XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, February 10.

SENATE. – The report of the committee of conference on the bill to raise certain troops in Missouri and Maryland was taken up. Mr. Henderson said they could be ordered out of the State, and even, if necessary to go to New Orleans.

The report of the committee was agreed to and the bill passed.

The Vice President appointed Mr. Conway on the finance committee, in place of Mr. Bright; Mr. Henderson on the post office committee, in place of Mr. Bright; and Mr. Wilson of Mo., on the committee on military affairs in place of Mr. Cowan.

On motion of Mr. Fessenden, the fortification bill was taken up.

Mr. Fessenden said he should call up the treasury note bill to-morrow and press it to a speedy passage.

The amendment of the committee, to the fortification bill, making an appropriation of $550,000 for the harbor marine in case of war with any maritime powers, was considered.

Mr. Trumbull thought it would be time enough to protect these harbors when there was danger of war with any great maritime powers. “Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.”

Mr. Doolittle was in favor of making the appropriation larger, and giving the President power to protect the harbors on the Pacific coast, the harbors on the Western lakes, &c. He did not believe there was danger of war with any maritime powers. He referred to the speech of the French Emperor as evidence of peace.

Mr. Dixon was in favor of the amendment, but did not like its phraseology, suggesting that there might be war with any maritime power. He would strike out the clause reading imminent dangers with maritime powers, so as to leave the matter subject to the President.

The amendment was so modified and adopted.

After further discussion Mr. Trumbull moved to recommit the bill to the committee on military affairs. If the armies of the Union will move forward and crush the rebellion, we will have no need of fortification on the lakes.

HOUSE. – The house took up and passed a Senate joint resolution authorizing a detail of naval officers for service in the War Department.

The House concurred in the Senate amendment to the bill providing for the purchase of cotton seed, so that one thousand dollars could also be expended for tobacco seed.

The house resumed the consideration of the Segur election case.

Mr. Maynard argued in favor of the justice as well as the propriety of enabling all persons to be heard here through their representatives. He said that Mr. Segur was known and appreciated hat home. For more than two years he was a member of the Virginia Legislature, and was a delegate at the breaking out of the rebellion. When the resolution was introduced in the Virginia Senate directing the governor to seize and hold certain cannon at the Bologna arsenal, Mr. Segur said: “Rather than thus vote for seizing the property of the U. S., so help me God, I will die in my seat.”

Mr. Maynard pointed out Mr. Segur’s eminent services in the Union cause, and his personal sacrifices. But for his conduct, as alleged in secession quarters, Ft. Monroe would have fallen into the possession of the south.

Mr. Crittenden argued that the pending case as a question of law in favor of Mr. Segur.

The House then, by a vote of 85 to 40 decided that Mr. Segur was not entitled to a seat.

The House agreed to the Senate amendment to the bill authorizing the construction of 20 iron-clad gun boats.

The House then adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11.

The Senate passed amendments to the House U. S. Note bill. Among them are: to strike out the words “that the authorization to issue $150,000,00 [sic] is to meet the necessities of the treasury, and to provide a currency receivable for the public dues,” and to insert that the notes shall be receivable in payment of all claims against them, except for payments upon bonds and notes which shall be in coin; and shall also be lawful money and legal tender in payment of all debts, public and private, within the U. S., except interest as aforesaid. The com. Also propose new sections, authorizing the Sec’y to receive from any person or corporation U. S. notes on deposit for not less than thirty days, in sums of not less than $500 with any of the Assistant Treasurer’s or designated depositors authorized by the Secretary to receive, who shall issue [therefore] certificates of deposit bearing interest at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum and interest to cease at the pleasure of the Secretary, and the aggregate of such deposits shall at no time exceed the sum of $25,000,000.


Tribune’s Dispatch.

The bill of which Senator Wilson gave notice to-day will provide for the establishment of a national foundry on the Hudson river, not far south of West Point, and of a manufactory of iron, suitable for cannon in Pennsylvania, probably at Bloomfield.

Gen. Sigel’s nomination as Major General will be sent into the Senate to-morrow.


WASHINTON, Feb. 11.

Herman Michaels has been efficiently recognized as consul for Saxonia in the state of California.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

William W. Cowley

William W. [sic] Cowley was the Fourth Commissary Sergeant and was promoted from Sergeant of Company C. The writer of this did not serve with the Regiment then, and cannot state further concerning Sergeant Cowley's history.

HENRY T. FELGAR, LUCIUS BOUDINOT, CORNELIUS INGLEFIELD and ALEXANDER Mc, 15tGILVERY were Hospital Stewards.

They must have been good ones, or Surgeon Gibbon would not have tolerated them for a moment. It is regretted that nothing of their history can be given beyond the fact that Felgar was from E Company, and died in Service. Boudinot was from Company B, and was discharged for disability. Inglefield was from Company K, and was mustered out March 27, 1865, and McGilvery was from Company G, and stayed until the end.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 47

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.

Ethan Allen Hitchcock was to-day appointed Major General. He is a grandson of Ethan Allen of ‘Reverend’ fame and one of the ‘Praise God Barebones’ kind, being equally effective in praying and fighting. He has the highest reputation for military capacity. Gen. H. is already a veteran in the service, having been Colonel of the 2d Infantry, and having ranked as brevet until within the past two or three years, since when he has been in private life. Gens. Abercrombie and Montgomery were his Lieutenant Colonel and Major, respectively, in old time. He has been urged for this appointment for months.

Efforts to discredit the well-authenticated fact that Gen. McClellan is to be reduced to the command of the army of the Potomac are futile. ‘Ion,’ of the Baltimore Sun, this morning, confirms my statement to that effect.

The nomination of Gen. Sigel as Major General will be sent to the Senate to-morrow.

Maj. Gen. Ethan Allen Hitchcock was confirmed to-day.

Dr. Ives one of the principal editorial writers of the N. Y. Herald, who has been here temporarily for the purpose of reorganizing its Washington Department and acting himself as its chief correspondent, was arrested to-day, by order of Secretary Stanton, and sent to Fort McHenry. He is suspected of being a rebel spy. He has a brother in the rebel army.

Maj. General Hitchcock is now living in retirement at St. Louis. He has been telegraphed to take immediate command at Cairo. He was Assistant Adjutant General to Gen. Scott, and Brigadier General Brevet in Mexico, but offending Jeff. Davis was forced to resign. He is not a slave catcher. His appointment was urgently advocated by Mr. Collamer. He is spoke of as one of the greatest military men in the country.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

The Convention will be notified to-morrow . . .

. . . that the Legislatures of Iowa and Wisconsin will visit your city in a few days and would like to meet this Convention. The idea is to discuss questions of interest to the Northwest, in Bryan Hall – say Treasury notes in payment of State taxes; the ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river; national armory, &c. If this Convention goes up to Chicago, they will have a great time in your city.

The above is from the Springfield (Ill.) telegraph dispatches to he Chicago Tribune of the 10th inst. If our Solons go upon any such excursion we hope it will not be until after their adjournment, and that then they will pay their own expenses.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Terrible Coal Oil Disaster

CRESTLINE, O., Feb. 9.

Last evening about 6 o’clock, as Mrs. Graham, wife of engineer of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago R. R., was filling a coal oil lamp; the oil caught fire, communicating to Mrs. Graham’s clothes and burning her and two of her children to death. Mrs. Graham’s mother, an old lady, was also burned; also another child of Mrs. Graham’s but it is thought they will recover.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

James G. Shipley

James G. Shipley was the Third Commissary Sergeant. He was enlisted by the writer of this in 1862 at Keokuk, Iowa, and was promoted from private in Company K. He afterwards was promoted First Lieutenant in the same Company. He was a man of education and a good deal of ability, and in the performance of his duties, especially in the transportation of the 4th Division 17th Corps from Washington to Louisville via Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, he showed singular and marked ability. His residence is not known.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 47

PHILADELPHIA, February 10 [1862]

Gen. Stone was arrested yesterday morning; first, for misbehavior at Ball’s Bluff; second for holding correspondence with the enemy before and since Ball’s Bluff, and receiving visits from rebel officers in his camp; third for treacherously suffering the enemy to build a fort since the battle of Ball’s Bluff, under his guns, unmolested; fourth, of a design to expose his force to capture by the enemy under pretence of orders for moving from the commanding General.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Iowa’s Sick and Wounded

A telegraph dispatch from St. Louis to the Chicago papers says:

Arrangements have been made by the State authorities of Iowa, through the state government here, for the conveyance home of sick and wounded belonging to that State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Robert W. Cross

Robert W. Cross was the First Commissary Sergeant, and he was promoted First Lieutenant 23d Iowa August 11, 1862, and Quarter-Master of the same Regiment.

Elisha W. Elliott was Second Commissary Sergeant. His history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46-7

Another Victory

Again, with heartfelt gratitude, we announce another victory. Burnside’s fleet is beginning to make itself felt on the coast of North Carolina. The Federal forces have now a fair foothold at Roanoke Island, and thence will push forward into the rebel State. We have few particulars of this engagement, but sufficient to show that it is a complete victory, and the rebels can no more withstand our troops on water than on the land. While every victory encourages the Union forces, it discourages the insurgents. Soon they will be forced to lay down their arms, or resort to the desperate alternative of Cobb and Co., and lay waste to their beautiful homes.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Later Foreign News

PORTLAND, Feb. 10.

The steamship Jura, which left Liverpool on Thursday the 30th and Londonderry 31st, arrived at 11:45 to-night.

Mason and Slidell had arrived at Southampton. No demonstration was made. The former went to London, the latter went to Paris.

Sales of cotton for the day 28,000 bales, including 12,000 to speculators and exporters. Market firmer, with an advance of one quarter. Advices from Manchester favorable.

It was rumored that the Government had ordered the Nashville to quit Southampton but extended the time for her departure, owing to danger from the Tuscarora. It was also rumored that the government will prohibit armed ships of either party remaining over 24 hours in any British port.

The following is the Etna’s report. Earl Russell, in a dispatch dated January 23d, to Lord Lyons, says the English government differ entirely from Mr. Seward’s conclusions on the question whether the persons taken from the Trent and their supposed dispatches were contraband.

It was rumored that the vessel which the Sumter engaged off Algiers was the Iroquois. There was no news of either.

It was reported that the Tuscarora was about to quit Southampton. The destination was kept secret.

The Times, in a characteristic article, calls for something decisive in America. It says: “Unpleasant complications must arise of the present state of affairs continue much longer.”

Napoleon opened the French Chamber on the 27th. He said, “the civil war which desolates America has greatly compromised our commercial interest. So long, however, as the rights of neutrals are respected, we must confine ourselves to expressing wishes for an early termination of those dissensions.

France recommended Rome to reconciliate the Court of Turin. Antonellia absolutely refused all terms.

There were contradictory rumors of an enlarged French expedition to Mexico.

The London Times remarks on Mason and Slidell that both will probably keep quiet and wait events that are at hand.

PARIS, Jan. 30. – The Moniteur says the dismission of Mr. Cameron gives England great satisfaction.

LONDON, Jan. 30. – Mason and Slidell have left for Paris.

MADIRD., Jan. 30. – Mr. O’Donnell declares that France has made no separate engagement with Spain. The Spanish Government has no reason to suppose that France intends settling the affairs of Mexico without considering the wishes of other powers.

Very latest via Londonderry. – A telegram from Lisbon announces further satisfactory news from Buenos Ayres. Strico’s Fleet was taken by the Buenos Ayreans.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Washington Items

WASHINGTON, April 29. – Lieut. Robinson is ordered to the command of the Battery E. A. Stevens, commonly by erroneously called the Naugatuck, at Fortress Monroe.

The Secretary of the Treasury is now prepared to bay all indebtedness of a date prior to the 1st of February, 40 per cent. in cash.

The Emancipation Commissioners met to-day. Several petitions were filed, and, during the morning, thirty of forty persons waited on the Board for information regarding the mode of procedure.

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

James H. Flynt

James H. Flynt, of Company B, was the Third Quarter-Master Sergeant. He did his duty faithfully. He died at _____.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46

Louisville, Feb. 11 [1862]

Arrangements have been effected, whereby Maj. Helvitt and Capt. Prince, of this department, will be released by the rebels.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Fort Monroe, Feb. 10 [1862]

Deserters, contrabands, came to camp here this P.M. having been found by a scouting party. One was a member of the black Virginia cavalry who were engaged in the skirmish at New Market Bridge, on Dec. 22, with Max Weber’s regiment. – He was completely armed with carbine pistol, &c., and had a considerable amount of rebel money. They present a great scarcity of provisions.

The bark Trinity arrived this p.m. from Boston with forty-five released prisoners in charge of Lieut. Buell, to be exchanged. It is expected that Bishop Ames & Hon. Ham. Fish will accompany the prisoners when they are sent over in the morning.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Arrest of Col. Jennison

LEAVENWORTH, April 29. – In a circular just published, Gen. Sturgis says: The arrest of Col. Jennison was the result of representations made by Lieut. Col. D. R. Anthony, of his own regiment, and Col. John W. Deitzler, his immediate commanding officer, and was made at the earnest solicitation of the latter officer, who, in his appeal to me of the 15th inst., demands is immediate arrest and charges him with the most grave and serious crimes known to military law.

Hiram Rich, an old resident of the West and for a number of [years] a Sutler at Ft. Leavenowrth, died suddenly yesterday of apoplexy.

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

Burnside’s Expedition takes possession of Roanoke Island

FT. MONROE, Feb. 10.

News by the flag of truce states that our troops landed at Roanoke Island yesterday p.m.

No particulars are given, but it is understood that the island was taken.


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10.

The Inquirer of this city has a dispatch dated Ft. Monroe, last night, which reports the landing of the Federals at Roanoke Island.

Three rebel gun-boats were sunk and two captured – one of them the flag ship. The firemen on board the steamboat, reported that the stars and stripes could be seen over the batteries, from Elizabeth City.


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11.

The Baltimore Clipper publishes an extra stating that Roanoke Island was captured after three days fighting. Two rebel gun-boats were captured and the rest were sunk or scattered.

The People of Norfolk and Portsmouth are panic stricken. The News is confirmed by passengers, by Fortress Monroe.


NEW YORK, Feb. 11.

A Fort Monroe letter of the 9th states that the bombardment of Roanoke Island continued. – Yesterday about noon Com. Lynd got his rebel flotilla under weigh, and came down Carrituck Sound to assist Wise on the Island. The federal gun-boats at 5 p.m. on the 8th had sunk three and captured two – one of which had the Commodore’s pennant – and dispersed the rest of the rebel gun-boats in every direction. Firing ceased at dark, but recommenced with increased vigor in the morning until 8 o’clock, when it was supposed the rebels surrendered. It was rumored at Norfolk on the morning of the 9th, that eight regiments had been recently sent to Roanoke Island, and as there was no chance of escape they are all probably captured. The rebels acknowledge that the only obstacles of importance to retard Burnside’s march upon Norfolk are swamps, marshes and sickness.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Andrew Mitchell

Andrew Mitchell, of Company A, was the Second Quarter-Master Sergeant. For some misconduct, it is forgotten what, he was reduced to the ranks. But it could not have been a fault of high degree, because on May 11, 1865, he was made Captain of his Company. No one doubts his loyalty, bravery and merit. He resides at Norway, Iowa.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46

Gen. Sherman

WASHINGTON, April 29. – A dispatch received from Gen. Halleck says it is the unanimous opinion that Gen. W. T. Sherman saved the fortune of the day on the 6th, and contributed largely to the victory on the 7th, was in the thickest of the fight, had three horses shot and himself wounded twice. I respectfully ask that he be mad a Major General of Volunteers.

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

Trouble Among the 2d Iowa Regiment

ST. LOUIS, February 10.

There is an excitement this evening among the 2d Iowa Regiment, Occasioned by the issuance of the following extraordinary order:


“The General commanding the District had occasion, yesterday, to commend the conduct of the 2d Iowa Regiment. To-day, he is under the painful necessity of saying that some miscreants in the regiment have been guilty of an act of wanton vandalism in the robbery and destruction of the museum attached to the McDowell College. As this was carefully guarded, and strict orders given to sentinels that no one should be admitted; the disgrace is attached to the whole regiment. they will march to the place of embarkation with colors furled, and a copy of this order shall be sent to the Governor of Iowa.

{Signed,}

SCHUYLER HAMILTON
J. T. PRICE
Assistant Adjutant Generals.


The facts appear to be that a cabinet, containing stuffed birds and specimens, was lately robbed by some unknown persons. A hole large enough for a man’s head was made through the partition back of the cabinet, and it could be removed by boys attached to a school in the same block, as easily as by any of the soldiers. The order was carried out, and the men went to the levee without music and with furled colors.

The men are very indignant that the whole regiment should be disgraced by a few black sheep. An effort is to be made to have General Halleck take notice of the matter, and order an investigation to be made. The regiment is expected to leave for Cairo momentarily. It has been generally praised and this unfortunate affair will take the public of St. Louis by surprise.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Second Regiment

Red tapeism [sic] is fairly cast in the shade by the bit of “brief authority” exercised by a couple of officials at St. Louis, in regard to the Second Iowa regiment. That a whole regiment should be disgraced on the bare suspicion that one or more of their number had stolen a few stuffed birds, when it was more than likely the work of boys, is simply absurd. We hope, if the Governor notices the matter at all, it will be to reprimand Messrs. Hamilton and Price for the extreme measures they pursued.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Rufus H. Eldredge

Rufus H. Eldredge, the First Quarter-Master Sergeant of the Regiment, was afterward the First Lieutenant of Company K. He fell in action in the advance of his Company, at Corinth, in the presence of the writer of this. In all work he was prompt and faithful, and his bearing in battle could not be surpassed.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46

Sunday Battles

The Parish Visitor records the fact, that, in every modern battle which has been fought on Sunday, the attacking party has not only been defeated by generally disgracefully routed and panic stricken, without any apparent cause. The following are instances: Perry’s victory on Lake Erie, McDonough’s victory on Lake Champlain, the battle of New Orleans, the Battle of Waterloo, the battle of Bull Run, and the Battle of Mill Spring.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

A Large Sugar Grower

Mr. James Mason of Farmington, has made fifty-two barrels of Illinois plantation syrup, or as generally termed sorghum, this year. He brought twenty-five barrels to this city yesterday to exchange for groceries, and found no difficulty in disposing of it on remunerative terms. The samples exhibited were of excellent quality, and to all appearances equal to golden syrup. – Peoria Transcript.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

The Overland Mail – Indian Troubles

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, April 29. – The reported from St. Louis to-day, attributing the Overland Mail difficulties to the employees of the Company is entirely destitute of truth. Persons with whom we are personally acquainted have been in fights with Indians.

On the 17th Mr. Flowers, division agent, nine men, and two coaches with mails were attacked by Indians near Split Rock; six mail men were wounded and compelled to abandon the mails, coaches, and animals. The Indians afterwards burned Plant’s Station. The wounded party left Pacific Springs night before last.

The telegraph is open at Pacific Springs.

Another party had a fight with some Indians, and narrowly escaped; their animals were hit several times with arrows.

The station keeper at Green River was killed by Indians a few days since while endeavoring to protect mail property. Thus far Four employees of the Company have been killed; although a greater part of the stock is gone, employees remain.

A force is being raised in this city by Brigham Young, under authority of the President for the protection of the route.

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

Gen. V. P. Van Antwerp . . .

. . . arrived in our city yesterday en route for Leavenworth, to take the position of Adjutant General upon the staff of Gen. Lane. – Mo. Democrat, 7th.

Gen. Van Antwerp and Col. Merritt, to of Iowa’s most ultra pro-slavery Democrats, are on Jim Lane’s staff, and will assist him in carrying out his policy should his expedition go forward.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Engler, the Traitor

The Mo. Democrat thus alludes to Engler, who our readers will remember was exiled from St. Louis for his secession proclivities and resisting the order of Gen. Halleck to be assessed:

The exiled Engler is having a hard time in Cincinnati. The papers of that city beg Gen. Halleck to send no more of his kind over that way. The Gazette says he was inadvertently introduced at the Mercantile Library Association, whereupon a storm was raised among the members which was only prevented from growing into a regular tornado by the surrender of the complimentary ticket of admission.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

James W. Henry

James W. Henry was the Fifth and last Sergeant Major. He was a thoroughly brave, active, and to some extent, reckless young man: that is, reckless in disregard of danger. He was captured at Atlanta July 22, 1864. No information has been received about his later life beyond the fact that he is dead. He was a singularly attractive young man in many ways; when there was work to be done he did it if he could, and there were no bullets coming to the front which he avoided. This tribute is gladly given to his memory.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 45-6

Indians for the Union

Commissioner Dole held an interview recently at Leavenworth with the chiefs of the Seminole, Creek, Iowa and Delaware tribes of Indians, in which they all agreed to fight for their Great Father if he wished their services. The conversation between Mr. Dole and the noble Opothleyholo [sic] was so characteristic of Indian eloquence, drawn as it is from similes, that we give a portion of it:

Mr. Dole – Government did not expect the Indians to enter this contest at all. – Now that the rebel portion of them have entered the field, the Great Father will march his troops into your country. Col. Coffin and the agent will go with you on Monday and will assist you in enlisting your loyal men. Your enlistment is not done for our advantage only; it will [inure] to your own benefit. The country appreciates your services. We honor you. You are in our hearts.

One party tells us that John Ross is for the Union, and one that he is not.

Opothleyoholo – Both are probably right. Ross made a sham treaty with Albert Pike to save trouble. Rose is like a man lying on his belly, watching the opportunity to turn over. When the Northern troops come within hearing he will turn over.

Dole – You did not, and our people remember you. But we hope you will manifest no revenge.

Opoth. – The rebel Indians are like a cross, bad slut. The best way to end the bred is to kill the slut.

Dole – The leaders and plotters of treason only should suffer.

Opoth. – That’s just what I think. Burn over a bad field of grass and it will spring up again. It must be torn up by the roots, even if some good blades suffer. The educated part of our tribes is the worst. I am glad General Lane is going down with us. He knows our wants. I hope the government money will be paid us.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Reminiscence of Belmont

Corporal Johnson who is here with his Panorama, was wounded in the retreat at the battle of Belmont. The wound paralyzed his right leg and he fell, some 20 yards form the spot were Captain Kittredge of Ottumwa was lying dangerously wounded. A rebel ruffian seeing the helpless condition of the Corporal, ran up and attempted to bayonet him. The Corporal caught the bayonet, and kept the fellow off until another rebel soldier came up, who interfered in favor of the Corporal, and denounced the ruffianism of his comrade. The Corporal expressed a desire to be taken from the field, as a charge toward the place where he was lying was expected from the rebel cavalry; but on recognizing his captain, he was in obedience to a request, conveyed to the place where that officer lay. There they lay until they were carried prisoners to Columbus.

While in the Hospital at Columbus, a subordinate rebel officer came to Captain Kittredge, and remarked tauntingly: I guess Sir, that you have found out that the Confederate troops can fight like devils. How is it that you Lincoln Abolitionists do not fight any better? Just at this moment a rebel Colonel overhearing the remark, stepped up to his subordinate, and taking him roughly by the collar, said indignantly: “No more of that, Sir. I desire you to understand that the wounded prisoners under my care, are not to be abused by you or any body else. The Federal troops do fight, and I am sorry to say that the Soldiers of the Iowa Seventh did fight like hell, Sir!” The reprimanded rebel walked off with a moderately large flea in his ear. – Des Moines Register.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Ex-Senator Weller Wants to be a Commodore

{From the Seneca (Ohio) Advertiser.}

While in Washington we heard a good story in regard to Uncle Abe and John B. Weller, “the Mexican killer.”

Weller was at Washington settling his accounts as Minister to Mexico. After their adjustment, he concluded to pay his respects to Mr. Lincoln, with whom he had served in Congress. He called at the Presidential mansion, and was courteously received.

“Mr. President,” said Colonel Weller, “I have called on you to say that I most heartily endorse the conservative position you have assumed, and will stand you so long as you prosecute the war for the preservation of the Union and the Constitution.”

“Colonel Weller,” said the President, “I am heartily gland to year you say this.”

“Yes Mr. President,” said Weller, I desire an appointment to aid in this work.”

“What do you want, Colonel?” asked Abraham.

“I desire to be appointed Commodore in the Navy,” said Weller.

The President replied:

“Colonel, I did not think you had any experience as a sailor.”

“I never had Mr. President,” said Weller; “but judging from the Brigadier-Generals you have appointed in Ohio, the less experience a man has, the higher position he attains.

Lincoln turned off, with a hearty laugh, and said – “I owe you one, Colonel.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Pension of Harriette A. Woodruff, Mother of Eugene A. Woodruff

HARRIETTE A. WOODRUFF

April 11,1874.—Committed to a Committee of the Whole House and ordered to be printed.

Mr. Rusk, from the Committee on Invalid Pensions, submitted the following

REPORT:
[To accompany bill H. R. 2899.]

The Committee on Invalid Pensions, to whom was referred the bill (H. R. 2623) granting a pension to Harriette A. Woodruff, mother of Eugene A. Woodruff, late first lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, having considered the same, make the following report:

It appears from the papers in this case, that Eugene A. Woodruff entered the service in 1861, as a member of Company E, Fifth Regiment Iowa Infantry, and after serving a few months was appointed a cadet at West Point. He graduated in 1866, with marked distinction, standing No. 5 in a large class, and at once entered the regular service. In 1873, while superintending the work assigned him on the Red River raft, it became necessary for him to visit Shreveport to procure needed supplies for his working-parties. On his arrival at Shreveport he found the city stricken by a sudden and terrible epidemic, before which all but the bravest fled, leaving the sick suffering and to be cared for by the few gallant souls who dared to face the plague. It was a position to call forth all the generous, self-sacrificing impulses of a Christian gentleman and a soldier, and nobly did Woodruff answer to the call. Joining the Howard Association, he took his part in bringing order out of chaos; in inspiring others with his own fearless spirit; working good both at the bedside of the sick and among those who could only be held in the path of duty and charity by a present bright example. After one week of devotion to the care of the plague-stricken, Woodruff was himself seized with the disease, and died from its effects September 30, 1873.

The petitioner claims pension on the ground of dependence, which is abundantly proven by properly-attested papers. The claim was rejected by the Commissioner of Pensions “because it was not shown that Lieutenant Woodruff was ordered to Shreveport to perform any duty, consequently the disease which caused his death was not considered to have been contracted in the line of duty.” Additional evidence on this point proves the contrary to be true. Charles W. Howell, captain in the Corps of Engineers, states under oath that he was well acquainted with Lieutenant Woodruff, and that it was by his order that said Woodruff was stationed at Shreveport, and that while at his post of duty, and in the discharge of duties devolving upon him by competent authority, was attacked by yellow fever, from the effects of which he died.

The committee believe the claim to be a just and proper one, and the mother entitled to pension, and therefore report favorably, and recommend the passage of the accompanying substitute for H. R. 2623.

SOURCE: Reports of the Committees of the House of Representatives for the First Session of the Forty-third Congress 1873-’74, Vol. 2, Report No. 410, p. 409-10

Iowa Items

Matthew Kearns, a boy some 13 years of age, while coasting at Wapello last week, was thrown from his sled and against a log with such force as to cause his death in a few hours.

A son of Mr. McMichael, of Page county, was killed a few days since by the horse he was riding falling off a bridge on to and crushing him.

We have mentioned the freezing to death of two young men, Daniel and Luke Imes, in Adair county. The body of the other young man has since been found. They were on a visit to their mother in Ringgold county.

Corporal Eugene Woodruff, of Company E, 5th Infantry, Iowa Volunteers, has been appointed through Col. Vandever, cadet at West Point. Mr. W. belongs to Buchanan county.

In 1861, Iowa had a wool clip of not less that 800,000 lbs. The amount of sorghum syrup manufactured during the same year was over 2,000,000 gallons. A million dollars have been saved the State in the production of Sorghum and Imphee.

The Ledger says that 65,000 gallons of sorghum have been manufactured during the season in Jefferson county.

Some contemptible land shark at Knoxville, the other day, attached money in the hands of the captain of the company, which was sent home by a poor soldier boy to his father. The attachment was levied to satisfy a claim on a note on which the boy’s father was security, the sharper thinking the boy was under age. So says the Republican, which justly adds: “Any man that will distress a soldier in these times of emergency would pick coppers from a dead negro’s eyes. Look out for such.”

Capt. J. S. Hunt, of Company G, 5th Regiment, from Benton county, as resigned his commission. He gives as a reason that he doubts the loyalty of the Colonel of the regiment, and wishes it distinctly understood that he will not serve under an officer whom he believes to be a rebel at heart. So says the Vinton Eagle.

Samuel O. M. Johnson, of Webster Co., and a member of Capt. Stratten’s company, from Fort Dodge, now encamped at Fortress Monroe, committed suicide on the night of the 13th ult., in a fit of insanity.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, April 29. – Steamer Panama arrived from Mazatlan with dates to the 19th.

The Confederates in New Mexico and Arizona are making efforts to bring the Border States into [sympathy] with them. Gen. Sibley commanding the Confederate forces had sent Col. Reilly to open negotiations with the Governor of Sonora. Reilly tendered troops to enter Sonora and chastise Apache Indians, for whose Services he asked right of way, overland from Guyamas to Arizona, and also privilege of purchasing supplies at Mazatlan. The Governor entered into a long correspondence with Reilly and sent special messenger to the Governor of Cinaloa on the subject of his mission. No definite arrangements appeared to be agreed upon, but Reilly received courteous treatment from the government officials, and at last accounts he had arrived at Guayamas, where he boasted that he had been far more successful than he had hoped for.

Ship Joseph Peabody has been forfeited to the Government for smuggling.

Trade has recently revived to supply the demand for goods suitable to Oregon and British California miners, in advance of anticipated large emigration.

Business with the interior of the State continues unusually backward.

Gov. Wright has issued an order requiring the arrest of all persons charged with aiding and abetting, by words or deeds, the rebellion, such persons to be confined unless they subscribe to the oath of allegiance.

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

Amos D. Thatcher

Amos D. Thatcher was the Third Sergeant Major. In the battle of Corinth he acted, in the presence of the writer of this, with real bravery. Colonel Crocker, Brigade Commander, was near him, when a private of the Regiment took to his heels, and Thatcher went after him and brought him back. He may not remember this, but others do, and it will not be forgotten. He was promoted First Lieutenant, 8th Louisiana Volunteers, (colored ) June 5, 1863, and now lives in Kansas, at Topeka.

William C. Stidger was the Fourth Sergeant Major, and was promoted to Second Lieutenant of Company E. His history will be found above, among the Adjutants.

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

The “Democratic party,” a thing of the past . . .

. . . and not worth saving, is of greater importance in every respect, in the estimation of the editor of the Chicago Times, than is the Republic, a thing of the present and worth our best endeavors to save. – Chicago Journal.

We can say the same precisely of the editor of the Democrat in this city.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

The typos of the 8th regiment . . .

. . . publish a paper called the The Eighth Iowa Grand Rounds.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Self-Immolation

Those pinks of creation, Howell Cobb, Robt. Toombs, M. J. Crawford and Thos. Cobb, of Georgia, have issued an address to the people of that State, telling them virtually that they cannot contend against the troops of the Government with any hopes of success, and giving them such precious advice as this: “Let every woman have a torch, every child a firebrand – let the loved homes of our youth be made ashes, and the fields of our heritage be made desolate.” This is to be done that the invaders may be driven out. And this by leaders who, a year ago, were depicting the glorious results which would follow a disruption of the Union, and the consequent perpetuation of power in the hands of those leaders; who infatuated their followers with the prospect of the spoils of Northern cities, in case the North dared resist the treason; and who inflated them with the notion that one “brave Southron” was equal to four or five sneaking “Yankees.” In one short year, they are compelled to confess their own impotence to fulfill a single one of all the promises they then made the deluded people of the south. We should think that people had had about enough of their advice, and such advice – nearly a million people to burn themselves out of house and home – an idea well worthy of the great mass of southern politicians.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Further from New Orleans

Severe Engagement at the Forts

HEAVY LOSS.

OCCUPATION OF NEW ORLEANS.


FORT PILLOW, April 28. – Despatches from the rebel lines bring the gratifying intelligence that New Orleans has surrendered to our forces under command of Commodore Porter, and that the city is now in quiet possession of Porter.

On Thursday last the Federal fleet passed Ft. Jackson after a desperate naval engagement in which one vessel was sunk and several badly damaged.

It is supposed the Federal loss is very heavy. The rebel loss is 60 killed and 184 wounded.

The engagement lasted part of two days.

The Federals took possession of New Orleans without a struggle on Friday. The rebel force evacuated destroying such steamers as they had no use for, and taking with them the greater amount of military stores on deposit in that city. There is supposed to be a large amount of cotton stored in New Orleans which will fall into our hands notwithstanding the rebel authorities attempted to destroy the entire stock.

The union citizens of New Orleans were very jubilant over the result of their long waiting.

The strength of Fort Pillow is stated by intelligent deserters at 8,000 under Gen. Villipigue, who has not been superceded [sic], as reported. They have seven batteries mounting an aggregate of 26 guns. Matters between our fleet and the fort were very quiet.

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

Alexander Brown

Alexander Brown was the Second Sergeant Major. He was a private of Company E; was wounded at Shiloh at the front; wounded at Corinth at the front; always behaved with great gallantry, and was discharged on February 5, 1863. He has filled positions of trust and honor since the war, and has behaved in civil life with the same true heroism which characterized him in action. He now resides at Keosauqua, Iowa.

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

Review: The Maps of Chickamauga

The Maps of Chickamauga
By David A Powell & David A. Friedrichs

My great great grandfather, Walter E. Partridge, received a wound on his forehead on September 20th, 1863. It was the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga and he was a private in Company F of the 36th Illinois Infantry, which was a part of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 20th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. The 1st Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General William H. Lytle, was tramping up a hill which would later bare the name of its commander, when a limber from Battery C, 1st Illinois Artillery, while falling back, swung “round with almost lightning speed struck a dead tree, which caused the top to come off, coming down into Company F” of the 36th Illinois Infantry “and striking two men, one of whom was Oscar Hobbs, supposed to be killed, but was afterwards revived.” The other man, though unnamed is likely to be Walter E. Partridge.

I have referenced several books on the Battle of Chickamauga, trying to get a grasp on the situation my great great grandfather found himself in on that day. A true understanding of a battle can only be had by being able to visualize the battle, and most battle histories contain a sprinkling of maps to supplement the text and give the readers only a basic understanding of what happened on the field. There are never enough maps… until now, that is.

“The Maps of Chickamauga” by David A. Powell and David A. Friedrichs, is a blow by blow, nearly hourly account of the battle which took place on September 19 & 20, 1863, and the preceding Tullahoma Campaign. Their book, the 3rd in Savas Beatie’s Military Atlas Series, contains 126 full page, full color maps, drawn by Mr. Friedrichs, and each accompanied by Mr. Powell’s text on the facing page.

Since many of the maps are detailed down to the brigade and regimental level, the authors have made it possible to follow units on the battlefield throughout the entire course of the battle. Thus making it possible for me to literally walk in the footsteps of my great great grandfather on my next trip to Chickamauga National Battlefield, as well as many other family members who fought there.

My lone criticism, and it is an extremely small one, is the glossy pages made the text hard to read unless you held the book at just the right angle so the light did not reflect off the page. That being said Messrs. Powell and Friedrichs have done an outstanding job making the complicated troop movements during the ebb and flow of the Battle of Chickamauga understandable. Their book is a triumph and a must have for every student of the Civil War! I cannot wait for the next book in the Savas Beatie Military Atlas Series.

As for Walter Partridge, the list of casualties for Company F at Chickamauga in L. G. Bennett & William M. Haigh’s “History of the Thirty-Sixth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, During the War of the Rebellion” lists Oscar Hobbs and Walter E. Partridge, side by side, both with head wounds. I may not ever know if he was the second man hit by the tree, but I now can at least stand on the hill upon which he fought, and see the battle from his perspective.

ISBN 978-1932714722, Savas Beatie LLC, © 2009, Hardcover, 320 pages, Maps, Appendices, Endnotes, Bibliography & Index. $39.95

Recent Acquisitons

It’s been about a year and a half since I last posted my list of recent acquisitions. My household has not remained unaffected by the recession, consequently the acquisition of books into my personal library has considerably slowed. Nonetheless, 591 books now comprise my Civil War Nonfiction library, while I now own 96 Civil War novels.


Nonfiction

Axelrod, Alan, The Horrid Pit: The Battle of the Crater, The Civil War’s Cruelest Mission, Carroll & Graf Publishers, an imprint of Avalon Publishing Group, Inc., 245 W. 17th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10011, © 2007, Hardcover, 1st Carroll & Graf Edition, ISBN 0-7867-1811-0

Bardnell, Ron, Preserve It Reader In Remembrance of Me: The Writings and Saga of American Civil War Soldier George W. Belles, Merriam Press, 133 Elm St., Apt 3R, Bennington, VT 05201, © 2009, Trade Paperback, ISBN 978-0-557-06418-2

Barile, Suzy, Undaunted Heart: The True Story of a Southern Belle & a Yankee General, Eno Publishers, P.O. Box 158, Hillsborough, NC 27278, © 2009, Trade Paperback, ISBN 978-0-9820771-1-5

Bearss, Edwin C., Fields of Honor: Pivotal Battles of the Civil War, National Geographic Society, 1145 17th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036-4688, © 2006, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7922-7568-8

Bonds, Russell S., War Like The Thunderbolt: The Battle and Burning of Atlanta, Westholme Publishing, LLC, Eight Harvey Ave, Yardley, PA 19067, © 2009, Hardcover, ISBN 978-1-59416-100-1

Burton, Orville Vernon, The Age of Lincoln, Hill and Wan, a division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003m © 2007, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8090-9513-1

Carton, Evan, Patriotic Treason: John Brown and the Soul of America, Free Press, A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, © 2006, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7432-7136-3

Cox, Hank, Lincoln and the Sioux Uprising of 1862, Cumberland House Publishing Inc., 431 Harding Industrial Dr., Nashville, TN 37211, © 2005, Paperback, ISBN 1-58182-457-2

Cozzens, Peter, Shenandoah 1862: Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, NC, © 2008, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8078-3200-4

Detzer, David, Donnybrook: The Battle of Bull Run, 1861, Harcourt Inc., 6277 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando, FL 32887-6777, © 2004, First Edition, Hardcover, ISBN 0-15-100889-2

Eicher, David J., Dixie Betrayed: How the South Really Lost the Civil War, Little Brown and Company, Time Warner Book Group, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, © 2006, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-316-73905-4

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 10, Part 1: Louisiana & Arkansas, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 10, Part 2: Louisiana & Arkansas, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.


Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 11: Florida & Texas, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 12: General History, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 5: South Carolina, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 6: Georgia, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 7, Part 1: Alabama & Mississippi, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 7, Part 2: Alabama & Mississippi, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 8: Tennessee, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Evans, Clement A., Editor, Confederate Military History, Volume 9: Kentucky & Missouri, Confederate Publishing Company, Atlanta, GA © 1899 – Weider History Group, Facsimile Reprint Edition from the original edition of 1899 by the National Historical Society, 2008. © 2008 Weider History Group, Inc., Hardcover. For information on the series: Click Here.

Ferguson, Andrew, Land of Lincoln: Adventures in Abe’s America, Atlantic Monthly Press, an imprint of Grove/Atlantic, Inc., 841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, © 2007, 1st Edition, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-87113-967-2

Freehling, William W., The Road to Disunion, Volume II: Secessionists Triumphant, Oxford University Press, Inc., 198 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, © 2007, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-19-505815-4

Furgurson, Ernest B, Chancellorsville 1863: The Souls of the Brave, Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New York, NY, © 1992, 1st Edition, Hardcover

Glatthaar, Joseph T., General Lee’s Army: From Victory to Collapse, Free Press, A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, © 2008, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-684-82787-2

Godfried, Bradly M., Ph.D., The Artillery of Gettysburg, Cumberland House Publishing, Inc., 431, Harding Industrial Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37211, © 2008, Hardcover, ISBN 978-1-58182-623-4

Gordon, Larry, The Last Confederate General: John C. Vaughn and His East Tennessee Cavalry, Zenith Press, an imprint of MBI Publishing Company, 400 First Ave. North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401, © 2009, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7603-3517-8

Hessler, James A., Sickles at Gettysburg, Savas Beatie LLC, 521 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1700, New York, NY 10175, © 2009, Hardcover, 1st Edition, 1st Printing, ISBN 978-1-932714-64-7

Hicken, Victor, Illinois In the Civil War, University of Illinois Press, Urbana & Chicago, IL, © 1966, 1991, Second Edition, Paperback, ISBN 0-252-06165-9

Holzer, Harold, Lincoln President-Elect: Abraham Lincoln and the Great Secession Winter 1860-1861, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, © 2008, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7432-8947-4

Hook, Patrick & Steve Smith, The Stonewall Brigade in the Civil War, Zenith Press, an imprint of MBI Publishing Company, 400 First Ave. North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401, © 2008, Paperback, ISBN 978-0-7603-3050-0

Hunt, Robert, The Good Men Who Won The War: The Army of the Cumberland Veterans and Emancipation Memory, University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL 35847, © 2010, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8173-1688-4

Kolchin, Peter, American Slavery 1619-1877, Hill and Wang, A Division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003, © 1993, Hardcover

Lemann, Nicholas, Redemption: The Last Battle of the Civil War, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 19 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003, © 2006, 1st Edition, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-374-24855-0

Marciante, Theodore, From Slavery to Freedom In Louisiana 1862-1865, Dorance Publishing Co., Inc., 643 Smithfield St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, © 2002, Paperback, ISBN 0-8059-5275-6

McFeely, William S., Grant: A Biography, W. W. Norton & Co., Inc., 500 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10110, © 1981, 1st Edition, Hardcover, ISBN 0-393-01372-3

Miles, Jim, Fields of Glory: A History and Tour Guide of the War in the West, The Atlanta Campaign, 1864, Second Edition, Cumberland House Publishing Inc., 431 Harding Industrial Dr., Nashville, TN 37211, © 2002, Paperback, ISBN 1-58182-256-1

Miller, William Lee, Lincoln’s Virtues: An Ethical Biography, A Borzoi Book Published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, NY, © 2002, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-307-29140-0

Millett, Wesley & Gerald White, The Rebel and the Rose: James A Semple, Julia Gardiner Tyler and the Lost Confederate Gold, Cumberland House Publishing, Inc., 431, Harding Industrial Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37211, © 2007, Trade Paperback, ISBN 978-1-58182-669-2

Misulia, Charles A., Columbus Georgia 1865: The Last True Battle of the Civil War, University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa, AL 35847, © 2010, Hardcover, ISBN 978-0-8173-1676-1

Morris, Roy, Jr., The Long Pursuit: Abraham Lincoln’s Thirty-Year Struggle with Stephen Douglas for the Heart and Soul of America, co-published by Smithsonian & Collins, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 10 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022, © 2008, Hardcover, First Edition, ISBN 978-06-085209-2

Powell, David A. & David A Friedrichs, The Maps of Chickamauga: An Atlas of the Chickamauga Campaign, Including the Tullahoma Operations, June 22 – September 23, 1863, Savas Beatie LLC, 521 5th Ave., Suite 1700, New York, NY 10175, © 2009, Hardcover, First Edition, First Printing, ISBN 978-1-932714-72-2

Rafuse, Ethan S., McClellan’s War: The Failure of Moderation in the Struggle for the Union, Indiana University Press, 601 N. Morton St., Bloomington, IN 47404-9797, © 2005, Hardcover, ISBN 0-253-34532-4

Ricks, Mary Kay, Escape on the Pearl: The Heroic Bid For Freedom on the Underground Railroad, William Morrow, An Imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 10 East 53rd St., New York, NY 10022, © 2007, First Edition, ISBN 978-0-06-078659-5

Stewart, David, Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy, Simon & Schuster, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, © 2009, Hardcover, ISBN 978-1-4165-4749-5

Stout, Harry S., Upon the Altar of the Nation: A Moral History of the Civil War, Viking, published by the Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014, © 2006, Hardcover, ISBN 0-670-03470-3

Taafe, Stephen R., Commanding the Army of the Potomac, The University Press of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, © 2006, Hardcover, ISBN 0-7006-1451-6

Tagg, Larry, The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln: The Story of America’s Most Reviled President, Savas Beatie LLC, 521 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3400, New York, NY 10175, © 2009, Hardcover, 1st Edition, 1st Printing, ISBN 978-1-932714-61-6

The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies: Series 1 – Volume 45 Part 1: Reports – Nov. 14, 1864 – Jan. 23, 1865 Correspondence, Etc. – Nov. 14 – Nov. 30, 1864, Serial No. 93, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1894 – Reprinted in 1985 by Historical Times, Inc. for The National Historical Society, Harrisburg, PA 17105, Hardcover, ISBN 0-918678-07-2

The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies: Series 1 – Volume 50 Part 1: Reports – Jan. 1. 1861 – June 30 1865 Correspondence, Etc. – Jan 1, 1861 – June 30, 1862, Serial No. 105, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 1897 – Reprinted in 1985 by Historical Times, Inc. for The National Historical Society, Harrisburg, PA 17105, Hardcover, ISBN 0-918678-07-2

Tucker, Phillip Thomas, Burnside’s Bridge: The Climactic Struggle of the 2nd and 20th Georgia at Antietam Creek, Stackpole Books, 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, © 200, Hardcover, First Edition, ISBN 0-8117-0199-9

U.S. War Department, The 1863 Laws of War: Articles of War, General Orders No. 100, Army Regulations, Stackpole books, 5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, © 2005, Hardcover, ISBN 0-8117-0133-6

Wortman, Marc, The Bonfire: The Siege and Burning of Atlanta, Public Affairs, 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1321, New York, NY 10107, a member of the Perseus Books Group, © 2009, Hardcover, 1st Edition, ISBN 978-1-58648-482-8


Fiction

Bell, Madison Smartt, Devil’s Dream: A Novel, Pantheon Books, New York, NY, © 2009, Hardcover, First Edition, ISBN 978-0-375-42488-5

Bodden, Marlen Suyapa, The Wedding Gift, BookSurge Publishing, © 2009, Paperback, ISBN 9781439255834

Hawkins, J. D. R., A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War, iUniverse, 2021 Pine Lake Rd, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68512, © 2007, Paperback, ISBN 978-0-595-43531-9

Macatee, Susan, Mary Ann Webber, Jeanmarie Hamilton, Jennifer Ross, Isabel Roman, & Caroline Clemmons, Northern Roses and Southern Belles, The Wild Rose Press, P O Box 706, Adams Basin, NY 14410, © 2009, Paperback, ISBN 1-60154-670-X

Stanley, Dick, Knoxville 1863, Cavalry Scout Books, Austin, TX, Distributed by Create Space, © 2010, Paperback, ISBN 1451580312

Trouche, Perry, The Mule Shoe, Star Cloud Press,6137 E Mescal St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254, © 2009, Paperback, ISBN 978-1-932842-34-0

Volk, Lowell F., The Taylors’ Civil War, Dorrance Publishing Co., 701Smithfiled St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, © 2009, Paperback, ISBN 978-1-4349-0243-6

Slavery and Its Upholders

The Chicago Times seems to be the guide of a number of small-fry Democratic papers in this latitude, who humbly, but with exceeding zeal endeavor to closely follow the heels of its course, as possibly leading to some way of political salvation. The Times has lately been terribly disturbed about abolitionists. According to it, the real and absolutely only enemies of the Union worthy of fear or everlasting condemnation, are “abolitionists.” They brought about this war; they are in the way of peace; they are fighting not for the Union, but to crush slavery; they, in fact are at the top and bottom, the middle and outside, of this civil war. The only true patriots are those poor, miserable, doughface offscourings of Northern politics, who for years and years having “eat dirt” at the feet of the South, cringing white slaves of masters who kicked them from post to pillar, cannot even now so far overcome old servile instincts and habits as to cease to be the apologists and defenders of slavery. Preferring slavery to the Union, they are not “abolitionists,” therefore are the only immaculate patriots! This is just about what the Times has proclaimed the last two weeks in sum and substance.

The Times has a faithful reflector here. The Democrat has done nothing but mouth abolitionism since its leader gave the keynote. Before the last Presidential election everything with it was “abolition” which did not prostrate itself in the dust before the slave power. The whole republican party was abolition, and old Abe Lincoln was the most abolitionized abolitionist of all. It is at this time almost consistent with its past folly. All who will not now, like it, truckle to slavery, and beg that it may not in this war be hurt, or who will not directly or indirectly lend all their moral influences to saving slavery while saving the Union, if not putting slavery above the Union, are abolitionists. To desire and demand that all rebel property shall be confiscated, even though part of that “property” be slaves, is abolitionism. To feel and to say that the Government shall use all its power to crush this rebellion at once and forever, without considering whether in doing this slavery shall be hurt, or caring for the possibility that it may really be destroyed in the conflict, is very rank abolitionism. According to the “reasoning” and epithets of the Democrat, all Northern men are abolitionists, except a faction of slavery sympathizers, who if they do not love slavery more than the Union, at least love the Union so little that for its very salvation slavery must not be disturbed. These men, or doughfaces, are the ones who blame abolitionists for this rebellion and civil war. They have not a word of rebuke for traitors in arms against the government, but volumes of anathemas for abolitionists. In fact, with them, a traitor, is a gentleman and a Christian by the side of an abolitionist.

Now this twaddle of the Times and Democrat, about abolitionism is slightly disgusting, and very nonsensical. The most absurd thing in the whole connection, however, is the fact of these Democratic editors backing up Mr. Lincoln, as a President who is endeavoring to protect slavery in this struggle! Fortunately for Mr. Lincoln’s reputation as a man and as a statesman, fortunately for the country, and most fortunately for the lovers of slavery, the President is most basely maligned by the support of such fellows as these. He has done nothing and said nothing to merit their support, so far as the world knows. He is evidently trying to save the Union, without caring what becomes of slavery. He is known to be in favor of confiscating all rebel property. He is in fact what these editors call us and other true Northern patriots. If we are abolitionists, so is he. No baser, meaner, or more malicious outrage has been attempted against the reputation and usefulness of President Lincoln, than the professes support of such traitor-at-heart editors, who profess to be upholding him against the machinations of abolitionists. The same party that placed Mr. Lincoln in power still stands by him. All the patriotism left in the party that approved his election is now sustaining him, not as a Republican or partisan, but as our patriotic President. Those who sustain him now from some fancied newly awakened friendliness of his to slavery, are not representatives of any portion of the patriotism of the people, or of any party. They are either grossly deceived as to the President’s feelings, or they are attempting to shamelessly deceive the people.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Some of the papers sneeringly allude to Mrs. Lincoln’s . . .

. . . late brilliant levee at the White House as a “dancing party.” We learn that by the special request of the President, there was no dancing allowed on that occasion, and has not been on any occasion at the President’s house.

“There is a time to dance,” but in the residence of the President of a distracted and imperiled nation, that time is not now, nor that the place.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

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