Increase of Population

The Following table exhibits at a glance the growth of population in the United States, and affords a basis for many instructive comparisons and deductions:

Census of	White.	Fee Col’d.	Slave.	Total.
1790	3,172,414	59,469	697,897	3,929,897
1800	4,304,501	109,305	803,011	6,305,037
1810	5,362,004	186,410	1,304,364	7,235,814
1820	7,661,931	213,504	1,598,125	9,639,191
1830	10,537,378	319,599	2,009,018	12,065,020
1840	14,195,695	386,303	2,517,435	17,000,453
1850	19,553,114	434,440	3,254, 373	23,194,876
1860	27,008,081	469,122	3,953,587	31,413,790

The number of slaves now exceeds the entire population in 1790 by 23,760.  The increase of the slave population however, has been less rapid, by 26 per cent. than that of the white population.  The free blacks now are about two thirds the number of slaves in 1790.  If the increase and relative proportions should hold good for another 70 years, there will be in the United States in 1930, a total population of some 243,000,000, of whom 22,000,000 will be slaves, and 4,000,000 free negroes.  The slavery question will then have vast proportions, if not previously solved.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

NOTE #1:  The table above is my best guess as to what the article reported, this article was transcribed from a digitized microfilm copy of the newspaper, and the table in the article appeared in a considerably smaller font than the rest of the article, and consequently the numbers are extremely difficult to read, even when magnified, these #’s should not be relied upon.  Please consult accepted historical data for applicable census information.

NOTE #2:  According to the U. S. Census Bureau the United States population in 1930 was 122, 775,046.

The Burnside Expedition

Pres. Lincoln Revisits its Destination.

We learn from excellent authority that during the recent visit of the Finance Committee of our Board of Trade to Washington, an informal visit was paid to President Lincoln, by whom the Committee was received with all of his well known affability and cordiality.  Encouraged by the President’s Open manner, one of the old members of the Committee made bold to attack him on the topic nearest his own heart when the following dialogue ensued:

“Mr. President, I wish you will tell me where the Burnside expedition has gone?”

“Why, don’t you know where they have gone?  I thought everybody knew that.”

“Well sir, it may appear very ignorant in me, but I must confess I don’t know, and that I would like to know, exceedingly.”

“You really surprise me, sir.  The papers have been full of it; everybody has been talking of it, and I did not suppose there was anybody who did not know all about it.  Of course I will tell you if you will promise not to give me your authority.”

The Gentleman promised solemnly.

The President drew his chair close to him, and with his hand carefully interposed between him and the rest of the company, whispered, with mysterious emphasis –

“The Burnside expedition, sir, has gone TO SEA!” – Philadelphia Bulletin

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Lander and Gen. McClellan

The subjoined statement, respecting facts not hitherto generally known, says the N. Y. Tribune, reaches us from a highly respectable source:

“Gen. Lander arrived at Hancock by express from Washington at 3 a. m. on Sunday, the 5^th, to take command.  He found there about 2,700 troops, two of the regiments having received their arms but the day before.  He was there attacked by Major-Gen. Jackson, commanding the Army of the Valley of Virginia, 16,000 strong, with 22 pieces of artillery.  Jackson demanded an unconditional surrender of the town, Government property, &c., stating that if he defended it he would burn it and take the unusual military vengeance.  Lander replied that the responsibility of burning the town lay with Jackson if he was able to do it, but the responsibility of defending it was his, and he should not accede to his proposition.  The enemy commenced shelling the town at 10 a. m., but the Union Infantry, posted behind a hill and under cover of brick buildings, suffered no loss whatever.

“The regular artillery, in charge of Lieut. Muhlenburg replied so efficiently to the enemy’s that it was soon withdrawn, with loss of officers and men, and after changing their position the result was the same.  The inhabitants had left the town prior to the shelling, which continued  during Sunday and Monday, doing some damage to buildings and warehouses, but with no actual result in the enemy’s favor.  On Tuesday afternoon three contrabands appeared on the Virginia bank, and proper precautions being taken against surprise, a boat was sent for them.  One of them proved to be the servant of Gen. Anderson.  He reported that the enemy’s infantry had absolutely refused to enter the ford in the face of the cover afforded by the brick warehouse on the landing to our forces; also that the main body of the rebels had retired in the direction of Romney, with the intention of cutting off Kelly’s force at that point.  Lander at once established a horse express across the mountain, and informed Kelly of the movement, in consequence of which he threw forward a force, engaged 1500 of the rebels who had been holding a pass known as Blue Gap, dispersed them and captured their artillery.  Kelly requested Lander to cross the river at Hancock and harass the rear of the enemy, while he attacked in front.  Lander prepared to do it at once. – He, however, repeated the request he had urgently made by telegraph on Sunday to the Commander in Chief, that Gen. Banks might be allowed to cross the river further east, Capture Martinsburg, and fall on the rear of the enemy, while he kept him occupied at Hancock.  Neither the plan of crossing, nor the language in which orders were asked, met with the approval of Gen. McClellan, who at once reprimanded Lander, stating it was utter folly for him to cross the river, and ordering him to start at once for Romney, which he did.

“Further information has been received from Gen. Lander, by which it appears that having been re-inforced, he marched on Thursday, at the head of between seven and eight thousand men, upon the enemy at Romney.  The rebel forces were about equal to his own.  They declined fighting, and retreated across the river, destroying the wire bridge in their rear, and running off, probably to Winchester.  As heretofore stated, Gen. Lander is in possession of Romney.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

An Incident

A little girl went into Keller’s drug store, yesterday and siding up to Charlie, said in a whisper: “If a little girl haint got no money, how much chawin’ gum do you give her for nothin’?” – Dubuque Times.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Death of a Soldier on the Cars

Some Iowa soldiers passed through this city on Friday, on their way home from Missouri, taking the morning train on the Peoria and Oquawka Rail Road to Galesburg.  One of the men was in very poor health, and too sick to sit up in the car, and lay lengthwise on a seat.  Soon after lying down he closed his eyes, and his comrades and other passengers who sat near, thought in a few minutes that he had fallen asleep, but on the conductor coming round soon after to take up the tickets, it was discovered that the poor fellow was dead.  The corpse was sent on to Galesburg. – Peoria Trans. 10^th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Slavery in the District

The bill providing for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia, introduced by Senator Wilson, and referred to the district Committee, was intrusted [sic] to Senator Morrill, who has prepared a bill which provides for the immediate emancipation of all the slaves in the District, and for a limited compensation to Loyal owners, not to exceed $200 a slave on the average.  Owners must, within 90 days, file their claims, together with proofs of value, and of loyalty, with Commissioners.  These are to report within nine months.  They are authorized to examine the slave as well as the master, in order to determine the latter’s right to compensation.  It is believed that the bill will recommend itself to a majority of the committee.  It is composed of Messrs. Grimes, Dixon, Morrill, Wade, Anthony, Kennedy and Powell.  The number of slaves now in the district is about 3,000.  Probably more than half belong to masters who will swear that they are loyal.  The total cost to the nation of emancipating cannot be over $1,000,000, and may not be more than $500,000.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

The Story of a Returned Prisoner

Mr. Taylor, of Cincinnati, who was recently confined in Richmond, furnishes the Cincinnati Press with the following item:

Mr. Taylor says that whatever may be the estimate of the policy of General McClellan in the loyal states, he is regarded by the rebels as [pursuing] a policy most destructive to all their hopes and expectations.  His “masterly inactivity” for so long a time, which he has used to strengthen, organize and equip his armies, they regard as a stroke of policy that indicates fearful results to themselves.  They admit that time has weakened them while it has strengthened him, and they look with fearful forebodings to the fact that the term of enlistment of fully one-half the troops they have in the field expires before the 25^th of February.  They regard his resistance of the demand for a “forward movement,” and the silent energy he has evinced, as marks of generalship of the highest order, of a determination to work out his plan of operations despite the complaints of those who do not comprehend his purposes.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Sensible

Col. Revere, of the Seventh New Jersey regiment, has recently addressed a letter to Governor Ogden [sic], in which he points out the folly of forming new regiments when the old so greatly need filling up.  He says:

“With all due respect to the opinions of others, I am in favor of immediate drafting from the militia, en masse, and the filling up of our shattered regiments now in the field, so much reduced by the reverses of war, in preference to raising new regiments, which cannot be prepared for the field in less period than six months.

“It would be most unwise to send these raw regiments, without drill or discipline, even if they can be recruited in time to enable the armies now in the field to assume the offensive, to meet the rebel regiments of trained and valiant troops, who may be ranked among the best soldiers in the world, as all our army can testify who have met them in the recent great battles of the Peninsula.

“The best composition of a regiment, in the view of military men, is probably one-fourth of old soldiers, both by example and precept.  Thus constituted, the regiments of the army of the Potomac would be irresistible, and its force and power in war be far superior to any force the rebels can bring into the field.

“The officers of that army have now been educated in the best school – the field of war – and any lack of them can be easily supplied from the ranks of the volunteers, which contain a plentiful supply of active, intelligent and ambitious young soldiers, inured to the hardships of campaigning, and imbued, in a great measure, with the spirit of military institutions.  Besides, we have the traditions of the regiments already to excite the ambition and pride of the new recruits, who would much rather belong to a regiment which inscribes “Williamsburg,” “Fair Oaks,” “Malvern,” etc., to its [colors, than to a new one, entirely un]known to fame.

The superior advantages already acquired by drill and discipline are to apparent to be recommended, while the saving to the government in every way is something enormous, as one regiment of veterans filled up with recruits in the proportion of one in three [or] four of old soldiers, represents a military power of as one to two, as the least, when compared with a force composed entirely, as our new regiments cannot fail to be, of raw officers and soldiers, entirely uninured to war, and who have not received the baptism of fire.

“The saving of the number of officers is also to be taken into the account, unless the country is more plethoric of wealth than would seem to be the case at present.

The last is a point that does not seem to get proper consideration.  The regiments now in the field have in general a fair, if not full complement of officers, who draw pay whether they have men to command or not.  To fill up their commands would be to make use of these experienced and valuable officers; but instead of that, it seems to be preferred to create a new army list of inexperienced men, costing the government double what it ought, for half service.  The nation has a right to demand that no such waste of means shall be permitted.

Col. Revere says that to prepare a new army for the field will require six months. – Have we much time to throw away.  To recruit the armies now in the field is a work which could be done in one month, with proper efforts.  The 30,000 men already said to be enlisted, and most of whom are, we fear, waiting for new regiments to be completed, would be of great and lasting value if they could at once be sent down to Pope not as fresh and distrained regiments, but in the shape of recruits to join his veterans and be mixed with them.  Thirty thousand men, healthy and vigorous, in the hands of an enterprising general, might serve to turn the tide of victory again in our favor.  But if they are kept at home, if they enter the field a mass of undisciplined recruits, with officers as ignorant as themselves; if they must be painfully and tediously drilled for months before they can be taken into action – then the generals who want to push on the war must do so without counting on the new levies, and the brave fellows who have already born the brunt of the contest must bear it yet longer dissatisfied.

Every consideration of justice to those in the field, the encouragement of those about to enter, speedy reinforcements of our armies, economy in means as well as time – everything points to the necessity of using the new levies to fill up the regiments now in the field – and yet, though time is precious and the enemy presses, our State authorities do not seem to realize the necessity of the hour, but continue a mode of enlistment which wastes both time and money.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Saturday, August 9, 1862, p. 1

Kellogg

The Chicago Post says Kellogg of this District “is one of Mr. Lincoln’s most trusted supporters, and faithfully carries out the views of the President.”  Bah!  Kellogg is of no more account with the Administration and Congress than a broken-winded horse.  The president trusts him just as much as he trusts the other anti-Republican members from Illinois, Richardson, Fouke and Logan, and no more.  We know whereof we speak. – Peoria Transcript.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

General Halleck and the Mutineers

The decided course pursued by the Commanding General of the Department, with the mutinous companies of the Fourth Missouri Infantry (late Third U. S. Reserve Corps,) in sending them to work on the fortifications of Cairo, has had a most beneficial effect.  The men so sent to Cairo have unanimously confessed their error, offered to obey orders, and asked permission to serve in other regiments.  We are pleased to learn that their request has been granted.  They are released from arrest and nearly every man has enlisted in some other regiment, and gone into the field.  This has produced the greatest satisfaction. – Mo. Dem.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Important Suggestions to Farmers

Under the above heading, Dr. Charles Jewett, the Chemist, furnishes an interesting communication to the Iowa City Republican, urging upon farmers the necessity of diversifying their labors.  He says not a pound nor a foot of cordage should be imported by the people of Iowa.  Flax and hemp may be raised here in any quantity, and the machinery and buildings necessary are very plain, and cost little.  Our paper might all be manufactured here, and within the next six years all the course woolen goods needed for clothing, as well as carpets and woolen yarn.  Linseed oil might be made, too, enough for ourselves, and leaving a million of gallons for export.  His remarks on fuel merit attention.  He says:

“I wish however to direct those of your citizens who live on large prairies, distant from timber, and who have been driven to the use of corn as fuel, to the production of an annual plant for fuel, which will be found to be richer in combustive elements than corn, and which can be raised with as little trouble.  I refer to the Sun-flower.  Planted in hills like corn, or in drills, three and a half or four feet between the rows, and eighteen inches between plants in the row it will produce, on a patch of three or four acres, fuel sufficient to supply a family for a twelve month.  The leaves all fall from the stock and its branches, after being killed by the frosts of Autumn, and the stalks as well as heads, become quite dry.  They may be cut at the ground by one blow of a hatchet and laid upon a wagon and packed close in a wood house and there be kept quite dry for use.  A lad, whose labor would be of little value elsewhere, can cut them, piling the heads for winter use, while the stock will be found sufficient for cooking purposes in the warm season of the year.  The heads are quite heavy with seed, compactly set, which are far richer in oil than corn, and will be found excellent fuel.  Like all broad leaved plants, if we except the tobacco, it derives most of its nourishment from the atmosphere and does not, therefore exhaust the soil.  Unlike the stalk of corn, of which only the ear is burned, the entire plant may be made useful as fuel, and may be harvested and preserved with comparatively little labor.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

The Dubuque Herald . . .

. . . doesn’t much like our endorsement of its suggestion to levy the war-tax on those who caused it. – We didn’t expect it would, inasmuch as, according to our calculation, about three-thirds of the whole tax in our state in that case would be chargeable to the Herald and its admirers.  The Herald adds: “And by the way, we hear already that Abolitionists and Republicans in this State who have been the foremost for war contemplate a resistance to the war-tax.  What think you of that Mr. GAZETTE?  You need not feign to believe that this is untrue, for it is a fact.”  It may be a fact, as you say, that you hear such things, for if your columns present any evidence of what you hear, nothing like Gospel truth ever comes near your ears.  The Herald doesn’t assert, however, that it believes the fact it professes to hear, and we doubt even if its brazen audacity will induce it to make that assertion.  There is some limit to even the Herald’s capabilities, and it will hardly dare asseverate the falsehood it insinuates in the above.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Malicious

A soldier in Capt. Price’s company, 13^th regiment, who enlisted from Martinsburg, received a letter a short time ago while at Jefferson City, stating that his house had caught fire in the night, and burned down; that his wife in endeavoring to save the children, had her shoulder broken by a falling beam; and that one of the children, while the mother was taking them to a neighbor’s house, was so badly frozen that its limbs would have to be amputated.  The letter was signed by Mr. Mallone, one of the most respectable men in the township.  The soldier with considerable trouble and expense obtained a short furlough and hastened home, and found the story wholly untrue.  Some malicious scoundrel had written the letter for some base purpose, and forged the name of Mr. Mallone.  Such a scamp deserves to be ferreted out and punished. – Keokuk Co. News.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Fatal Affray

On Friday night last, the habitues of two houses of ill fame, near New Boston, Ill., got into a quarrel, which resulted in the death of John Mozena, he being stabbed several times by one Jo Burdick.  Burdick made his escape.  Gil. Burdick, a brother of the murderer, stood by with a pistol, and by his threats prevented any interference with the combatants.  Mozena lived but a few minutes after being stabbed.  Gil. Burdick was arrested and sent to jail. – Wapello Republican.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Iowa Items

Chickasaw county donates three dollars a month to every private in the army from that county while absent, while the wife or widowed mother of each has four dollars a month, and each child under twelve years of age one dollar during the same time. – The widow and children of a soldier killed or dying in the service of his country continue to draw the bounty.  So says a letter in the Dubuque Times.

The Supervisor system had a ventilation in the State Senate one day last week, and the general expression of opinion was decidedly favorable to it.  On what might be called a test vote, the House divided – 26 for to 11 against the system.

Delilah A. Tellyea has lately been on trial up in Clayton county, charged with complicity in the murder of her husband.  The jury were unable to agree in a verdict, and were dismissed.

A little child of G. W. Harlen, New Oregon, Howard county, fell into a kettle of boiling water, and died in a few hours from the effects of the scald.

The Ladies’ Sanitary Association of McGregor has made and donated $9,000 worth of supplies to relive the necessities of Iowa soldiers.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

The Recent Federal Victories and their Result

At the time Gen. Scott had command of the American forces he was heard to remark, that of all the Generals the one he most feared was General Impatience.  The old chieftain knew that it would require weeks and months to get together a large army and discipline them sufficiently to carry out the plans he had matured in his mind; and he knew the impatient disposition of the American people, and that our Government was ignorant of the preparations it would require and the time it would necessarily consume, to collect and equip so large a force as the extend of the rebellion demanded for its suppression.  Gen. Scott seems to have foreseen all this, and with the weight of years and bodily infirmity pressing upon him, he was unwilling to undertake a labor that would necessarily expose him to the taunts and reproaches of his countrymen.  It came to pass as he had predicted, and one feeling of impatience at the long delay seems to have animated the people from the President down, with the exception of a few whose patriotism it were well to doubt.

Whether it were the expression given to this impatience, or that the plans so long projected were fully matured, certain it is that just at this time the Generals of the Federal forces began to move and their movement has been attended by several of the most decisive victories that the Government troops have yet obtained over the insurgents.  The capture of Fort Henry was a brilliant achievement, and had it not been for the unfortunate accident that befell the Essex, would have been an almost bloodless one.  Even the enemy confess to the strength and importance of this post, and so far as Tennessee is concerned, the traitor-leaders begin to despair of long maintaining a foothold there.  The advance of the gun boats up the Tennessee river was a triumphal procession, everywhere they were received with manifestations of joy, old men wept, young men shouted and women hailed them as their deliverers from a worse thralldom than negro slavery itself.  The fact was proclaimed, that Tennessee was virtually loyal, that the mass of her citizens but awaited the opportunity gladly to announce the allegiance, which in their hearts they had never disowned, to the Government that so long had protected them.  This fact established and it but remains to the Government to see that the horde of vile demagogues that have so long polluted her soil, either leave it or be laid beneath it, that the stars and stripes again wave in their original beauty and authority over it.

Again, from the eastern shore of North Carolina comes the welcome intelligence of another great victory.  The Burnside fleet, from which so much was originally expected, but for which so much latterly has been feared, has made an attack on one of the strongest and best manned points of the enemy, has defeated them with great loss and taken many of them prisoners. – But the best feature of this engagement, as well as that on the Tennessee river, and which as completely taken captive old General Impatience, is, that no sooner is one success achieved, than without stopping for the enemy to rally and reinforce, our Generals immediately follow in pursuit.  Elizabeth City was the next point that fell before Burnside’s forces and Edenton, it will be seen, has shared the same fate. -  In the West, no sooner is Fort Henry captured than gun boats advance on to Florence, Ala.; return from their bloodless conquest and forthwith start for the stronghold of Fort Donelson.  Even from Port Royal, where the most hopeful had ceased to look for anything encouraging, the news received is flattering, and an advance on Savannah may soon be expected.  The loyal heart would be better pleased were it Charleston, as every patriot in the land longs to see that city as are the ancient “cities of the plains.”

The next thirty days are big with the fate of the rebellion.  A succession of Federal victories on the eve of the expiration of the time of the rebel soldiery, will so dishearten them that not one in ten will have the stamina to re-enlist, but will seek their homes and leave the heartless demagogues to conduct the war they themselves brought on the country.  The vigorous measures adopted by the Government, the concerted attacks on so many points at the same time and unaware where the next blow may fall, will cause very many of the rebel soldiers when their time shall have expired, to leave the grand army and be in readiness to defend their own homes.  The love of home – of the little spot where first we drew the breath of life, where the innocence of childhood invested every scene with a romantic beauty that never loses its freshness – glows brightly in every heart, though rough be the mould in which it is cast, or rude the world with which it has mingled.  Not a rebel soldier but has a longing to return to his home, and of many an one of them it may be said:

“The touch of kindred too and love he fac’s,

The modest eye, whose beams on his alone

Ecstatic shine: the little strong embrace

Of prattling children, twined around his neck,

And emulous to please him, calling forth

The fond paternal soul.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

Hon. M. L. McPherson . . .

. . . for six years a State Senator of Iowa, has been appointed a commissary of Subsistence, and assigned to the staff of Gen. McKean, at Jefferson City, Missouri.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2



The Cincinnati Commercial of Monday says . . .

. . . several persons have been arrested within a day or two past, for offering and passing the counterfeit 1s of the State Bank of Indiana in that city.  There is need of caution, as the bills are calculated to deceive all ordinary observers.  In the engraving and quality of the paper, the counterfeits are heavier and courser than the genuine.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

The Negro Question

In a series of articles written with a view to determine clearly the social and physical facts of negro existence in America, the Cincinnati Gazette comes to the conclusion, that “it matters not what course the war may take, there is one certain result – that the negro question is put on the course of a sure, and not very remote solution.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13.

(Tribune’s Correspondence.)

Senator Sumner’s resolutions on the relations between the U. S. and the rebel territory were laid on the table at his motion, where they can be called up whenever he thinks best.

A bill organizing the rebel territory into territorial governments, on the principle of these resolutions, will soon be reported by the territorial committees of both Houses.

Another bill establishing a provisional government in South Carolina has been sanctioned in an important quarter.

No decision has yet, it is believed, been reached by the War Department in the Hunter and Lane matter.  Gen. Lane is still waiting at Leavenworth for news from Washington.  We have the authority of Mr. Covode for saying that he made the original arrangement with Secretary Cameron, by which the Government agreed to furnish Gen. Lane with the troops he wanted; that throughout the negotiation Gen. Hunter’s name was not used, and there was no intimation that any one except Gen. Lane was to have the command.

D. C. McCollum, formerly manager of New York and Erie R. R., Confessedly among the first in his profession in this country, was to-day appointed by the Secretary of War to take charge of and operate the railroads taken possession of by the government.  The office being military, the rank and pay of Colonel were conferred with the appointment.

President Lincoln to-day voluntarily appeared before the House judiciary committee, and gave testimony in the matter of the premature publication in the Herald of a portion of his last annual message. – Chevalier Wykoff was then brought before the committee and answered the question to which he refused to answer yesterday, stating that the stolen paragraph was furnished to the Herald by Watt, the President’s gardener, who was reported as disloyal by the potter committee, and whose nomination to a Lieutenantcy the Senate so decidedly refused to confirm.

Gen. Sherman, at Beaufort, proposes that the government shall take charge of the plantations coming into its hands, and shall raise the cotton, employ and pay the negroes, keeping the latter under a strict, but mild, discipline of overseers.  He also proposes that suitable teachers be provided for the blacks, and that religious instruction be given.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

Latest from Roanoke Island

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14.

A special messenger arrived this morning bring the following dispatch:

U. S. FLAG STEAMER PHILADELPHIA,

off Roanoke Island, Feb. 9.

Roanoke Island is ours.  The military authorities struck to us yesterday.  Their means of defence were truly formidable, and they were used with a determination worthy of a better cause.  They consisted of two elaborately constructed works, together mouthing 22 heavy guns, 3 of them being 100-pounders rifled; four other batteries, mounting together 20 guns, and some of them rifled; 8 steamers, mounting 2 guns each and each having a rifled gun with a diameter of a 32-pounder; a prolonged obstruction of sunken vessels and piles to thwart our advance, and altogether a body of men numbering scarcely less than 5,000, of whom 3,000 are now our prisoners.

The fighting commenced on the morning of the 7^th about 11 a. m., and was continued till dark.  It was resumed at an early hour and lasted until late in the afternoon, when by a bold charge by our army the rebel flag was made to succumb and our own was hoisted everywhere on the island in its place.  No attack could have been more completely executed, and it was carried out precisely in accordance with the arrangements made before the expedition left Cape Hatteras Inlet.

(Signed,)

J. [sic] M. GOLDSBOROUGH,

Flag Officer.

SECOND DISPATCH.

Just as I closed my dispatch of yesterday I received reliable information that the rebel steamers which escaped had gone to Elizabeth City, and thereupon I immediately ordered Com. Rowan to take thirteen of our steamers under his command and go in pursuit of them, and also, if practicable, to execute another service, namely: the destruction of the North river – a link of the Albemarle and Chesapeake canal.  The way he has already accomplished the first part of it his own preliminary report – a copy of which I herewith inclose [sic] – will inform you.

I am, &c.,

J. M. GOLDSBOROUGH.

U. S. STEAMER DELAWARE,

Off Elizabeth City, Feb. 10.

Sir:  I have the honor to report that I met the enemy off this place this A. M. at 9 o’clock, and after a very sharp engagement, have succeeded in destroying or capturing his entire naval force, and silencing or destroying his battery on Cobb’s Point.  The only vessel saved from destruction is the Ellis, Capt. J. M. Cook, who was wounded, and is at present on board the ship.  I have other prisoners.  I am happy to say that our casualties are few, considering the warmth of the enemy’s fire – say two or three killed and some wounded.  The conduct of the gallant men I have the honor to command is worthy of all praise.  None of our vessels are severely injured.  I shall leave here a small force, and visit the canals, and have a look into other places before I return.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

J. [sic] C. ROWAN, U. S. N.

No official report, but merely a private letter, up to 1 o’clock to-day, has been received from Gen. Burnside.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

Official Report of the taking of Roanoke Island

FT. MONROE, February 13.

The gun-boat Stars and Stripes arrived this noon from Burnside’s expedition with a bearer of dispatches for the Government.  They report the rout of the rebels as complete.  Three thousand prisoners were captured, and all their gun-boats burned or captured except two, which escaped in the canal.  The Federal loss in killed is 42, wounded about 140.  Rebels killed about 30 and their wounded less than 100.

The advance from Hatteras took place on Wednesday morning, consisting of about 60 vessels.  The fleet anchored off Stumpy Point that night and the next day proceeded to the entrance of Cotton Sound.  After a reconnoisance the attack commenced.  On Friday morning the Underwriter led on the column.  The rebel fleet was attacked and dispersed in half an hour by the navy, while the remainder attacked the lad batteries.  The fight continued till dark.

During the night ten thousand men were landed, and on Sunday morning 7,000 more.  A masked battery of three guns was soon discovered by skirmishers, and was attacked in front and both flanks.

The 21^st, 25^th and 27^th Mass., the 9^th and 51^st N. Y. and the 10^th Conn. Were particularly engaged.  The 25^th Mass. And the 10^th Conn. suffered most severely.

The fight lasted only two or three hours, when the battery was abandoned.  Our troops pursued, surrounded the rebel camp and took nearly the whole command prisoners.

O. Jennings Wise was shot twice while endeavoring to escape in a bot.  Col. Russell, of the 10^th Conn., was killed at the head of his regiment.  Col. D. Montelle, of the Depennel Zouaves, whose Zouaves were voluntary, was killed.  No other officers were killed above the rank of Lieutenant.  Our total loss in killed and wounded is less than 200, and the number of killed less than 50.

On Sunday P. M. a fleet of fifteen gun-boats started for Elizabeth City.  The place was shelled, and having been evacuated and partially burned by the rebel troops, was occupied.

The Sea Bird, which was the flag ship of Com. Lynch, was run down and boarded, and the gallant Commodore escaped by swimming to shore.

The news from Elizabeth City was received at Roanoke Island on Monday eve.

Gen. Wise was at Nag’s Head and succeeded in escaping to Norfolk.

The rebels made no fight after being driven from their entrenchments, which was done by the Hawkins’ Zouaves and the 21^st Mass.  Young Wise resisted the storming parties till he was wounded and carried off, when his command retreated with the others to the upper part of the island, where they laid down their arms.

Elizabeth City was about half burnt by the rebel soldiers.  The people sent a delegation to Com. Golsborough, asking him to send a force to assist in extinguishing the flames.

Edenton was taken possession of on Wednesday, by Com. Goldsborough, no opposition being offered.

Norfolk and Richmond papers attribute the loss of Roanoke Island to the blundering inefficiency of the navy.  They still persist in asserting that 1000 Federals were killed; they also charged some Roanoke Island farmer with directing and piloting the Yankees to the only point they could effect a landing, the landing being flanked on all sides by an extensive march.

A dispatch from Memphis to Norfolk, admits the Federal flag was cheered on Tennessee River, by people, and assert that the Federals neither seized nor destroyed any private property, not even cotton.

Gov. Letcher issued an order for the formation of home guards, for the defense of Norfolk, Petersburg and Richmond.

Bishop Ames and Hon. H. Fish returned to Baltimore, the rebels refusing to receive them.

The Richmond Dispatch says, our Tennessee exchanges give us gloomy prospects for the future in that part of the Confederacy.  Several leading journals intimate plainly that there is really a threatening state of affairs in East Tennessee, growing out of the idolatrous love of many of those people to the old Union.  The correspondent of the Memphis Avalanche writes that the condition of the interior counties is not improved by the lapse of time.  The people apprehend an immediate advance of the Northern men, and traitors to the south evince their joy.  In every village and neighborhood, the Unionists are making demonstrations.  In many of the Northern counties and even at Memphis there were exhibitions of joy on the arrival of the news at Beach Grove.  Armed bands of Johnson’s and Maynard’s followers are prowling about all directions through the mountains.  In the remote counties in the State men have been shot at night in their own houses, who adhered to the fortunes of the South.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

District Court

REGULAR TERM

HON. JOHN F. DILLON, Judge.

IRA M. GIFFORD, Clerk.

FRIDAY, February 14.

Court opened at 9 o’clock A. M.  The morning hour was occupied for hearing motions and demurrers.

5983.  Whitney vs. Cotes.  Dismissed.

6183.  Miner, Maskell & Co. vs. W. Sherman et al.  Discontinued by plaintiffs without prejudice.

5932.  Burrows & Prettyman vs. Cook & Sargent.  Report of Receiver filed and confirmed.

6286.  Chapman vs. Brown et al.  A. Davison substituted as plaintiff.  Decree for plaintiff.

6417.  Cutting vs. Penry.  Submitted to the Court.

6946.  A. Clements vs. T. H. Longbottom, Mary Ann Smith and James Jack defanited.  Decree against them.  Continued as to Longbottom.

5805.  Mead & Co. vs. H. Leonard, Sherriff.  Trial by jury.  Grant & Smith, for the plaintiff; J. P. Cook and Dow & Brown, for the defendant.  The testimony in this case was not finished to-day.

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

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1



Local Matters

‘YANKEE VEGETABLES.’ – Our friend Hickox of the Davenport Hotel, is certainly in luck and has a heart so generous as to wish to share his good fortune with others.  We are indebted to him for an assortment of Yankee vegetables, consisting of lobsters, eels and smelt – sea-fish that don’t often find their way so far West.  Having a supply of all these sea luxuries, including fresh oysters, Mr. Hickox has concluded, at the request of his friends, to give a supper this evening at 8 o’clock at his hotel.  Those from the East should revive older recollections of these dishes by taking supper with him, and those from the West in the same way learn something of the Yankee mode of preparing them.

GRAIN FROM ILLINOIS. – The farmers of the Sucker State pour into our streets every day with their loads of grain.  The prices paid here for wheat yesterday were about two cents higher than in Rock Island.  A good part of the winter, the millers of Rock Island county have purchased from Davenport Warehouses in order to keep their mills in material.  Only a few days ago, one of our buyers sold to the Moline Mills several thousand bushels.  The ruling price of wheat here yesterday was about 65 cts., and in Rock Island 63, and in some cases 64 cts.  Of course, with no ferriage across the river, it is natural that the grain from the other side should seek our superior market.

AS ARTIST. – Yesterday afternoon, while in at Mr. Dalzell’s store, we were politely invited by that gentleman to visit ‘our studio.’  We acceded, but although in doubt lest some deliberate ‘sell’ was on foot.  Going up to the second floor, and passing the stores of wheat there kept, we found a sought-for object in a secluded corner of the building.  Entering the room we were agreeably surprised at seeing an easel with an artist at work at it, and some crayon portraits of a number of our prominent citizens, executed in an artistic manner – the pictures being very accurate reproductions of the features and expression of the original.  The artist, Mr. J. B. Rowse, is engaged at the business, but his modesty has prevented him from making any noise about it, though such a work as his cannot long remain hidden under a brush, but will ere long speak for itself.

A SINGULAR PHENOMENON has been observed during this winter, attendant upon the sudden changes we have had in the temperature of our atmosphere.  During the night after a change from mild to very cold weather, there is a constant cracking of the woodwork of our dwellings.  Those who live in frame houses have remarked it in every portion of the building; in brick houses it has been confined to the roof.  Sometimes these reports are like a smothered boom of cannon and attended by the falling of dirt, etc., loosened by the concussion.  This is by no means uncommon during the winter, but never has been remarked to the extent shown this season, owing to the many sudden changes experienced.  Those who have frequented woods during very cold weather, have noticed the same occurrence among the trees.  We have given the cause of this phenomenon, but leave the rationale for others to determine.

EXTREMELY COLD. – Where’s the man who said that we wouldn’t have any more cold weather?  If he were about yesterday morning he found, on examination of his thermometer that the mercury stood 18 degrees below zero, the coldest morning of the whole winter.  If the sun has got so high in the heavens as it is said, the cold takes the advantage of his absence during the night to assert its supremacy.  Bright and beautiful as yesterday was, the warmth of the sun’s rays scarcely succeeded in getting the mercury above zero.

Announcements

MESSRS. EDITORS. – Please announce my name as a candidate for the office of City Marshal, at the coming election, subject to the decision of the Republican nominating Convention.

WM . J. C. TAYLOR

MESSRS. EDITORS. -  Please announce the name of JOHN L. REED, as a candidate for City Marshal at the coming election, subject to the decision of the Republican nominating Convention.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

General Orders No. 7

EXECUTIVE HEADQUARTERS

Chattanooga, Tenn., July 17, 1862

1. An encampment for the rendezvous of State Troops is established, to be selected by the Quarter Master in the vicinity of Chattanooga.

Volunteers for Twelve Months will be received in companies with the strict understanding that the Governor may, at any time muster, direct the organizations of squads into Companies – Companies into Battalions or Regiments. The conditions and terms of service are those prescribed in the Acts of the General Assembly, passed at their session of 1861-62 and 1862, authorizing the acceptance of a Volunteer force for the defenses of the state.

2. Col. Leon Trousdale, of the Governor’s Military Staff, will take command of said Encampment, and is directed to discharge the duties of Commandant thereof. He will report from time to time to the Adjutant General of the State; inspect and muster into the services of the State, all troops not mustered by other officers, report and return muster rolls and recruiting lists to said officer. He will enforce strict discipline, according to the regulations adopted by the state to the government of its armies.

3. Major G. S. Rolling, Quarter Master, will make such arrangements necessary for the supply of said State force. He will take charge of all the ordinance stores of the State, and see to the preservation and repair of State arms, issue them on the order of the Adjutant General to whom he will report as to number and condition, now on hand, and which he may fro time to time receive.

4. Major Daniel F. Cocke, Commissary, will make such arrangements and provisions as may become necessary for the subsistence of State force.

5. Said encampment may, upon order of the Adjutant of the State or the commandant thereof, be removed to such point as the public service may require.

6. The Adjutant General of the State will assign and designate temporarily for duty such officers as may become necessary for such funds as may be required in the organization, supply and subsistence of such forces. He will draw upon the Bank of Tennessee, and make such orders as may be necessary to the organization and employment of said troops, ordering them into active service, etc.

ISHAM G. HARRIS.

By the Governor:

W. C. WHITTHORNE, Att’y Gen.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Saturday, August 9, 1862, p. 1

New York, Feb. 14, [1862]

The Ariel, from Aspinwall, 5^th inst., arrived this P. M.  She has $600,000.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

Suspension of Specie Payments

DETROIT, Feb. 14.

All banks of this city suspended specie payments today.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, February 15, 1862, p. 1

Virginia as she was Before the war and as she will be After it.

The present rebellion was commenced in the interest of a very different and from that which will be attained.  It was planed and started in the interest of slavery, and it will wind up against that interest.  The State of Virginia went into it believing that the power of slavery would be strengthened within her borders.  The peculiar trade of breeding negroes for the Southern markets, profitable as it had been, would be, it was supposed greatly enhanced in value.  We had more negroes than any other State in the Union, and the interest was fast becoming an absorbing one.  Already it had controlled and shaped legislation East and West for many years.  As cotton and rice and the Southern staples advanced in price, so did Virginia negroes, and as negroes advanced so did the slavery sentiment of the State wax bold and exacting.  Religion and politics were deeper tinged every year with pro-slaveryism and at the breaking out of the rebellion there was a despotism of opinion almost Austrian in its character.

There has come a great change, and there will come a far greater one.  Look around in Western Virginia to-day, and see it.  Go to Washington, in the District of Columbia, and see it.  Cross over to Potomac, into Fairfax county and see it.  Go into the upper end of the valley and see it.  Go down to Fortress Monroe and out through the counties of Elizabeth City, Warwick and York, and see it. Cross over into Accomac and Northampton, and see it.  The change is incredible.  Where are all the busy scenes of life that were visible in these localities but a few months ago?  Where are all the thousands of slaves?  Gone!

And they are going every day.  The front tier of counties on both shores of Easter Virginia, and of the Valley are being rapidly rid of their negro population.  Some are taken South always to remain there, while thousands are scattering and skedaddling North.  They have flocked into our camps and through our lines and into the employ of the war in one way and another, in vast numbers.  And still they are flocking to the edges of the state every day, and are going and disappearing no one knows where.  And this too notwithstanding the fact that our army has scarcely advanced into the interior of the State.  If therefore this condition of things is found in “the green tree, what will be in the dry.”  What will it be when our army reaches Richmond and sweeps on down with its extended line into the South? – What will become of the thousands of slaves that are destined to be left by their retreating or captured masters, and the thousands more that will flock to our camps?  This is a question far easier asked than answered.  Our army is not devoting itself to slaves.  It neither makes nor unmakes a slave.  It takes no cognizance of the institution in any way.  It knows only the stern purposes and necessities of war.  It governs itself as all armies are forced to govern themselves in an enemy’s country.  It uses all its advantages without reference to other considerations than those of humanity.

This much by way of preface.  War brings its compensations.  And no part of the country will be more compensated than Virginia, not rebel Virginia, but Virginia as a tract of country with a new population and new ideas. – Within the next year, Virginia, as she was in the East at the outbreak of this rebellion, will be entirely changed.  The process has even now commenced.  Just as Washington City has been revolutionized. Socially within the last twelve months, so has the adjacent country, as far as the army has progressed, on the Virginia side.  And our army will be more or less an army of occupation in Eastern Virginia for a year to come.  It cannot remain there without effecting a remarkable change.  Many of the old owners of the soil, tired of the war, longing for escape to more congenial atmosphere, shrinking from the change of style that will set in filled, many of them, with grief and disappointment will only be too anxious to sell out and leave.  Confiscation will be a still more sweeping agency.  It will complete the social revolution.

The old order of things did not pass away from Spain half so fast as it is passing from the State of Virginia.  That which was radical only a few months ago has become conservative now and that which is conservative in this present April, will be effete before the next.  In spite of prejudice – in spite of the natural timidity of men to advance an opinion beyond that which is orthodox – in spite of all time serving – the change will be rapid.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 1