What a Memphis Paper Says --- Report of another Reliable Gentleman (?) &c.

CAIRO, April 23. – A gentleman has just arrived from Memphis with the Memphis Appeal of the 17th inst., from which I am allowed to extract the following:

In an editorial, devoted to the needs of the Mississippi valley, while acknowledging the danger of the success of the Federal flotilla, advises the employment of every one, black and white, to the extend of his ability, for defense, and advocates the construction of the most approved description of gunboats. Whatever can be done with wood and iron, and brain and muscle, must be done and done expeditiously.

The fearful mortality of Confederate officers in the recent battle of the west is explained by the fact that the enemy have organized bodies of sharpshooters whose assigned duty it is to pick all of the mean appearing on the field with plumes or epaulettes.

The Appeal advises the organizing of similar bodies of men in rebeldom.

The Federals had made no demonstration on the line of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad between Memphis and Union City; this road is operated to Taunton, Gibson county, only about 10 miles from Humboldt.

Capt. Bankhead, commanding Bankhead’s Confederate battery, when into the Shiloh battle with six pieces, and brought out twelve.

A report was current at Memphis by way of Corinth, that the Federals had abandoned Tennessee.

Gen. Prentiss, surrendered himself prisoner to private Simons, of Capt. Bethel’s company of the 22d Tennessee regiment, who conducted him to Col. Freeman; the Colonel received his sword and returning it introduced him to his regiment; when the regiment discovered the quality of their captive they vociferously cheered him. – Gen. Prentiss acknowledged the compliment by doffing his hat, and in a polite, set manner said: “Boys you have a right to cheer, for you fought like tigers.”

The Appeal says that the Confederate losses are enormously exaggerated. The killed will not exceed one thousand and their wounded five hundred, and their prisoners eight hundred, and ascribes their defeat to whisky found in the federal encampment on Sunday night.

Beauregard was not wounded, as reported by the Federal press.

The Remains of Gen. A. S. Johnston, after laying in state two days in the city Hall, were on Monday, the 14th inst., placed in the fault of the St. Louis Cemetery of New Orleans.

Our informant left Memphis the 17th, and on a pass managed to reach Humboldt, when he received safe conduct to Trenton, the present terminus of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad; from here he walked to Union City and Hickman. – There are no forces of either belligerents at Union City. From Hickman he came to this city on the Desoto. He represents that the existence of a Union sentiment at Memphis is all bosh.

Since the passage of the conscription bill by the Confederate Congress, all males between 18 and 35 have joined the army. There is no impressments; the people enter upon this service with zeal and ardor.

Business is almost entirely suspended, except in that class of goods needed for the army. – Confederate money is current, and readily taken at par in exchange for goods. There is no other money afloat.

Three gunboats were being constructed at Memphis, two of which, the Arkansas and Beauregard, would be finished in a week; the other would require a month to complete it. – The Arkansas is plated with two thicknesses of railroad iron, placed transversely, and is alone considered more than a match for the combined Federal flotilla. The Beauregard is a wooden boat with 30 inches of compressed cotton placed between heavy wooden timbers 18 inches thick, making a resistance to our shot of over five feet of wood and cotton. This they also consider impregnable. The rebels are thoroughly informed as to the construction of our boats, and think they have discovered and averted their weak pointes. Their boats are built upon a different model – are long and narrow, furnished with engines of enormous power, with all the modern improvements, and provided at the prow a la Merrimac.

He reports 18,000 in the rear of the Chickasaw bluffs, and throwing up intrenchments to provide against anticipated attack in the rear. The country back of the bluffs is now inundated.

Gen. Bragg is at Corinth. Gen. Price is to take command of Fort Pillow.

At Memphis the burning of the city is still discussed. The general impression seems to be that it will not be attempted. Cotton, tobacco, molasses and sugar is gathered in enormous piles upon the levee, and will be consigned to the flames upon the appearance of the federal fleet above Memphis.

The steamer DeSoto, just arrived from below, brings the first shipment of cotton from the valley of the Mississippi to northern ports since the war commenced.

Island No. 10 is to be fortified in accordance with plans from the War Department.

The DeSoto brings no intelligence of interest. The firing was resumed on Tuesday slowly and moderately; when the steamer left an expedition was being planned from the fleet to make a reconnioisance somewhere in the vicinity – destination unknown.

The 2d Illinois volunteers arrived from camp Dubois; they were assigned to this post in obedience to the request of Gen. Strong. Another regiment will speedily follow.

Now news from Pittsburg.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

SEE THE “X.”

We will hereafter mark an X on papers to indicate that the time of subscription is nearly or quite expired; and when subscribers wish to continue they will remit immediately.

The City Council [equ]alizes today.

Harry Hills says he sells cheaper than any other man in the city. Try him.

SPRING OPENING. – The ladies will be pleased to learn that Miss King will be ready to-morrow to exhibit her new supply of spring and summer bonnets. They are invited to call.

THE RIVER. – The river opposite continues to fall slowly. The Warsaw is the regular packet for St. Louis, and the Jonny Whipple for Davenport, this morning.

THE DES MOINES. – After the late heavy rains the Des Moines was rising again on Tuesday – over a foot at Des Moines and about six inches at Eddyville. The locks are still overflowed.

The K. Ft. D. M. & M. R. R. is repaid so that trains run through on time from end to end. Large freight trains come in daily.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

COLONEL WILLIAM H. KINSMAN

SECOND COLONEL, TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

William H. Kinsman, the successor of Colonel Dewey to the colonelcy of the 23d Iowa Infantry, was born in Nova Scotia, in the year 1832. More of his early history I have been unable to learn, except that, when about twenty years of age, he went to sea, and passed some three years in voyaging. He inherited nothing from his parents; nor did he ever receive any pecuniary assistance from his friends; but, by his diligence and economy, he collected a few hundred dollars, and, with this to defray his expenses, he entered the Columbia County Academy, New York. In 1857, he left that institution, and went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended one course of lectures in the law school of that city.

Early in 1858, he left Cleveland to seek a location in the West, and in May of the same year arrived in Council Bluffs, having crossed the entire State of Iowa on foot. In Council Bluffs he was a total stranger, and, what seemed worse, had no money; but he had energy, integrity and ability — a most excellent inheritance, and a sure guarantee of success. Soon after arriving at Council Bluffs, he obtained a situation in the law office of Clinton & Baldwin, where, passing his time as student and clerk, he remained till the fall of 1858. In 1858, he was admitted to the bar of the Pottawattamie District Court. For a short time after, he taught school in Council Bluffs, and at the same time wrote for the press of that city; for he had no means and could not afford to practice his profession.

In the winter of 1858-9, was the Pike's Peak gold mines excitement, and he resolved to visit that new region. That he was moneyless, by no means discouraged him: he could make the journey on foot. He therefore packed his scanty wardrobe in a knapsack made for the occasion, and, bidding his friends good-bye, left Council Bluffs for Denver, on foot. He made the trip, visited the mines and all the interesting and important localities of the country, and in the following Fall returned to Council Bluffs. If we except the experience he gained, he came back no richer than he went; but he lost nothing, and thousands were less fortunate than he. While absent in the mines, he corresponded with his friends through the Council Bluffs "Nonpareil;" and his letters, during this time, constituted a new feature of interest in that live and valuable paper.

Mr. Kinsman was in Council Bluffs at the outbreak of the rebellion, and at once volunteered. He also assisted in raising the first company that went out from Pottawattamie county. On its organization, he was elected its 2d lieutenant: I believe that General G. M. Dodge was its- captain. This company was afterward assigned to the 4th Iowa Infantry, and made Company B, of that regiment. At Rolla, Missouri, he was promoted to a captaincy, and with that rank fought at the battle of Pea Ridge. He was detached from his regiment in that engagement, and, with two companies (his own and one from the 24th Missouri Infantry) deployed as skirmishers, covered the left wing of the army. For his vigilance and firmness he was afterward handsomely complimented by Colonel, now General Dodge. Captain Kinsman was appointed by the President, in July 1863, assistant adjutant-general to General G. M. Dodge; but declining the commission he continued with his regiment until the 2d of the following August, when he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 23d Iowa Infantry. He joined the regiment at its rendezvous in Des Moines, and served with it till the death of Colonel Dewey, when he succeeded to the colonelcy.

During the winter of 1862-3, the 23d Iowa Infantry was attached to the Army of South East Missouri; but in the early Spring it broke camp and proceeded to Milliken's Bend, whence it marched on the exciting campaign that resulted in the capture of Vicksburg. The close of that campaign Colonel Kinsman was destined never to see. On this march the 23d Iowa was attached to the division of Carr, of the 13th Army Corps, which first crossed the Mississippi River at Bruinsburg, and led the advance through the enemy's country to the rear of Vicksburg. Port Gibson was the regiment's first battle; and in that engagement its loss was thirty-one killed and wounded. Six were killed. Among the wounded were Captain Henry and Lieutenant Ballard.

With its division the 23d Iowa was in reserve at Champion's Hill; but at Big Black River Bridge, on the 17th of May, 1863, it most signally distinguished itself. It lost many brave officers and men, and among others its noble colonel.

How General Pemberton, under orders from Joe Johnson, left Vicksburg with nearly his entire army to strike and crush General Grant; and how Grant, divining his plans, turned back on him at Champion's Hill, and with a force less by one-half than the enemy's, not only defeated, but put him to total rout, is well known. On the heels of the battle of Champion's Hill was that of Big Black River Bridge. Its account will be read with interest. I will first quote from the official report of General Grant:

"At day-light on the 17th, the pursuit was renewed with McClernand's Corps in the advance. The enemy was found strongly posted on both sides of the Black River. At this point on Black River, the bluffs extended to the water's edge, on the west bank. On the east side is an open cultivated bottom of near one mile in width, surrounded by a bayou of stagnant water, from two to three feet in depth, and from ten to twenty feet in width, from the river above the railroad to the river below."

"Following the inside line of this bayou, the enemy had constructed rifle-pits, with the bayou to serve as a ditch on the outside, and immediately in front of them. Carr's Division occupied the right in investing this place, and Lawler's Brigade, the right of his division. After a few hours' skirmishing, Lawler discovered that, by moving a portion of his brigade under cover of the river bank, he could get a position from which that place could be successfully assaulted, and ordered a charge accordingly. Notwithstanding the level ground over which a portion of his troops had to pass without cover, and the great obstacle of the ditch in front of the enemy's works, the charge was gallantly and successfully made; and in a few minutes the entire garrison, with seventeen pieces of artillery, were the trophies of this brilliant and daring movement."

It is to be remembered that the direction of Grant's march was from the east. The general course of the Big Black River is nearly south-west; but, just above the railroad bridge, it runs nearly east and west. At the point where the bayou of which General Grant speaks puts out, the river bears round to the left, and forms a great bend, at the lower point of which the bayou again unites with the river. The enemy were behind this bayou, and had the river on their right and left, and in their rear. Near the middle of this bend, the river is spanned by the railroad bridge and on its farther side the high ground, which comes squarely up to its bank, was held by the enemy and defended by artillery.

Along the bank of the river on the side where the Federal troops were in position was a belt of timber, in which the right of Carr's Division rested: the 23d Iowa was the extreme right regiment. With this exception, the country in front of the enemy was open. The 21st and 23d Iowa regiments made the charge, supported by the 22d Iowa and the 11th Wisconsin.

The position of the two leading regiments just before advancing on the enemy's works was in the timber and nearly parallel with the river bank; and the movement was to be effected by a grand and rapid right wheel, which, as soon as the open field was gained, would throw the troops under a most murderous fire of musketry and artillery. Eighteen cannon were in position on the east side of the river, in addition to those on the opposite bluff. The infantry force of the enemy could not have been less than five thousand; for over two thousand were captured. Had they not fled like base cowards, how could there have been a survivor in the two leading regiments? This then was the position, and the determination and valor which carried it could have been scarcely less than that which sealed Fort Donelson.

Colonel Merrill of the 21st Iowa, and Colonel Kinsman of the 23d, were to lead their regiments, and, at the request of Colonel Merrill, Colonel Kinsman, who held the inner line, was to give the former notice of the moment to move. Soon all was in readiness, and notice was dispatched by an orderly.

Placing himself now in the front and centre of his regiment, Colonel Kinsman said: "Captains, lead your companies, and I will lead you." The shout was now raised, and the heroes started on the double-quick, with their guns thrown forward, as is usual in a charge. What a moment of agony was it till the enemy opened fire! But the storm of death was not long deferred. There was a sudden crash along the whole rebel line, and instantly a purple cloud of smoke enveloped the enemy's breast-works. All anxiety was now gone: the killed and wounded dropped upon the ground, while the others, closing up their ranks, pressed on to victory.

Colonel Kinsman had not advanced far till he was struck by a minnie ball in the abdomen, which felled him. Immediately rising, he said: — "They have not killed me yet," and still moved on; but he had advanced only a few yards further, when he was shot again — this time through the lungs. He fell, mortally wounded; but he said to his regiment as it passed him: — "Go on, go on, I can not go with you further."

Beneath a tree, and near where he fell, Colonel Kinsman died. "Bury me," he said, "on the battle-field, and tell my friends I did not falter." And thus fell Colonel Kinsman — of the Iowa colonels the third, who, at that time, had been killed in battle. The country was not his by birth, nor the cause by inheritance; and yet he gave his life in their vindication. What a lesson is his example and devotion to the base men who have struck hands with the Nation's fratricides! How they will covet the glory that will bear his name down to posterity! He died to save the country — his, only by choice.

But, though Colonel Kinsman fell, his regiment did not falter; for his last command had been, "Go on, go on." The enemy, apalled [sic] by such bravery, broke in confusion. They all had to cross the bridge, and before that could be accomplished two thousand of them were captured, Colonel Kinsman and Colonel Merrill each led their regiment in the charge: the former was mortally, and the latter severely wounded. Many other brave men fell. The loss of the 23d Iowa alone was more than one hundred. But the enemy had been routed, and a safe and unmolested passage secured over Big Black River. From that time forward, the history of the 23d Iowa has been made under Colonel Glasgow.

I never saw Colonel Kinsman, but learn that he was a man of middle size, erect, and well formed. He had fine, brown hair, blue eyes, a full, high forehead and regular features. The expression of his countenance was frank and pleasing. He was of a very sociable and sensitive nature, and made a fast friend. In civil life, he never bent his energies long in any one direction; some prophesied he would meet with great success at the bar. As a soldier, he stood among the first the State has sent to the war.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 383-8

A Scamp About

A deserted wife advertises her husband in a Rock Island paper. The gentleman it seems is 33 years old, has black hair, black eyes, weighs 140 pounds and is know as J. L. Markey and is supposed to be in Keokuk with his kitchen girl, who ran off with the gay Lothario. His inamorta has black eyes, black hair, heavy eyebrows, and is lame in the right foot. The Keokuk authorities are requested to arrest them.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

The Wounded Coming

We learn that Col. Rankin received a dispatch yesterday from St. Louis, notifying him that a large number of wounded solders were on the way here, and to have the Hospital in readiness. It was also reported that Col. Reid, Major Belknap and others were expected here tonight.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862

The 17th Regiment

The last Company of the 17th was mustered in yesterday, and the regiment is now full. It is ordered by Gen. Halleck to Pittsburg, and will leave on Friday morning. – Keokuk Gate City, 17th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

The [facetous] editor of the Dubuque Herald says . . .

. . . that if the President approve[s] of the act to emancipate the slaves in the District of Columbia, it will be “inconsistent with every declaration of his life on the subject of which this act treats!” Father Mahony seems to have had an idea that ‘Old Abe’ was something of a secessionist. We refer him to the President’s message we published yesterday. Mahony is alarmed; he says if the president sign[s] this “entering wedge,” there is “no hope for the preservation of the Union, except it be by the direct intervention of the people for its salvation. For “Union” in this sentence, read “Slavery,” and you have our pro-slavery contemporary right on the record.

– Published in Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

From Southern Missouri

DESOLATION OF THE COUNTRY.

(Special Cor. To the Missouri Dem.)

Rock House Creek, Mo., April 6.

The advance guard of our army, under Gen. Osterhaus, camped at this point last evening, having marched twenty miles from their old camp at Cross Timbers. – The people in this vicinity are mostly Union, there being but three secessionists on this road from Cassville to Flat Creek. I stopped with a good Union man last night and found several of his neighbors present, all anxious to be informed whether our army was going to leave them to the tender mercies of the secessionists. – They said no money could hire them to endure the constant annoyance submitted to last summer. They were obliged to leave their families and crops suffering, and shelter themselves for days and weeks in the bush to get out of reach of the rebels. Bands of outlaws frequently came down from Cassville and would rob Union men of everything in their houses; blankets, bread, bacon, &c., and if they caught the owner he would be taken to Cassville under a strong guard. In consequence of uncertainties of the future and unquiet state of the country, but a few are making any preparations to put in crops. Farms are laid waste and fences burned up along the main road, and Union men are discouraged. The secessionists have mostly gone South with their negroes. Some Union people have not only abandoned the idea of making crops, but are setting there waiting, intending to forsake all and emigrate to a place of safety.

The wounded are doing well at Cassville. The Court House and all prominent stores are being used as hospitals, it being a fortunate circumstance for them that the owners of the principal buildings had stampeded from the town.

On the 30th and expedition consisting of cavalry and two mountain howitzers reconnoitered the country about Huntsville. At the latter place it was found that a force of rebel cavalry, whom we intended to bag, had made good their retreat.

The flag planted by Gen. Curtis at Keitsville was ruthlessly torn down, but was recently brought in, and when last seen was floating over the Provost Marshall’s office at Cassville.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Another Act of Justice

Mr. Sumner’s bill, to remove all disabilities of color, in persons employed in carrying the mails, was taken up a few days since and passed without debate, yeas 24; nays 11. The Pittsburg Gazette says truly, that never, certainly of late years, ahs a bill opposed to the prejudice of race met with such a reception as this. It was introduced quietly, quietly referred to the Post Office Committee, reported back by Senator Collamer, and passed, as if it were a measure affecting only white people.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

COLONEL WILLIAM DEWEY

FIRST COLONEL, TWENTY-THIRD INFANTRY.

William Dewey, the original colonel of the 23d Iowa Infantry, and a son of the late Hon. Charles Dewey, a former Judge of the Supreme Bench of Indiana, was born on the 26th day of March, 1811, in the town of Sheffield, Massachusetts. He was educated at the West Point Military Academy, but was not, I think, a graduate of the Institution. After leaving West Point, he studied law in the office of his father, and was admitted to the bar in Indiana, in about the year 1836. He practiced the law for a few years, and then abandoned that profession for medicine, which he studied at the St. Louis Medical College. He completed his medical studies in about the year 1842, and soon after came to Iowa, and settled in Wapello county.

In 1850 Colonel Dewey served as one of the commissioners, who were appointed from Iowa to settle the boundary line between Missouri and this State; after which he removed to Sidney, Fremont County. He practiced medicine in Sidney, till the summer of 1861, when, in connection with Colonel H. T. Reid, he assisted in recruiting and organizing the 15th Iowa Infantry. He was made lieutenant-colonel of that regiment, on the 6th of November, 1861, and, early in the following Spring, accompanied it to Pittsburg Landing. The 15th Iowa reached the Landing on Sunday morning, the 6th of April, just as the battle was opening, and was ordered to report to General Prentiss. All order however was lost before it reached the front, and, really, the regiment fought on its own account and independently of the orders of General officers.

Lieutenant-Colonel Dewey served with the 15th Iowa during the siege of Corinth, and until the 1st of August, 1862, when he was commissioned colonel of the 23d Iowa Infantry. He soon joined his regiment at its rendezvous in Des Moines.

The 23d Iowa was first stationed at Patterson, Missouri: indeed, that was the only point at which it served during the life of Colonel Dewey; for he died at that place on the 30th of November, 1862, of erysipelas. His affair at Pittman's Ferry, on Currant River, is the only one that approached to any thing like an engagement during his colonelcy of the 23d Iowa, and that resulted in little more than a long, fatiguing march.

The colonel was a tall, slender man, with gray eyes and spare features. He was not at first popular with his regiment. He was strict and exacting in his discipline, which did not accord with the democratic notions of his men.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 381-2

The Old North State Proposes to Surrender

BALTIMORE, April 24. – It is reported that Gen. Burnside has received proposals from the Governor of North Carolina for the surrender of the state.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Latest from Cairo

CAIRO, April 23. – It is reported that the Mound City hospital is to be suspended until after the waters subside. Sewers to be opened &c., the sick and wounded to be transferred to other hospitals.

A Steamboat expedition across the bottom above the city has succeeded in effecting a junction with the railroad at the Iron bridge some six miles above Cairo. Very little change in the state of water.

The steamer Tigress just arrived from Pittsburg Landing. Officers of the 12th Iowa on board report the water lower than a month ago. The have but twelve effective men left, of their regiment.

Arrivals from Com. Foote bring nothing interesting. Nothing new from the army.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From the Rappahannock

WASHINGTON, April 23. – The King Phillip has arrived at the Navy Yard this morning, and reports the Vicksburg as having cautiously passed through the five sunken obstructions below that town.

Our Flotilla has captured seven rebel schooners, one of them with a valuable cargo of dry goods, medicines, and saltpetre, and also two small steamers.

It is further stated that the rebel pickets are occasionally seen on the south side of the river.

Our troops still command the possession of Fredericksburg, the residents of which are entirely free in their usual business pursuits.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY, April 19. – The Legislature of the State of Deseret assembled in this city on the 14th, in accordance of the proclamation of Governor Young. The Governor’s Message is patriotic. Two Senators have been elected.

SALT LAKE CITY, April 22. – The Indians have stolen the stock from nearly every station between Laramie and Bridger, killed several men, burned a station and threaten the destruction of the Overland Mail Company’s property. The Company, in consequence, are concentrating their employees and property at a few stations for protection and have abandoned all attempts to carry mail for the present.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

From New Mexico

(Correspondence of M. Republican)

FT. UNION, NEW MEXICO, April 13. – Colonel Slough, after the battle of [Apache Canyon], fell back and took position at Bernal Springs, 45 miles south of Fort Union. This was deemed the strategetical [sic] point, being within supporting distance of Ft. Union, and in a position to harass the enemy, and to form a junction with Col. Canby when he shall leave Ft. Craig, 200 miles south. We had been there one day, when Col. Canby sent from Fort Craig, his Assistant Ad’jt General, with preemptory orders to Col. Slough to fall back with his column to Ft. Union, which was immediately observed.

It would seem that we crippled the enemy in the Apache [Canyon] more than was believed at first. We have reliable information that we killed over 100 men, including 6 officers, and wounded over 200.

We have now prisoners at Ft. Union 21 officers and 82 privates.

The enemy fell back to Santa Fe and are again, it is believed, concentrating in their old position at Albuquerque.

Yesterday an express arrived from Colonel [Canby], stating that he would leave Ft. Craig on the 31st of March.

If the enemy is still in the vicinity of [Albuquerque], with ordinary traveling Col. Canby is in their immediate vicinity and his column 180 miles from [Albuquerque] will only leave this morning. He will be unsupported by this column, and with 900 regulars will have to encounter their forces unless he can slip by and join the column which leaves here this morning.

It is understood that Kit Carson with a regiment of New Mexican volunteers, 700 strong will remain and garrison Fort Craig. It is rumored that Colonels Stute and Busler of the rebel army are advancing into New [Mexico] with 800 additional men.

Important events will probably occur before the next Express leaves for the States.

A well authenticated report has since reached here that the Texan forces, 2,000 strong, are entrenching themselves at Santa Fe. Colonel Canby having strengthened his command up to 1200 is fifty miles south of Santa Fe. This may enable our two commands to act together, and make us 2400. If this is the case we will have one of the bloodiest battles of record.

The enemy’s artillery numbers about 18 Pieces, ours 12 pieces.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

National Cemetery

Washington, April 13.

The Military committee of the House have a report ready, establishing a National Cemetery in the District of Columbia.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

The River

DUBUQUE, April 23. – River rising three inches in twenty-four hours – six feet below high water mark.

CLINTON, IOWA, April 23. – The Mississippi fell five inches since it commenced falling – is now at a stand.

ROCK ISLAND, April 23. – The river has fallen six inches during the last twenty-four hours. – [Weather] cold and cloudy.

CLINTON, Iowa, April 24 – the river has raised 1 inch since yesterday.

DUBUQUE, April 24. – River still rising; rose 1 inch in the last 24 hours.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

COLONEL HARVEY GRAHAM

SECOND COLONEL, TWENTY-SECOND INFANTRY.

Harvey Graham was born in the year 1827, in the State of Pennsylvania. He is an old resident of Iowa City, and entered the service from that place; but, of the time he first came to the State, I am unadvised. He is a mill-wright by trade.

Colonel Graham's connection with the volunteer service dates from the beginning of the war. He was one of the first men from Johnson county to enter the army, in the spring of 1861. He was the 1st Lieutenant of Company B, 1st Iowa Infantry, and commanded his company at the battle of Wilson's Creek, where he was slightly wounded. On the organization of the 22d Iowa Infantry, he was commissioned major of the regiment, and, a few days later, was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy, vice John A. Garrett, promoted to the colonelcy of the 40th Iowa. He served with his regiment as lieutenant-colonel till the resignation of Colonel, now Governor Stone, when he was commissioned colonel.

Subsequently to the fall of Vicksburg and up to July, 1864, the history of the 22d Iowa is much the same as are those of the 21st and 23d Iowa Regiments. It served in Louisiana, and on the Texan coast. But in July, 1864, it was one of the three Iowa regiments that were transferred to the Shenandoah Valley. At the time it sailed for that destination, there were other Iowa troops under orders for the same place; but the unsettled condition of affairs in Arkansas demanded their services, and the orders, as regarded them, were revoked.

The following is from the history of the 22d Iowa, which appears in the Adjutant-General's Reports for the year 1865:

"The 13th Army Corps having been temporarily discontinued by the War Department, the 22d Iowa was ordered to report to General Reynolds at New Orleans. Embarked on transports, reached New Orleans July 6th, and was ordered into camp at Algiers, Louisiana. Here was assigned to the Second Brigade of General Grover's (second) Division, 19th Army Corps. The Second Brigade consisted of the 131st and 159th New York, 13th Connecticut, and 3d Massachusetts Cavalry, and was afterward joined by the 22d Iowa and 11th Indiana, and was commanded by Colonel E. L. Molineaux, of the 159th New York.

"The 19th Army Corps, as reorganized, comprised three divisions: 1st, General Dwight's, composed of Eastern troops exclusively; 2d, General Grover's, of five Western regiments and the remainder Eastern troops; 3d, General Lawler's, of Western troops. The 1st and 2d Divisions having been ordered to report to Washington, D. C., the 22d Iowa, with the 131st and 159th New York, embarked on the 17th of July on the steamship Cahawba, and, after a voyage void of incident, arrived at Fortress Monroe on the 24th of July, and anchored in Hampton Roads. Weighed anchor on the 25th at eight A. M., and proceeded up James River. Dis-embarked at Bermuda Hundreds Landing, and after marching seven miles joined the forces of General Butler.

" The 22d Iowa, and 131st and 159th New York, being the only regiments of the division ordered to this place, the other portion of it having gone direct to Washington, they were temporarily attached to General Terry's Division of General Birney's Corps, and placed on duty in the trenches extending across the peninsula from the James to the Appomattox, occupying a portion of the line in General Butler's front until the 31st, when orders were received to report at Washington. Marched at two o'clock A. M., and reached Bermuda Hundreds Landing at day-light; embarked on transport Wenona, and steamed down the James river to Fortress Monroe and from thence up the Potomac to Washington, arriving at noon on the 1st of August.

From Washington the regiment marched to the Shenandoah, joining Sheridan at Berryville, at mid-night — August 18th. Sheridan was at the time falling back before Early; and, for a month after the arrival of the 19th Corps, he did little more than watch his opportunity and maneuver in the face of the enemy. Nor were his maneuvers fruitless; for, during this time, he parried Early's second contemplated raid into Pennsylvania. Finally, the rebel Kershaw's Division leaving Early for Richmond, Sheridan promptly assumed the offensive. He was at the time lying intrenched, near Berryville, while Early was on the west side of Opequan Creek, and near Winchester. The advance was begun before day-light on the morning of the 19th of September, over the Winchester and Berryville pike, and the enemy encountered across the Opequan, shortly before ten o'clock. The 6th Corps led the advance, or rather followed close on the heels of the cavalry, sent forward to open up a crossing over the Opequan.

The battle of Winchester or Opequan, says a captain of the 19th Corps who fought on the same ground with the 22d Iowa, was after this plan:

"A narrow ravine, winding among hills so steep and thickly wooded as to be impassable for any troops but light infantry, debouches into an irregular, undulating valley, faced on the south by an amphitheatre of stony hights, laid, with regard to each other, like detached fortifications. The object of Sheridan was to pass through this ravine, deploy in the valley, amuse the enemy's right, fight his centre vigorously, and turn and force his left. The object of Early was to allow us to deploy up to a certain extent; then to beat in our attacking columns, and throw them back in confusion on the line of advance; lastly, to ruin us by pushing his strong left through our right, and reaching the gorge, so as to cut off our retreat. To effect this final purpose, his line was not drawn up at right angles to the pike, but diagonally to it, so as to bring his left near to our vital debouching point."

The 6th Corps, as already stated, encountered the enemy about ten o'clock. Emerging from the ravine, they swung rapidly down against the enemy's right, in two lines of battle, and gained the position assigned, without much hard fighting. The position of the 19th Corps was in the centre, and the ground it was to take and hold involved the severest fighting of the day. It was to break back the rebel centre, and secure a position that would enable the 8th Corps to move up and against the enemy's left. It was the key to all positions — the place of supreme importance, which, if not taken, would insure a repulse, and, if not held when taken, would insure disastrous defeat.

The fighting had already begun, as the 22d Iowa neared the Opequan; and, as they pressed on at a rapid pace through the narrow, crowded highway, wounded men, lying pale and quiet upon their bloody stretchers, were frequently met. Soon the creek was reached and crossed, and line of battle formed, when the struggle with the 19th Corps began. The fortunes of the 22d Iowa in this battle were, I am told, the same as those of other regiments of its division. It was at first successful, driving the enemy back under one of the most destructive fires ever witnessed, and was then in turn as signally repulsed. Finally, it rallied, and when the enemy's left was assailed by the intrepid Crook, joined in pressing their centre to total rout. It was a dear, but most signal victory. I again quote from the history of the regiment: "It would be impossible to make any discrimination among officers or men for gallant and meritorious conduct in this action. The regiment never fought better. Not a man faltered or fell back, although it required more than momentary excitement to charge over a mile, and subjected to a heavy fire. None lacked the courage and determination to do so. Captain D. J. Davis, of Company A, and Captain B. D. Parks, Company E, were instantly killed at the head of their companies, and at the post of honor. Sergeant-Major George A. Remley, as noble as he was brave, was pierced with three balls, and fell dead. Lieutenant-Colonel E. G. White was slightly wounded in the face by the explosion of a shell. Lieutenant James A. Boarts was severely wounded in the head by a Minnie-ball, and has since died. Lieutenants Jones, of Company A, and Hull, of Company K, were both captured. Colonel Graham, Lieutenant-Colonel White, Major Gearkee, Captains Mullins, Humphrey, Cree, Clark, Shocker, Hartley and Morsman, and Lieutenants Turnbull, Davis, Needham, Messenger and Chandler, are all entitled to great praise for their gallantry throughout the battle in encouraging and rallying the men to the colors. Surgeon Shrader was on the field during the engagement, and was indefatigable in his exertions to care for the wounded. Quarter-master Sterling, Hospital-Steward Ealy, and Commissary-Sergeant Brown rendered efficient service in carrying off the wounded, and conducting the ambulances to different parts of the field, and can not be too highly commended. The total loss of the regiment in this action was one hundred and nine killed, wounded and missing."

Next came the pursuit and the engagement at Fisher's Hill, and then the pursuit to Harrisonburg. At Fisher's Hill, the regiment took a conspicuous part, charging in company with the 28th Iowa, and 128th New York, the strong works of the enemy, and capturing a six-gun battery and many prisoners.

The bloody and well-nigh disastrous affair at Cedar Creek, is thus given by Adjutant Samuel D. Pryce, the regiment's excellent historian:

"On the night of the 18th instant, the 22d Iowa, with the brigade under Colonel Mollineaux, was ordered to be ready to move at five o'clock on the coming morning, on a reconnoissance in the direction of Strasburg, to ascertain the force and develop the lines of the enemy. Accordingly, at the hour designated, the brigade was in line ready to move, when the enemy suddenly attacked the extreme left flank of the army, consisting of the 8th Corps, taking them completely by surprise, and routing them from their works, and before day-light had succeeded in throwing their entire army in the rear of the 6th and 19th Corps. At this juncture, the 22d Iowa was detached, and double-quicked one-half mile to save a battery from capture, and also to protect it until it could take up a new position. We had not, however, reached to within two hundred yards of the ground, when it was ascertained that the enemy had possession of the guns, and were charging over their works. The regiment opened fire, and held its ground against the force, checking their advance, but were obliged to fall back and join the brigade, to save being isolated and captured. In this retreat, the regiment retained its organization, and rallied four times alone, each time checking the advance of the enemy. The army fell back gradually for three miles in the direction of Winchester, when, General Sheridan arriving on the field, the troops re-formed, and preparations were made to retrieve the disaster of the morning. General Sheridan rode along the line, reviewed the troops, and then ordered an advance on the enemy's lines. In the advance, the Western regiments were formed together in one line, and the duty of changing the fortune of the day confided to their intrepid courage. The enemy met the advance with stubborn resistance, but were compelled to give way before the tremendous fighting of General Grover's Division of the 19th Corps. The enemy fell back to a line of breast-works, thrown up by them in the morning to provide against a reverse, where they attempted to make a stand to resist the fierce and determined attack of the Western troops, who, with a deafening cheer, again charged them, routing them from their breast-works, and driving them in confusion in every direction. The disaster of the morning had been turned into a victory, and the army, inspired with success, pursued the routed enemy, driving them through the camp occupied in the morning, and over Cedar Creek, capturing thousands of prisoners, and a great portion of their trains and artillery. The cavalry took up the pursuit, making heavy additional captures, rendering the defeat of the enemy the most disastrous during the campaign. The total loss of the regiment in this hardly-contested battle was seventy-seven killed, wounded and missing.

Among the wounded of the 22d Iowa, in the battle of Cedar Creek, were Captains L. F. Mullin, A. B. McCree and Charles Hartley, and Lieutenants E. F. Dudley and N. C. Messenger. Captain G. W. Clark was captured.

When Sherman left Savannah and Beaufort, on his march northward, the 22d Iowa, with its division, left the Shenandoah Valley for Eastern Georgia; but all the chief points of interest in the regiment's history have been already given.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 375-80

German Citizens

The Ottumwa Mercury copies a portion of our remarks on the municipal election in this city and then makes an appeal to the Democrats of that county. “Look at it,” it says, “in Scott county where the honest, white portion of the Republican party, who go under the name of ‘Unionists’ for siding in a body with the Democrats, are denounced, and the Abolition organ of Davenport exults over the defeat of the German Unionist, Bleik Peters.” Now, that’s rich! Let us put our contemporary right on the record.

A portion of the Germans left the Republican party last year, because, they said, it was not anti-slavery enough for them, and came out as a separate organization calling themselves “Unionists.” Since then the principles of the republican party have become so intensified – we like to use that word, it is expressive – by the fruition of the curse of slavery, that those Germans have repudiated the name they assumed and are many of them again acting with the Republican party. They find that it is not altogether the best way to advance anti-slavery principles, by patronizing a pro-slavery organ and electing pro-slavery Democrats to office.

The fact of it is, the Germans as a nation are anti-slavery in their sentiments and cannot assimulate [sic] with the Democratic party. They make the best soldiers in Christendom fighting in the Federal army and the poorest in the world fighting under the secesh flag. This may also be taken in a political sense.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p.2

Beauregard Reported Dead

Woodstock, April 13.

To E. M. Stanton:

We learn from Jackson’s camp this afternoon that Beauregard is dead. The report comes direct from rebel sources. – Nothing new to report regarding the enemy.

(Signed.) N. P. BANKS, Major General.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

COLONEL SAMUEL MERRILL

TWENTY-FIRST INFANTRY.

Colonel Samuel Merrill is a native of the State which was first settled by traders and fishermen "on the Maine," and is a representative-man of New England. He was born on the 7th day of August, 1822, in the town of Turner, Oxford county, where he resided till the age of sixteen; when he moved with his parents to Buxton, York county, of the same State. After removing to Buxton, he taught and attended school by turns, until he attained his majority, and then visited the Southern States, with the intention of settling there, and making teaching a permanent business. But, as the colonel himself expresses it, "he was born too far north." Suspicions were awakened, many questions asked, and he was finally advised to leave, which he did in disgust. Nor did he ever return, until, under orders from his Government, he led his regiment to the field. Returning to Maine after his rebuff in the South, he purchased a farm, and two years later married. In 1847, he lost his wife, after living with her only fourteen months. Soon after, he sold his farm and moved to Tamworth, New Hampshire; where, in company with his brother, J. H. Merrill, Esq., he entered the mercantile business. This he followed with good success, till the year 1856, when he removed to McGregor, Iowa, and established a branch house of the same firm.

While a citizen of New Hampshire, Colonel Merrill was twice elected to the State Legislature. He was a member of that body in 1854 and in 1855, the time when the celebrated struggle for United States Senators came off, which finally terminated in the election of John P. Hale and James Bell. For nearly forty consecutive years previous, the State had been democratic.

In 1854, Nathaniel B. Baker, our present adjutant-general, was Governor of New Hampshire, and Colonel Merrill a member of the House. Just six years later, both of these gentlemen were elected to the Iowa State Legislature, and served together in that body.

In January, 1851, Colonel Merrill was again married, his second wife being a Miss Hill, of Buxton, Maine. From this union three children were born; though all of them died young, the oldest living to be only two and a half years old. From 1856 till the spring of 1861, Colonel Merrill continued in the wholesale and retail dry-goods and grocery business; but, at the last named date, sold out and became a member of the McGregor Branch Bank.

In the summer of 1862, Colonel Merrill entered the United States service. Ardent in temperament and radical in sentiment, it was only his unsettled business, as I am credibly informed, that prevented him from enlisting in the war sooner. He was commissioned colonel of the 21st Iowa Infantry, on the 1st of August, 1862, and, on the 16th of September following, left Dubuque in command of his regiment for St. Louis on the steamer Henry Clay.

One of the most interesting pages in the history of the 21st Iowa, is that which relates to the battle of Hartsville, Missouri — an engagement, of which less is known in our State, than of almost any other, in which Iowa troops have fought. Colonel Merrill arrived with his command at Rolla, Missouri, on the 23d of September, 1862, and, previous to the 11th of January, 1863, (the date of the Hartsville battle) had marched it from one point to another in Southern Missouri, without ever meeting the enemy. We should, however, except the affair at Beaver Creek, where, on the 27th of November, a small detachment of the regiment, while guarding a provision-train from Rolla to Hartsville, was cut to pieces by rebel cavalry.

General J. S. Marmaduke, on the 31st of December, 1862, (I quote from the rebel general's report) "marched from Lewisburg, Arkansas, via Yellville, Arkansas, to strike the enemy in rear and flank," with a force numbering, according to his own estimate, three thousand three hundred and seventy men. Advancing by way of Ozark, the rebel force appeared before Springfield on the 8th of January, 1863, and at once began an assault on the place.

As has been already stated in the sketch of General Edwards, Springfield was, at the time in question, commanded by General Brown of Missouri. Doubting his ability to make a successful defense against so unequal a force, he telegraphed General Fitz Henry Warren, commanding at Houston, Missouri, for reinforcements. The telegram was received by General Warren on the morning of the 9th. Without waiting to confer with General Curtis, commanding the Department, he promptly organized a force, consisting of the 21st Iowa, the 99th Illinois, three companies of the 3d Iowa, and the 3d Missouri cavalry, and two guns of the 2d Missouri Battery, and, placing it under command of Colonel Merrill of the 21st Iowa, ordered that officer to proceed by forced marches to Springfield, and report to the commanding officer of the place. On Saturday evening, the 10th instant, Colonel Merrill had reached Woods' Fork, about six miles west of Hartsville, where he halted his command for supper and rest. Reveille was beat on Sunday morning at two o'clock, and preparations made to resume the march, when scouts came in with the report that the enemy, in heavy force, was advancing on the Springfield road. Colonel Merrill at once comprehended the situation. Marmaduke had been repulsed at Springfield; and he had now to fight the entire rebel command. With this understanding he made a hasty disposition of his forces, and met the advance of the enemy with so vigorous an attack that he soon fell back, and, moving south to the old Springfield road, continued his march in the direction of Hartsville. Being advised of this movement, Colonel Merrill moved back hastily, and secured a commanding point to the west of the town that not only made his own position secure, but enabled him to command the place.

The fight at Hartsville opened with artillery at eleven o'clock A. M. and continued till four in the afternoon, when the enemy, repulsed and punished at every point, withdrew from the field. The force under Colonel Merrill in this engagement was about one thousand: that of the enemy was not leas than three thousand three hundred and seventy — probably, not less than five thousand. The contest was unequal, and the victory all the more brilliant. Of this battle General Marmaduke says, in his official report: "At Hartsville, I met, fought, and drove, in the direction of Lebanon, sixteen hundred infantry and five hundred cavalry, under General Merrill. The battle was desperate." It was indeed desperate for him; for he lost among his dead one brigadier — the "brave McDonald" — three colonels, and one major, "besides other brave officers." General Marmaduke, in his retreat to White River, frequently said to Lieutenant Brown of the 3d Iowa cavalry, whom he had taken prisoner at Wood's Fork: "Why, Lieutenant, your boys fought like devils."

At Hartsville, the loss of the 21st Iowa was thirty in killed, wounded and missing. Four enlisted men were killed, and two officers and sixteen enlisted men wounded.

Subsequently to the winter of 1862-3, and till after the fall of Vicksburg, the history of the 21st is nearly the same as are those of the 22d and 23d Iowa Infantry regiments. Brigaded with the two last named regiments, together with the 11th -Wisconsin, (a splendid body of troops) the 21st Iowa marched on the Vicksburg Campaign, and took a distinguished part in the battles of Port Gibson and Big Black River Bridge. In the former of these the regiment led the advance of its corps, and received the first fire of the enemy.

"At the widow Daniel's plantation, some nine miles from Port Gibson, we were ordered by General Carr to take the advance. I ordered Company A, commanded by Captain A. R. Jones, and Company B, commanded by Captain W. D. Crooke, as advance skirmishers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, and supported by Companies D and F, commanded by Major Van Anda; next was a twelve-pound field piece from that excellent battery, the First Iowa: all supported by the balance of my command."

The road from Rodney, Mississippi to Port Gibson, (and it was on this road that the battle was fought) runs along a high, broken ridge, and is cut down in many places to a great depth. The 21st Iowa, when near Thompson's Hill, where the Federal skirmishers were fired on, was ordered to halt and rest in one of these cuts. A majority of the men had thrown themselves down in the road, and upon their backs, using their knapsacks as a support — a favorite position for the soldier, when ordered to rest on the march. Others were leaning up against the steep banks of the road. Among the latter, were Dr. William L. Orr, surgeon of the 21st Iowa, and, I believe, Colonel Merrill, both having dismounted. It was now nearly two o'clock in the morning. The colonel and doctor stood talking together unconcernedly, when they were startled by a brilliant flash, and, at the same instant, a storm of musket-balls came whirling down through the cut. Almost at the same instant, the enemy opened with artillery. They were in force on the hill above — and thus the fight opened and lasted about and hour, when both parties, as if by mutual consent, ceased firing. The battle was renewed at day-light the next morning, and lasted nearly the entire day. The 21st Iowa fired the first gun; but, although engaged nearly all day, the loss of the regiment was only one officer and thirteen men wounded. Colonel Merrill, in the afternoon of the engagement, commanded his brigade, and had his horse so severely wounded that, it was necessary to leave it upon the field. For his conduct in the engagement, he was thus complimented by General Carr, the division commander: "The 21st Iowa, Colonel Samuel Merrill, first in the battle, and one of the last to leave the field." Of Company B, and its gallant captain, the same report says: "Company B, 21st Iowa, Captain Crooke, received the first fire of the rebel pickets, and returned it with great coolness." Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap was the only commissioned officer of the regiment wounded in this engagement.

Among the officers and men whose names are mentioned for good conduct in this engagement are Captains Benton, Harrison, Voorhees, Boardman and Watson, and Sergeant B. Krist. The latter captured a rebel orderly, who was at the time bearing dispatches.

The battle at Big Black River Bridge, where the 21st Iowa next distinguished itself, is one of the most gallant affairs of the whole war: an account of it will be found in the sketch of the late Colonel Kinsman, of the 23d Iowa. It was in this charge that Colonel Merrill, while leading his regiment, received the wound which afterward necessitated his leaving the service. His regiment, too, suffered severely. Seven enlisted men were killed, and three officers and sixty-four enlisted men wounded. In his official report of the engagement, Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap says:

"Colonel Merrill, commanding the regiment, fell in the first part of the charge, severely wounded, while gallantly leading his regiment against the enemy. * * * *

I can not of course make mention of all those who distinguished themselves on that battle-field, as that would be to copy the roll of all present. Major S. G. Van Anda, received the highest credit for the coolness and bravery with which he conducted the charge, the left being in front, through the storm of leaden hail. Much of the success of the charge is owing to his gallant conduct and daring example. Captain Harrison was one of the first officers on the enemy's works. Captains Swivel, Voorhees, Watson, Boardman, and Crooke behaved with great coolness. Lieutenants Roberts, Childs and Dolson, received the praise of all who saw their bravery. Lieutenant Howard of Company B, acting adjutant, received a mortal wound while gallantly performing his part of this gallant charge.

With no desire to do injustice to other brave men of the regiment, I will mention, specially. Captain Jesse M. Harrison, Company C; for his conduct on the field was most admirable. He was one of the first to enter the enemy's works. On coming to the bayou in front of the rebel works, he saw a fallen tree, lying in the water, and sprung upon it, and from that to the opposite side, which he reached without wetting his feet. His company having waded the stream, followed directly to the bridge to cut off the retreat of those to the right. His forethought and courage added not less than five-hundred to General Grant's roll of prisoners. The captain's residence is in Dubuque, and I am told he is a wealthy bachelor. I am in wonder at the status of so brave a man.

After participating in the siege of Vicksburg, (during which the brave Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap was killed) and the second march on Jackson under General Sherman, the 21st Iowa was ordered to report to General Banks at New Orleans. A chief portion of the time since the regiment has served in the trans-Mississippi Department. I have already said its history was much the same as that of the 23d Iowa. It was stationed at Old Town, Texas, early in March, 1864, when Colonel Merrill, not yet fit for duty, re-joined it. The colonel's wound was much more severe than was at first supposed; for after the lapse of nine months he was still unfit for duty. Believing that he could not again endure the hardships of field service he wrote a letter to his officers in which he expressed his determination to resign his commission; but they and the regiment would not consent, and a petition was drawn up and forwarded to him which in length measured nearly twenty feet.

Colonel Merrill re-joined his regiment in March as already stated, but his health was gone, and after a few weeks he resigned his commission and returned to his home in McGregor. The history of his regiment since he left it is not an eventful one. It has served on the Gulf and along the Mississippi River.

Colonel Merrill in his habits and manners is a New England man; and, in person, he is a fair sample of the sons of Maine which is noted for her stately forests and stalwart men. He is six feet high, and weighs two hundred and fifteen pounds. As a soldier, Colonel Merrill ranked high, and was popular both with his command and his superiors. When he entered the service, he was strictly a civilian, but notwithstanding this, he was, though of a nervous temperament, cool in action and brave to a fault. That he was regarded as possessing the [qualities] of a commanding officer, I need only state that he was placed in command of a division at West Plains, Missouri, when he had been in the service only five months. In politics, he is radical, and deems the term "Black Republican" of no reproach. On resigning his commission in the army, he was elected President of the First National Bank, McGregor, Iowa, which position he still holds.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 367-374

Sailing of Steamer

NEW YORK, April 23 – The Cunard mail steamer Asia left to-day for Liverpool, taking $157,226. Among her passengers are Bishop Lynch, of Toronto, Liman, of Buffalo, Loughlin, of Pittsburgh, Heran, of Kingston, McFarland, of [Hartford], Ct., and a large number of [clergy].

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Specials to the New York Papers

(Herald’s Special.)

Washington, April 13.

The rebellion ladies Greenhow, Morris and Bayley have not yet packed their trunks for the South, as they are required to do under the decision of the commissioners and the order of the Military Governor. They are allowed to remain until their preparations are completed. Mrs. Greenhow is quite oracular in reference to the campaign. She predicts that General McClellan will not be able to strike a blow at Yorktown for many days, and that when he does he will be defeated by the rebel army which will be 125,000 strong.


(Tribune Correspondence.)

Further information from Pittsburg Landing shows that there was terrible carnage among the Illinois troops, of whom many regiments were in the battle. There were more than 4000 troops from the First District (Washburne’s) engaged. They lost two colonels, Ellis and Davis, Major Goddard, and many other officers. Many more known to have been wounded.


(Tribune’s Special.)

Our special correspondent with McDowell’s command reports all quiet on Cedar Run, 15 miles beyond Manassas. The railroad bridge at that point destroyed by the rebels, will be reconstructed this week. The railway track beyond will be rapidly repaired. Rebel scouts are constantly prowling about our camps and occasionally a straggler is picked up by our cavalry. Two privates of General Blenker’s Division, who said they had just returned from the vicinity of the Rappahannock, reported that Gen. Blenker and his body guard had been surrounded by rebel cavalry and captured. Doubtful.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Who is to Blame?

When gross mismanagement, or want of military strategy, or neglect of duty leading to defeat, or even to victory so dearly purchased as at the battle of Pittsburg, occurs, the question naturally arises, who is to blame? For the terrible defeat of the Federal forces at Bull Run somebody was in fault. Col. Miles was tried before a court of inquiry for having been instrumental through drunkenness in contributing to the defeat. Some nineteen affirmed that he was drunk and twenty-six that he was not, so the investigation was dropped for fear it might prove “detrimental to the service.” For the Ball’s Bluff slaughter somebody was outrageously to blame, but who? Gen. Stone has been arrested and is now in prison, whether for this terrible disaster to our brave troops and the sacrifice of the noble Gen. Baker, is not clearly known. The transaction we presume, will yet be investigated and the guilty party be ascertained. For the disaster of the first day at the Pittsburg battle, a fearful responsibility rests upon some one of the Generals commanding. That there was gross and criminal neglect to post pickets and prepare for the defensive by using every possible precaution, while in the immediate presence of a powerful foe, led by a consummate General of offensive proclivities, is evident. Where or to whom that blame attaches, there seems to be a diversity of opinion; but that there was gross, criminal negligence all believe. Without speculating or attaching blame to any of the officers in command, we are content to abide the investigation which surely must be made.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 2

Advance of Gen. Banks

WASHINGTON, April 22. – The following has been received at the War Department:


NEW MARKET, Va., April 22. – To Hon. E. M. Stanton:

Our advance is near Harrisonburg. We have troops across the mountains protecting the bridges on the [Shenandoah] at Almy and on the Suray road. To-day we pushed a force forward to Suray. The people were greatly alarmed at first on account of the reports circulated by the rebels as to the treatment they would receive from us, but in the course of a few hours they became quiet and reconciled to our presence.

There are good roads to Warrenton, 25 miles, and a turnpike to Culpepper C. H., the same distance.

In several recent skirmishes with the enemy we lost three men.

Jackson has abandoned the Valley of Virginia permanently, and is en route for Gordonsville, by the way of the mountains.

Every day brings its prisoners and numerous deserters from the rebels.

(Signed) N. P. BANKS, Maj. Gen. Com’g.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

The Merrimack

Gen. Mitchell Surprises Huntsville, Ala.

Washington, April 12.

A dispatch to the Secretary of War from Gen. Wool, dated Ft. Monroe, 12th, says the Merrimac has been stationary near Sewall’s Point all day, but in plain sight.

The following dispatch was received by the Sec’y of War:


Headquarters Third Division,
Huntsville, Ala., April 11.

After a forced march of incredible difficulty, leaving Fayetteville yesterday, my advanced guards entered Huntsville this a.m. The city was completely taken by surprise, no one considering the march practicable. We captured 200 prisoners, 15 locomotives, a large number of cars, telegraph apparatus and office and two Southern mails, and we have at last succeeded in cutting the great artery of railway communications between the Southern States.

(Signed) O. M. MITCHELL, Brigadier Gen.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Washington News

WASHINGTON, April 23 – The Bill reported from the Committee on Military Affairs, authorizes and requires the President to convene a board to consist of two officers of the corps of Engineers, one ordnance, one artillery officer, two officers of the Navy, two members selected by reason of their scientific and practical attainments, and an officer of the corps of engineers as secretary, whose duty it shall be to examine and consider our system of sea coast and land fortifications, with special reference to such changes as may be recommended by the Commission, to be commenced and prosecuted with out the previous assent of Congress.

The bill further provides that the amount appropriated at this session for fortifications, shall be expended under the direction of the President upon such defensive works as shall be recommended by the Commission, and authorizes the President to accept any sums of money, loaned or advanced by the several States, for the construction of defensive works for the protection of the States making such loans, upon such terms as shall be agreed on between the proper authorities.

The board is also required to examine and consider the propriety of constructing a Navy Yard and depot on the northern lakes – of a foundry for heavy ordnance, and also an armory and arsenal of construction west of the Allegheny mountains, and for an additional arsenal of deposit and repairs, and shall, subject to the approval of the President, locate the same at such points, as shall, from purely military considerations, appear best for the defence of the country.

The bill also provides that there shall be added to the number of cadets, of both the military and naval academies, a number equal to the present number allowed by the existing laws in those schools, to be selected one from each Congressional District and Territories, by the Academy board, from among such applicants as shall apply for admission, and who upon examination, shall be deemed best qualified; provided the number added shall have their expenses defrayed by their parents or guardians, who shall be required to deposit with the Superintendents of the Academies, each year, the estimated amount of money necessary to pay all expenses for one year, the cadets being subject to all the rules and regulations established from time to time, for the government of said Academies.

Horace Maynard, who returned from Tennessee and took his seat to-day, has declared himself in favor of a stringent confiscation act against the rebels. Several other border state members will support one.

The Senate Committee on Territories have instructed its Chairman to report a bill identical with that reported in the House by Mr. Ashby, organizing the Territory of Arizona. One section extends the Wilmot Proviso over every Territory now organized.

The following has been issued from the War Department.


ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, April 15.

GENERAL ORDER NO. 40

The Secretary of War has observed with some surprise that the commanders of one or two military departments, considering themselves empowered to do so, have undertaken to accept the resignations and otherwise discharge from the service of the United States, officers commissioned or appointed by the President on the volunteer staff of the army, all such discharges are irregular, and unless confirmed by the President are of no effect. None but the President can discharge an officer appointed by himself, and, as he has not delegated this power to any General, no General must attempt to exercise it.

By order of the Secretary of War.
(Signed.) L. THOMAS, Adjutant General, &c.


By General Orders issued from the War Department, Adjutant General’s Office, April 18, by the direction of the President, Brigade Surgeon, J. H. Thompson, U. S. Volunteers, is dismissed from the service as an alarmist, on the recommendation of his commanding General, Major General Burnside. On the recommendation of Brigadier General Sumner, commanding 2d Army Corp, approved by Major-General McClellan, commanding the Army of the Potomac, Major Van Seemhan, Capt. Botlicker, and Capt. Camp, 68th Regiment New York Volunteers, Lieut. Lombard, Battalion Adjutant, 2th [sic] Illinois Cavalry, and Assistant Surgeon Williams, 1st New York Artillery, are stricken from the rolls of the army for being captured by the enemy while straggling, without authority, beyond the outposts of the army, March 29th, 1862.

The headquartes of Lieut.-Col. Wm. Hoffman, 8th Infantry, Commissary of Prisoners, is transferred from New York City to Detroit, Michigan.

This morning the Senate Military Committee passed upon several nominations. Among those reported for confirmations was Gen. Shields, to be Major-General, and Col. Crittenden, of Kentucky, to be Brigadier-General.

Horatio King, Buchanan’s Postmaster General, was nominated to-day as Commissioner under the District Emancipation act, in the place of ex-mayor Berrett.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862, p. 3

Washington April 14 [1862].

A private dispatch dated Fort Monroe last night at 10 o’clock and received here this morning, represents that there was clear moon-light, and all quiet in that vicinity.

Some of the newspapers erroneously state that the tax bill, as passed by the House taxes the stock of whisky and other spirits on hand previous to the 1st of May.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

New York Items

NEW YORK, April 18.

It is stated that the Nashville has not only changed her name, but hoisted English colors, and her assorted cargo consists of arms brought to Nassau from London by the English steamer Southwick, which were purchased by rebels in England. She sailed on the 6th.

The Steamer Economist arrived at Nassau on the 6th from Charleston, with eleven hundred bales of cotton. Nassau papers to the 5th state that the steamer Wragg, late the Nashville from Charleston, arrived there Sunday, March 20th. It is stated she had been purchased by a private company.

The rebel account of the Merrimac’s success in Hampton Roads were received there by the Nashville, concluding with stating that the Merrimac cannot be boarded, as she throws a large stream of boiling water. – Also that she is probably now at sea running down the southern coast.

The Nashville cleared on the 5th for St. John’s, N. B., under the name of Thomas L. Wragg, with an assorted cargo.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 19, 1862, p. 1

Later From Europe

PORTLAND, April 23. – The steamship Bohemian, from Liverpool the 10th, and Londonderry 11th, arrived at 6:30 A. M.

Markets – Flour firm and 6d advance. Wheat steady and firm. Provisions dull and unchanged. Corn quiet but steady.

Consols closed Friday at 93 7/8 @ 94 money; U. S. 5’s were quoted at 77@78.

Liverpool April 11. – Bacon has a downward tendency.

American securities steady at unchanged rates Bullion in Bank has increased £37,000. Specie in Bank of France has increased 800,000f in the month.

It is reported that France wished to march against the City of Mexico.

Copenhagen, April 11. – The Angsher Gazette asserts on reliable authority that England has succeeded in drawing Spain to her side in the Mexican question, by a promise not to object should Spain take possession of Hayti.

John C. Heenan has gone to Paris. He does not intend to fight Mace or any one else.

Liverpool, April 12. Breadstuffs – Authorities report flour in good demand6d@1s per barrel dearer, 25@29. Wheat moderate demand at full, prices, red western 10s 2d@11s; southern 11s 4s@11s 6d; white western 11s 9d@12s. – Corn steady, mixed freely offered at 27s 6d@27s 8d. Tallow 27s 9d@28s; white33@34s per 480 barrels. Beef dull and nominally unchanged. Pork slow 60@63s. Bacon quiet and 6s@1s cheaper than last week. Lard quiet but more doing at close. Butter declined 5@10d in the early part of the week.

LONDON MARKETS – Baring Brothers report breadstuffs dull in the early part of the week but firmer at the close.

American securities remain without material change, but transactions during the past week have been limited, there has been some business in the U. S. 5’s at 77.

The schooner W. C. Alexander of Savannah at Palermo was boarded by an armed boat’s crew from the United States corvette Ino, and the master and crew were taken prisoners on the Ino, but subsequently released under representations from the officers of the port.

The subject of fortifications and recent important experiments with 300 pounder Armstrong guns had been further debated in Parliament. Ministers in the House of Lords deprecated hasty action and argued that experiments showed they ought not hastily to depart from the system of fortifications supplanted by floating batteries. It was predicted that Armstrong would soon produce 600-pounders to do the same damage at 2,200 yards which his 300 pounders has done at 2,200 yards.

The Duke of Somerset admitted that the Admiralty was now disposed to proceed at once with Capt. Cole’s cupola and other plans.

The House of Commons debated Italian affairs. Parliament believed that sooner or later the unity of Italy will be [completed] by the possession of Rome.

The difficulties of the Mexican question claim some attention. It was rumored at paris that Watewaski will make a special mission to England on the subject.

(Latest via Queenstown April 13.)

Breadstuffs market generally quiet and steady. Wheat flat. Provisions closed dull.

LONDON, Saturday Evening – Consols closed 93 ¾@93 7/8 for money.

American Stocks – Erie 33@33 1/4; I. C. 43 ½@ 45 discount.

PARIS – Bourse quiet. Rentes closed 70f 90c.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 26, 1862 p. 3

By Telegraph

Afternoon Report.

LATER FROM THE GREAT BATTLE.

Col. Reid Wounded!

LT. COL DEWEY WOUNDED!

Maj. Belknap Wounded!

CAP. HEDDRICK KILLED

Only 407 of the 15th Regiment answer to Roll-Call!

GEN WALLACE DEAD!

Prentiss did not Escape.

THE 12th, 14th AND 8th IOWA REGIMENTS CAPTURED.

(Special to Chicago Tribune)

Cairo, April 13 – 10 P. M.

The body of General Wallace, of Ottawa, accompanied by his staff arrived on the steamer A. Woodford this evening. She brought down some 600 prisoners, on their way to St. Louis. A special train with the body of Gen. Wallace will leave this evening for Ottawa.

Col. H. T. Reid, 15th, Iowa, from Keokuk, was paralyzed by a ball in the back of his head. Lieut. Col. Dewey was badly wounded in the shoulder. Major Belknap was slightly wounded. Capt. Hedrick killed. His noble regiment had just arrived Saturday with 1,045 men. Only 407 answered their names after the battle. They had received their guns at St. Louis and left Keokuk only two weeks ago and were in Prentiss’s division.

An officer just arrived says that Prentiss is still a prisoner.

Nearly all of the 58th Illinois and the 12th, 14th and 8th Iowa regimentss were surrounded and taken prisoners while maintaining their ground and fighting like heroes. Col. Wood of the Iowa 12th escaped.

The 14th, 16th and 18th Wisconsin regiments were all in the fight. The 16th was in Prentiss’s division, and with others was mostly dispersed or captured. What remained fought bravely and suffered most terribly. The 18th reached Pittsburg Saturday evening, and marched to the front of Sherman’s divison, and were exposed Sunday to the heaviest fire, returning it with an energy worthy of veterans. This regiment was entirely raw, had been paraded only a few times; had been hurried down from Milwaukee right into the heat of the battle, and many had never loaded a gun until they did it before the enemy. All these regiments did splendidly. It is impossible as yet to procure a list of casualties.

Gov. Harvey and party, with a boatload of hospital stores, left this evening to relieve the wounded.

Col. Hicks of the 10th Illinois was shot through the shoulder; Lieut Holmes of Co. I, 48th Ills., killed; 13th Ohio, Co. F, wounded Capt. J. J. Gardner, slightly; Capt. Willey, shot in thigh; Adjt. Tancort, slightly wounded. 55th Illinois, Co C. 2nd Lieut. Theodore Parker Hodges; Capt. Boyd, Rockford, wounded slightly. 30th Indiana, Col. Boss, seriously wounded; half the regiment reported killed or wounded; fought bravely. 28th Illinois, Col. H. A. Johnson slightly wounded; Killed, Lieutenant Col. Kilpatick. Illinois 15th, Col. D. Stuart, shot through breast; wounded slightly, Capt. S. A. Wright, shot three times. 4th Illinois, wounded severely, Col. Hicks, Capt. Hooper, Lieut. Heamphry. Taylor’s battery: wounded 10; -- lost no guns. Col. Dickey’s cavalry had two privates mortally wounded. The whole regiment was on the field. Fifteen persons were killed.

The following is a list of Ill. Soldiers wounded at the battle of Pittsburgh in the Mound City Hospital: Lafayette Wilcox 53rd Ills., co. H, finger off; D. W. McCaughey, 55th Ills., co. F, right thigh, bad; Philip Faxerson 8th Ills. Company H, through left hand; Francis A. Hall, 28th Ky, co. H, wounded in left thigh; Samuel Claywell, 14th, wound in right arm; E. Mills, 7th Ills, co. H, left wrist; Mathew Doyle, 15th Ills., co. H, through the spine; Amnas Hilley, 30th Ills., co H, left hand; J. W. Shaw, 15th Ills., left leg below the knee; Cornelius Dethrow, 12th Ills., co. H, right knee; A. B. Parker, 15th, co. B, left leg broken; Vanwinkle, Sargeant Major, 3d, right thigh, deep flesh wound; Malton T. Harns, 32d co. A, through the left lung; Cyrus Bonham 57th, shot in left knee; Samuel Miller, fore finger from right hand; Simon Shillinger, 9th, co. B, shot in right shoulder; James Hobbs, 9th, co. F, through leg and right arm; Geo. Lagbetter, 3d, shot between the shoulders; Thos. H. Boyd, 48th, co. D, left thigh and hip; James Kenny, 15th, co. E, wounded in left knee; Fred. Hammen, co I, 11th, right side and bruised in back; Wm H. Tell, 11th, co. G, left leg and shoulder; Richard Ruke, 57th, co. I, through the jaw; Martin Arnold, 9th, co. B, foot; Adam Reitz, 9th, co. D, shoulder; Andrew Robertson, 14th, co. A, shot thro’ right foot; Moses Parker, 15th, co. H, in right ankle; Moses Montgomery, 15th, co. I, in left shoulder; W. A. Long, 15th, co. H, right thigh and foot; S. Wickliff, 50th, co. K, arm broke thro’ left shoulder; Andrew Sebastian Seigt, 9th, co. A, left knee; Owen Tenant, 15th, co. G, left arm; Edwin C. Wheelock, 15th, Co. I, shot in right side; E. Hog, 41st, Co. H, left arm; Abel H. Bonneth, 15th Co, C, left hip; James H. Brown, 40th, Co. B, left leg off below the knee; Bailey Fred. Tenser, 15th, Co. H, through the knee; Hampden N. Cotten, O. S. 15th, co. C, left hand and hip; Ephraim Lake, 15th, Co. C, above and below left leg in front; Wm. H. Law, Serg’t, 15th, Co. C, left leg at ankle; Ambrose E. Partit, O. S. 55th, Co. C, left arm near shoulder; F. Benjamin, 55th Co. C, left arm above elbow, flesh; Michael Amaborny, 55th, co. C, right leg at knee; Chas. B. Danforth, 4th cavalry, left side of [head]; J. Richardson, 14th, Co. B, in the eye; Wm. Eaje, 18th, Co. F, left ear; Dan Calmer, 4th cavalry, Co. H, left legg off; J. L. Staffeen, 29th, Co. C, left side arm and thigh; Leig, 17th, Co. M, right shoulder broken; Andrew G. Johnson, 18th, Co. B, left knee; Martin Shive, 2d cavalry, Co. M; Ditiner, 45th, Co. B, left leg at knee; Henry D Wood, 34th, Co. D, left arm below elbow, James Martin, 57th, Co. C, right shoulder, and side; Chester Plummer, 57th, Co. K,, left hip; John P. Beck, 57th, Co. K, thigh; Elijah Blackman, 46th, Co. H.; in head; Monroe Cook, 46th, Co. H, right arm; Thomas J. Elvord, 55, Co. A, through the thigh; Wm. Windle, 46th, Co. D, left shoulder out at breast; Wm. A. Smith, 41st, Co. A, leg off at knee; James W. Dickerson, 41th, Co. I, right cheek; John Lohr, 45th, Co. B, left shoulder; Noble Sanford, 45th, Co. B, though right hand; James Williams, 15th, Co. F, through left foot; Hugh Donnelly, 32d, Co. A, left shoulder; Wm. Wheeler, 29th, co. H, groin, Edward Hawkins, 52d, Co. F, arm and other small wounds; L. Fuller, 43d, Co. G, left arm, Mike Cronin, 57th, Co. K, in the knee; Andrew Hammond, 15th, rheumatism; David Tibbs, 43th, Co. I, shot in left eye; Alvey Stewart, 34th, Co. D, in left leg; McComb, 28th, Co. A, right leg; Co. A, right leg; James Kinny, 28th, Co. A, breast and arm; Jacob Rickelson, 27th, Co. F, right thigh and hand; John Kinman, 28th, Co. I, in the ankle; Ferdinand Bower, 58th, through right knee; W. J. Smith, 49th, Co. D, right thigh, hip and left arm; Jno. Fitzsimmons, 28th, Co. B, thigh; Wm. Illsley, 9th, Co. H, right leg, above knee; S. Waughtzon, 45th, Co. C, right shoulder and arm, badly; Jas. Murphy, [6]th, Co. G., both thighs, slightly; Major L. Holt, 43d, Co. C, right arm and hand; Henry Kobbening, 28th, Co. A, left knee; Richard Lynch, 28th, Co. A, left thigh; John Nash, 28th, Co. A, Henry Keith, 28th, Co. A, right elbow; Geo. Lanham, 28th, Co. A, below right ear; Wm. Dollar, 28th, Co. H, in abdomen; James Hendricks, 28th, in abdomen; Orlando Bridgman, 11th, Co. D, left sholder; Byron Parkhurst, 11th, Co. C, in both legs; F. Childers, 8th, Co. G, in ankle; James Bogby, 28th, Co. B, right thigh; Joseph Ray, 41st, Co. A, left hand; Andrew Olenhausen, O. S., 46th, Co. C, in arm; Quincy Pollock, 46th, Co. A, O. S., thigh; Franklin Smith, 46th, Co. A, right ankle; George Crabtree, 11, Co. C, Harris Hackeny, 41st, Co. H, in thigh; John Smith, 15th, Co. E, in both thighs; H. Walker, 28th, Co. I, shot in the neck; W. T. Williams, 1st Corporal, 58th, Co. C, right arm shot off at elbow; Fred Sheve, 9th, Co. C, right and left hip; J. S. Denavee, 32d, Co., I, left thigh; James Gardner, 28th, Co. K, thigh and leg; Thomas B. Hogg, 52d, Co. F, through left foot; Captain Wm. Tenny, 46th, Co. G, left Cheek; David Lucas, 2Jd [sic], Co. F, left cheek; C. Cennicke, 57th, Co. F, in ribs, back and right side; Thomas P. Paxton, 45th, Co., F, left knee, Augustus Whalen, 3d Cav., through neck; T. F. Lewis, 8th Iowa, Co. D, in the neck; S. F. Sellers, 48th, Ills, Co. H, 1st Lieut, in knee and groin; G. W. Wooster, 52d, Co. K, Corporal, right thigh; Peter Woolf, Dresser’s Artillery, 1st Ills., shot in breast; Fred Strop, 9th, Co., A, across back. Edwin Naie, 9th, Co. H, right thigh; Fred Bartlesson, Major 2d Cav., left arm cut off; Alonzo Ramsey, 1st artillery, co. D, ankle; Walker Richmond, 72d O., Co. G, left arm at elbow; Thomas O’Flinn, 52nd Ills., Co. G, right leg above knee; Joseph Mowruy, 12th, H, right legg [sic] at knee; Silas Riggs, 40th, E, Left thigh; Earnest Kimble, 43d, B, right leg at knee; Adam Shutz, 43d, A, left knee; Joseph Brothers, 32d, E, hip; Mat. Hughes, 32d, E, leg, thigh and through the back; Henry Hartline, 19th, I, head; A Keler, 11th, C, right arm; Elias Challoff, 11th, C, right shoulder; David B. Smith, 25th, H, in shoulder; Jas. Eaton, 29th, I right arm at elbow; Hiram V Sanders, 12th, E, right foot; Geo. Steinburger, 12th, B, left leg below knee; C. F. Mount, 40th, I, right leg bleow knee; Nathaniel Perry, 8th, H, right leg below knee; Martin Baker, 40th, E, chest; H. Fuller, 20th, H, both legs, Geo. K. Logan, 8th, F, right side; Jas. E. Dast, 12th, E, left hip; Robt. Ramsey, 9th, K, left ankle and right leg; Joseph Norton, Sr., 15th, I, left thigh; Richard Brown, 15th, B, left leg and knee and left shoulder; Stephen Boher, 8th, H, in left hand; Samuel G. Comert, 1st artillery, shot in right thigh; Dr. Frank Reiily, Asst. Surgeon, 45th, through leg; Allen C. Waterhouse, 1st artillery, E, in thigh; james Weddon, 55th, 1st Lieut., in thigh; Geo. H. Haler, 15th, K, left shoulder; Reuben Bruckern, 40th, G, right arm broken.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

COLONEL WILLIAM MCE. DYE

TWENTIETH INFANTRY.

William McE. Dye was born in the State of Pennsylvania, about the year 1831. At the time of entering the volunteer service, he was a captain in the regular army — I think, in the 8th Infantry. When promoted to the colonelcy of the 20th Iowa, his residence was in Marion, Linn county, Iowa. I know no more of his history.

The history of the 20th Iowa Regiment is nearly the same as that of the 19th. From the first, these two regiments have served together, and much of the time in the same brigade. With the 20th Wisconsin and 94th Illinois, they constituted Herron's Brigade, with which he marched from Rolla to Springfield, in September, 1862. Prairie Grove was the 20th Iowa's first battle, as it also was the first of the 19th. However, at the time of this action, the 20th regiment was attached to Totten's Division, (the 2d) the 19th being attached to Herron's (the 3d) — all of the Army of the Frontier, as organized on the 15th of the previous October. But, as has been previously stated, both Schofield and Totten being absent, General Herron marched to Blunt's relief, at Cane Hill, with both divisions, and chief in command.

For a further history of the battle at Prairie Grove, and more particularly for the part taken in it by the 20th Iowa, I shall refer to the interesting and official statement of Lieutenant-Colonel Leake; first premising, however, that the regiment entered the engagement in support of the three left guns of Captain Murphy's Battery, which, having been pushed across Illinois Creek, were put in position in the edge of the woods on the north side of the prairie.

"Immediately after forming in line, I was ordered to throw out a party of skirmishers, to protect our right and rear from surprise, for which service I detailed twenty men of Company A, under the command of First-Lieutenant C. L. Drake of that company. The 26th Indiana, the only infantry regiment in the 1st Brigade, of the 2d Division, was formed to the rear of, and between the 37th Illinois and the 20th Iowa. These dispositions having been made at one o'clock P. M., the engagement was opened by the firing of a gun from the battery, under command of Lieutenant Marr. At about two o'clock, the order was given to advance the battery, I receiving orders to move the regiment forward in support. We advanced in this order across the open field, to within about two hundred yards of the foot of the hill, and in front of the house of H. Roger, when the battery was ordered back, but the regiment left in its advanced position. I presently received orders from Colonel Dye, in pursuance of which the regiment moved to the right, into the adjoining field, and in front of the orchard on the left of the house of William Rogers, to check a movement of the enemy to out-flank us on the right. At this time, the 20th was on the extreme right of the 2d and 3d Divisions. This movement was executed under a galling fire, which we returned, advancing to within a few paces of the edge of the orchard."

"At this time, a force appeared on our right, advancing up the valley. Fearing that we were being outflanked by the enemy, I was ordered to fall back across the field, and take position behind a fence in our rear, which was executed in good order, under fire. I then threw out Companies A and F, under command of Captains Bates and Hubbard, as skirmishers. Shortly after a cavalry force appeared upon our right and rear, whereupon the skirmishers were recalled, and a change of front made toward the approaching force. Colonel Dye having sent forward and ascertained that the cavalry were from General Blunt's command, the 20th Iowa at once changed front, and resumed its former position behind the fence, fronting toward the orchard. We had scarcely re-taken this position, when an aid from General Blunt reported to me that the forces that had come up the valley and were taking position in the field on our right was the command of General Blunt

"Blunt at once sent forward a part of the 1st Indiana regiment as skirmishers. Colonel Dye reported to General Blunt, and ordered me to make a charge with the 20th up the hill, on the left of, and operate with the forces of General Blunt. I moved the regiment rapidly forward in line of battle across the field, obliquing to the left; crossed the orchard fence; drove the enemy through the orchard; and advanced beyond the upper orchard fence, and through the woods a short distance. The left wing being more severely engaged, the right had passed further in advance, when some of the Indianians came running back through the woods to the right, gesticulating violently, and pointing in the direction whence they came. At the same moment an officer shouted to me that we were firing on our friends. Seeing some men with United States overcoats on, I gave the order to cease firing, and rode toward the left. I feared that the troops on our left wing had ascended the hill, and advanced to our front; but I now saw directly in our front, a mass of troops moving down upon us. At nearly the same instant, they fired a volley, under which the left wing recoiled nearly to the orchard fence, when they promptly rallied at my command, and renewed the firing with great rapidity and, I think, with great effect.

"The Indiana regiment having fallen back, I received orders to retire behind the fence at the foot of the hill, and hold it, which movement was promptly executed by the regiment, and in good order, the men climbing the fence under a galling fire, lying down behind it and continuing their fire between the fence rails."

In this position the fighting of the 20th Iowa practically closed; for, so soon as the regiment left the orchard, Blunt's and Herron's artillery opened a vigorous fire on the enemy, and drove them back; and, though they kept up a fire till after dark from their retired position, they did not advance to renew the attack.

The loss of the 20th Iowa in this action was forty-seven. Lieutenant Harrison Oliver was the only commissioned officer of the regiment killed. He was a native of Massachusetts, and a young man, I am told of much promise. Lieutenants R. M. Lyth, T. G. G. Cavendish, Fred. E. Starck and E. Stowe were wounded. Seven enlisted men were killed, among whom were Sergeants T. B. Miller, and F. M. Steel. Major William G. Thompson, who acted with great courage, was quite severely wounded. He received high commendation from Lieutenant-Colonel Leake: "I was assisted in the discharge of my duties as commander of the regiment, by Major Thompson who, although exposed to the hottest fire, conducted himself with great gallantry and self-possession. He was wounded late in the action, and, though suffering great pain, did not leave the field until the command was safely withdrawn from under the fire of the enemy." The good conduct of Lieutenant J. C. McCelland, acting adjutant, was most highly commended, as was also that of Sergeant-Major George A. Gray. "The men acted throughout the engagement bravely and with entire self-possession, retiring under fire repeatedly, and rallying with the utmost promptness at the word of command." General Herron in his official report omits mentioning the name of Lieutenant-Colonel Leake, though I am told none showed greater coolness and determination on the field than he. "The conduct of Colonel W. McE. Dye was admirable."

From the date of the Prairie Grove battle till the fall of Vicksburg, and, indeed, till the arrival of Herron's Division at Carrollton, Louisiana, and its return to Morganzia, the history of the 20th Iowa will be found substantially recorded In the sketch of the 19th. Their fatiguing marches through the alternating mud and dust of Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas; their exposures in inclement weather; their labors before Vicksburg; their march from Yazoo City, across to the Big Black and back to the river; their trip to Port Hudson and Carrollton, and back to Morganzia — in all, their experiences are nearly the same.

The 20th Iowa was not in the action at Sterling Farm, though Lieutenant-Colonel Leake of the regiment was in command of the forces, which fought there and were captured. Only thirteen men of the regiment accompanied the colonel, and these served as mounted infantry, and were employed in scouting and as vedettes. On the day of the battle, they were stationed some eight miles distant from the main body, and at that point were attacked and routed by a portion of the same rebel force, which fought Colonel Leake. As stated in the sketch of the 19th Iowa, Lieutenant-Colonel Leake was captured, and shared all the hardships of the prison-life. He seemed to have been one of the chief counselors of the unfortunate captives; for, at the time Private Moorehead, of the 26th Indiana, was shot by the brute, Smith, the prisoners determined "to rise, massacre the small guard, and sack the neighboring town of Tyler;" but the colonel counseled moderation, and "calmed an excitement, which might have resulted in a rash outbreak that could only end in the destruction of all." Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. H. Duganne, a prisoner at Camp Ford, and the author of "Twenty months in the Department of the Gulf,” pays Colonel Leake the following compliment: "He was one of the most genial and intelligent officers that I met at Camp Ford."

The 20th Iowa remained with its division in the vicinity of Morganzia, until about the 10th of October, 1863, when it left on the return to Carrollton. General Banks was already organizing his forces, preparatory to his expedition into Texas; and Herron's Division was summond [sic] below, to join in this service. All things were in readiness late in October, and the 24th of that month Banks cut loose from the Crescent City, and steered for Brazos Santiago. He had an ample out-fit — sixteen vessels, loaded down with troops and supplies, and three gun-boats. The expedition promised much, but for some reason resulted in nothing substantial. The territory recovered, was all afterward abandoned. Indeed, General Banks, though a brilliant and most worthy man in some respects, has been unsuccessful or unfortunate, from the time of assuming command at New Orleans, forward to — I don't care how far. His operations at Port Hudson were not brilliant; his "Teche Raid" was only ordinary; his efforts at Sabine Pass, where a mud fort repulsed him, were inglorious; his movements up the Rio Grande, and along the Texan coast were substantially failures; and his expedition up the Red River an alarming disaster. Evidently, he is not fit for the field; though, as a military governor, he possesses merit.

An account of the passage from New Orleans to Brazos Santiago has been given in the sketch of Colonel Crabb, of the 19th Iowa. On arriving at the last named point, the 20th Iowa did not accompany its division to Brownsville; but crossing the Lagoon de Madre to Point Isabel, proceeded to Mustang Island, where it remained for several months.

When Canby and Granger were about to attack the forts at the mouth of Mobile Bay, the 20th Iowa with the other troops of its division were summoned to that department. The regiment took part in those operations, and, in the following Fall, moved up the Mississippi to Morganzia. For many weeks, it operated in Louisiana and Arkansas; but a history of these movements will be found elsewhere. It last served under General Steele, in the operations against Mobile, marching from Pensacola, Florida, via Pollard to the rear of Fort Blakely. Of the particular part it acted in this grand movement, I am unadvised.

I am told that Colonel Dye is a little above the medium in size; that he has a freckled face, sandy hair, light eye-brows, and bright blue eyes. He is either a relation or a friend of Ex-Governor Kirkwood, and, like that able, unpretending man, is careless in dress and unostentatious in manners. He ranks high as an officer, and is held in the highest esteem by General Canby.

SOURCE: Addison A. Stuart, Iowa Colonels and Regiments, p. 361-6

Killed At Pittsburgh

Our fellow townsman, SAMUEL ADAMS, Esq. received intelligence from Chicago yesterday, that his brother, R. D. ADAMS, Captain of a Comp in one of the Illinois regiments, was killed at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing.

– Published in The Daily State Register, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862

Beauregard Explained

BALTIMORE, April 14.

In reference to Beauregard’s dispatches alluded to in the Old Point letter, enquiries have been made of the War Dep’t, and we are authorized to say that the reports from Pittsburg Landing already given to the public contradict the reports in the Norfolk papers. All reports received at the war Department confirm the statements that the enemy were routed and pursued as far as the previous orders of Gen. Grant would permit, and the enemy are now shut up in Corinth.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Indignation Meeting

The loyal citizens of Clark County are requested to meet in mass, at Oceola [sic], on Saturday, January 10th, for the purpose of expressing their indignation in regard to the disloyalty manifested by the Jim Naylor Democracy, on Saturday last. Union men turn out, and bring your wives and daughters.

Good speakers will be in attendance.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 3, 1863