Train On The Federal Army

The Society of Congers ins one of the most ancient of the London Discussion Halls – having been established in the reign of the third George. It originally consisted of citizens of London, who met to watch the course of their representatives in London – Freedom of the Press – Freedom of Discussion – Obedience to the Laws – Loyalty to the Crown, and the Practice of Public and Social Virtue are some of its tenets. Among its early members were the Aldermen John Wilks (1756,) Sir Richard Glynn (1793,) Sir James Shaw (1813,) Sir W. Paking (1819,) and many of England’s leaders. Here Brougham and Campbell measured intellect – and both Houses have among them men who have debated her in other days.

Mr. Train, on entering the Debating Hall on the 22d ult. for the first time, was it once recognized and loudly called for – the events of the week being the theme for discussion. The audience was so pleased with his rattling digest of the late American victories, and his former able efforts, that they rose by acclamation, and there and then elected him an honorary member of the Ancient Society of Cogers.

Below, we give Mr. Train’s remarks on the American Army on this occasion:

The gentleman made me a happy hit, by calling this audience – a republic of free men – where free thought and free debate, and free opinion ruled supreme. I accept the Republican simile – and should hope that among its citizens there are none who would commit so base an act under the garb of loyalty to the Queen, as to breed treason against the Government, and seek with bloodshed its overthrow, as some other bad citizens have done in that great Republic over the way. [Hear, and applause.] Mr. O’Brien does not believe in the honesty of our president on the slave question; I am not surprised – for that there is a large party in the land who wo’d not believe any good of America or Americans, even though the Angel Gabriel whispered it in their ears. [Laughter.] The more we try to please you, the less we appear to succeed. But what can we expect when the Saturday Review lands Burnside’s naval expedition in the mountains of Western Virginia – [laughter] – and the Times makes the Confederate army march from Richmond to Bunker’s Hill in one night! – [Laughter.] Older than ourselves we have taken your advice – Dr. Russell gave you the text to ridicule and laugh at our raw recruits – as Sotheron says in Lord Dundreary – he seems to have been as mad on the American question as a Welsh wabbit. [Laughter.] You took it up and told us, that to make soldiers out of farmers, and tradesmen, and mechanics, and fishermen, there must be hard drilling. We accepted your counsel, Europe poured in upon us hundreds of her best artillery, cavalry and infantry officers, who bursting with the love of liberty, were anxious to give Union battle; look at McClellan’s staff, composed of brave generals, bold princes and future kings, who already have cried A BOURBON! A HAVELOCK! And let slip a hundred regiments, to sweep the madman from his throne. [Applause.] By this time there is not even one Richmond in the field. Drill, you said; we have drilled.

Why do you wait so long then? You asked. – We are drilling we replied. And now point you to a million of drilled men that cover a battle line of two hundred thousand miles. – Your mob, again you said, your mob never will give up Mason and Slidell. The mob did give up the traitors, and furthermore received the British officers at Boston, who were sent to wage war against us, with almost a royal welcome! [Applause.] You said you had no money and we will not lend you a shilling. Gentlemen, we never asked you for a shilling. [Hear, hear.] And as I observed on a previous occasion, the only real cause we have yet given you for breaking the blockade was the taking up of the entire Federal loan in our own land, without even consulting Mr. Sampson of the Times, Baron Rothschild, the London Stock Exchange.

You said it was impossible to blockade our ports. Gentlemen there never was a blockade so effectual, because there never was war so extensive, or people so determined, or administration so strong! There is no cathartic sufficiently powerful to remove the stones from the ruined harbor of Charleston, until the Federal Power chooses to exercise its clemency again. The Times Russell now admits the power of our navy, which you have ridiculed, and thinks, where 2,000,000 of bales of cotton are locked up, which, if let loose, would command three prices, and where all the simple necessaries of life are 150 per cent above the market, the blockade must be effectual. Foster’s scorching rebuke to Gregory in the Commons, has made more ridiculous than ever the Irish Champion of Treason. You said that the North and South would never come together! Wait a little longer! You said Republican Institutions had failed! Already the passport system is abolished, the political prisoners have been released, martial law superseded by the Civil Government, and the placid Ocean of Peace is gradually replacing the turbulent Waves of War, so that when the sunlight of Union Shines upon it, there will be reflected back from the glassy mirror myriads of faces from a happy, contented people. [Applause]

You never will know the herculean energies we have displayed. Let me paint the picture my own way. We have nine armies under nine Generals, composing a force equal to nine Waterloos, a dozen Austerlitzes, two Moscows, and larger than all the forces of all the nations that battle at Crimea. [Oh.] To give you the idea of its magnitude, I will change the battle ground.

Old England shall represent New England; and all Europe shall be the field of action. – Time of preparation, six months; resources, all our own. With the sympathies of England and the world against us; we have placed 20,000 men under General Butler, at Cronstad; 20,000 under General Sherman, at Hamburg; 30,000 under General Burnside, at Amsterdam, 20,000 under General Halleck, at Odessa; 20,000 under General Hunter, blockading Vienna on the Danube; 40,000 under General Buell, at Trieste; 80,000 under General Grant at Marseilles; 60,000 under General Banks, on the Belgian cost; leaving some 300,000 under General McClellan, on the French shore, after crossing the Potomac of the Channel. [Here, here.] The distances in my picture are not so unequal, although populations, fortresses and languages are different. Remember that England is the point from which I take my sketch. Australia is the California, with another Union army on the Pacific shore. All those points protracted, we have England still to represent the great Union party in our Northern country with five millions more of armed men, ready to plunge into battle in defense of the nations life. [Loud cheers.]

In America, as in England, there is an uncoiled spring of magnetic intelligence, that when set in motion could only be surpassed in grandeur by the artillery batteries of Heaven! [Applause.] The next mail will bring you startling intelligence. Let me foreshadow the plan of action – the battles are already fought – if reverses were possible in one point, victory triumphs in another. The Georgians lost their mail arrangements some time ago, and now they have had their water-works cut off. [Loud laughter.] Gentlemen, it is no laughing matter, were you citizens of Savannah, to be shut off from all communication from your fellow men, [renewed laughter] who have already so vividly pictured by Arrowsmith, the reliable correspondent of the London times of “Railways and Revolvers in Georgia.” [Laughter and applause.]

Savannah is down, Charleston is taken Mobile occupied by Unionists, New Orleans besieged and Memphis occupied! Two weeks after the fall of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, the occupation of Clarksville and Nashville, the evacuation of Columbus that Mantua of the West [cheers] and Norfolk under the stars and stripes! Beauregard, the hero of fortifications, has become the hero of evacuations; Pillow keeps up his reputation by cutting his way through the forest, at the first smell of blood [laughter] while the battle of Floyd’s Run [laughter] shall be commemorated as the Leipsic of the Confederate history. The Confederates are howling at England, calling the Minister all kinds of names, plying the Rogue’s march, singing A Perfide Albion in the dim twilight of their conspiracy, gnashing their teeth with hate and rage, in vain endeavors to cover up their ignominy and their shame.

A voice: “Where is the Sumter?” Cries of “Order! Put him out!”

The Sumter, sir, which comprises one half the Confederate navy [laughter] is corked up at Gibraltar with deserted crew watched by Tuscarora, and out of the reach of again being ordered away by your foreign office. – The Sumter can no more burn innocent merchantmen, and rob peaceful traitors two of her officers are already on their way to the American coast in a Federal war ship to receive the just punishment of an outraged power – another part of the pirate navy has just arrived at Wilmington, by express order of the Confederate Cabinet, who have their trunks all packed, and have stolen all the money they could lay their hands on preparatory to taking their chances of escaping in the Nashville from the doom that awaits them. [Cheers.]

The order to burn the cotton and tobacco, is under the mistaken idea that it would involve England in the common ruin with themselves. Bear in mind, gentlemen that this cotton and tobacco is solemnly pledged for the redemption of the Confederate paper and the Confederate loan, and now the Confederate Cabinet have got all the money they can sponge out of their deceived subjects, they solemnly order them to destroy the securities on which the loan was paid. [Hear, hear.] And all this to deceive England, or rather frighten England by a threat, the very last thing of all others – so history states – that would bring this remarkable people to book.

You should know that the crops destroyed and the cities burned are not by their owners, but by their miserable riff raff, who have nothing to lose – a riff raff as one speaker beautifully remarked who represent the dead [level] of humanity, standing on the zero of civilization, or wallowing in the mire of their own beastly sensuality, instead of floating on the wings of a virtuous imagination, or posed on the pinions of patriotic intelligence. [Cheers.]

General Banks movement on Winchester is only a feint to allow McClellan to push on to Fredericksburg, and the nature of a contest that a mail or two will announce may be estimated by the Commander-in-Chief having ordered fifteen thousand ambulances to bear away the wounded! [Sensation!] Verily, it is a terrible necessity; but the spring has arrived – the month and the hour that calls loudly for victory, two thousand years hence the Ides of March will be associated with the history of the Potomac. The beautiful lines of Bayard Taylor are in my memory:

“Then down the long Potomac’s line,
Shout like a storm one bills of pine.
Till ramrods ring and bayonets shine!
Advance! The chieftain’s call is mine.
MARCH! [Loud cheers and applause.]

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday , May 3, 1862, p. 2

Operations At Yorktown

YORKTOWN SHELLED BY THE TOBAGO.

About noon on the 21st the gunboat Tobago ran up to within three miles of Yorktown and opened fire on the town with one of her 100 pound 8 inch Parrott guns. We were sitting upon the river bank, about a mile and a half this side of Yorktown, and could see every shot fired by her, and the replies. The first fell short and exploded in the air; the next two fell in the water near Yorktown; the fourth exploded right over the flag staff in Yorktown, and was a splendid shot, considering there was a hazy mist all around, making it very difficult for them to see such a distance; the next went over their fort and exploded in their barracks. Immediately there was a hurrying to and fro, their long gun was [run] out, a flash was seen, a pillar of spoke arose, and whiz went a shell within half a mile of the Tobago. It was a good line shot. There was a pause here for a few minutes, when both fired at once. Secesh again made a miss of it, and our shell exploded right over their water battery.

The gunboat now ran down to the mouth of the York River, and turning round came up and running half a mile nearer than before fired again. Her first shell exploded with a loud noise in front of their land battery; and the next two fell short; the next fell within fifty feet of the water battery; the next two exploded on shore near their fort; two then exploded over their water battery, which is bomb proof. All the [illegible] rebels were now lying in their rat holes and disdained to reply, and the fog growing so thick that Yorktown was rapidly being enveloped and the tide running out rapidly, the gunboat ran back to the mouth of the river.


CAPTURING A GUN.
There is an old chap in the Berdan Sharpshooters known as “Old Seth.” He is quite a character, and a crack shot – one of the best in the regiment. His “instrument” as he terms it, is one of the heaviest telescopic rifles. The other night, at roll call, “Old Seth” was non ex. This was somewhat unusual, as the old chap was always up to time. A sergeant went out to hunt him up, he being somewhat fearful that the old man had been hit. After perambulating around in the advance of the picket line he heard a low “hallo.” “Who’s there?” inquired the Sergeant. “It’s me,” responded Seth; “and I’ve captured a secesh gun.” “Bring it in,” said the Sergeant. “Can’t do it” exclaimed Seth.

It soon became apparent to the sergeant that “Old Seth” had the exact range of one of the enemy’s heaviest guns, and they could not load it for being picked off by him. Again the old man shouted – “Fetch me a couple of haversacks full of grub, as this is my gun, and the cussed varmints shan’t fire it again while the scrimmage lasts. This was done, and the old patriot has kept a good watch over that gun. In fact it is a “captured gun.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday , May 3, 1862, p. 2

Jesse B. Penniman

Jesse B. Penniman was the First Sergeant Major of the Regiment. He will be remembered as a blonde youth, tall, active, and a ready soldier. He was made Second-Lieutenant of Company A, and was killed in action at Shiloh on April 6, 1862. He was not mustered into the grade in which he served. But he was the first officer to fall in action, in this Regiment, and he fell in its first fight in the front.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 45

A Bold Yankee

A man in Federal uniform rode into Fayetteville, Tenn., on Sunday last, conversed freely with the citizens, said he belonged to an Ohio regiment, allowed a citizen, who asked permission to examine his gun, removing the cap before handing it to him, dined at a tavern with his gun on his lap at the table, had his horse fed and left. The citizens thought him one of Morgan’s men, notwithstanding his representation. A short time after, however, they were undeceived. Coming 4 or 5 miles on the road to Huntsville, he overtook and old white man with four negroes and three wagons of bacon, he forced them to drive their wagons close together, put fodder under them, take out the mules and retire a few steps. Then, lighting a match he set fire to the wagons, consumed them and their contents. Riding to a church a few miles distant, where preaching was going on, he asked the minister if any soldiers were there, and saying if there were, he wanted them. Receiving a negative answer, he rode away, and crossed the road, ten miles this side of Fayetteville, with two other Federals. That is the last we have heard of them. The owner of the bacon and wagons returned to Fayetteville with his negroes and mules and reported his misfortune. Several men went in pursuit of the bold marauders, but failed to find them. – Huntsville Democrat, 9th

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

The Gallant Iowans

Iowa is a young State, but it is the home of heroes. With the present war she has begun a war history that yields in splendor and honor to that of no State in the Union, and no country on the globe. Her soil is the birthplace of a new chivalry, and she has become the mother of a new race of heroes. Her soldiers boast little and she has no industrious penny-a-liner to boast for them. Her soldiers are as modest as they are brave. They are not fierce braggarts. They are as gentle and tractable as children.

But when the storm of blood begins they are the guiding and governing heroes of the tempest. Where the harvest of death is to be reaped, they are the foremost of the reapers. Where a perilous assault is to be made, somehow or other there is always an Iowa regiment, or the wasted shadow of and Iowa regiment, to lead it. It was so at Wilson’s Creek; it was so at Belmont, it was so at Fort Donelson, it was so at Shiloh; it will ever be so throughout the war.

All our Western troops have been heroes, but the Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes. The “Iowa First,” “Iowa Second,” “Iowa Fourth” and “Iowa Seventh,” are bodies of men who would have given an additional luster even to Thermopylae, Marathon, Austerlitz or Wagram, and all Americans may be proud of Iowa. – St. Louis News

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

Judge McFarland of Boonesboro, is dead.

His death occurred a few days since at his residence in Boone county. During the earlier history of central Iowa, he was Judge of the Judicial District. Naturally, Judge McFarland was a man of bright intellect and of [a] social generous disposition. He had the capacity to fill exalted positions with honor to himself, and with benefit to his constituents. But he unfortunately darkened every prospect of usefulness, through intemperance. He died the victim of the firey cup. Aside from the fatal habit which [culminated] in delirium [transe] and death, Judge McFarland had the redeeming excellencies of a kind heart and generous sympathies. Let his virtues be remembered and let his frailties be forgotten. – Des Moines Register.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

Died

In this city on Sunday the 27th inst., JENNIE, daughter of Wallace W. and Kate Hovey, aged 3 years.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

The city of Philadelphia . . .

. . . being short of money the Pennsylvania Central Railroad ahs advanced $100,000 expressly to pay the school teachers.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

William W. Estabrook

William W. Estabrook was the First Chaplain of the Regiment. He was an Episcopal Clergyman of character and education, who had left the profession of Medicine to become "a soldier in the Army of the Lord."

As the Regiment's first experience was at Shiloh, the services of the Chaplain were not more needed than were those of the medical officers who could be found. Doctor Estabrook was equal to the occasion. He prayed with the dying, he administered to the care of the wounded, and his medical knowledge made him most useful in those trying hours. In the active life of Regimental duty there were not opportunities for the performance of Chaplain's duties with the regularity of Sunday service at home. But the Chaplain was a man of sense; he devoted his time to the sick and suffering, and ministered to their physical as well as spiritual cares, and tied to him forever the men of the Regiment. They remember him as a benefactor and friend. On April 2, 1863, he resigned, and was on May 25, 1864, appointed Surgeon of the 45th Iowa Infantry. He now resides in Chicago, and as a physician has an increasing practice there.

Ensign H. King was the Second and last Chaplain. His history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 44

Rebel views – A Correspondent’s Experience in Secessia – The Field Just After the Battle, Etc.

The correspondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer, who was taken prisoner by the rebels while with Gen. Prentiss’ division at Pittsburg early Sunday morning, furnishes that paper with some interesting incidents of the conflict which have not been anticipated in other reports. On [Sunday] night the rebels who occupied our camps were very jolly, and confident of satisfactorily finishing up their work on the following day. Trunks and boxes were broken open and their contents greedily appropriated. Gen. Prentiss and most of the prisoners captured on Sunday were hurriedly disarmed and started for Corinth. Some surgeons and hospital stewards, with the wounded and disabled were left behind. On Monday about 2 P.M., orders were given to remove these remaining prisoners to Corinth, but the flight of the rebels soon became so precipitate that the prisoners’ guard, at first consisting of one hundred men, dwindled down in fifteen minutes’ time to about fifty, and these last not long after began to be more concerned for their own safety than for that of their charges as a natural consequence, several of the captives, among them the writer, effected their escape. He continues:

The last determined stand had been made where I now stood in a dense cover of blackjack bushes. At this time occurred the deadly contest which took place between several Alabama regiments and a number of our own, from the different States, and which ended the fight on Monday. These Alabamians were mostly armed with flintlock muskets, undoubtedly those stolen by Floyd, some hundreds of which were here returned to the Federal Government in a significant manner.

The bushy cover had not saved them from almost utter annihilation. Pressed on the left by our forces in the road, and partially flanked on the right by our artillery, the destruction of these butternut jean-clothed rebels was beyond the power of pen to describe.

It seemed as if becoming bewildered, they had endeavored to retreat several times, but each time encountered our men at an opening in a small clover field of one or two acres where they were actually piled up along the fence, quite a number settling down between the stakes, and remaining there in death, while others, their legs and feet becoming entangled in the rails, died so suddenly that they hung in various positions, as if in the act of climbing over the fence.

Although the fight as this place was brief, the loss of life on the part of the enemy was greater than at any part of the whole battleground, including a space of four miles front by one and a half broad. I concluded to make an estimate of the number killed just about this vicinity, and set about counting them up, until my number of dead men, clothed in rebel attire, reached four hundred and twenty-six, while those in the Union uniform were eighty-nine.

I found no other locality, however, where this great disparity between the Union and rebel killed existed. It is just to say, and there are those who accompanied me on the battlefield the subsequent day prepared to assert the same, that the killed of the enemy are one third greater than ours, while our wounded perhaps somewhat exceed theirs. A rigid scrutiny enables me to speak positively on this topic. They labored diligently all day Sunday, through the night, and again until the retreat, carrying away their wounded and most prominent dead, such as it was possible for them to possess themselves of, thereby compelling those who were wounded in the retreat to become our prisoners. The number captured in this way was perhaps about five hundred.


SHILO [sic] FIELD AN HOUR AFTER THE BATTLE.

It was curious to see the strategy resorted to by some of the wounded rebels or their friends. While surveying the killed and wounded in a thickly wooded locality, but where trunks of large trees lay about in a half rotten state, I stepped upon one to look about the ground and hearing something move at my feet, looked down upon what was evidently the figure of a man, covered up by a blanket, and lying close up alongside the log. The ground was thickly strewn about him with bodies, many of whom I found only to be wounded. Lifting the blanket from the wounded man’s face, as I dismounted from the log, he immediately faltered out, “Oh, sir, I’m wounded; don’t hurt me my leg is broken and I’m so cold and wet.”

Within three feet of this wounded Secessionist lay a dead Unionist, with his hair and whiskers burned off. Just at this period two or three of our men came up, and observing the horrid spectacle of their dead brother in arms, with his hair, whiskers and clothes so burned, addressed the wounded man referred to in violent terms, accusing them of aiding in setting fire to their comrades. For a moment I felt apprehensive that they might retaliate, but upon his assuring them that many on both sides were burned in a similar manner, quiet was soon restored. I soon learned that the leaves and dead undergrowth had been fired in various places by the explosion of shells, and also by burning wads, the fire communicating to the bodies and burning them shockingly. – Some of the wounded must have been burned to death, as I observed on or two lying upon their backs, with their hands crossed before their faces, as a person naturally does when smoke or heat becomes annoying.

Replacing the blanket over the face of the wounded man, I proceeded to step over another log near by, and was considerably startled by a loud exclamation of pain from another wounded rebel. Having stepped on a small stick that hurt a wounded limb of his by its sudden movement, he was compelled to cry out. He, too, was snugly laid up on ordinary, close alongside a fallen tree. His wound was serious and the poor man begged for some assistance. The only thing that I could do was to get him a little water, and promise that somebody would soon come to his relief. I do not think he received any however, before the following day, as it was more than we could do to attend to our own suffering men, night being near. – “What will you do with us?” said the wounded man to me. “Take you, dress your wounds, give you plenty to eat, and in all probability, when you are able, require you to take the oath of allegiance, and then send you home to your family, if you have one.”

“Oh, God!” replied the suffering man; “I have a family, sir, and that just what my old woman told me. She said if the Northern men was so ugly and bad as our Generals says, they must ha’ changed a heap.” Occasionally there was a pause, accompanied by a distorted countenance that showed the painful character of his wound. “Stranger,” continued the prostrate man, “I’ve got six little boys at home, and the biggest just goes of errands. I live on the ____ river in Alabama, (the name sounded so peculiar that I was not able to recollect it;) ‘taint further than that cottonwood from the bank, where my house stands.” “What has your wife to maintain the family with, or does the State help them?” said I. “Oh, she’s shifty, my wife is, stranger – she’s mighty shifty; she’s a Northern born woman, and her father lives in Wisconsin now. I never was North before; I married my wife in Alabama.”

I was obliged to leave this man, who possessed an undercurrent of nobility, although his superficial knowledge had allowed him to follow the fortunes of base leaders. He persisted in saying, as I left him, that he was certain he never had killed a man.


THE STUDY OF ATTITUDES.

Perhaps a finer opportunity has not for many generations occurred than that after the battle for the study of attitudes. There was the old man, his locks sprinkled with gray, kneeling besides a stump, as if in the attitude of prayer his face now resting in his hands and head inclining on the top, apparently having gone to sleep in death while in the act of devotion. A ghastly wound in the side told of his end.

Another powerful-looking man had just placed a cartridge in the muzzle of his gun, and had the ramrod in his right hand, as if about to ram it down. Death caught him in the moment, and as he lay with upturned face the right hand clenched the gun, and left the ramrod. There are many instances similar to this last. One soldier had loaded his piece and paused to take a chew of tobacco. Beside his body lay the gun, and in his right hand was a flat plug of tobacco, bearing the imprint of his teeth.

In one place lay nine men, four or five of ours and about as many rebels, who, from indications must have had a hand to hand fight. They were dead and bore wounds made evidently with bayonets and bullets. Two had hold of another’s hair, and others were clenched in a variety of ways. One seemed to have had a grip in the throat of his antagonist, and been compelled to relinquish it, judging from the frigid marks. The most singular attitude of any that I ever observed, was that of a Union soldier, the position of whose body was similar to that of a boy’s when he is playing at leap-frog.

Some had lain down quietly with their heads resting against a stump or a tree, their caps resting on their faces, and had thus died alone and unattended. Yet the calmness and repose of the countenance, as one raised the covering indicated a peaceful departure to the spirit world. Death caused by a bullet leaves a quiet calm look behind, while a bursting shell, bayonet or sword carry with them a horror that remains depicted in death.

It was an excellent time to choose a gun. – All the different patterns, I think, must have been there, and in such large variety that an Arab even could have found his chosen Algerine rifle. There were the Harper’s Ferry rifles, old and new pattern; Springfield rifles, with the Maynard primers and without; the “Tower” Enfield rifles, Mississippi rifles, double and single barrel shot-guns, rifles bearing the Palmetto stamp, and made at Columbia, South Carolina, and Fayetteville, North Carolina; swords of various kinds, reeking with blood; broken and bent scabbards, partially discharged revolvers, and military trappings in such endless variety that to have possessed them would have been the fortune of any individual.

In the cleared field fronting the peach orchard; before referred to, a variety of bullets might have been gathered – and even the following day – as they were lying about on the ground like fruit form a heavily-laden tree after a storm.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

Border State Sentiment

The following, from the Louisville Democrat, contains a stinging rebuke to those Northern Democrats who advocate leniency to treason through deference to the sentiment of the Border States. The truth is that really loyal men in those States desire to see operations against the rebels prosecuted vigorously.

It is time reasonable men, and even those not so reasonable, who expect to live in this Commonwealth, should reflect that the law ought to be supreme in Kentucky. We have forborne a great deal; we have given to treason a free run, as long as this rebellion approached revolution; but the fate of it is now sealed; it must die. It is not possible to divide this country by sword. We have therefore, had enough of the experiment, and those who burn houses, burn bridges, appropriate the [property] of others, and shoot or kill should not be held prisoners of war, but robbers and murderers, to answer for their crimes in the State prison or upon the gallows.

It will be seen that a gang of marauders have been in Clinton county, robbing and killing, and these infernal crimes are sanctified in the minds of many who enjoy the protection of Kentucky’s laws by the prejudice of party.

They are, in fact, only common robbers and cut throats, and should be treated as they are.

Right or wrong, we have allowed the assumption that these men were acting under the orders of a Government de facto, and their deeds have not been judged with that severity that all laws, human and divine, sanction. This de facto concern is a failure everywhere, and never had more than a shadow of existence in this State. It is, therefore, time this lawlessness in Kentucky were no longer tolerated. It is time robbery and murder were called by their right names, and punished as they deserve at all times.

It is just as well, too, that men should reflect whether that freedom of speech which rejoices in this rebellion had not as well be voluntarily dropped before it is forcibly suppressed. We can’t afford to live any longer in the midst of lawlessness, robbery and murder, under the pretext of Southern rights or any other sort of rights. Certainly it cannot be expected that this forbearance shall last always. There is a law of this State that consigns to the State Prison any one who left the State to take up arms against it. We had hopes that this law might be repealed, upon the ground that such offenses would cease and be atoned for by repentance. We apprehend it will be necessary for the peace of the State, to enforce this law.

At the same time, those who went into the Confederate army as soldiers are not more guilty than thousands at home, who have done by words much more against their country and their State than soldiers in arms.

We repeat, that it is time all aid and comfort to this rebellion, either in words or deeds, should stop in this State. We can’t afford to tolerate this lawlessness and these enormous crimes to accommodate a faction.

Those who are not willing to obey the laws of Kentucky, and who would foment disorder, or aid or sympathize with rebellion should not complain if they suffer the consequences.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

The War News

A Battle In Progress At Roanoke Island.

REBEL GUNBOATS SUNK.

Gen. Stone sent to Fort Lafayette.

$100,000,000 Treasury Note Bill Passed.

ARRIVAL OF THE AMERICA.

The Pirate Sumter still Roaming.

SEC’Y STANTON THANKS GEN. HALLECK.

Doings about Fort Henry.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Meteorological Observations

(Under the direction of the Smithsonian Institution)

Made at Griswold College, Davenport
BY WM. P. DUNWOODY.

Latitude 41.30. North – Longitude 13.30. west – Height above the sea, 737 feet.

Mean height of Barometer, 29.35 inches; mean Temperature, 11 degrees; mean amount of clouds 5; general direction of winds, N. W.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Mississippi Railroad Bridge Report

FOR THE WEEK ENDING FEB. 8, 1862.

The number of footmen that crossed the bridge during the week was 223.

J. H. THORINGTON, Bridge Master.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

William H. Gibbon

William H. Gibbon, who was the First Assistant Surgeon, and became Surgeon on the resignation of Doctor Davis. Surgeon Gibbon was a man of accomplished education, delightful manners, and courteous demeanor, faithful to duty and energetic on all occasions.

His success as a Surgeon and Physician showed that he was thoroughly "up" in the acquirements of his profession. Early and late, in field and fight, in camp or hospital, his genial manners made the sick feel better, and his complete knowledge of his work gave confidence and hope to the wounded and desponding soldier. He was mustered out on December 22, 1864, and no man ever left the Regiment more beloved and more regretted. The brevet which he received from the President as Lieutenant-Colonel of Volunteers, on March 13, 1865, was but a slight recognition of his services. But no title which could be given him could equal the reward which he had won.

His name is a cherished one in every home where lives a soldier of the l5th Iowa. He resides in Chariton, Iowa, where he practices his profession in honor and prosperity.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 43-4

17th Illinois Infantry

Organized at Peoria, Ill., and mustered in May 24, 1861. Moved to Alton, Ill., June 17, 1861, thence to St. Charles and Warrenton, Mo., July 27. Moved to Bird's Point, Mo., August. Duty there, at Fort Holt, Ky., and Cape Girardeau, Mo., till February, 1862. Attached to District of Cairo to October, 1861. 5th Brigade, District of Cairo, to February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, District of Cairo, February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, District of West Tennessee, and Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, District of Jackson, Tenn., to September, 1862. Unattached, District of Jackson, Tenn., to November, 1862. 4th Brigade, 3rd Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps, Dept. of the Tennessee, November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 6th Division, 16th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 6th Division, 17th Army Corps, to July, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps, to April, 1864. Maltby's Brigade, District of Vicksburg, Miss., to June, 1864.

SERVICE.--Operations about Ironton and Fredericktown, Mo., against Thompson's forces October 12-25, 1861. Action at Fredericktown October 21. Expedition to Benton, Bloomfield and Dallas January 15-17, 1862. Operations against Fort Henry, Tenn., February 2-6. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-16. Moved to Savannah, thence to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 5-25. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Jackson June 5-8, and duty there till July 17. At Bolivar, Tenn., till November. Expedition to Iuka September 15-22. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862, to January, 1863. Reconnoissance from Lagrange November 8-9, 1862. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., January 12, 1863, thence to Lake Providence, La., January 17-24. Action at Richmond, La., January 29-30. Old River, Lake Providence, February 10. Moved to Milliken's Bend April 12. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battles of Thompson's Hill, Port Gibson, May 1. Bayou Pierrie May 2. Raymond May 12. Jackson, Miss., May 14. Champion's Hill May 16. Big Black River May 17. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Garrison duty at Vicksburg till May, 1864. Expedition to Monroe, La., August 20-September 2, 1863. Expedition to Canton October 14-20. Bogue Chitto Creek October 17. Expedition from Vicksburg to Sunnyside Landing, Ark., January 10-16, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2, 1864. Clinton February 5. Mustered out June 4, 1864, expiration of term. Veterans and Recruits transferred to 8th Illinois Infantry.

Regiment lost during service 3 Officers and 71 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 71 Enlisted men by disease. Total 146.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium Of The War Of The Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1052

Samuel B. Davis

Samuel B. Davis was the First Surgeon. He took high position and his ability was- promptly recognized by his professional associates. He was early detached as Medical Director of the Brigade and Division, and was appointed Surgeon of Volunteers on February 19, 1863, and was honorably mustered out on October 17, 1865.

He resigned from the Regiment on March 1, 1863. He afterward resided in New Mexico and died there.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 43

Arrival of the America

HALIFAX, Feb. 10.

The America, from Liverpool 25th ult., via Queenstown 26th, has arrived.

Sales of cotton Saturday, 5,000 bales; market closing quiet. Breadstuffs dull. – Provisions heavy. Consols 92 3-4a92 7-8.

There are vague rumors that the Emperor Napoleon has notified that he will shortly officially demand joint action in raising the blockade of the Southern ports of the U. S. If England refuses to take part, he will take the initiative alone.

The London Times continues to urge England not to interfere, and says, the nation can afford to wait.

The pirate Sumter is reported Cruising off Genoa.

FRANCE. – The Emperor’s speech to the Corps Legislatif, on the 25th, was expected with great interest, under the belief that he will say something important on American affairs.

The London Times in another editorial says, we need not be eager to meddle with American affairs. This is the time for waiting and we can afford to wait quite easily as the North and South can afford to be looking across the Potomac, at a cost of two million pounds a week each of them. – If there does come any real cause of complaint, it will tell all the more our present patience and forbearance.

The London Globe editorially remarks that the maritime powers cannot be expected to respect Federal blockades unless really effective. The commerce of the world cannot suffer itself to be despoiled for an indefinite period under a mere paper blockade.

As to intervention, says the Globe, We may be invited or offered to intervene, but our great aim must be to preserve consistency with our principles.

In a letter from Mr. Seward to Smith O’Brien, in response to the latter’s recently proffered advice, Mr. Seward urges Mr. O’Brien, if he would promote the cause of America, of Great Britain and humanity at large, to speak and act in every case and without qualification for the American Union. Mr. Seward’s tone is highly patriotic for Union, and friendly towards European powers, in regard to whom he is determined to stand always not only in the right, but upon the defensive.

Geo. Thompson had been lecturing again at Manchester on American affairs. His remarks were mainly in response to a late speech of Mr. Massy at Salford, whose statements he branded as absolutely false, and a great injustice to the North. The lecturer said the breaking of the blockade would be a wicked and fiendish act, and no greater crime could be created against any country. He had faith, however, in the pacific and neutral policy of Earl Russell.

The Times, in an editorial on Mr. Sumner’s speech, protests against any suggestion that England has budged one step from her former position with respect to her rights, either neutral or belligerent. What she agreed to at the Congress of Paris, she still stands by, and what she had before limited only by those concessions she has still. The case of the Trent has made no new phase whatever.

A telegram of the 22d ult., from Algiers, says, on Monday a prolonged cannonading was heard here, proceeding, apparently from a distance about six miles form shore.

A vessel was sighted this morning which is supposed to be the Sumter. It is presumed she sank her adversary.

The above is considered doubtful, as an Algiers telegram of the 24th ult. says the Sumter has been seen in the Genoese waters, a few leagues off the port of Genoa.

The Gibraltar Chronicle says the United States Consul at Cadiz protested against the assistance given the Sumter at that port. The authorities, however, considered themselves bound to afford such aid as was indispensable. The Sumter having sprung a leak near the screw she was permitted to effect the necessary repairs in the arsenal.

Worst fears were realized relative to the accident at the Hartley Coal Mines. Not one of the buried miners was found alive.

The has been very stormy weather on the Irish Chanel. There were several vessels wrecked and some loss of life.

FRANCE. – The dissatisfaction with M. Fould’s Budget was apparently giving way.

The Paris Bourse on the 24th ult. was buoyant. Rentes advanced 1-2 per cent. and closed 70/75c.

SPAIN. – The Minister of State has declared in Congress that Spain would demand reparation from Mexico on account of the war of independence. It was also stated that Spain had received an official communication respecting any further resolution of France and England in reference to Mexico. He concluded by saying that Spain would fittingly support the interests of Mexico.

PRUSSIA. – A rupture was anticipated between the Prussian Government and the Archbishop of Posen, who in a letter to the minister of Public Worship, defends the national attitude assumed by his countrymen.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 10.

The following telegram has been received at headquarters:


WASHINTON, Feb. 8.

To Major General Halleck:– Your energy and ability receive the strongest commendation of this department. You have my perfect confidence, and you may rely upon my utmost support in your undertaking. The pressure of my engagements has prevented me from writing, but I will do so fully in a day or two.

Signed, EDWARD M. STANTON, Secretary of War.


Also the following to Major General Halleck:– Thank Gen. Grant, flag officer Foote and their command for me.

Signed, GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Commander-in-Chief.


A dispatch dated the 6th, received by Gen. Halleck, states that Gen. Curtis is south of Lebanon, and had taken 29 prisoners, including 2 captains and one quarter-master; also a quantity of flour.

The Republican’s special says the army is still encamped at Ft. Henry, and preparations for further movements go vigorously forward. The river is high, and part of Ft. Henry is over flowed. Five more regiments are expected to arrive from Cairo in a few days.

An unfinished fortification called Fort Heiman, opposite Ft. Henry, has been taken possession of.

The panic is so extensive in Tennessee that the river is considered open for the Union fleet to its head waters.

The late garrison of Ft. Henry have taken refuge at Ft. Donelson, making the force there between 7,000 and 8,000.

A southern mail was captured by Capt. Logan. It contained letters from high officers, speaking of the demoralizing effect of the defeat at Somerset, and stating another at Fort Henry would be almost irreparable.

The steamer Arrow, being chased by the gun-boat Conestoga, was fired by her crew and abandoned. Several other steamers are said to have fallen into the hands of the gun-boats Conestoga and Lexington.

The Gunboats sent up the Tennessee will probably go as far as Florence, Ala.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

District Court

REGULAR TERM.

HON. JOHN F. DILLON, Judge.
IRA M. GIFFORD, Clerk.

MONDAY, February 10.

Court opened at 9 o’clock A. M. There was some 60 cases disposed of this morning by default. The jury in the slander case of Dutcher vs. Ricker, brought in a verdict for the plaintiff, and assessed his damages at one cent.

The Criminal Docket was then called. The first trial was that of State vs. Murray. – John N. Rogers, Esq., was by consent appointed to try the case. Defendant, Murray, was indicted for stealing a calf. The examination of witnesses occupied all afternoon and was not finished to-night.

The court adjourned at 6 o’clock p. m., till 9 o’clock to-morrow morning.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Wood Measuring

Mr. Editor, Sir: Last November I became a resident of Davenport. Having occasion to buy wood several times at the wood-yards, I was satisfied that I did not get fair measure; that I did not get more than seven-eighths the amount I paid for.

A short time since I was pleased to learn that the City Fathers had taken measures to have justice done to the buyers as well as to the sellers of wood, by appointing City Surveyors and requiring all loads of wood to be measured and by so doing buyers would be less liable to have to pay for more than they receive.

Has the objected been accomplished? Last Saturday I bought a load of wood measured on the sled, and said to contain one cord; had it hauled home and thrown into my yard. It looked to me a small pile of wood to pay four dollars for, especially in these hard times; and four the purpose of satisfying myself I corded the wood, measured it, and found that I had been shaved just one eighth.

Now Mr. Editor, if this is an improvement on the former mode of being swindled, otherwise than having it done according to law you would oblige many citizens by pointing out the advantages gained.

MAIN STREET.

February 10, 1862.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Henry C. McArthur

First Lieutenant Henry C. McArthur, of Company H. was made Acting Quarter-Master on February 1, 1864, near Vicksburg, Mississippi. While in that position he did his duty well and with the energy which characterized him in military or civil life.

He was an efficient and brave young officer, and was severely wounded on July 21, 1864, near Atlanta. But he returned to the command soon afterward, and was on the staff of the Brigade Commander until the end. He resides and is a prominent merchant in Lincoln, Nebraska.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 42-3

17th Illinois Infantry Monmuent: Shiloh National Military Park

ILLINOIS

17TH INFANTRY
3D BRIGADE – RAITH
1ST DIVISION – McCLERNAND
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

COMMANDED BY
1. LIEUT.-COL. ENOS P. WOOD.
2. MAJOR FRANCIS M. SMITH

THIS REGIMENT FORMED THE RIGHT OF THE THIRD BRIGADE, 1ST DIVISION, AND WENT INTO BATTLE ON THIS LINE ABOUT 8.30 A.M., APRIL 6, 1862, HOLDING IT UNTIL 10.00 A.M., WHEN IT FELL BACK ABOUT 60 YARDS.

THE REGIMENT LOST IN THE BATTLE 5 OFFICERS AND 113 MEN WOUNDED; 15 MEN KILLED; 5 MISSING; TOTAL 138.

Local Matters

THE SAFEST AND BEST WAY for persons to invest their surplus funds, is to purchase dry goods at Wadsworth’s. We guarantee they will meet with no less by so doing.

MELODEONS TO TRADE. – C. H. Kent & Co. are offering to trade their new and splendid melodeons – Boston Make – at very low prices for lumber or carpenter’s work. Call and see.

SCOTT COUNTY REPUBLICAN CLUB. – The semi-annual meeting of the Scott County Republican Club was held at the Court House last evening, but owning to the limited attendance adjourned to meet on Tuesday next, 18th inst., at 7 1-2 p.m.

PUBLIC LECTURE. – Dr. C. C. Parry will deliver a lecture on “Camp Life,” in the Congregational Church, on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12th. Price of admission, 10 cts. The entire receipts will be appropriated for the benefit of the Soldiers’ Aid Society. d2t

TAX ON BACHELORS. – The legislature talk of imposing a tax of ten dollars on single men over 25 years of age. Hem! That’s nothing. The solons will have to bid higher than that to make single mankind forego the freedom of single blessedness. Ten dollars isn’t a circumstance. You’ll have to go a few “persimmons” higher, Messrs. Legislators.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CONCERT. – Last Sunday afternoon, the Sunday School of the Second Baptist Church held a concert, under the direction of Mr. Converse, the Superintendent. The exercises consisted of prayer, singing, reciting portions of Scripture, and addresses by several gentlemen; the exercises all having reference to the subject of Prayer. The exercises were very interesting, and were much enjoyed by those present. It is probable the concert will be repeated occasionally.

DR. JEWETT’S LECTURES. – The lecture, on Sunday evening, on the subject of the Scriptures and Alcohol, was delivered to a crowded house. The record of the Scriptures, on the question, was presented in a clear and convincing manner, showing that the subject had been well studied and was in hands capable of treating it ably. Some of the views presented were entirely new to many, if not most of his hearers; yet they were presented in such a forcible manner that they could hardly fail of some good effect on the minds of his hearers.

SNOW AND THE MILLINERS. - The awning in front of Miss Renwick’s millinery, on Brady street, near Fourth, gave way yesterday, on account of the great weight of snow accumulated on it. Two panes of glass in the large show window were broken, but fortunately no other damage was done. Three or four persons were walking down the street at the time, but stopped to speak with another person in front of the grocery store on the corner, which saved them from being crushed under the timbers.

The awning in front of Mrs. Proudfoot’s millinery also began to give way, but was propped up in time.

MIGHT HAVE BEEN SERIOUS. – As Mr. Ackley, the county jailor, was standing at the corner of Fifth and Perry streets, on Saturday evening, a sled came rushing down hill with great velocity, and taking Mr. Ackley by the heels, laid him out in a twinkling. He picked himself up, but couldn’t see who it was that ran against him, the movement had been so quick. Friend Ackley was not seriously hurt, which is very fortunate considering the attitude and dimensions of the victim. There is indeed great danger attending this exercise, and more serious accidents may occur, as was the case last winter.

TALKING TO CHILDREN. – Among all the arts by which we entertain one another, none is more important than that of pleasing children, especially in talking to them. Many persons, really good, and able men, cannot think, when talking to children, that the plainer and simpler words they use, the more effective their persuasions are likely to be. We were led into this train of remark by bearing addresses to children frequently, good enough in themselves, but too much on stilts for children’s minds to comprehend. – Many of the words used are not understood, and a few such only are needed to set the little ones to thinking about something else, and the benefit the remarks are intended to impart is lost. It is said of John Wesley, that he once preached a sermon composed of monosyllables, and without knowing anything of the character of the sermon, we have no hesitation in expressing the opinion that it was one of his most effective sermons. His example might be remembered with profit by those who have occasion to talk to children.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Des Moines Correspondence

DES MOINES, Feb. 7, 1862.

The roads are liable to be in bad condition now-a-days, and if my letters sometimes fail to reach you in season, the fault is not mine. I judge from the late arrival of the Davenport mail, to-day, that the traveling is none too good. But then we have a telegraph now, which brings us the news in all kinds of weather, and all kinds of traveling. And to-night it brings us good news. A very cheering dispatch has just reached us. Fort Henry on the Tennessee river, is in possession of the Union troops! We have waited day after day with no little impatience, for some important news from the seat of war – for news of some decided move, some victory gained, or some steps taken that would ensure a speedy victory. But we have looked over the dispatches each day with less and less interest, until our local of the Register has, from sheer necessity, been driven to manufacture some telegrams in order to afford the necessary variety in the dispatches. Dixon likes a little spice once in a while.

In the House, to-day, Mr. Rothrock’s resolution offered some days since, came up for consideration. It is a joint resolution, instructing our Congressional delegation to use their influence in favor of the passage of a law to grant to ‘free white persons of foreign birth,’ who are now serving in the Federal army, the right of citizenship, so soon as they shall receive an honorable discharge. The resolution was adopted, after striking out the word “free.” A motion was made to strike out “free white,” and quite an exciting scene ensued. The yeas and nays were called, and the vote stood: 23 for, and 60 against. It is mortifying, to see what weak knees some of our Republicans possess. The lack one important ingredient in a true and genuine manhood, and that is independence. It is true this resolution will probably effect little, and the striking out of those words would be a small, and some might consider an unimportant matter. Yet why are the words there? Whence arises the necessity for them? The white foreigner, who fights for a government in its hour of peril, has a claim on that government for protection in the future; but the man of sable hue, who fights bravely in defence of the national honor, who perils his life to sustain the government, who labors assiduously in the support of our cause until the last rebel lays down his arms, is told that he cannot claim the protection of the government he has helped to rescue from destruction. He may spend his days on a Southern plantation; he may be arrested and imprisoned in a Southern port, or sold into hopeless bondage under the eyes of government officials. He has no redress. He has no claim upon the government. That is what those say, in substance, who would restrict this coveted provision to white men.

Those who voted to strike out, did not vote in favor of extending to colored men who may serve in the war, the right of suffrage. That must be decided by the State Constitutions. They merely voted in favor of extending to them the protection due to citizens of the U. S. Viewed in this light, I cannot easily explain the action of certain members. It is doubtless policy rather than principle that actuates them. Very few of the Republicans elected on the Union ticket, or as professedly conservative men, can be relied on. Most of them are quite as apt to be on the Democratic side as on that of the Republicans. They are mostly half-way men, and dare not come up and look a question square in the face. I fully believe the Union movement, this idea of doing away with all parties and harmonizing the conflicting elements, has done much, very much, to lower the standard of Republicanism. It has placed our Legislature men who dare not take an independent stand, who dare not advocate an unpopular measure, who dare not stand up boldly and fearlessly and speak their honest convictions if they chance to differ from the popular sentiment, who do not cast their vote upon a matter connected with slavery without a good deal of trepidation for fear they shall wound some sensitive nerves. Were this class of politicians out of the way, and were their places supplied by out-and-out Republicans, there would be less buncombe, less wrangling, and more effective labor.

A bill passed the House to-day fixing the bounty on wolves at $2.50, and repealing Article 8, Section 91 of the Revision of 1860 which provides for a bounty on other animals which are harmless. The bill for the exemption from execution of the property of the militia of the State in actual service, was taken up and discussed at some length. It exempts their property both real and personal, from execution, not only during their service but for two months afterwards. All seem to favor the enactment of some law of the kind, but a good many think the provisions of the act should not extend to commissioned officers. Quite an animated discussion took place on this point, after which the bill was recommitted to the committee on military affairs. The law of the extra session, which some thought covered the whole ground, seems, by the testimony of those who are acquainted with its workings, to be of no real benefit to the soldiers. According to the renderings under it, it affords no protection to the property of the man who is away from home fighting his country’s battles.

Senator McPherson introduced a concurrent resolution instructing our congressmen to vote for a reduction in the salary of army officers instead of a tax on their salaries. After being so amended as to include all commissioned officers and ask for a reduction in their salaries of 25 per cent it was adopted.

J. R. C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Arrested

E. S. Piper, the man whose recent exploits in our city we have heretofore noticed, was arrested on Friday evening of last week at Cleveland, Ohio, by an officer from St. Louis. We were unable to learn any particulars of the capture, as the telegraphic dispatch announcing the fact was very brief, merely stating the arrest had been made. Mr. Crane, who was badly victimized by him a few weeks since, left for Cleveland Saturday. – Muscatine Journal.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Grant's Headquarters Monument: Shiloh National Military Park

HEADQUARTERS
GENERAL U. S. GRANT
NIGHT OF APRIL 6, 1862

GENERAL GRANT IN HIS MEMOIRS SAYS:– “DURNING THE NIGHT RAIN FELL IN TORRENTS AND OUR TROOPS WERE EXPOSED WITHOUT SHELTER. I MADE MY HEADQUARTERS UNDER A TREE A FEW HUNDRED YARDS BACK FROM THE RIVER BANK.”

THE LARGE OAK TREE REFERRED TO, STANDING WHERE THIS MARKER NOW STANDS, WAS DESTROYED BY CYCLONE OCTOBER 14, 1909.

Elisha W. Elliott

Elisha W. Elliott was the Second and last Quarter-Master. He was born in Ohio, and entered the Regiment from Knoxville, Iowa, celebrating his twenty-eighth birth-day by enlisting in Company G at Keokuk, the rendezvous; he was assigned to duty in the office of Lieutenant Ball, U. S. A., Post Q. M., and was appointed Commissary Sergeant on September 8, 1802, in the field, and on February 3, 1863, he was appointed First Lieutenant and Quarter-Master by Governor Kirkwood .

He was on duty by order of January 31, 1864, with Colonel J. D. Bingham, Chief Quarter-Master Department of the Tennessee, and was there during the Meridian Expedition. He returned with the Regiment and served with it until mustered out. Faithfulness to duty was his characteristic, as it was of his associate officers, and he gained a solid and sure reputation. He now resides in White Lake, Dakota, and is a farmer.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 42

From Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 8.

Four steamboats are loading with troops, stores, &c., and will leave to-day for the expeditions up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers. The military authorities here seem determined to push matters through and will not rest until Memphis, Nashville and Columbus are occupied by the Union troops.

A gentleman who arrived by the Pacific railroad last night gives the following interesting information:

“Along the line of the road all the troops have been removed, except one regiment at Sedalia and one brigade and Lemoine bridge the latter commanded by acting Brigadier-General Hovey. Tipton and Syracuse are garrisoned by the Sixth Iowa, and California by the Iowa Eleventh.

“Col. Stevenson was within twenty-five miles of Lexington, on Wednesday, with his regiment, several companies of the First Iowa Cavalry, and one battery of six pieces – the entire force numbering 6,180 men.

“Nine hundred rebels were last reported at Waverly, Lafayette county, last Monday. They had just held an election for Colonel, and had elected Capt. Joseph Shelby to the position. The train passed some 1,500 troops on the way to Jefferson City, where they are to be stationed.

“A good deal of sickness still exists among the troops along the Pacific railroad.

“A fight took place last Monday in Jackson county between a company of Jennison’s men and a company of rebels, in which four of the latter were killed. None of Jennison’s men were hurt.

“Several houses of prominent secessionists were burned.”


ST. LOUIS, February 8.

Highly important news is momentarily looked for from the expeditions up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers.

The Republican received a telegram at 9 o’clock this morning, from Cairo, notifying them that a long dispatch from their correspondent was there, awaiting transmission, but up to this hour (3:30 p.m.) it has not been received.

There are rumors on the street of a field battle having been fought yesterday in the vicinity of Fort Henry, but it cannot be traced to any reliable source.

The following special order was issued this afternoon:


HEADQUATERS DEPARTMENT OF THIS MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS, February 8th, 1862.

The Major-General commanding the Department takes great pleasure in making public the following telegram just received from the General-in-Chief of the Army, in regard to the capture of Fort Henry and the expedition up the Tennessee river:

“Thank General Grant, flag-office Foote and their commands for me.

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,
Commander-in-Chief.”

By command of Major-General Halleck.
N. H. McLEAN, Ass’t Adj’t Gen.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Mortimer A. Higley

Mortimer A. Higley, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was the first Quarter-Master. He entered the Regiment, as did nearly all the others, as a private, and became Second Lieutenant of Company A, which was composed of a body of men equal to any company in the command. He was a very efficient officer — up by daylight or before, adl watchful of the interests and necessities of the men. His ability as such was so promptly recognized that he was recommended for promotion as Captain and Assistant Commissary of Subsistence, to which position President Lincoln appointed him on November 28, 1862. He was as a soldier a real hero. In the battle of Shiloh, though his position did not call for it, he was found in the midst of danger, rallying the scattered men and regardless of peril, doing his work well. The writer of this recalls him especially on the afternoon of April 6, 1862, at Shiloh, when Lieutenant Higley pointed out General Grant, with whom my first acquaintance was then made. He resides now at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a lovely family. Prosperous in the world's ways, and prominent as a citizen, he is President of a National Bank and a leading business man of the city. Everybody honors, and not only likes, but loves him.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 41-2

2nd Iowa Infantry Position Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.
2D IOWA INFANTRY,
TUTTLE’S (1ST) BRIGADE,
W. H. L. WALLACE’S (2D) DIVISION.

THIS REGIMENT WAS SENT TO REENFORCE GENERAL NELSON AND BY HIS ORDER MADE A CHARGE FROM THIS POSITION AT ABOUT 1 P.M. APRIL 7, 1862, DRIVING THE ENEMY BEYOND THE FIELD.

From Cairo and Fort Henry

Special to Chicago Journal

CAIRO, Feb. 8.

News has been received from Fort Henry up to twelve o’clock yesterday. The gunboats Conestoga and Tyler, which were up the Tennessee river when I left, had returned. They went up some distance towards the bridge of the Clarksville and Memphis Railroad, and reported the enemy in considerable force north of the bridge. – A large land force was just starting from the fort.

General Smith has captured the tents, ammunition and camp equipage of ten rebel regiments opposite Fort Henry, on the heights on the west side of the river.

Three regiments arrived here by river from St. Louis, last night, on the City of Memphis. The Fifty-second Indiana, Colonel Smith, and four batteries of the Second Illinois Artillery, under Major Stolbrand, arrived by rail this morning. You may expect other victories soon.

A company of the seventh Illinois cavalry, under Captain Brakeman, had an engagement near Bloomfield, Mo., with rebel cavalry, day before yesterday, killing two and taking thirty prisoners. Our loss was one killed and two wounded accidently. I go up the river to-night.

The Prima Donna arrived yesterday, from Pittsburg, with four hundred tons of munitions of war, including four thousand thirteen-inch shells.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

William C. Stidger

William C. Stidger was the Third Adjutant. He was a private in Company E, and rose rapidly through the various noncommissioned grades until finally, on December 10, 1864, he became Adjutant. He was a first-class soldier — ready to render obedience and prompt to demand it. In fact, the writer of this was early impressed by his manner and martial bearing and conduct. He behaved with bravery in action and did his duty faithfully. He died at Red Oak, Iowa, on July 21, 1880.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 41

From Leavenworth

LEAVENWORTH, Feb. 10.

By general order No. 17, Gen. Hunter declares martial law throughout the State of Kansas, and declares the crime of jayhawking shall be put down with a strong and summary process.

Jos. Holmes, Secretary of New Mexico, eleven and a half days from Santa Fe, brings important dispatches to Gen. Hunter, and information regarding affairs in the Territory.

The rebel Brigadier-Gen., H. H. Sibley, was within 30 miles of Ft. Craig, with 2,000 Texans with artillery, and had issued a buncombe proclamation.

Col. Canby has taken active measures to oppose him, and feels able to make a successful resistance.

It is reported that a considerable force of Texans are advancing up Rio Pecos to attack Fort Union.

An express has been sent to Denver City for reinforcements, and the Colorado Troops would probably march immediately.

Martial law was proclaimed in the territory, and all the able bodied men were being drafted to serve in the militia. All the mules, horses, and ammunition in the territory have been seized for used of the government.

The Indians in territory reported troublesome.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

The Liberal Element in England

NEW YORK, Feb. 10.

Letters received by mail from England by Senators in Washington, from Messrs. Bright, Cobden, the Duke of Argyle, and other members of the Liberal party, state that unless something is done to demonstrate the ability of the government to put down the rebellion and convince the anti-slavery party in England that we are in earnest about emancipation, the sympathy of the liberal element will be lost and the Southern Confederacy recognized.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

From New York

NEW YORK, Feb. 10.

Specials state that Secretary Chase and the cashier of the Ney York Bank of Commerce are conferring with the Senate finance committee, urgent the adoption of the legal tender clause.

Orders have been issued prohibiting and more furloughs, and all officers are ordered to return to their regiments.

Gen. Lane will probably be a Major-General, and the President will nominate Ethan Allen Hitchcock to a Major-Generalship.

The N. Y. weekly bank statement shows a decrease in loans of $87,852; do. circulation $327,376; do. deposits $1,300,079; increase in specie $693,080.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

61st Illinois Infantry Position Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.
61ST ILLINOIS INFANTRY
MILLER’S (2D) BRIG., PRENTISS’ (6TH) DIV.,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

THIS REGIMENT RELIEVED ONE OF HURLBUT’S REGIMENTS AND WAS ENGAGED HERE FROM ABOUT 2 P.M. TO 8 P.M. APRIL 6, 1862.

Destructive Fire

BRANTFORD, C. W., February, 10.

The car shops of the Buffalo and Lake Huron Railway were burned yesterday. Loss $20,000; covered by insurance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

James S. Porter

James S. Porter, of Ottumwa, Iowa, was the fifth Major, and was appointed on March 23, 1865, being promoted from Captain of Company D, to which position he had arisen from that of Private in that Company. He was a conscientious, faithful and brave officer, and a thoroughly loveable man. As a company commander he was what is represented by the words "level headed." He shirked no duty and always did it well. And his commanding officer never left his society without feeling that he had learned something in patience, good manners and solid sense. He was a man who knew what his duty was, and did it without questioning. And though no words ever passed his lips which could be called profane, he seemed to rise to the occasion when there was work to do, and other men did the swearing. He was a true soldier and was always ready. He lives at Ewing, Nebraska, and now, as when in service, is beloved by all who know him.

George Pomutz was the first Adjutant. His history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 39

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, February 10.

SENATE. – The Vice President presented a communication from a meeting of citizens of North Carolina, held at Hatteras, Jan. 10th, in regard to the rejection of Mr. Foster, their representative, and still insisting on his right to be a representative of the loyal citizens of North Carolina.

Mr. Davis presented a petition from the citizens of Maine, asking Congress to drop the negro question and attend to the business of the country, to sustain the President and Gen. McClellan, and to support the Constitution of the U. S.

Mr. Rice, of Minnesota, offered a resolution that the committee on military affairs be requested in inquire into the expediency of recommending and appropriation to complete the military road from Point Douglas, Minn., to Superior City, Wis.


WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.

HOUSE. – The House unanimously passed the Senate bill authorizing the issuing of $100,000,000 of Treasury notes.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Gen. Stone Arrested

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10.

Gen. Stone Passed through this city on the 12 o’clock train last night, in custody, en route for Fort Lafayette.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

Obituary of Alonzo Luce

Alonzo Luce was born in Penobscot County, Maine, April 13, 1838 and died at his late residence in Clarke County, Iowa, March 3, 1905 of diabetes with which he had been afflicted a number of years. When a youth he moved west with his parents coming to Illinois in 1854. Here he grew to manhood and was united in marriage to Catherine Finley Miller, December 22, 1864. To them as parents eight children were given, five sons and three daughters. One daughter died in infancy while the seven still living were all present at their father's funeral.

The deceased enlisted in Co. B. 19th Illinois Infantry, serving his country as a brave, valiant soldier till honorably discharged July 9, 1864. After the close of the war he came to Iowa, Clarke County, settling on the farm where he spent the remainder of his life.

Brother Luce professed faith in Christ as his Savior and with his wife went into the Science Hill Baptist church as constituent members. Here he was a quiet peaceable member till the summons came calling him to rest. His life has been a living epistle, known and read of all men. He was an affectionate husband, a kind father, a true soldier, and obliging neighbor, and unfailing friend. He has fought a good fight, finished his course, kept the faith and is expecting the crown.

The funeral occurred on Sunday, March 5, at the Taylor school house and was largely attended. Services being conducted by Rev. F. Edwards of Osceola. Bro. Luce was a member of the Wm. Dufer Post, No. 297, located at Murray and was laid to rest in the Sanders Cemetery under the impressive ritualistic services of this order to await the resurrection of the just at the last day. The companion and her children have the sympathy of a large circle of ardent and kind friends. May the kind father of mercies sustain and comfort them. F. E.

- Published in The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa, March 9, 1905, page 1

William T. Cunningham

William T. Cunningham was the second Major. He was Captain of Company G, and was appointed Major on the promotion of Major Belknap to the lieutenant-colonelcy on August 1, 1862. He was wounded in the left arm in the battle of Corinth on October 3, 1862, where he behaved with gallantry. He resigned on January 10, 1863, and died on May 28, 1884, at Pittsburgh, Kansas.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 39

3rd Iowa Infantry Position Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.
3D IOWA INFANTRY
WILLIAMS’ (1ST) BRIG., HURLBUT’S (4TH) DIV.,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

THIS TABLET MARKS POSITION HELD BY THE 3D IOWA INFANTRY FROM 2 P.M. TO 3 P.M. APRIL 6, 1862.

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb 9.

(Tribune’s Correspondence)

Senator Morrill has prepared a bill fro the immediate emancipation of all slaves in the District of Columbia, and providing for a compensation not to exceed $300 a head on loyal owners. It has not yet been acted upon in committee. There are about 3,000 slaves in the District.

The clergyman who has persistently omitted the prayer for the President from the service read in his church, at Alexandria, has been arrested.

To correct a misapprehension about the interest paying clause in the legal tender bill, Mr. Rice of Mass., desired an amendment that the certificate of the deposit might be funded [on] five years’ seven percent bonds, with semi-annual interest payable in coin. Mr. Stevens consented to the funding, but objected to the words “in coin.” Mr. Spaulding, with his own pen, struck out the words from the amendment. A fair copy was made, but “in coin” was reinstated by the copyist, whoever he was. The amendment was presented and adopted, the friends of the bill being unaware that the words “in coin” were in it. The incongruity and want of principle in paying interest in specie on the seven per cent bonds and in paper on the six percent bonds, and the hostility of the friends of the bill to any specie clause whatever, as certain to depreciate the treasure notes and sent the Government into the street every six months to by $35,000,000 of gold, made a reconsideration inevitable. The who thing was an accident.


(Time’s Dispatch.)

The rebel government has sent word to Mr. Fish. And Bishop Ames, that they would not be admitted into the Confederate States to discharge any mission whatever.


(World’s Dispatch.)

The published fact that Gen. Stone has been removed from the command of a division on the upper Potomac, is corroborated. It is not known who has succeeded him.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.

Dr. Cheever preached another sermon this P. M. in the Hall of the House of Representatives, in favor of emancipation as a war measure.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 9.

Dispatches through rebel sources state that the fight is still progressing at Roanoke Island.

Some of the rebel gun boats had been sunk.


FORT MONROE, February 9.

A flag of truce brought the news that the engagement at Roanoke Island still continued at the date of the last dispatch. At dark last night the fight was still going on. The federals had sunk one or two rebel gun-boats. Some later news had been received at Norfolk, but it was not communicated.

Southern papers received are of no later date than yesterday.

The New Orleans Bulletin of the 28th of January, says that the reported burning of the steamer Calhoun, was incorrect. When she was abandoned her Captain set her on fire, but it appears the Yankees shortly after boarded her, extinguished the fire, and took possession of boat and cargo, which consisted of 5,000 lbs. of powder, 10,000 lbs. of saltpetre, and a quantity of block tin, &c.

Speaking of the capture of Fort Henry, the Richmond Dispatch says:

Though it is much to be regretted by the South, it was a foregone conclusion whenever the enemy should think proper to bring a large force of men and artillery to bear upon it. It was a structure thrown up since the beginning of the war, and was never expected to resist a heavy bombardment or assault from a large force. It also says the destruction of the bridge which crossed the Tennessee river, through productive of some inconvenience, is not a matter of any great detriment to our interests. The road, without the bridge, will still be available for strengthening our lines, through connection, except for mere convenience, being a matter of inferior importance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 1

George Pomutz

George Pomutz was the Fourth Lieutenant Colonel, and was appointed November 23, 1864. He was an exiled Hungarian who came to America in 1848 and settled in New Buda, Decatur county, Iowa.

He had a military education in the old country and was appointed Adjutant of the Regiment on its formation. As an Office Adjutant he had no superior. Methodical beyond example in his Regimental papers, he kept a descriptive book of the Regiment, giving the service of every officer and man, which is historically accurate and which is surpassed by no Regimental record in the War Department. While Adjutant he was wounded in the thigh at Shiloh where he behaved with gallantry. He afterwards became the Major of the Regiment on the promotion of Colonel Hedrick and the Lieutenant-Colonel on the promotion of the same officer. While Major, he was Provost Marshal on the staff of Major General Blair, commanding the 17th Army Corps. He was mustered out with his Regiment in 1865, and was appointed Consul General at St. Petersburg and Cronstadt, which position he filled with honor and efficiency. Governor Curtin,of Pennsylvania, formerly United States Minister to Russia, bears cheerful witness to his great usefulness in that position. But political changes removed him from this place, and financial troubles coming upon him he died in great poverty at St. Petersburgh, on October 12, 1882. A stone was erected to his memory through the exertions and contributions of Governor Curtin, the officers of the 15th Iowa, and other friends, and the Regiment now makes a yearly contribution towards the care of his grave. His records of this Regiment form his best memorial. And as long as any man of the 15th Iowa lives, the Adjutant will be remembered, and the words will be recalled which he spoke, when expecting death when thrown from his mare, whom the surrounding soldiers denounced, he defended his favorite animal and said: "If I dies, I forgives Mary."

William W. Belknap was first Major, John M. Hedrick the third, and George Pomutz the fourth. Their history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 38

William Dewey

William Dewey, of Fremont county, Iowa, was the first Lieutenant-Colonel of the Regiment. He was with the Regiment at the battle of Shiloh, and having been appointed Colonel of the 23d Iowa, resigned to accept the new commission. He died in Missouri during the war.

William W. Belknap was the second and John M. Hedrick the third Lieutenant Colonels. Their history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment, Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 37

Letter From Col. H. T. Reid

A letter from Col. Reid, received last night, says that he was ordered, immediately on landing, to march to Prentiss’ Division. In marching there they met many disorganized troops, and found much confusion on the field. Soon. Col. Reid received an order from Gen. Grant to join Sherman’s Division. He marched there, and found only one regiment (an Ohio regiment) fighting bravely. The Fifteenth stood by them and fought until they were overwhelmed by superior numbers and compelled to fall back. Col. Reid’s horse was shot, and he was struck in the neck and paralyzed. He fell and was taken up and was being carried off the ground, but in a few minutes he revived, and again mounting a horse held command as long as there were any men left to fight. Lieut. Col. Dewey and Major Belknap both had their horses shot and Belknap was slightly wounded in the shoulder.

The regiment stood their ground along side the Ohio Regiment, exposed to a galling fire for an hour and a quarter, and 17 of the officers were either killed or wounded. Col. Reid speaks highly of his men, who stood up without flinching, though many of them had never before loaded a musket. This is very a different story from the one which the Secesh have been gloating over with diabolical malice. On Monday morning only 430 answered to their names.

Col. Reid’s wound was painful, but he expected to be in the saddle again in a week. Of course the report that he and Lt. Col. Dewey, and Major Belknap were on the way home was a mistake. It does not appear that Lt. Col. Dewey was injured.

Letters received last night state that Major Belknap covered himself with glory, by his gallantry and determined perseverance in rallying his own men and men of another regiment, in moments of confusion, and bringing them into line of battle and fighting like veterans. Three cheers for the Major.

– Published in The Gate City, Keokuk, Iowa, Thursday, April 17, 1862

Gladden's Brigade Positon Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

C. S.
GLADDEN’S (1ST) BRIGADE,
26TH ALA., 25TH ALA., 22D ALA., 21ST ALA., 1ST LA.,
WITHER’S (2D) DIV., BRAGG’S CORPS,
ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI

THIS BRIGADE HAVING ADVANCED ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF THE PEACH ORCHARD WAS ENGAGED HERE FROM ABOUT 3 P.M. TO 5 P.M. APRIL 6, 1862.

Timby’s Revolving Fort

A correspondent, some days ago, called attention through our columns to this remarkable invention, so highly commended by the following article from the Congressional Globe. It is safe to say that there is nothing in the element of defense presenting such unparalleled and concentrated powers as is clearly shown in this engine, which is adapted equally to land and water fortification.

TIMBY’S REVOLVING IRON FORT.

We desire to call general attention to this truly wonderful engine of defense, a working model of which is now on exhibition in the south wing of the Treasury department. It is probably the most formidable, and at the same time the most simple invention of its kind. It consists of an iron or steel tower, made shot and shell proof, mounting and indefinite number of the heaviest guns, so arranged that they can all be brought to bear, once a minute, upon any desired point. A still more important advantage is that every gun can be sighted and discharged with mathematical precision, and without the aid of machinery.

This engine is equally suited for a land or water fortification. In the latter, however, Mr. Timby limits its construction to a single tier of guns. In either case it is so arranged as to attack or defend itself at different points at the same time by a simple use of electricity.

The many admirers of this fearful machine may be interested in knowing that Mr. Timby, its proprietor, is also its real inventor. We have seen a certified copy, signed by the Commissioner of Patents, of specifications filed by Mr. Timby in the Patent Office as early as January 18, 1843, describing a revolving metallic fortification, arranged both for land and water. Since then Mr. Timby informs us that he has continued to construct and experiment up to the time of the completion of the present gigantic revolver, which we believe can hardly fail to effect a complete revolution in coast defences.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2