The Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refuted his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred. to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. --And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.


John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott

New York:
William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean

Maryland:
Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton

North Carolina:
William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

The Colliery Accident in England

We have already announced the fact of a fearful accident at the mine know as the “Hartley New Pit,” near Newcastle, England. The arrival of the mails of the Nova Scotian places us in possession of the details of the affair – one of the most appalling catastrophes that the annals of accidents record, involving a loss of probably two hundred lives or more. The accident occurred on the 16th of January, at ten o’clock in the morning.

By this catastrophe no less than two hundred men were entombed in the bowels of the earth. Of course people flocked from miles and miles around, and instant efforts were made to relieve the unfortunates, but the labor of clearing away the debris was immense, and only half a dozen men could work in the choked up shaft at a time. A week passed before an entrance to the fearful tomb could be effected. It was too late. The following telegram, published in the London papers of Thursday the 23d, gives the sad result of the calamity:


NORTH SHIELDS, 10 P. M.

The sad tragedy at Hartley Colliery has been revealed to us in its horrors this evening. The cloth battice [sic] was completed this afternoon and cleared the shaft to some extent of gas. Three pitmen (volunteers) went down, penetrated the obstruction, got into the yard seam by the engine drift, and found men lying dead at the furnace. They pushed their way through. The air was bad. Within this door they found a large body of men sleeping the sleep of death. They retreated, and came to the bank with appalling intelligence.

Mr. Humble, viewer of colliery, and Mr. Hall immediately went down, and returned in an hour and a half. Both had to be taken off the sling, seriously affected by gas. They have been all through the works, and found no living man, but a hecatomb of dead bodies. The bulk of the bodies are lying in the gallery near the shaft. An affecting report, has been made by them. Families are lying in groups; children in the arms of their fathers; brothers with brothers. Most of them looked placid as if asleep, but higher up near the furnace, some tall stout men seemed to have died hard. The cornbins were all cleared. Some few of the men had a little corn in their pockets. A pony was lying dead among the men, but untouched. Several volunteers have since penetrated the workings and confirm this statement. Nearly all of them, however, have been brought back seriously affected by the gas. There was great danger of more men loosing their lives. Medical men, of whom there were large numbers at the colliery, held a council at eight o’clock, and by their advice no more men will be allowed to go down until the ventilation is improved. It will be some time before the bodies can be brought to bank.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 2


See Also: The Last Sleep Of The Miners.

England and the Rebellion

England is strangely ignorant, or wantonly so, of the extent and magnitude of the Southern rebellion; its territorial limits, the preparations made in view of it by its leaders, the issues at stake, and the forces, time, and expenditures necessary to subdue and break it effectually down. She forgets that her own little island might be put in some lone corner of even one of the rebel States, and be so isolated as scarcely to be seen! If a civil war should break out in her little empire, in twelve hours every part of the infected districts could be visited; but not so with us, when we have two or three thousands of miles of coast on the seas; and tens of thousands of square miles inland to pass over and subdue. This requires not only time, but prudent and cautious movements, clear insight, and great forecast and preparation. It is important that we not only put down this rebellion but do it on a scale of such proportions as to effectually prevent is recurrence.

John Bullism would find here no chance for bluster, but all the good sense and practical wisdom of brother Jonathan to ensure success. Let England look at her won civil wars, running through long dynasties and then scarcely brought to an end. She would have nothing to boast of, but much to make her blush for her own impotence and delay. Her Wars of the Roses was a contest of passion far more than of principle; and yet how vindictive and protracted! The two parties fought because the Yorkists wore the white rose, and the Lancastrians the red. It was a war of endless genealogies – nothing more; and yet no war in which England has been engaged was more destructive to human life; none more bloody and ferocious. It was more disastrous to the yeomanry of England than all her wars with Scotland, Wales, and France, and no one can assign a just and adequate reason for it. The history of the world can furnish no such example as this, for causes so frivolous as both parties have assigned, for a struggle so long and so sanguinary. It was a civil war, not a war of succession. More Englishmen fell at Touton than in any of Marlborough’s battles or at Waterloo. In one battle twenty eight thousand Lancastrians, dead on the field, where counted. He wars in Ireland have been the same character, and carried on with a baseness, cruelty and oppression unknown in the world. What difficulties had she in arresting the insurrectionary spirit of the Chartists, and how long was the conflict; and they are not yet subdued, nor the spirit of freedom in Ireland.

She has no occasion to glory over her own prowess and promptitude. Had England been compelled to meet such a rebellion here as we are fighting against, her Queen and Parliament and Government would have been destroyed long since. Napoleon would have quailed under it; and not a single power in Europe could have lived through it. We have proved, and will prove to the world, that ours is the strongest government on the earth. It took England, then the greatest power on earth, seven years to put down – or try to put down – the rebellion in the provinces and on the plantations in America, and then she came off second best. She may judge of our difficulties now by what she had to encounter then. But what she could not do in seven years, when we were in our infancy and she a giant, we will do in one fourth the time, when the Philistines are upon us, and myriads of traitors are plotting against us at home and abroad. The scale is now turned, and hereafter victory will perch on our banners.

England and France need not be concerned about the granite blockade in Charleston harbor. A few storms will remove it, and if they do not, so soon as we convert South Carolina into a free State, the Yankees will do it, and make it a better one than it ever has been. We will manage this war in our own way and it will be managed well. England is just as ignorant of the issues as Madame Trollope and Dickens, and other English tourists, and Russell of the London Times, were and are of the resources, manners and customs and spirit of the United States of America.

An English tourist riding in one of our state coaches was drawing odious comparisons between England and America, when a tremendous peal of thunder shook the earth; a listener said to him, can you manufacture such thunder in England as that! There is more lightning and thunder and better in quality in America than in all Europe beside! They will soon see it and hear it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 2

Chaplain A. G. Eberhart

Chaplain A. G. Eberhart was born at Greenboro, Pa., October 7, 1810; was ordained as a minister of the Baptist church in 1843; settled in Rock Island, Ill., in 1850; removed to Waterloo, Iowa, in 1857; to Cedar Rapids in 1860; was commissioned Chaplain of the 12th Iowa November 5, 1861. He was taken sick at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, with a severe attack of lung fever, which compelled him to leave the service in April, 1862. He returned to Cedar Rapids, and afterwards served the church at Cedar Falls, Iowa; Plainfield, Joliet and Chicago, Ill.; back to Waterloo, Iowa, and from there to Muscatine, Iowa, where he retired from the ministry in 1878, and died May 22, 1881.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 256

The War News

Another Glorious Victory.

Our Forces take Possession of Roanoke Island.

Eight Rebel Regiments probably taken Prisoners.

THREE REBEL GUNBOATS SUNK AND TWO CAPTURED.

Arrival of the Steamship Jura.

MASON AND SLIDELL AT SOUTHAMPTON.

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

District Court

REGULAR TERM.

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

TUESDAY, February 11.

Court opened at 9 o’clock A.M. The examination of witnesses in the case of State vs. Murray was resumed. The case was submitted to the jury in the afternoon, John N. Rogers, Esq., delivering the charge. J. W. Stewart, for the State, Grant and Skinner for defendant. The jury brought in a verdict of “not guilty.”

Judge Dillon then resumed his seat. The next case tried was State vs. Conway, assault and battery. Defendant in this case had obtained a new trial at the December term, when he was convicted. The trial occupied all afternoon. Henry O’Connor, for the State; J. C. Bills, for defendant. The case was submitted to the jury to-night.

Court adjourned at 7 o’clock p.m., till 9 o’clock to-morrow morning.

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

Local Matters

PARTICIPATION. – See new advertisement. Enquire of R. Simpson.

ROANOKE ISLAND, the scene of the recent victory is off Tyrell county, North Carolina, between Pamlico and Albemarle sounds.

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

RAILROAD SHIPMENTS. – The following are the figures of shipments from this city by railroad, for the week ending February 8th: 2,595 brls. Flour; 15,000 bush. wheat; 1,200 bush. barley; 417 sacks malt; [336] dressed hogs; 44,290 lbs. lard; 8,620 lbs. hides; 2,550 lbs. bologna sausage; 540 lbs. butter.

OYSTERS IN THE SHELL. – We are indebted to Mr. G. Hickox, of the Davenport Hotel, for a basket of oysters in the Shell. They are a kind of Yankee vegetable that are not hard to take in any form and we hope our friends’ pockets may ever be as full as – the shells before they were opened.

A THAW. – Signs yesterday were indicative of a general thaw. The mercury stood at 34 degrees before sunrise and the snow rapidly disappeared under the warm temperature. – Unless the weather should turn cold another day will spoil the fine sleighing that the denizens of this locality have so long enjoyed.

SLEIGHING. – As is frequently the case the prospect of a break-up in the weather brought a great number of people out on runners last night. One large party, in a huge omnibus sleigh, went to Le Claire, where they were to have a supper and a hop at the far-famed Howard House of that city. A larger party arrived from Moline and stopped at the Le Claire House, where they had supper.

MR. EDITOR: I predict that hundreds of the citizens of Davenport and Scott county will, within the next three years, regret and find fault with themselves that they did not purchase farms and dwellings in 1862, when they could have purchased property for less than the cost of the improvements. Please to read my advertisement, Mr. Editor, in this day’s GAZETTE, and forward to me at my office on Perry street your opinion of my prices. A. C. F.*

COW DROWNED. – We have heard of no cows being lost on this side of the river, as the current is more sluggish, but on the opposite side, where the current runs so swiftly, it is not uncommon every winter for cows who frequent the river for a drink, to slip into the rapid current and be washed under the ice. A case of the kind occurred on Sunday last. Poor muley got off the ice into the water, thence under the ice to become food for fishes.

BAD BOYS, or boys whose parents do not exercise the necessary control over them frequently meet on the ice between Davenport and Rock Island, and pass the Sunday in a pitched battle. A scene of this kind occurred last Sunday The little shavers not having fear of the law, of their parents, or of any higher power, met armed with sticks and clubs, and had a regular engagement, which closed only with the close of day. Neither party was victorious, though doubtless both claimed it. Fathers should keep an eye on their offspring, remembering they too will be men some day, and that “as the twig is bent,” etc.

DR. JEWETT’S LAST LECTURE, on Monday evening, was as usual well attended. The subject presented this time was the effect produced by the sale of intoxicating liquors on the business interests of the neighborhood. The arguments presented were of a particular character, and were substantiated by numerous illustrations drawn from his own varied experience. This lecture concluded Dr. Jewett’s course in this city. And we must do the Dr. the justice to say that he has presented a subject, so often before discussed, in such a new and interesting manner that all were pleases – both those who had previously examined the subject, and those to whom the arguments for total abstinence were new.

LARGE EXPORTS. – On Monday evening, nearly fifty teams, mostly from Cedar county, stopped at the Pennsylvania House, whose ample accommodation frequently entertain as many teams over night. In the morning, most of the teamsters loaded up with lumber and with from 20,000 to 25,000 feet of that article, started for Cedar county yesterday. The lumber trade has been exceedingly good during the long sleighing season, and Cedar county has not been the outer limit of our trade with the interior, but teams have come from beyond, as we mentioned a few days since. It speaks much for the popularity of the Pennsylvania House among the farmers, and the excellence of its management, that it should be so well filled every night with the industrious denizens of the interior counties.

FORCED SALE OF REAL ESTATE. – We have neglected to mention the handsome property sold under deed of trust, on Saturday last – property belonging to the individual partners of the obsolete firm of Cook & Sargent. The beautiful residence of Mr. E. Cook, on Fourth street, that in palmy times cost over thirty thousand dollars, was knocked down at just one-half that amount, fifteen thousand dollars. The fine homestead of Mr. Geo. B. Sargent, on Brady street, with the outbuildings and grounds attached, brought the sum of thirteen thousand dollars, or about one half the original cost. The vacant lot adjoining on the North between that and the three story house at present occupied by Bishop Lee, brought four thousand dollars, the three story building four thousand five hundred dollars, and a lot in the rear two thousand dollars, making in all $23,500 for the entire property. The aggregate amount of sales was $38,500, while the amount against the property was $53,429. The purchaser was John J. Dixwell, Esq., of Boston, the holder of the deeds of trust, through his attorneys, Davison and True, of this city. – The property sold remarkably well, and at a higher rate, doubtless, than other parties would have been willing to pay for it. Mr. Dixwell has done well in securing this fine property at the rate he did. We should be very happy, indeed quite contented, to occupy either residence as a homestead, and were the title vested in us, we would agree to forego any aspiration of a change until we “shuffled of the mortal coil.”

THANKS. – We are indebted to the Hon. J. B. Leake, Senator, J. H. White and J. R. Porter, Representatives from this county, T. H. Stanton, of Washington, and W. L. Davis, Secretary of Senate, for valuable State documents.

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

Quartermaster George H. Morisey

Quartermaster George H. Morisey, entered the service as private of Company H, 12th Iowa, September 16, 1861; was mustered into the United States service Nov. 25, 1861; as Sergeant Major of the regiment. He served faithfully and gallantry at Forts Henry and Donelson; was captured with the regiment at Shiloh and remained in prison at Mobile, Montgomery and Macon until October 8, 1862, when he was sent to Libby prison, Richmond, and from there paroled October 18, 1862. He was granted furlough and remained at his home until Jan. 3, 1863, when he rejoined his regiment at St. Louis. He was engaged with his regiment in the Vicksburg campaign, and on the 29th of May 1863 was commissioned Quartermaster. July 11, 1863, he was sent out from Jackson, Miss., in charge of a forage train and was captured and sent to Richmond, Va., where he was confined eleven months; was then sent to Macon, Ga., where he remained three months, until July 28, when he was sent to Charleston, S. C., and placed under fire of the Union batteries where he remained two months, and was then sent to Columbus He escaped from prison at Columbus Nov. 29, 1864, and made his way to Union lines, traveling only in the night and arrived at Knoxville, Tenn. — 400 miles from Columbus — January 7, 1865. His description [sic] of the journey of forty nights is graphic and replete with adventures. He rejoined his regiment in the field in such feeble health that he was obliged to muster out February 12, 1865. He returned to his home at Manchester, Iowa, where he was for many years Recorder of Deeds. Recently he has been employed in Government services at Washington, D. C.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 255-6

From Pittsburgh Landing

(Special to Missouri Democrat.)

CAIRO, April 26. – Passengers who reached here this morning on the Steamer N. W. Thomas which left Pittsburgh Landing Thursday night bringing highly important intelligence.

An engagement took place between the advance guards of the National and rebel armies on Thursday. The rebels were driven back towards Corinth. Halleck was pushing his whole army vigorously forward.

Mr. Stevenson of Danville, Ill., arrived last night from Pittsburgh Landing, he left there at 9 a.m. Friday, on steamer Thomas, on Thursday he accompanied Col. Smith of the 8th Missouri regiment on a reconnoisance toward Corinth with a strong force, they advanced by the lower road, when 7 miles out, surprised a rebel camp, men mostly absent and took 27 prisoners, destroyed camp equipage and advanced to Pea Ridge, within 6 miles of Corinth, remained there from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and saw no armed men but heard constant rattling of cars and sounding of whistles toward Memphis. They got the impression that the rebels were evacuating for Memphis. The feeling seemed to be gaining ground, that there would be no stand at Corinth. He visited our camps generally and gave positions and advances of our forces, not proper to telegraph. At Savannah he says we have 1556 sick and wounded, 800 from Illinois, the balance from Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, all in great need of relishable food and care. Efforts were made to get 200 of the convalescent immediately sent down the river but hat not succeeded when he left.

Gov. Harvey’s friends and several members of the Illinois Sanitary Commission, came by the same steamer. Governor’s body was not found.

It is currently reported by deserters that Beauregard’s sixty and thirty days men are dissatisfied. They will not stand the fire of the dauntless north west boys.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Steamer Sunk

GALLIOPOLIS, April 25. – The Government steamer Eunice was run into by the Commodore Perry off Ashland Bay last night and was sunk. The boat is a total loss. No lives lost.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Another Skirmish – nobody hurt.

FORTRESS MONROE, April 26. – About 10 o’clock to-day the enemy opened a brisk fire on our men near York River, without doing much damage. One of our gunboats shelled the rebel works near Yorktown about an hour. The enemy responded without harm

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

What the French Minister Says

NEW YORK, April 28. – The Washington Star says it is not only true that M. Mercier, the French minister, did not see or converse with Dr. Lemoine, in Richmond, on the occasion of his trip into secessia, as alleged by the Richmond papers, and therefore did not hold out encouragement for perseverance in their current insurrection through Dr. Lemoine, as they also allege, but it is also certainly true that while there he held no official communication whatever with any person except the Consul of his own Government, at Richmond and Norfolk. While there we learn he saw and conversed with many persons whom he had known in society here, including Judge P. Benjamin, but his interviews with these, one and all, was wholly of an official character.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Another Fort Taken – Savannah About to Fall

NEW YORK, April 27. – The Sunday Mercury states on the authority of officers of the steamer Boston that Fort Jackson, six miles below Savannah, is in our possession and our pickets are within 4 miles of Savannah.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Tax On Bachelors

(For the Gazette.)

Ten dollars only, only ten
Upon that class of sordid men
Who only live for pelf;
Who adding nothing to the State,
Own nothing but a single plate,
Or hoard their paltry pelf.

Who live in single blessedness,
While Fannie, Mattie, Lizzie, Bess,
Are doomed to live apart
As spinsters; not as “better half,”
And subject to the taunt and laugh
Of every cruel heart!

Shame, on those churlish anchorites,
Whose only playthings, fondlings, pets,
Are coons, and cats; and kittens;
Who have not children, chick or spouse,
No cradle, crib, no cosy house, –
No wife to mend their mittens.

When lotus eating, dreaming, dolts,
Who once could prance and frisk as colts,
When first they touch the heather,
But now, the wild ass in the waste
Flies not in such stupid haste,
When herds are met together.

Ye legislators, grave and gay –
State Senators of Iowa,
Be pound wise, ‘stead of penny;
Lay on their tariff, tax their [stuff],
Till every “jock” shall cry “enough,”
And each shall get his “Jenny.”

Union.

DAVENPORT, Feb. 11, 1862

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

Quartermaster Joseph B. Dorr

Quartermaster Joseph B. Dorr, was born in Western New York August 25, 1825; removed to Buffalo in 1845 and to Jackson County, Iowa, in 1847; commenced the publication of the Western Democrat at Andrew in 1849, and three years later removed to Dubuque and entered into partnership with D. A. Mahoney and published the Dubuque Herald. In 1855 he bought out his partner's interest in the Herald and published the paper alone until 1861. When the war broke out, his loyalty caused him to sink party and financial interests and tendered his services to the Governor of the State. He was commissioned Quartermaster of the 12th Iowa November 5, 1861, and entered at once upon the discharge of his duties. He was with his regiment constantly until the battle of Shiloh when he was captured and confined at Macon, Ga. With Lieutenant Elwell of Company E, he escaped from prison and made his way to the Union lines. He then applied for and received authority to raise a regiment of cavalry in Iowa. He enlisted 1,700 men and on the 30th day of September 1863 was mustered into United States service as Colonel of 8th Iowa Cavalry. During the summer of 1864 he was commanding his regiment in the Atlanta campaign. In one of the cavalry raids to the rear of Atlanta he was wounded, his regiment surrounded and nearly captured. Colonel Dorr refused to relinquish the command; ordered and led a charge which broke the enemy's lines and enabled a part of his regiment to escape. The wounded Colonel was captured and taken to Charleston, S. C., where he, with other officers, was placed under the fire of the Union guns, and remained there until October when he was exchanged and returned to his command. He was in active service in Tennessee and Georgia during the winter of 1864-5. In this service he contracted disease of which he died, in the service, May 28, 1865.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 254-5

Des Moines Correspondence

DES MOINES, Feb. 8.

Each House had a single session to-day, and consequently the amount of business to take note of is not great. In the Senate an attempt was made by the opponents of the bank note bill to pass a bill for the receipt of U. S. demand notes. Their object was to divide the original bill and make the question of receiving the issues of the State Bank come up by itself. They hoped in this way to kill that part of the bill; and it is more than probable that could they separate the question, the State [Bank] Notes would not be received. But they failed to pass the bill to a third reading, and it is made the special order for some day next week. An attempt to amend it by inserting the issues of the State Bank – failed by a vote of 19 for and 20 against. This shows how evenly the parties are divided. Some members are, however absent with the understanding that the bill will not be acted upon until their return. – When they all return, as they doubtless will before Wednesday next, it is thought the original bill will pass. It will be a close vote however.

The House as to-day engaged in a general quarrel over resolutions bearing upon federal politics. Yesterday I wrote you of a rather warm time on the same subject.

Mr. Hardie, of Dubuque, almost the first thing in the morning, offered a resolution stating, as usual, that whereas we have all confidence in the ability of Abraham Lincoln to conduct the war on a constitutional basis; therefore: we will in the future frown down all attempts to agitate the question in this House. Thus, you see, after stating that the Republicans are constantly bringing up the negro, he was the first to lug him in to-day. This is a fair sample of the way the Democrats try to keep this sable subject out of Congress and out of State Legislatures. After considerable sparring the resolution was referred to the committee of the whole House, which is to sit next Wednesday evening.

Then followed a second resolution by Mr. Mitchell, of Fremont, stating that we will discuss matters relating to Federal politics only in evening sessions and in committee of the whole House. By this time the radical Republicans had become somewhat indignant, and expressed in decided terms their determination to be bound by no resolutions of the kind, but to be left free to express their sentiments without restraint upon whatever subjects might come before the House. The resolution could not pass.

Mr. Rothrock, of Cedar, then thought he would test the sincerity of the Democrats. He offered a resolution, stating that we endorse the war policy of the President, including his suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and the act of calling out the troops before the extra session of Congress. He told the Democrats they had been so forward in endorsing the policy of the President that he was anxious to have some specification. He said he had fought them in the canvass, but if they were now willing to come up fair and square, and endorse all the acts of the President, he was quite willing to extend to them the right hand of fellowship.

Mr. Young moved to amend by adding to the specifications the arrest of Jones and Hill, of this State; and the suppression of Northern secession newspapers. The excitement became quite intense at this time, and members were constantly rising to points of order, but it was not easy to confine the speakers to the question before the House. – Pending the consideration of this subject the House adjourned.

There is no doubt that this slavery question must have a complete airing in our State Legislature the present session. Still it is desirable that the discussion should be confined as much as possible to the evening sessions.

Linn county has furnished us with two as radical Republicans as one meets within any State. Messrs. Young and Millburn are both men of nerve, possessed of a manly independence and of the most uncompromising fidelity to their convictions of right. No considerations of policy can sway them from the course their judgment dictates. – No taunts of enemies can force, and no pleadings of friends can lead them, counter to the clear pointings of established principle.

Mr. Young may be considered the leader of the radical Republicans. He is a young lawyer of good ability and sterling worth; is chairman of the judiciary committee, and an active, working member. He is an earnest and effective speaker, uttering his sentiments as though he fully believed them, and as though in uttering them he were not seeking to please other people, but his own conscience rather. In listening to him, you can but feel that an earnest conviction of duty impels him. Such a man is an honor to any legislative body. His position once taken, you know just where to find him. You can rely upon him with the confident assurance that whatever influences surround him, to whatever extent bribery and corruption may abound, he will not waver.

J. R. C.

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

Death of Gen. C. F. Smith

PITTSBURG LANDING, April 26. – Major General C. F. Smith died at Savannah yesterday afternoon at 4 o’clock of dysentery. He was taken sick shortly after the occupation by our forces under him, and has been suffering and sinking slowly for some weeks, though his condition was not thought dangerous until within the past week. His family have been notified and are on their way to Savannah.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Released on Bond

ST. LOUIS, April 25. – An order has been issued for the release of Col. Jennison from military prison, he giving bond in $20,000 to appear and answer to whatever charges may be preferred against him. The particular offense which led to Jennison’s arrest has not been made public, but it is presumed all the facts will shortly be forthcoming. Jennison, on being arrested immediately resigned his position.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

The President Visits a French Frigate

WASHINGTON, April 26. – The President visited the French frigate Gassendi, to-day, being the first time the President of the United States ever went aboard a foreign vessel of war. He was received with the honors paid to crowned heads, the same as is usually shown the Emperor. The yards were manned by the crew, who shouted “Vive la President!” The Secretary of State and Capt. Dahlgren accompanied the President. The French Minister was aboard to receive the party.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

Adjutant Sylvester R Burch

Adjutant Sylvester R Burch, Brevet Captain U. S. V., was born near Dresden, Ohio, March 1. 1842; removed to Iowa in 1858; enlisted in Captain Stibbs' company, D, 12th Iowa, September 11, 1862. He served with his company continuously at Benton Barracks and Fort Henry; was sick when regiment went to Donelson, but returned to duty, and was, with his company, captured at Shiloh. was promoted Corporal January 10, 1863; re-enlisted December 25, 1863; promoted Sergeant Major of regiment June 1, 1864; Adjutant February 10, 1865, and Brevet Captain June 25, 1866. He was mustered out with the regiment January 20, 1866, and returned to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he farmed two years, and then removed to Olathe, Kas., and kept a hotel eighteen years; was twice elected Mayor; was appointed Postmaster in 1880, and in 1890 was Supervisor of Census; was afterward employed in Census office at Washington, and is now employed in Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 254

In a divorce suit, at New York . . .

. . . brought by Mary Ann Singer against Isaac M. Singer, the noted sewing machine needle patentee, the court ordered her an allowance of $8,000 per annum, alimony, and her counsel a fee of $750. It was given in [evidence] that Singer’s income was $200,000 a year.

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

Aristocracy

We would like to know my dear Sir why you are better than your neighbors, and why do you put on the airs of a premature lord, because you happen to possess a little more property than some other folks? Ain’t you made of perishing clay, like the rest of us? Ain’t you subject to disease and death, the same as Lazarus was, Won’t you eventually become food for the worms just like the poorest man in Polk county? Are you certain that your possessions will remain with you until the day of your death? And, my dear sir, while you are strutting around like a turkey cock on hot ashes, looking down with contempt on your laboring fellow men, and aiming with your slender abilities to establish and perpetuate social distinctions, are you certain that your property and your cash will pay 50 per cent of your indebtedness? Ain’t you head over heels in debt? We think you are. You like show, pomp, splendor! You like to sport the air and reputation of an aristocrat, while the opinion generally entertained of you is that you are no manner of account for any conceivable purpose in this world! –{Des Moines Register.

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

A young woman born without legs . . .

and who propels herself by holding a boot in one hand and a short stick in the other was recently married in Sheffield England, to a fine lusty young fellow. When the ceremony was performing, she tooke off her boot to have her and joined in her husband’s.

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

Terrible Accident

Correspondence of the State Register.

WEBSTER CITY, April 24.

ED. REGISTER:– A shocking accident occurred about one o’clock today at the crossing on Boone River, near Hook’s point, in the South part of this county resulting in the death of three persons – the wife, child and mother of Capt. Charles A. Sherman, of Fort Dodge! Owing to the high water, the stage passengers and mails have been taken across the river – ordinarily fordable – in a skiff, a team and hack being always in readiness on the side of the river opposite from which they arrive. These ladies and child of the youngest, were en route for home, having left Des Moines in Wednesday morning’s stage. A young man at the crossing undertook to convey them over the river in a skiff, together with their baggage and the mails. The skiff was rather heavily loaded, and was considerably “top heavy.” Upon striking the swift current one of the oars struck some brush or other impediment in the river, causing the boat to tip down so as to take in water, and at the same time one of the mail sacks slid into the river. The boy in his efforts to save the mail-bag tipped the boat so that it filled and sunk, probably striking a concealed snag in the swift current at the instant his effort to recover the sack. The boy succeeded in reaching the shore but the two unfortunate ladies and the child were drowned in a few moments. One of the drivers was unable to swim, with the other swam out into the river, but was unable to render any assistance. One of the ladies swam down with the current several rods, and had sufficient presence of mind to call to the driver on the right bank, asking him if he could swim.

The eldest lady was the wife of S. M. Sherman, Esq., Postmaster at Fort Dodge. The party were returning from the East, where they had spent the winter. Chas. A. Sherman, former Postmaster at Fort Dodge, left home last fall, a private in the company of Capt. Stratton, which joined an independent regiment from Pa., and has been for some months at Fortress Monroe. He has just been appointed Commissary of Subsistence, with the rank of Captain, and is now performing the duties of his position somewhere in Eastern Virginia. No persons in Northwestern Iowa are more widely known, or more highly respected than the families of the deceased, and the blow will fall with heart-sickening effect upon a wide circle of relatives and friends. Capt. Sherman has always from a boy been noted for his extraordinary reverence for his mother – a lady whose intelligence and amiability of character made her a distinguished ornament of the society in which she lived – but their present cruel fate has deprived him at once of wife, mother and only child. God pity him in this hour of almost unparalleled bereavement and affliction!

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

Some of the schoolmarms who . . .

. . . went to South Carolina several weeks ago, are not so intent upon “teaching the young idea how to shoot,” as upon flirting with the officers, in a manner not entirely consistent with morality. Gen. Hunter is going to send some of the misbehaving misses home.

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

The Men Of Iowa!

BY O. H. M. DYRES

When the cloud of treason darkened
Freedom’s light in Sumter’s sky,
Bravely stepped they forth to battle,
There to conquer or to die.

Left the plow within the furrow;
Left the ox within the stall;
Left the corn leaves sprouting upward –
To respond to Freedom’s call.

Left the grass unmown to wither,
And the golden grain unstored;
Left the anvil for the bayonet,
And the sickle for the sword.

Men are wanted – true men wanted
To defend a Nation’s flag –
Hearts may wither in their sorrow,
Yet the spirit never lag.

Forth they come – a host of freemen
From the setting of the sun –
Every hand was a thousand –
While their hearts they were as one.

Soft Lamine had seen their coming –
Sweeping Osage heard their cry,
As they struggle in the battle,
‘Neath the summer’s sunny sky.

Gleamed their camp fires as a thousand
On the darkling Tennessee;
Where the mistletoe was clinging
To the aged cypress tree.

Like the avalanche descending,
Like the rolling of the flood,
They have swooped the field of battle,
And have bathed it with their blood.

They have met the foe and conquered,
On the mountain and the plain;
They are reaping well the harvest,
Though a thousand are the slain.

Long shall wave that starry banner
That they bore so bravely on;
Long shall freemen point with triumph
To the battles they have won.

-{St. Louis Republican.

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

Adjutant N. E. Duncan

Adjutant N. E. Duncan was born at Springhill, Pa , December 8, 1835; removed to Dubuque, Iowa, in 1854; enlisted in Company B, 1st Iowa, in 1861; was engaged in battle of Wilson Creek; was mustered out at expiration of three months' term of enlistment, and returned to Dubuque October 20th. He at once engaged in recruiting a company for three years' service, and on November 2, 1861, was commissioned Adjutant of the 12th Iowa. He served with the regiment at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh; was wounded and taken prisoner at Shiloh, and remained a prisoner until October. During the Vicksburg campaign he was A. A. A. G. of 3d brigade, 1st division, 15th corps. In May, 1864, when the 12th was assigned to the 16th corps, Lieutenant Duncan was detailed as A. A. A. G. of the 1st division, 16th corps, in which capacity he served until September, when he was taken sick and sent to the hospital at Little Rock. From hospital was granted sick leave, and mustered out at expiration of three years' service, Nov. 27,1864. He engaged in business in Dubuque several years, and then removed to Kansas City, Mo.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 253-4

James Barr

Assistant Surgeon James Barr was born in Larnarkshire, Scotland, July 25, 1836. At nine years of age he was apprenticed to the weaver's trade. Eight years later he came to the United States with his parents, and for a time worked in coal mines at Sharon, Pa. In 1856 he removed to Iowa, and in 1858 entered the Upper Iowa University; September 15, 1861, he enlisted in the University Recruits, and in October was mustered in as Corporal of Company C, 12th Iowa Infantry. Soon after the organization of the regiment he was detailed for duty in regimental hospital, and served in that position, giving the sick and wounded of the regiment at St. Louis, Donelson and Shiloh excellent care. After the battle of Shiloh he was promoted Hospital Steward and served continuously with the regiment, re-enlisting as a veteran December, 1863. September 15, 1865 — just four years after his enlistment — he was commissioned Assistant Surgeon, in place of Underwood, mustered out. From that time to the muster-out Barr had entire charge of the sick of the regiment. Upon his return home he entered the office of Dr. C. C. Parker. He received his diploma from Rush Medical College in 1868, and soon after located at Algona, Iowa. He married Miss Salina M. Bradshaw in 1871. He and his wife were active members of the M. E. church and prominent in social affairs at Algona until 1894, when they removed to California, and are located at Los Angeles.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 252-3

The President’s Visit to the French Frigate

Saturday last was quite a gala day at the Washington Navy Yard. The appearance for the first time of a French vessel of war in the “Eastern Branch,” with the tri-colored flag floating in the breeze, attracted unusual observation, and awakened in many minds reminiscences of that early friend to American independence, the Marquis de Lafayette, and subsequent stirring events well calculated to quicken patriotic ardor and admiration. In compliment to our visitor, the “Star Spangled Banner” was handsomely displayed on every steam and other vessel moored at the Navy Yard, and early in the afternoon various quiet preparations indicated that ceremonies of a more extensive character were about to take place.

The full Marine Band, and the fine body of men composing the Navy Yard guard, paraded in their new and elegant uniform. The heavy ordnance of the station was charged for salute – everything was in readiness for the highest honors. About three o’clock the President of the United States, accompanied by Mrs. Lincoln and her sister (Mrs. Edwards), arrived. In a few moments arrived the carriage in which were seated the Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State, F. W. Seward, Esq., Assistant Secretary; and Mrs. F. W. Seward. Next came the Count Mercier, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of France, and suite. The distinguished visitors drove immediately through the principal avenue of the station to the piers, where the President and his friends were handsomely received by Capt. Dahlgren.

The arrival of the gallant Admiral Reynaud, of the French Navy, on Saturday, without any previous knowledge of his visit, was especially gratifying to all, and he promptly availed himself of the opportunity to renew the evidences of his high regard for the American nation and the American President, with his Minister of State.

Mrs. Lincoln and her sister, still depressed by the recent domestic affliction, preferred remain in their carriage during the ceremony.

The distinguished party, accompanied by Capt. Dahlgren, proceeded to the French vessel of war Gassendi, Capt. Gautier. On reaching her side, President Lincoln was received and welcomed in elegant and enthusiastic style by Admiral Reynaud, when these courtesies were extended to the Hon. Secretary of State and other visitors. The yards of the Gassendi were manned by her gallant tars. The American ensign was thrown to the evening breeze “from the main,” the post of honor, and a salute of twenty-one guns from the steamer’s cannon reverberated through the length and breadth of the national capital, whilst bands of music poured fourth national airs.

The salute from the broadside of the Gassendi was quickly responded to by the Navy Yard batteries. The French commander had spared no pains to render the ceremonies on his part equal to those observed on any similar occasion to their own Emperor.

The interview was of the most gratifying character. During the conversation, one of the French officers remarked that this was the first visit of a French war vessel since America was a nation, and the first visit of an American President to a foreign flag.

After some time had passed in conversation and the visitors were about to retire, the honor of a salute was repeated and again responded to.

President Lincoln availed himself of the opportunity to accompany Capt. Dahlgren on a little sail in the “cutter” round the iron-clad target now being constructed near the Yard. – The Navy Yard looked very fine; seventeen hundred mechanics remain in employ. – National Intelligencer

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

The drunken Magruder . . .

. . . one of the rebel Generals on the York Peninsula, has written and published an address to his soldiers, which concludes as follows:

Soldiers! though reverses and disasters have recently befallen us, let us remember that the truth is eternal, and that God is just. His arm is our trust, and the great Ruler of nations and of men will protect the right and crown with victory the noble and brave.

Let us take courage, then. Our enemy, dead to the spirit of liberty, can only fight while their coffers are unexhausted. Commerce is their king. Their god is gold. They glory in their shame. The war which intensifies our devotion and concentrates our resources, scatters theirs. The day of retribution will come. The struggle will not be always defensive on our part. We will yet strike down our ruthless invaders, amid the smoking ruins of their cities, and, with arms in our hands, dictate terms of peace on their own soil.

J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER,
Major-General Commanding.

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

The Killed And Wounded At Pittsburg - The Number Buried

The Pittsburg correspondent of the Chicago Times writes, on the 20th:

The work of burial is complete, and the returns show over six thousand killed, of whom four thousand and four hundred were rebels. It is difficult to account for this, but the rebel dead are undoubtedly double our own number. In estimating the mortality, the fatally wounded must be added to this number, swelling it to over seven thousand killed in the battle. In addition there are eight thousand of our men in the hospitals, who were wounded in the battle. We have no means of knowing how many of the enemy are wounded but undoubtedly the number is as great as ours. Seven thousand killed and sixteen thousand wounded gives a total of twenty three thousand wounded men disabled in the great battle of Shiloh.

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

Assistant Surgeon Myron Underwood

Assistant Surgeon Myron Underwood was born at Monticello, Ohio, August 7, 1833; graduated at Rush Medical College February 19, 1859, and soon after located at Steamboat Rock, Iowa; removed to Eldora, Iowa, in July, 1860; married Miss Sophia A. Ellis in 1861; was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the 12th Iowa August 19, 1862, and joined the regiment on its return from prison. He was constantly with the regiment until the expiration of his term of service — September 15, 1865 — when he returned to his home and resumed the practice of medicine. He was elected State Senator from the counties of Hardin and Grundy in 1885. He died at his home in Eldora, Iowa, August 12, 1894. See 12th Iowa Reunion, October, 1894, for particulars.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 252

FIRST SESSION - 37TH CONGRESS

WASHINGTON, April 30. – HOUSE. – Mr. ELLIOTT submitted two bills, one to confiscate rebel property and to provide for the payment of the expenses of the present rebellion and the other to provide for freeing the slaves of all rebels who have taken up arms against the Government. Referred to the Select Committee.

Mr. WICKLIFFE asked leave to introduce a resolution of inquiry to ascertain by what authority Gen. Hunter hand issued an order to emancipate slaves in the manner expressed by Messrs. Hutchins, Lovejoy and others.

Objection was made to the introduction of the resolution.

The resolution from the Committee on Government contracts was taken up.

Mr. STEVENS moved to lay them on the table, which was rejected. Yeas, 17, Nays 107.

The following resolution was received.

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the claim against the Government for the 5000 Hall carbines, purchased through Simon Stevens, by Gen. John C. Fremont, on August 6th, 1861, and afterwards delivered at the U. S. arsenal at the city of St. Louis, on the basis of a sale of such arms to the Government for $12.50 each, and rejecting all other demands against the Government on account of the purchase of said arms.

An unsuccessful effort was made to amend the resolution by making it read:

Purchased for Simon Stevens.

Mr. FENTON moved to amend the resolution by adding “providing that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to exonerate the Government from the payment of any claims arising for the advances made in good faith, on certification by the authorized officers of the Government.” This was rejected 53 to 71.

The resolution as originally reported was adopted by 123 to 28.

The House adopted a resolution censuring Mr. Cameron by a vote of 76 to 45.

A resolution censuring Mr. Welles, Secretary of the Navy, was rejected 45 to 72.

The House then went into Committee of the Whole on the Pacific Railroad bill. Not much progress was made on it. Adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. HARRIS presented a memorial from the Chamber of Commerce of New York, on the system of taxation.

Mr. WADE from the Committee on the Conduct of the War, made a report in relation to the barbarous treatment of our soldiers at Manassas. The report was ordered to be printed.

On motion of Mr. WADE the homestead bill was taken up.

Mr. Carlisle offered a substitute for the bill, which was postponed until to-morrow.

Mr. NESMITH introduced a bill to amend the act of 1851 for a military hospital for invalid soldiers.

Mr. POWELL’s resolution calling on the Secretary of State for information concerning the arrest of persons in the state of Kentucky was taken up.

Mr. POWELL said that he had been much annoyed at the opposition to this resolution. The substitute offered by the Senator from Massachusetts (Sumner) was merely an attempt to avoid giving the information asked for.

After some debate the morning hour expired. The Confiscation bill was taken up. Messrs. WILMOT and RIGHT spoke in its favor, and Mr. McDOUGAL against it.


WASINGTON, May, 1. – HOUSE. – Mr. BLAIR of Missouri, called up the bill recently reported form the Military Committee, authorizing the appointment of a Board on Fortifications, to provide for the coast and other defences, of the United States, and for other purposes, and abstract of which was published on the 24th of April.

Mr. BLAIR explained the provisions of the bill, and in response to a question, said it surrendered the appropriations already made. It also provides that the money shall be expended upon such works or defences, as shall be named by the commission, proposed to be created by the bill. The consideration of the bill was postponed until Tuesday.

Mr. LOVEJOY from the Committee on Territories, reported a bill to render Freedom national and slavery sectional.

The house then went into committee of the Whole on the Pacific Railroad bill.

The time was occupied in the explanation of numerous amendments, when the Committee rose without coming to any consideration of the bill. Adjourned.


SENATE. – Mr. HOWARD presented petitions in favor of a general bankrupt law.

Mr. WRIGHT, also, presented petitions for a bankrupt act, and said that more of them are coming from Indiana.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, offered a resolution, that the Secretary of War, be requested to report whether one Frederick Emory, who murdered Wm. Phillips in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1855 or 1856, had been appointed to any place in the Department of Kansas.

Mr. LANE, of Kansas, said the Government had before it to-day, the Kansas difficult, and he presumed it would correct the evil. The resolution was laid over.

The Confiscation bill was taken up.

Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts, offered, as an amendment to the sixth section of Mr. Collamer’s substitute, authorizing the President to make a proclamation and free the laves of those who continue in the rebellion for 30 days.

Messrs. WILSON and MORRILL spoke in favor of the bill.

Mr. DAVIS offered a resolution, declaring that the war now carried on by the United States, shall be vigorously prosecuted and continued to compel obedience to the Constitution and laws, within the limits of every territory, by all the citizens and residents thereof, and for no further end whatever.

On motion of Mr. SUMNER, the resolution was laid over.

On motion of Mr. WILSON, of Massachusetts the resolution asking the Military Committee to enquire whether any further legislation was necessary to prevent soldiers and officers from returning fugitive slaves was taken up.

Mr. SUMNER said he was glad the Senator from the State of Iowa, in his speech, had called attention to some officers concerning their treatment of fugitives. One General who lately made an order returning fugitives was a native of Massachusetts, and he (Sumner) used his influence to get him appointed. If he had known that Gen. Hooker would have made such an order, he never would have tried to get him an appointment. When a General falls in battle there is honor in it, and we regret his death, but when a General falls as Gen. Hooker has fallen, there can be nothing but regret. He rose to call attention to the order of Col. Doubleday, and contrasted it with that of Gen. Hooker, saying that he (Doubleday) was an honor to his country.

Mr. SUMNER then referred to Gen. McCook at the West, and also to the conduct of the Provost Marshal at Louisville, as being disgraceful to the army. Mr. S. also read and account of how blacks were oppressed at Louisville.

Mr. DAVIS asked Mr. Sumner where he got his account.

Mr. SUMNER said from the newspapers in New York.

Mr. DAVIS had no doubt of the falsity of the account.

Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts said that he had abundant evidence of the disgraceful treatment of fugitive slaves by portions of the army.

Mr. SUMNER also referred to the return of fugitive slaves from the camps of General Buell, and to the order of Gen. Halleck excluding all fugitives from his lines. Sumner said the order was unconstitutional, absurd and deficient in common sense, an outrage upon common humanity and unworthy of a soldier. Such an order would exclude all the valuable information received from fugitives such as for instance the capture of New Orleans and the evacuation of Fredericksburgh.

Mr. SAULSBURY offered as an amendment to the resolution the following: And also to enquire what further legislation is necessary to prevent the illegal capture and imprisonment of free white citizens of the United States.

Mr. SAULSBURY referred to the number of persons taken from the States of Delaware and Maryland. They had been seized by military authorities and dragged away to forts and prisons, after being kept a week or two were discharged because no fault could be found with them.

These men belonged to a class who are deemed to be of no account, and whose interest do not appear to be cared for, for they are unfortunately are free white persons. The men who had committed no offense were reserved in violation of every law and every night. If the wrongs of the negro are to be redressed he could only ask that the same justice might be meted out to white men. He also asked nothing further. Men who were disloyal to the Government, he would have punished to the full extent of the law.

The Senate [then] went into Executive Session, after which it adjourned.

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

Special to New York Papers

(Special to World.)

WASHINGTON, April 30. – The Petersburg Express of day before yesterday, has a long editorial regarding the loss at New Orleans, and says the city was captured by our gunboats being encased with wet bales of hay, so that hot or cold shot were of no use. The Louisiana mounting 22 guns was sunk, the express says, by our steel pointed conical shot.

The cotton was destroyed by fire and the sugar emptied into the river. The specie in the banks was removed from the city, when Gen. Lovell returned.

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

Surgeon Sanford W. Huff

Surgeon Sanford W. Huff was born in Hamburg, Erie Co., N. Y., December 25, 1826. His ancestors on his mother's side were Quakers; on his father's side could be traced through the Knickerbocker line to the earliest settlement of his native state. He received a common school and academic education, and graduated at the medical college at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1851; was married to Miss Harriet Borland in 1853; removed to Iowa in 1857, and engaged in the practice of medicine at Iowa City; was commissioned Surgeon of the 12th Iowa August 19, 1862, and joined the regiment on its return from prison. He served with the regiment, or as Brigade or Division Surgeon, until January 20, 1866, when he was mustered out with the regiment and returned to Iowa, resuming the practice of his profession at Sigourney, Iowa. His wife died in 1862. He was again married, in 1870, to Miss Laura S. Nickerson. He died at his home Friday, November 7, 1879.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 252

“Shiloh,” “Falmouth.”

HARRISBURGH, PA., April 30. – Gov. Curtain has ordered that Shiloh shall be inscribed on the banner of the 77th Pennsylvania regiment and Falmouth, Va., on that of the 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry, in acknowledgement of their gallantry at the battles of those places.

The Governor has received the most gratifying intelligence from Yorktown, in relation to the perfect arrangements for the early and prompt transportation of the killed and Wounded Pennsylvania soldiers to points within the state.

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

Arrival of the City of Washington

NEW YORK, April 30. – The City of Washington from Queenstown 17th, arrived here at an early hour this morning. News anticipated.

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

Nomination

WASHINGTON, April 30. – Brigadier General W. T. Sherman, in accordance with the recommendation of Gen. Halleck, has been nominated for a Major General.

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

Exchanged

BOSTON, April 30. – Col. Lee and Maj. Revere of the Mass. 20th regiment have been exchanged and start to join their regiment at Yorktown immediately.

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

From Banks’ Division

HARRISONBURGH, VA., April 28. – Through secession channels it is learned that the Governor of North Carolina, was arrested and imprisoned in Richmond two weeks ago on account of his Union sentiments.

It was observed to-day that Jackson had moved his wagon trains back some six miles since yesterday – indications of his intention to retire still further seaward or else entertaining a dread of an attack on him by our forces.

A squadron of cavalry was the only rebel force discovered to-day on the right side of the Shenandoah. They with one wagon entered the village of Mackguahequeston where they remained till about dark. They came by the Port Republic route.

We have news confirmatory of the occupation of Staunton by Gen. Milroy, Staunton is in Augusta county.

The river is still too high to attempt a passage with safety.

A dense smoke was seen in that direction to-day, but the cause is unknown.

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

Surgeon Charles C. Parker

Surgeon Charles C. Parker was born on a farm near New Richmond, Ohio, September 12, 1823; was educated in common school and in Clermont Academy, which was established in 1839 on the Parker homestead by the Doctor's oldest brother. He studied medicine at Columbus, Ohio, where he afterward held a professor's chair for a number of years. September 12, 1855, he located in Fayette, Iowa, and commenced the practice of medicine. He was a trustee and active worker in the interest of the Upper Iowa University from the time it was established; was commissioned Surgeon of the 12th Iowa October 25, 1861, and did excellent service for the regiment during the epidemic of measles at St. Louis and in care of the wounded at Fort Donelson and Shiloh. Disease, contracted during the exposure at Fort Donelson, compelled him to resign his commission April 19, 1862. He returned to Fayette and resumed the practice of his profession, and work in the interest of the university. He has held the office of Pension Examining Surgeon, and has always proved himself to be a warm friend of deserving soldiers.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 251

Cairo Budget

CAIRO, April 30. – Heavy firing from the flotilla was distinctly heard at Tiptonville during Sunday and Monday, but no particulars have yet been received. The enemy’s foraging parties from Corinth are scouring the whole country along the line of the railroad. Gen. Halleck’s entire army has commenced advancing. Deserters contradict previous reports that the rebels were evacuating Corinth, but say that Beauregard has assured his troops that he will make a stand there and chastise our forces and drive them north. River has risen an inch in 24 hours. Loss of Government property would have been immense both here and at posts up and down the river, but for the energy and perseverance of Gen. W. K. Strong and Capt. Pennock, U. S. N., who have been indefatigable in their efforts to successfully to remove all stores out of the reach of the water. The Memphis Appeal and Avalanche of Saturday last have been received but give no news. The fall of Ne Orleans is referred to but no particulars given. Later arrivals from Pittsburg report that Gen. Pope’s division is within five miles of Corinth. His advance is continually skirmishing with the enemy. The whole army has advanced further into the interior and is fully equal to the approaching struggle. Col. Hogg of the 2d Illinois Cavalry, yesterday burnt the Rail Road bridge over the Obion River. CAIRO, April 30. – The packet delight arrived from Tiptonville this morning with a cargo of sugar, molasses and tobacco, reports an alarming stage of water below; hundreds of houses upon the river bank are submerged and washed away thousands of cattle, sheep, and hogs; many families are leaving in flatboats, and everywhere along the river there is great suffering in consequence of the unprecedented flood. The whole of Columbus is overflowed and the water running into the windows of houses. Hickman is also suffering greatly. The fortifications at Island 10 and those upon the main land opposite are as yet above the flood, excepting batteries known as the upper batteries on the Tennessee shore. Here there is an unbroken expanse of water from the Mississippi to Devil Lake. A large amount of cannon and heavy ordnance stores captured from the rebels on the main shore are still lying in the bayou which sets in from the Mississippi. These cannot be removed until the water subsides. An arrival from Tiptonville and New Madrid this morning reports a heavy and continuous cannonading herd throughout Monday night and Tuesday in the direction of Fort Pillow. – There has also been no boat up to-day or since the boat that left there on Monday noon. It is somewhat apprehended that the rebel fleet has been reinforced by the fugitive gunboats from New Orleans and an attack on our fleet has been made. Such an attack was not expected when the last boat left and Com. Foote was fully prepared to meet the enemy. No news to-day from the Tennessee. The Water in the Ohio rose another inch last night, and in the Mississippi half an inch. In several places it is now from six to ten inches above the top of the levee. The Mayor with large gangs of hands is raising the low places and throwing up additional embankments wherever needed. It is confidently believed that in this way the danger will be averted through a very slight storm of wind would inevitably inundate the city within the levee, and the surface water is accumulating rapidly and in many places is several feet deep. The principal streets away from the levee are navigated in skiffs and dugouts. Large trains of freight cars standing upon the levee are occupied as dwellings by families who have already been driven from their houses. The steamer Diligence which arrived this morning from Tiptonville, brought as passenger a refugee from Memphis, which place he left on Sunday. He came by way of the Memphis and Ohio Railroad to Humboldt; thence across the country to Ashport, and from thence up the river. He represents Humboldt as occupied by a small rebel force, who are engaged in throwing up defensive works. Humboldt is a small town, at the intersection of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, and the main trunk road running south from Columbus parallel with the Mississippi to New Orleans. The refugee brings Memphis papers, which however contain but little matter of interest further than the confirmation of the surrender of New Orleans. The Avalanche grumbles that the rebel government suppresses the details in regard to the affair, and says that nothing but the barren facts of the surrender are known. The same paper says that the Southern people are fast losing all confidence in their river defenses, and it is generally admitted that the Federal army can be no longer successfully resisted. It also insinuates a lack of confidence in the stability of the Southern Confederacy, by advising its patrons to invest whatever money they have in real estate while purchases can be made with the currency now in circulation, which is principally rebel treasury notes. The conscription law is being enforced, and Union citizens are secreting themselves or flying to avoid its operations. Memphis is represented by this refugee to be in the highest state of excitement, in anticipation the advent of the Yankees from either side at any moment. Merchants of strong and avowed secession proclivities are removing their goods to places of concealment and security, and large numbers of families are moving away. All the public stores have been put in readiness for immediate destruction at the slightest notice. The idea of burning the town is abandoned; the determined opposition of the property owners and municipal authorities being too great to be overcome. It is currently stated in Memphis that Beauregard has not to exceed 80,000 effective men at Corinth, and there is no hopes of his successfully resisting Gen. Halleck, who is believed to have an army at least 200,000 strong, admirable armed and disciplined, and composed of the best fighting stock in the North. A common expression is that Halleck is fooling with Beauregard, as a cat plays with a mouse preparatory to gobbling it up. The Southwest is admitted to be conquered, and the people are gradually preparing themselves to submit. The fall of New Orleans destroyed their last hope of success. When my informant left Memphis, it was reported that the rebel gunboat fleet from New Orleans were in sight and were bound up the river to join Hollis’s fleet at Fort Pillow. This has undoubtedly been accomplished, as I stated in my former dispatch and may account for the heavy cannonading heard in that direction on Monday and Tuesday. There has been no arrival from the Fort of from Pittsburgh. LATER – 7 P.M. – The steamer Glendale just in from Paducah, reports that a steamer had just arrived from Pittsburg Landing. The latter reports a serious skirmish between our advance party of the army, 5,000 strong, and a large body of rebels, five miles from Corinth – The Union forces were victorious. No mention is made of the losses on either side. The Federal Troops took 29 prisoners. Cannonading was still heard when the steamer left. The Glendale is chartered by the city of Cincinnati, and has on board twelve surgeons and an abundance of hospital stores and delicacies for sick and wounded soldiers. She is now coming look to after the comfort of disabled troops for the State of Ohio.

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

Major David W. Reed

Major David W. Reed, was born in Cortland, N. Y., April 2, 1841; removed, with his parents, to Iowa and settled on a farm in Allamakee County in 1855; entered Upper Iowa University in 1860, and on the 15th day of September 1861 enlisted as a private in "University Recruits." This company was mustered into the United States service October 24th, as "C," 12th Iowa Infantry. He was present with his company at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. After the regiment was surrounded at Shiloh he received gunshot wound, shattering the right thigh; was taken prisoner but was left on the field and was recaptured on Monday, and sent to the hospital at Mound City. In August he returned to duty with the Union Brigade and served with it in battle of Corinth and as Sergeant Major of that organization until January 1863. Upon the reorganization of the regiment he was elected 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, and was present with his company during the Vicksburg campaign and participated in all its engagements; was in command of his company August 1st to 10th; in command of Company F, August 10th to 31st, of Company C, September 7th to 24th, and of Company I, during the Brownsville expedition, October 6th to 31st; was commissioned 1st Lieutenant December 14, 1863, and in June 1864 was detailed as Acting Adjutant of the regiment and served as such in all the campaigns of the regiment until February 1865. At Tupelo his horse was killed under him, and at Nashville he led the left wing of the regiment in the capture of a battery of the enemy and received special mention by regimental and brigade commanders. In February 1865 he was commissioned Captain of Company C, and was immediately detailed as Acting Field Officer. In this capacity he served at Spanish Fort and was breveted for gallantry in this engagement. From January to September 1865 he served as Inspector on the staff of General L. F. Hubbard. In October was detailed, with his company to garrison Center, Ala.; was in command of that Post until November when he was directed to take command of the Post of Blue Mountain. He was commissioned Major 12th Iowa November 21, 1865, and was mustered out with his regiment January 20, 1866. On his return home he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1868, and the same year was elected County Recorder. He held that office ten years and in 1879 was appointed Postmaster at Waukon, Iowa, and held that office until 1887. He was Supervisor of Census, for 2d Iowa district, in 1890. He was married to Miss Ellen E. Manson in 1866; removed to Chicago January 1891. In 1895 was appointed Secretary and Historian of the Shiloh National Military Park Commission. He has three children — a son and two daughters — the son, Milton E. Reed, is Lieutenant — Senior Grade — in United States Navy.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 250

Washington News

WASHINGTON, April 30. – Wm. Cullen Bryant of Virginia, nephew of Gov. James Barbour, has been appointed Chief of the Bureau of Inspection of the P. O. Department.

The vote in the Senate refusing by four majority to refer the subject of the confiscation of rebel property to a Select Committee, was regarded as a test vote between the friends and opponents of the measure, and a triumph of the former

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

For Pittsburgh Landing

LOUISVILLE, April 30. – The steamer Telegraph No. 3 left for Pittsburgh, Tenn., with surgeons, hospital stores and nurses, under the direction of Dr. W. S. Chipley, to bring back the Kentucky wounded or await the result of a new battle, if necessary.

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

Major Edward Vanduzee

Major Edward Vanduzee, was born in the town of Fullerville, St. Lawrence County, New York, April 19, 1835. Soon after his birth he removed with his parents to Scranton, Vt., and in 1851 to Buffalo, N. Y., and in 1852 to Dubuque, Iowa. He studied law with Bissell and Mills in Dubuque and was admitted to the bar in 1858. May 12,1859, he married Miss Caroline E. Jones, and in 1860 removed to Augusta, Ga., to engage in business with his father-in-law. The intense excitement over the Presidential election made it impossible for him to remain in the South and he left Augusta March 4, 1861, and returned to Dubuque. He enlisted September 14, 1861, and November 16th was commissioned Captain of Company I, 12th Iowa. He was present in command of his Company at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh; was taken prisoner, and with the other officers of the regiment was confined at various prisons in the South. From Mobile he was sent to Selma, thence to Talladega, and returned to Selma where he was held about three months then sent to Atlanta, Ga., next to Madison, Ga., where he remained until October 7th; then was sent to Libby prison and was paroled October 13, 1862, at Aiken's Landing, Va., and exchanged in November. About the middle of February, 1863 he was detailed as Judge Advocate at Headquarters of Department of Missouri. In April he was relieved to join his company when it went South. He commanded his company during all the marches and battles of the Vicksburg campaign. Near the close of this campaign he volunteered to defend Lieutenant Colonel Keeler of 35th Iowa, who had been arrested by General Sherman and charged with "allowing his men to set fire to a cotton gin." He secured the acquittal of Colonel Keeler and soon after was detailed as Judge Advocate of 3d Division 15th Army corps. August 5, 1863, he was promoted Major of the regiment and as such participated in all the campaigns and battles in which the regiment was engaged until December 1, 1864, when he mustered out by reason of expiration of time of service. Major VanDuzee, a member of the Baptist church, was known through the service as a sincere, earnest, Christian soldier. After his muster-out he lived in Dubuque, Iowa, four years and then removed to Minnesota. He resides in St. Paul and is business manager for an insurance company.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 248-9

The River

DUBUQUE, April 30. – River risen 5 inches in the last 24 hours. It is now within 9 inches of high water mark.

CLINTON, Iowa, April 30. – Water has risen 9 ½ inches since noon yesterday.

ROCK ISLAND, Ill., April 30. – The river is rising at the rate of 7 inches during the last four days and still rising fast.

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

Aid and Comfort

NEW YORK, May 1. – The Herald says we have received information from a reliable source that certain parties in this city are giving practical aid and comfort to the rebels. If our information be correct two rebels recently arrived here from the south brought on a quantity of tobacco valued at and sold for over $50,000, which sum they invested in army clothing and hats for the rebels. These goods were sent from the city yesterday, to a small town south of Nashville where they will be taken in charge by the rebel authorities. The boxes containing them are marked with a diamond.

If our authorities on the line of the route exercise due vigilance the goods may be intercepted.

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

Col. Jennison Released

ST. LOUIS, May 1.

Col. Jennison received a letter from a Senator at Washington City, which stated in explicit terms that an order reliving Generals Sturgis and Denver of their commands in Kansas had been forwarded from the War Department.

Jennison was yesterday relieved of his personal parole, and is now only obliged to report by letter. Under this liberty he expects to leave to-day for Washington City.

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

Major Samuel D. Brodtbeck

Major Samuel D. Brodtbeck, was born in the city of Liestol, Switzerland, June 26, 1818. When only 12 years old he joined a company of sharpshooters, as trumpter, and served in a number of conflicts between his home district and Bale. In 1839 he entered the regular army of Switzerland and in 1842 distinguished himself in several engagements and was commissioned Captain. He came to the United States in 1851 and two years later settled in Dubuque, Iowa, where he was for several years deputy County Recorder. In 1856 he organized a Militia Company of which he was Captain. He was commissioned Major of Iowa Militia in summer of 1861, and placed in command of Camp Franklin, where the 9th Iowa was organized. When the 12th Iowa was being organized he was in command of Camp Union, and when the regiment was mustered in received his commission as Major of the regiment. He was present with his regiment at Benton Barracks, Fort Henry and Fort Donelson. At Shiloh he was suffering from diarrhea and rheumatism contracted at Donelson and was unable for duty. He had tendered his resignation before the battle of Shiloh and it was accepted April 7, 1862. He returned to Dubuque and as soon as health was partially recovered, was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel on the Governor's Staff, and again placed in command of Camp Franklin, and organized and drilled the 21st, 27th, 23d, 38th, and 43d Iowa regiments. Failing health compelled him to abandon active labor in the spring of 1863. In 1867 he made an extended visit to his mother in Switzerland in the hope of regaining his health. He returned to this country and attended regimental reunion in 1884, and soon after removed to California where he died January 21, [1897].

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 248

Gen. Bank’s [sic] Column

HARRISBURGH, Pa., April 29. – Three thousand rebels under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Staunton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville is that there is only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.

Gen. Longstreet with his command has gone to Yorktown. Should Johnston retire he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner of the 22d inst. says in effect: The destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown. If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscript act, arming and equipping a large army and launching a fleet of Merrimac’s, but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

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

Radestaki Arrested

NEW YORK, May 1. – Last evening Superintendent Kennedy received intelligence by telegraph from St. Louis, that the police in that city arrested Radetski, who is alleged to have murdered Sigismond Felner, a German jeweler, and robbed him of nearly $100,000 in gold, notes and diamonds, about the middle of October 1861.

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

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel G. Knee

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel G. Knee, Brevet Colonel U. S. V., was born in Martinsburg, Penn., March 11, 1834; removed to Delaware County, Iowa, in 1855, and worked at the carpenter's trade until the war broke out when he enlisted, September 19, 1861, in Company H, 12th Iowa, and was mustered in as 1st Sergeant of his company; was promoted 2nd Lieutenant November, 1862; Captain, September, 1863; Major in December, 1864; Lieutenant Colonel in 1865, and Breveted Colonel U. S. V., July, 1866. He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Jackson, Siege of Vicksburg, Tupelo, Nashville and Spanish Fort; was taken prisoner at Shiloh; confined at Montgomery, Selma, and Libby prison; was paroled at Aiken's Landing Va., Oct. 18, 1862. In 1864 he commanded the Pioneer corps of the 1st Division, 16th Army corps and was commended for his energy and skill in building, in one night, out of raw material, a bridge 600 feet long, over which the army passed without accident. He commanded the regiment most of the time from February 1865, to muster-out, January 20, 1866. On muster-out of the regiment he returned to his home at Colesburg, Iowa, where he engaged in mercantile business. He married Miss Julia Moreland July 19, 1866, He died at his home, August 13, 1896,

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 247

Rebel Outrages on the dead

WASHINGTON, April 30. – The Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War made a lengthy report regarding the treatment by the rebels at Manassas of the remains of Federal officers and soldiers killed there. They say the facts disclosed are of painful, repulsive and shocking character – that the rebels have crowned this rebellion by the perpetration of deeds unknown even to savage warfare. Investigations have established this beyond controversy. The witnesses called before us were men of undoubted veracity and character; some of them occupy high positions in the army, and some of them high positions in civil life. Differing in political sentiments, this evidence proves a remarkable concurrence of opinion and judgment of our own people and foreign nations, and must with one accord, however they have differed heretofore, consign to lasting odium of the authors of crimes which, in their details, exceed the worst excesses of the Sepoys in India. The outrages on the dead will revive the recollections of the cruelties to which savage tribes subject their prisoners. They were buried, in many cases with their faces downward – they were left to decay in the open air, their bones being carried off as trophies, sometimes, as the testimony proves, to be used as personal ornaments; and one witness deliberately avows that the head of one of our most gallant officers was cut off by a Secessionist to be used as a drinking cup on the occasion of his marriage.

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

Siege of Yorktown

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF POTOMAC, April 29. – The Rebels are apparently realizing that Gen. McClellan is making great preparations to open the siege of Yorktown. Our earthworks begin to present a very formidable appearance and all day yesterday and last night, the enemy kept up a brisk fire, trying to drive us out. Nobody was injured, and the work progressed. In the morning the enemy opened fire vigorously, for three hours, from their batteries near the river, but receiving no response ceased.

Yesterday, Gen. Hancock, with a portion of his brigade, went to drive the Rebels from the woods near our works. Our troops pressed in, delivering a well directed fire, which caused the Rebels to retreat, leaving their dead and wounded. During this skirmish our men silenced the new Rebel battery, dismounting the guns, which on Sunday night had interfered with our working parties. The weather is more favorable.

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

Collector for Port of New Orleans

WASHINGTON, May 1. – The President has just sent to the Senate the name of Chas. C. Lathrop as Collector of the port of New Orleans.

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

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel R. Edgington

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel R. Edginton [sic], was born near Mansfield, Ohio, May 12, 1827. At the age of 18 he enlisted in 9th Ohio and served with that regiment in the Mexican war; was married to Miss Lois Beal in 1849; removed to Iowa in 1852 and was among the first settlers of Eldora, where he engaged in mercantile business until 1861, when he recruited Company A, of the 12th Iowa. At Shiloh he commanded the regiment after Colonel Woods was wounded and was taken prisoner with his regiment. Upon reorganization of the regiment he was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel and almost immediately thereafter took command of the regiment retaining such command, most of the time, until August, 1863, when he resigned his commission and returned to his home at Eldora, Iowa, where he kept a hotel. He died May 20, 1888.

See 12th Iowa Reunion pamphlet of 1888 for further particulars.

SOURCE: David W. Reed, Campaigns and battles of the Twelfth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 246-7

Obituary: Walter E. Partridge, Pvt., Co. F, 36th Illinois Infantry

Walter E. Partridge was born in Berkshire, England, June 1, 1833, departed from this life March 16, 1910, at the age of 76 years 9 months and 16 days. He came to his country when but fifteen years of age, first locating in Maryland, later going to Pennsylvania and from thence to Illinois. He was married to Miss Harriet Cottew at Ottawa, Illinois, May 16, 1860. To this union was born ten children, 4 girls and 6 boys. There lives to mourn his loss, a wife, 9 children and twenty-four grandchildren, George, Charley, Hugh, Mrs. Lizzie Reese and Frank of Alta, Mrs. Martha Miller of Linn Grove, Ida Tutt of Marathon and Mrs. Katherine Sassman of Albert City and A. L. Partridge of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, also two sisters living in England. At the call for volunteers he was among the first to offer his [assistance] in behalf of his country, enlisting September 9, 1861, at Aurora, Illinois, as a member of Co. F. 36th Infantry, joining his regiment at St. Louis. Four long years he endured the hardships of army life, being twice wounded in battles. He faught at Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamaugua, Misionary Ridge, Franklin, Nashville and was with Sherman in his march to Atlanta. He was mustered out at New Orleans and was honorably discharged at Springfield, Illinois a little later. He remained in Illinois untill 1882, when he came to Buena Vista County, where he remained till the time of his death. He was a member of the Stephen A. Hulbert Post. No. 82 in Alta, Iowa

Mrs. W. E. Partridge and family desire to express their heartfelt thanks to the kind friends, who in so many ways assisted them in their recent bereavement.

- Published in The Atla Advertiser, Alta, Iowa, March 25, 1910, p. 1 col. 3 & 4

From Tennessee

PITTSBURGH, Tenn., April 29. – Heavy firing across Lick Creek this morning, caused by artillery practice with the rebels by our advance guards, who, after a slight skirmish, in which we captured several prisoners, occupies Pea Ridge, and at 9 o’clock occupied Murray, 12 to 14 miles from Corinth. A very intelligent sailor of Boston deserted from the rebels this side of Corinth, reports the capture of New Orleans was generally known in the rebel camps on the morning of the 27th. Also it was stated on the 18th, that the time of the two Louisiana regiments enlisted for twelve months expired, but by a new conscript of law, were required to serve two years longer. Both regiments laid down their arms and refused to fight, when Beauregard detailed four regiments to guard them as prisoners. It was not known that Gen. Halleck was in command here, but the general impression among the troops is that Gen. Buell was, and that our army was retreating to Nashville. Col. J. C. Kelton, A. A. G. arrived to-day, relieving Capt. McLean, who was obliged to go to Cincinnati on account of ill health.

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

Further from New Orleans

FORTRESS MONROE, [April] 29

To E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War:

The following appears in the Richmond Dispatch of the 28th:

The fearful state of suspense in which this city has existed for several days has ended. – New Orleans is in possession of the enemy. It was evacuated by Gen. Lovell, who removed his forces to Camp Moore, on the Jackson Railroad.

(Signed:)

John E. Wool,
Major General.

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

John S. Strain

John S. Strain, of Company B, was his successor. He was in this position in the later days of the Regiment, and he was always ready when wanted, and capable.

I have thus given hurriedly, amid the pressing cares of business, my recollections of the Field and Staff of the Regiment. Omissions must have been made, I know, but the fault must be attributed to the failure of memory in passing years. It is difficult to signalize any one where all did their duty so well. But the members of the Field and Staff, as well as every officer and soldier of the Regiment, have my lasting regard. They bore so many hardships without murmur that, as I have often said, "the meanest man among them was a hero."

And they have no more fond and faithful friend and lover than their old Commander.

WILLIAM W. BELKNAP,
Second Colonel Of The Regiment,
Brigadier-General Of Volunteers,
Brevet Major-general.

1420 New York Avenue, Washington, D. C., May 26, 1886.


SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 49