Capt. Villiam Brown Eskvire . . .

. . . in the New York Mercury, thus brings “alliteration’s artful aid” to the immortality of Floyd in verse:

Felonious Floyd, far-famed and falsifying,

Forever first from Federal forces flying,

From fabrications fanning Fortune’s fame,

Finds foul Fugacity facitious Fame.

Fool! facile Fabler!  Fugitive flagitious!

Fear of Futurity, Filcher fictitious!

Fame forced from Folly, finding fawners fed,

Feeds final failure – failure fungus-fed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, April 10, 1863

CAMP BEFORE VICKSBURG, April 10, 1863.

Dear Brother:

. . . . . . . . . .

Mr. Dana is here. He spent a few hours with me yesterday, and I went over with him many of the events of the past year, with the maps and records with which I am well supplied. Indeed, all look to me for maps and facts. Dana remarked to one of Grant's staff incidentally, that he was better pleased with me than he could possibly have expected. In the two days he has been here he has seen an illustration of the truth of my proposition, which has drawn on me such volumes of abuse. We have had thousands of men working by night, putting batteries as close up to Vicksburg as possible, secretly, and in opening a channel by which we may in high water reach the river twenty-five miles below Vicksburg. Secrecy was essential, but the papers of Memphis announce the whole fact. I know the Memphis dailies go before daylight each day to Hernando, 25 miles, and are telegraphed to Vicksburg by noon of the same day. Indeed, the day before yesterday we met some Vicksburg officers, who asked that I should come with a flag of truce to discuss a point as to exchange of prisoners, and as we parted, one, a Major Watts, asked me not to open our batteries (the secret) last night, as he was going to have a party and did not want to be disturbed. . . .

Nothing can prevent the fatal practice, but excluding all men from our camp but men who must fight. They at least have a personal interest in what should be revealed and what concealed. . . .

Affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 198-9

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, March 8, 1862

The boys are in fine spirits because we have orders to leave. All are at work getting ready — some are mending their shirts, pants or coats, others their socks or shoes, or anything which needs fixing up before leaving for the South.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 35

The Ladies Of Cincinnati After The Mayor

Forty-six ladies of Cincinnati have petitioned the Legislature to impeach and remove from office Mayor Hatch, of that city.  This is doubtless on account of the Wendell Phillips mobbing affair which, it is charged, was winked at by the Mayor.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

The correspondence of the New York Herald . . .

. . . from Winchester, Va., contains the following:

There were many deeds of heroism performed on the battle field.  While the Fifth Ohio was charging against the enemy, the color bearer was five times shot down; yet another instantly replaced him at the risk of his life.  The last color bearer was a private Named T. B. Isdell.  The flag staff was broken, yet the glorious banner never ceased to float in triumph over the gallant regiment.

It is highly appropriate that Vallandigham, the man who joined Breckinridge in attempting to rouse the secessionists of Baltimore, who was booted out of the camps of regiments from his own state as a traitor, who has rebel camps named after him, who is eulogized by rebel journals as the most steadfast of their Northern friends, should be selected to report resolutions calling for a resuscitation of the Democratic party, under present circumstances.

The Southern Methodist Book Concern, at Nashville, Tenn., has been closed, and the editors removed from the city.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

Gone Under

The track of the C. B. & Q. R. R. on the bottom opposite this city, is again overflowed and the Ferry Boats Commenced ferrying to Oquawka to-day.  The railroad management intend, we believe, to receive and send forward freights by way of Quincy, and will do it with as little delay as practicable.  Stock will be sent to Oquawka and driven to the junction, five miles.  But it is about time the few miles of road on the bottom was raised above [the] high-water mark.  We should think the Company would get as tired of the interruption as the people of Burlington are, and would raise the track permanently above the spring floods.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

James Dyer Welch . . .

. . . of Company K 14th Regiment, died on the 25th of March at Savannah, Tenn., of inflammation of the brain, aged 19 years and 6 months.  The deceased was a son of Mr. John D. Welch of this county, was in the battle of Fort Donelson and there as elsewhere, exhibited true courage and devotion.  He has given his life to his country.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 3

From The Southwest

(Correspondence of the Missouri Republican.)

SPRINGFIELD, MO., March 29, 1862.

In all portions of the country, throughout Southwest Missouri, there is a great change taking place in the sentiments of the people. – The friends of the Federal Union are strengthened in their hopes of its full restoration to power and authority, and are enabled to avow their convictions openly and boldly.  Secession has become a by-word and a reproach among the inhabitants, and a general confidence is felt that the rebel army will never find a way into Missouri again.  Many thoughtless persons who have been in Price’s army are returning home, some of them quietly, hoping that no notice will be taken of their [treason],others coming, and giving themselves up to the military authorities, asking to be permitted to take the oath of allegiance and return to the peaceful avocations to which they were formerly accustomed.  All these returning rebels express their disgust with the rebellion as a future, and are now convinced that the Government of their fathers is a wise and beneficent one, and too powerful to be easily overthrown.

The night before we reached Springfield we stayed with an intelligent farmer, about eight miles from town, by the name of Piper.  He came from Virginia, and settled in this country twenty years ago.  Two of his sons are in the Union army, and one of them was wounded in the battle of Pea Ridge.  The latter is now home, recovering from his wounds, and gave me a few interesting particulars of the battle.  He was in Colonel Phelps’ regiment , Twenty-fifth Missouri Infantry.  During the first two days this regiment was constantly in the fight, and many of them were wounded, or met a soldier’s death.  Every Captain in the regiment was either killed or wounded.  Young Piper spoke in terms of great admiration of Capt. John W. Lisenby, of Company D, his own Captain, with whom he stood side by side during the fight.  The first man that fell, Captain L. put his sword in its sheath, and picked up the man’s musket, using it till the cartridges were all gone.  Then waving his cap over his head, he cheered on his men until a ball struck him in the breast, and he fell to the earth.  His wound, however, was not fatal, and he will recover.  He is now in this city, being nursed and cared for by female friends.

Young Piper received a flesh wound in the thigh.  He fought on for some time after he was shot, feeling only a sting in his leg when he was struck, and only desisting when it became painful.  He says he exchanged several shots with his antagonist, both of them having discovered the other’s aim, and that, on his third shot, he saw him fall.

The parents of this young man are proud that their sons are serving the cause of the Union.  The old gentleman is a prosperous farmer, and although he has been repeatedly robbed by the secesh, his home is ever open to the weary soldier, who is never denied refreshment and rest.

At another house where we passed the night we found the mother of one of our wounded soldiers, a Mrs. Benton, rejoicing that her son had been found worthy to suffer for his country, and saying that his scars would be [an honorable] testimony to his loyalty hereafter.

Speaking of the regiment of Col. Phelps.  I forgot to mention the noble conduct of his wife before and during the late battle.  It is related of her that she went down to the headquarters of the army just before the fight, taking with her various articles of comfort, and among other things a lot of bandages, pieces of cotton, cloth, lint, &c., for dressing wounds.  She had not been there more than a few hours when the battle commenced, and very soon her benevolent exertions were called into requisition.

The soldier who related this states that for three days she was untiring in her personal efforts in aid of the surgeons, in dressing wounds and caring for the wounded.  Such noble and heroic conduct shows that we are not without our Florence Nightengales,

“The noblest types of good

Heroic womanhood.”

that can be found in any land.

It was Mrs. Phelps who had the body of Gen. Lyon decently buried on her husband’s farm, after the battle of Wilson’s Creek, when the rebels took possession of Springfield and in the hasty retreat of our little army, the body of the deceased Gen. Lyon was, by a mistake left behind.

Meeting Mr. Plattenburg, the agent of the Western Sanitary Commission, on his return from Cassville, I learned from him that he got safely and promptly through with the forty boxes of hospital stores for the wounded, and that the sheets, pillows, blankets, bandages, lint, jellies, wines, brandies, and other hospital stores were the very things needed, and came like the manna in the wilderness to our wounded men, no provision having been made for such an emergency.  Forty boxes more are now on the way at this point, to be shipped immediately to Cassville, and will all be needed.  It is purposed also to send some washing machines to the hospitals to facilitate the washing of the soiled clothing, for which it is very difficult to procure the requisite labor.  The labors of the Sanitary Commission have proven of immense value in securing better care and in providing necessary comforts for the wounded of our army, in which the rebel wounded have also shared.  Many lives have no doubt been saved through their instrumentality, and their disinterest and humane exertions will not be forgotten by a grateful people.

LEON.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, March 7, 1862

Orders came for us to get ready to leave for St. Louis, and everybody is happy. Drill was discontinued for the day.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 35

Married

At the residence of W. S. Berry, April 2d, by Rev. [A. P.] Willey, Mr. NEWELL PARSONS to Miss ABBIE W. MARDEN, both of Burlington.

On the 1st Inst., by Rev. W. F. Baird, Mr. [WILLEY] PHIPPS and Miss MARY A. YOUCUM, all of this city.

At the residence of the bride’s mother, March 25th by Rev. A. W. Stryker, Mr. JOSEPH SHOPBELL, and Miss A. B. BEILES, all of Henry county, Iowa.

Also on the 30th, by the same at the resident of the Bride’s father, Mr. WILLIAM LEN and Miss SARAH C. HARDIN, all of Henry county

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Died

In this city, Wednesday afternoon, Mr. FREDERICK SORNEY, aged 45 years.

Mrs. ANNA F., consort of Andrew Hooten, of Des Moines county, Iowa, in her 56th year.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Southern Chivalry Illustrated

A New York correspondent writes:

“Among the mementoes brought here from the battle field of Manassas, is the skull of a New York Fire Zouave, which was picked up in an old hut near Bull Run.  A blow back [of] the right ear had shattered the skull nearly in two.  It has evidently been the property of some rebel, who has taken great pains to keep it in good condition, it having been polished and whitened.  On it is the following inscription, written in ink.”

“Skull of a New York Fire Zouave, killed July 21st, 1861, at the battle of Manassas Plains.”

“Sic Semper Tyranus.”

A correspondent of the Pittsburg Gazette at Washington, writes:

“A friend who spent nearly all of the last week at Manassas, and in the vicinity, came back yesterday loaded with relics of the ill-fated field of Bull Run, and some of the debris of headquarters.  He has a rare collection of letters in all styles of orthography, except the correct.  One letter was from a lady to her friend, thanking him for the gift he had sent her, and which had arrived safely at hand – in South Carolina.  Now, gentle reader, you who may perchance permit your eye to read upon this line, what think you was this gift?  Imagine this fair daughter of ‘Caroleena’ [illegible]ing to her fairy bower, ’neath the dark magnolia, in the shade of her orange grove, fanned by her dusky slave, while she snatches from the letter of her champion, ‘gone to the wars,’ his gift of love!  Precious token of his affection!  What was it?  A part of a dead man’s finger! Or in the language of the letter, ‘a bone from a Yankee’s finger!’”

What facts the rebels are putting into the head of Sumner to illustrate his theory of the barbarism of slavery.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Conspiracy Against the Government

In the Senate, March 25th, Mr. LATHAM said:

I have a resolution that I shall offer, and I beg the indulgence of the Senate while I make a brief preliminary statement, as I shall ask for its immediate consideration.  In the Boston Journal of Saturday evening, March 22, 1862, appeared the following article:

“TREASONABLE PLOT IN MICHIGAN. – The Detroit Tribune publishes a curious document revealing an attempt that in that State last fall to organize a league for the purpose of overthrowing the Federal Government.  This object is plainly avowed in a secret circular, which declares the purpose of the movement to be ‘to rise and unite if necessary, with the a--- (army) and the S----, (South,) overrun the N---- (North) like a hurricane, sweeping the A------------- (Administration) into eternity, or at least, driving them into complete and unconditional submission.’  The document is dated October 5, 1861, and says the league is doing a noble work in Maryland and among the soldiers at Fortress Monroe and that ‘President P----- (President Pierce) in his passage has drawn many brave and influential men to the league.’  The Tribune says the original of the document is now in the State Department at Washington, and that it led to the arrest and imprisonment of several persons in Fort Lafayette.  It was discovered that secret organizations existed in many towns in Michigan, and in numerous places in Canada West.”

This morning I received the following letter from ex-President Pierce:

CONCORD, N. H., March 24, 1862.

MY DEAR SIR:  I inclose a short notice from the Saturday evening edition of the Boston Journal, (March 22,) the substance of which it is quite probable you may have seen before.  Having originated in Michigan, and been reproduced in Boston, it can hardly be doubted that it has already secured a wide circulation.

The subject is not new to me.  It was the occasion of a correspondence between the Secretary of State and myself as early as December last.  I thought it reasonable to suppose, at the close of that correspondence, that the matter would cease to attract notice.

This expectation not having been realized, and the offensive charge alleged to be based upon a document, the original of which “is now in the State Department at Washington,” having been revived and extensively published, will you do me the favor to introduce in the Senate a resolution calling for the correspondence to which I have referred.

It will strike you, I am sure, both upon public and personal grounds, that such imputations should not be permitted thus to circulate unchallenged, especially when an answer to them, at least so far as I am concerned, has been for months upon the files of the first Department of the Government.

I am, very truly, your friend, &c.,

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Hon. MILTON S. LATHAM, United States Senate, Washington, D. C.

Mr. President, I shall offer the resolution in my hand, and I trust the Senate will permit its consideration now, for I deem it nothing more than proper not only to this distinguished individual, but to the country.  That the truth in relation to this charge should be known, and if a malignant and base calumny, that it should be branded as such:

            Resolved.  That the Secretary of State be requested to transmit to this body copies of any correspondence which may have taken place between Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Hon. Franklin Pierce, ex-President of the United States having reference to a supposed conspiracy against the Government.

Mr. CHANDLER.  Mr. President –

The VICE PRESIDENT. The Senator will allow the Chair first to ascertain whether there is any objection to the consideration of the resolution.

Mr. CHANDLER.  I wish to make some remarks in regard to the resolution.

The VICE PRESIDENT.  They are not in order unless the resolution is before the Senate.

Mr. HOWARD.  I hope there will be no objection to it.

Mr. CHANDLER.  A copy of that letter was furnished by me to the State Department, I think as early as November last, and it has been in my hands since the 7th or 8th day of October.  I should desire to read to the Senate the whole of the letter which that is an extract, but it is at my room, and I have not got it with me at this time.  The organization was most treasonable and infamous; it was wide spread; and it received the attention of the State Department, as I think it should have done.  The writer of that identical article – a Dr. Hopkins – was on his way to accept a commission as surgeon in the Federal Army when he was arrested and sent to Fort La Fayette.  About that time “the Knights of the Golden Circle,” as I was informed and believe, came to the resolution that they would be more patriotic than anybody else; that they would rush into the Federal army; that they would put men, if possible, in every regiment of the Federal army; and to my certain knowledge, they did succeed in getting a large number of the worst traitors in the United States into the Federal army; and they are there now.  This man Hopkins acknowledged the writing of this letter, but undertook to call it a joke.  Well, sir, it was a pretty serious joke.  I have, perhaps, more information than it is necessary for me to divulge at this time in reference to this matter.

Mr. LATHAM.  I do not wish to gainsay anything the gentleman has said.  What I wish, and what I feel is due to the Government and the country is to know whether a person who has filled the highest office within the gift of the American People, an ex-President of the United States, was in any manner connected with such an organization.  It is due to him, and it is due to the country, that it should be known whether such is the fact; and that is simply the object of my resolution.

Mr. HOWARD.  I am very glad, Mr. President, that the Senator from California has presented this resolution.  I think it is alike due to ex-President Pierce and to the country that the facts, so far as they are attainable at the State Department, should be obtained by the Senate and spread out before the country.  I do not undertake to say, nor to intimate, that the papers to which allusion is made by the Senator from California, will in any way implicate ex-President Pierce.  I do not know how that may be; I will not undertake to say.  That there is such a letter has been referred to by my colleague is certainly true; for I have seen the original with my own eyes; or that which is called the original.  I believe, however, that the resolution of my friend from California does not require a copy of that particular letter – the letter of Dr. Hopkins.  I would inquire of him whether it is broad enough to cover that letter.  It calls simply for any correspondence that may have taken place between ex-President Pierce and the State Department, and I think stops there; but I may be mistaken.

Mr. LATHAM.  At the suggestion of the Honorable Senator from Michigan, I will amend my resolution, so as to add at the conclusion of it, “and all other papers relating to the same.”

Mr. HOWARD.  I hope that amendment will be made, so that we may have all the documents before the Senate.  I will go further. – I do not know that my friend form California will – and suggest to him to extend his resolution so far as to require the production of any written or printed document in the possession of the executive department of this Government relating to the organization and purpose of a secret combination known commonly as the Knights of the Golden Circle.  I will not move such an amendment now myself; but I suggest it to him, and if he will move it, I shall be very glad to have him do that also.

Mr. LATHAM.  I think the resolution is broad enough as it is.  That might involve matters which the State Department might not deem conducive to the public interest to lay before this body.  I should certainly vote for such a resolution if that were brought in independently of my own; but I think it is embarrassing the resolution I now offer.

Mr. HOWARD.  I will not offer it myself, I am quite satisfied with the extent of the resolution as amended by my friend from California.  I hope it will pass.

Mr. CHANDLER.  Will the Secretary read the resolution as it now stands.

The Secretary read it as follows:

            Resolved.  That the Secretary of State be directed to transmit to this body copies of any correspondence which may have taken place between Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and Hon. Franklin Pierce, ex-President of the United States, having reference to a supposed conspiracy against the Government, and all other papers relating to the same.

The resolution was agreed to.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, April 3, 1863

CAMP BEFORE VICKSBURG, April 3, '63.

My Dear Brother:

I received your long letter from Mansfield, for which I am much obliged. You certainly have achieved an envious name in the Senate, and I confess I am astonished at your industry and acquirements. I readily understand how, in a revolution of the magnitude that now involves us all, older men should devolve on you and the younger school of men the legislation and experiments necessary to meet a state of facts so different from the common run of events. The Finance Bill and Conscription Acts of the late Congress in my judgment may keep the management of the affairs of the nation in the hands of the Constitutional Government. Anything short of them, the war would have drifted out of the control of President and Congress. Now if Mr. Lincoln will assume the same position that Davis did at the outset, he can unite the fighting North against the fighting South, and numerical force systematized will settle the war. I know the impatience of the people, but this is one of the lessons of war. People must learn that war is a question of physical force and courage. A million of men engaged in peaceful pursuits will be vanquished by a few thousand determined armed men. The justice of the cause has nothing to do with it. It is a question of force. Again we are the assailants, and have to overcome not only an equal number of determined men, however wrongfully engaged, but the natural obstacles of a most difficult country. . . .

They [i.e. newspaper correspondents] are unknown to me, appear in disguise of sutlers' clerks, cotton thieves and that class of vultures that hang around every army. I never saw or heard of Knox till he had published his falsehoods; and when I did send for him, and he admitted how false he had been, he enunciated the sentiment that his trade was to collect news — he must furnish reading matter for sale, true, if possible; otherwise, false. . . .

It is absurd to say these correspondents relieve the anxiety of parents, friends, &c. My soldiers write constantly and receive immense numbers of letters. This is right, and if newspapers will report only local matters and discuss matters within their knowledge, parents and families would not be kept half frantic with the accounts of sickness, death, massacres, &c., of their children and relatives. We have hundreds of visitors from every quarter to examine our camps, because correspondents represented us as all dying, when the truth is no army was ever better provided for and supplied. We are camped on narrow slips of levee and ground, because all else is under water. To get on dry ground we must go back to Memphis or Helena. . . .

McPherson is a splendid officer. Grant is honest and does his best. I will do as ordered. I will suggest little, as others talk of my failing to take Vicksburg and I want them to try a hand. . . .

Affectionately,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 196-8

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, March 6, 1862

No news of importance.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 35

Felon Chivalry

Something over a year ago one Sobieski Burnett, who has had an occasional or transient domicile in St. Louis, was arrested in Northern Ohio, charged with burglary.  Before trial, by the aid of confederates he broke jail and escaped.  He was taken prisoner at Donelson, having a captaincy in the rebel army.  Being identified, he was taken back, arraigned, plead guilty and was a week or two ago sentenced to the Penitentiary for a term of years.  His is not the first instance of felons and escaped convicts being found decked with the insignia of military rank in the Chivalrous army.  There were several such in Western Virginia, in the summer – “high-toned, southern gentlemen, fighting for homes and hearth stones and all their cherished ‘institutions.’” – {Mo. Dem. March 29.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, March 5, 1862

Company E had prayer meeting this evening in a vacant room close by their quarters. It is reported that we are to leave for the South in two or three days. The war has certainly struck this place a hard blow. There are many vacant houses and most of the storerooms are standing empty. There are but few men left in town, most of them having gone to war. Families are divided, each member having gone to the army of his choice; there are fathers against sons and brothers against brothers. They are so determined for the side they take that many are killed in the neighborhood by their neighbors, and some even by members of their own families.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

A Slave-Catching General

General Hooker, commanding on the Lower Potomac, is not more addicted to slave-catching than the Gen. McCook at Nashville, referred to by our own correspondent – himself a Kentuckian.  The following corroborating testimony is by the correspondent of the Pittsburgh Gazette, writing from Nashville:

The Jackson Mississippian, in recording the feats of Lieut. Trotter, at Fort Donelson, says that while he was engaged in shooting down five Federals in a pile, with a single revolver, his servant, a negro boy, ran up to assist him, “and while fighting manfully by his side, was shot down by the enemy, when his mater, with one wipe of his bowie-knife, killed the man who slew his servant.”  Terrible monster, and devoted servant, were they not?  Some of our Generals make it a rule to see that none of the negroes become devoted to them in the same style.  When one comes into the camp of Gen. McCook – “a big bellied and profane Brigadier” – he takes particular care to have the man spotted, recorded, guarded, and returned to the man who first applies for him.  Gen. McCook received a lengthy notice in the secesh papers here for his liberality in returning the slaves of individuals who have been engaged in the rebellion.  He swears “he’ll have no G-d d----d Abolitionist in his command.”  He is the individual to whom the correspondent of the New York World lately referred in a letter from this place.  He has long been a disgrace to the army – is a man without sense, modesty or discretion, and is entirely out of place as the commanding and superior officer of such a man as Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau, of Kentucky, whose brigade is in his division, or Gen. Negley, whose brigade was in the same deplorable condition.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

In the hurry and excitement of the war . . .

. . . but few of its heroic incidents find a chronicler.  In our interest in each new battle we forget the last; and, it is to be feared, too often seem to forget men who deserve the highest honors.  The name of Lieut. Morris, for example, the commander of the Cumberland, who, with a heroism, for a parallel of which we must search far, fought the Merrimac so long as a gun remained above water, and keeps is flag flying still, is not, as it should be, a household word wherever true courage is honored.  He has been thanked by the secretary of the Navy and by Congress, but that is all.  Another incident of that gallant fight has never so far as we have noticed, appeared in print.  When Gen. Mansfield saw the Cumberland sinking, he ordered the captain of a tug to put off from Newport News and go to the assistance of her crew.  The poor creature refused, pleading fear of losing his life.  Mansfield cocked his pistol and assured him that death was nearer him if he refused than if he went.  The captain was convinced by this reasoning.  No sooner had the noble tars, thus saved from a watery grave, touched land than, dripping and half-drowned as they were, they ran to the cannon which were lying upon the beach and not reflecting that six pounders are useless against an iron-mailed vessel of war, turned them upon the enemy.  Reading the future by the light of such noble spirits, can we doubt the issue of the war?  All our soldiers and sailors ask is an opportunity to show what manner of men they are. – N. Y. Tribune.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

The steamer Little Morgan . . .

. . . started form this place to Eddyville some time in the afternoon of Wednesday last, and on Friday afternoon at 6 o’clock, after making the trip, she steamed back to the wharf with considerable freight aboard.  During her absence, she laid up one night at Red Rock.  The distance by the river from Des Moines to Eddyville must be in round numbers not less than 100 miles.  This we take to be a pretty quick trip, - made, too, by a boat of small caliber and unpretending appearance.  When was a trip made in shorter time? – {Register.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

The Lyons Of Connecticut

Some interesting facts have recently come out concerning the number of persons related to the lamented Gen. Lyon, and bearing his name, who are now in the army.  There are thirty persons bearing his name, and related to him, now in the service, descendants of Ephraim Lyon of Connecticut, a lawyer by profession, and a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war.  These are all in the Connecticut regiments, and many of them from the same county.

A young nephew of Gen. Lyon, a boy fifteen years old, named Arthur, enlisted in the 9th Connecticut regiment immediately after the General’s remains were taken home and buried in his town.  Arthur was at school, which he left the next day after the burial, to join the regiment, saying he had no idea of leaving his school to fight until he saw his uncle Nathaniel lowered into the grave.  From that moment he was seized with a desire and purpose to enter the army and avenge his death.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, March 4, 1862

Nothing of importance.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

Christmas Bells

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

Till, ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men !

Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearthstones of a continent,

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;

“For hate is strong,

And mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep

“God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men!”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, December 25, 1864

SOURCE: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Complete Writings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Poetical Works, Volume 3, p. 139-40

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, March 3, 1862

It is turning a little warmer. There are just a few of the boys in the hospital here and they are well cared for; their bedding is kept nice and clean and their food is well cooked.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, March 20, 1863

MANSFIELD, OHIO,

March 20, 1863.

Dear Brother:

I am at length at home with sufficient leisure to think, but still somewhat jaded from a very laborious session. When I went into the Senate I anticipated quiet and dignified leisure with ample time to read, reflect and study such grave questions of politics as I chose to turn my attention to. Such thus far has not been my experience. The vast and complicated legislature required by war, demands of Senators an amount of labor in committees never before given. The Senate has become a laborious committee where bills are drawn as well as discussed. It has so happened that although a junior yet I have had to carry the most important financial bills, such as the Bank Loan and Tax Bills, subjects full of difficulty and detail. . . .

The laws passed at the last session will be a monument of evil or of good. They cover such vast sums, delegate and regulate such vast powers, and are so far-reaching in their effects, that generations will be affected well or ill by them. These measures are distinguished as much by what were omitted as by what were adopted. The negro was not legislated upon. The laws of confiscation, emancipation, &c., were left precisely upon the basis of previous laws, the proclamations of the President and ultimate decisions of the courts. The arming and employment of negroes is left upon the old law and mainly to the discretion of the President. There was but little speech-making and that mainly to the matter in hand. The Union or rather Republican members made scarcely a political speech in either house. They felt too constantly the pressure of practical measures demanding action. On the whole, the recent Congress may fairly appeal to their constituents for a favorable judgment upon the general aggregate of their acts. For myself, I do not reproach myself with any glaring fault. I opposed arbitrary arrests, general confiscation, the destruction of State lines and other extreme measures, and thereby have lost the confidence of some of my old friends. On the other hand, I have taken my full share in framing and supporting other great measures that have proved a success, and think I may fairly claim credit for many of the most valuable features of our financial system, which has been wonderfully sustained under enormous expenditure. I can also claim the paternity of the Bank Law yet to be tested by experience, and for the main features of the Conscription Law. This latter law is vital to our success, and although it was adopted with fear and trembling and only after all other expedients failed, yet I am confident it will be enforced with the general acquiescence of the people and that through it we see the road to peace. But after all, Congress cannot help us out of our difficulties. It may by its acts and omissions prolong the war, but there is no solution to it except through the military forces. The people have got beyond the first danger of the war. They no longer underrate the power of the Confederates and no longer expect a short or holiday war. When coming home at Philadelphia, and in the cars, and here among plain people I find a healthy feeling. They want peace. But very few would accept it on any other terms than the preservation of the Union. They know very well that the South will only yield to this after being thoroughly whipped, and this has not been done.

I am very much rejoiced that you did not act upon your hasty impressions about resigning. The history of your Vicksburg expedition is now well understood and you stand well with all classes.

Most of the papers who joined in the clamor against you have corrected their statements. You never lost the confidence of the department and especially of Stanton and Halleck. . . .

Affectionately yours,

JOHN SHERMAN

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 194-6

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, March 2, 1862

It is still getting colder. The ground is frozen and we have no fires in the tents — the men are suffering day and night from the cold. Had company inspection this morning.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

A Conscientious Squire

The jokes that have been related concerning the ignorance of backwoods justices are many and good.  When Muscatine was smaller than it is now our oldest inhabitants will remember the old fellow who kept a “law shop” near where Butler’s Block now stands.  We’ll call him Stubbs for short.  Now Stubbs had a fellow brought before him; just after his appointment, charged with stealing a watch.  Persons swore they saw him take the article and other witnesses swore positively that the prisoner at the time the watch was stolen was at least fifty miles away.  On summing up the evidence, Old Stubbs was in a quandary.  Finally he arose and with a great deal of reluctance told the prisoner that according to the evidence on the side of the prosecution he should be obliged to fine him five dollars.  But as the defense had established an alibi, and he could not conscientiously cause an innocent man to suffer he would pay the fine himself, which he actually did, remarking that this was the most extraordinary case that had ever come to his knowledge.

This same old Stubbs once went on a spree with several friends and was terrible drunk for two or three days.  After he got sobered off he arrested his companions and fined them five dollars each for intoxication and disturbing the peace.  As soon as the trial was concluded he commanded the constable to arrest Stubs immediately.  The constable read the warrant.  Stubbs pled guilty and fined himself five dollars and costs of suit.  The record stands on the docket to this day. – {Muscatine Journal.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, March 1, 1862

It is very cold with a strong northwest wind blowing. We drilled with our overcoats on for the first time, and even then we could not keep warm.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

Decision Of A $250,000 Land Suit

The Supreme Court of the United States at Washington, recently made a final decision in the case of Joseph Darst, James P. Harkness and Maria Harkness against Isaac Underhill relative to the title to about forty acres of land lying on North Madison and Monroe streets in Underhill’s addition to Peoria.  The value of the land is some $250,000, and the matter has been in litigation for some eight or ten years.  The case was decided a year or two ago in the United States District Court at Chicago, in favor of Mr. Underhill, and taken up to the Supreme Court by the other parties. – The latter court now affirms the decree of the lower Court, placing Mr. Underhill in full and quiet possession of the property. –{Peoria Transcript.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Fort Pike

This fort, which, it is reported is now in the possession of the Union Forces, guards the Rigolets or main passage between Lake Borgne and Ponchatrain, in the rear of New Orleans.  It mounts fifty double fortified long 24 pound guns, has two deep and wide ditches and all the appliances known to modern skill.  For ten years it was commanded [by] Col. John Mountfort, of the United States Artillery, formerly of Boston

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Departure Of Heenan For England

On Sunday John C. Heenan left in the City of Washington, for England, with his brother James.  A number of his friends attended on the pier to witness his departure and his him a good and short passage in the swift steamer.  The champion was in fine health and gallant spirits – a very model of a stalwart, active man.  Although it has been said that he does not go to England to fight, it may be doubted whether he will not consent to accommodate the person who has several times announced that his great desire was to contend with him.  In fact, we have a very dedicated impression that the ridiculous vaunting of Mace, in that regard, will come to a very abrupt termination, soon after Heenan lands at Liverpool.  He is a much more formidable man in appearance, as well as science, now than he was when he went to meet the redoubtable Tom Sayers.  Since then, Heenan has thickened and solidified, while his astonishing quickness and activity have been preserved.  His former antagonist, Tom Sayers, has long been anxious to have him go over, and there will be a right merry meeting between them. –{Wilkes’ Spirit of this week.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Gens. Rosecrans And McClellan

Some severe criticisms having been made upon General Rosecrans for his conduct of affairs in Western Virginia, and a charge preferred against him of want of activity after his victory over the rebels at Rich Mountain, he has written a letter which, in the opinion of the newspaper where the criticism appeared, completely clears him of any reproach for want of skill, and sustains him in the assertion that “the affair at Rich Mountain opportunely cut off reinforcements to Pegram at Camp Garnett, and knocked the keystone out of the rebel arch of defense with but little loss.” – In the course of his letter, Gen. Rosecrans, vieing with Gen. Burnside, chivalrously bears testimony to the merits of his chief, and frankly avows that his successful campaign in Western Virginia “was planned and executed by General Rosecrans under the orders of General McClellan, to each of whom belongs his proper share of merit, to Gen. Rosecrans as subordinate, and to Gen. McClellan as commander-in-chief.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

A Southern paper says . . .

. . . that the people of that region can use rye coffee if they can’t get Java and Rio.  It is a very strong kind of “coffee” that the rebels distil from their rye. –{Louisville Journal.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, February 28, 1862

We had company inspection with all accouterments on ready for a march, and the regiment was then mustered for pay. Thus this month ends, finding us at California, Missouri.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

Disunion is Anarchy

Mr. Yancy – who was not captured while running the blockade, disguised as the “ancient mariner” made a speech on his arrival in New Orleans, a sketch of which appeared in our last, as copied from a Southern journal. – Mr. Yancy, who went out to Europe in high feather as a Confederate Commissioner to solicit foreign recognition of Jeff. Davis’ Government, returned quite chop-fallen – a wiser if not a better man.  Plainly he told the Louisiana people, in his speech, that European intervention was out of the question, and that “the South” has no friends abroad.  In his intense disgust he became candid, and frankly stated that one of the reasons why European powers will not interfere in American affairs, is the hope and belief that the permanent dissolution of the Union will weaken a nation of whose prosperity and greatness they had become jealous.  True words and well spoken!  But is Mr. Yancy conscious that he has thus presented a sound, invincible argument against the mischievous faction to which he belongs, and in favor of an undivided, combined and powerful Government?

One of the most painful causes of apprehension, with us, from a contemplation of a possible success of the rebellion, is the belittled and contemptible position in which the separated parts of our country would stand in the eyes of other nations.  As a whole, America is justly respected and feared by the wealthiest and strongest governments of the world.  Dismembered, divided and broken up, exhausted by petty internecine wars, the fragments would be the scorn and scoff of kingdoms, foreign secretaries and statesmen – the subjects of constant insult and the prey, perhaps, of invasion and conquest.  National weakness is a synonym of inevitable ruin.  The power of the United States once destroyed, administration is forever gone, and the haughtiness or greed of other governments would soon compel it to sink into an insignificance so mortifying, and imbecile that the disdain of foreign nations would be scarcely more galling than the disgust of the citizens at home.  We wonder that Mr. Yancy and his confreres never thought of this before.

No differences that have existed or now exist between the people of the Northern and Southern sections will ever be settled in any more permanent manner through the establishment of two Governments than can be done under one.  Indeed, there is far less prospect of each in a separation than in a continued Union. – England and France see this, and hence, whilst professing neutrality, their dearest hopes will be fulfilled if there shall be a dismemberment of the American Republic.  The present rebellion if successful, it may [be] but a precedent for future insurrections and secessions.  In the very nature of the system of the Confederate Government now sought to be established, the States comprising it may be indefinitely divided, the league depending solely upon the pleasure of the people of the several parts forming the compact.  So whilst it is not out of the range of possibility that the existing loyal States might hereafter be disrupted by revolution aided by the South and by European Governments, the Southern States would almost inevitably fall into paltry fragments. – The seceded districts are now held together by an interest of common defense, and would doubtless be always united in any war against their late associates, but let their independence once be acknowledge, and if they could not find pretexts for quarrel with the remaining States, political incongruities would soon furnish material for strife amongst themselves. – The dissolution of the Union, then, is equivalent to unending contention and anarchy, tending directly and inexorably to public and private ruin in every section, and consequently to the downfall of all the power and government in America.  Mr. Yancy has stated premises correctly; let him and his allies in secession pursue them to the logical conclusion. – {St. Louis Republican

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Recognizing a Brother in Nashville

(Extract from an Officer’s Private Letter.)

CAMP NEAR SPRING HILL, TENN.,

March 22, 1862.

We left Nashville day before yesterday, with colors flying.  The place is full of secesh.  They don’t like us; notwithstanding our conduct is peaceful, quiet and orderly, they are very bitter.  An example of this feeling occurred the other day.  We have a man here, brigade wagon-master, seventy-five years of age – a well-to-do farmer in Hamilton – in fact, rich.  He has gone into this thing from pure patriotic motives.  We call him Uncle, and Father Battie.  He reply to my salutation, “Good morning Uncle Battie, how do you feel this morning?” always is, “Oh, very well my son, for a young man.”  There is a preacher in Nashville, of the same denomination as B.  He came from Hamilton, too.  When preacher Elliot, some two years ago, came to Hamilton, Battie took him round that place, also to Cincinnati, paying his expenses – treating brother Elliot like a prince.  When Battie came to Nashville, he went to see brother E. dressed in his soldier’s clothes.  Battie rung the bell – E. appeared around the corner of the house. – “How do you do, brother Elliot?”  “Mr. Battie, I don’t recognize my brother in such a garb as you have on,” and broke out into a torrent of abuse.  It astonished B., but recovering, he held out his foot, and said “May be you’d recognize that?”  E. disappeared.  The old man got a big blacksnake whip and tried to find E. out of his house.  The day before we left he met him. – Battie exclaimed, “The Lord favors me, there is brother Elliot.”  He strode up to him – “Brother Elliot, do you recognize me?  “As much, Mr. Battie, as I did before.”  “Then the Lord forgive, you do not know what you do.”  He gave him a tremendous lashing across the face, until E. begged for mercy.  Battie says he thinks E. will know him in future.  Now, E. is a fair example of the rest, only they are not punished. – Will they be?  Does the Government intend to give them their deserts?

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Buell's Movements

The Telegraph has mentioned the arrival of Generals Nelson’s Thomas’ and McCook’s Divisions of Gen. Buell’s Column at Duck river, Tennessee, and the correspondence of a Cincinnati paper informs us of the passage, on the 22d, of Gen. Mitchell’s division through Murfreesboro.  But of course only these whose business and privilege it is to be posted, can tell the destination of these troops.  Duck river is an affluent of the Tennessee, and the point referred to by the telegraph as the one to which the main body of Gen. Buell’s army had reached, is doubtless in the neighborhood of Columbia, forty-six miles south of Nashville.

The plans of Gen. Buell’s operations are doubtless based upon hypotheses of the movements of the enemy.  It is not now known what relation Gen. Johnston’s forces at Chattanooga are to bear to the proceedings of Beauregard.  If Johnston has been greatly weakened, as is probable, by requisitions upon him for the defense of Corinth, Gen. Mitchell may be thrown forward to observe and menace him, whilst the other divisions may march to cut off the retreat of Beauregard, Polk, and Bragg, simultaneously with advance of Gen. Grant from Savannah and Pittsburg.  Or if Johnston has been or is likely to be, reinforced from Virginia – a chance exceedingly doubtful – active operations may be turned against him.  The rebels must know very well that if Buell’s divisions had been ordered to the direct support of Grant, as for instance, to attack the left wing of the Confederates at Jackson, he would have transferred his forces by the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers to Decatur, Tennessee, and not overland. – But it is evidently not the purpose to operate on the left flank of the enemy, which would merely result in driving it back to Forts Pillow and Randolph, but to turn and overwhelm the right at the same time barricading the whole like of retreat, thus investing a whole army and compelling it to capitulate.  This would of itself capture the rebel forts between Island No. 10 and Memphis, when Com. Foote would at once advance with his flotilla.

It is idle, however, to speculate upon events the reality of which must soon be presented. – Everybody seems, by mutual consent, to regard a great conflict as near at hand, and as we have heretofore said, some of the finest strategic and tactical operations may be anticipated on both sides. – {Mo. Rep.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

The Contract Commission

Hon. Joseph Holt, of Kentucky, and Hon. Robert Dale Owen, of Indiana, recently appointed on a special commission by the Secretary of War, are busily engaged in the onerous and manifold duties upon which they have entered.  They have been clothed with absolute power to decide all uncompleted contracts for guns, cannon, ordnance, and ammunition of all kinds, and it is said there are claims before them equal to sixty millions of dollars.  They intend to act strictly in reference to the rights of the claimants and the rights of the Government, without being prejudiced on behalf of either party.  Their theory is not only to relieve the War Department and the Ordnance Bureau, but even Congress from contests certain to arise out of the applications of interested parties.  Their judgment will be final on the subject, of course open to the acceptance of the contractors.  Should they refuse the award of the Commission, they will be thrown upon Congress for relief.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, February 27, 1862

There are no hopes of leaving this place. We cleaned up for inspection and muster tomorrow. The five companies of the Eleventh which went to Fulton, Missouri, last December, are still at that place.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

The Fifteenth Gone

We learn that the 15th Regiment, Col. Reid, took boat at St. Louis on Wednesday, and was to leave next morning for the Tennessee river.  The 16th left at the same time.  Various other regiments are pushing forward. –{Gate City.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

The Kentucky Methodists . . .

. . . in Conference assembled, have resolved that this rebellion is most wicked and ungodly, and should immediately be put down; that they heartily approve the act of the Legislature requiring ministers to take the oath of allegiance before solemnizing matrimony; and that they will not hold communion with nor recognize any preacher who is not truly loyal to the Government of the United States.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

The Late Battle Of Pea Ridge

Lieutenant Colonel Herron, of the Ninth Iowa volunteers, one of the regiments which bore so gallant a part in the actions at Leetown and Elkhorn, in Arkansas, (known officially as the battle of Pea Ridge,) recently arrived in this city, and is occupying a room at the Planters House.  He is in care of Dr. Charles A. Pope, and has promise of as speedy recovery from his wound as possible.  During one of the fiercest contests of the battle, and in which the Ninth had to struggle against a superior force of the enemy, a cannon ball passed entirely through Lieutenant Colonel Herron’s horse, and striking the rider’s right ankle, produced both a fracture and a dislocation.  While thus prostrated on the field, he fell into the hands of the enemy, and on the retreat of their army to Van Buren he was carried thither a prisoner, and exchanged, after two weeks’ detention, for Col. Hebert, of Louisiana, who was among the captives taken by the Union forces.  He was as well treated while in possession of the rebels as their limited means for hospitality and the courtesies of warfare would allow, and met among them several St. Louisans with whom he was acquainted before the breaking out of the war.  He saw or heard of them at the town of Van Buren, on the Arkansas river, four miles from Fort Smith. – It was on Van Buren that the enemy directed their retreat after the fortunes of the contest at Pea Ridge went against them, the columns of the deceased Generals McCulloch and McIntosh, taking the route via Huntsville, and Van Dorn and Price, the road through Bentonville.  They made capital time to Van Buren, and there effected a re-concentration of their defeated and dispirited followers.

Col. Herron Frequently saw and conversed with Gen. Price, and believes him to be rather the best and most sensible of the rebel magnates.  Price was shot through the left arm with a Minie ball.  It entered a few inches below the elbow and cut the bone without causing a complete fracture.  The arm was painful and much swollen, and Dr. France, Price’s Surgeon, had great difficulty in reducing the inflammation.

Gen. Slack received a mortal wound in the battle, and was found on the field by Federal soldiers, and carried to a hospital used temporarily for the treatment of the rebel wounded. – He lived only four hours.

Gens. McCulloch and McIntosh were buried at the same time, at Fort Smith.  An escort of cavalry accompanied their remains to the grave.

Gen. Rains after getting to Van Buren, became insubordinate, under the influence of copious drinks of bad whiskey.  He met. Maj. Gen. Van Dorn on the street, denounced him, and damned him for a coward – laying the loss of the battle wholly to Van Dorn’s account.  The opinion generally expressed by the rebel officers was that Van Dorn had courage enough, but lacked judgment.  He arrived at the confederate camps only the day before the battle, and was received with a grand artillery salute, the thunder of which was heard in the Federal lines.  Learning from the subordinate generals that their combined forces amounted to 40,000 men, he ordered them to move forward early next morning and surround the Federal troops.  The day before Col. Heron was released, Price received a commission from Richmond as Major-General.  This still left Price subordinate to Van Dorn, but he thinks the latter has retired or resigned leaving Price in chief command.

Two thirds of the rebel soldiers were armed with muskets, many of them of the Springfield and Enfield pattern, and having sabre bayonets.  The balance had shot guns and country rifles with usual variety.  A brigade of three regiments of Louisiana troops had good uniforms of gray cloth, but with the remainder of the army uniforms were few except with the officers.  They had forty-five pieces of artillery, many of the guns being superior to those in the Union army, who counted, all told, but forty two pieces.  The mules and wagons comprising the commissary train were better than our own, but in medical stores and hospital appliances they were very deficient.

The rebels generally were much dispirited. – Their officers studiously deceived them as to the extent of the late reverses.  They admitted that Fort Donelson had been lost to them with a garrison of two or three thousand men but they denied that Columbus had been evacuated, or that the Federal troops occupied Nashville.  The news of the naval engagement in Hampton Roads was bulletined throughout their camps on sheets of paper, printed in large type.  They represented that six Government vessels were then destroyed – on of them with the entire crew of five hundred men. –{St. Louis Rep.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

See Also:

• Iowa Colonels and Regiments: Major General Francis J. Herron

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, February 26, 1862

Nothing of importance. We are in a regular tented camp here, and it seems more like being in the army than it did at Lookout Station.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 34

Sabbath Tragedy At Indian Lake, St. Clair County, Illinois – A Hunting Excursion – One Of The Party Shot Dead

A horrible affair occurred between seven and eight o’clock yesterday morning, at Indian Lake, on the line of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, about five miles east from St. Louis.

At 11 o’clock Saturday night, four young men of this city, Germans, crossed by the [illegible] street ferry to the Illinois shore, with the view of hunting for ducks and other game in the vicinity of the lake named.  The youths were John Scantkraft, George Schmitzmeier, Christian C Poeper and Frederick Mueller, of ages ranging from seventeen to nineteen years.  The expedition resulted in the death of Schmitzmeier at the hand of Scantkraft, whose account of the matter is as follows:  Having walked to the lake, the party built a bonfire and sat chatting around it till four o’clock in the morning.  At this hour they commenced looking for game, and about seven o’clock had bagged several birds.  The young men then drew together, all their guns being loaded, and stopped to rest and converse, Poeper was standing and the others were sitting.  While all were thus good naturedly talking and joking Schmitzmeier sportively tossed some fine stones upon Scantkraft, hitting him in the face, but without inflicting serious pain.  He regarded it as a trivial matter, and in a similar vein threw back some particles in return. – Schmitzmeier, still in fun, responded by saying, “I’ll shoot you,” and rising to his feet leveled his gun, which was full cocked, directly at Scantkraft.  The parties were within five yards of each other.  To carry out the amusement Scantkraft replied, “no you won’t,” rose and drew his gun, taking deliberate aim at his friend’s breast.  The weapon was “half cocked,” and at once discharged – he not having touched the trigger.  The contents, a heavy load of duck shot, entered the victim’s breast, shattering the sternum and riddling him through and through.  A portion of the charge probably pierced the heart.  He instantly fell, exclaiming, “O! Johnny!  I am killed!” and immediately expired without uttering another word.  His horrified companions tore open his vest and shirt; and contemplated, aghast, at the awful issue of their Sabbath morning’s sport. – St. Louis Dem.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2

Terrible Fight Between Three Rebel Regiments

An officer of our army, just returned from Manassas, called last evening, and gave us an interesting account of his visit to Manassas, and the battlefield of Bull Run.  A farmer residing near Centerville, told him that in January last a number of regiments were quartered near his house; one from Kentucky, at the expiration of their time of enlistment, unanimously resolved to return home, and accordingly stacked their arms and were preparing for a start, when their further progress was arrested by the appearance of an Alabama and a Tennessee Regiment who were ordered to reduce the Kentuckians to submission, and compel them to remain.  The Kentuckians seized their arms and a desperate fight ensued, in which many were slain on both sides, and their bodies were buried where they fell, the graves being yet visible.

From this spot the mutineers retreated a short distance, threw down their arms, and each drawing their Bowie knife, made a desperate charge upon the two regiments; the fight was terrific, in which more than a hundred were killed, and they too, were buried on the field of slaughter.

At last the brave Kentuckians were subdued.  The battle field was shown to our informant by the farmer who witnessed the fearful contest.  In traversing the field he found a large Bowie knife, which doubtless had been used in this fearful fray.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 2