W. Z. Lloyd

W. Z. LLOYD, farmer, P. O. Elliott, Montgomery Co., Iowa, was born in Ohio June 26, 1840. His father, David Lloyd, was born in England, and was a farmer; he died in Iowa in 1863 Subject's mother, Anna (Williams) Lloyd, was born in England, and died in Kansas in 1872. His parents had ten children, all of whom are living. Mr. Lloyd has a common-school education. He began life for himself as a renter in 1865. He has served his township in the capacity of Postmaster, Justice of the Peace, Treasurer, Collector, etc. He enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, Third Brigade, Fourth Division and Seventeenth Army Corps. He served three years, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865. On September 2, 1868, he was married to Miss Hannah Hughes, born in Burlington, Iowa, November 6, 1847; her father, John Hughes, was born in England, and died in Iowa in 1848; her mother, Winifred (Owens) Hughes, was born in England, and is living in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd have five children — Gracie, born January 20, 1871; Winifred, February 11, 1873; Ernest, March 7, 1875; Mary Ida, March 17, 1877; and David Garfield, September 27, 1880. Mr. Lloyd located in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, in 1871, buying eighty acres at $12 per acre, and he now has 320 acres, worth about $40 per acre. His residence is beautifully ornamented on the west by a grove of about two and a half acres. He has on his farm seventy head of fine cattle and about one hundred and fifty head of hogs. He is a Republican.

SOURCE: John H. Keatley, History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p. 259

The Gunboat Engagement

NEW YORK, May 20. – The following was written on board the Galena:

Yesterday morning we were up to Watch’s Bluff, where we found the river full of sunken steamers, the Jamestown and Yorktown and a number of others.  The bank was lined with rifle pits and on the top of the bluffs the rebels had a very heavy battery mounting ten guns – some of them ten inches and three or four very heavy rifled guns.  We ran within half a mile of the battery, anchored broadside to them. – They opened fire, the first shot striking our port bows and going through the armor five minutes after we got another shot very near where the first one struck as it came through it killed one man and wounded four more.  We fought them four hours, until we got out of ammunition when we had to retire.  We got twenty eight shots in our side  and seventeen on deck.  We had 12 men killed, 2 dangerously wounded who have since died, and 15 slightly wounded.  We made a gallant fight, but had we taken the battery we could not have held it, and the obstructions in the river prevented our going up any higher. – We think we have demonstrated that the Galena cannot stand heavy shot at short range.  We fired 238 rounds, all that we had had we had plenty of shells we could have silence the rebels in two hours.

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

Occupation of Suffolk

SUFFOLK, Va., May 18. – This place, twenty seven miles from Norfolk by rail and twenty five by road, was occupied by Union troops this morning.

No rebel troops were found.  Many of the inhabitants had left.  Those remaining were bitter against us.

Reconnoisances were made yesterday to Dempsville, Gov. Wise’s place.  The town was found almost deserted.

A flag of truce was sent out yesterday in the direction of Suffolk to return the prisoners of State released from Fort Warren.

The sea board and Roanoke Railroad has been found to be in good condition to Suffolk, only a single bridge having been destroyed.  The road will be repaired immediately, and running stock put in condition as soon as possible.

A large quantity of copper bolting was found stored in the railroad storehouse yesterday, of which possession was taken.

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

Later from New Mexico

KANSAS CITY, May 19. – The Santa Fe mail dates of the 3d have arrived.

The Texans while retreating met a body of 500 of their own men under Col. Steele at Adobe Walbut and the whole force continued their retreat.

The First regiment Colorado Volunteers with the regulars, are at Fort Craig, under command of Col. Paul.

Gen. Canby and Governor Connelly are at Santa Fe.

Owing to the scarcity of provisions, large quantities of which were destroyed, to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy, our troops have been placed on less than half rations, being limited to eight ounces per day.

One hundred and twenty Texan prisoners were passed on the road to Ft. Learned.

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

From the Gulf

NEW YORK, May 19. – The steamer Blackstone has arrived with the First Fire Zouaves, formerly Ellsworth’s, to be mustered out of service.

The French steamer Montezuma, from Vera Vera [sic] Cruz the 8th, has arrived and reports the French army marching on Mexico, meeting but little opposition.

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

Fire

WASHINGTON, May 20. – The gunboat Jacob Bell lying at the navy yard wharf was discovered to be on fire at an early hour this morning but the flames were soon suppressed, she was loaded with ordnance stores, some of the boxes containing shells were considerably charred, hence she barely escaped being blown up.  The origin of the fire was not known.

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

Joel Tuttle

Adjutant Joel Tuttle, of the 2d Iowa Infantry regiment, and brother to Gen. Tuttle, of this place died at St. Louis in the 18th inst. of typhoid fever.

The deceased was a young man of much promise.  With fine natural abilities was combined a thorough education, and he was well qualified to fill almost any position in life.

He graduated at Oxford College, Ohio, in 1857 – studied law with Chief Justice Wright, in this place, and was admitted to the bar in 1859, shortly after which, he sought a location farther west, and settled in Council Bluffs, where he resided at the time he volunteered in the service of his country.

He was with the immortal 2d at the storming of Fort Donelson – was also in the battle at Pittsburg Landing, and was noted for coolness and courage in every trying emergency.  He was taken sick shortly after the last fight, and was brought to St. Louis, when he expired on the 13th as above stated. – {Keosauqua Republican.

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

Legal Tender

OTTOWA, IL, May 19. – The court reversed the judgment in the Wright case, deciding that the law requiring the revenue to be collected to be paid in gold and silver alone.  It is as obligatory now as it was previous to the passage of the act by Congress, making treasury notes legal tender in payment of debts.  This is a subject exclusively within the control of our legislature, and with which Congress has nothing to do.  The legislature might require all revenue to be paid in gold alone, or in silver, or corn, or cattle, although gold and silver have always been legal tender in the payment of debts.  An opinion at length will be hereafter written.

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

Arrival of Sick

BALTIMORE, May 19. – The steamer Vanderbilt reached here this A. M. with about 500 sick soldiers from Yorktown.  They are mostly typhoid and bilious fever, with but few wounded.  All were distributed among the various hospitals here.

BALTIMORE, May 20. – The steamer State of Maine, with 461 sick soldiers, mostly convalescent, and able to travel homeward, arrived this morning.  The men are mostly from New York and Massachusetts regiments.

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

Evacuation of Pensacola --- The Navy Yard Burned

BEFORE CORINTH, MISS., May 18. – The Mobile Advertiser and Register contains the following special:

PENSACOLA, May 10. – At 12 o’clock last night Pensacola Navy Yard and the forts were set on fire and destroyed.  When the enemy discovered what was going on, Fort Pickens opened a furious bombardment and kept it up during the conflagration and without doing damage to anybody at Pensacola.  All the public property except the custom house, which is incapable of being burned, was moved, but all the moveable Confederate property has been saved.  The railroad track leading out of the city was torn up this morning.  A Federal vessel with a flag of truce came up to the city, demanding a surrender – Mayor Ballbe refused to comply with the demand, but as all the military forces had left he had no power to oppose.  The Federal officer replied that they would occupy the city to-morrow, but that the inhabitants need not be alarmed.

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

Mortimer A. Higley

BY W. R. BOYD

I HAVE been asked to write a brief sketch of the life of Major Mortimer A. Higley for the January number of the Historical Record. It is altogether fitting and proper that some little word concerning the life and work of a man like Mr. Higley should be written in the pages of a magazine professedly devoted to those who have helped to make our State what it is.

In our world, the great names, from a universal standpoint, are few. Posterity cannot be burdened with those who do not do a world work. But as we narrow the sphere of influence, we find that each community has its cherished names. Relatively they are far more numerous than the great names of the world. They are cherished in memory because the work they did was of lasting benefit to that particular community. No city or town ever became really fit to live in that did not possess a few men unselfish enough to give a portion of their time to the advancement of the general welfare. As a rule, the men who do this are what are known as "men of affairs." They are diligent in business, and successful in enterprise. The man who cannot successfully do his own particular work, seldom does better when he seeks to direct and influence public policies.

Mortimer A. Higley's memory will be cherished by the citizens of Cedar Rapids now and always, because he was one of the comparatively few who gave a measure of their ability as business men for the promotion of the general good in the community. But for such effort as he and a few others put forth, Cedar Rapids would not be what it is today. We speak thus from a local standpoint, because Major Higley's work was largely local. Later in life, he was called to wider fields, and though he took up this latter work in feeble health, he was able to render such valuable service as to make it certain that had his life been spared, his effort in this field would have commanded the same appreciation it has won and will long hold in this community.

Mortimer A. Higley was born at Hartford, Connecticut, April 18th, 1838. He came with his parents to Linn county, Iowa, in 1842. He was educated in the common schools, and when yet a very young man, entered the employ of his elder brothers who were in the mercantile business in Cedar Rapids. He afterwards went to Waverly and remained two years, being employed as a clerk in a general store. From Waverly he went to Woodson county, Kansas, and remained there until 1858. In that year, he returned to Cedar Rapids, and entered the employ of W. B. Mack, a wholesale grocer, and continued with Mr. Mack, until the breaking out of the Civil War.

Mr. Higley's military service may be summed up as follows: In September, 1861, he received a commission to raise a company of infantry for the war. He recruited about forty men, and took them to Lyons, Iowa, and consolidated them with a company being recruited there. In this he enlisted September 17, 1861. It was assigned by the governor as Company A, Fifteenth, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Higley was promoted to the first lieutenancy of his company on the 28th of the following October, and in February, 1862, was promoted to the position of quartermaster of his regiment, and in August, 1862, was assigned to the staff of General E. O. C. Ord, commanding the district of Corinth, as acting commissary of subsistence. He was assigned to the staff of General McKean, as quartermaster of the Sixth Division of the Army of the Tennessee, November i, 1862. He was promoted commissary of subsistence, with the rank of captain, and assigned to the staff of General J. B. McPherson as chief commissary of subsistence of the Seventeenth Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, November 26, 1863. In January, 1863, an officer of the subsistence department of higher rank was assigned to the Seventeenth Corps, and Captain Higley was assigned to the staff of General J. M. Tuttle, as depot commissary of subsistence, at Cairo, Ill., until the following April, when he was ordered to report to General C. C. Washburne, at Memphis, Tenn. He was to have made the raid through the confederacy with General Washburne, which afterward was made by General Benjamin H. Grierson; serious illness prevented General Washburne from making this raid, and Captain Higley was assigned as depot commissary of subsistence at Memphis, supplying all the troops with commissary stores, from Memphis to Corinth, Miss. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, and the siege and battle of Corinth.

After leaving the army, Major Higley returned to Cedar Rapids and engaged in the hardware business, being associated with P. W. Ziegler. Two years later Mr. Ziegler sold his interest in the business to Mr. W. W. Higley, a brother of Mortimer. The firm of Higley Brothers flourished for many years. The business done by this firm was large, and it was conducted in a manner which won the respect of everyone who came within the sphere of its influence. In 1885 he was elected President of the Merchants' National Bank, and continued in this position almost up to the time of his death.

In 1863 Mr. Higley was married to Miss Lucy L. Sheets, of Pennsylvania. Four children were born to them, three of whom, Mrs. Matschke of Minneapolis, Mrs. McIntosh of Seattle, Wash., and Mrs. Draper of Boston, survive him. His only son Mortimer A. died before reaching manhood. Mrs. Higley died in the early '90's. In 1898 Mr. Higley married Mrs. Mary Bock who survives him.

From the very beginning of his public career Major Higley took an interest in public affairs. He did well many of the things that need most to be done well in any American community. For a score of years he faithfully discharged the duties of a member of the Board of Education, giving without recompense, a considerable portion of his time during all this period of preferment to the conscientious discharge of the duties of this most important office. It was this conscientious work on the Cedar Rapids Board of Education that caused him to be thought of in connection with University management. He was chosen by the Twenty-sixth General Assembly as a member of the Board of Regents of the State University, his name having been presented for this office by the alumni of the University, of his own city. He was almost immediately made a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Regents, and as chairman of the Building Committee, had supervision of the construction of the new Liberal Arts Building, up to the time of his death. The interest he took in this work, in spite of his feeble health, was almost pathetic. Had he lived, he would have been of great service to the University.

Major Higley's career in the army brought him the friendship of many distinguished men, and the associations of this period, and those which later grew out of them, were especially dear to him. He was a prominent figure in the Loyal Legion, and other patriotic organizations. One of the last labors of love that he performed in this connection, was as chairman of the committee to provide a suitable monument for General Belknap, in the national cemetery at Arlington. Socially. Major Higley was a most admirable companion and friend. Though diligent in business, he had taken time to cultivate the social side of his nature. Loyalty in everything, was one of his chief characteristics. For many years prior to his breaking down in health, he gave a great deal of his time to the work of the Associated Charities, a relief society in which he was especially interested.

Mortimer A. Higley was a splendid representative of the sturdy pioneer business men who have placed the credit of this State above reproach. He belonged to the pioneer period. It was not rich in educational advantages, but the experiences of those days made for strength and integrity. Major Higley never shirked a responsibility of any kind. He believed that it was every man's duty, under a government such as ours, to attend faithfully to every civic duty. He was an exemplar of our best citizenship.

SOURCE:  Iowa Historical Record, Vol. 17, No. 1, January, 1901, p. 209-13

McClellan’s Army Still Advancing

WHITE HOUSE, Va., May 17 – To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War – The combined army and naval expedition went some 25 miles up Pamunky [sic] River to-day, and forced the rebels to destroy two steamers and some twenty schooners.  The expedition was admirably managed.  We have advanced considerably to-day.  The roads are improving.

(Signed)  GEO B McCLELLAN

WHITE HOUSE, Va., May 18 – From the correspondence of the Associated Press, we learn that the advance guard of our forces on the main road to Richmond, via Bottom Bridge, drove the enemy across Chickahominy River yesterday.  Our troops on arriving at the bridge which is fifteen miles from Richmond, found it on fire and were opened upon by a rebel battery.  No one injured.  We expect considerable difficulty in crossing here, as the country is low and swampy.  Our advance from this point must be necessarily slow, there being no river transportation, and every available obstruction placed in our way by the rebels.

The Richmond Dispatch of the 12th, in an article on the evacuation of Norfolk and Yorktown, and the conduct of the War, says, “by abandoning detached points which it is impossible to defend, we concentrate powerful forces and are enabled to baffle the enemy in every attack of vital importance.”  This paper mentions a terrible panic in Richmond on Friday on the approach of our gunboats.

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

What the Memphis Papers Say of the Prospect – Savannah Not to be Surrendered

BEFORE CORINTH, May 16. – The Memphis Avalanche of the 18th contains the following:

FORT PILLOW, May 12. – We fought the enemy with four of our lightest boats on hour and a half.  We sunk one gunboat and two mortar boats.  Our loss was two killed and eight wounded and that of the enemy very heavy, as our sharpshooters latterly mowed them down.

We fought side by side with the enemy, and not one passed through our breastworks.  Our upper works are riddled, but we are ready to butt again.  We will be able to hold the river.

Speaking of the fall of Norfolk, the editor say[s], Worse than all, the Virginia, on which we so confidently relied, was burned at Craney Island on Saturday night.  Such is the tenor in the brief of the painful intelligence which flashed over the wires.

There were three cases of yellow fever at New Orleans at last accounts, two in the charity hospital and one in the French part of the city.

The Avalanche also says it has been formally decided that Savannah shall never be surrendered.

The Provost Marshal at Memphis has received instructions from the military authorities to require the banks at Memphis to take Confederate notes as currency and to arrest as disloyal all persons who refuse to receive them in ordinary business transactions.

The gunboats in the late attack on Commodore Foote were commanded by Montgomery assisted by Jeff Thompson.

At Memphis flour was quoted at $20@21, wheat @@2.25, bacon 30@32c for sides and hams, suger 6@7½c, molasses 25c, cotton and tobacco no sales, receipts or shipments, corn $1.40, oats $1.25.

The Avalanche says, “Not withstanding the Federal progress we feel an abiding confidence that Magruder will get to Richmond some time before McClellan.”

The Avalanche thinks that real estate is the best security, and urges money holders to make investments in realestate.  Arrangements have been effected by Generals Halleck and Beauregard to exchange the surgeons now prisoners.

One hundred and fourteen prisoners were sent in by Beauregard to-day under a flag of truce borne by Col. Pegram, of Western Virginia notoriety.

These prisoners have been confined at Columbus, Mississippi, some of them taken in Missouri last summer.

Before leaving Corinth one of their number was recognized by one of Price’s men as a member of the 25th Missouri, paroled at Lexington.  Beauregard ordered him to be heavily ironed.

Mortan and Adjutant General Noble arrived to-day.

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

President’s Proclamation

WASHINGTON, May 19. – By the President of the United States of America. – A Proclamation.

Whereas there appears in the public prints, what purports to be a proclamation of Major General Hunter, and whereas, the same is producing some excitement and misunderstanding,

Therefore, I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States, proclaim and declare that the government of the United States, had no knowledge, information, or belief, of an intention on the part of General Hunter, to issue such a proclamation, nor has it yet any authentic information that the document is genuine, and further, that neither General Hunter, nor any other commander or person, has been authorized by the Government of the United States, to make proclamation declaring the slaves of any State free, and that the supposed proclamation, now in question, whether genuine or false, is altogether void, so far as respects such declaration.

I further make known, that whether it be competent for me, as Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, to declare the Slaves of any state or States free, and whether at any time, in any case, it shall have become a necessity indispensable to the maintainance of the government, to exercise such supposed power, are questions which, under my responsibility, I reserve to myself, and which I cannot feel justified in leaving to the decision of commanders in the field. These are totally different questions from those of policy regulations in armies and camps.

On the sixth day of February last, by a special message, I recommended to Congress the adoption of a joint resolution, to be substantially as follows:

Resolved, That the United States ought to co-operate with any State which may adopt a gradual abolishment of slavery, giving to such State in its discretion to compensate for the inconvenience, public and private, produced by such change of system.

The resolution, in the language above quoted, was adopted by large majorities in both branches of Congress, and now stands an authentic, definitive and solemn proposal of the nation to the States and people most immediately interested in the subject matter.

To the people of those states I now earnestly appeal. I do not argue ideas. I beseech you to make the arguments for yourselves. You cannot if you would, be blind to the signs of the times. I beg of you a calm and enlarged consideration of them, ranging if it may be, far above personal and party politics – common cause for a common object – casting no reproaches.

The change it contemplates would come gently as the dews of heaven, not rending or wrecking anything. Will you not embrace it? So much good has not been done by one effort in all past time, as in the providence of God, it is now your high previlege to do. May the vast future not have to lament that you have neglected it.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be annexed.

Done at the City of Washington, this nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, and of the Independence of the United States the 86th.

(Signed)

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

WILLAM H. SEWARD, Sec’y of State.

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

From Cairo

(Special to the Hawk-Eye.)

CAIRO, May 20.

According to Gen. Halleck’s order, all newspaper reporters are leaving Pittsburg Landing.  Two arrived to-day and report twenty more coming, they being representatives of nearly all our leading journals.

The city of Memphis has just passed en route for Pittsburgh Landing with nurses and Sanitary stores.

One of our provost guards named Wright, shot a Mr. Keith, a citizen this evening, Keith was intercepted, and an officer finding some difficulty in arresting him, drew his revolver.  An officer standing near, said, “don’t shoot him” – he paid no attention, but shot the poor fellow through the head, killing him instantly.  He leaves three children.

STREET

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

J. V. Glenn

GLENN, J. V. — Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 17, P. O. Pleasantville. Was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, May 3, 1825, and was raised on a farm. He moved to Iowa in 1838, and settled in Jefferson county, and came to Marion county in the spring of 1846. He was married to Sarah Johnson, October 4, 1848, Miles Jordan, a justice of the peace, officiating. They were the first couple married in Pleasant Grove township. By this union they have four children: Milton T., Alexander W., Sarah E. and Surilda H. He enlisted in company G, Fifteenth Iowa infantry during the late war, and was discharged, on account of disability, November 29,1862. Re-enlisted in 1864 in company K, Third Iowa cavalry.

SOURCE: Union Historical Company, The History Of Marion County, Iowa, 1881, p. 761

Latest From Fortress Monroe

BALTIMORE, May 20. – The boat from Old Point has arrived but brings no news.

It was reported that the Naugatuck was taking on board a new gun yesterday.

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

Skirmish in Missouri

ST. LOUIS, May 19. – The following is sent by telegraph to headquarters:

Col. Daniels attacked the rebels under Col. Jeffries, forty miles from Bloomfield, and reports from Chalk Bluff that he seized a ferry boat and crossed under the enemy’s fire, routed and pursued them six miles into Arkansas, they fleeing into swamps.

We had two Lieutenants wounded, one mortally, on private killed and six wounded.  The enemy lost eleven killed and seventeen wounded who were captured – also, provisions, horses and arms.

Lieut. Bacon Montgomery has killed the rebel Colonel Schnable.

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

Another Account of the Gun Boat Engagement

WASHINGTON, May 20. – A private letter from an officer of one of the flotilla speaking of the recent engagement says the Galena, iron clad, was admirably maneuvered – so beautifully and safely that she passed five or six times as close as she could get, and silenced one of the batteries.  She then passed and re-passed the second battery six times but finding they were using so much ammunition, for which they expected to have better use further up, Commander Rogers ordered the wooden vessels to run up, whilst he in the Galena, lay abreast off the battery and disconcert the rebel gunners.  The Galena then followed but the buoys had been displaced and misplaced so that the pilots, last evening, run the Galena ashore, and she is still aground.  None of our vessels are seriously injured.

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

Gen. McClellan's Advance

WHITE HOUSE, VA., May 19. – The army commenced moving at an early hour this morning in the direction of Richmond and will encamp some miles in advance of this place.

The Advance under Gen. Stoneman reached the railroad bridge at the Chickahominy river yesterday.  It is a long trestle bridge, two spans only of which are burned, it can be rebuilt in a very short time.

The pickets of the enemy are guarding the whole line of the river in front of Richmond, making it very difficult to obtain any reliable information from that city.

Gen. McClellan went on a reconnaissance to-day at the Chickahominy.

The programme in front of Richmond will soon be decided upon.

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

Washington News

WASHINGTON, May 20. – Hon. Edwin Stanley is on the eve of departure for North Carolina. – To-day he received his commission as Military Governor of that State.  He is invested with the powers, duties and functions of that State, including power to establish all necessary offices and tribunals and suspend the writ of habeas corpus during the pleasure of the President, or until the loyal inhabitants shall organize a State government in accordance with the laws of the United States.  His powers are exactly similar to those with which Gov. Johnson, of Tennessee, is vested.

An army officer, just arrived here from Port Royal denied the published statement that at the last accounts our pickets were within four miles of Savannah.

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

McClernand's Body Guard

Organized January 21 to April 16, 1863. Assigned to 16th Illinois Cavalry as Companies "I," "K" and "L," April, 1863.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1034

S. P. Awtry

AWTRY, S. P. — Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. H, P. O. Pella. Was born on the twenty-seventh of April, 1841, in Scott county, Illinois, and was taken from there to Jefferson county, Iowa, by his parents, in 1843. In 1844 he came to this comity, and spent his youth on a farm, attending the common schools. In October, 1861, he enisled in company C, Fifteenth Iowa infantry and served three years and ten months. Was wounded at Pittsburg Landing and taken to the hospital, joining his regiment again at Corinth. Was with Sherman on his march to the sea, being mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 5, 1865. In the spring of 1866 he commenced farming and now owns 250 acres of land. He married Miss Margaret Flaugh, in March, 1867. She was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, September 14, 1847. Have six children: Ranson, Oliver, Emmett, Zella, Harry and Lena. Lost one, Cora.

SOURCE: Union Historical Company, The History Of Marion County, Iowa, 1881, p. 641

McClellan Dragoons

Organized at Chicago, Ills., October, 1861. Assigned to 12th Illinois Cavalry as Companies "H" and "I," February, 1862, but served detached till February, 1863. Attached to Stoneman's Cavalry Command, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. Blake's Brigade, Cavalry Reserve, Army of the Potomac, to April, 1862. Headquarters Army Potomac to November, 1862. Provost Guard Army of the Potomac to February, 1863, and at Headquarters 3rd and 2nd Divisions Cavalry Corps, Army Potomac, to November, 1863, participating in the following service: Duty in the Defences of Washington, D.C., till March, 1862. Moved to the Peninsula, Virginia. Peninsula Campaign, April to August. Siege of Yorktown, Va., April 5-May 4. Near Williamsburg May 4. Battle of Williamsburg May 5. Reconnoissance to Hanover Court House May 26. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Battles of Mechanicsville June 26. Gaines' Mill June 27. Peach Orchard and Savage Station June 29. White Oak Swamp and Glendale June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. Campaign in Northern Virginia August 27-September 2. Maryland Campaign September-October. Battle of Antietam September 16-17. Movement to Falmouth, Va., October 29-November 17. Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 12-15. "Mud March," January 20-24, 1863. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Stoneman's Raid April 29-May 8. Brandy Station and Beverly Ford June 9. Upperville June 21. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3. Williamsport, Md., July 6. Boonsboro July 8. Benevola or Beaver Creek July 9. At and near Funkstown July 10-13. Falling Waters July 14. Chester Gap July 26. Kelly's Ford July 3-August 1. Brandy Station August 1-4 and September 7-8. Bristoe Station September 12. Culpeper Court House September 13. Raccoon Ford September 14-16. Stevensburg September 17. Jack's Shop, Madison Court House, September 22. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Raccoon and Morton's Fords, October 10. Brandy Station October 11-12. Oak Hill October 15. Rejoined regiment and moved to Chicago, Ills., November 20-28, 1863. See 12th Illinois Cavalry.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1033-4

The Guerrillas

WASHINGTON, May 20. – The Post’s special dated Franklin, Pa, May 19th, says, the headquarters of the Mountain Department are now at this place.

The guerrilla parties in this region are tolerably active, but our cavalry are continually on their track, and the bushwhackers lead an uneasy life.

A few days ago a train with four officers and some convalescent soldiers were attacked by guerrillas between Moorfield and Petersburg and the whole party was killed or captured except one surgeon who got away and brought in a report of the affair.

Lieut. Col. Downey who was sent after the bushwhackers with a guard of men, reports to-day that he got on the trail of the party overtook them and killed their captain and three men and wounded a number and took twelve prisoners.  Lieut. Col. Downey and his party did not receive a scratch.  Thus one more band of guerrillas is broken up.

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

From Kansas

LEAVENWORTH, May 17. – Gen. Blunt has issued marching orders to the New Mexican Expedition.  It consists of the Kansas 1st, 2d and 7th, and the Wisconsin 12th and 13th.  It is commanded by General R. B. Mitchell and is in every respect a splendid Brigade.

It is said Col. Barstow, of the Wisconsin 3rd Cavalry is to be made Provost Marshall General of the State.

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

Losses by the Troy Fire

TROY, N. Y., May 17. – The total loss to the insurance companies by the late fire is $1,464,262.  Of the 128 insurance companies doing business in the State 73 had losses in this fire, fifty New York State companies and twenty three companies of other States.  The London and Liverpool company lost $157,000 and the Troy Mutual $20,000.

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

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, May 14. – The trial of Judge Hardy of the Sixteenth District Court was to-day before the State Senate.  He was convicted by a two thirds majority as required by the constitution, of disloyalty to the Government.  A resolution of expulsion from the office passed twenty one to fourteen.  The various other charges against him, such as corruption in office, drunkenness, &c., were not sustained, although in some cases the majority was against him.  The charge of misconduct in the trial of Judge Terry for killing Senator Broderick failed by the vote, he avers, of the Judge, before whom Terry was acquitted.

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

New York News

NEW YORK, May 17. – Com Foote is not coming East, but remains at Cleveland until he is sufficiently recovered to return to the flotilla.

The report about the negro brigade at Port Royal is contradicted.  It was contemplated once but is now defunct.

The steamer Oriole from Newbern the 12th, has arrived.  No news of importance.

The health of the troops is good.

Newbern is being fortified.

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

From Gen. Halleck's Army

CAIRO, May 17. – The steamer Shingess has just arrived from below with thirty refugees from Memphis.  It is the same old story of impressment, outrage and flight.  The Union citizens are waiting, hoping and praying for the advent of the Federal army.

A large number of refugees also just arrived here to-day by the steamer Diligent.  They also report three or four hundred more on the way.  A number of them are men of families who have always been strong Union Men, and have left their families behind rather than bear arms against the Federal Government.

Some of them are men of means, and well known in this community.  Thus they almost became intoxicated with joy when they landed here, saying they once more breathed the pure atmosphere of liberty.  One of them brings Memphis papers of the 13th, which contain the evacuation of Pensacola, also the surrender of Norfolk and the burning of Memphis, which they say is a military necessity.

The Memphis Appeal has moved its office to Grenada, Miss., and for the present works its edition off on a small hand press, ready to leave whenever our fleet arrives at Memphis, which is momentarily expected.

No further news from Pittsburg Landing of importance.

Governor Blair and Adjutant General Robertson, of Michigan, are in town, on their way to Pittsburg.

The steamer Meteor has just arrived from Pittsburg Landing.

There are no movements of importance up the Tennessee.  The army is slowly and steadily advancing.

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

J. L. Welch

WELCH, J. L. — Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 23, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Paris, Illinois, on the third day of December, 1830. His parents were John R. and Matilda Welch. John R. Welch was engaged in the blacksmithing business at that place. He removed with his family when J. L. was quite young to DeWitt county, where they resided until he attained the ago of 14 years. In 1843, the family came to Iowa, locating in Jefferson county. In the spring of 1844, removed to Marion county, locating in Knoxville township. On the third of October, 1856, he was married to Miss Annis McMillen, a native of Ohio, a lady of refined tastes and domestic habits, the daughter of Solomon and Mary Ann McMillen. By this union they had six children, five of whom are living. I. Irene, LeRoy S., Milton R., Mattie, Alvin V.; one deceased. Mr. Welch's educational advantages were very limited, and he secured his education by improving the leisure hours, and an indomitable will. His present farm of 220 acres he has occupied since 1861. He makes a specialty of the stock trade, and has herds that will compare favorably with any in the township. His home is pleasantly situated, and indicates comfort and prosperity. October 1st, 1861, he enlisted in company G, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, participating in many of the notable events of the war — Pittsburg Landing, Shiloh and Siege of Corinth. At the time of his enlistment he was appointed hospital steward, Which duties be discharged until December, 1863, when he received the appointment of second lieutenant of the Forty-seventh U. S. colored regiment. Was on the Red River expedition, when he received a slight wound in one of the skirmishes, Yazoo City, and eight at Fort Blakely. He was honorably discharged in 1866. It was at the log house of John R. Welch, in the summer of 1844, that the first church services were held in Knoxville township. With the exception of his term in the service and eighteen months he spent in California (going there in 1854), he has been a resident of Marion county since 1844. Thus we have traced the ups and downs of one Marion county's pioneers, but pioneers do not always sojourn in the country that they open up to the world. Such is the case with Mr. Welch. He contemplates leaving Marion. While the county suffers the loss of one of its respected and solid citizens, some other country and county will gain thereby. His mother, Mrs. Martha Welch, died at Butler, Missouri, November 23, 1880.

SOURCE: Union Historical Company, The History Of Marion County, Iowa, 1881, p. 616-7

Marx's Independent Cavalry Company

Organized December 9, 1861, and assigned to Thielman's Independent Cavalry Battalion as Company "B," which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1033

Hugh T. Reid

Hugh T. Reid, another early Lee County lawyer, was of Scotch-Irish extraction and a native of South Carolina. His grandfather, Hugh Reid, served as an American soldier in the Revolution, and entered a tract of land in the Northwest Territory, which he afterward gave to James Reid, the father of Hugh T. In 1833 Hugh T. Reid entered Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, where he spent three years, and then graduated at the Indiana University, Bloomington. He studied law with James Perry of Liberty, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1839. In June of that year he located at Fort Madison, and in the spring of 1840 formed a partnership with Edward Johnstone which lasted about ten years, much of which time was spent in defending his title to the half-breed tract, an account of which is given in another chapter. From 1840 to 1842 he served as prosecuting attorney for the district composed of Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson and Van Buren counties, and while in this position won a place in the front rank of attorneys. Mr. Reid was one of the lawyers who defended Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, when he was on trial at Carthage, Illinois, in 1844. While in command of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry at Shiloh he received several wounds, one through the chest almost proving fatal. On April 13, 1863, he was made brigadier-general by President Lincoln, but resigned in April, 1864, to look after his private business. He took a prominent part in building the Des Moines Valley Railroad from Keokuk to Fort Dodge.

SOURCE: Nelson C. Roberts & S. W. Moorhead, editors, Story of Lee County, Iowa, Vol. 1, p. 302-3

Perry A. Momyer

MOMYER, PERRY A. — Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 26, P. O. Knoxville. Is a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and was born August, 1847. When an infant he was brought to Marion county with his parents and here he has been raised to manhood and educated. He enlisted, February 28, 1864, in company K, Fifteenth Iowa infantry, passing through the usual routine of warfare. He married, in September, 1866, Miss Mary E. Hannan. By this union they have three children; Charles F., Ralph B. and John R. He is closely identified among the thorough-going farmers.

SOURCE: Union Historical Company, The History Of Marion County, Iowa, 1881, p. 597

William W. Belknap

William W. Belknap, for many years a prominent figure in Keokuk, was born at Newburg, New York, in 1829, graduated at Princeton University in 1848, studied law and in 1851 was admitted to the bar. Two years later he located in Keokuk, where he formed a partnership with Ralph P. Lowe. In 1857 Mr. Belknap was elected to the Legislature as a democrat. Upon the breaking out of the Civil war he assisted in recruiting troops and was commissioned major of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. He was in command of the regiment at the siege of Corinth and afterwards served on the staff of General McPherson. In 1864 he was made brigadier-general, and at the close of the war was offered a commission in the regular army, which he declined. In the meantime he had become a republican, and in 1866 was appointed collector of internal revenue for the First Iowa District. He served for seven years as secretary of war under President Grant, and died at Washington, D. C., October 13, 1890.

SOURCE: Nelson C. Roberts & S. W. Moorhead, editors, Story of Lee County, Iowa, Vol. 1, p. 302

Dodson's Kane County Independent Company Cavalry

Organized September 1, 1861. Attached to Dept. of Missouri to April, 1862. Steele's Command, District of Southeast Missouri, to May, 1862. 1st Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to July, 1862. District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of Missouri, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 3rd (Cavalry) Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. Tennessee, December, 1862.

SERVICE.--Duty in Missouri and guarding Iron Mountain R. R. till March, 1862. Ordered to Pilot Knob, Mo. Moved to Reeve's Station, Black River, March 23-27, thence to White River, Ark., April 19. March to Batesville, thence to Helena, Ark., May 25-July 13. Hill's Plantation, Cache River and Cotton Plant, July 7. Duty at Helena till December. Assigned to 15th Illinois Cavalry as Company "H," December 25, 1862, which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1033

Washington News

WASHINGTON, May 16. – The Senate to-day confirmed the nomination of Brevet Major General Wool to be Major General for gallant conduct on the 10th of May in taking the city of Norfolk, and for other gallant services.  Also of Chas. Case as Postmaster at Winchester, Virginia.

The mails for New Orleans will be made up at New York to be forwarded by sea or every steamer which may leave for that port, therefore the communication between these cities will be frequent.  Postmasters are requested to forward all mail matter for New Orleans to New York.

Representative Norton, at present connected with the Agricultural branch of the Patent Office, has been nominated by the President as Commissioner of Agriculture.

Benjamin F. Leeabough, of Nebraska, is confirmed as Agent for the Pawnee Indians in that territory.

The Navy department has information that on the 1st inst. Acting Lieut. Nyckles, of the Onward dispatched Acting master Sloper in his vessel’s launch in chase of the Schooner Serape, about one hundred tones burden, endeavoring to run the blockade off Bull’s Bayou on the coast of South Carolina.  Her crew, thereupon ran her ashore and burned her, themselves escaping.

On the 6th the United States gunboat Ottawa captured the schooner C. C. Pickeny from Charleston for Nassau, with 94 bales of cotton.

On the night of the 8th the Alabama passed the light house.  The next day the Pocahontas endeavored to get her but could not as she was under the protection of the shore batteries.

Gen. Sickles was to-day ordered to resume the command of the excelsior Brigade, attached to the army of the Potomac.

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

Cairo News

CAIRO, May 16. – The steamer Gladiator arrived this afternoon from Pittsburg Landing. – Her officers report that when she left, there was a rumor at the landing that Beauregard had sent a flag of truce to gen. Halleck, asking for an armistice of ten days.  This was subsequently corroborated by deserters from the enemy’s lines.  The matter was said to have been under consultation when the Gladiator left.  It is proper to state that this report is not credited at headquarters here.

The following dispatch was received May 15.  There has been nothing of great importance received from the fleet within a day or two.

The Cincinnati has been got off the bottom of the river by the use of the steam pump, and after some work upon her bulkhead, will go up the river for repairs to-day.

The Memphis Appeal of the 11th contains a letter from a correspondent at Fort Pillow, who witnessed the battle of the 10th inst.  It disagrees with the report of Jeff Thompson sent yesterday, and fixes the loss of the rebels killed at eight and the wounded as high as sixteen.

Six deserters have just come aboard the Benton from Memphis.  They say that Memphis is being digged fine for recruit[s] and left to escape conscription.

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

From Virginia

STRASBURGH, May 16. – Yesterday afternoon a band of guerrillas made a dash on the railroad and killed one and took fourteen prisoners all belonging to the 28^th Pennsylvania.

The Railroad Bridge, 50 feet high and 350 feet long, over the north fork of the Shenandoah was completed tonight.  The track will be laid and trains will pass to-morrow morning.  The work was constructed in forty hours under the superintendence of G. W. Nagle, Government Bridge Builder.

All is quiet in front to-night.

It is currently reported that Milroy and Schenck are in occupation of Staunton.

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

Norfolk and Fortress Monroe

BALTIMORE, May 17. – The Old Point boat has arrived but brings no letters.

Several of the crew of the Merrimac came up.  Some of them were Northern men and claim to have been impressed.

FORTRESS MONROE via WASHINGTON, May 16. – Gen. Wool visited Norfolk again to-day.

He is in contemplation to move the headquarters of this depot to that city.

There is no news from Gen. McClellan’s army.

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

Capt. E. P. Bye

BYE, Capt. E. P. — Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 22, P. O. Knoxville. Of the prominent agriculturists and stock-men of the county, there are none more deserving of special mention than the subject of this sketch, who was born in Columbiania county, Ohio, April 27, 1827. His parents were Redelon and Sarah, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Pennsylvania. He traces his lineage to German and English ancestry. E. P. received the benefits of the common schools of his native county, as his limited opportunities permitted, for his early life was that of a farmer boy. When he attained his thirteenth year the family removed to Jay county, Indiana, where they engaged in farming, and where the subject of this sketch resided until 1851, when he came to Marion county, arriving in Knoxville November 27. Being a man of close observation, he had become proficient in the art of mechanism, his father being a cabinet-maker, although E. P. had never learned the trade. The demand for mechanics in Knoxville at that time was good, and he made his departure as an architect. Many of the old land-marks at the present time are specimens of his handiwork. During the memorable cholera plague he furnished the greater portion of the burial cases. In 1860 he went to Pike's Peak, and in 1861 he returned to Knoxville, and enlisted as private in company G, Fifteenth Iowa volunteer infantry. During his military career he participated in many of the stirring engagements, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Vicksburg, Atlanta Campaign, was with Uncle Billy on his famous march to the sea, and various others. He was mustered into the service as private, promoted to corporal; immediately after the battle of Corinth, in 1862, was promoted to sergeant; and in October, of the same year, to second lieutenant; and on March 7, 1863, to first lieutenant, the duties of which office he discharged until August 27, 1864, when he was commissioned as captain of company G, in which capacity he was honorably mustered out, at Louisville, Kentucky, July 24, 1865, and discharged at Davenport. He returned to Knoxville, residing there until 1869, when he removed to his present home. Capt. Bye has been twice married. His first wife was Levena Palmer, married in 1855. She died January 23, I860. By this union he has one daughter, Emma. On the fourteenth of October, 1865, Mrs. Elmira Eldrige became his wife. She was born October 7, 1841. Her parents were Richard and Susan Brewer. May 14, 1861 she married Rufus H. Eldrige. He was a native of Ohio, and removed to Iowa with his parents, at an early day. He went into the army, in 1861, as lieutenant of company K, Fifteenth Iowa volunteer infantry, and was killed at the battle of Corinth, October 2, 1862. Albert Brewer, her brother, went out at the first and served all through the war. Mrs. Bye's parents at present are residents of Marysville, Marion county. She has one son by her first husband, a promising young man, E. R: Eldrige, now a student at the Iowa State University. Their family consists of three children: Delbert, George and William. Mrs. Bye is a lady possessed of those winning ways that make her a ray of sunshine to the home. She is a skilled manageress of household affairs, and her husband's best counselor. The captain's estate comprises 200 acres. Stock-raising is his principal business, and he is making a success of it, by his discreet management. He is closely identified with the educational interests of his district. As a soldier, Capt. Bye stands foremost among the patriotic veterans of the late war.

SOURCE: Union Historical Company, The History Of Marion County, Iowa, 1881, p. 557-8

John Brady

BRADY, JOHN — Farmer and stock-raiser, Sec. 35, P. O. Knoxville. Was born in Vermillion county, Illinois, in 1837, and is the son of Isaac and Lidden Ann Brady, pioneers of Marion county. The family came to this county when John was in his ninth year. He was raised to manhood and educated in the county and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, which profession he followed for a number of years. In 1862 enlisted in company K, Fifteenth Iowa volunteer infantry. Was at Shiloh, siege of Corinth, siege of Vicksburg, and others. At Corinth he was severely wounded, two minie balls taking effect on his person. He was honorably discharged July 25,1865. He married, in 1867, Miss Elizabeth Conry. She was born July 26, 1845, and is the daughter of the pioneer John Conry. They have four children: Olive, Lauella, William, Franklin. His farm consists of forty-eight acres.

SOURCE: Union Historical Company, The History Of Marion County, Iowa, 1881, p. 553

Jenks' Independent Cavalry Company

Organized at Aurora, Ills., as Cavalry Company "A," 36th Illinois, and mustered in September 23, 1861. Moved to St. Louis, Mo., thence to Rolla, Mo., September 24-29, and duty there till January, 1862. Attached to 2nd Brigade, Army of Southwest Missouri, to June, 1862. Cavalry Army of Mississippi to October, 1862. 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Army Mississippi, to November, 1862. District of Corinth, Miss., 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862.

SERVICE.--Expedition against Freeman's Forces November 1-9, 1861. Curtis' Campaign in Missouri and Arkansas against Price, February and March, 1862. Advance on Springfield, Mo., February 2-13. Pursuit of Price into Arkansas February 14-29. Battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., March 6-8. At Keytesville till April 5. March to Batesville April 5-May 3. Moved to Cape Girardeau, Mo., May 11-22, thence to Hamburg Landing, Tenn., May 23-29. Occupation of Corinth, Miss., May 30, and pursuit to Booneville May 30-June 6. Duty at Rienzi till September. Battle of Iuka, Miss., September 10. Battle of Corinth, Miss., October 3-4. Pursuit to Hatchie River October 5-12. Grant's Mississippi Central Campaign November-December. Assigned to 15th Illinois Cavalry as Company "I," December 25, 1862. See 15th Cavalry.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1033

From Port Royal

NEW YORK, May 17 – The steamer Atlantic from Port Royal the 14^th has arrived.  Among the passengers are Gen. Gilmore, who commanded at the reduction of Fort Pulaski.

The steamer Planter has arrived from Charleston runaway with by a contraband pilot and crew.

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

J. Monroe Reid

Colonel Reid was a son of Hugh T. Reid, who was one of the leading Lee County attorneys in his day and won distinction as a soldier in the Civil war. J. Monroe Reid studied law and for many years had an office at 24 North Fifth Street, Keokuk. In 1877 he wrote his "Sketches and Anecdotes of Old Settlers, Newcomers, the Mormon Bandits and the Danite Band." Among the old settlers mentioned in his work were Dr. Samuel Muir, Capt. J. B. Browne, C. F. Davis, Isaac R. Campbell, Chief Keokuk, Edwin Guthrie and George C. Anderson, Keokuk's first banker.

Colonel Reid's literary style is probably more forcible than elegant, but in his book are preserved many incidents connected with the early life of Lee County. He came to Keokuk from Indiana, enlisted as a private in Company A, Second Iowa Infantry, and four years later was mustered out as captain and brevet lieutenant-colonel of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry.

SOURCE: Nelson C. Roberts & S. W. Moorhead, editors, Story of Lee County, Iowa, Vol. 1, p. 285

Railroad Accident

AURORA, Ill. May. 17. – A freight train from Chicago ran into a hand car to-day, about four miles east of here, stopping the train, which in turn was run into by a second freight train from the same direction, smashing several cars and doing some other damage. One of the Engineers was injured slightly in jumping from his engine.

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

From Corinth

BEFORE CORINTH, Miss., May 18. – The Macon Telegraph censures, in sever language, the conduct of the rebel troops at Bridgeport, by which the most important gateway to our State was opened to the enemy and the possession of all our rich deposits of coal, [iron] and salt petre, placed in imminent danger.

Martial law has been proclaimed over Charlestown and for ten miles around.

The Appeal says government wants and must have all [tin] roofs on cotton sheds in that city.

The Vicksburgh Citizen of the 9^th, says that nothing was head of the Federal Fleet.

At Tunica yesterday, a large frigate, supposed to be the Brooklyn, passed Bayou Sara at 9 o’clock, A. M. on the 8^th going down to Baton Rouge.

The Avalanche has closed doors and suspended publication on account of the approach of the Federal gunboats.

Col. Possen, commanding the post of Memphis publishes a special order from Beauregard, requiring all barks persons and corporations to take Confederate money at par, and all persons will distinctly understand that nothing in the least degree calculated to discredit the operation of the Government will be tolerated or treated as anything but disloyal.

The Richmond correspondent of the Appeal mentions, with great pain the large amount of sick confined in the hospitals at Richmond and vicinity.

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

A Federal Repulse on the James River

The Gunboats Beaten off at Fort Darling – Seventeen killed on board the Flotilla – the Naugatuck’s 100 pounder Burst.

WASHINGTON, May 17.

The Gunboats, Galena, Monitor, Aroostook, Naugatuck and Port Royal were repulsed from Fort Darling seven miles below Richmond yesterday.

A portion of them have returned to Jamestown Island near this place, in James River.

Seventeen of our dead have already been buried and there are numbers of wounded aboard the vessels including Lieut. Morris.

The 100 pound gun on the Naugatuck exploded on the first fire.

(Signed.)

DAVID CAMPBELL,

By authority of GEN. McCLELLAN

Later.

WASHINGTON, May 18. – No official report of the gunboat affair on James River has been received.  Messages received indicate an opportunity to do better in future.  The river is now clear of obstructions to within eight miles of Richmond.  At that point there is a heavy battery on a high bluff.  The river is temporarily closed to navigation by sunken vessels among which are reported the Yorktown and Jamestown, piles chains &c.  The Monitor could not elevate her guns to reach the bluff, which rendered her useless.  The banks of the river are filled with rifle pits from which an incessant fire was poured on our fleet, a part of which were engaged within six hundred to a thousand yards of the main battery.  After an action of four hours the fleet finding it impracticable to silence the battery on the bluff withdrew.

Our loss is 13 killed and 11 wounded.  Full particulars expected to-morrow.

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