First Session - 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, May 16. – SENATE – Mr. TRUMBULL moved to strike out the 1st section which he said was merely to lighten the punishment of treason and was unconstitutional.  He contended that this was not a confiscation bill at all. – He claimed that Congress had the power to take the property of a rebel and his life in war, but cannot bring him into court and take his property and life , under the Constitution, which provided against attainder and the taking of the property of the traitor from his heirs – yet the first section proposes as a punishment for treason to take the property of the rebels forever.

After further discussion,

Mr. DAVIS moved to amend the first section by striking out all the clauses freeing the slaves and to add a provision for the imprisonment at hard labor for not less than five nor more than twenty years.

Mr. DAVIS said he had no objection to the confiscation of slaves, if they were treated like other property, and the proceeds put into the Treasury.

Mr. CLARKE asked if Congress could allow a horse to go free if it were confiscated.

Mr. DAVIS thought not.  He thought it the duty of the Commissioners to appropriate property or use it.  He (Davis) said that the legal definition of forfeiture implied that you must take the property and use it.

After further discussion, Mr. Davis’ amendment was rejected, ayes 7, nays 31.

The question then recurred on Mr. Trumbull’s motion to strike out the first section.

Mr. LANE, of Kansas, thought it would be better to offer the original as a substitute, and not attempt to resuscitate the bill.  He (Lane,) was in favor of the original bill but if the Senate was determined to have this bill, he wanted to take it as it was.  Mr. Trumbull’s amendment was rejected, ayes 10, nays 29.

Mr. HOWARD moved to strike out the second section, which provides for the forfeiture of property and the freedom of the slaves of those who incite, engage in, or aid in the insurrection against the United States.

He spoke at some length against this section of the bill as simply mitigating the punishment of treason.  The second section was amended by inserting by imprisonment not exceeding ten years also as to make it forfeiture and imprisonment, both at the discretion of the court.

Mr. HOWARD’S amendment was rejected, 33 against 5.

Mr. SUMNER offered a substitute for the bill, which was ordered printed.

Executive session.  Adjourned till Monday.

HOUSE. – BEN WOOD had leave granted to print a speech, in which he anathematized Abolitionists, saving their chief desire is to continue the war to emancipation, while an honorable peace was within their grasp.

Private bills were then considered.

Adjourned till Monday.

WASHINGTON, May 19. – HOUSE. – Mr. BINGHAM, from the Special Committee of the House reported articles of impeachment against West H. Humphreys, Judge of the District court of the United States for the several Districts of Tennessee.  There are several separate charges in the name of the people of the United States, including gross neglect of official duty, violation of the laws, endeavoring to excite revolt and rebellion, publishing the ordinance of secession of Tennessee to absolve the people of the State from their allegiance to the United States, combining with Jeff Davis and other evil minded persons to overthrow the authority of the United States &c. and demanding that Humphreys may be put on trial to answer to the high crimes and misdemeanors charged against him and that proceedings be taken for his examination and trial as may be agreeable to law and justice. – The report was agreed to.

On motion of Mr. BINGHAM a resolution was adopted appointing five managers to conduct the impeachments and that the Senate be acquainted with the action of the House with the view of the concurrent action.

The House then went into Committee of the Whole, Washburne in the Chair, and took up the Navy Appropriation Bill.

Mr. HUTCHINS advocated the bill heretofore introduced by him to equalize and reduce the present various incongruous rates of the age.  He advocated low postage, the money order system and the abrogation of the franking privilege.

The Confiscation bill was taken up and Mr. SUMNER proceeded to speak at length in favor of the principle of confiscation and emancipation of the slaves of rebels and urging the adoption of his substitute for the bill.

Mr. RICHARDSON spoke against legislation which discourages Union Sentiment, while the effect was making to place the negro on an equality with the whites.

SENATE. – Memorials from the merchants of New York and Philadelphia asking for a general bankrupt law were presented.

Mr. GRIMES offered a resolution that the Secretary of War report to the Senate the names of persons appointed to the staffs of the different officers, where now employed, on the staff of what officers and by whose recommendation appointed.  Adopted.

Mr. GRIMES introduced a bill for the relief of rebel slaves and others, colored, who recently delivered the rebel vessel, Planter, to Commodore Dupont.

The bill provides that the Planter, with all the crop appurtenances &c., be appraised by a competent board of officers, and that one half the value thereof shall go to Robert Small[s] and his associates who assisted in the rescue of the Planter, with the provision that the Secretary of the Navy may invest in United States stocks.  Interest to be paid to Small or his heirs.  He bill was taken up and passed.

Mr. WILSON of Massachusetts called up the resolution providing for the presentation of medals of honor to enlisted men who distinguished themselves in battle.  Passed.

WASHINGTON, May 19. – HOUSE. – Various new amendments were discussed and adopted.

Forty eight thousand dollars for rent and expenses of the Naval Academy at Newport.

The bill was finally reported to the House and passed.  It appropriates about $38,000,000.

Adjourned.

SENATE. – Mr. DAVIS offered amendment to the 3d section which disqualified persons guilty of offenses named in the bill, that such persons also forfeit all claims to citizenship.  Rejected, 8 against 28.

Mr. DAVIS offered another amendment providing that all property forfeited by the bill shall be bound by all debts to loyal persons.  Rejected 12 against 26.

Mr. POWELL moved to strike out the 11th section, which authorized the President to employ and organize persons of African descent as he may deem necessary to suppress the rebellion.  Rejected, 12 against 25.

Mr. HENDERSON moved to strike out the 1st section and insert as a substitute, that any person hereafter convicted of treason shall suffer death or punishment and forfeit all property during life.

WASHINGTON, May 20. – SENATE. Messrs. HARRIS and KING presented petitions from merchants of New York for a general Bankrupt Act.

Mr. WADE presented petitions for an efficient Confiscation Act.

Mr. SUMNER gave notice that he should to-morrow call up the resolution for the expulsion of the Senator from Oregon (Starke).

Mr. McDOOGAL [sic] moved to take up the Pacific Railroad bill.

The Pacific Railroad bill was taken up, by yeas 23, nays 16.  But before the ready was finished the morning hour expired and the confiscation bill was taken up.

Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky proceeded to speak at length upon it.

HOUSE. – Mr. BLAKE reported from the committee on Post Offices a bill to establish certain post route and bridge partly constructed across the Ohio River abutting on the Virginia shore to be a lawful structure, a public highway, and establishes a post route for the purpose of transmitting the mails, and that the Steubenville and Indiana railroad Company and the Holiday Cave Railroad Company them, or either of them, are to have maintained and open said bridge, when completed.  Draws are to be provided for the passage of boats.

Mr. BLAKE said the bridge would not materially interfere with the navigation of the Ohio River.  The bill was then passed.

Mr. COLFAX, from the Post Office Committee, reported back the Senate bill, providing that no person by reason of color shall be disqualified from carrying the mails, with the recommendation that it do not pass.

Mr. COLFAX said that not a single person of any color, from any State, had ever petitioned for this repeal.  No postmaster General had ever recommended it.  No public opinion demanded it.  It could not only allow negroes to be mail contractors, and therefore officers of the Government but Indians and Chinese also.  It would impair the security of the mails for in some States blacks, Indians and Chinese are not allowed to testify against whites, and if robbed while in their lands we could not procure legal testimony as now against the robbers and mail carriers.  It would also release holding contractors for the employment of slaves as mail carriers for them instead of whites, whom they are now compelled to employ.  And money would thus be paid out of our post office treasury, for the labor of slaves which is now impossible.  And as this bill could not even indirectly aid in crushing out the rebellion, which he thought the main duty of Congress, or crippling the power which sustains this treasury.

A large majority of the Post Office Committee concurred with him in recommending that it do not pass.

Mr. DAWES referring to an objection stated by Mr. Colfax, inquired by way of an answer whether the latter supposed mail depredations were tried in State or United States Courts, and whether he, himself, did not assist in making the laws.

Mr. COLFAX replied that not being a lawyer he could not fully understand the matter, but he understood that in such cases, the Federal court was governed by the rules of the State in which the trials took place.

Mr. WICKLIFFE approved of the decision of the Committee.  He had been informed that this bill had been introduced into the Senate to remove the disability of distinguished men.  If the negroes were to be made aliens, we had better carry out the whole programme and in addition to making them soldiers and sailors, we had better throw open the door here and admit them as members of Congress.

Mr. COLFAX moved to lay the bill on the table, but the hour fixed for the consideration of the confiscation bill having arrived, the vote goes over until to-morrow.

Mr. ELLIOT, Chairman of the Select committee, who reported the Confiscation bills, said the war originated in the rebel States, and is carried on by rebel citizens against the Government of the United States.  This is precisely the character of the war.  Appropriate legislation may soon be demanded concerning the Rebel States.  These bills concern the property not the per[sons] of the Rebels and Congress may make the property of the Rebels aid in paying the expenses incurred in crushing the rebellion.  The lands owned by the Rebels are used for carrying on the war and their unwilling slaves are made to toil that our Government may be overthrown.  Their lands and slaves are made instruments for carrying on the war.  Deprive them of these and the war must come to an end and our immense debt balked of increase.

The rebels owe $30,000,000.  Every dollar of that debt has been confiscated by their Government – repudiated by rebel debtors to whose honor the constituents  of the gentleman trusted.  He repeated that as slaves are being used by the traitors they should be confiscated.  As the pending bills proposed, these were as much enemy’s property as if they owed allegiance to a foreign power.

Mr. ELLIOTT supported his remarks by legal arguments.

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

Simon P. Awtry

Simon P. Awtry grew up [on the farm of his father] and when the Civil war came on he enlisted for service in the Federal army, in Company C, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served very faithfully for three years and ten months. He was wounded at the battle of Shiloh and came home on a furlough, after which he returned to his regiment and served out his time, receiving an honorable discharge. After coming back to Iowa from his army career he was married and soon afterwards began farming, buying a part of his father's homestead. Through close application and good management he prospered from year to year and added to his holdings until at the time of his death, on July 25, 1891, he owned four hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which he had brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation. His widow survived until in August, 1910. Simon P. Awtry led a quiet home life, preferring to give his attention to his farm and his family rather than seek precarious public honors. His wife was a member of the Christian church, and known as a kind-hearted, noble-minded woman. Their family consisted of eight children, six of whom are living at this writing.

SOURCE: James Baird Weaver, Past And Present Of Jasper County, Iowa, Vol. 1, p. 428-9, Abstracted from the biographical sketch of Emmet Awtry.

Gen. Joseph E. Johnston . . .

. . . who was wounded at the battle of Seven Pines, arrived in Richmond on Monday from Amelia Springs, where he has been sojourning for several weeks.  He has been assigned to an important command in a new field, which will doubtless be made known in a day or two. – Savannah Rep.

 – Published in The Chattanooga Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Wednesday, September 10, 1862, p. 1

Thielman's Independent Cavalry Company

Organized at Chicago, Ill., July 2, 1861. Duty in District of Paducah, Ky., Dept. of Missouri, to December, 1861. Demonstration from Paducah to Columbus, Ky., November 7-9. Assigned to Thielman's Independent Battalion Cavalry December 9, 1861, as Company "A," which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1035

The Advance on Bowling Green

(From the Indianapolis Journal, Feb. 13th.)

From Mr. E. B. Allen, of Terre Haute, who left Munfordville Tuesday evening, we learn that the long expected forward movement of the Green River line of our forces has commenced.  On Monday morning at 11 o’clock the troops began crossing, and a continuous stream poured over it till eleven at night.  Over seventeen thousand men had crossed, up to that hour, including one regiment of cavalry and five batteries of artillery.  On Tuesday, three more batteries were taken over, and yesterday the brigade in which is our celebrated German regiment were to cross.  The total force across, or ordered to cross, nobody but Gen. Buell knows, but it is going to be enormous. – Troops are still pouring into Louisville. – Mr. Allen saw the last of nine steamboat-loads of men which had been taken into the city within twenty-four hours, and the boats were putting back for more.  There can be no doubt that at least the gigantic anaconda, which has been sleeping along Green river, has begun to writhe in the first movements of the crushing hug he is about to give the rebel forces on the Nashville road.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

Stewart's Independent Cavalry Company

Organized at Cape Girardeau, Mo., August 10, 1861, under authority of Gen. Fremont. Attached to District of Cairo to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862.

SERVICE.--Duty at Cape Girardeau, Bird's Point and Cairo till February, 1862. Skirmish at Huntley's Farm, near Belmont, Mo., September 26, 1861. Lucas Bend September 26. Operations about Ironton and Fredericktown October 12-25. Engagement at Fredericktown October 21. Expedition from Cairo into Kentucky January 10-21, 1862. Operations against Fort Henry, Tenn., February 2-6. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-16. Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 6-13. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Raid on Mobile and Ohio R. R. and skirmish at Purdy, Tenn., May 4. Moved to Bethel and Jackson, Tenn., June 4-7 and duty there till July.  Assigned to Stewart's Independent Cavalry Battalion July, 1862, which see.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1034-5

James Starrett

STARRETT, JAMES — Merchant. Is one of the old settlers of this county, having settled in what is now Sumner township, before the organization of the same in the year 1856. He has been successful in whatever business he has engaged in. Was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 14th day of October, 1822, where he resided with his parents until he was about nine years of age when they removed to Trumbull county, where he was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He early learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, which business he followed for a considerable part of the time. While he lived in Ohio. In fact he has followed his trade more or less until the last four or five years. In the year 1864 he enlisted in company D, Fifteenth Iowa infantry as a recruit, and joined himself to his regiment at Atlanta, just in time to be with Sherman, on his march and ovation through Georgia, and was present at the capture of Fort McAllister and Savannah, and endured suffering untold on account of hunger and exposure. The army was compelled to wade swamps and rivers often up to their necks, and owing to the facts that the rebels held all lines of public communications, they were frequently out of food and many other times the only supply was threshed rice, which no man could eat unless starvation stared him in the face. He was with Sherman at the capture of Columbia, South Carolina, and witnessed the conflagration of that city. They then proceeded north against Johnston with whom they skirmished nearly every day until his final surrender, at which Mr. Starrett was present. They had a severe engagement near Bentonville, the last place where Johnston made a stand. Mr. S. was one of the early settlers of this county, and endured many privations and hardships incident to the settlement of a new country. He was married in October, 1844, to Miss Lovina Gross, with whom he lived until 1860, by which union they had seven children, two sons and five daughters: Freeman P. (now a hardware merchant at Western, Iowa), Harris H. (now a dry-goods merchant at Ladora), Malinda J., Ellen, Laura C, Francis A. and Harriet. He was married, second time, in 1869, to Mrs. Nancy Bowermaster, who is still living.

SOURCE: The History of Iowa County, Iowa, Union Historical Company, Des Moines, Iowa, 1881, p. 599-600

Lewis Gilbert

Private, Co. G, 12th Iowa Infantry

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa



Important order of Gen. Halleck --- Nuts for Missouri Rebels to Crack

ST. LOUIS, February 16.

The following circular has been issued from Headquarters:

“All persons who are known to have been in arms against the United States, or to have actively aided the rebellion by word or deed, are to be arrested.  Those who are accused of acts in vindication of the laws of war – such as the destruction of railroad bridges and private property, firing into trains, assassination, &c., – will not be released on any terms, but will be held for trial before a Military Commission.  Notoriously bad and dangerous men, though no specific charge of disloyalty can be proven against them, will be kept in custody.  Other cases are referred to the Commanding General.

Prisoners not included in either of the above classes may be released upon subscribing to the usual oath and giving a sufficient bond with good security for their future conduct.  The amount of bond should in no case be less than $10,000, and in some cases should be much larger, varying according to the wealth, influence and previous conduct of the party.  The security should in preference be a secessionist.

Persons now engaged in recruiting for the rebel army, also those enrolled for the rebel service, will be arrested and held as prisoners of war.  In addition to this, all property belonging to such persons, and which can be used for military purposes, such as horses, mules, harnesses, wagons, beef cattle, forage, &c., will be seized and turned over to the Provost Marshal, to be disposed of according to orders of the Commanding General of this Department.

When persons who have been in the rebel service voluntarily come forward and take and subscribe to the oath of allegiance and parole, and are released on bonds, all property not of military character taken from them shall be restored.

By order of Maj. Gen. HALLECK

N. H. McLEAN, Asst. Adgt. Gen.”

Gen. Halleck also issued another general order, the principal part of which is as follows:

“At the request of the acting Governor of Missouri, it is hereby ordered that at all future elections in this state, municipal, county or town elections, every voter will be required to take the oath of allegiance presented by the State Convention October 16, 1861.  Officers of polls will see to the execution of this order.  If they received the votes of persons not taking the oath, they will be tried and arrested for military offense, and the election declared null and void.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

Smith's Independent Cavalry Company

(See Sherer's Independent Cavalry Company.)

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

Wine More Deadly Than Cannon

Wendell Phillips, in his address at the Music Hall yesterday said; “I know a soldier in the army of the Potomac, who was picked up in the streets of Philadelphia one year ago a complete wreck, a confirmed inebriate, but who was, by the love of a sister and the charity of a Boston home, placed once more on his feet.  He was at Ball’s Bluff, and three times with unloaded musket charged upon the enemy.  He was one of six who heroically defended and brought away the body of the fallen leader of that bloody fight.  The captain of the company to which he belonged died in his arms; received the last words of consolation from his lips.  He was afterwards conspicuous in the conflict until the orders were given for each to seek his own safety, removing some of his apparel he plunged into the inhospitable river, and after great exertion landed on the opposite bank, seven miles below the encampment.  Nearly exhausted, chilled; half-clad, half-starved, he reached the camp.  The captain of the next company to which he belonged kindly said to him, pouring out a glass of wine: “Let me give you this; you will perish without it.”  “I thank you, sir,” said the soldier, “but I would sooner face all the cannon of the enemy than to taste that glass of wine.” – Boston Transcript.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

George W. Wilson

WILSON, GEO. W. — Victor. Among the many prominent citizens of this city none are more worthy of special mention in connection with the city of Victor than the subject of this sketch. No man living, or dead, ever did so much for the building up of Victor as he. He was its founder and has been its warm friend since. He built the present depot and presented it, together with seven acres of land, and the right of way to the railroad company. Was born in Salem, Columbiana county, Ohio, on the 1st day of January, 1828, where he was brought up and educated in the schools of that city, receiving an academic education, which prepared him for entrance into the freshman class of the Williamstown College, at Williamstown, Massachusetts (the same in which Gen. Garfield afterward graduated), where he remained four years, graduating regularly in the year 1850. After his graduation he returned to his native city and studied law one year, was then elected justice of the peace, and appointed postmaster, which positions he held while he continued to live in Salem. In the year 1864 he came west and entered the land on which Victor is now situated, but did not remove until the year 1864, when the railroad was about to be built to this point. He removed to this place permanently and laid out the town, and made the liberal gifts before mentioned to the railroad company. Well may he be called the father of Victor. He established the first scales that were ever built here, and was the first regular station agent for the railroad company, which positions he held for two years from May 1862. In 1864 he was drafted into the army and became connected with company F, Fifteenth Iowa, which he joined at Atlanta, Georgia, on the 14th day of November, 1864, just in time to witness the great conflagration of that city before Sherman started on his ever memorable march to the sea, which he accompanied, and was present at the taking of Savannah and at the surrender of Johnson to Sherman. Was mustered out of the service and honorably discharged at Newark, New Jersey, on the 2d day of September, 1865, when he returned to Victor, where he has ever since lived to enjoy the respect and confidence of all who know him. He was married on the 1st day of October, 1849, at Salem, Ohio, to Miss Louisa I. Black a lady of refinement, having received an academic education at Salem, and spent some time in teaching. She is still living and devotes herself to the care of her home and children, of whom she has three: Mary L., Genett M. (now Mrs. William D. Simpson), William H. (a young gentleman of nineteen years).

SOURCE: The History of Iowa County, Iowa, Union Historical Company, Des Moines, Iowa, 1881, p. 606-7

George Crandall

. . . was born in Hancock county, Illinois, September 9, 1843, and was of English and German ancestry. He was reared to farm life and obtained his education in the district schools. He lived with his parents until he reached his majority, after which he worked at various occupations, finally purchasing a farm near Panama, Iowa. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the call of his country and served as a private in Company I, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers, under Lieutenant William W. Williams. He was in the field for nine months and was honorably discharged while at a hospital June 17, 1865. On December 12, 1874, he was married to Miss Jennett Martin, who was born in Whiteside county, Illinois. Four children were born to this union: Maud, Lulu and Ada, all deceased; and Eugene. [He] died at Dow City in 1905. He was a man of many admirable characteristics and aimed to perform his duty in everything he undertook. Politically he gave his support to the democratic party and while he never urged his claims for public position he served very acceptably in several township offices. He was a valued member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M., and attended the Church of Latter Day Saints, his wife being a member of that organization.

SOURCE: F. W. Meyers, History of Crawford County, Iowa, Volume 2, p. 467-8

William R. Good

Corporal, Co. C, 15th Iowa Infantry

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

John M. Botts Heard From

A correspondent recently returned from Richmond, Va., thus alludes to the position Mr. Botts is now placed in: “When in Richmond I saw Mr. Botts.  Mr. Botts is virtually a prisoner in his own house.  When he gets a chance to speak, he denounces the secession of Virginia and says that it was a fatal act, and he hopes that a restoration of the Union may be affected.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

Deaths of Distinguished Men

Ex-Speaker Pennington died at his home in Newark, N. J., on the 16th Inst.

Hon. William Appleton died at his residence in Boston on the morning of the 15th inst.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

Sherer's Independent Cavalry Company

Organized at Aurora, Ill., as Company "B" Cavalry, 36th Illinois Infantry, 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 Army of the West to January, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Army of Southwest Missouri, to February, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Army of Southwest Missouri, to June, 1862. Cavalry, Army of Mississippi, to September, 1862. 9th Division, Army Ohio, to October, 1862. 9th Division, 3rd Army Corps, Army Ohio, to November, 1862. Headquarters Right Wing 14th Army Corps to December, 1862.

SERVICE.--Expedition against Freeman's forces November 1-9, 1861. Curtis' Campaign against Price in Missouri and Arkansas February and March, 1862. Advance to Springfield, Mo., February 2-13. Pursuit of Price into Arkansas February 14-29. Battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., May 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. Pursuit to Booneville May 30-June 6. Duty at Rienzi till September 6. Moved to Covington, Ky., thence to Louisville, Ky., September 6-19. Pursuit of Bragg into Kentucky October 1-16. Battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8. Lancaster, Ky., October 16. March to Nashville, Tenn., October 16-November 7. Expedition from Edgefield to Harpeth Shoals and Clarksville November 25-December 1. Clarksville November 25. Advance on Murfreesboro, Tenn., December 26-30. Nolinsville, Knob Gap, November 26. Battle of Stone River, Tenn., December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Company assigned to 15th Illinois Cavalry as Company K, December 25, 1862, which see.

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

Our Recent Victory

In the general agitation of the public mind, it is needless to attempt to write anything with the expectation of it being read, unless it relate[s] directly to the present condition of national affairs and the recent glorious achievement of the Federal arms.  We surrender much of our space to-day to the interesting details of the battle at Fort Donelson.  This is the most terrible engagement, we presume, ever fought on the American continent, – terrible from its long continuance and the hard fighting that characterized both sides.  The battle of Bull Run was probably a harder contested field during the continuance of the fight and more troops were engaged, and – we truly hope – the list of killed and wounded was much greater; still for stern determination, duration and bravery it did not equal the storming of Fort Donelson.

It is useless to attempt to speculate upon the result of this overwhelming defeat upon the enemy.  Already disheartened, the time of enlistment of about one-half their number expiring, no cheering ray of hope in the distance, if they continue to fight, it will be with the desperation of madmen.

We cannot think the common sense of the people will listen to the deplorable alternative submitted by Cobb & Co. in their address --- despoil their own possessions, and like a flock of sheep huddle together and lay down their lives on the altar of Jeff. Davis’ ambition.

Where the next Federal forces will make their attack remains to be seen, and that very shortly.  Gen. Buell’s troops are yet fresh, and those engaged at Fort Donelson, who were not killed or wounded, are ready  to start on the next point, and at the moment’s warning.  Their blood is warm, and they are eager for the contest.  Clarksville or Nashville, or probably Memphis, will be the next point attacked, but we shall hear in a few days, as the policy now seems to be to follow up one victory after another until the rebels throughout all Secessia surrender on the same terms that General Buckner did, though we hope with a better grace than did that irate gentleman.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 19, 1862, p. 2

John M. Hedrick

JOHN M. HEDRICK was born in Rush County, Indiana, on the 16th of December, 1832. He received but a common school education yet qualified himself for teaching by the time he was seventeen years of age. For three years he worked on his father's farm summers, teaching winters. He came to Iowa and opened a store in Ottumwa but soon after the beginning of the Civil War entered the service as first lieutenant of Company D, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry and was afterward promoted to captain. At the Battle of Shiloh he was wounded and taken prisoner. After remaining a prisoner six months he was exchanged, returned to his regiment and soon after was promoted to major. The regiment was in Sherman's campaign through the Gulf States and, in August, 1864, Hedrick was promoted to colonel. At the Battle of Atlanta he was severely wounded and completely disabled for active service. In the spring of 1865 he was brevetted Brigadier-General for gallant services in the Atlanta campaign. After the war he was for many years editor of the Ottumwa Courier. He was several years employed in responsible positions in the revenue service.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 124-5

Alphonso Scrivins

Private, Co. A, 15th Iowa Infantry

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

Operations at New Orleans

OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. BUTLER.

HEAD QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF,

FORTS JACKSON AND ST. PHILLIP,

April 29, 1862.

To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War

SIR – I have the honor to report that, in obedience to my instructions, I remained on the Mississippi river, with the troops named in my former dispatch awaiting the action of the fleet in the bombardment of the forts Jackson and St. Phillip.

Failing to reduce them after six days of incessant fire, Flag Officer Farragut determined to attempt their passage with his whole fleet, except that portion thereof under the immediate command of Captain Porter, known as the mortar fleet.

On the morning of the 24th instant the fleet got under weigh [sic], and twelve vessels, including the four sloops of war, ran the gauntlet of the fire of the forts and were safely above the action, unprecedented in naval warfare, considering the character of the works and the river, too much cannot be said.  Of its casualties and the details of its performance the Flag Officer will give an account to the proper department.  I witnessed this daring exploit from a point about eight hundred yards from Fort Jackson, and unwittingly under its fire, and the sublimity of the scene can never be exceeded.

The fleet pressed on up the river to New Orleans, leaving two gunboats to protect the quarantine station, five miles above.

In case the forts were not reduced and a portion of the fleet got by them, it had been arranged between the Flagg Officer and myself, that I should make a landing from the gulf side in the rear of the forts at the quarantine, and from thence attempt Fort St. Phillip by storm and assault while the bombardment was continued by the fleet.

I immediately went to Sable Island with my transports, twelve miles in the rear of Ft. St. Philip, the nearest point at which a sufficient depth of water could be found for them.  Capt. Porter put at my disposal the Miami, drawing seven and one half feet, being the lightest draught vessel in the fleet, to take the troops from the fleet as far in as the water would allow.  We were delayed twenty four hours by her running ashore at Pass al’Outre.  The 26th Regiment Massachusetts volunteers, Col. Jones, were then put on board her and carried within six miles of the fort, where she again grounded.

Capt. Everett, of the 6th Massachusetts battery, having very fully reconnoitered the waters and bayous in that vicinity, and foreseeing the necessity, I had collected and brought with me some thirty boats, into which the troops were again transshipped and conveyed by a most fatiguing and laborious row some four and a half miles further, there being within one mile of the steamer only two and a half feet of water.

A large portion of this passage was against a heavy current through a bayou.  At the entrance of Mameel’s Canal, a mile and a half from the point of landing rowing became impossible as well from the narrowness of the canal and the strength of the current, which ran like a mill race.  Through this the boats could only be impelled by dragging them singly, with the men up to their waists in water.  It is due to this fine regiment, and to a portion of the 4th Wisconsin volunteers and 21st Indiana, who landed under this hardship without a murmur, that their labors should be made known to the department, as well as to account for the slowness of our operations.

The enemy evidently considered this mode of attack impossible, as they had taken no measures to oppose it, which might very easily have been successfully done.

We occupied at once both sides of the river, thus effectually cutting them off from all supplies, information or succor, while we made our dispositions for the assault.

Meantime Captain Porter had sent into the bayou, in the rear of Fort Jackson, two schooners of his mortar fleet, to prevent the escape of the enemy from the fort in that direction.

In the hurry and darkness of the passage of the forts the flag officer had overlooked three of the enemy’s gunboats and the iron clad battery Louisiana, which were at anchor under the walls of the fort.  Supposing that all the rebel boats had been destroyed (and a dozen or more had been) he passed on the city leaving these in his rear.  The iron steam battery being very formidable.  Captain Porter deemed it prudent to withdraw his mortar fleet some miles below, where he could have room to maneuver if it was attacked by the iron monster and the bombardment ceased.

I had got Brigadier-General Phelps in the river below, with two regiments, to make demonstrations in that direction, if it became possible.

In the night of the 27th learning that the fleet had got the city under its guns, I left Brigadier General Williams in charge of the landing of the troops, and went up the river to the flagship to procure light draught transportation – that night the larger portion (about two hundred and fifty) of the garrison of Fort Jackson mentioned, spiked the guns bearing up the river, came up and surrendered themselves to my pickets declaring that as we had got into their rear, resistance was useless, and they would not be sacrificed.  No bomb had been thrown at them for three days, nor had they fired a shot at us from either fort.  The averred that they had been impressed and would fight no longer.

On the 28th the officers of forts Jackson and St. Phillip surrendered to Captain Porter, he having means of water transportation to them.  While he was negotiating, however, with the officers of the forts under a white flag, the rebel naval officers put all their munitions of war on the Louisiana, set her on fire and adrift upon the Harriet Lane, but when opposite of fort St. Phillip, she blew up, killing one of their own men by the fragments which fell into the forts.

I have taken possession of the forts and find them substantially as defensible as before the bombardment – St. Philip precisely so, it being quite uninjured.  They are fully provisioned, well supplied with ammunition, and the ravages of the shells have been defensibly repaired by the labors of the rebels.  I will cause Lieut. Wietzel, of the Engineers, to make a detailed report of their condition to the department.

I have left the 26th regiment Massachusetts volunteers in garrison, and am now going up the river to occupy the city with my troops and make further demonstrations in the rear of the enemy now at Corinth.

The rebels have abandoned all their defensive works in and around New Orleans, including forts Pike and Wood on Lake Pontchartrain, and Fort Livingston from Parrataria Bay.  They have retired in the direction of Corinth, beyond Manchack Pass, and abandoned everything up the river as far as Donaldsonville, some seventy miles beyond New Orleans.

A propose to so far depart from the letter of my instructions as to endeavor to persuade the flag officer to pass up the river as far as the mouth of Red river, if possible, so as to cut off their supplies, and make there a landing and a demonstration in their rear as a diversion in favor of General Buell, if a decisive battle is not fought before the movement is possible.

Mobile is ours whenever we choose, and we can better wait.

I find the city under the dominion of the mob.  They have insulted our flag – torn it down with indignity.  This outrage will be punished in such manner, as in my judgment, will caution both the perpetrators and abettors of the act, so that they shall fear the stripes if they do not reverence the stars of our banner.

I send a marked copy of a New Orleans paper containing an applauding account of the outrage.

Trusting my action may meet the approbation of the Department.

I am most respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

BENJAMIN F. BUTLER,

Major General Commanding

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

Schambeck's Independent Cavalry Comp'y.

Organized at Chicago, Ills., July 8, 1861. Ordered to West Virginia and attached to 2nd Brigade, Army of Occupation, West Virginia, July to September, 1861. McCook's Brigade, District of the Kanawha, West Virginia, to October, 1861. 2nd Brigade, District of the Kanawha, to March, 1862. (Company assigned to Thielman's Cavalry Battalion as Company "C," December 9, 1861, and to 16th Illinois Cavalry as Company "C" December 25, 1862, but served detached from both these organizations during entire term.) 4th Brigade, Kanawha District, West Virginia, to August, 1862. 2nd Brigade, Kanawha Division, 9th Army Corps, Army Potomac, to October, 1862. Kanawha Division, District of West Virginia, Dept. Ohio, to March, 1863. Averill's 4th Separate Brigade, 8th Army Corps, Middle Department, to June, 1863. Averill's 4th Separate Brigade, West Virginia, to December, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, West Virginia, to April, 1864. Reserve Division West Virginia to July, 1864.

SERVICE.--At New Creek, W. Va., till August, 1861. Battle of Carnifex Ferry, W. Va., September 10. Moved to Camp Lookout and Big Sewell Mountain September 15-23, thence to Camp Anderson October 6-9. Operations in Kanawha Valley and New River Region October 19-November 16. New River October 19-21. Moved to Gauley and duty there till May, 1862. Advance on Virginia and Tennessee R. R. May 10. Princeton May 11, 16, 17. Wolf Creek May 15. At Flat Top Mountain till August. Flat Top Mountain July 15. Blue Stone August 13-14. Movement to Washington, D.C., August 15-24. Maryland Campaign September 6-22. Frederick City, Md., September 12. South Mountain September 14. Battle of Antietam September 16-17. March to Clear Springs October 8, thence to Hancock October 9. March to the Kanawha Valley October 14-November 17. Duty in the Kanawha Valley till April, 1863. Scouting in Boone, Wyoming and Logan Counties December 1-10,1862. At Buckhannon April, 1863. Operations against Imboden's Raid in West Virginia April 20-May 14. At Buckhannon, Bulltown, Clarksburg, Parkersburg and Weston May to July. Moved to Beverly July 2-7 and duty there till November. Beverly July 14. Shanghai July 16. Martinsburg July 18-19. Averill's Raid through Hardy, Pendleton, Highland, Bath, Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties August 5-31, Rocky Gap, near White Sulphur Springs, August 25-26. Salt Lick Bridge October 14. Averill's Raid from Beverly to Lewisburg and Virginia and Tennessee R. R., November 1-17. Mill Point November 5. Droop Mountain November 6. Elk Mountain, near Hillsborough, November 10. Averill's Raid on Virginia and Tennessee R. R. December 8-25. March through Elk Mountain Pass to Beverly, December 13-17, and duty at Beverly till April, 1864, and at Harper's Ferry and on Baltimore R. R. till July. Baltimore and Ohio R. R., between Bloomfield and Piedmont, May 5, 1864. Mustered out July 16, 1864.

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

The Gunboat Galena on James River --- She Silences Two Forts

GUNBOAT GALENA, Sunday, May 11.

DEAR BROTHER – I suppose by this time you have heard of the Galena leaving Hampton Roads.  I was glad of it, for such a fine ship as this ought not to be kept idle in such times as these, and the boys were all anxious for a fight.  We got under way and left the Roads fifteen minutes past seven o’clock on the morning of the 8th, and it was not long till we passed Sewall’s Point, without one shot being fired at us.  As we passed Newport News we were hailed by loud and long cheers from the men of the fort, who were glad to see us make a move to help their brother soldiers.  But we had only passed them about twenty five minutes, when, to our great joy, a battery hove in sight.  It was first seen by the well experienced eye of our gallant Captain.  He gave orders to Lieutenant Newman to call all hands to quarters, which he did in his usual cool way, for he is always cool and brave.  This order was promptly obeyed by the crew, who thought every minute an hour to try their skill on the rebels.  They soon had a chance, for at fifteen minutes to ten o’clock the ball was opened by our pivot gun forward.  The shot fell short.  The second and third were fired, but there was no reply.  We ran in under their gun range, and then they opened on us from six or eight guns, but all of the shot fell harmless against our iron sides.  I hardly think they knew what was coming at them.  We let fly from our whole battery, and made it pretty warm for them.  We sailed back and forward by the fort three or four times, and soon leveled their flag and made it drag in the dust.  After an action of forty minutes they ran like “red sharks,” as they always do from the well directed fire of our brave sailors.  Not one shot struck us up to the end of the engagement.

Fort No. 2 – The action commenced about one o’clock, three quarters of an hour after we had silenced the first battery.  In this fort we found a more formidable opponent than the first.  It mounted twelve guns and after an hour and fifteen minutes’ bombardment, eleven of them were silenced.  The remaining one fought us for an hour afterward, making this bombardment of two hours and fifteen minutes duration.  The gunboats Aristook [sic] and Port Royal were with us, but did not take an active part in the engagement, though they did some execution with their long guns.

The rebel gunboats Jamestown and Patrick Henry were lying under the guns of the second fort, but instead of assisting its defence, they got up steam and ran away with all speed toward Richmond.  Our damage in the engagement was small.  One shot struck the Aristook and went through her bulwarks under the hammock nettings.  No one was injured.  One or two shots struck us, but they only left their mark on our iron mail and glided off.

After passing the second fort we started up the river, but the buoys have been removed and there we stuck hard and fast, waiting for high tide.  The batteries silenced were called the Upper and Lower Shoal batteries.  Great praise is given to Captain Rodgers, First Lieutenant Newman and Engineer in Chief Thompson.

LATER – We are just getting off shore, and a boat has come on board from Gen. McClellan, by which I send this.  We will be off for City Point in the morning. – {Cor. Baltimore American

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

William Dewey

WILLIAM DEWEY was born on the 26th of March, 1811, in the town of Sheffield, Massachusetts, was educated at West Point Military Academy and later studied law with his father and was admitted to the bar of Indiana in 1836. After practicing law a few years he studied medicine at the St. Louis Medical College, then came to Iowa, becoming a resident of Wapello County in 1842. In 1850 he was one of the commissioners appointed to settle the disputed boundary line between Iowa and Missouri. After completing that work he removed to Sidney, Fremont County, where he was engaged in the practice of medicine when the Rebellion began. Early in 1861 he assisted Colonel Hugh T. Reid to raise the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, was commissioned lieutenant-colonel and was with it in the Battle of Shiloh and the siege of Corinth. In August, 1862, he was promoted to colonel of the Twenty-third Iowa Infantry. While in command of that regiment at Patterson, Missouri, he died of erysipelas on the 30th of November, 1862.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 72

V. R. J. Morris

V. R. J. MORRIS, farmer, P. O. Weston, was born in Des Moines County, this State, March 3, 1840, son of William and Catharine (Cothran) Morris, she a widow, he a native of New York; was a farmer, and one of the pioneers of Iowa, coming in 1836; he died in 1867, at the age of eighty-four years. The mother died in 1843. Our subject was their only child, but he had a half-brother and a half-sister, the result of his father's subsequent marriage. Our subject received a common-school education in this State, and started in life as a farmer. He was married in his native county, April 13, 1861, to Isabella Allison, born in Ireland March 17, 1840, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Barr) Allison, natives also of Ireland, he still living; she died June 30, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have had five children — Sarah Jane, Elizabeth Catharine (deceased), William Leslie, Elbert Garner and Van Rensselaer. Our subject enlisted, in 1864, in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantrv, and served till the close of the war. He served on detached duty with Sherman in his march to the sea, and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. He came to his present place in 1873, previous to which, however, he had traveled for some two years in Missouri and elsewhere. He purchased 160 acres of unimproved land, on which he lived for two years, when he moved to Council Bluffs on account of family sickness, there being no physicians in the surrounding country at that time. He remained in the latter city for three years, and then returned to his farm, on which he has since remained. He has formerly raised grain principally, but is now giving extensive attention to stock. Mr. Morris has held several township and school offices. In politics, he is a Republican, and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

SOURCE: John H. Keatley, History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p. 111-2

William W. Belknap

WILLIAM W. BELKNAP was born in Newburg, New York, in 1829. He graduated at Princeton College in 1848, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1851. He came to Iowa in 1853, locating at Keokuk where he entered upon the practice of law in partnership with Ralph P. Lowe, afterwards Governor of the State. He was elected to the House of the Seventh General Assembly in 1857 on the Democratic ticket. When the War of the Rebellion began he was commissioned major of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. He was in command of the regiment at the Battle of Corinth and was soon after placed on the staff of General McPherson. After the Battle of Atlanta he was promoted to Brigadier-General and at the close of the war was brevetted Major-General. He was offered a commission in the regular army but preferred to return to civil life. General Belknap had become a Republican, supporting Lincoln for President in 1864 and in 1866 was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue for the First District. When General Grant became President, General Belknap was invited into his Cabinet as Secretary of War, where he served seven years, resigning in March, 1876. Charges of official misconduct had been preferred against him by the House of Representatives in a time of great political bitterness, but in the trial by the Senate he was acquitted. Judge George G. Wright, who was a member of the Senate from Iowa, pronounced his acquittal just and his opinion was heartily indorsed by the people of Iowa who never lost confidence in the gallant officer. General Belknap died at Washington, October 13, 1890, and was buried in the National Cemetery at Arlington. Hugh J., a son of General Belknap, became a member of Congress from Chicago.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 17-8

William Harms

WILLIAM HARMS, farmer, P. O. Council Bluffs, was born in Germany in 1830, son of Albolt and Sophia Harms, both dead; mother died when subject was very small, and father when he was about eight years old. Mr. Harms was educated in Germany. He had one brother, who was drowned when five years old; also one half-brother and two half-sisters, all of whom are dead. His father was a farmer, and Mr. Harms has followed the same occupation all of his life. He came to America in 1850, and settled in Dixon, I1l., where he lived till 1863. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Henrietta Minssen, born in 1829 in Germany, daughter of Folgett and Wilhelmina Minssen, both of whom died in Germany. Mrs. Harms came to America in 1853. She has one brother living in this country. After moving to Jones County, Iowa, in 1863, Mr. Harms went into the army in 1864, staying till the close of the war. He was in the Seventeenth Army Corps, Fourth Division, Fifteenth Iowa, and was with Sherman in his march to the sea, being also with him when Atlanta was burned. Mr. Harms came out without a wound. In 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Harms came to their present place, it being then unimproved prairie. Mr. Harms bought eighty acres first, but has since added to it till he now has a farm of 190 acres, mostly under cultivation and general improvement. He does general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Harms have six children, all at home except their oldest daughter, Katie, who married George Young, of Norwalk Township, Pottawattamie Co.; oldest son, Henry, is twenty-one years of age; second daughter, Sophia, was born in 1862; second son, Edward, in 1864; third son, William, in 1868; third daughter, Emma, in 1870. Mr. Harms and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

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

John Y. Stone

JOHN Y. STONE was born near Springfield, Illinois, on the 23d of April, 1843, and came with his parents to Iowa in 1856. He received a liberal education and at the beginning of the War of the Rebellion enlisted in the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry and served until peace was restored. He then returned to Glenwood and studied law with William Hale, afterwards entering into partnership with him. Mr. Stone was elected Representative in the House of the Twelfth and Thirteenth General Assemblies and to the Senate of the Fourteenth, serving four years in each branch. In 1875 he was again elected to the House, serving four years more, the last term as Speaker. He was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1876 and a member of the National Republican Committee from 1876 to 1880. He was again a delegate to the National Republican Convention in 1884. In 1888 he was nominated by the Republican State Convention for Attorney-General and elected, serving three terms. During his busy life in law and politics, General Stone has found time to engage largely in fruit growing. He began many years ago to plant apple trees in Mills County and continued until over eight hundred acres were in orchard, upon which were growing more than 100,000 bearing apple trees. He also planted a vineyard of more than 75,000 grape vines; these with his apple orchard made the largest fruit plantation in the State.

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume IV: Iowa Biography, p. 252

Robert Quigley

Senator from the Thirty-sixth district, composed of Clayton county, was born at Millville, in Clayton county, Iowa, December 31, 1844, of American-born parents. Attended common school in Clayton county, and two years at the U. I. U. at Fayette, Iowa, from which place he enlisted in Company D, 46th Iowa Infantry, and at the expiration of service of said regiment he Joined Company K, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry and served until the close of the civil war. Entered the office of Elijah Odell at McGregor, Iowa, as a law student November 1, 1866, and remained until April 4, 1867, when he went into the office of Murdock & Stoneman. Was admitted to practice law February 28, 1868, and was elected city attorney of McGregor at March election, 1868 and with the exception of only six years he held the office up to January 1, 1908. Was married to Blanche Jacobs November 24, 1875, and to them were born one son and three daughters. His wife died May 18, 1911. Was twice elected county attorney of Clayton county. Elected senator In 1908. Re-elected in 1912. Up to 1881 affiliated with the republican party; since then with the democratic party.

SOURCE: Henry C. Baumgartner, The Iowa Official Register, Vol. 26 For The Years 1915-1916,  p. 713

O'Harnett's Independent Cavalry Comp'y

Organized at Camp Butler, Ills., with 30th Illinois Infantry, and mustered in August 28, 1861. Moved to Cairo, Ills., September 1, 1861. Attached to Military District of Cairo to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862.

SERVICE.--Duty in the Military District of Cairo, September, 1861, to February, 1862. Expedition from Cairo into Kentucky January 16-21, 1862. Operations against Fort Henry, Tenn., February 2-6. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-16. Moved to Pittsburg Landing March 6-13. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn, April 6-7. Advance on and Siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Raid on Mobile and Ohio R. R. and skirmish at Purdy, Tenn., May 7. Moved to Bethel and Jackson, Tenn., June 4-7 and duty there till July. Assigned to Stewart's Illinois Cavalry Battalion July, 1862, which see.

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

Naughton's Irish Dragoons

Organized September 1, 1861, by authority of Gen. Fremont, to be attached to 23rd Illinois Infantry as a Cavalry Company. Expedition to Lexington, Mo., October 5-16. Lexington October 16. Johnstown October 24. Transferred to 3rd Missouri Cavalry as Company "L" and again to 5th Iowa Cavalry, "Curtis Horse," as Company "L," November, 1861.

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

John W. Guthrie

Private, Co. B, 15th Iowa Infantry

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

Specials to the New York Papers

(Times Correspondence)

WASHINGTON, May 19. – The Universal topic is on the course of the President’s proclamation denouncing the conduct of Major General Hunter.

It was understood yesterday that the President would wait till advised of the authenticity of the alleged proceeding of Hunter, but to-day it was too obvious that the mischief would be irreparable if immediate action was not taken.

The effect in Washington has been most happy and reassuring.  The grand patriarchial spirit manifested yearning for the good of the whole nation, more than ever, raises the President in the confidence and love of the people, and increases the sway he has over all extremes of political parties here.

The Senate Committee on Commerce gave Mr. Lathrop, the newly appointed Collector for New Orleans, a hearing to-day.  His statement, however, in his own behalf, did not alter the unfavorable decision previously arrived at by the Committee.  Mr. Lathrop requested an opportunity to have his name withdrawn, which was granted.

The President will probably send in the name of Cuthbut Bullett, to-morrow, for the same position.  Mr. Bullett has been a merchant and a resident of New Orleans for over 20 years, and left there last year because of his loyalty to the Union.

(Herald Dispatch)

It is stated that Gov. Stanley is greatly grieved at the course of Gen. Hunter, and until the prompt and emphatic proclamation of the President to-day, was unwilling to undertake the offices assigned to him in North Carolina.

It is clear that what rebels there are this side of the Blue Ridge, are between Gen. McDowell’s corps, Fredericksburgh and Richmond.

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

The Fleet in James River

WASHINGTON, May 19. – No official dispatch has been received from Com. Goldsboro about the expedition up James River, comprised of the steam frigate Susquehanna, three gun-boats and the tug Servitor, the latter mounting one gun.  They found the first rebel battery at Dolf’s Point deserted.  The rebel flag was flying over the battery at Parly’s Point, 15 miles above Newport News, but on landing was found deserted, also the rebel batteries between there and Jamestown, with their guns mostly dismounted.  Near Jamestown they met the squadron under Commander Rogers, which had previously gone up the river and learned from them particulars of the fight at Fort Darling and the disaster to the Naugatuck.

Goldsboro’s expedition was last heard from on Friday and were still going up the river securing most of the ordnance left by the rebels.

The general evacuation below Ft. Darling has doubtless given Goldsboro a chance to bring up mortar boats, &c., to act effectively against the Fort.

James River and the banks are now clear of rebel soldiers.

The Monitor and Galena were the only vessels that run by Day’s Point and Hardy’s Bluff Batteries.  The remainder of the fleet stopped below.

Of 28 shots which struck the Galena, 18 penetrated.  None did the Monitor any damage, all glancing off.  Both returned down the river on Friday last.  The Galena is not materially injured.  They doubtless followed Goldsboro on Saturday up the river.

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

D. W. Bushnell

D. W. BUSHNELL, book and news dealer, Council Bluffs, was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, in 1844; was educated there, and remained till 1859, when he moved to Boone, Boone Co., Iowa, where he lived on a farm two years; he then entered the army as a private in Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and, at the close of the war, returned to Boone, where he filled the office of Deputy County Treasurer for two years; he then engaged in the book business, which he carried on under the firm name of Moffatt & Bushnell to the fall of 1872, when he came to Council Bluffs; here he bought an interest in L. Brackett's Post Office Book Store, and carried on business in company with Mr. Brackett until 1876, when he sold out to W. C. Erb. After two years, he again bought an interest in the business. On first coming to Council Bluffs, Bushnell & Brackett started a store on upper Broadway, and they have operated that and the post office book store ever since. In the spring of 1882, the post office store was removed five doors above the post office. The Pearl street store is 100 feet long and twenty feet wide, and occupies one floor, where they carry on both wholesale and retail business, keeping a full stock of goods in their line; this store is conducted by Mr. Bushnell. The store on Upper Broadway is conducted by Mr. Brackett, and a full stock of toys are kept in addition to the books and news business; this store is seventy feet long and fifty feet wide. Mr. Bushnell's ancestors came to this country many generations back.

SOURCE: John H. Keatley, History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p. 7-8

Nathan Heald

Private, Co. D, 14th Iowa Infantry

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

Washington News

WASHINGTON, May 19. – The Circuit Court to-day appointed three commissioners for the adjudication of the cases arising under the fugitive slave law in Arizona.  There seems to be considerable jurisdiction claimed by the military authorities, regarding the fugitives under their protection, therefore it cannot be said the law has free course.

This afternoon about fifty of the citizens of the adjoining counties in Maryland proceeded to the White House, accompanied by Messrs. Crisfield, Culvert, Webster and Leary, Representatives in Congress from that State who held a convention with the President regarding their interests as involved in the fugitive slave law.  They say the President promised a response on some other occasion.

The United States military telegraph has an office open and working in a saw mill at fourteen mile post from Richmond.  The line to the various camps and stations between headquarters and Fortress Monroe are in good condition and working admirably under the personal superintendence of Mr. T. P. Eckert.

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

D. B. Clark

D. B. Clark enlisted in Company H, of the Fifteenth Iowa Infantry, at Council Bluffs, in the fall of 1861. The officers of the company were elected in November, and were as follows: D. B. Clark, Captain; Stephen W. King, First Lieutenant, both of Pottawattamie County; and John A. Danielson, Second Lieutenant, of Harrison County. Twenty-four of the men and non-commissioned officers were enlisted in this county. The company suffered severely at Shiloh, a large portion of the officers and men being wounded or killed. Before the close of the battle, owing to the sickness or disability of the other officers, Sergeant Edwards had to assume command, and was soon after commissioned Captain. When the time of the enlistment expired, the following persons of Company H re-enlisted and became veterans: N. W. Edwards, E. W. Crawley, Joshua Gilbert, A. Heaghney, Otto C. Hoffman, Levi J. Laflesh, William Moorehead, Benton T. H. Marshall, Frank N. Martin, John D. Slocum, Amos A. Van Winkle and Joseph Whaley. The records show four killed and thirteen wounded of this company.

SOURCE: John H. Keatley, History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p. 53