The Iron-Plated War Steamer “New Ironsides”

This large Warship was launched at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on Saturday.  The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin speaks of her as follows:

The New Ironsides is the first iron-plated sea going war steamer of large size built by the U. States Government.  She is constructed from plans and specifications presented to the Navy Department last summer by Merrick & Sons, of this city, who are the sole contractors with the Government.  They in turn have contracted with Messrs. Cramp & Sons, of Kensington; also with the Bristol Forge and Brown & Co., of Pittsburgh, for the 4 ½ inch plating, reserving to themselves the construction of the machinery and the general arrangement of the several parts.  The contract is dated October 16^th, and the vessel is to be ready for steam July 15^th.  Chief engineer, W. W. Wood, of the Navy, superintends the machinery and plating; and Naval Constructor, Henry Heover, the hull.

She is 240 feet long, 58 feet 6 inches wide, and 25 deep, being 3,250 tons, and having a berth, gun and spar deck, the latter being shot proof.  Her frames are of white oak, filled in solid and caulked, and the average thickness of her sides is 20 inches.  The iron plating commences at a point four feet below the water line, and extends to her spar deck.  The lower course is 3 inches, all the rest 4 ½ inches thick.  A.. the plates are 15 feet long, the width varying from 25 to 30 inches; each plate is fastened to the vessel by 2 ½ inch screw bolts, 23 inches long, which secure the several thicknesses of timber to the plates, thus tying all together.

The machinery consists of two horizontal direct action steam engines, with cylinders of 50 inches diameter and 37 inches stroke, intended to make 85 revolutions per minute, and drive a brass four-bladed propeller of 18 feet diameter and 18 feet pitch.  The boilers are four in number, (horizontal tubular,) each 17 feet front, 11 feet deep, and 11 feet high, of a collective force of 1,600 horses.  The armament will consist of 16 11-inch Dahlgreen guns on the gun deck, and two 200-pound Parrott guns on the spar deck.  The port holes will be closed by iron shutters five inches thick worked from the inside.

As this is a seagoing steamer, intended to sail as well as steam, she will have three masts and be bark rigged; her top masts and yards being so arranged that in action they are lowered and leave simply three lower masts in view.

When in action, all the men on board are protected from shot or shell, and are below the spar deck; the commander only is above that deck, and he occupies a shot proof look-out, which rises above the spar deck, and from which he can see all surrounding objects, and by signals, communicate with the officers below.

Unlike the Monitor and the Galena, this vessel can carry a large crew, sufficiently so to board and capture, any vessel.  Impenetrable to shot and shell, she will seek close action, and by means of her iron prow sink, or by her heavy guns capture her opponent.  Her light draught of water, 16 feet, will enable her to enter all our Southern harbors.  Even Moultrie and Sumter can be visited by her, and she may be able to make an impression on these forts before they are re-possessed by the United States.

The country is mainly indebted to Com. Jos. Smith, of the Bureau of Yards and Docks at Washington, for the construction of this vessel, as well as the two which have preceded her.  It was by his exertions that the money was appropriated by Congress, and as President of the Board of Naval Officers on iron clad steamers, he as devoted much time to their construction.

It will be two or three months before her plating is all done and she is ready for service.  But if, by that time, the rebellion is not ended, she will be knocking at the doors of Fort Sumter, or helping herself to other forts and towns along the coast.  When the rebellion is over she will be a useful agent of the Government in settling difficulties with foreign powers.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly-Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

The Navy Department to Commodore Farragut

NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington,

May 10.

SIR – Capt. Bailey your second in command has brought to the department the official dispatches from your squadron with the trophies forwarded to the national capital.  Our navy, fruitful with victories, presents no more signal achievement than this, nor is there an exploit surpassing it recorded in the annals of naval warfare.  In passing and eventually overcoming forts Jackson and St. Phillip, the batteries above and below New Orleans, destroying the barriers of chains, steam rams, fire rafts, iron-clad vessels, and other obstructions, capturing from the rebel forces the great southern metropolis, and obtaining possession and control of the Lower Mississippi, yourself, your officers, and your brave sailors and marines, whose courage and daring bear historic renown, have now a nation’s gratitude and applause.  I congratulate you and your command on your great success in having contributed so largely toward destroying the unity of the rebellion and in restoring again to the protection of the national flag the important city of the Mississippi valley, and so large a portion of its immediate dependencies.  Your example and its successful results, though attended with some sacrifice of life and of ships inculcate the fact that the first duty of a commander in war is to take great risks for the accomplishment of great ends.  One and all, officers and men, deserve well of their country.  I am respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES.

To Flag-Officer D. G. Farragut, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly-Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Crop Prospects Abroad

There appears to be a diversity of opinion abroad as to the appearance of the crops. – Baron Mecei, the eminent agriculturalist, writes to the London Times:

“I congratulate the country on its food prospects.  I never saw the wheat look more promising, or a more perfect plant, especially on the heavy lands which suffered so much the last two years, the contrast between this and the last two is striking.  The wheat plants branch or tiller abundantly.  Last spring the very reverse was the case.  There is also a greatly increased breadth of wheat this year, and the crops are from three weeks to a month earlier.  Beans and peas are luxuriant, also spring tares, grasses, and clover.  Barley grows rapidly, but on some heavy underdrained lands farmers have been hindered from sowing their spring grains.  Oats and managold will go in well when the land dries a little. – Altogether, I never saw a more promising spring.”

The Mark Lane Express, however, thinks that the continuance of rainy weather has very materially affected the cereal prospects.  That Journal says: “Much barley, oats and other spring crops remain unsown.  The young wheat has already changed its appearance, being in many places rank weak and unpromising; and the only favorable circumstance as respects the future is the rapid growth of the grass, as well as of all esculents.  The reference to the damp weather as damaging to the wheat samples has been quite discouraging; but as the acceptance of facts, whether pleasant or not, is our proper province, we can only lament the continued want of condition in the samples.  We have become much more dependent on foreign supplies, and there is already a greater firmness in the trade not withstanding good stocks and heavy arrivals, more especially American flour.”

It is estimated by the same authority that sixty-four million bushels foreign wheat will be needed to supply the English market alone from the first of May to the first of September.  This is about twice as much as was required for the same period of time last year.  From this it is apparent that every bushel of grain which our farmers can raise will meet with ready sale.  Every encouragement is presented for developing our agricultural resources to their utmost extent.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly-Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

A Mother's Prayer

Father, in the battle fray,

Shelter his dear head, I pray!

Nerve his young arm with the might

Of Justice, Liberty, and Right.

Where the red hail deadliest falls,

Where stern duty loudly calls,

Where the strife is fierce and wild,

Father! guard, oh! guard my child!

Where the foe rush swift and strong,

Madly [striking] for the wrong;

Where the clashing arms men wield,

Rings above the battle-field;

Where the stifling air is hot,

With bursting shell and whistling shot,

Father! to my boy's brave breast

Let no treacherous blade be pressed!

Father! if my woman's heart—

Frail and weak in every part—

Wanders from thy mercy-seat,

After those dear roving feet,

Let thy tender, pitying grace,

Every selfish thought erase!

If this mother-love be wrong—

Pardon, bless, and make me strong.

For when silent shades of night

Shut the bright world from my sight—

When around the cheerful fire

Gather brothers, sister, sire,

Then I miss my boy's bright face

From the old familiar place,

And my sad heart wanders back

To tented field and bivouac!

Often in my troubled sleep,

Waking, wearily, to weep—

Often dreaming he is near,

Calming every anxious fear—

Often startled by the flash

Of hostile swords that meet and clash,

Till the cannon's smoke and roar,

Hide him from my eyes once more!

Thus I dream – and hope, and pray

All the weary hours away;

But I know his cause is just,

And I centre all my trust

In thy promise: — as thy day

So shall thy strength be always!

Father! let me do thy will!

[And] bid my heart be still.

If new sorrow should befall.

If my noble boy should fall.

If the bright head I have blessed,

On the cold earth finds its rest—

Still, with all the mother's heart,

Torn, and quivering with the smart,

I yield him, 'neath Thy chastening rod,

To his dear country and his God.

Ind. Visitor

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 10, 1863, p. 1

To Farmers

Editor Sentinel,

For the encouragement of the farmers of Clark[e] County, I would inform them, that on the 13^th of December 1862, we organized a Farmers club in Washington Township.  We now have about fifty working members, and will soon select a site for a fairgrounds, lots and scales.

On New years night we organized a club in Fremont Township.  The preamble and constitution of that club, I will have published through the Sentinel, according to promise for a kind of guide for other clubs, yet to organize.

Farmers, organize soon in the various neighborhoods, and send the names of your President and Secretary to Hon. W. D. Wilson, Des Moines Iowa; also the name of the club.  He will forward documents, reports and seeds to your address.

Mr. Wilson informs me that he can send all the tobacco and cotton seed the farmers want.  I will write to the commissioner at Washington for a supply of good seeds and cuttings, for gratuitous distribution among the regular organized clubs.

W. Watts,

Sec. Clark[e] County Ag’l Society.

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



The Capture Of Norfolk

Our dispatches bring the gratifying intelligence of the capture of Norfolk, Portsmouth and the Gosport Navy Yard, by the forces under General Wool, which had advanced to attack the place, when it was surrendered.  The capture of this place ends the Confederate hopes of creating a navy. – Here they had a first class Navy Yard, which had been in their possession over a year. – Their famed armored frigate Virginia terminated her existence the very reverse of heroically, by suicide, when there was an abundant opportunity to do it in battle in the Bay. – Their fleet of gunboats at New Orleans is annihilated, and soon the Confederates, who have been calling on their King Cotton to compel England and France to open their ports, will find them all opened under their legitimate Government, and will be reduced to an internal insurrection, relying on Southern climate and miasma, instead of “Southern steel” and “Southern powder” which Jeff. Davis promised.

This prompt movement and important result are worthy the reputation of the veteran General Wool, and it was fit that an operation which he has urged upon the War Department for the last eight months should be carried into effect by him.  The immediate order for the expedition seems to have been the result of the visit of the President and Secretary of war to Fortress Monroe.  The occupation of this important place for a year in the face of our great naval power, and in the neighborhood of our immense army, has been a standing disgrace to our military management, and lattlery [sic] the Merrimac has been standing terror to Chesapeake Bay, and has barred the co-operation of our navy with the army on the Peninsula. – The palpable remedy was to take the place, which is now done.  The Confederacy is deprived of one of its greatest seizures, and the fearful iron monster which demolished two of our frigates, is no more. – {Cincinnati Gazette.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

What the President Promised the Young Lady

Those who were of the unusually large party who besieged the waiting room adjoining the President’s apartment in the White House, on the morning of the 23d of September – the day succeeding the issue of the Proclamation of Freedom – will doubtless never forget a remarkable incident that then transpired.  A gentleman had discovered the President through a slight opening between the folding doors on the right of the antechamber, pacing slowly up and down the long and thickly carpeted hall.  Tall, angular, with hair snarled and unkept, whiskers awry, collar in creases and slippers very much down at the heel; his eyes gazing low at vacancy, his shoulders drooping; one hand behind his back, his fingers twitching nervously, the other thoughtfully pulling at his beard – in garb ill fitting, in face homely and impressive, and in manner patient, resolute, meditative – this was the figure that immediately after discovery became the cynosure of a constellation of eyes.  Whispered remarks were made, one by an elderly gentleman to the effect that the President would not keep faith with the letter of the Emancipation Proclamation.

A Young girl of remarkable beauty, who hung upon his arm, and who had been gazing upon the subject of the doubt with undisguised admiration, looked up rather scornfully and said:

“Won’t he?  I’m not afraid of it – you shall see,” and relinquishing the gentleman’s arm, she passed, to the intense astonishment of all, through the door way, moved up the hall with exquisite grace and paused almost in front of Mr. Lincoln, who stopped in surprise.

“Pardon,” pleaded the intruder, in a short French way; then earnestly looking in his face, “but they say Mr. President, you will not keep your word about the salves.  I love you for the words and say you will.  Which is it?”

The face of the President was radiant as he bent to take her hand, and said:

“You need not fear – I shall not fail.”

The questioner with a suppressed triumphant “I knew it,” withdrew, while the slow walk in the hall went on.

This incident is veritable, and has never before been made public.  Utica Herald.

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

Card Of Thanks

The ladies of the Keokuk Soldier’s Aid Society desire to render their acknowledgment and thanks to the Ladies Aid Society at Des Moines, for their timely remittance of fourteen dollars, received by Mrs. Wittenmyer, towards defraying her expenses as agent for the associated societies.

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

The 17th Regiment

The last company of the 17^th was mustered in yesterday, and the regiment is now full.  It is ordered by Gen. Halleck to Pittsburgh, and will leave on Friday morning.

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

Congressional

Washington, Dec. 22.

Senate – Business of the day was unimportant.

Mr. Lape, of Indiana made an able defense of the President, showing that it was not only his Constitutional privilege but his duty to arrest persons suspected of disloyalty in time of eminent public danger – that the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus had been the uniform practice of the British Government in similar cases, and was a right guaranteed to the President by our own Constitution.  He doubted the loyalty of the Legislature of Deleware [sic], and vehemently denounced all plans for the reconstruction of the Union, leaving certain States out of it.  He showed that the great cause of the defeat of the Administration party in the North West, was enormous frauds at the ballot box, and the preponderance of Administration soldiers in the army.

Mr. Bayard of Deleware said at a proper time he would reply to this assault of the Senator from Indiana on the Legislature of Deleware.  It was utterly groundless and wanton.  Adjourned.

House – Mr. More of Pennsylvania, offered a joint resolution, which passed, declaring it as the opinion of Congress that the Secretary of the Treasury take immediate steps for the payment of sums due to sailors and soldiers, and that there creditors be preferred to all [others].

Mr. White of Indiana, from the Select committee on Border State Emancipation, asked leave to report a bill appropriating twenty millions, to aid Missouri in emancipating her slaves, and that it be recommitted to the Select Committee.  Agreed to.

Mr. Walker offered the following resolution which was adopted:

That the Committee of Ways and Means be instructed to enquire into the expediency of authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury at his discretion, to issue bonds to the amount of one hundred millions of dollars of such denominations as is best adapted to the purpose of circulation, and bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum: payable in three or five years at the pleasure of the Government, and receivable for Government dues except customs.  Adjourned.

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

Preparation for a Fight at Cumberland Gap, Tennessee

(Correspondence of the Louisville Journal)

MERSAON’S CROASS ROADS,

Laurel Co., Kentucky, May 2, 1862.

We receive nearly every day word by passing supply trains of how matters are going on at the Cumberland Ford, and all the rumors current there in regard to the doings at the Gap.  Every one concurs in the statement that there is to be a tremendous fight necessary to take it, as they have the strongest intrenchments that have yet been occupied by the rebel troops, and are determined to make a stand, for the occupation of the place by the Federals would cut off all communication between Richmond and the army of the rebels in Mississippi by the quickest and most convenient route.  ‘Twas said that Gen. Smith, the rebel commander there, sent a bragadocia message to Gen. Morgan, who is commanding on our side, that he would defend the place until every one of his men, and himself, too were numbered among the killed.  I don’t know much about Smith’s character, but from all accounts, Morgan means what he says when he talks that way.  It’s more likely Smith’s defiant style, like Buckner’s black flag, was gotten up merely for show, and will not, in the end prevent an unconditional surrender.

Near the Gap, Morgan has engineers and miners working every day, as he is trying to plant a strong battery on a point that overlooks the enemy completely, and every day there are advances made in the work.  They have been reinforced lately by the Wisconsin battery that was sojourning in the Fair ground at Louisville through the winter, and as it is composed of splendid Parrott guns, and is supposed to be the best battery out here, it very likely will be the one posted on the mountain.  I do not know what other batteries are out there now, but the following is a complete list of the regiments there.

(For prudential reasons we omit the numeration of the forces now at the Gap.)

There are three Brigadiers there: Generals Morgan, Carter and Spears, and as there will be a brigade or two more than they can manage, there will be some chance for deserving Colonels who aspire higher.

When I reach the ford I will be better able to give you more detailed accounts of the proceedings there, and as they have a telegraph in operation now as far as Barboursville, I will try and telegraph the most important news to you, always, of course, providing that a military necessity don’t stand in the way.

G. G. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Dumont’s Expedition to Lebanon --- More of the Exploits of Morgan, the Guerrilla

Special Correspondence of the Chicago Times.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 9.

Gen. Dumont, who came, saw and over came, returned Wednesday night from Lebanon, and bringing with him one hundred and sixty-five of the prisoners taken in the brief but glorious fight.  The General is somewhat crusty in style, and when he first took command of this post, a few very loyal people were offended by his manner.  But his prompt treatment of the rebels had begun to overcome their objections to his style, even before the battle at Lebanon. – Since the victory, I suppose it is safe to declare him a favorite with them.  They call him “Old Tiger,” and say he is the man for the moment.  Though I have not been able to get the details of the action direct from officers engaged in it, all accounts agree in giving our troops credit for the utmost intrepidity and coolness.  I have been told that Gen. Dumont was himself in the thickets of the enemy’s fire, and had two horses killed under him.

After Col. Wolford, of the Kentucky cavalry was wounded, he was taken prisoner by the enemy, but was rescued by Capt. Smith, one of his own regiment, after the banditti had carried him twelve miles with them in their flight.  It said the pirate John Morgan lost his favorite black mare, killed in action.  He found another fleet horse, however, and managed to save his bacon.  His servant and bother were taken.  But the most remarkable capture was that of Mr. Hooper Harris, of this city, the bloody-minded Captain, who, in company with his superior officer, Col. McNairy, or at least in his name, published, last fall, in one of the Nashville papers, an advertisement for blood-hounds to be used in hunting down East Tennessee Union men.

These murderous marauders, who set at defiance all the rules and usages of civilized warfare, had not been in the city twelve hours before their wives, sisters and cousins, who would have clapped their hands in exultation if Morgan could have made his way to Nashville and murdered Gov. Johnson in his bed, where crowding his office with applications for permission to hold interviews with their relations of the banditti.  Such is the brazen front of treason!  But the law-abiding are ever in greater danger of too much kindness than of too great severity.  The man whose life they sought above all others granted to many the favor they asked.  Do you think such kindness will lead them to repentance?  No.  The recipients will go away thirsting for his blood.

I regret to learn, just as I mail this letter, there are fears entertained that Col. Wolford will not recover.  He was treated most inhumanly by the rebels, who attempted to carry him off, being forced, though scarcely able to support himself in the saddle, and suffering excruciating pain, to ride at full speed.  Our loss in killed, if Colonel Wolford survives, amounts only to nine.  There are two or three missing.  The citizens of Lebanon deny firing from their houses; yet there can be little doubt of it.  Officers of Gen. Dumont’s staff saw men fire from windows at them, while there were women with them in the same room.  Such conduct was the height of cowardice, whether done by soldiers or citizens; and I can’t believe women would have remained in a room from which soldiers were about to fire.  The firing was doubtless done by their husbands or brothers, inmates of the houses.

One Federal officer states, I learn from the gentleman to whom the statement was made, that he plainly saw a citizen of Lebanon crawling on his hands and knees, behind a fence, with a rifle, to shoot at our men.  As he rose to discharge it, a government soldier shot him through the head.  Persons ran out of a house, and hastily drew in his dead body.  That the cowardly murderers should now deny their crime, is but natural.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2

Lieut. R. W. Hamilton

Among the names of the officers of the 15^th regiment where were killed at the desperate engagement at Pittsburg we notice the name of Lieut. R. W. HAMILTON, of Company I.  Lieut. Hamilton was a private in the glorious First, and was severely wounded at Springfield; this, however did not dampen his patriotism, as soon as he recovered he became a member of the 15^th and was elected to a lieutenancy.  Previous to his enlistment in the First regiment he was a student at the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mt. Pleasant, studying for the ministry, and was a classmate with Richard Hingham of this city who fell at Donelson.  While the 15^th was quartered in this place Lt. Hamilton, by his gentlemanly and unassuming manner made many friends, who will regret exceedingly to hear of his sudden death.  He was the youngest officer of the regiment.  His residence was in Osceola, Clark[e] County.

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

From the Third Iowa Cavalry

HEADQUARTERS 3^RD IOWA CAVALRY,

Cross Timbers, Mo., March 30^th.

COL. BUSSEY: – I am gratified to be able to inform you that among a large number of returned prisoners brought in today by Capt. McKenney, from Van Buren, are the following men of our command:

Co. A – O. S., Daniel Bradburry, unhurt.

Co. A – Private, Andrew Marvin, unhurt.

Co. H – Private, Charles J. Butin, unhurt.

Co. H – Private, John Lawson, unhurt.

Co. H – Private, John L. Wolf, unhurt.

Co. M – Private, H. H. Ross, unhurt.

Co. M – Private, Brison Scott, unhurt.

Co. M – Private, Henry A Cowles, saber cut on neck, but not dangerous.

Elijah Ward, of Company A, was wounded by a shot in the side; the ball, however, striking a rib did not penetrate, and he is doing well.  He had been detailed at Van Buren to attend the sick, and had gone to Little Rock, when our men left.  James J. Mason has not been heard from.  It is probable that he is wounded and has been left at some of the enemy’s hospitals.  He is, you will perceive, the only one of our men not now accounted for.

Our men say they were treated will by the “secesh”, but have had a hard time of it: being compelled to go it on the “double quick” until midnight during the retreat.

J. W. NOBLE.

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

Incidents of the Naval Fight on the Mississippi

The following incidents of the fight, from the correspondence of the Boston Journal, are very interesting:

CUTTING THE CHAIN ACROSS THE RIVER.

On Sunday night the gunboats Pinola and Itasca went up, under command of Flagg Captain Bell, to cut the chain.  The Pinola ran in the west bank, and after striking a sunken ship she succeeded in reaching one of the hulks, to which Mr. Kroehl, the experimenter, attached a heavy petard.  The wire connecting it to the battery on board the steamer was coiled up on de[ck] but the current ran so strong and the Pinola drifted so rapidly, that the wire was broken and the attempt failed.  In the meantime, the Itasca ran up to one of the hulks on the east side of the river, when Acting Masters Edward Jones and Amos Johnson, with eight men, boarded the schooner, and in half an hour succeeded in unshackling the chain from its moorings and dropping it down.

The following letter from Capt. Caldwell, of the gunboat Itasca, gives an account of the affair:

* * * The operator on board the Pinola did not succeed in blowing up the chain, as the connecting wire broke and the vessel could not be blown up as the current pressed the Pinola upon her with such force that it took half an hour to clear her.  The Itasca took the next schooner, and in half an hour stripped the chain, but unfortunately before she could get well clear, the current cast her over on to the east shore, grounding the schooner lashed to her and running the Itasca’s fore foot into the mud, where she remained nearly two hours exposed to the fire of both forts.  The Pinola parted two 5-inch hawsers in trying to pull her off, but at last started her with an 11-inch hawser.  After running this schooner on shore, the others swung most favorable, leaving a wide passage for the fleet.

On Wednesday night Capt. Caldwell, with Acting Master Jones, and eleven of the Itasca’s men, pulled up to the schooners after dark, to make a final reconnaissance of the schooners.  They pulled up and sounded round the schooners on the west bank, and then crossed over and did the same with the schooners on the east bank.  They found the channel more than sufficiently wide and entirely unobstructed.  The rebels had lighted a fire on the east bank exposing everything attempting to pass up, but the boat, with muffled oars, passed safely up, and made all their observations unobserved, although they could hear the orders given at the fort, and hear the men calling and talking very loudly about some business they were carrying on outside the fort.  The boat then returned and made the joyful signal, “all right” – the Itasca’s night number, two white and one red lanterns.  Soon after the flag ship hoisted another preconcerted signal, two red lanterns.  This was to get under weigh, prepare for battle and pass up the river.  Within two hours the fleet performed one of the most wonderful and brilliant feats that ever honored any navy, and made the glorious passage of the river.

CHAIN-CLAD SLOOPS OF WAR.

The most conspicuous feature in the outward appearance of the fleet was the iron-linked mail of the sloops of war Richmond, Brooklyn, and Pensacola, each of which had their engines and boilers protected by chain cables, hung in bites on the outside and triced to eyebolts and rods running fore and aft.  The chains were dropped from the height of the gun-deck to below the water-line, and connected together by strong cordage.  This was equivalent to four inch plates, provided it withstood the effects of glancing or oblique shots.  The only danger apprehended from the chains on the steamers was from raking shots tearing them off, in which case it was feared they would become entangled with the propellers.  To guard against this, some of the ships unshackled the chain in short lengths, so that it might reach astern.  The machinery of the Iroquois was protected in the same way, the credit of originating which plan is due to Assistant Engineer Hoyt of the Richmond, upon which ship it was first adopted, the other vessels following her example.

Among the most efficient of the internal arrangements for the protection of the boilers, the destruction of which by a shot or shell was the most to be dreaded, although this was not the only dangerous part of the ships, was that adopted on board the sloop of war Mississippi, the machinery of which, being more above the water line, was consequently more exposed to the fire of the enemy.  The preparations of the ship for the action involved an immense amount of labor, which engaged her officers and crew for weeks before the attack.  Under the direction of Chief Engineer Lawton, Mr. Bartleman, the First Assistant, worked night and day with a strong force, and constructed a temporary roof in the coal bunkers just below the water line, about which the heavy chain cables of the ship were packed in layers, running fore and aft. – The ends of the shaft of the Mississippi were protected by four bales of bagging on the outside of each wheel.  The bows of several of the ships, including the Richmond and Harford, were protected by sand bags piled up beneath the forecastle, and intended to be removed aft to break the force of raking shot after the ships should have passed the forts.  I alluded in a former letter to the log packing of the boilers of the gunboat Owasco.  The bulkheads of other gunboats were strengthened in like manner, and also by sand bags, and the coal bunkers of all being kept full, supplied the wants of extra barriers to shot and shell.  From the moment the sloop of war Portsmouth arrived in the river, her officers and crew engaged in putting the ship into fighting trim.  She wore a mail constructed of her sheet chains, for the protection of her bow against a raking fire, and spread a complete spar netting of strong ropes to prevent her lofty spars – cut away by cannon balls – from falling on deck.

SKILLFUL PREPARATIONS.

The sloop of war Richmond, taken altogether, was by far the best fitted ship in the squadron.  Her hull, standing rigging, and in fact every part of the vessel which could afford the least mark for the rebel artillerists, received a coating of mud paint; she wore splinter nettings running fore and after over her decks.  In addition to the iron mail, which she wore externally, her machinery was protected by sand bags, packed against her bulkheads.

The gunboats Katahdin, Lieutenant Commanding Preble, and the Harriet Lane wore their boarding nettings, and other gunboats and ships were provided wiht the same barriers against the enemy.  Many of the ships carried kedge anchors on their yard arms, and grappling hooks on their jib booms, with which to fasten the gunboats and fire rafts of the enemy.

CAPT. BOGGS’ ACCOUNT OF THE VERONA’S [sic] ACTION.

The following is an extract from a letter of Captain Boggs, of the Verona, addressed to his family in New Jersey.  It was of course, not intended for the public eye.  Sailor-like, the gallant captain identifies himself with his ship, and with as much directness and force as he fights:

MISSISSIPI RIVER,

U. S. Steamer Harriet Lane, April 23, 1862

As Captain Porter is about to dispatch a vessel for Havanna with communications for our government, I have only a few moments to say that, thanks to good Providence, I am safe, and without even a scratch.

Yesterday our great battle was fought.  The squadron passed the forts under as severe a fire as any fleet probably ever endured.  The ships were much cut up, and there were many killed and wounded.

I can only give a hasty narrative of what occurred on board the Verona, as in that you will take a special interest.

“We started at 2 o’clock, A. M., and received the first fire at 3.30, just as the moon was rising.  My vessel was terribly bruised, but we returned the fire with interest.  On passing the forts I found myself the leading ship, and surrounded by a squadron or rebel steamers, who annoyed me much by their fire; so that I steered as close to them as possible, giving to each a broadside in succession as I passed; driving one on shore, and leaving four others in flames.

“During this time the firing of guns, whistling of shot and bursting of shells was terrible; the smoke dense.  As this cleared off, finding more steamers ahead, I stopped to look for the rest of the squadron.  The ship was leaking badly; but thus far none were hurt.  Astern, I saw the Oneida engaged with a rebel steamer.  The latter shortly after came up the river, when I engaged him, but found my shot of no avail, as he was iron-clad about the bow.  He tried to run me down; and I to avoid him and reach his vulnerable parts.  During these movements he raked [me], killing three and wounding seven, and attempted to board; but we repulsed him.  Driving against me he battered me severely, but in these efforts exposed his vulnerable side, and I succeeded in planting a couple of broadsides into him, that crippled his engine and set him on fire.  He then dropped off, and as he moved slowly up the river and passed me I gave him another and parting broadside.

“I now found my ship on fire from his shells, and it was great difficulty that it was put out.  Just then another iron-clad steamer bore down and struck heavily on my port quarter, and backed off for a second blow.  This second blow crushed in my side; but at the same instant I gave him a full complement of shot and shell that drove him on shore and in flames.

“Finding myself in a sinking condition I ran my bow into the bank and landed my wounded, still keeping up a fire on my first opponent, who at last hauled down his flag.  My last gun was fired as the decks went under water.

“No time to save anything, the officers and crew escaping with the clothes they had on their backs.  We were taken off by boats from the squadron, who had now come up, the crews cheering as the Veruna went down with her flag flying; victorious in defeat, and covered with glory.

“I think we have done well.  Eleven steamers destroyed by the squadron.*  The old ram Manassas sunk by the Mississippi.

“This has been a gallant fight, no less than 170 guns playing on us.  The forts are cut off from succor, and must soon surrender.  The way to New Orleans is open, and the city is probably ours at this moment; for the fleet immediately passed up the river.

“The commodore, as a post of honor, dispatched me in my only remaining boat, with a picked crew from Veruna’s men, to carry dispatches to Gen. Butler.

Having been in the boat for twenty six hours after such a day’s previous work, you may imagine I am somewhat exhausted.  What my next position may be I do not know – perhaps to go home for another ship, or possibly to become naval aid to – Major General Butler.”

(Capt. Boggs is too modest to say that he destroyed six out of the eleven. – ED.)

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 2



Mr. Morgan has been on a “regular tear” . . .

. . . for some days past, attending parties and driving a heavy business generally.

M. Gardner had an invitation to visit the country and attend a party and though constrained by the “pressure of business” to remain in the office, he has appeared somewhat “bumf[uzze]led,” and done but little since.

Jo[hn’]s got the measles; so as our readers will n[oti]ce, we appear at “half mast” this week.

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

List of letters remaining in the Post Office . . .

. . . at Oceola [sic], Iowa on Jan. 1, 1863, and which will be sent to the Dead Letter Office if not called for within two moths.

NAMES

Constant, Mrs. Eliza

Combs, Mrs. Carrie

Hudgel, Thomas

Hobbs, W. T.

Hobbs, James C.

Heaton, Mrs. Emmeretta

Heston, Thomas

Likes, Mrs. Louisa C.

Mize, Wm. H.

Manson, Allen

Michel, Miss. Martha

Prugh, Jacob

Robinson, Miss Liva J.

Runals, Mary E.

Reacy, Miss Ellen. (Uncertain)

Starky, Levi

Southard, Mis Delia (Due 3 cents)

Smith, Mrs. Anne

Thompson, John

Trip, Uzial

Trumbo, Jane

Warford, Abraham

Williams, John W.

Wilson, Mr.

Williams, George B.

White, Isaiah

Persons calling for the above will please say ADVERTISED.

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

Telegraphic

From Richmond.

Richmond, Aug. 7.

One hundred and ten prisoners from Pope’s army, taken by Stuart’s cavalry, near Gordonville, arrived to-night by special train, no officers among them.  No particulars of the capture have been received.

Richmond. Aug. 7.

Gen. Stuart left Hanover Court House on Monday with Lee’s Cavalry, and proceeded within eight miles of Fredericksburg, and learning that two brigades of the enemy had gone in the direction of Hanover Junction, he went in pursuit, and overtook their rear guard at Massapona Shops.  A skirmish took place in which Stuart took sixty (60) prisoners.  The enemy was reinforced, and having a strong position on rising ground, Stuart fell back, and the enemy did not pursue.  In the meantime a detachment sent for the purpose captured a train of twelve wagons and fifty soldiers on the Fredericksburg road, Stuart returned to Hanover Court House last night.

From Mobile.

MOBILE, Aug. 8. – A schooner from Havana ran the blockade yesterday morning.  Her cargo is powder, lead, caps, salt, coffee, cavalry sabers and soap.

From The North Via Mobile.

MOBILE, Aug. 8. – A special dispatch to the Tribune says persons from Memphis say that twenty transports arrived there on Tuesday from below, and forty from above.  It is believed that the city is to be evacuated and most of the troops there sent to other points, leaving a mere garrison behind.

The Chicago Times says not three hundred troops have been raised in that city yet.

The Democratic convention met at Indianapolis on the 30^th, 50,000 in attendance.  It is the largest ever held in the States.  Gov. Hendricks presided; Wickliff, of Ky.; Richardson, Voorhies, Carlisle and others were present.  Resolutions were passed denouncing the prosecution of the war – opposing subjugation or coercion – denouncing emancipation in every form, and calling for an entire change in the administration.  Wickliff said he was for the Union if the South and slavery were not interfered with, but if war was waged to free slaves not another drop of blood should be spilled.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 3

From Gen. Curtis’ Column

Correspondence of the St. Louis Democrat.

BATESVILLE, Ark., May 10 – A portion of Gen. Davis’s and Gen. Asboth’s divisions and two of Gen. Longstret’s regiments left her to-day for the North.  An adequate force is still here, however, for operations in this district.  Our advance, under Gen. Osterhause, crossed White River and took the road to Little Rock, the Capital of the State.

As many as 150 persons per day have come in and taken the oath of allegiance, embracing judges, ministers and many of the most influential citizens.  The sentiment of the people is rapidly becoming more and more loyal.

The news of our occupation of this place was received by Gov. Rector, at Little Rock, on the 5^th, and produced great excitement.  Some of the citizens advised peace, while others were rampant for defending the city to the last extremity.  The following day the Governor issued a proclamation to the State militia to repair immediately to the Capital to repel the invaders. – Many of the militia were issuing special calls.

6,000 Texans were daily expected at Little Rock, but they were under orders for Corinth.  Guerrilla bands are being formed in some sections and large mobs may be mustered at county seats, but no serious obstacles to our advance are anticipated.

Albert Pike, at last accounts, was camped at Boggy Department, 100 miles southwest of Fort Smith.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

Emptying The Hospitals

The number inmates in the several hospitals in Richmond has decreased so of late that it has been deemed more economical to remove the few patients to other hospitals and close them while they undergo renovation for the reception of victims of future battles.  None of the hospitals now contain half the number of wounded that did a week after the late battles.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

The Richmond Enquirer . . .

after alluding to the steps taken by the President relative to the orders issued by Pope and Steinne [it] says:

We take occasion to say that the President is also demanding redress for the outrages of the enemy in other quarters. * * *

We have authority for saying that communications were sent to the Lincoln Government some week since, respecting the execution of Mumford, at New Orleans, and other outrages committed by the Yankee Generals, but no reply has yet been received.  Another demand has recently been made in regard to them and the additional atrocities perpetrated by Lincoln officers in different parts of the Confederate States.  A short time has been given to the Federal authorities within which to reply before orders will be issued for the execution of the measures necessary for the repression of these outrages also.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

From McClellan’s Army

The correspondent of the New York Express furnishes that paper with a long letter from Harrison’s Landing, from which we make a few selections:

WHAT HE SAYS ABOUT CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS.

The men were exceedingly intelligent in their looks and very pleasant in their conversation.  When a large crowd left the boat to gather “relics” upon the shore, they managed to get entangled with the secesh, and for some minutes quite a scene was in progress.  Both sides were good humored, asked and answered questions, and discussed the questions of secession.  The rebels used old logic, while our people fell back on past glory, the flag, etc., the whole discussion resulting in an agreement at to disagree, of course.  The Federal guards were obliged to interfere, and sent the boat’s party back, much to the regret of not a few, who seemed perfectly fascinated at the sight of a real, live gray-backed rebel.

NO UNION SENTIMENT IN REBEL ARMY.

To sum this whole visit up, it seems perfectly plain that it is useless to talk of Union sentiment in the Rebel army.  It has no existence, in my judgment, at all.  The advice of an officer to a listening throng is applicable here, and I give it here for the consideration of your readers:  “There is one way in which you can defeat us.  Put every man you have in the field, meet us at every point, fight until there is not a Southern regiment or soldier left, and the thing is accomplished.  Then you can have the country and welcome.  Make your people understand this matter, and open their eyes to the solemn truth, that if they insist on a restoration of the Union, it can only be gained by a war which will leave the south without a living man, and make the North desolate beyond recovery.”

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

No less than . . .

. . . 80,000 pounds of molten lead were among the spoils of our lat victories near Richmond.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

Mobile, Ala., has subscribed . . .

. . . through her citizens and Council, $17,000 for the benefit of the sick and wounded soldiers.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

The Washington papers publish the following proclamation from Lincoln:

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – A PROCLAMATION.

In pursuance of the sixth section of the act of Congress, entitled “An act to suppress insurrection, to punish treason and rebellion, so [sic] seize and confiscate the property of rebels, and for other purposes,” approved July 17, 1862, and which act and joint resolution explanatory thereof are herewith published, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby proclaim to and warn all persons within the contemplation of said sixth section to cease participating in, aiding, countenancing, or abetting the existing rebellion, or any rebellion, against the Government of the United States, and to return to their proper allegiance to the States, on pain of the forfeitures and seizures as within and by said sixth section provided.

In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington this the twenty-fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty two, and of the independence of the United States and [sic] eighty-seventh.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

By the President:

WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

SEE ALSO: Proclamation of the Act to Suppress Insurrection

Roll Call

“Corporal Green!” the Orderly cried;

“Here!” was the answer loud and clear,

From the lips of a soldier who stood near;

And “Here!” was the word the next replied.

“Cyrus Drew!” — then a silence fell —

This time no answer followed the call;

Only his rear-man had seen him fall,

Killed or wounded — he could not tell.

There they stood in the failing light,

These men of battle, with grave, dark looks,

As plain to be read as open books,

While slowly gathered the shades of night.

The fern on the hillsides was splashed with blood,

And down in the corn, where the poppies grew,

Were redder stains than the poppies knew;

And crimson-dyed was the river’s flood.

For the foe had crossed from the other side,

That day, in the face of a murderous fire

That swept them down in its terrible ire;

And their life-blood went to color the tide.

“Herbert Cline!” — At the call there came

Two stalwart soldiers into the line,

 Bearing between them this Herbert Cline,

Wounded and bleeding, to answer his name.

“Ezra Kerr!” — and a voice answered “Here!”

“Hiram Kerr!” — but no man replied:

They were brothers, these two; the sad wind sighed,

And a shudder crept through the cornfield near.

“Ephraim Deane!” — then a soldier spoke —

“Deane carried our regiment’s colors,” he said,

“When our ensign was shot; I left him dead

Just after the enemy wavered and broke.

“Close to the roadside his body lies;

I paused a moment and gave him to drink;

He murmured his mother’s name, I think;

And Death came with it and closed his eyes.”

’Twas a victory, — yes; but it cost us dear:

For that company’s roll, when called at night

Of a hundred men who went into the fight,

Numbered but twenty that answered “Here!”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, January 3, 1863, p. 1

NOTE:  This article was in the caught in the seam of the bound newspaper, consequently when it was microfilmed about a ¼ of the left hand side of the column was lost.  I have reconstructed this article using a duplicate found in Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, December 1862, p. 49-50.  If there were any differences in the text and/or formatting, I have deferred to that which appeared in The Union Sentinel.

Where are the Young Tennesseans?

Mr. EDITOR: – I desire to enquire of you whether you can tell the public where all the young and ardent Tennesseans are who are reported to be on the line of railroad from this place to Atlanta – what are they doing? – are they waiting for other men to fight the battles and open the way to their homes and families, while they are pleasure taking at the different towns and watering-places of the country!  If this be true, it is a shame, and their cheeks should be mantled with a deep blush of disgrace to be thus idle while the country needs their services so much.  The Governor calls for a Tennessee State force, and each of these young bloods should report themselves for duty without delay.  Keep them stirred up until they act their proper part in this great struggle.  S.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2

Notice

Our subscribers in the vicinity of Hopeville, can pay their subscriptions to H. J. Williams of that place.

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

Guntersville, Ala., Shelled by Yankees

Special Correspondence of the Selma Reporter.

GUNTERSVILLE, July 30,’62.

Mr. Williams:  Dear Sir – We had quite an exciting time here on Monday, 29^th inst.  The Yankees arriving in force of some 1,000, consisting of cavalry, infantry and artillery, on the evening of the 27^th commenced early Monday morning shelling the town, which they continued all day.  I regret to say the wife of Gen. S. K. Rayburn was killed by a shell.  Mrs. R. was a most estimable lady.  Mr. McNairy, a gentleman from Nashville, who was accompanying his mother, an aged and decrepid lady, was also killed.  Mr. B. Mathews was slightly wounded.  Several buildings were burnt on the bank of the river and the shells were passed through several buildings in town about three miles from the river.  The commenced shelling the town without any notice.  They left the river during Monday night, but are still on the north side of the river not far off.  Your obedient servant.  N.

The Mr. McNairy mentioned above is Henry Clay McNairy, son of the late Dr. Boyd McNairy, of Nashville, and brother of Major Frank McNairy, aid to Maj. Gen. Cheatham.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, August 9, 1862, p. 2