From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 17.

The despatches [sic] at headquarters reduce the number of the rebel garrison captured at Fort Donelson to ten thousand, and state that Gen. Pillow was not among the captured as at first reported.

A salute was fired from all the fortifications around the city, and at Benton barracks and the Arsenal, glorifying the victory.

Col. Thos. A. Scott, Assistant Secretary of war arrived to-day from Cairo, and remains here several days.

There was a holiday among the troops at Benton barracks.  Drills and parades were dispensed with.  Gen. Strong made a stirring speech to the soldiers.

Several of the Courts adjourned in honor of our victory, and all sorts of incidents of joy are repeated.

Troops are constantly going forward, bound southward.

The only additional item from Donelson is that the gunboats were present when the enemy raised the white flag.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Personal

We had the pleasure of meeting Maj. Farwell of the gallant 31st Iowa, in town to-day.  The Maj. entered the service as Capt. of Co. H. 31st, Iowa infantry and has proved himself a brave man, and meritorious officer, and has been deservedly promoted to his present honorable position.

– Published in The Monticello Express, Monticello, Iowa, Monday, July 10, 1865

Markets

FRIDAY, May 23, P.M.

The weather during the past week has been cool and pleasant – very favorable for growing crops.  The receipts of grain are on the increase.  Farmers are improving the time before corn is ready for plowing in bringing forward their remaining surplus from last year’s crop.  Wheat steady at 55 to 60 cents for common to choice Spring.  Winter rules about 10 cents higher, and if clean and free from Rye is in demand at 70 to 75 cents.  City Mills running full time.

Rye and oats are wanted for shipment to St. Louis, where we notice sales of the former at 50 cents, bags included, and the latter at 50 cents.  For details of St. Louis and Chicago markets we refer to the annexed reports.

The river at this point is gradually receding.  A large force is at work on the C. B. & Q. R. R. repairing the track, and hope to have the cars into East Burlington next week.  The Railroad east continues to move freight promptly via Quincy three times a week by steamer Fannie and live stock every day by the ferry boat to Oquawka.

SUGAR – 8½@9½ - crushed, 11½; refined white 11½c; clarified 10½c.

COFFE – 20@22c.

MOLASSES – By the bbl., Reboiled, 40; Syrup, 45; kegs $4.50.  Sorghum, 25@30c.

NAILS – Ass., $3 75@4.

RICE – 8c.

FRUIT – Raisins, prime, new $4.50.

BROOMS – $1 25@1 go per dozen.

FLOUR – Wholesale $4.50 to $5.00; Spring $4.00@$4.55.

WHEAT – Spring, 55@60, choice t0; Winter 65@70 choice.

CORN – 18@19c.

RYE – 28@30c.

BEANS – 60@75c per bush.

POTATOES – 25@30c per bush.

OATS – 20@22c.

BUTTER – 8@9c.

EGGS – 4c.

CHICKENS – 60@70c per doz.

ONIONS – 25c. – no market.

HAY – Timothy, $7@$9

WOOD – $2 50@$3 00.

HIDES – Green, 4½c.; Dry Fling 10@11c.  Green Salted 5½c.

GREEN CALF SKINS – 5c; salted, 6@7c.

SHEEP PELTS – 35@100.

WHISKEY – 21@23c.

LARD – 4@5c. per lb in bbl.

APPLES – 30@50c.

DRIED APPLES – 6@7c per lb.

TIMOTHY SEED – $1.25 to 1.50 per push.  No market.

HUNGARIAN GRASS SEED – 25@40c. [per] bushel.  No sale.

CLOVER SEED – $4 50@$5 00.  No market.

FLAX SEED – prime $1 25@$1 50.

CORN MEAL – 25@30c.

BACON – Hams 4 cents; shoulders 3 cents; side 4c.

RAGS – 2c per lb.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Headquarters Recruiting Depot

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Feb.18, 1862.

General Orders No. 3.

I.  The loss sustained by the troops from this State in recent actions, and other casualties, having probably reduced their strength considerably below the minimum standard, Recruiting Officers are required to prosecute their recruiting operations with the greatest activity and energy.

II.  On the application of Recruiting Officers, they will be authorized to establish branch rendezvous in counties adjoining those in which their principal rendezvous are located.  The application should state the proposed point, and its distance from the principal rendezvous, and the branch should, if practicable, be placed on some Railroad or Stage-line communication therewith.  These branch rendezvous will be placed under the charge of a non-commissioned officer in the recruiting party.  In no case will the price paid for board and lodging exceed that which is paid at the principal rendezvous; and no unnecessary expense will be incurred in travelling between branch and principal rendezvous.  Officers will visit their branch rendezvous once in ten days, and enlist all proper persons who may present themselves for enlistment.

III.  Tri-monthly reports will be promptly rendered to his office on the 10th, 20th and last day of each month, whether any enlistments have been made or not.  Returns of recruiting parties will be promptly made on the last day of the month.

By order,

H. B. HENDERSHOTT,

Captain, 2d Artillery, Sup’t Vol. R. S.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Major D. C. McNeil

Major D. C. McNEIL, Surgeon-General, was born in Springfield, Illinois, January 16, 1825. He served in the Mexican War. At the outbreak of the Rebellion he was Captain of an independent company at De Witt, Iowa, and was afterwards appointed Captain 1st United States Lancers. Was appointed Assistant Surgeon, 15th Iowa, August 19, 1862, and resigned in May, 1863. In February, 1865, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon, 2d United States Volunteer Infantry, and afterward Surgeon; mustered-out November 6, 1865. Is now at Osceola, Missouri.

SOURCE: Robert Burns Beath, History of the Grand Army of the Republic, p. 75

The Feeling in Baltimore

BALTIMORE, Feb. 17.

The Fort Donelson surrender created immense joy here.

All kinds of provisions are at ¾ to 1 cent higher, and holders have withdrawn form the market, anticipating a further advance.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Cleveland, Feb. 18 [1862]

Firing of cannon all day yesterday, and bonfires and general rejoicing last night in honor of the taking of Fort Donelson.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

New York, February 18 [1862]

The Board of Aldermen authorized the Committee on Military Affairs to take steps for extending the formal reception to Col. Corcoran and his fellow prisoners on their arrival in this city.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 17.

We understand that the Norfolk Day Book this morning makes no mention of the surrender of Fort Donelson, but represent that the fight is still going on.

Nothing additional has been received from Savannah.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Federal Loss Estimated

The Chicago Sanitary Commission received a dispatch from Cairo, last evening, from official sources, that the Federal loss would not exceed 300 killed, 600 wounded, and 100 missing – in all 1,000.  On other estimates have been received of the casualties in the action. – Chi. Tribune, 18th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

From New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, Feb. 17.

The Santa Fe mail, under date of January 31st has arrived.  Gen. Sibley’s command of 3000 Texans and eight field pieces, two being 32 pounders, advanced to Santa Barbara, but for som unaccountable reason, had retired in the direction of El Paso.

Col. Canby, with 1,300 regulars and 2,000 Mexican volunteers, as after him.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Rejoicing over the Victory

ALBANY, N. Y., Feb. 17.

In the assembly, to-day, Royal Phelps announced the gratifying intelligence of the capture of Fort Donelson.  A scene of much excitement followed, the House rising and giving cheer after cheer.

The excitement increased when the announcement was made of the capture of Buckner and Johnson.  100 guns were fired in honor of the victory.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

The Coward Floyd Captured!

A dispatch has been received from Cairo that the news has been received that Floyd the traitor, the coward and the thief, and the 5,000 rebels who accompanied him in his flight from Fort Donelson, have been captured by the Federal forces that went after them.

This is the best news yet.  This makes the number of our prisoners 20,000. – Chicago Journal, 17th inst.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Details Of The Battle

On our second page this morning will be found many interesting details of the fight at Fort Donelson.  An article from the Chicago Tribune, which we publish, ascribes participation in that honorable struggle to seven Iowa regiments.  This may be and we hope it is so, but we are under the impression the 11th and 13th regiments were still in Missouri.  Troops, however, move so expeditiously now-a-days that it is almost impossible to keep pace with them.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

Relief For The Suffering

The citizens are requested to assemble at the Le Claire House this morning, at 10 o’clock to take measures for the relief of our soldiers wounded at Fort Donelson, and especially those of our own town.  We are informed Muscatine has already forwarded a delegation to the scene of the action, and it is suggested that Davenport should do the same.  Let there be prompt action, whatever is done.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

The Soldiers In Camp . . .

. . . paraded around town under command of Major Purcell, of the 16th regiment.  Both regiments were out, and presented a very soldierly appearance.  This was their first parade in town, and was decidedly creditable to them.  The immediate occasion of this display was the gratifying news from the South which electrified the hearts of all in camp.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 1

A lady observing a little girl . . .

. . . apparently lost in the street, accosted her with the question, “Whose child are you?”  “Child of wrath, ma’am,” cried the little urchin, dropping a courtesy as if addressing the parson.  The lady resumed and said, “Where were you born?” – Born in sin, ma’am,” persevered the diminutive theologian.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Funeral Sermon Of Capt. Cloutman

Rev. Wm. Salter, of Burlington, delivered a very able and impressive discourse entitled “Death of the Soldier,” being the funeral sermon of our late lamented and honored fellow citizen, Captain Charles C. Cloutman, to a large congregation, on Sunday last, at the Methodist Church.  So highly is this discourse appreciated by those who heard it, that Mr. Salter has complied with a request to furnish a copy for publication, and it will appear in our next edition.  It will also be published in pamphlet form, accompanied with Capt. Coutman’s last letter.  Those desiring copies will please order them. – {Ottumwa Currier.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

When Commodore Foote left the Benton . . .

. . . the Flag ship of his Mississippi fleet, three loud, long and ringing cheers were given by the crew. – The commodore stood up on his crutches as the De Soto moved up the broad Mississippi, and with tremulous voice said, “God bless you all!  Heaven knows how hard it is for me to leave you!  Better and braver men than you never trod a deck.  I would much rather stay with you than go away.  But my duty to my country compels me to yield to stronger, though I hope not more willing hands.  God bless you all!”  As he looked at the Benton, perhaps for the last time, and saw the many familiar faces that fixed their kind eyes upon him so earnestly, his trembling had frequently sought is quivering lip, and nervously twitched his whiskers.  One could see his efforts to suppress his feelings, but nature prevailed, and the brave officer covered his wan face with a fan he held to dissipate the heat of the afternoon, and wept like a child.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Ticklish, Very!

The subjoined sensational paragraph appeared in the Nashville Union. – Our “d---l” thinks it is good reading, but we “don’t see it.”

The Louisville Journal thinks that if any rebel cotton is successfully concealed on the approach of the Union armies, it will have to be hidden in the bosoms of the women.  We guess that our inquisitive troops will be very apt to [find] even that precious treasure, if they once get their hands in.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Female Aspect Of The Rebellion

A ludicrous incident took place a few days ago at the Provost Marshal’s headquarters.  Four rebel ladies called to see Col. Mathews.  Across the walk and between the outer gate and the house a large national flag is suspended.  Two of the ladies passed under it, but the other two vowed in animated tones that they would not bow their heads to that “filthy Lincoln rag.” When the party was about to leave, the two who had gone into the Provost’s room passed out of the gate, but the other two were stopped by the guard. – “What do you mean, Sir?  Let us out instantly!” exclaimed one of the stiff-necked rebels sharply.  “Not a step,” said the guard, “you wantonly insulted that flag which we are here to defend, and you can’t leave this place without permission of the Provost.”  The ladies whirled round in a furious rage, making a brilliant exhibition of garters and other unmentionable things, to the eyes of the guard, and went back under the flag to see Colonel Mathews.  Ladies have a peculiarly nervous twitchibility in their gait when much excited, and so one of the fair ones caught her heel in her hoops, and in extricating herself got the other foot into the same trap and whirled head foremost, and feet flying upwards into the soft blue grass which waves in the shady yard like the sea green plumage of a Bird of Paradise.  The goddess of Modesty who suckled us at her soft bosom in tender infancy hand whose foster child we have ever been, here bids us to draw a thick veil “impenetrable to mortal eyes,” over what poor Peeping Tom of Coventry sought to be hold when the noble lady Godiva rode through the streets of that ancient city on her milk-white steed.  We obey her sacred command and content ourselves with quoting the well known lines of Tom Moore, which tell us how poor Hebe while walking one night across the sky stumbled against a star –

“And all Heaven’s hosts of eyes

Saw those luxuriant beauties sink

In lapse of loveliness among the azure skies.

The wanton wind

Which had pursued the flying fair

And Sweetly twined

Its spirit with the breathing wings

Of her ambrosial hair,

Soared as she fell, and on its ruffling wings –

Oh, wanton wind

Wafted the robe whose sacred flow

Shadowed her kindling charms of snow,

The brow of Juno flushed –

Love blessed the breeze!

The muses blushed,

And every cheek was hid behind a lyre,

While every eye was glancing thro’ the strings.’

As Mark Anthony said:

“What a fall was there, my countrymen!”

We will notice the next case that turns up.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Review: John Bell Hood and the Fight For Civil War Memory

John Bell Hood and the Fight For Civil War Memory

By Brian C. Miller

Just days after his wife died from yellow fever John Bell Hood himself succumbed to the disease on August 30, 1879 in New Orleans, Louisiana.  His oldest daughter Lydia would die a few hours later.  John Bell Hood was 48 years old, nearly broke and left behind ten orphaned children.  Aside from his memoir, “Advance and Retreat: Personal Experiences in the United States and Confederate States Armies,” John Bell Hood did not leave much of a paper trail.  His memoir begins at age seventeen with his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and contains little in the way of biographical material before then.  “Advance and Retreat,” is in a large part, Hood’s defense of his actions at Atlanta and his campaign into Tennessee.

Brian Craig Miller has attempted to fill in some of the gaps in John Bell Hood’s life and career with his book, “John Bell Hood and the Fight for Civil War Memory.”  Mr. Miller covers quite a bit of genealogical material in the first few pages of his book, tracing hoods ancestry back to 17th century New York and bringing it forward, through Virginia to Kentucky.  Hood was able to count an Indian fighter, and two Revolutionary War veterans are among his ancestors.  Military service seems to have been a family tradition.

Unfortunately there are no large caches of John Bell Hood’s letters extant, nor diaries, so Mr. Miller delves into the realm of the gender identity of white, southern males to extrapolate and explain what may have motivated Hood early in his life and career.  Easily the first half of Mr. Miller’s book isn’t at all a biography of John Bell Hood in as much as it is a gender study of what it meant to be a young, white male in antebellum Kentucky.

As far as John Bell Hood’s military career in the Confederate Army, his participation in the battles of Gettysburg, where Hood received a wound to his arm, paralyzing it, and Chickamauga where Hood would loose a leg are briefly covered, in as much as they needed to be due to his wounds.  Again, Mr. Miller dips into well of the gender identity of southern manhood (and speculates the reason Hood went on to father eleven children was, in part, to prove his masculinity).  Instead, more time is given to Hood’s defense and abandonment of Atlanta and his failed Tennessee campaign in which Hood’s Army of Tennessee was destroyed.

One must read nearly two-thirds of the Mr. Miller’s tome until the subject of Civil War memory is discussed.  With a title of “John Bell Hood and the Fight for Civil War Memory,” one would expect the discussion of Civil War memory to be the main focus of the book, instead of being relegated to only a portion of the last third of the book.  John Bell Hood’s part in founding the Southern Historical Society, and the writing of his memoir is fully discussed, on reading Mr. Miller’s book, I’m not so sure that John Bell Hood was as concerned about how the Civil War would be remembered, as much as he was about defending his actions at Atlanta, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville.

Mr. Miller has done his subject a great service in dispelling the rumors about John Bell Hood’s intelligence, drunkenness and addiction to drugs.  He points out there is not one shred of evidence that the General ever was drunk or addicted to drugs.

I found the most interesting part of Mr. Miller’s book to be the telling of what happened to the ten orphaned children of John Bell & Anna Hood, and the efforts to raise enough money to provide for their future.

Despite this is a mixed review, I would recommend “John Bell Hood and the Fight for Civil War Memory” to all who are interested in the Civil War and especially in Hood’s Tennessee Campaign.  Considering the lack of primary resources as far as John Bell Hood is considered, Mr. Miller has done an admirable job in piecing together secondary evidence and letting the reader draw his own conclusions about what life must have been like for General Hood.  Mr. Miller’s book is well written and easily read, and his exhaustive bibliography shows he left no stone unturned.

ISBN 978-1-57233-702-2, University of Tennessee Press, © 2010, Hardcover, 317 pages, Photographs, Endnotes, Bibliography & Index. $37.95

Old Port In New Bottles

The connoisseurs of the North are anticipating a jolly reunion next 1st of June, when the President will open some of his best Port, as he has announced.  The article has been sealed up for some time, and it is thought, will be much improved by age.  The President has a Butler at New Orleans who will do the honors of the occasion in that city.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

The Indian Regiments

The following telegram was received by Gen. Blunt, of Kansas, in replay to a communication from him in regard to the Indian Regiments:

                                                               

WASHINGTON, May 8, 1862.

To Brigadier General Blunt, Commanding Department of Kansas:

“Hurry up the organization and departure of the two Indian Regiments.

By order of the Secretary of War,

L. THOMAS, A. G.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

A. Elifrits

ELIFRITS, A.— Farmer, section 6, P. O. Lincoln. Was born in Indiana, February 10, 1846, and when eight years of age went to Illinois; remaining there for two years, then returned to Indiana. And in the fall of 1856 he came to this county, where he still resides, owning two hundred and forty-six acres of land, under fence and well-improved. During the late war he enlisted in company B, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and after serving his country for eighteen months, was honorably discharged. He was married in this county on the tenth of March, 1871, to Miss Sarah E. Cox. They have lost three children: Nora B. (born August 29, 1875, died December 30, 1878), Abram A. (born July 18, 1877, died December 31, 1878), and an infant (born September 20, 1874, died November 21, 1874).

SOURCE: The History Of Polk County, Iowa, Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co., 1880,  p. 978

Another Great Gun Cast

An immense fifteen inch gun was cast at the Fort Pitt works yesterday.  It weighs in the rough, we believe, over 70,000 pounds, yet it was cast in less than fourteen minutes – a fact which shows the completeness of the arrangements, and that the men having the work in charge thoroughly understand their business.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Gen. Halleck's Policy

The orders of Gen Halleck to his subordinate commanders lead me to believe that it is not his intention to bring on a general engagement until he shall be fully prepared for it.  This we believe, involves some further delay.  It is altogether likely that the rebels have collected they best strength at Corinth; and if they are ever to fight us would probably prefer it at once.  They have nothing whatever to gain by delay, whereas we have very material advantages.  The force from New Orleans and Mobile has undoubtedly been brought hither by this time, also all the available force from Arkansas.  The enemy is at his best condition.  All the reinforcements he can receive hereafter cannot more than compensate for the waste of time.  It is his policy to fight and ours to postpone, till the preponderance is more decided and the victory placed beyond all reasonable doubt.  Battles in the open field are notoriously uncertain.  The slightest accident has sometimes disconcerted a well-appointed army, and given victory to a resolute and despairing foe.  If the enemy will shut himself up in his fortifications he will surely be reduced.  It is therefore our policy to approach him cautiously, but firmly. – {Cor. N. Y. World, 19th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

A Dignified Refusal

A London correspondent writes to a New York journal as follows:

Mr. George Peabody is said to have recently declined to recognize his election to the Reform Club, a notification of which was sent him.  It is well known that, on several occasions hitherto, when his name has been proposed, he has been rejected.  Now that the Court Journal has indorsed him as one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom, they consider him worthy of their association.  His declination of the proposed honor meets with the universal approbation of his countrymen here.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

T. J. Thornton

THORNTON, T. J.—Farmer, section 6, P. O. Greenwood. Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, November 13,1844, and resided there until five years of age, when he came to this county. He received a common school education. Owns 167½ acres of land. About ten years ago Mr. Thornton began improving his farm, and now he has a nice grove surrounding his house, a large barn, and an orchard of 125 trees, besides a great variety of small fruit. He has a never ceasing flow of water upon his land. He married Miss Almarinda Elliott, daughter of F. E. Elliott. She died October 1, 1877, age twenty-nine years, eleven months, leaving a family of four children, all living. October 23,1861, he enlisted in company B, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and was discharged on account of disability. Participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, and others.

SOURCE: The History Of Polk County, Iowa, Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co., 1880,  p. 959

Meeting of the Ladies Aid Society

The Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society will meet in the Medical College at 10’o’clock this forenoon.  As some two hundred wounded soldiers are soon to be here, and must be provided for, it is hoped that there will be a full attendance of Ladies.  There is immediate need of the aid of all who can render it.

By order of the President.

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

The following personal description of Gen. Halleck . . .

. . . is given by a correspondent of the Boston Journal:

He has a fine physique – is stout, burly, weights two hundred avoirdupois, has a round head, is middle aged, black hair filling fast with silver.  He walks by the hour in front of his quarters, his thumbs in the armpits of his vest, looking mostly at the ground, but casting quick looks now to the right, now to left, evidently not for the purpose of seeing anything or anybody, but staring into vacancy the while.  His eyes see only the problem before him, which with the forces under him he is to work out a satisfactory conclusion.  He is bronzed already, and in complexion reminds one of Daniel Webster, though not so dark hued as Webster – Such is his personal appearance.  I understand that he does business off hand, is impatient at long stories, and cuts many an officer short in their verbal communications.  He evidently has his odd ways.  I am informed he puts on citizens dress and walks through the camp.  The other day he helped a teamster out of the mud then gave him a severe lecture for not driving carefully.  He laughed heartily to hear the witticisms of a teamster upon himself.  The high water in the river made a slough all but impossible.  The teamster had foundered through it, and reaching the top of the bluff, and being in sight of headquarters, relieved himself of volley after volley of oaths upon the creek, his horses, the roads, and lastly upon Gen. Halleck for not having the creek bridged.  The criticism was just, but the General had already ordered the construction of a bridge, and being incog., could enjoy the verbal castigation.  The army evidently has confidence in its commander, though I doubt if he is personally known to many of the officers and very few of the men.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

D. C. Sharp

SHARP, D. C. — Farmer, section 28, P. 0. East Des Moines. Was born in Dayton county, Ohio, August 6,1841, and when four years of age left there, moving to Miama county, Indiana. From there, became to this county, in the fall of 1855, and has since resided here. May 8, 1864, he was married to Miss Hannah E. Betts, a native of Pennsylvania. They have had eight children, all of whom are living. In August, 1862, he enlisted in company I, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, and was mustered out in 1863. He re-enlisted in 1864, in company B, Fifteenth Iowa infantry. Participated in the battles of Springfield, Missouri, Newton, Fayetsville, Arkansas, White River, Arkansas, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia, Goldsborongh and battle of Raleigh, besides others.

SOURCE: The History Of Polk County, Iowa, Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co., 1880,  p. 959

Com. Foote At Ft. Pillow

Com. Foot is going on to Memphis. – He was yesterday before Ft. Pillow, and expected to reduce that place in good time.

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

Soldiers Relief Convention

DAVENPORT, Iowa, May 20th, 1862.

Editor of Burlington Hawk-Eye:

DEAR SIR:  Please call editorial attention to the Soldiers Relief Convention to meet in this city on the 28th inst., at 10 o’clock A. M., and urge that gentlemen interested in your part of the State attend, – that the various counties be represented.

Those passing over the B. & M. R R. R. will pay full fare coming and return free on certificate from me.  The steamers Kate Cassell and Jennie Whipple will also pass those attending at half fare.  I presume Northern Line boats will do the same.

We should be very happy to have you present with us.

Yours truly,

A. J. RYNETT,

Cor. Sec. and Agent Iowa Army San. Com.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

From a letter received in town, by Mr. C. Limburg . . .

. . . we learn of the following casualties amongst members of the Curtis Horse at the engagement near Paris, Tennessee, on the 5th.

Major Schaffer, of Dubuque, killed.

Private Frey, of Dubuque, killed.

Private Ferdinand Fahr, of Keokuk, wounded in the head slightly.

Private Viox, of Lee County, wounded in arm slightly.

Private Helle, of Burlington, wounded in arm badly.

Private Frank Bothe, of Fort Madison, two balls in shoulder.

Private Hamon, of Cedar Falls, wounded in the hip.

PRISONERS. – Charley Limle, B. Ward, Joseph Sehr, and Scheland.

The above prisoners have all been recaptured by Union troops and about 200 rebels in the bargain. – {Keokuk Constitution.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

The Attempt By Secesh Sympathizers In Indiana To Kill Gov. Morton

The Indianapolis Journal says of the railroad collision which resulted in the death of Prof. Fletcher, Superintendent of Public Instruction in Indiana:

The evidence is almost conclusive that the collision was a premeditated act, and that the parties concerned in causing it are known.  At first we discredited the rumor that the fatal freight car had been placed on the track to cause a wholesale murder, and said so; but we fear very much that the more horrible and abominable phase of the story is the more credible one.  If murder was intended by this devilish act, no one can fail to see who was meant to be the victim, and whence emanated the motive.  Gov. Morton was known all along the route, as we have learned since, to be on board that train. – It was known at Sullivan through passengers on the preceding train.  Sullivan is, and has been, a nest of the most violent rebel sympathizers. – Union men have been lynched there.  Union sentiments have been suppressed by violence, and more than once it has been seriously considered by the State authorities, whether an armed force would not be necessary to protect the loyal citizens.  For weeks after the attack on Fort Sumter, the traitors of Sullivan, taking their cue from the Sentinel which denounced the war and refused to hoist the Union flag, kept a secession flag flying from a tall pole in full sight of every passing train.  It has been a notorious and disgusting hole of treason.  Gov. Morton has been one of the most efficient of all the public officers of the country, in preparing the people to met the rebel army and crush it.  He is the most cordially hated man in the union by the whole heard of Bright adherents.  Sullivan is the very place of all others where this internal malice would be most likely to take a deadly form, and try to carry its aim by murder.  The intent of that collision was to kill Gov. Morton.  It was treason going hand in hand with murder.  The blow missed its aim, but it fell where it cost the State one of its most able and energetic officers, and the cause of the Union one of its most patriotic and persistent supporters.  This fearful crime will yet return to plague the traitors who have encouraged the spirit that attempted it.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Major McKee, of the Missouri Black Hawk Cavalry . . .

. . . whose recent exploit with the secesh lady, is going the rounds, was in town last night.  He returns to his home near Athens, for the first time since last August.  We learn from him that Col. Bishop has individually been mustered out of service.

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

Hugh Thompson Reid

REID, Hugh Thompson, soldier, b. in Union county, Ind., 18 Oct., 1811; d. in Keokuk, Iowa, 21 Aug., 1874. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and, after graduation at Bloomington college, Ind., studied law, was admitted to the bar, and removed in 1839 to Fort Madison, Iowa, practising there until 1849, when he removed to Keokuk and practised occasionally. In 1840-'2 he was prosecuting attorney for Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, and Van Buren counties, holding high rank as a land lawyer. He was president for four years of the Des Moines Valley railroad. He entered the volunteer service as colonel of the 15th Iowa infantry in 1861, and commanded it at Shiloh, where he was shot through the neck and fell from his horse, but remounted and rode down the lines, encouraging his men. He was in other actions, was appointed brigadier-general on 13 March, 1863, and commanded the posts of Lake Providence, La,, and Cairo, Ill., until he resigned on 4 April, 1864.

SOURCE: James Grant Wilson & John Fiske, editors, Appleton's Cyclopædia Of American Biography, Volume 5 p. 215

The Eddyville Star . . .

. . . is the name of a new paper just started in the enterprising town of Eddyville by Messrs. Melich and McConnell.  It is a very handsome paper and has the true Republican ring.  It deserves to be supported, and the people of Eddyville and the surrounding country ought to furnish material aid to keep it going.  We take pleasure in exchanging, and would have “responded” sooner had we ever seen a request to do so.  And that is “wherefore” we could “[sae] cruel be.”

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



Death of Lieut. James T. Chittenden

It becomes our painful duty to announce the death of our esteemed fellow-townsman, Lieut. James T. Chittenden, who died about ten days ago, at Cassville, Mo., of wounds received at the battle of Pea Ridge.  As intelligence of his critical situation had previously reached us, his demise was not entirely unexpected.

Mr. C. had been a citizen of Clarinda for about four years – engaged in the practice of the Law – and by his exemplary demeanor and unspotted moral character won for himself a host of friends.  At the breaking out of this wicked rebellion – brought upon us by the institution of African Slavery and not by Sabbath breaking, as some of the admirers and patrons of that peculiar institution would make the people believe – Mr. C. felt it to be his duty to join in defending his country’s standard; and accordingly assisted in organizing a company, which went into the 4th Iowa Regiment, with him as its Second Lieutenant.  He served in Missouri for about six months and at the battle of Pea Ridge was wounded in the breast, which resulted in his death.  By his gentlemanly deportment and attention to his military duties he became greatly endeared to both rank and file, and when engaged in the sterner conflicts of the war, all agree in awarding him for coolness and bravery.  Brigadier-General Dodge pronounced him the bravest man in his Brigade, and all of our intelligence goes to confirm this judgment.

In his death, Clarinda has lost one of her most esteemed and accomplished citizens; humanity a warm and devoted friend; the army a most valued officer, and the bar one of its most promising young members.  But while we mourn over our loss, he is rejoicing that he has exchanged the cares and toils of this life, for a habitation of the Kingdom of everlasting bliss. – {Page County Herald.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Gunboat Building at St. Louis

We have already stated that contracts have been secured for the building here of two and probably three large iron boats, at a cost each of $320,000.

We have now the pleasure of adding that Messrs. Brown, McCord and Sanger, of this city, have contracted with the government, for the building of three iron clad gunboats, at an aggregate cost of $450,000.  These will be constructed on the plan submitted by them, and approved by the Board of Naval Construction.

The iron mail for these boats will be furnished from the works of the well known firm of Chouteau, Harrison and Valle.  This will cost $100,000, besides which the same house furnishes the iron used for the machinery of these boats.

This machinery, which is now in a very forward state, is being constructed by Messrs. McCord & Co., of the Franklin Foundry, and will cost some $70,000.

Two of the hulls are on the stocks at Cairo, and are nearly completed.

The whole work for the largest of these boats will very probably be done here; as we understand the question, as to the cost of furnishing the timber required, will be decided favorably; and it is to be hoped with favorable results as to other boats, the whole of which might and ought to be built here. – {St. Louis Republican.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Asbury S. McPherson

Asbury S. McPherson, born Sept . 19, 1843, in Knox Co., Tenn.; graduated Tabor College, 1870; principal schools, Akron, O., 1871-73; principal preparatory department Tabor College, 1873-80; superintendent of schools in Tabor following year; principal academy at Albuquerque, N. M., 1881. During the war Mr. McPherson was in Co. F, 15th Iowa V. I.

SOURCE: Rev. George H. Moore, The Cummings Memorial: A Genealogical History Of The Descendants Of Isaac Cummings, An Early Settler Of Topsfield, Massachusetts, p. 281

A letter from Lt. Dan Tisdale . . .

. . . Co. A, 2d Iowa regiment, says that W. W. Clarke and Geo. W Friend, of that company were killed, and ten wounded.  Hough was not killed.

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

Probable Appointment Of The Military Governor In Kentucky

-   In consequence of the removal of all National troops from Kentucky to the theater of war, further South, the Secessionists in Kentucky, numerous in many localities, have become very impudent and lawless.  Recruits for Humphrey Marshall have been openly enlisted in some of the central counties, disloyal candidates for civil offices have declared themselves, and plundering of Union citizens in exposed sections have taken place.  Under these circumstances, and in compliance with the request of the Military Board of Kentucky, the National Government will probably send a Military Governor to Kentucky, clothed with such power as Andy Johnson has, to do the duty which Magoffin fails to do, and to visit upon secessionist four-fold the punishment that they inflict upon Unionists.  A force of five thousand soldiers will probably back up this movement.  General J. T. Boyle, of Kentucky, who led a brigade at Shiloh, is spoken of as the Military Governor.  Kentucky has near forty thousand soldiers in the Union army – ten thousand more than her quota. – {Washington cor. N. Y. Times, 17th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p.

William Theodore Cunningham

WILLIAM THEODORE CUNNINGHAM, DePauw, '50, became a merchant and settled at Oswego, Kan. During the war he was first a captain and afterwards major in the 15th Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the Union army. He was at one time treasurer of Marion County, Iowa. He died in 1888 at Pittsburgh, Kan.

SOURCE: William Raimond Baird, Betas Of Achievement: Being Brief Biographical Records Of Members Of The Beta Theta Pi Who Have Achieved Distinction In Various Fields Of Endeavor, p. 90

From Corinth and New Orleans

More Heavy Skirmishing – Gen. Butler Dispensing Beef and Sugar to the Poor.

ST. LOUIS, May 21. – Special dispatches from below this evening state that every heavy skirmishing is constantly going on at Corinth, and a general engagement is likely to take place at any time, as the federal lines extend close to the rebel pickets.

The steamer Platte Valley was fired into on her way up the Tennessee River, but nobody was hurt.

The rams have reached the fleet, and everything is ready for any emergency.

The Memphis Appeal of the 15th contains the following dispatch addressed to the Rebel Secretary of State:

CAMP MOORE, Louisiana,

May 13, 1862.

To Hon. J. P. Benjamin:

Gen. Butler on the 11th inst., took forcible possession of the office of the Consul of the Netherlands and searched the person of the Consul and took from him the key of the bank vault.  Butler also took possession of the offices of the French and Spanish Consulates, in the old Canal Bank, and placed a guard there.  The French Consulate went on board the steamer Milan, and had not returned up to Sunday morning.  It is said that the guard has been removed from the offices of the French and Spanish Consulates.  In the vault of the Canal Bank $800,000 had been transferred by the Citizens’ Bank to Hoper, banker of Amsterdam, to pay interest on bonds.  Butler also seized the Canal Bank and Smith’s banking house, and has issued an inflammatory proclamation to incite the poor against the rich, promising to distribute among the poor 1,000 hogsheads of beef and sugar.  He is recruiting in New Orleans. – The poor will soon be starved.  The enemy have sent a force up to Bennett’s Cave, which were marched through the swamp and destroyed the railroad bridge.

The Pittsburg Citizen of the 12th instant, says:

“The latest we can ascertain of the whereabouts of the Yankee gunboats, is that they are between Fort Adams and Bayou [Tonica], and are supposed to be in or about the Red River cut off.  The little freight steamer Whitman, which has made so many daring trips to and from New Orleans, has been captured by the Federal gunboat Calhoun.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Sixteenth Illinois

We will published an interesting letter from the 16th Illinois regiment to-morrow.

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

37th Congress - 1st Session

WASHINGTON, May 21. – SENATE. – Mr. WRIGHT, of Indiana, offered a resolution that the Military Committee be instructed to inquire into the expediency of reporting at an early day a bill providing a suitable bounty for the soldiers enlisted for three months and one year, and also for pensions for the widows of soldiers who died in the service.  Adopted.

The bill donating lands for the benefit of Agricultural Colleges and Mechanic Arts was taken up.  The discussion was continued till 1 o’clock, when the special order being the Confiscation bill was taken up.

MR. FESSENDEN moved to take up the Tax bill.

Mr. FOSTER, of Connecticut, by consent, offered a resolution in regard to the impeachment of West H. Humphreys.  That the Senate will to-morrow resolve into a Committee of Impeachment on the case of West H. Humphreys, and the Vice President shall administer the following oath to the Senate: I solemnly swear, in all cases and things pertaining to the trial and impeachment of West H. Humphreys, late Judge of the United States for the several districts of Tennessee, that I will do impartial justice as a court of law; and the court being thus formed will receive the managers from the House, &c.  Adopted.

The Senate took up the Tax bill instead of the Confiscation, by a vote of – Yeas 33, nays 9.

The Senate Proceeded to the consideration of the [amendments] of the Committee on Finance, several of which were adopted, including one reducing the salaries of the commissioners from $5,000 to $3,500.

Senate went into Executive Session and adjourned.

HOUSE. – The House resumed the consideration of the Confiscation Bill.

Mr. VOORHES, of Indiana, reviewed the financial policy which has governed the Administration since it came into power, characterizing it as unsound, unwise and ruinous.  The criminals who have been plundering the Treasury have not been brought to justice, nor has honesty pervaded the Departments.  History will, on this subject, cause every love of his country to bow his head, while his cheek burns with shame because of the extravagance and shamelessness of expenditures at a time when the nation was struggling for life.  By means of mismanagement and fraud, the public debt one year hence will be one-sixth of the entire wealth of the country; now the proportion to every voter is two hundred dollars; twelve months from this time it will be four hundred dollars.  Where is the evidence that any other people have been so burdened within so short a time?  In conclusion he expressed the hope and predicted that the people would rise in their majesty and send hither representatives who would be governed by the teachings of the Bible and Constitution, and that the Union will be re-established on the principles of justice and liberty.

Mr. MORRILL, of Vermont, contradicted Mr. Voorhes figures as to expenditures.

Mr. BAILEY was severe upon Mr. Voorhes and accused him of sympathizing with traitors, saying that Floyd, Cobb and others were thieves under that gentleman’s party administration – The present condition of the country was the natural result of the treatment of the people, received at the hands of the Democratic party.

It made our country the plunderer of nations, provided they were feeble.  Filibustering became identified with Democracy during the two last Administration[s].  Considering all their co-operations, it did not lie in the mouth of those seeking to resuscitate the Democratic party to reproach the present Administration with dishonesty and fraud.  In further reply, Mr. Bailey said the labor of the country would pay the taxes.  Stephen A. Douglas truly said that there could be only two parties in the war, loyal men and traitors, and men must be for or against the Government.

WASHINGTON, May 22. – SENATE – Several petitions were presented from citizens of Maryland, asking for the better enforcement of the fugitive slave law in the District of Columbia, that they may secure a large number of slaves which are now in the district.

A resolution calling on the Secretary of the Navy for reports of the battles on the Mississippi was adopted.

Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution that the Committee on the District of Columbia be [directed] to enquire what legislation is necessary to protect persons of African descent from unconstitutional seizure as fugitive slaves, or seizure by disloyal persons.

Mr. POWELL objected to the present consideration of the resolution by the Senate.

The resolution was laid over.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

Dennis Walters

WALTERS, DENNIS, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania. February 12, 1847, and moved with his parents to Iowa when six years of age. On the 22d day of October, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, 15th Iowa Infantry, and served through the remainder of the civil war. After the war he engaged in farming in Iowa until the spring of 1874, when he removed to Dakota, arriving in Sioux Falls on the 1st day of April. He soon after took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 28 in Burk township, where he located and engaged in farming. In May, 1875, a post office was established in Burk called Geneseo, and Mr. Walters was the first postmaster, with the post office at his residence. He held the office for about two years. In 1879, he was again appointed postmaster and held the office until 1888, when he removed to Dell Rapids, where he has since resided. While a resident of Burk he held school offices, was assessor two years, and one of the town supervisors several years. In January, 1870, he married Caroline Stout, daughter of Jonathan Stout, then of Iowa, but now a resident of Burk.

SOURCE: Dana R. Bailey, History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota, p. 1064

Henry Frantz

FRANTZ, HENRY, is a native of Pennsylvania and was born July 18, 1844. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. Before coming to Wayne in this county in the spring of 1873, he had lived in Ohio and Iowa. During the civil war he enlisted in Company H, 15th Iowa infantry, and when his term of enlistment had expired re-enlisted and served in all, three years and eight months. Upon coming to Dakota he pre-empted the northeast quarter of section 31 in Wayne, and afterwards bought the northwest quarter of the same section. He greatly improved his farm but sold out in October, 1894. He is a highly respected citizen.

SOURCE: Dana R. Bailey, History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota, p. 761

Latest from Havana and Mexico

NEW York, May 22. – News received from Havana the 17th says a Spanish steamer came in yesterday bringing dates from Vera Cruz to the 12th, and Mexico to the 2d inst.

Vera Cruz is in the possession of Almontiti.  Thanks to French bayonets no confidence is to be placed in the news given through his organs.

Private letters say that the battle of Acuttizingo was a drawn one, the French losing the most in killed and wounded, but the Mexicans retreated.  The latter directed their fire principally at the French officers, knowing that they could not be replaced until a fresh importation should arrive from France.

Gen. Prim and staff had arrived but he was not received with much enthusiasm.

A Spanish steamer had gone to New Orleans to protect the welfare and property there of Her Catholic Majesty’s subjects.

The [Wyke-Zamacona] treaty has been ratified by the Mexican Government despite the protest of the French Plenipotentiary against any treaty the Mexican Government might make under the present circumstances.

Soldad and Cordova were occupied by Mexican troops as soon as the French forces left – 1,500 were ready to occupy Arigabain in the same way.  The French are moving towards the capital but the Mexicans are fast closing up behind them.

The black vomit is committing fearful ravages in Vera Cruz, having appeared earlier in a more malignant form than usual.

We are told that 120 Americans from Texas had attacked the town of Neuvo Leon, and had sacked the town and burned the Custom House and various buildings.

Seargaso has defeated Maragues.  This seems to have been decisive although Maragues got away; he has him deposed and Coboo placed in his stead.

The glorious news from the States caused a depression in our markets.  Sugar and cotton have a downward tendency.

Many vessels are waiting to go to New Orleans as soon as the port is open and the consul has refused charters home already.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3

General McClellan’s Advance – Balloon Reconnoissance

HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC,

May 21, P. M.

The encampment of the advance of the army under Gen. Stoneman, is still at Gains’ Mills, 18½ miles from the Chickahominy.  The pickets of the Rebels occupy the banks on the side and those of the Union on the other.

Gen. Stoneman, with Prof. Lowe, made a balloon reconnaissance this morning, from Gaines’ Mills, reaching an altitude of 400 feet.  An admirable view of Richmond was had and the surrounding country.  With a glass, the camps of the enemy within the limits of the corporation were seen also.  The arrival and departure of Railroad trains on the Railroad between New Bridge and Richmond and Buford and Richmond, and but few troops were visible – but to the left of the city, on the line of the mail coach road leading to Bottom Bridge, a large number of troops were seen.

Also smoke from numberless campfires coming up from the woods – in fact showing that they were occupied by a large force of the enemy.

Heavy firing was heard yesterday, P. M., and this morning, to the left of Richmond, which was probably caused by our gunboats endeavoring to force their way up the James river.

The weather is warm and pleasant, during the day, with heavy dews at night.

The health of the troops continue good.  Two rations of whisky and quinine are now daily issued to the troops.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3