Lake, it was literally a boat-ride in the forest; for the stream was so winding that its course could rarely be seen more than forty yards in advance. It seemed to have no outlet; and gigantic trees, on every hand, challenged an advance. Small stern-wheel boats could only be used, and even these were found to be unwieldy. The force of the current which put in from the swollen waters of the Mississippi was prodigious; and the danger was in going too fast. Until the boats reached the Cold Water, their engines had to be kept reversed; and so it happened that this was called by the soldiers " the back-water expedition." Even with all the care that was used, the boats were stripped of every thing that was fancy, and of much that was substantial. Not a smokestack in the whole fleet was able to weather the storm; and whole state-rooms were raked off by projecting limbs, into whose ugly embrace the boats would rush, in spite of the pilots and engineers; and, I may add, in spite of from twenty to fifty soldiers, aligned on the decks and armed with long poles.

But in spite of all these dangers, the expedition did not lack amusement; for instance: a tall, awkward fellow, (he did not belong to the 10th) while standing on the hurricane deck of the Lady Pike, was watching a large sycamore limb, which a spar of the boat was pushing aside. He was wondering if it would not break; when just then it slipped by the spar, and, taking him across the face, knocked him several feet, and came near dropping him into the stream. He carried a "stiff upper-lip," if not a brave heart, till the expedition returned. History may, if it will, omit to mention this expedition; for it has furnished itself a record that will be read many years hence. On the trees, at nearly every bend in this stream, the name of some soldier is literally " recorded on high," and nearly every regiment in Quimby's and Ross' Divisions is thus represented. For nearly every boat of the fleet was caught at some one of these bends, and before it could be released the enterprising soldiers would carve their names on pieces of broken cracker-boxes, and nail these to the limbs. When the expedition returned, the water in the pass had fallen many feet, leaving these inscriptions high in the air; and there they still hang.

There was one feature of this expedition, which, though interesting, lacked amusement; though it was experienced only on the Tallahatchie River and the lower waters of the Cold Water. The banks of these streams are covered, mostly, with timber and thick under-brush, forming fine places of concealment for guerrillas. We were in the enemy's country and, acquainted with their chivalric mode of warfare, were looking for it to be put in practice; yet, when the first guerrilla gun was fired, it was all unexpected. Standing on the hurricane-deck, you would see in the brush near a fallen log, or the trunk of a standing tree, a blue circling puff of smoke, and then hear the pat or sharp whistle of a bullet. The report of the gun would follow, when all hands would dodge. In spite of the anticipation of seeing the thing repeated, the men would laugh at their folly, and remark, "that shows what a little noise will do."

On the 6th of April, the last of the fleet arrived above Fort Pemberton, at the junction of the Tallahatchie and Yallabusha Rivers; and a fight was expected the day after; but either General Grant had accomplished all he expected to in this direction, or had learned he could accomplish nothing, and the entire fleet was ordered to return. The last boat, in a damaged condition, arrived at the Sand Bar below Helena, at noon on the 12th of April; and, should one return from Hades, he could be little more surprised at his safe arrival on terra firma, than were many who sailed on the celebrated Yazoo Pass Expedition.

In this connection, I desire to speak of a good man, who rendered important services on this expedition, and who afterwards died at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. Captain Robert Lusby of the 10th Iowa, and, at the time of his death, adjutant-general to General Crocker, was a noble man and officer.

Next in the history of the 10th Iowa, is the final Vicksburg Campaign. During this celebrated march, the details of which are given elsewhere, the regiment met the enemy at the battles of Jackson, and Champion's Hill. In the last of these engagements, it greatly distinguished itself, and suffered severely, as also did the regiments of the 3d Brigade, commanded by the gallant little Boomer. The 5th and 10th Iowa, the 26th Missouri and 93d Illinois, deserve a proud place in the history of our civil war. On the 19th of May, the 10th Iowa arrived before the rebel works, in rear of Vicksburg; and, from that day till the 4th of July following, the day of General Grant's triumphal entry into the city, did its full share of duty. With its brigade, it joined in the memorable charge of the 22d of May; and, under General McClernand, to whom the brigade had been ordered to report, was preparing to assault the right of the enemy's works, when Colonel Boomer fell, shot through the head. He was killed at sun-down, and near the crest of a hill within two hundred yards of the enemy's line. Colonel Boomer was a native of Massachusetts, and a brave and gallant officer. The confusion, incident to the loss of the brigade commander, created some delay, and, before an advance was made, orders were received to withdraw to a position behind the second line of hills. On the 24th of May, the 3d Brigade reported back to its division, whose position in the line was to the left of the centre, and about half a mile south of the rebel Fort Hill; and here the 10th Iowa remained till the surrender of Vicksburg.

Immediately after the fall of Vicksburg, the brigade of General Matthies, to which the 10th Iowa was attached, (for after the death of Boomer he had been transferred to this command) joined the command of General Sherman, in the pursuit of the rebel forces under General Johnson. The brigade arrived before Jackson on the evening of the 14th of July, having marched from Clinton; but had hardly stacked arms, when orders were received to march back to Clinton, to anticipate the rebel General Jackson in his cavalry-raid upon Sherman's train. General Matthies arrived in Clinton late that night, and just in time to meet and repulse one brigade of Jackson's cavalry, the only rebel troops sent to that point. For this gallant affair, the 10th Iowa, with the balance of the troops of the brigade, was handsomely complimented by General Sherman.

The principal portion of the time covered by these operations, Colonel Small was absent from his regiment: indeed, he was never with it much, and, if I am rightly informed, was never present in an engagement. His military record is not in keeping with that of his gallant regiment. He was a fine drillmaster, which was his chief merit as a soldier.

In person, Colonel Small is below the medium. He has a nervous temperament, a pale, sickly countenance, and a feeble constitution. In his manners, I am told, he is dignified and sedate.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 221-6

Review: Northern Roses and Southern Belles

Northern Roses and Southern Belles
By Various Authors of the Wild Rose Press

The Wild Rose Press has released an anthology of six Civil War romance stories in a collection which they have titled “Northern Roses and Southern Belles.” Between its covers are tales of Union and Confederate soldiers and the women who loved them, ghosts, spies, Confederate raiders, and blockade runners.

This is not a book of “bodice rippers,” the tales are certainly appropriate reading matter for teenage girls, or any one else who may enjoy the historical romance genre. There are however, plenty of heaving bosoms, and men and women discovering their passions for each other. You will not find explicit or gratuitous sex scenes. Though it is not great literature, the characterizations are barely two dimensional, and plots of forbidden love and the like seem to be pulled from the standard constructions of romantic fiction, with more than a casual nod towards Shakespeare. The book does not pretend to be anything other than what it is . . . a good romp through history, or more rather, six of them

Is this a book that students of the Civil War would be interested in? It is likely not, but the holiday season is quickly approaching, and it may make a good gift for a wife, or girl-friend who may have a passing interest in the Civil War, or maybe better for a woman you wish that did.

ISBN 978-1601546708, The Wild Rose Press, © 2009, Paperback, 354 pages, $14.99

Confederate War Tax

We are authorized by Mr. Treasurer Courts to state, that this State’s portion of the Confederate war tax was paid by him to the Confederate States Treasurer, on the 31st of March last. Our blessed old state will not be behind any in the Confederacy in doing her full duty in carrying on the war. She has perhaps, more fully complied with her contract with the Confederate government, in clothing and equipping her soldiers than any of the States.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

Scott County Soldiers Killed

We have heard from the 2d, 11th, and 13th regiments, in which there were three deaths of Scott county men. George Crooks and John R. Buckman, of Co. E, 11th regt. And Corporal John Melton, Co. E, 13th Regt. Geo. Crooks is a native of Pennsylvania, and about 21 years of age. After his enlistment last fall, his father died, leaving some younger children in their care of their brother George. He was a sober, industrious and exemplary young man, and his loss is a sad blow to those who depended on him. John R. Buckman was born in Illinois, and was hardly 18 when he enlisted, and was probably the youngest member of his company. We have known him a long time, and always appreciated him as a good, brave, warm-hearted boy, who could not fail to make a good and useful man, and we feel assured there was none more heroic on that fatal battle field than little Johnny Buckman. Both Crooks and Buckman lived in Le Claire, and enlisted in Capt. McLoney’s company, 11th regiment last fall. John Melton was born in Indiana, and was 24 years old when he enlisted in Capt. VanHosen’s company last fall, holding therein the position of first corporal.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1

The occupation of Fredericksburg . . .

. . . by General McDowell, has proved a stunning blow to the rebel sympathizers of Baltimore. It is on the road to Richmond, not via, but in spite of Yorktown.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

COLONEL NICHOLAS PERCZEL

FIRST COLONEL, TENTH INFANTRY.

Nicholas Perczel is a native of Hungary, where he was born in the year 1813. He has a military education, and passed a number of years in active service, before coming to this country. For several years, he has been a resident of Davenport, Iowa, where he has been engaged in the business of merchant and trader. He was made colonel of the 10th Iowa Infantry, on the 1st day of September, 1861, and held that position till the 1st of November, 1862, when he resigned his commission.

Authority to recruit the 10th Iowa Infantry was granted by the War Department to J. C. Bennett, in July, 1861. Mr. Bennett was afterward major of the regiment. He, aided by F. M. Mills, Esq., of Des Moines, a brother of the late Colonel Mills of the 2d Iowa, had nearly completed the regiment's enlistment, when it was ordered to rendezvous at Iowa City. The manner in which the regiment was officered created considerable dissatisfaction; but this will not be matter of interest, either to the old members of the regiment, or to the public.

Colonel Perczel first served with the 10th Iowa in Missouri. He was engaged in the skirmish near Charleston, on the morning of the 6th of January, 1862, his loss being eight killed, and sixteen wounded. These were the first men the 10th Iowa lost in battle. The colonel was also present at the capture of New Madrid, and Island No. 10; and with his regiment formed a part of the force which, at Tiptonville, captured five thousand of the enemy. After operations were completed in this direction, the 10th Iowa sailed with the command of General Pope to Hamburg Landing, on the Tennessee, and served with that general during the siege of Corinth, on the left of the besieging army.

Colonel Perczel commanded a brigade before Corinth, two regiments of which were his own and the 17th Iowa; and during the siege of that city was engaged in two important reconnoissances and skirmishes. The first of these was made on the afternoon of the 26th of May, with a force consisting of the 10th Iowa, and four pieces of artillery. With the enemy, this skirmish assumed the importance of an engagement; for, saying nothing of his wounded, he admitted a loss of one hundred and twenty-five in killed. The 10th Iowa, the only troops on our side that suffered loss, had only eight men wounded. The losses were so disproportionate as to give the above statement an air of improbability; but its truth is well vouched for.

On the morning of the 28th of May, two days later, the 17th Iowa and the 10th Missouri of the same brigade had a skirmish with the enemy, in which the losses were nearly as disproportionate. These troops were sent out under the immediate command of Colonel Holmes of the 10th Missouri; and moving against the enemy's extreme right, which was held by the commands of Price and Van Dorn, came within musket-range of the two strong forts on the hills to the south of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The enemy supposed they were being attacked in force, and came swarming out of their works and down the steep hills to oppose the advance; while their pickets, skirmishers and reserves, hurried with greater haste in the opposite direction. Corinth was evacuated that night, and, on passing over the ground the next morning, where the skirmish took place, ninety-three new graves were counted. The Union loss in this encounter was about thirty in killed and wounded.

On the fall of Corinth and the hasty retreat of the enemy, the division of General Schuyler Hamilton, to which Colonel Perczel's Brigade was attached, followed in pursuit, and marched as far south as Boonville, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The route from Corinth lay through the heavily timbered swamps, which form the head-waters of the Tombigbee River, and which would be, at any season of the year, difficult of passage to a large army with baggage-trains and artillery. There was but little fighting; but, one day of the march it rained incessantly, which rendered the corduroy roads almost impassable. Add to this the fact that the army had for a long time been lying before Corinth inactive, and the hardships and fatigue of the march can be imagined. One scene on the road, at a point some six miles north of Boonville, will never be forgotten by those troops who, on the night of the 2d of June, ascended from the swamps to the up-lands, near mid-night. On an open, even, but gradually-sloping field, containing not less than two thousand acres, and facing the Corinth road to the north-east, just in front of where it rises from the bottom-lands and turns to the left, were encamped nearly two entire divisions. The previous afternoon had been rainy, and the soldiers, cold and wet, had built large and brilliant camp-fires throughout their entire encampment. The sky was still hung with dark, heavy clouds, which, as viewed from the point in the road above mentioned, formed the background of this magnificent scenery — the grandest I ever witnessed. It was literally a city of fire, and was ample compensation for the slippery, hazardous, mid-night-march over the never-to-be-forgotten one-mile-of corduroy.

Pursuit was made to a few miles south of Boonville; but the enemy, with the exception of some hundreds of stragglers and deserters, had made good his escape with his shattered legions. To pursue further would so extend the line of communications as to imperil a safe return; and a "right about" was therefore ordered to Corinth. Returning to the vicinity of Corinth, the 10th Iowa went into camp at Clear Springs, a place three and a half miles south of Corinth, and so called from the beautiful, translucent springs which gush out from the foot of the hills, on which the camp was made. The regiment remained here and at Jacinto, the county-seat of Tishamingo county, and some twenty miles south of Corinth, till the 18th of the following September; when, with the balance of General Rosecrans' command, it was ordered out to engage the forces of General Price, then supposed to be intrenching [sic] themselves near Iuka. In this heedless, blundering fight, the 10th Iowa held the left of its brigade, and, like the other regiments of its brigade, suffered severely.

The pursuit of the enemy in his hasty retreat on the morning of the 20th, and the bloody battle at Corinth on the 3d and 4th of the following October, and subsequent pursuit of the rebel forces to and beyond the Hatchie, form the next chapter in the history of this regiment. With the close of these operations also closed the colonelcy of Nicholas Perczel; for, as has already been stated, he resigned his commission on the first of the following November.

He had in the meantime been recommended for promotion to brigadier-general, but for some reason was not appointed by the President.

Among the officers of the 10th Iowa with whom I became acquainted early in the regiment's history, were Major, afterwards Lieutenant-Colonel Nathaniel McCalla, Captain Albert Stoddard and Lieutenant and Adjutant John Delahoyd; and I hope that, in giving their names special mention, I shall do no injustice to other officers of the regiment equally deserving. I never met Major McCalla without thinking of an old Roman lieutenant. He is rough in exterior and in manners, and as gallant and generous as rough. Captain Stoddard is a handsome and most genial fellow, and was, in the spring and summer of 1863, Judge-Advocate of the old 7th Division. In the hour of battle, and at the convivial board, he always took his place in the front. Lieutenant John Delahoyd was one of the most reckless aids and adjutant-generals that ever carried a dispatch in the face of the enemy. He distinguished himself at Corinth. Having ridden out with the 17th Iowa to assign it a position, he put the regiment under a terrific fire of grape and canister, and then, directing it to lie down, sat and watched the enemy from his horse. Whenever the enemy were about to fire, he would say: "Lay low, Seventeenth." It is a wonder how he escaped being killed. He was General Sullivan's adjutant-general, and was one of the most popular officers of the brigade.

During the siege of Corinth, (I believe it was on the 22d of May) and while his brigade was encamped near Farmington, an incident occurred which the colonel will never forget. That morning a company of the 3d Michigan Cavalry, which, like all the troops before Corinth, had seen but little service, was stationed beyond the picket-line, as vedettes on the extreme left. And I should add further that, an attack from this direction was being anticipated, and the extreme left wing, by reliefs, was engaged in digging rifle-pits, and in cutting the timber which would form a cover for the approach of the enemy, and obstruct the range of the artillery. All was quiet, and the work was steadily progressing, until about two o'clock in the afternoon, when, instantly, a cry of alarm was heard in the direction of the enemy, and, turning the eye down the road, a cavalry-man was seen coming at the top of his speed, standing upright in his saddle, and whirling his drawn sword about his head in the wildest manner. In an instant he had passed, shouting in a frantic, broken voice, "The enemy are coming against the left in force! The enemy are coming against the left in force!" All were instantly under arms, and, with breathless determination, stood waiting the approach of the enemy. The guns of the 6th Wisconsin Battery, hurriedly charged with canister, were turned in the direction of the threatened attack, when Colonel Perczel, riding down the road and out through a large, open field to the right, suddenly saw — that he was sold. The captain of the 3d Michigan Cavalry had been frightened at the approach of one of our own scouting parties. Colonel Perczel was chief in command, and felt the sell most keenly; but he only said: "Whare es dat cap'n ob de Third (?) Mee-che-gan Cabalry, wat run widout firing one gun?"

Colonel Perczel is about six feet in hight [sic], and both slender and erect. He has a lively, gray eye, and, in the service, wore a long, heavy, gray beard. Naturally he is excitable, but in danger was cool and brave, and was greatly loved by his command. He knew his merit as a military man, and was chagrined at being placed under the command of officers who were not only his inferiors in military knowledge, but who would get beastly drunk on duty. To escape this unpleasant situation, I am advised, was the chief cause of his leaving the service. The general, whom he most despised, died late in 1862, at Corinth, of mania apotu.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 215-20

Review: Preserve It Reader In Remembrance Of Me

Preserve It Reader In Remembrance Of Me: The Writings and Saga of American Civil War Soldier George W. Belles
By Ron Bardnell

In my twenty-one years of doing genealogical research I have documented 59 Civil War soldiers, both Union and Confederate. In all my research I have never been fortunate enough to find even one letter or diary written by any of them (negating, of course, my more famous and distantly related cousins Ulysses S. Grant, Benjamin F. Butler, John C. Breckinridge and James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok). Not that letters from Civil War soldiers are rare by any means, but I just have not been able to find any from my family.

In that respect, Ron Bardnell is fortunate, for in his wife’s family there has been passed down to her a cache of letters and a diaries written by her great great grandfather, George W. Belles, who enlisted as a private, for 3 years term or the duration of the war, in Company E of the 139th Pennsylvania Infantry on September 1st, 1862. Mr. Bardnell writes in his prologue, that the letters in diaries, were packed neatly away in a box in a closet corner, occasionally taken out and looked at and then replaced, a fate I am sure many, many similar cashes of Civil War soldiers letters and diaries share.

After his children had all grown and left home, Mr. Bardnell withdrew the box from the closet, once again, to read and enjoy its contents. He notes that George Belles seemed to posses a larger view of the times through which he lived, and realized the historical significance of the changes taking place. And then he turned to the last diary entry and read: “This book I want preserved while I remain and when I am gone I want it handed down to others who still survive as a memoranda of what I have seen and experienced myself. It relates the circumstances of each day the weather and other proceedings. This book I trust shall live when I with my companions in the army have passed away. I want its pages kept secure for generations to come for their benefit and good of all. Who may chance to read it preserve it reader in remembrance of me.” And thus, thanks to the valiant efforts of Mr. Bardnell, George W. Belles, has gotten his wish, his letters and diaries have been published in book form and thereby preserved for many future generations to come.

Mr. Bardnell, has arranged the letters chronologically, and grouped them into chapters. At the head of each, he has written some basic introductory information, filling the readers in on events and giving them an idea of what to look for in the content of the following letters.

Through the eyes of George W. Belles, the reader sees the first signs of war, as we follow the 139th Pennsylvania to Manassas, Virginia, just days after the Second Battle of Bull Run and their first military assignment, burying the dead. As we follow George Belles, through Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Grant’s Overland Campaign, and the Siege of Petersburg, we see the ranks of Company E dwindle, and George’s writing takes on a sense that he will not survive the war, his letters grow increasingly desperate and gloomy, and he beg others to pray for him.

I do have some very minor quibbles with the book. The first and most significant of which is that the book does not include a full transcript of Belles’ diaries. Secondly, Mr. Bardnell’s chapter introductions are in a standard printed text, while the transcribed letters are presented in a cursive font, though I understand the intent is to replicate the look of the letters, it gives the book a more amateurish presentation. And lastly there is no index, an omission which I find incredibly frustrating, as in my view every nonfiction book published should always include an index. A book with no index greatly diminishes its worth as a research tool. That being said, however . . .

George W. Belles’ prayers have been answered, he lived to see the end of the war, and after nearly one hundred fifty years, his letters and diaries have survived as well. They are a fascinating look that the Civil War through the eyes of a soldier who fought it, and thanks to Mr. Bardnell, they have been preserved.

ISBN 978-0557064182, lulu.com, © 2009, Trade Paperback, 250 pages, Photographs, Maps, Glossary, Bibliography. $19.95.

COLONEL DAVID KARSAKADDON

SECOND COLONEL, NINTH INFANTRY.

Of Colonel Carsakaddon I have been able to learn still less than of General Vandever. He is a native of Pennsylvania, which is all that I know of his earlier history. He settled in Iowa after the year 1850, and at the time of entering the army was the proprietor of a livery-stable. He recruited Company K, 9th Iowa Infantry, in the summer of 1861, and was mustered its captain the 24th of September following. On the promotion of Colonel Vandever to a general officer, he was made colonel of his regiment.

The history of the 9th Iowa, while under the command of Colonel Carsakaddon, need not be given in detail, for it is essentially the same as are those of the 4th, 25th, 26th, 30th and 31st Iowa regiments. Its loss during the Vicksburg Campaign was about one hundred and forty. In the charge of the 22d of May, 1863, it was in the front, and suffered severely. Among the killed in this charge were Captain P. M. Kelsey of Company A, and Lieutenants Jacob Jones and Edward Tyrrell. Captain T. S. Washburn and Lieutenant E. C. Little were both wounded. The former commanded the regiment in the charge. He was a gallant officer, and died of his wounds soon after reaching his home in Iowa. Lieutenant John Sutherland of Company D, was also wounded in the charge of the 22d, and Sergeant, afterwards Major, Inman.

The following incident is deserving of mention: Sergeant J. M. Elson, the color-bearer, was shot through both thighs, while endeavoring to scale the outer slope of the enemy's defenses. The flag fell forward on the enemy's works, where it lay till it was seized [sic] by Lieutenant and Adjutant George Granger. Tearing it from the staff, he put it in his bosom and brought it from the field. While on the march from Memphis to Chattanooga, the regiment lost three men in the affair at Cherokee Station. Its loss on Lookout Mountain was one man wounded, and at Mission Ridge, seven. In the affair at Ringgold it lost three men killed, and eleven wounded.

During the winter of 1863-4, the 9th Iowa was stationed near Woodville, Alabama, and, in the following spring, marched with its brigade and division to the front. It participated in the entire Atlanta Campaign, but most distinguished itself on the 22d of July, 1864, before the city. An account of general movements on these two memorable days may be given with interest. We begin with the 21st instant; for the advance to and beyond Decatur has been already given.

The 21st day of July closed with the enemy in their line of works, just beyond Decatur, and from which Sherman had tried unsuccessfully to force them: it closed with a vigorous fire of musketry along the whole line, and with the prospect that the enemy would not abandon their position till forced to do so. The night following was a magnificent one: the firing ceased late in the evening, and, not long after, the moon rose in all its splendor, lighting up dimly the scene of the recent conflict. Before mid-night, every thing was quiet, with the exception of an incessant rattling of wagon-trains and artillery, away off to the left and front. The sentinels said to each other, that Hood was evacuating Atlanta; and they were happy in the thought that they were to possess the Gate City without further blood-shed; but they were doomed to wretched disappointment.

When morning broke, no enemy were in view. They had abandoned their long line of works, extending from the right of General Thomas to near the left of General McPherson; and where, on the 21st instant, they had brought General Sherman at bay. An advance was, of course, at once ordered. The line of march of the Army of the Tennessee was nearly due west, and along and parallel with the Decatur road. Before the advance was made, the 16th Corps held the right, and joined the 23d; the 15th Corps the centre; and the 17th the left. After the movement was made, and the Army of the Tennessee disposed in line, the 15th Corps covered the Atlanta and Decatur Railroad, leaving the 17th Corps still at its left, and south-east of Atlanta. But the lines were shortened so as to crowd the 16th Corps out; and at the time the enemy made their assault, it was in reserve, in rear of the 15th and 17th Corps. This, as subsequent events proved, was most fortunate.

The enemy had not fled. They were soon discovered in a new and strong line of works, not more than a mile and a half back from those they had just abandoned. Sherman moved up and took position, shortly before twelve o'clock, at noon.

In this maneuver of his forces, the rebel Hood showed strategy. He could count on Sherman's advance in the morning, and, having massed a heavy force on his left, he would strike him, just after the advance was begun. There were two obstacles to his success — the tardiness of his troops in coming into position, and the courage and endurance of the 17th Corps. But the 9th Iowa was attached to the 15th Corps, and was not less than four miles north of the Federal left, when the Iowa Brigade, commanded by Colonel Hall, received the first attack of the enemy.

As soon as the firing commenced on the left, Wood's Division, to which the 9th belonged, was put under arms, and rested in line. On the left of Wood's Division was Morgan L. Smith's. Separating these two commands was a deep and difficult ravine, along the bottom of which ran a small stream. The sides of the ravine were covered with brush and fallen timber; and the banks of the stream, with thick bramble. In front of Smith's right, and near the ravine, was a bald knob, on which the enemy had erected a crescent-shaped work, (now vacant) to cover the approaches from the east. West of this work and in the direction of Atlanta, the ground was descending, and heavily timbered. In front of Wood's right was the Howard House, where Sherman was making his head-quarters, and where the body of the gallant and lamented McPherson was brought, soon after he was killed. I should further state that, the position of Wood's and Smith's commands was along the line of works the enemy had abandoned the previous night: portions of these had already been reversed.

The attack of the enemy broke with great fury on the left. The deep and prolonged roar of musketry, broken, occasionally, by the booming of artillery, seemed constantly approaching and increasing. Soon there were other evidences of the enemy's success. Aids, with despair in their faces, hurried to and from Sherman's head-quarters; and the general himself grew anxious and nervous. General officers were sent for, or reported without orders; and among them were Thomas, Howard, and Logan. General McPherson had already been killed in rear of the 17th Corps, and news of the calamity brought to Sherman. The ambulance bearing his dead body was then approaching the Howard House.

All this had been witnessed by the right wing of Wood's Division, when its attention was suddenly drawn in the opposite direction. Morgan L. Smith was being attacked by the enemy, and not only the smoke of the battle could be seen, but the shouts of the combatants distinctly heard. Smith's command stood firmly for only a few moments, and then broke in confusion, the enemy occupying their works. But these successes were only temporary; and yet, at that instant, with its left wing forced back and its centre broken, it looked as though the Army of the Tennessee was overwhelmed with disaster. In this gallant charge, the enemy captured several prisoners, besides De Grass' Battery of twenty-pounder Parrots. This affair took place in plain view of Sherman's headquarters; and, if I am rightly informed, the general was himself a witness to it. Wood threw back the left wing of his division promptly, so as to confront the advancing enemy. Colonel, now General, J. A. Williamson commanded the right brigade, the extreme right of which was the pivot on which the line turned. Sherman was still present and, after the new line was formed, said, "that battery must be re-captured." Wood accordingly selected the 2d Brigade, only three regiments of which were present—the 4th, 9th and 25th Iowa: the 31st Iowa was detached, and at Roswell, doing guard- and picket-duty. Between Colonel Williamson and the enemy was the ravine of which I have spoken; for the enemy held the works just before occupied by Smith. With the 4th on the right, the 9th on the left, and the 25th in reserve, Colonel Williamson entered the ravine, and, after having with much difficulty worked his way to the opposite slope, shot out on the enemy's flank with such impetuosity as to give them little time for resistance. The 4th and 9th Iowa re-captured De Grass' Battery, and turned it again on the foe. A portion of the 16th Corps now came up, and claimed a share of the honor; but it was awarded by both Generals Sherman and Wood to the 2d Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps.

For the part taken by these troops, during the balance of this engagement, I refer to the report of Colonel Williamson:

"Leaving the 9th Iowa in the works, I sent the 4th to the right, to occupy a rebel battery which commanded the head of a ravine, leading to our line in the only place where there was not a breast-work. The regiment had not more than formed, when it was assaulted by a brigade of rebel infantry, under command of Colonel Backer, and a very stubborn fight ensued; but the regiment held its position, and finally repulsed the assaults, inflicting great loss on the rebels in killed, wounded, and prisoners.

"The 37th Alabama (rebel) was, according to the statements made by prisoners, nearly annihilated in this engagement. After the last assault made by the rebels was repulsed, the command went to work changing the rebel works and constructing new ones, completing them against day-light. I now received orders to move to the left of the 16th Corps, some two or three miles to the left of our position."

In the movement of the 27th instant from the east to the west side of Atlanta, the 9th Iowa with its brigade was given the post of honor: it covered the rear of its division, in the line of march. Marching all that day and until about ten o'clock at night, it rested on its arms till day-light of the 28th, and then, in line of battle, moved forward to its new position in line. The loss of the 9th Iowa and its brigade in this day's fighting was slight, the enemy making their desperate assaults on the forces to its right. Among the wounded was Colonel Carsakaddon. He was struck by a musket-shot in the forehead, receiving a wound very similar to that received by General Dodge a few days after. Only a portion of Colonel Williamson's Brigade was engaged in the battle of the 28th. This brigade was relieved on the 3d instant, and placed in reserve, the 9th Iowa being sent to picket the extreme right. On the 13th of August, having re-joined its brigade, the regiment took part in assaulting the enemy's skirmish line, which resulted in capturing the entire force in the pits. In the march to Jonesboro, which closed the memorable campaign, the 9th Iowa took part. It reached the Montgomery Railroad in the forenoon of the 28th of August, where it remained with its brigade one day, destroying the road, and then marched to within one mile north of Jonesboro. While lying before Jonesboro on the 31st instant, the enemy made a desperate assault on the 1st Division; and the part which a portion of the 9th took in repelling this assault is thus given by the brigade commander:

"During the assault, four companies of the 9th Iowa, under Captain McSweeny, went forward and took a position in an interval between the right of the 4th Division and the left of the 3d Brigade, where there were no intrenchments [sic], and, while the battle continued, succeeded in throwing up temporary works, which enabled them to hold the position."

The loss of the 2d Brigade in the Atlanta Campaign (and the 4th and 9th Iowa suffered the most severely) was two hundred and eighty.

An account of the march from Atlanta to Savannah, and thence, through the swamps of South Carolina to Goldsboro and Raleigh, will be found in the sketch of Colonel William Smyth, 31st Iowa. After the fall of Atlanta, the 30th Iowa was attached to the 15th Corps' Iowa Brigade, and the brigade itself changed from the 2d to the 3d. On the march from Savannah to Goldsboro, the brigade was commanded by Colonel George A. Stone of the 25th Iowa, and met the enemy at three different points on the line of march. Of the part taken by the 4th and 9th Iowa on the Little Congaree Creek, near Columbia, South Carolina, Colonel Stone says:

"I was ordered to form in two lines of battle, two regiments front, and the other regiment (the 4th Iowa) to cover the front as skirmishers, and to move forward to effect a crossing of the Little Congaree Creek, if possible. Immediately in front of the 4th Iowa was a swamp about waist-deep, and some three hundred yards wide. The regiment did not falter at this obstacle, but gallantly plunged in, led by its commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Nichols. We were now about five hundred yards above the position held by the rebels on Little Congaree Creek; but a branch of that same stream intervened between us and the creek itself. It was discovered our position flanked an out-post of the enemy on the same side of the stream we were on, and three companies of the 4th Iowa and four companies of the 9th Iowa were ordered to attack this out-post. Major Anderson of the 4th Iowa commanded the skirmishers making the attack, and Captain Bowman of the 9th commanded the reserve. The attack was made with great vigor, and was entirely successful. The enemy could not withstand the impetuosity of the skirmishers, and broke, after a few minutes' fighting, to the opposite side of the creek. I now ordered my command forward to the branch of the Little Congaree, separating us from the main creek, and with the 4th Iowa went about three-fourths of a mile up the creek, to a point beyond the enemy's right flank, and in their rear. Here I ordered the 4th Iowa to cross on a log as quickly as possible, intending, as soon as that regiment had crossed, to support it with two others, and attack the enemy from the rear."

But the movement was discovered, and the enemy retired.

On the march through the Carolinas, the 9th Iowa was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Abernethy, a most excellent officer. He is a brother of the late Lieutenant-Colonel John Abernethy of the 3d Iowa, who was killed on the 22d of July, before Atlanta. Both entered the service as first sergeants, and rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

After Colonel Carsakaddon was wounded on the 28th of July, he received leave of absence and came North. He did not re-join his regiment till after its arrival at Savannah, Georgia, and, before it left that point on its final campaign, he tendered his resignation.

The colonel is a short, stocky man, with black hair and eyes, and has the appearance of much energy and determination. I am told he is a good sample of a Western man — unpretending and practical, but rather illiterate. He was a brave man, and a gallant officer; and there are few of his old regiment, who do not entertain for him the greatest good-will and affection.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 207-14

Salt Petre

At the request of the authorities here, we very cheerfully give place to the article in today’s issue, in relation to the production of salt petre. It is an essential article to the government in carrying on the war. Every person who can manufacture one or five pounds of it, ought to do so, and sell it to the government. Both the State and Confederate governments are paying a high price for the article. Our regret is that earlier and more stringent efforts were not made for procuring this essential article abroad, as well as at home.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

James B. Elliott

Private, Company F, 10th Iowa Infantry

British Inequality

The animus of the British Government is well illustrated by the contrast between the compensation paid to her aristocratic and plebian servants. For example, Harry St. George Ord, governor and Commander in Chief of the Bermudas – including the islands of St. Georges and Bermuda, with a population of eleven thousand people – receives in compensation for his arduous duties the nice little sum of $25,000 per annum, besides a town and country residence, a steam yacht, and many other snug appurtenances, while to the British soldier, who fights her battles in every clime, she doles out the paltry pittance of fourteen pence per day!

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

Hogs

There are said to be three thousand hogs within the corporate limits of Davenport. Of this number it is safe to say one-fourth are running at large. As the time for gardens has arrived and these quadrupeds take advantage of every open gate to intrude their unwelcome appearance, we trust immediate measures will be taken to abate the nuisance and preserve the premises of our citizens.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1

FURTHER AND IMPORTANT NEWS FROM HARPER’S FERRY!

A BLOODY FIGHT!

THE ABOLITIONISTS DEFEATED!

The Ringleaders killed and Peace Restored!

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 10 o’clock, A. M. – A dispatch received at Baltimore this morning at 2 o’clock, gives the following information:

The train has arrived. It halted near town, when runners communicated the state of affairs at Harper’s Ferry.

The Jefferson regiment had entered the town from the Virginia side, and the troops from Frederick, Md., crossed the bridge. There as been much firing. Nine are reported killed.


Later.

The troops have entered the town. The insurgents are willing to surrender, but only on terms of safe conduct out of the difficulty. If this is not granted them they threaten a sacrifice of lives.

Lewis Washington and Col. Daingerfield are held prisoners by them.

Captain Aaron Stephens, of Connecticut, is now dying from his wounds, and making a confession. – He says the plan of operations has been concocting for a year or more. The parties rendezvoused at a farm near the town, hired for the purpose by Capt. Brown, of Kansas notoriety, under the name of “[Hili] Smith.” Among the insurgents are Kagg Seaman, Brown, of Ohio, and Todd of Maine.


Further.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 18. – From our regular reporters. The battle was fought mainly by the railroad and tonnage men from Martinburg, led by Capt. Albertus.

Evan Dorsey, Conductor, is killed, and conductors Bowman and Hollett, wounded. No damage has been done to the railroad or bridge. It is thought that the rioters will be hanged as soon as they are captured in the morning.


Later.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 18. – A dispatch from Harper’s Ferry, dated at 6 o’clock this morning, says that preparations are making for an attack upon the Armory. The soldiers are all around the ground, and for the last hour everything has been quiet.

The rioters still have the following persons prisoners, viz: Armistead Ball, draughtsman at the Armory, Benjamin Mills, master at do., John P. Dangerfield, Pay Clerk, Lewis Washington, farmer and a prominent citizen, John Allstadt, farmer, and his son 16 years old. The three last were seized on their farms, several miles from the Ferry.

George Turner, a graduate of West point, and one of the most distinguished citizens of this vicinity, was shot yesterday whilst coming into town and died during the night.

Three of the rioters are lying dead in the street – three lying dead in the river and several said to by lying in the Armory enclosure.


List of Killed amongst the Citizens and Soldiers, as far as Ascertained.

Fountain Beckham, Haywood, a negro porter at the railroad station, Jas. Burnley, of Harper’s Ferry, Evan Dorsey and Geo. Richardson, of Martinburg.

Another rioter named Lewis Leary, has just died. He confessed to the particulars of the plot, which he says was concocted by Brown, at the Fair held in Ohio, two months ago.

The rioters have just sent in a flag of truce. If they are not protected by the soldiers here, they will certainly be hanged.


Still Later.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 18. – A later dispatch, just received, says:

“The Armory has just been stormed and taken, after a determined resistance. Col. Shutt approached it with a flag of truce, and demanded its surrender. After parleying some time his demand was refused. The Marines then advanced to the charge and endeavored to break down the door with sledge hammers, but it resisted all their efforts. A large ladder was then used as a battering ram, and the door gave way. The rioters fired briskly. They shot three of the Marines, and their fire was returned through the partly broken door. The marines then forced their way through the breach, and in a few minutes all resistance was at an end, and the rioters were brought out amidst the most intense excitement. Many of the armed militia are trying to get an opportunity to shoot them.

Capt. Brown and his son are both shot. The latter is dead, the former dying. He is now lying in the Armory enclosure, and talking freely. He says that he is “Old Ossawattamie Brown,” whose feats in Kansas have had such a wide notoriety. – He says further that his whole object was to free the slaves, and justifies his action – that he had entire possession of the town, and could have murdered all the people, but did not, and now he has been murdered in return.

Anderson (another leader) has also been shot down in the assault. He was from Connecticut.

The dead body of the man killed yesterday was found within the Armory.

Brown says that there were none engaged in the plot but those accompanying him. The prisoners are now retained in custody within the Armory enclosure.


Later.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 18. – There is intense excitement in our city. Nothing is talked of but the insurrection. Gen. Stewart has communicated an order to General J. W. Watkins to prepare, equip and mount immediately a body of men for service in the mountains near Harpers Ferry, where many of the insurgents have taken refuge. The troops will leave here in the afternoon.

Governor Wise passed the Relay House this morning, in route for Harper’s Ferry.

Three Artillery companies from Fortress Monroe, arrive here this morning, and are quartered at Fort McHenry, waiting for further orders.


Still Later.

HARPER’S FERRY, Oct. 18 – Noon. – Soon after the storming of the Armory, the bodies of the four insurgents who were shot last evening, were found within the enclosure.

Capt. Brown and his son are only dangerously wounded.

The only two of the insurrections who are unwounded, are Edwin Coppick, White. Of Iowa and Shields Green, colored, also of Iowa. the party originally consisted of 22 persons, of whom 15 have been killed, 2 mortally wounded, and 2 unhurt – 3 of them went off with the slaves on Monday morning.

Soon after the assault upon the Armory, something took place from the hills on the Maryland shore, which was supposed to be occupied by Cook and his party, who left here on Monday.


Later.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18. – Secretary Floyd received a dispatch this morning from Col. Lee., dated at 7 o’clock, saying that he called upon the rioters who had barricaded an engine house and the Arsenal Grounds, to surrender, promising to protect them until the wishes of the President, were ascertained. The proposition was made in order to save the lives of the prisoners who were in possession of the insurgents. The message was sent through Lieut. Stewart. The insurgents declined the proposition.

At a preconcerted signal from Lieutenant Green, a detachment of Marines forcibly broke into the engine house, killing two of the rioters, and capturing the remainder. Two of the Marines were wounded, one mortally.

Ossawotomie Brown is mortally wounded. Several officers of the Arsenal and the other prisoners escaped unhurt.

The War Department has dispatched an order for the U. S. Artillery at Fort McHenry, to remain there till further orders.


Farther.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18. – Six companies of the Virginia military arrived here this afternoon, but found orders awaiting them to return. Their soldier-like appearance was much admired.

The Alexandria Rifles accompanied the Grays and Company F to the Ferry this morning.

HARPER’S FERRY, Oct. 18. – The Secretary of War has telegraphed Col. Lee that District Attorney Ould, of Washington, will proceed forthwith to the Ferry to take charge of the legal proceedings against the prisoners and bring them to trial.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 18. – The train is now getting ready to convey horses and men from here to pursue the rioters into any State or locality to which they have fled. This is done by order of the President and at the request of Governor Wise.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18. – Attorney General Ould proceeded to Harper’s Ferry this evening, with the requisite Federal authorities to try the prisoners.


Later Still.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Oct. 19 – 2 a. m. – No signs hereabouts of the fugitives. A gentleman who left Greencastle at 9 o’clock last night, says that nothing had been seen of them there.

BEDFORD, Pa., Oct. 19. – No signs of the fugitives here.


Late and Important from Harper’s Ferry.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 19 – The following importing intelligence has just been received from Harper’s Ferry:

Last evening a detachment of Marines, with some volunteers, made a visit to Brown’s house. Their first visit was to a school-house, where they found a large quantity of blankets, boots, shoes, clothes, tents and 1500 pikes, with large blades affixed to them. They also discovered a carpet bag containing documents throwing much light upon the affair, together with printed Constitutions and Bylaws of the organization, showing or indicating its ramifications in various States of the Union, amongst them one from Fred. Douglas, containing $10 from a lady (?) – also one from Gerritt Smith about money matters, with a check or draft enclosed for $100, endorsed by the Cashier of a New York Bank, the name of which is not recollected. All these documents are in the possession of Gov. Wise, who has issued a proclamation offering a reward of $4,000 for the arrest of Cook. A large number of armed men are now scouring the mountains in pursuit.


Further.

WASHINGTON, October 18. – the following is the anonymous letter which was received by Gov. Floyd, some time ago.

To the Secretary of War.

CINCINNATI, August 20th. – Sir: I have recently received information of a movement of so great importance that I feel it to be my duty to impart it to you without delay – I have discovered the existence of a secret Association having for its object the liberation of the slaves of the South by a general insurrection. The leader of the movement is old John Brown, late of Kansas. He has been in Canada during the winter drilling negroes, and they are only waiting his word to start for the south, to assist the slaves. They have one of their leaders, a white man, in an armory in Maryland, where it is situated I am not enabled to learn. As soon as every thing is ready those of their number who are in the Northern States and Canada are to come in small companies to the place of rendezvous which is somewhere in the mountains of Virginia. They will pass down through Pennsylvania and Maryland, and enter Virginia at Harper’s Ferry. Brown left the North about three or four weeks ago and will arm the negroes and strike a blow in a few weeks; so that whatever is done must be done at once. They have large quantities of arms at their rendezvous and are probably distributing them already. I am not fully in their confidence. This is all the information I can give you. I dare not sign my name to this letter, but trust that you will not disregard my warning.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, October 26, 1859, p. 1

The Insurrection At Harper’s Ferry

This is altogether the most alarming and daring insurrectionary demonstration that ever has been made in the United States.

It is a natural corollary to the “irrepressible conflict” doctrine – an emanation and an essence of black Republicanism.

The plan seems to have been deliberately preconcerted. To what extent the leading Sewardites are complicated in it, by their aid and advice, may never be ascertained.

It cannot be reasonably doubted that it was formally inspired by them; and we hope means will be found to bring every guilty wretch connected with it to condign punishment.

The slaveholding states are now more distinctly forewarned than ever as to that which Black Republicanism is prepared to consummate when it gets possession of the reins of the national government. It is the part of wisdom for them to forearm.

In the mean time let the metropolitan authorities look vigilantly and act diligently on behalf of the security of the District.

Let every well disposed resident consider himself a special constable, for the purpose of ascertaining the iniquitous dens of incendiary Sewardites.

That there are desperate Abolitionists in the community prepared to apply the match to the Union cannot be reasonably doubted.

Have the National Era and Republic any subscribers in this city? If so, such are in hostile array to its durable well being.

We suspect that the bloody scheme of Harper’s Ferry had its aiders and abettors in Washington. – We shall not be surprised if it is a concentrating point for the concocting of desperate Black Republican schemes.

The time for striking was in all likelihood arranged here. No moment was so favorable as that which brought the intelligence of triumphant Sewardism in Pennsylvania, Ohio, &c.

Happily, we have an Executive who knows how to conscientiously discharge its duty. Suppose it were represented by a Seward, a Chase, a Banks, or any other Black Republican, what would be the condition of the country?

There must be no temporizing policy pursued towards the insurgents. Their enormities have been such as to turn mercy itself into an executioner.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, October 26, 1859, p. 1

The Outbreak at Harper’s Ferry

The whole country has been startled by the insurrectionary movement at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, full accounts of which will be found in our paper to-day.

The movement was promptly suppressed by the authorities, but it will be long remembered as a practical illustration of abolition doctrines.

The President of the United States deserves the thanks of every true man North and South, for the energy and promptitude which he displayed on the occasion. What would have been done if Seward had been President?

We copy the following articles on the subject from the Washington States:


THE EXCITEMENT IN THIS CITY.

Yesterday afternoon, when it became positively known that a riot of a serious nature was progressing at Harper’s Ferry, in which the rioters had taken an unlawful possession of the United States Armory there, every variety of speculation was rife as to its origin, and has continued until this morning. The papers yesterday contained indefinite telegraphic despatches, while those received by the War Department stated but the simple fact that the Armory had passed from under its control, and that active measures were therefore necessary to regain possession of it. When it became known that troops had been ordered from this city, the interest to hear the latest news became unusually exciting, and quite a crowd were assembled at the depot to witness the departure of about eighty marines, with two brass field pieces, and each armed with a Sharp’s carbine and a revolver, in command of Maj. Russell, of the Marine Pay Department and Lieut. Green. – Hon. Mr. Faulkner, late Representative from the Jefferson district, being here, accompanied the troops. The Secretary of the Navy witnessed their departure, and conferred freely with the officers in command.


WISE PRECAUTION OF THE MAYOR.

The Mayor, having also received despatches, at an early hour yesterday, deemed it necessary to take proper caution, and on conferring with the Corporation Attorney, Chief of Police, and others, determined to put the city in a condition to meet any serious disturbance which might occur.

The [anonymous] letter received by Governor Floyd, warning him of the insurrection which took place on Sunday at Harper’s Ferry designated Washington city as one of the points intended to be operated upon by the insurgents. This fact, when communicated to the Mayor, argued at once the priority, if not the necessity of vigilance here to avoid the prejudicial consequences of a precipitate outbreak.

Whilst some treated the mere suspicion of such a thing with great levity, the most sensible of our citizens inferred from the facts that people in Harper’s Ferry did not feel less free from a belief in an early invasion of their rights on Saturday night than our fellow citizens did last night, commend the Mayor for his prudence in the absence of any United States forces in keeping his police and the public-spirited members of the volunteer companies at their posts during the night. A grain of preventative is better than a pound of cure. Who would have laughed if such vigilance had not been exercised, and the calamity which has befallen Harper’s Ferry had visited us? We think Mayor Berret deserves great credit for his praiseworthy course. He remained at his office during the night with Assistant United States Marshall Phillips, Captain Goddard, and some of our most prominent citizens.

He solicited and obtained from the government the loan of two hundred percussion muskets and bayonets, with a supply of ammunition. They were placed in charge of Captain Goddard, Chief of Police who received them at his office in the City Hall, where they were loaded. The police force were present at half past 7’oclock last evening at the same place.

When this action had been taken, large numbers visited the City Hall, volunteering their services, but as every precaution had been made, nothing further was done besides the posting of sentinels on the various roads leading into the city. The President, also, with a view of the possibility of the disaffection reaching this city, ordered, through the Mayor, the establishment of a strong guard at the Columbian Armory, and the armories of the different city military companies. This order was obeyed through Major P. F. Bacon, adjutant of the District regiment.

In Georgetown similar excitement existed, and every precaution was taken to be prepared in any emergency. The reception of despatches late last night confirmed many of the previous reports, and the telegraphic offices were kept open nearly all night in order to obtain the very latest intelligence.

This morning company F, of Richmond, commanded by Gen. Stuart and the volunteer company of the “Young Guard,” accompanied by Gov. Wise arrived in this city.


VISIT OF GOVERNOR WISE TO THE MAYOR.

This morning at 3 o’clock the Mayor received the gallant Governor of Virginia, who arrived with Company F of the Virginia militia. Gov. Wise remained at the Mayors office until about 6 o’clock this morning, when he was accompanied by the Mayor and several citizens to the cars, in which he proceeded to the head of the soldiers of his State to the scene of action. The parade of these companies attracted crowds of spectators. This morning it is understood that the War Department received a dispatch from near the scene of the riot, stating the no more military companies were needed, and the order for the companies from Fort Monroe has been countermanded. This morning those companies arrived at Fort McHenry, Baltimore, and are now awaiting orders.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, October 26, 1859, p. 1

More Arms

It is announced as a well authorized fact, that 38,000 arms have recently arrived at a Confederate port from Europe. This is good news.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

L. Albert Head

Captain, Company F, 10th Iowa Infantry

The “Black Hero”

– Many of our citizens will be able to call to mind an eccentric mulatto boy named Dave, who accompanied Capt. Brent, of the Louisville Legion, on his Southern Expedition. On Sunday, during the battle of Shiloh, Dave stood by the side of Capt. Brent during the nine hours’ engagement and aided him in cheering and encouraging the men. He has earned and received the cognomen of the “Black Hero,” and is a great favorite with the Legion. – Lou. Journal.

Is not that very dreadful? Think of the horrible consequences of firing the Southern heart by arming the blacks! Think, too, of the Northern sympathizers with niggerdom; they could never survive the arming of a few negroes. We beg the Journal to expostulate with the Louisville Legion. We beg the Journal not to indulge in commendation of “black heroes.” – Who shall answer for the consequences?

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2

Roads and Bridges

The continued heavy rains and corresponding muddy roads and high waters have laid a complete embargo on that reciprocation of mutual dependence which exists between town and country. Yesterday three farmers living beyond Duck Creek, which magnificent stream courses within a mile of our corporate limits, attempted to reach our city on horseback. Hey tried the bridge of the Dubuque route, but found the road leading on to it washed away; they then went up to the Harrison street bridge, which they found in the same condition. Proceeding up to the next bridge and finding it in a similar condition and determined to come to town anyhow, they plunged their horses into the stream, and after much floundering and considerable swimming made this shore. Whether they have attempted to return we know not. Our Supervisors should attend to the condition of these and other bridges on the different roads throughout the county speedily as possible, as we are informed some of them are washed away, and all in a wretched condition.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1

Correction

It appears that the friend who informed us that the skirmish which took place between Capt. Boothe’s company and the Yankees, was mistaken in saying that it occurred near the Big Gulley. It appears to have been near Sheperdsville, in Carteret County.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

A Skirmish

We regret to learn that during a skirmish between our troops and the Yankees, a day or two ago, near Trenton, Jones County, Lieut. Col. Robinson, of Col. Spruill’s Cavalry was killed. Lieut. Col. Robinson is spoken of as a good officer.

We have heard nothing direct from it, but it is rumored that our forces had the enemy in good position to bag, when a portion of Ransom’s Cavalry coming up to their assistance, whom they mistook for the enemy’s Cavalry, caused a stampede with a portion of our men. We are unprepared to give credence to a rumor of that kind. A small portion of our force, it is said, stood their ground and fought well.

– Published in The North Carolina Weekly Standard, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 3

Profuse Liberality

The good people of Liberty township are evidently alive to the wants of our suffering soldiers in the various hospitals. Last evening, Rev. Mr. Wortz drove into town from out that way, with four large wheat sacks filled with articles for the comfort and relief of the wounded; such as shirts, sheets, quilts, pillows, and pillow-cases, towels, bandages, and lint, and some dried beef and dried grapes. He also brought in $76.45. Besides, he had a part of a load of articles for the State Sanitary commission. Liberty Township is hard to beat, when the people there set to work to accomplish any benevolent object. But the fact needn’t prevent others from trying to beat them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 18, 1862, p. 1

A letter from a soldier at Newport News . . .

. . . [relates] the following incident, giving a slave woman’s account of the capture of the rebel batteries on Gen. McClellan’s advance upon Yorktown:– “The attack on the batteries cannot be better described than in the words of an old contraband whom I fell in with on a scout to Young’s Mills the day after the capture. She was secesh, and took us to belong to the same accursed race. On asking her if there was much fighting at the battery, she replied: ‘Why, lordy, you won’t blebe me, massa, but de Yankee he fire just one round, den commence hollering like de debbel, and frew right ober de breastworks; but they couldn’t ketch our folks (secesh) dey run so fast.’”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 2