Important from North Carolina

NEW YORK, May 19. – The North Carolinian states that Gov. Clarke has refused to furnish any more troops to Jeff. Davis and has recalled all North Carolina soldiers now in the rebel army.

North Carolina has held a convention of its citizens and pronounced against giving further aid to the rebellion, thus virtually returning to the Union.

In reply to the demand of Jeff Davis for additional troops and means of transportation for his army and through the Colonial States, Governor Clarke said that Davis had received all the aid from North Carolina that he could expect and that hereafter no more troops would be permitted to leave the State, and has ordered all North Carolina troops home.

Governor Clarke also informed the rebels that they could use the railroad in retreating homewards and that they would run their own risk of being intercepted by a Union force at any point of the state.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

Col. Daniels’ Wisconsin Boys Capture a Rebel Colonel

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 17. – Dispatches just received from Col. Daniels’ headquarters near Bloomfield, Mo., contain accounts of the capture of the notorious Col. Phelan of Jeff Thompson’s gang of marauders, and over 100 of his men.  Fifty of them, it is said, gave themselves up, and expressed a desire to return to a quiet and peaceful life.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

From Fortress Monroe

BALTIMORE, May 19. – It is reported by the Old Point boat that the Galena was considerably damaged in her upper works by the plunging shot of the rebel batteries.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

A. W. Crosby

CROSBY, A. W., postmaster, Silver City; was born in Medina county, Ohio, February 28, 1837. In 1840 he moved with his parents to Fulton county, Indiana, where he passed the earlier years of his life. In the spring of 1854 he came to Iowa located in Marion county, and engaged in farming and mercantile pursuits until the breaking out of the late war. In the autumn of 1861 he enlisted in company G, Fifteenth Iowa infantry. At the battle of Shiloh he was taken prisoner, and taken to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, thence to Montgomery, and held a prisoner of war until May, 1862, when he was paroled and sent to Benton Barracks. He was honorably discharged in January, 1864. Returning to his home in Marion county, he remained until 1879, when he came to Silver City. His was the first store erected in Silver City, the object of his coming having been to engage in business pursuits. On August 5, 1879, he received the appointment of postmaster, and retains the office still. In 1860 he married Miss Mary L. Auten, a native of New Jersey. They are the parents of four children, now living: Ida E., born in 1864; Alva, born in 1868; Alice, born in 1872; and Clyde, born in 1878. Mr. Crosby has built for himself not only a fine trade, but good reputation as a business man and an exemplary citizen.

SOURCE: State Historical Company, History of Mills County, Iowa, 1881, p. 693

One of the Japanese No-Kamis Disembowels Himself in a Marble Bath

Paris Correspondence of the London Court Journal.

* * * The Japanese Ambassadors left us yesterday to proceed to London.  The last days of their stay at the Hotel du Louvre were marked by a most extraordinary and impressive concurrence.  One of the officers belonging to the suite of Envoys received the order which had been dispatched almost immediately after his departure from Japan, to commit the act of suicide, or self-execution, known as the hari, described by Bayard Taylor and other travelers in Japan as the only method of avoiding the disgrace and torture accompanying a public execution.  What the offence committed by the miserable man before his departure from Japan was, or what the means whereby it was discovered must forever remain a secret.  But what is certain is the fact of the act of suicide having been faithfully performed by the victim, and, according to official form, in presence of the representative of the spiritual majesty of Japan, and by stabbing himself in the bowels with the broad yataghan which every Japanese officer of distinction wears upon his bosom, suspended by a thick gold chain round his neck.  It appears that it has been the custom daily of an afternoon for the four-and-twenty chief officers of the expedition to take their bath in a large marble basin which has been expressly fitted up for the purpose on the first floor of the hotel.  In this, the water being let off and renewed at pleasure it was easy to accomplish the work of vengeance; and here, alone with the minister of Imperial wrath, the shadow appointed to watch every movement of his companions and report every action to his sovereign, did a miserable being put an end to his existence, at the word of command issued from the other side of the globe.  The bath waiters of the hotel had reported on the suspicious appearance of the water which remained at the bottom of the bath on a certain day, and the evident attempts which had been made to cleanse the floor with unusual care.  But so strange are considered the customs of these people, and so utterly impossible has it been found to understand their language, in spite of the numerous savans [sic] in Paris paid by the government not only to learn but to teach it, but who, although proclaimed perfectly conversant with all its dialects until the ambassadors arrived, seemed suddenly so struck with awe, perhaps at the sight of their Excellencies, that they lost their memory entirely, and could neither understand nor utter a single word, - that it was deemed by the persons consulted on the subject that the disorder must have been created by some religious or superstitious custom, and no further inquiry was therefore deemed necessary.  After the lapse of a day or two, however, it was observed that one of the officers was missing; the waiters noticed moreover, that the room occupied by one of them remained undisturbed, although his vestments of ceremony remained extended on his bed; and at last many little circumstances and sundry religious observances which seemed to have no adequate explanation, occasioned an inquiry to be insisted on.  The result of this inquiry seems to have been the discovery of the corpse of the victim, rudely embalmed and placed with great care in a large wooden chest, all ready packed to convey it away.  The embalmment merely consisted of the most careful bandaging in silken wrappers, tightly compressed by leather thongs.  As far as gesture and intonation can convey the impressions of the mind, it soon became easy to perceive that no concealment was sought, and that the occurrence was greatly regretted by the victim’s companions, although regarded as a stern necessity of duty.  The discovery, of course, created the greatest embarrassment to the government, and M. Thouvenel, after consultation with the Emperor, sent down a message to the ambassadors as representatives both of the temporal and spiritual sovereigns of their country, declaring his great astonishment and disapproval at what had taken place.  Intimation was given at the same time that such barbarous customs being totally at variance with the laws and institutions of the country, any repetition of the same occurrence would be followed by expulsion! – The body of the unfortunate man, being but imperfectly embalmed, was conveyed away, upon an order issued from the Ministers des Affaires Estranges to the Minister of Police, at 6 o’clock in the morning to the cemetery of Mont Parnassee, where it has been temporarily deposited to await the return of the Ambassadors, who on pain of the same order of hari are bound to lay it as piece de conviction at the feet of their Emperor.  This is the story whispered about in Paris, and unfortunately confirmed by the only possible proof – that of the absence of one of the suite on the departure of the Embassy, which was ascertained beyond a doubt by those who, roused by the interest excited by the tale which has been suffered to get abroad, had the curiosity to assist at their departure yesterday evening, in order to compare their number with the photographic sketch executed on their arrival.  This proved, not the truth of the story here related, but that of its foundation – the absence of one of the most conspicuous of the group.

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

William H. Shepherdson

SHEPHERDSON, WILLIAM H., farmer, section 12, P. O. Glenwood; born December 2, 1823, in Franklin county, Massachusetts. When eleven years of age he moved with his parents to Huron county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and received his education in the common schools, His youth was passed in farming, but in after life he learned the trade of a carpenter. On the 27th day of April, 1847, he arrived in Mills county, locating in Silver Creek township. Three years later he came to Lyons township, and in 1871 he located on the farm where he now resides. Enlisted October 10 1861, in company F, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, and was in all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign. He served as a fifer, and was honorably discharged December 16, 1864. He owns a farm of 187 acres, on which is a good dwelling house, barn, orchard and other improvements. Mr. Shepherdson has been a township officer several years, and according to the best of authority, has lived longer in Mills county than any one in Lyons township.

SOURCE: State Historical Company, History of Mills County, Iowa, 1881, p. 627-8

Shooting Affray

An unfortunate occurrence took place at Walnut Grove, in Washington Tp., in this county, last Friday, the particulars of which, as well as we can gather them, are about as follows:  A short time ago a dispute arose between two young men by the name of Donelson, living in Missouri, and J. Whittam, of Washington Tp., about hauling some logs; and last Friday morning the Donelsons rode up to the house of Whittam on horseback, where one of them dismounted and walked towards the house.  Mr. W. was a short distance from the house, talking with Dr. Hull, when he saw them approaching, and immediately went into the house and got his gun, Donelson fired at Whittam with a pistol, and then Whittam fired hitting Donelson in the breast.  He fell to the ground, when his brother ran to him and took his pistol, and entered the house and shot two balls at Whittam; one taking effect in the lower part of his breast, and the other breaking his arm.  It is thought he will not recover.  Donelson’s wound is not dangerous.

The two Donelsons were arrested and taken before justice Montgomery, but discharged on a quibble raised by a Rockport lawyer; and they now run at large.

LATER. – Whittam is improving and will probably recover. – {Page County Herald.

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

Addison Utterback

UTTERBACK, ADDISON, farmer and stock raiser, section 15, P. O. Hillsdale; born January 2, 1844, in Boone county, Indiana, where he remained until 12 years of age, and then moved with his parents to Story county, Iowa. He remained there but a short time and then came to Mills county, and located in Lyons township. Enlisted October 10, 1861, in company F, Fifteenth Iowa infantry volunteers, and was with Sherman on his "march to the sea," and also at the siege of Vicksburg and the battle of Shiloh; was discharged at the expiration of his term of service, December 16, 1864, near Savannah, Georgia. He returned home in July, 1865, and resumed farming, which he continued until 1877, when he went to Hillsdale and engaged in the lumber business, remaining there until 1880, when he returned to his farm. Was married January 1, 1865, to Miss Eliza Ann Rains, a native of Cedar county, Missouri. They have four children: Oliver F., Sarah E., Martha E. and Alice E. He is a member of the Christian church, and has held several of the township offices. He owns a farm of 80 acres, with orchard and other improvements.

SOURCE: State Historical Company, History of Mills County, Iowa, 1881, p. 616-7

A Free Church minister in Glasgow, Scotland . . .

. . . gave out, as the morning lesson, the fourth section of the 19th Psalm, and while the congregation were looking out the “portion” in the Bible, he took out his snuff-box, and seizing a hasty pinch with finger and thumb, regaled his nose by the snuff; he then began the lesson, “My soul cleaveth to the dust!” – The titter that ran around the church, and the confusion of the poor man, showed that the congregation and he felt the Psalmist’s pinch.

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

William Christy

WILLIAM CHRISTY was born in Trumbell county, Ohio, Feb. 14, 1841; he died late in March, 1903, at Phoenix, Arizona. He came with his family to Osceola, Iowa, when he was fourteen years of age. At seventeen we find him engaged in teaching school, and at twenty he entered the Union army as a private in Company I, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, under Col. W. W. Belknap. He was afterwards promoted to second lieutenant of Co. D. Eighth Iowa Cavalry. He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Corinth, and was four times wounded while leading a cavalry charge at Jonesborough, Tenn. He was captured at the battle of Lovejoy Station, Ga. and remained several months as a prisoner within the Confederate lines He was promoted to a captaincy and at the close of the war was mustered out as lieutenant-colonel. After his military service he entered a business college in which he later on became a teacher. Returning to Osceola, he was elected treasurer of the State in 1872, and re-elected two years later. Upon retiring from this office he was elected cashier of the Merchants National Bank of Des Moines, which institution he had helped to organize. The following year he was compelled by ill health to resign, when he took up his residence at Prescott, Arizona. A year and a half later he removed to the vicinity of Phoenix, which became his home. He entered largely into the business of stock raising, fruit growing and banking. He first discovered that citrus fruits could be grown successfully in that region, and he and his brother also first introduced shorthorn cattle into the Salt River Valley. He was deeply interested in irrigation. His business operations were deemed of the highest importance to Arizona. On the day of his funeral the governor ordered the flag to be placed at half mast, and many other tributes were paid to the dead soldier and man of affairs.

SOURCE: Annals of Iowa, Third Series, Vol. 6, No. 2, July 1903, p. 157

An absurd blunder . . .

. . . is related in Tom Moore’s Diary about John Kemble.  He was performing one night at some country theater one of his favorite parts, and was interrupted form time to time by the squalling of a child in one of the galleries, until at length angered by this rival performance, Kemble walked with solemn steps to the front of the stage and addressing the audience in his most tragic tones, said: “Ladies and gentlemen, unless the play is stopped the child cannot possibly go on.”

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

The War News

Capture of Savannah Confirmed.

Reported Capture of Price and his Army.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE FORT DONELSON BATTLE.

LATER FOREIGN NEWS.

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

District Court

REGULAR TERM.

HON. JOHN F. DILLON, Judge.

IRA M. GIFFORD, Clerk.

TUESDAY, February 18.

Court opened at 9 o’clock A. M.  The jury, in the case of Mead & Co. vs. Leonard, which was submitted last night, brought in a verdict for plaintiffs, and assessed their damages at one cent.  The plaintiffs moved for a new trial.

J. W. Churchill vs. T. C. Eads, jury trial.  This was an action on a promissory note, as a defence to which the defendant pleaded a breach of warranty, on a span of horses sold by J. J. Walley to defendant, in payment for which Eads took up a chattel mortgage on said horses from Halley to Churchill, and in payment gave his own note and chattel mortgage to Churchill.  The case was submitted to the jury at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. – Grant & Smith for plaintiff; T. C. Campbell for defendant.

The jury returned a verdict for the defendant.

W. B. Dixon vs. J. W. Johnson.  Trial by Jury.  Plaintiff claims the sum of $400 damages for the non-compliance of defendant with the covenants of  a certain contract, which, defendant, in consideration of a lease of certain lands from plaintiff, agreed to perform.  Davison & True for plaintiff; J. N. Rogers for defendant.  The testimony was not closed to-night.

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

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

Local Matters

A GOOD IDEA. – Drop letters at our post office are stamped with the hour of the day at which they are mailed.  A very good arrangement and shows the promptness of the postal department here.

THE Muscatine Journal is continually sounding its trumpet that it contains more dispatches than the Davenport papers.  We don’t know that we have ever lost a single subscriber by the huge enterprise of that establishment.

ST. LUKE’S CHURCH FAIR. – Our readers must not forget the fair and festival of St. Luke’s church, at Metropolitan Hall, this evening.  The Episcopal churches of the city of New York make up annually, we are informed, a box of articles for the fairs for presentation to churches ‘in the wilderness,’ and this year St. Luke’s is the favored recipient of the box.  Refreshments and delicacies will be profusely supplied.

SURPRISE PARTIES seem to be very much the fashion this winter in most of the towns of the State, and to a limited extend in this vicinity – and we are glad to know only to a limited extent.  Surprise parties, when all engaged are willing, both surprisors and surprised, are well enough; but there is great danger of the practice being abused by thoughtless people who are not particular as to the persons they honor with such out-of-the-way tokens of remembrance.

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY. – We notice the citizens of Rock Island are moving in the matter of celebrating the birthday of the Father of his country, next Saturday.  Can we not do something over here, inspired by the good tidings of great joy which have crowded on us this week.  We think it might be done; a regular Fourth of July celebration might be got up, regardless of expense.  The glorious success of our arms in the West, indicating as it does the speedy reopening of the river to its mouth, gives us abundant and peculiar cause to rejoice.  Then let us celebrate the victories of our armies, while we commemorate the fame of their first and greatest commander.

SLEIGH RIDING TO LeCLAIRE has been the most frequent mode of improving the sleighing this winter.  Parties have gone there about two or three times a week, partaken of a bountiful supper, and participated in dancing.  Monday afternoon and evening, three of these parties visited the Republic, with the object of enjoyment, and pretty generally succeeded, as all do who sojourn for even so short a time with Squire Horton, who, with the excellent clerk, Mr. Johnson, are extremely attentive to guests.  But then we can’t advise sleigh-riding to LeClaire for the pleasure it imparts.  Thirty miles over the snow, with the thermometer somewhere between freezing point and fifty degrees below zero, may be fun, but we don’t see it; it’s probably better than riding on a rail, but we have seen exercises we like a good deal better than either of them.  But if you want to enjoy a trip to LeClaire, go when the snow is gone and the roads are good; when the leaves are green and the flowers are blooming; when the birds are singing, and the air is balmy and mild; when the early fruits are ripe, and all nature is beautiful; go then, and if there is anything of the poetic in your soul, or any love of the picturesque, you will keenly enjoy a trip through one of the lovelies sections of the country in the whole West. But whoever talks of sleigh riding to LeClaire as a pleasurable pastime, may be looked upon as a gay deceiver, or very much deceived.

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

Married

On Tuesday morning, Feb. 11, 1862, Mr. WM. D. FOLLETT, of Clinton county, and Mrs. MARIA L. DAVIDSON, of Le Claire, Scott county, were united in marriage by Rev. A. Harper, at the house of Mrs. Davidson, Le Claire.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18th, at the residence of the bride’s father by the Rev. W. Windsor, Mr. A. D. SILVERTHORN, of Muscatine county, and Miss FANNIE HODGKINS, of this city.

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

Hugh G. Brown

Brown, Hugh G. (Captain 12th Inf., Brevet Major). Born in Pennsylvania Dec. 28, 1835. Retiring year 1899. Appointed from Iowa — Civil Life. Actual rank—2d Lieut 15th Iowa Vol. Inf. Dec. 1, '61 ; 1st Lieut. July 9, '62; hon. must out Sept 13, '63; Capt, A. D. C. Aug. 28, '63; accepted Sept. 14, '63; hon. must out. July 10, '66; 2d Lieut 18th U. S. Inf. May 2, '66; accepted June 18, '66 ; trans, to 36th U. S. Inf. Sept. 21, '66; 1st Lieut. Nov. 25, '66; unassigned May 19, '69; assigned to 12th U. S. Inf. Dec. 15, '70; Capt. March 20, '79. Brevet rank — Bvt Captain March 2, '67 [sic], for gallant and meritorious services in the siege of Vicksburg, Miss.; Maj. March 2, '67 [sic], for gallant and meritorious services in the capture of Fort Harrison, Va., Major Vol. Sept. 29, '64, for gallant and meritorious services in the campaign of '64; Lieut. Col. Vol. March 31, '65, for gallant conduct in the field. Service—In the War of the Rebellion '61-5 ; with the Army of the West in the field, in the Shiloh and other campaigns; on staff of Gen. Ord, and engaged at the siege of Vicksburg, Miss.; Captain and A. D. C, U. S. Vols., July, '63; engaged in Sherman's pursuit of the rebel General Johnston, and Gen. Banks' expedition in Western Louisiana ; Temporary duty in the Middle Military Department during the rebel General Early's raid on Washington, D. C; with 18th Corps, in front of Petersburg, Va., and engaged at the battle of the Mine, capture of Fort Harrison, action of Fair Oaks, and in the operations of the Army of the James, terminating in the surrender of General Lee, April 9, '65; in Arizona; on the Lakes, and on frontier duty in Dakota, '81 to '90; Present station, Fort Yates, N. D. Staff positions held — A. D. C. to Gen. Ord, July, '62; temporary duty on the staff of Gen. Wright, com. Dept of the Ohio; A. D. C. Aug. 29, '66, to Dec. 6, '80; Dec. 9, '80, to Jan. 3, '81; Act. Sig. Officer Dept. Cal. Nov. 25, 70, to Dec. 6, 71; Act. A. A. G. and Act. J. A. and Act. Eng. Officer Dept. Ark. Jan. 15, '81, to May 10, '81; Battles, skirmishes, etc. — In the battle of Shiloh, Dec., '61 [sic]; battle of Iuka, and action of David's Bridge. Miss., '62; battle of Vicksburg, Miss., July 1 to 4, '63; battle of the Mine, capture of Fort Harrison, action of Fair Oaks, and in the operations of the Army of the James, terminating in the surrender of Gen. Lee.

SOURCE: William Henry Powell, Powell's Records Of Living Officers Of The United States Army, p. 91

Stephen M. Davis

Stephen M. Davis, a farmer and stockman, who settled at Weeping Water in 1867 and resided there until his death, February 10, 1904. He came originally from Missouri but removed to Nebraska from Mills county, He was a republican, and served during the Civil War as a member of Company B, 15th Iowa regiment. He is survived by his widow, who resides in Lincoln, Neb.

SOURCE: Julius Sterling Morton, Illustrated History Of Nebraska, Vol. 2, p. 661-2

Died

Yesterday afternoon, at 4 o’clock, after a brief illness, LIZZIE DONALDSON, aged 30 years, wife of ADD. H. SANDERS.

Notice of the time of funeral will be given to-morrow.

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

Addison H. Sanders

ADDISON H. SANDERS was born on the I3th of September, 1823, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His education was begun in a printing office of his native city and completed at Cincinnati College. In 1845 and again in 1846 he came to Davenport, where his brother, Alfred, was struggling to put his Gazette on a paying basis. During each of these visits he stayed several months, taking editorial charge of the paper and thus relieving his overworked brother, so that he might bring the business department into better condition. When the city had grown large enough to demand a daily paper, Addison H. removed to Davenport, in October, 1856, took editorial charge of the Daily Davenport Gazette and continued in that position until he entered the Union army. At the beginning of the Civil War no newspaper in Iowa had wider influence than the Daily Gazette of Davenport. Early in 1861, Add. H. Sanders was commissioned aid to Governor Kirkwood, serving with Judge Baldwin of Council Bluffs and later in the year he was placed in command of Camp McClellan, at Davenport, where the Union volunteers were mustering for the organization of regiments and for drill. The Sixteenth Regiment was organized early in the winter of 1862 and Governor Kirkwood was so impressed with the excellent work and superior qualifications of Add. H. Sanders, that he offered him the position of colonel of the new regiment. But having observed the disadvantage of placing inexperienced officers at the head of new regiments he declined the command, urging the selection of a regular army officer for the place. The Governor and General Baker realized the wisdom of such a selection and Captain Alexander Chambers of the Eighteenth United States Infantry was appointed colonel and Mr. Sanders was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. The regiment received its "baptism of fire" at the desperate and bloody battle of Shiloh and at Corinth, Lieutenant-Colonel Sanders was wounded very severely. He did gallant service during the war, often in command of the regiment. At the Battle of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, Colonel Sanders was taken prisoner, suffering everything but death in the Confederate prison and when exchanged was so low with starvation and fever that for a long time his recovery was doubtful. On the 2d of April, 1865, he was discharged from the service for disability, having been brevetted Brigadier-General for gallant conduct on many battle-fields. Upon his return home, he was appointed postmaster of Davenport. In 1870 he was appointed by President Grant Secretary of Montana Territory and became acting Governor. In 1872 he was appointed Register of the United States Land Office for Montana. He returned to his old home at Davenport where for many years he has done editorial work on several of the daily papers. As a writer, General Sanders has for a third of a century ranked among the ablest in the State.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 230-1

Alfred Sanders

ALFRED SANDERS, pioneer journalist, was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, having been born in that city on the 13th of May, 1819. Like his brother, Addison H., he received his education in the printing office and at Cincinnati College. In 1841 he came to Davenport, Iowa, where in August he established the Davenport Gazette, a weekly Whig newspaper. It was from the first a model typographical journal and gave particular attention to the local interests of the new city and Territory. The young man was but twenty-two years of age and possessed all of the enthusiasm and ability to "work and wait," that characterized the youthful adventurers who hesitated not to leave the comforts of civilization, to help found a new State. For twenty-one years Alfred Sanders worked in his chosen field with undeviating faith in a brilliant future for his journal, his city, and State. The "old Davenport Gazette" was, under his administration, among the most potential forces in helping to lay a sure foundation for the upbuilding of one of the most beautiful and substantial cities of Iowa and no paper in its day contributed more largely toward the material development of all that is most desirable by good citizens, in the growth of a State. Alfred Sanders never sought office and held steadfastly to the career of journalism which he had chosen in youth; was an active member of the Christian Church and died at the early age of forty-six, on the 25th of April, 1865.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 231-2

William Clark Dixon

WILLIAM CLARK DIXON, b. in Newark, [Ohio,] Oct. 14, 1844. He enlisted in December, 1861, and served as a private in Co. K, 15th Iowa Infantry, and was killed at the Battle of Corinth, Miss., Oct. 3, 1862.

SOURCE: John E. Morris, The Felt Genealogy A Record Of The Descendants Of George Felt Of Casco Bay, p. 212

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.

In the Senate Mr. Wilson gave notice that he would introduce a bill, authorizing the President to distribute prizes among the soldiers of the United States, who shall distinguish themselves in battle.

It is said that Russell, of the London Times, was surprised at the reply to his cards, “that Secretary Stanton was too much engaged to see him.”

The announcements of the capture of Fort Donelson, and the impending capture of Savannah, were received by both houses with the wildest enthusiasm.

The reference of Senator Harris’ provisional government bill to the territorial instead of the judiciary committee, against Garrett Davis’ opposition, indicates the temper of the Senate to adopt a radical bill for the government of rebel territory as fast as conquered.

The bills which the territorial committees of both houses have nearly matured, differ from Harris’ bill substantially, a copy of which they have already rejected, in being more thorough and meaning subjugation more decidedly.  Their bill will be reported in a few days.

There are said to be frauds connected with the fitting out of the Butler expedition at Boston, which Washburn’s committee are about to go there and investigate.

Tribune Correspondence.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17.

The committee of ways and means, in a protracted session this a. m., debated and voted upon the several amendments made by the Senate to the first two sections of the legal tender bill.

Messrs. Corning, Morrill, Horton, and Stratton, voted throughout to concur in all the changes of  principle.

Messrs. Stevens, Spaulding, Hooper and Maynard, adhered to all the distinctive features of the bill, as passed by the House; the vote thus standing 4 to 4.

These amendments of the Senate were not concurred in, which make the issue of new notes one hundred million instead of one hundred and fifty million, which included the fifty million authorized July 17th, requiring that the interest on the bonds and notes be paid in coin, make the twenty year bonds redeemable after five years, authorized the conversion of notes in sums not less than one hundred dollars into 7 3-10 bonds, make the funded six per cents redeemable after five years and payable in twenty years instead of redeemable after twenty years, as the house directed, and authorize the throwing of the bonds on the market for what they will fetch.  Numerous letters were read to the committee by Mr. Stevens advising the passage of the legal tender bill without the specie interest clause, and resolutions to that effect were received from the Chambers of Commerce in Louisville, St. Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati and Milwaukee.  Mr. Washburne, who has just arrived from Illinois, represented the demand for the bill as universal and impatient.

It is reported to-night, upon the authority of a telegram from Gen. Banks, that Mr. Faulkner has, within a day or two, made a speech at Martinsburg, in which he expressed the opinion that the rebellion was a failure, and advised his hearers to make the best terms possible for themselves with the United States.

The House military committee are considering a bill to enlarge the Michigan and Chicago canal to the capacity for ships.  It heard to-day a delegation from Illinois who named their plans for the improvement, including the deepening of the Illinois river to the Mississippi through which the canal and river pass.  They have agreed to surrender their property and jurisdiction to the Government for a while, and to receive the tolls in payment for the interest on the investment.  Mr. Blair, chairman, has been authorized to report a bill for the work.

660 sailors, volunteers from the Massachusetts and Maine regiments, have started for Cairo to-day to man the eight iron clad gun-boats which have been waiting for them more than two weeks.  Every seafaring man in the regiments from whom these were detailed was anxious to be one of them.

WASHINGTON, February 18.

Committee of ways and means recommend that the House agree to about two-thirds of the Senate’s amendments to the treasury note bill, and that they disagree to those reducing the number of U. S. notes authorized to be issued from $150,000,000 to $100,000,000; and striking out of the original provision, the $50,000,000 of the notes shall be in lieu of demand treasury notes, authorized by the act of July last.

The committee also recommends to disagree to the Senate’s amendment, that the July notes shall be receivable in payment of taxes, duties, imposts, excise depts., and demands of every kind due to the U. S., and all claims and demands of very kind except for interest upon bonds and notes, which shall be paid in coin.

The committee also disagree to amendment fixing the redemption of bonds at the pleasure of the U. S. after five years, and payable twenty years from date.

The committee recommends the retention of the proviso for the exchange of bonds of the United State, bearing interest at 7 per cent., and the disagreement to the Senate’s amendment authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to dispose of the bonds at the market value.

The committee recommends a disagreement to the Senate’s new resolution, which pledges duties from proceeds of sales of public lands, of property of rebels as special fund, for payment in coin of interest on the bonds and notes, and for the purchase or payment of one per cent. of the entire debt, to be set apart as a sinking fund, the interest of which in like manner is to be applied to the purchase or payment of the public debt, the residue thereof to be paid into the Treasury.

The committee recommends an agreement to another new section of the Senate bill with an amendment they propose – namely, authorizing the deposit of notes or coin in exchange for certificates, and instead of 5 per cent. interest on such certificate to substitute such rates of interest which the Secretary of the Treasury from time to time proscribes, not excepting six per cent.; and any amount of notes and coin so deposited may be withdrawn from deposit at any time after ten days’ notice, by the return of the certificate.

The Tuesday reception did not take place to-night at the executive mansion, owing to the continued sickness of the President’s children, one of whom is extremely ill.

The navy department has received the flag which most prominently waved over Fort Donelson.

The Navy Department has no other dispatches from Savannah than those received through the associated press agent.

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

New York, May 22 [1862]

FLOUR – Market without mat. change.  Sales at $4.25@4.35 for super state; $4.50@$4.60 extra state; $4.24@$4.35 super western; $4.50@4.75 common to medium extra western; $4.90@5.10 shipping brands extra R. H. O.

WHEAT – Market steady with good export demand. – Sales at 84@98 Chicago Spring.

CORN – Market dull.  Sales at 48@49 mixed western in store and delivered.

OATS – Market heavy.  Sales at 38@41c Canadian Western and State.

PORK – Market dull.  Sales 200 bbls. $12.31@12.50 mess; 9.87½@10 prime.

WHISKEY – Market heavy.  Sales at 24@24½.

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

Arrival of the Edinburg

NEW YORK, February 18.

The Edinburg from Liverpool, midnight, 3d, and Queenstown night of the 4th of February, arrived at noon to-day.  Her advices are via Liverpool, little more than one day later; but by way of Queenstown they are two days later.

The rebel steamer Nashville left Southampton on the 3d inst.  She passed the federal gun-boat Tuscarora off Cowes, where the latter was anchored.

The Tuscarora steamed up to start in chase of the Nashville, but the frigate Shannon was alongside to prevent its departure for twenty four hours.  The last seen of the Nashville she was steaming down the channel with all her speed.

The brigantine Fanny Lewis, from Charleston, Jan. 1st, has arrived at Liverpool, with cotton and rosin.

The London Morning Post renews the report that the Arch Duke Maximilian will accept the throne of Mexico.

VIENNA, Feb. 4. – Austria will accept the thrown of Mexico for the Arch Duke Maximilian, but will not cede Venitia in exchange.

There is a monetary crisis at Venitia, and the Government has decreed a forced circulation of the new money.

Disturbances have taken place at Verona and Mantua.

LIVERPOOL, Feb. 4. – Breadstuffs stead.  Provisions dull.

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

Des Moines Correspondence

DES MOINES, February 15, 1862.

To-day the House has passed the Federal Tax Bill which came from the Senate a day or two since.  It provides for a levy of two mills on the dollar in order to liquidate that part of the federal tax which is not cancelled by our claim upon the General Government.  This levy will perhaps bring a greater revenue than is needed for this purpose, but there are many warrants in the hands of private citizens which the State is bound to redeem.  The levy is none to large to meet the necessities of the State at the present time.  The bill was opposed with much earnestness by the Democrats and some of the Republicans.  A strong effort was made to amend it and place the levy at one mill and a half; but it did not carry.  Among the opponents were Dunlavy, Kellogg and Fairall, and most of their Democratic friends; while Curtiss and a few other Republicans sided with them.  Mr. Bodoin, chairman of the committee of Ways and Means, labored with his accustomed zeal in behalf of the measure.  The joint committee of the two Houses had agreed upon the bill and did not wish it to fail.  He desired a levy sufficiently high to enable the State to pay her indebtedness to private individuals who had come forward in our hour of need and loaned the State money to buy clothes and arms for our troops.  He felt that the credit of the State was at stake, and that to refuse to raise a tax large enough to enable us to pay these claims was to act in bad faith.  He deserves much credit for the earnestness and ability with which he engineered this bill through the House.  He saved a half-days useless discussion on it by the determination with which he opposed every attempt to adjourn before settling the matter.

Mr. Lane and Dr. Fuller, among others, supported the bill with much earnestness. – They argued that the people were ready and willing to pay any tax that might be required to help put down this rebellion, or that the credit of the State might demand.

Yesterday, the bank note bill, as amended by the Senate, came back to the House, and its opponents embraced the opportunity to give a second exhibition of their hostility. – Jed. Lake made a long speech in opposition to it, but the bill passed, and is now a law.  The notes of our banks can be received until the first of January, 1864.  The necessity for the measure may have passed by that time.

Last evening, the resolutions instructing our Congressmen relative to the conduct of the war were discussed.  Messrs. Gibson, Young, and Hudnult, occupied the time.  The hall was full.

Mr. Gibson is a no-party man, and did not speak long.  His speech was mostly in favor of harmonizing the loyal parties.  He deprecated all strife, and desired to have such resolutions passed as should meet to the cordial approbation of all parties.

Mr. Young, whom I have noticed as a radical man and a man of ability, met fully the expectations of his friends.  His speech was one that did credit to its author.  It was ultra, and perhaps impracticable.  Such at least would be the judgment of the great majority of our statesmen.  But it was a bold, manly and faithful expose of slavery as our great national sin, the cause of all our troubles, past and present, and the black stain that curses us in the sight of God and humanity.  He argued that, to settle our present difficulties and leave slavery untouched, was to leave the cancer still eating at the heart of our government, and corrupting its life blood.  He considered this the golden opportunity to eradicate the evil, and that, if this opportunity were allowed to pass unimproved, the sin of slavery would rest upon us in the future.

Mr. Hudnutt pretends to be a Republican, but I looked in vain for a trace of Republicanism in his remarks.  He attacked the party in the House and censured their action while he commended the course of the Democrats.  He tried to prove what every man knows to be false that freedom of speech was tolerated in the South up to the outbreak of this rebellion.  No apologist of slavery could have spoken more falsely on this subject; and for the condition of the slave, he gave a sophomoric declamation which was not at all flattering to its author.  The Republicans looked ashamed, while the Democrats were jubilant.  It is said to see a man place himself in such a position is to call for the shame of his friends, but some are weak enough to do it.

A bill has been introduced in the Senate for the location of a State Arsenal at this place.  Such a measure must meet the approval of our Legislature.  Our State arms – so we all hope – will not be needed much longer in service and there should be some suitable place to keep them.  The bill provides that the building erected for that purpose shall not cost more than $5,000.  This sum ought to be sufficient to pay for the erection of a building to meet our present wants.

Gen. Baker has returned, and is again attending to his duties.  A large number of copies of his arrangement with the Ill. Railroads for the transportation of sick and wounded Iowa troops returning home on furloughs are to be printed, and a sufficient number sent to our absent soldiers to apprise them of the arrangement.

J. R. C.

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

Edward S. Frey

At present a resident of Farmington, Cal.; was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 22, 1843; is a farmer; enlisted in Company C of the 15th Iowa Regiment in January, 1863 [sic], and served as a private; was attached to the 17th Army Corps, 4th Division and 3d Brigade; took part in the battles of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Iuka, battle of Corinth, Holly Springs, Grand Gulf, Raymond, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, and Atlanta; was with Sherman in his march to the sea and to Washington; was mustered out in July, 1865. Comrade Frey is a member of Rawlins Post, No. 23, of Stockton, Cal.

SOURCE: William H. Ward, Records Of Members Of The Grand Army Of The Republic, With A Complete Account Of The Twentieth National Encampment, p. 193

Daniel Mack Davis

Was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, August 26, 1848. His occupations in life have been various; has been a printer, engaged in agricultural pursuits, then merchandizing; an orchardist when he first came to California after the war, and is at present in the hardware business in San Jose. He enlisted in Company E, 15th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in January, 1865, the regiment belonging to the 17th Army Corps. On account of his youth, being but sixteen years of age, and his delicate constitution, he was appointed regimental postmaster, and assigned to duty at regimental headquarters. He was honorably discharged from the service in August, 1865; is a member of John A. Dix Post, G. A. R., at San Jose, Cal., where he resides.

SOURCE: William H. Ward, Records Of Members Of The Grand Army Of The Republic, With A Complete Account Of The Twentieth National Encampment, p. 160

Chicago Market

CHICAGO, Thursday, May 22 – 4 P. M.

The Flour market was firmer to-day, but not quotably higher, with moderate sales at $3.65@ 3.70 for fair to good spring extras.  Wheat was firm, and 1@2c better, with a good demand and liberal sales at the range of 81@82c for Amber Iowa; 83c for No. 2 Red; 70@80c for No. 1 spring; and 68@70½c for No. 2 spring in store.  Corn was steady and firm, with fair sales at the range of 27@27½c for old mixed in store, chiefly at outside quotations; 22@23½c for new, and old and new rejected, mixed, 24c for new mixed in store; and 29c for old river mixed afloat – Oats were dull and easier, with limited sales at 25@25½c for No. 1 in store.  Rye was quiet and unchanged, with sales at 44@45c for No. 1 in store.  Barley was dull, with light sales @ 35@45c, as to quality.  Highwines were in good demand, and firm, with sales at 20c.  Mess Pork dull and unchanged.  Bulk Meats quiet.  Lard easier and less active, with sales at 7½c for prime country kettle leaf.  Lake freights easier and more active, with charters at 6c for corn and 6½ for wheat to Buffalo, and 10@10½c for corn and wheat to Oswego.

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

Additional from Fort Donelson

CAIRO, Feb. 17.

A dispatch from Gen. Grant says that the fort surrendered unconditionally on Sunday night.

Our cavalry are in hot pursuit of the great thief, Floyd, and hope to capture him and the rest of the flying rebels.

This great victory gives us Tennessee within a week, the old star-spangled banner will float over Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.  The backbone of the rebellion is broken, the Union is saved, and the Illinois troops are entitled to the chief-share of the glory.

Col. C. C. Marsh, of the 20th Ills., formerly of the Chicago Light Guard, was made a Brigadier on the field for his exhibition of desperate valor.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 18.

The Republican’s Fort Donelson correspondent gives the following account of the fighting on Saturday:

Yesterday morning, just at daylight, a heavy sortie was made by the garrison from the left portion of their works.

This attack was made upon the extreme right wing of the Union army where it was weakest.  During the night the enemy could be heard busily at work, but what at, it was impossible to tell as thicket woods encompassed the union troops on every side, rendering the view in any direction almost impossible.  At daylight a large body of the enemy suddenly appeared on the extreme right wing of Col. Oglelsby’s command and opened a terrible fire with cannon from their redoubts, firing at the same time upon our forces from guns placed in position on the night previous.

The camp of the 29th and 31st Ill. Was most exposed, and the whole brigade was at once formed into line as follows: The 18th Ill. Held the extreme right; the 8th Ill. Next; the 30th Ill. next; then the 29th Ill. Supporting on the right of Capt. Schwartz’s battery; the 31st Ill. defending the artillery on the left.  From the firing of the first gun until 9 o’clock, the battle raged unremittingly and with fearful loss on both side[s].  Again and again our troops drove the enemy back, but they were afterwards reinforced, while our troops had, owing to the extended lines of the army and also their position on the extreme right, to fight unassisted.  More gallant fighting never took place than that of the union troops exposed to the terrible firing of treble their number.  They stood their ground until in some regiments every officer was killed or wounded.

At last, and reluctantly, regiment by regiment, they slowly fell back, leaving Schwartz’s battery and 3 of McAllister’s guns in the rebels’ hands.  Retiring a few hundred yards, they again made a stand, and Gen. Smith arrived with reinforcements, and at once drove the enemy again into their works.  In the first of the battle was also Gen. Wallace’s brigade, the 12th, 17th and 18th; also Col. McArthur’s brigade, all of which troops suffered severely.  Opposed to them were 12,000 rebels supported by guns carefully in position.

Gen. Grant, having command of a division, drove the enemy back with reinforcements, and gained the lost ground.  He at once ordered an advance by Gen. Smith on the left, charging under a hot fire up the steep hill on which was the out redoubt. – Our troops gained the high breastworks, and with hardly a pause, went over them, planting the Stars and Stripes over the walls. – Under a most galling fire they formed and charged, and drove the rebels back, until they fell into a new position behind some batteries.  When evening came the Union troops had been victorious at every point, having gained back the ground lost in the morning; and got within part of the enemy’s works.  Our troops held their position during the night, repelling the repeated assaults.

The scene within the captured fort, after the surrender, showed how terribly the rebel garrison had suffered.  Everywhere were lying fragments of shells, and round shot half buried in the earth.  Tents were torn to pieces, gun carriages broken, and blood scattered around.

In the left redoubt, where the assault had taken place, the dead bodies lay thickly.  Abundant evidence of the stern resistance and gallant attack was visible.

On the extreme right, half a mile distant, where the desperate sorties were made by the garrison, similar scenes were visible.

The gallantry of the Union troops has been well and severely tested, and they have proved more than equal to the task before them.

As the fleet approached the fort this morning a salute was fired, and loud cheers went up when the American flags were visible.  No officer in the army had an idea of Fort Donelson’s defences [sic] until they had been gained and examined.

Several regiments when out of ammunition rushed forward, and although exposed to the full fire of the rebel artillery, gallantly drove their foes back with the bayonet and captured their guns.  The following are the names of some of the rebel officers captured: Col. Garset, Col. Voorhees, Col. Forrest, Col. Brown and Col. Abernathy.

CAIRO, Feb. 17.

The steamer Memphis arrived from Fort Donelson this evening, bringing a Miss. Regiment prisoners, and 50 or 60 wounded soldiers, who were left at Mound City.  Eight or more other boats are on their way with rebel prisoners.

The rebels who escaped are supposed to have gone to Nashville, where or at Clarksville it is supposed the rebels will attempt to make another stand.  This evening a great light was seen for several hours in the direction of Clarksville.  It is supposed the rebels either burned the town or their steamboats in the river to prevent them from falling into the hands of the Federals.  Rebel officers admit that if we take Nashville, the rebellion in Tennessee is gone up.

The prisoners will probably be brought to camp Douglas, Chicago.

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

New York Cattle Market

Tuesday May 20.

We find that the number of bullocks entered for sale at Allerton’s this week is over 1,000 head less than last week, and consequently the price is considerably advanced, and nearly or quite all of the 3,250 head on sale will be disposed of before the close of the day – a larger number than usual having been disposed of on Monday upon terms more favorable to buyers than to-day.  The brokers finding the arrivals very light this morning, held pretty hard for an advance equal to about half a cent a pound upon the quotations of our last weekly report, and buyers say that they got it every time they asked.  Some of the drovers and cattle brokers insist that the advance is not over a quarter of a cent, but facts are against them.  The price is not higher, but it is higher for an inferior class of bullocks, and the estimate of weight is against the buyers.  The quality and price of cattle run remarkably even this week, and a very large portion of all on sale will be sold at a price to just average 8 cents a pound for the net weight of meat, and many more will be sold above 8 cents than below.  Almost the entire stock on sale comes from Illinois.  Part of them are distillery-fed, all are well fed, and many are extra fat, but very few sell at or over 8½ c a pound, net.  The meanest lot in market came in this morning from Ohio, and the owner was offered a price fully equal to 7c, net, by a speculator.  Beside the number being so much less this week the Government buyers took about 300 head of the best, leaving the butchers with such a short supply that high prices are anticipated next week, and some of the speculators hurried through their sales in order to make an early start to meet drovers on the way here.  With the same number of bullocks at the next market, prices will, of course, run high.

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

Price Captured

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 18

The Penn. R. R. telegraph line reports from Chicago that at 1 o’clock this morning a report was received there that Price and his army had been captured.  No particulars.

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

Baltimore, Feb. 18 [1862]

It is rumored by passengers on board the Old Point boat, that news had reached Norfolk of the surrender of Savannah without firing a gun.  Our dispatches from Fort Monroe make no mention of it.  The store is therefore given as a mere rumor.

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

Philadelphia, Feb. 17 [1862]

Advices just received from Fort Monroe announce the glorious news that Savannah has been surrendered to that old sea-dog, Commodore Dupont, and the stars and stripes are now waving on the soil of Georgia.

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

Review: The Confederate Alamo

The Confederate Alamo:

Bloodbath at Petersburg’s Fort Gregg on April 2, 1865

By John Fox

One of the unfortunate realities of the closing days of the Civil War is the fact that so many events happened in such a short period of time that many of the smaller events are overshadowed by the much larger events of Robert E. Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia to Ulysses S. Grant, and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.  One such event was the fighting that took place at Fort Gregg after the Federal Army pierced the Confederate line of defenses to the southwest of Petersburg, Virginia on April 2, 1865, ending a ten month siege and leading to the immediate evacuations of Petersburg and Richmond Virginia.

Author John J. Fox III has written the first ever book length account of the chaotic and bloody battle at Fort Gregg, which would later become known as “The Confederate Alamo,” where, like its namesake, 334 Confederate troops unsuccessfully defended the fort against an assault by 4,500 Federal soldiers. 

Mr. Fox’s narrative of the struggle over Fort Gregg is well written, and is easily read.  Thoroughly researched, Mr. Fox’s tome is an impressive scholarly achievement.  It is a well balanced presentation of the struggle, both inside and outside the fort, giving both the Confederate and Union points of view.  In its nearly minute by minute, chronological accounting of the events of battle that raged for nearly two hours, never does the weight of Mr. Fox’s narrative tilt the scale to either side.

The most impressive part of Mr. Fox’s book, however, is not the narrative of the battle but rather the book’s appendices, and the obviously staggering amount of research that had to have been done to create them.  The centerpiece of which is the roster of the 334 defenders of the fort.  Other appendices cover the Order of Battle, Fort Gregg casualties, Fort Whitworth’s Controversial Artillery Withdrawal, Which Southern Artillery Batteries Helped Defend Fort Gregg, Fort Gregg Medal of Honor Recipients, and the First Union Flag on Fort Gregg Controversy.

To those interested in the Civil War, especially in its waning days, Mr. Fox’s “The Confederate Alamo: Bloodbath at Petersburg’s Fort Gregg on April 2, 1865” is a must have.

ISBN 978-0971195004, Angle Valley Press, © 2010, Hardcover, 329 pages, Photographs, Maps, Appendices, Endnotes, Bibliography & Index. $34.95

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18.

SENATE. – Mr. Wilson, of Mass., from the military committee, reported back to the joint resolution from the House, relative to certain railroads in Missouri.  The resolution authorizes the Secretary of War to pay certain railroads in Missouri for transportation.  Pending the consideration of the question, a message was received from the House, asking a return of the resolution, which was done.

Mr. Harris, moved to print the bill offered by him.  He said the bill was founded on the English principle of outlawing, provides for the forfeiture of the rights and privileges under the laws of those who take up arms against the United States.  Ordered to be printed.

The case of Mr. Stark, or Oregon, was taken up.

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

St. Louis Market

Tuesday Evening, May 20.

An improvement was noticed in the higher grades of wheat to-day – one lot of choice white being sold as high as 95c.  Whiskey, corn and hemp have but little demand.  Tobacco is higher, and in good demand.  One [illegible] fine leaf, grown by Mr. Groff, from Franklin county, Mo., sold at the state Tobacco Warehouse for the handsome sum of $32.85.

WHEAT – Market steady and advancing on choice grades.  We quote sales of 315 sks white fall at 88c; 397 red fall at 83C84c; 216 spring at 80c; about 625 sks spring and fall choice at 90@91c; 61 sks at 92c; 118 sks choice white at 95c, and about 3,500 sks on private terms.

CORN – Market dull with sales of 441 sks at 35c, 212 at 35½c, delivered as 1,200 sks at 34½@35.

POTATOES – sales of 300 sks neshannocks at 32c, 20 prime at 35c, and 180 sks damaged at 22½c.

OATS – but few transactions and those mostly on private terms.  We quote sales of 790 sks in lots at 40c; 40 sks at 38c, 117 sks at 39c; 239 sks at 40½c, and about 2,400 sks on private terms.

FLOUR – Market unchanged.  We give sales of 140 bbls country double extra at $4.25; 100 do at $4.80; 80 extra at $3.90, 175 sks at $3.50, 50 bbls extra on private terms; 340 sks at $1.57½, and 130 do at 1.62½.

HAY – Sales of 812 bales at $1; 200 bales at $1.08 and 200 bales private.

WHISKEY – Dull, with sales of 27 and 50 bbls in lots at 19c.

GUNNIES – 10 bales heavy new at 16c.

HIDES – Dry flint at 13c.

BARLEY – Sales of 63 sks fall at 80c; 50 spring at 55c; 110 do at 50c, and 690 sks spring at 54c.

RYE – Sales of 223 and 1204 sks at 50c, sks in; 192 and 46 at 44c, sacks out.

DRIED FRUIT – Sales of 300 bushels apples at $1.20; 20 sks poor peaches at $1.25.

SEED – Small lots of clover sold at $3.

EGGS – 5 bbls sold at 5½c, ad 20 bxs private.

PORK – Sales of 16 cks shoulders at 3½ ad 4c 10 cks rib sides, to arrive, at 5½c.

LARD – 150tcs at 7c; 13 manufacturing at 6½.

BROOMS – 76 doz at $1.

COOPERAGE – 135 whisky bbls at $1.15, and 427 flour bbls at 37c.

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