Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, Sunday, April 6, 1862

The long roll sounded about half-past seven in the morning, and at once we formed a line of battle on the regimental parade ground. At about 8 o’clock we were ordered to the front, and marching out in battle line, about one-half mile, we met the rebels at Water Oaks Pond.  Dresser’s battery was just in front of our regiment, we acting as a support to it. The rebels came up on our right, compelling us to fall back about eighty rods to our second position, where we remained until we were again flanked, when we fell back to within about one hundred yards of our parade ground, where we lay down on the brow of a hill awaiting the approach of the rebels in front. While in this position, Thomas Hains of Company E took off his hat, placed it upon his ramrod, and holding it up, shouted to the boys along the line to see what a close call he had had while out in front, for a minie ball had passed through the creased crown of his hat, making four holes. Before he could get his hat back on his head, a small shell burst over us and mortally wounded him.

By this time the rebels were marching right oblique, just in front of us, in double line of battle with their two stands of colors flying. By order we waited until we could look them in the eye and then rose up and fired a volley at close range into their ranks, throwing them into great confusion. We then made a bayonet charge, capturing one of their standards, and together with the Eleventh and the Twentieth Illinois Infantry we captured Cobb's battery and retook General McClernand’s headquarters. In this charge Company E met its greatest loss of the day.

My musket became so dirty with the cartridge powder, that in loading it the ramrod stuck fast and I could neither get it up nor down, so I put a cap on, elevated the gun and fired it off. But now I had no ramrod, and throwing down my musket, I picked up a Belgian rifle lying at the side of a dead rebel, unstrapped the cartridge box from his body, and advanced to our company, taking my place with the boys. While in this position I witnessed a wonderful sight — thickly-flying musket balls. I have never seen hail falling thicker than the minie balls were flying in the air above us, though too high to do any harm. Our ammunition soon ran out and the entire regiment was ordered to the rear to replenish our cartridge boxes.

When leaving with my company for the rear to restock our ammunition supply, I passed a severely-wounded boy (a stranger to me) who begged me to help him to the rear and out of danger. I stooped down and let him put his arms around my neck, but finding that I could not rise up with him hanging on my neck, I assured him that he would be safe there among the logs, and explained that if I should stay with him, I would surely be taken a prisoner, so left the poor fellow to his fate.

After filling our cartridge boxes, we again formed in line of battle close by the cavalry field and right in the midst of heavy brush timber. Here we remained for about two hours, when we were ordered by General Grant (in person) to a position on the extreme left of the Army of the Tennessee, in support of Dresser's battery, being placed in line by Webster of General Grant's staff, just to the left of the siege guns. Here we were engaged for more than two hours. The Fifty-fifth Illinois and the Fifty-fourth Ohio were placed to our left in support of two batteries hard by the river. Here about 5 o’clock in the evening, three regiments of Buell's army, just arriving, helped to repulse the fearful charge of the rebels.

The Eleventh Iowa was taken from its brigade early in the morning and remained separated all day. Now with the end of the day's fight, and after dark, we retired a few rods distant from our last line of action and without food or shelter bivouacked for the night, lying down on the wet ground in the rain.

This was our first battle and our company was hard hit, our losses being as follows: Killed, Lieut. John F. Compton, Serg. Ezra McLoney, John R. Buckman, George Croak, Thomas M. Hains and Carlton Frink: mortally wounded. George W. Simmons and John W. Dwiggans; severely wounded, Elmore Chrisman and John T. Rice.¹ About ten other boys were slightly wounded.

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¹ Rice finally died on April 19th, from the effects of the wound and typhoid fever. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 40-2

The Culture Of Tobacco

(For the Burlington Hawk-Eye.)

As was stated the other day in your columns, the raising of this crop is certainly worthy the attention of Western farmers at a time like the present, when the demand for produce generally is dull.  With the hope that they may prove serviceable to some of your many readers, I will proceed to give directions for raising and properly curing Tobacco, mostly taking the same from an article published some years ago in the American Agriculturist, and known from experience to be good.

As the plant is only cultivated for its leaves, the whole process of growing, curing and preparing for market requires attention and good management.  In scarcely any other crop does so much depend upon the skill and intelligence of the cultivator.  In no other crop is there more difference between a prime and an inferior article, and none in which the prime bears so small a proportion to the inferior grades.  It is believed that the average returns from large plantations may be more than doubled by skillful management.

SEED BEDS.

The first business after procuring good seed is to start the young plants.  Seed beds may be prepared under glass or in the open air; the latter will answer in this climate, if prepared in time to make an early start, and is the usual mode practiced everywhere.

The place usually selected in Virginia, is some sunny spot in new land, sheltered and warm. – As soon as the frost is out of the ground in the spring, the leaves are raked off and roots are grubbed up.  The whole space is then covered with wood and brush several feet thick, and burned over.  This gives a good dressing of ashes and coal, which is to be worked well into the soil.  The ground is then laid off into beds four feet wide, raking and leveling off thoroughly, raising a little on dry land and more where it is moist.  A pipe bowl of seed will be enough for sixteen square yards of bed.  After sowing the seed, cover with brush to keep off frost.  A dressing of fine manure is of great service when the plants first appear, to quicken their growth.  As the success of the entire crop depends upon these plants, they should have careful attention, and be kept free from weeds.  When all danger from frosts is over, the brush is removed, and the plants well weeded and thoroughly cultivated, till ready to plant out in the field.  The essentials in this method are a warm soil, a seed bed rich and fine, and protection against frost.

TRANSPLANTING.

The plants will usually be ready for this operation about the last of May or first of June.  They should be put out during or just after a shower, or if this cannot be obtained the bed should be soaked with water, and the plants covered with plenty of earth about their roots.

The best tobacco is grown upon rich light loamy land, such as is recently brought under cultivation.  It requires a warm, mild season, with clear, bright weather in the latter stages of its growth to be of the finest quality.

FIELD CULTURE.

A clover fallow makes a good field for this crop.  The ground should be previously prepared by fall plowing, and cross-plowing and harrowing in the spring, so that it may be in fine tilth.   Lay it off in rows three, three and a half or four feet apart, running each way. – Every square thus made should be scraped with a hoe so as to form a hill.  In which a plant is to be set.  If the plant is destroyed by worms or drouth, it must immediately be replaced from the seed bed.

Cultivate similar to Indian Corn during the season, working the ground deeply in the early stages of its growth.  This will enable the roots to penetrate through the soil and feed from it.  Deep plowing and cultivation are also a safe guard against drouths.  Keep all weeds under well, and the better the tillage the better the crop, other things being equal.  No more ground should be planted than can be thoroughly taken care of.  As the season advances, care should be taken to cultivate only upon the surface for fear of injuring the roots.  These will completely occupy the soil by the first of August.

PRUNING, TOPPING, SUCKERING AND WORMING.

The plant is not grown for its seed, but for its eight or ten broad leaves.  So we must interfere with its natural growth, take away its flower stalk and small leaves, and force the strength of the plant into the parts most desired for market.  As the plants approach maturity they throw out upon the top a blossom bud called a button.  This must be taken off, with such of the small leaves as are not needed.  A shoot is also thrown out at the foot of every leaf stalk which ought to be carefully pinched off without injuring the large leaf.

The topping is best done by a measure.  If six inches of the top is to be removed, the topper takes a stick of that length and applies it to every plant.  Prune six inches and top to eight leaves, is a good average rule.  An unusually fine crop, in some rich spot may be allowed to mature ten or even twelve leaves.  If the plants are smaller, they should be allowed fewer leaves.  The crop should be wormed and suckered ad least once a week, children and young girls being engaged for that purpose, if other hands cannot be spared.  In some seasons the tobacco worm is very destructive, and constant vigilance is necessary to keep the crop from being totally destroyed.  Good management is of great importance at this time.

CUTTING AND HOUSING.

This process, in the slave States, is a very primitive one.  The plants, after being cut and hung upon sticks are frequently set in the fence corners and left there for weeks if the weather is dry.  They are then transferred in great haste and not by any means careful handling, to an open barn, where they are hung up with the outer row exposed to the weather, so that the whole is cured irregularly or not cured at all and has a mottled mildewed appearance, on the principle that the best way is the cheapest.  I will describe a different mode of management at this important state of the crop.  Some three months after the plants are set out, they begin to assume the spotted and yellowish appearance which indicates maturity.  A difficult part of the management now approaches where the closest attention is required.  A few day’s neglect now will cut down the profits.  To save a heavy crop requires industry and energy.  The most careful hands are selected for cutters, and the plants are cut with a knife near the ground, being allowed to lie in the sun for a few hours till they wilt.  Keep an account of the number of plants cut, so that each tobacco house may receive its exact compliment.  It is as easy to cut a houseful as half ful, and more than the house will hold should not be cut at once.  After the tobacco has fallen, string it upon sticks eight or ten feet long, and carry immediately to the barn in wagons.  Do not crowd the plants on the sticks, but arrange to admit uniform and gradual drying by artificial heat.  The proper disposition of the sticks in the barn, &c., is a matter to be acquired by experience.

CURING.

The day after the plants are housed, the barn is heated to about one hundred degrees of the thermometer.  This must be done with a stove, properly arranged, and the thermometer must be constantly observed by the tender of the fire, to keep from getting too hot.  After being kept at this heat for thirty-six or forty-eight hours, the tops of the leaves will begin to curl.  Now the planter must take care, for if the fires are kept too hot, the aromatic oil passes off with the sap and smoke, and he has ha house full of an inferior article to be sold at a reduced price.  If his fire is too low, the tobacco takes a clammy sweat and the oil escapes.  There is more danger of the former evil.  The fires should be kept regular and steady, with a gradual increase of heat, in forty-eight house to 150° or 160°.  Keep about that temperature till the tobacco is dried and perfectly cured.  Well constructed barns and good heating apparatus is of great importance, and pays the planter well, though very seldom properly attended to.  The difference in price is apparent, when Connecticut Seed Leaf Tobacco, raised and cured as we have directed, as quoted at forty cents, wholesale; and a recent Louisville Journal, in opposing the proposed Federal tax upon the article, declares that much of the Kentucky tobacco does not bring more than three cents per pound.

As the proposed tax is by weight, regardless of quality, this would be an additional premium for good management, for the poor article pays as much tax as the best.

After the curing process is finished, stripping, pricing, &c., which may be known by a dry stem, the leaves may be stripped from the stock.  Damp winter weather is usually chosen to avoid breaking the leaves.  They should never be stripped till the main stem is perfectly dry.  Tobacco hanked too wet, cannot be dried and will soon spoil.  While stripping, assort into three parcels; first, the sound, whole, good colored for perfect wrappers; second, the very light yellow, with large holes and thick leaves for imperfect wrappers; last, the balance for fillers.  The imperfect will bring about half the price of the perfect, the filling about one fourth.

Each hank should contain about as many leaves as may be easily clasped with the thumb and fingers, the butts all placed even; these wound as near the end as possible with the binder.  The hanks should be carefully bundled in double rows, butts out and tips in, and lapping.  The bundles should be kept covered until the butts are dry, when they should be boxed for market.

The above directions are for growing tobacco for cigar manufacture; which is much the most profitable.  The commoner varieties would probably not pay, except where negro labor prevails.  Never attempt to cultivate more than can be properly taken care of.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

A “Reliable Gentleman” From Memphis, And What He Says

A gentleman of integrity and intelligence, who resides at Memphis, and who left that city one week ago, passed through this city yesterday.  He made his way through the rebel lines by bribing the sentinels, paying two of them the sum of five dollars each to induce them to permit him to pass.  When he left Memphis, it was understood there by the best informed persons that there were from fifty to sixty thousand troops between Memphis and Huntsville, Alabama, which included all the effective force of Beauregard that could be brought to bear against the combined armies of Generals Grant and Buell.  Our informant says that Gen. A. S. Johnson [sic] has expressed the opinion that the Confederates could take no fortified position and hold it for any great length of time, as all such positions could be successfully flanked by the Federal army.  Hence he had determined, and in that determination he is supported by Gen. Beauregard, to seek an open fight at an early day upon a field of his own selection somewhere in the vicinity of Corinth, Mississippi, the location offering admirable facilities for such an encounter, and have everything in the course of preparation for the destruction of the city, if the fortunes of the war should turn against them.  Our informant says that the better citizens of Memphis, many of whom have all along sympathized with the rebellion, are thoroughly discouraged with the prospects before them, and that if they could a satisfactory assurance that their lives and property would be protected, they would return to their former allegiance. – {Lou. Jour. 5th.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

Richard Rogers Luce

Private, Co. E, 93rd Illinois Infantry

Richard Rogers Luce and his 2nd wife
Hannah J. McNichols Hunt

SOURCE: www.findagrave.com

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, April 5, 1862

We had company drill this morning as usual. Lieutenant Compton took the company out on the drill ground this afternoon for company drill, and he said: “Now, boys, we drill in earnest for an hour, then return to our quarters, put away our rifles, and then to the branch for bathing.”  It was warm, but the men all went into it and after a hard drill we had a good wash-off in the branch.¹

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¹ This was the last time that Lieutenant Compton ever drilled our company, for the poor fellow was killed in the battle on the next day, Sunday, a little after noon. He was a fine drillmaster, and kind to his men, especially to those who tried to do their duty. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 40

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: Richmond, Virginia, Monday, April 7, 1862

Just returned from a little trip to the country in time to hear the morning news of a splendid victory yesterday, at Shiloh. No particulars received. Skirmishing near Yorktown reported; nothing definite.

SOURCE: McGuire, Judith W., Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 104

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, July 28, 1863

CAMP 18 M. E. OF VICKSBURG,

July 28, 1863.

Dear Brother:

Since my return from Jackson, I have been very busy — every general officer but two has gone on furlough, and everybody wants to go. . . .

The railroad comes within four miles of my tent, and I have its exclusive use and a telegraph at my elbow. If you come down you will find your name a passport, but should that fail you, see General Grant or McPherson in Vicksburg, and they will put you through. I don't think there is any danger on the river now unless it be on the Ohio, which you can avoid by taking cars to Cairo. Vicksburg is worth seeing, and a glance will tell you more than reams of paper why it took us six months to take the place. I am camped near Big Black, four and one-half miles northeast of where the railroad crosses it. My depot of supplies is at the crossing. Col. J. Condit Smith is my quartermaster, and should you reach that point before I am advised by telegraph, apply to him and he will send you to my camp. I have four divisions here much reduced, but still a good stock. In the riots of New York I recognize the second stage of this war, but I trust our Government will deal with them summarily. The war has progressed as fast and as successfully as should be.

Your brother,

W. T. SHERMAN

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 209-10

Isaac D. Luce

Private
Co. B, 112th Illinois Infantry
Co. F, 65th Illinois Infantry

Born:

October 11, 1845

Hermon, Penobscott County, Maine

Died:

September 28, 1915

Iola, Allen County, Kansas

Highland Cemetery,
Iola, Kansas

SOURCE:  www.findagrave.com

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, April 4, 1862

It rained and hailed this afternoon, and by night it got very warm. We were ordered under arms at 6 p. m., and we formed a hollow square on the parade ground. We remained in line until 10 o'clock, when we were ordered back to our tents. It was reported out in front that the rebels were advancing in force from Corinth, but at 10 o’clock the word came that they had bivouacked for the night.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 40

Burnside's Advance On Beaufort

The New York Herald contains a letter from Newbern of the 27th of March, giving the particulars of Gen. Burnside’s advance on Washington and Beaufort.  On the 20th ult. six companies of troops left Newbern for Washington, under command of Col. Stevenson, in the transport Guide, under convoy of three gunboats.  They went down the Neuse river to Pimlico Sound, and thence up to Washington.  On Thursday night they anchored below the city, and the next morning, on reaching a point about seven miles from their destination, found the river so thoroughly obstructed that only one of the gunboats succeeded in getting past.  A portion of the troops went up on her and landed.  They were most cordially received by the inhabitants, among whom Union sentiments predominated.  On the same day the third brigade, under Gen. Parks, sailed to Slocum’s Creek, and thence went toward Beaufort by means of handcars on the railroad.  The brigade stopped at Morehead city, some little distance from Beaufort and Fort Macon, and dispatched a flag of truce to the Fort, demanding an unconditional surrender.  The commander, however, decided to fight a little before giving up, and accordingly refused compliance.  The result of this was, the Fort was to be immediately invested.  Gen. Burnside left for the scene of operations on the 25th, and it was expected that after the labor of transplanting and placing the ordnance in position, which would occupy several days, had been completed, the fort would soon be taken.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

In compliance with the joint resolution of . . .

. . . Congress, operations have been commenced on the United States sloop of war Roanoke at Brooklyn, to raze her and convert her into an iron-clad battery.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

American Steel Cannon

The Pittsburgh Gazette says: – “When Gen. Fremont was in command of the Western Department he sent an agent to Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, with orders to procure if possible, some cast-steel field pieces.  Fremont we suppose not being trammeled with opinions picked up forty or fifty years ago at West Point, thought that if there was any advantage in cast steel the Government needed it, and our brave soldiers were entitled to its use.  He evidently thought also that whatever a Prussian or an Englishman could make, of steel, could be made in Pittsburgh.  And he was right.  Singer, Nimick & Co., who were just at the time trying some costly experiments in steel guns, agreed to make a single battery of six guns.  About the time the battery was finished Gen. Fremont was suspended, and the beautiful pieces of artillery are now lying in the warehouse of the manufacturers.  The guns are rifled, 3-inch bore, about six feet long, weigh 830 pounds and to one’s eye look perfect.  To Pittsburgh belongs the credit of the only cast steel cannon which have yet been made in the United States, the so-called “Sickles’ battery,” the “Wiard,” are made of puddle or semi-steel.”

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

Immense Projectiles

Eight solid cast iron balls were lately sent from Pittsburgh for the great 15-inch Rodman gun at Fortress Monroe.  It had been intended to use shells chiefly in this gun, to avoid undue strain upon it, but the solid shot are furnished to crush in the sides of the Merrimac should she attempt to pass out into the Chesapeake.  Such shot at 200 yards range, would crush all through the sides of the strongest iron clad frigate yet built.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

A Belgian Woman

The Green Bay (Wisconsin) Advocate gives the following instance of the industry and skill of a Belgian woman:

As a specimen of Western enterprise, we will state that several days ago we bought of a Belgian woman four thousand good shingles, which she informed us she had split and shaved and packed all herself, and had yoked up her two cows and brought them to marked, a distance of fourteen miles.  One of the cows gave milk, which, with bread served her as food on the trip, which occupied two days.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

Isaac D. Luce, Private, Co. F, 65th Illinois Infantry: Pension Index Card

SOURCE:  Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Fold3.com

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, April 3, 1862

We had drill as usual today and also general review, by General McClernand. We have no guard duty at this camp, but the troops of the front camps have to keep out a strong picket line.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 40

Obituary of William S. Luce

William S. Luce, son of William and Hulda Luce, was born December 27 1840, at Cape Cod, Mass., and passed away at his home April 28, 1913, aged seventy-two years, four months and one day.

In 1858 he moved with his parents to Stark county, Illinois and on November 1, 1861, he was united in marriage to Jane C. McVicker.  Four sons and three daughters were born to this union namely C. A., L. G., A. M., E. A., Mrs. Andy Thompkins, Mrs. George Coon and Mrs. Will Karr.  Mrs. Luce died on September 19, 1881.  He was again united in marriage to Desta Webb on March 2, 1890, and to this union one child was born, Iva May.  Her mother passed away September 20, 1909.

Mr. Luce enlisted in 1862 in the 9th Ills. Cavalry, serving three years and three months.  Thirty-eight years ago last March he came to Clarke county, Iowa, and has made this his home ever since.  In 1891 he united with the Christian church in Illinois and has always been a consistent member of that church, having his membership at Leslie at the time of his death.  He was one of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls, all having gone before except three brothers and one sister.  He leaves to mourn his death besides his brothers, sister and children, sixteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held from the home at eleven o’clock Wednesday morning, April 30th, conducted by Rev. W. C. Cole, and burial made in Maple Hill Cemetery.

– Published in The Osceola Democrat, Osceola, Iowa, Thursday, May 8, 1913

Missouri's Ordinance of Secession

An act declaring the political ties heretofore existing between the State of Missouri and the United States of America dissolved.

Whereas the Government of the United States, in the possession and under the control of a sectional party, has wantonly violated the compact originally made between said Government and the State of Missouri, by invading with hostile armies the soil of the State, attacking and making prisoners the militia while legally assembled under the State laws, forcibly occupying the State capitol, and attempting through the instrumentality of domestic traitors to usurp the State government, seizing and destroying private property, and murdering with fiendish malignity peaceable citizens, men, women, and children, together with other acts of atrocity, indicating a deep-settled hostility toward the people of Missouri and their institutions; and

Whereas the present Administration of the Government of the United States has utterly ignored the Constitution, subverted the Government as constructed and intended by its makers, and established a despotic and arbitrary power instead thereof: Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the general assembly of the State of Missouri, That all political ties of every character now existing between the Government of the United States of America and the people and government of the State of Missouri are hereby dissolved, and the State of Missouri, resuming the sovereignty granted by compact to the said United States upon the admission of said State into the Federal Union, does again take its place as a free and independent republic amongst the nations of the earth.

This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage.

Approved, October 31, 1861.

I hereby certify the above and foregoing to be a full, true, and perfect copy of the original roll. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and the great seal of the State of Missouri, this 2d day of November, 1861.

[seal.]

B. F. MASSEY, Secretary of, State.

SOURCE: Journal of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865, Vol. 1, p. 481

Isaac D. Luce, Private, Co. B, 112th Illinois Infantry: Pension Index Card

SOURCE:  Civil War And Later Veterans Pension Index at Fold3.com

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, July 19, 1863

JACKSON, MISS., July 19, 1863.

My Dear Brother:

The fall of Vicksburg and consequent capitulation of Port Hudson, the opening the navigation of the Mississippi, and now the driving out of this great valley the only strong army that threatened us, complete as pretty a page in the history of war and of our country as ever you could ask my name to be identified with. The share I have personally borne in all these events is one in which you may take pride for me. You know I have avoided notoriety; and the press, my standard enemy, may strip me of all popular applause, but not a soldier of the Army of the Tennessee but knows the part I have borne in this great drama, and the day will come when that army will speak in a voice that cannot be drowned. . . .

In the events resulting thus, the guiding minds and hands were Grant's, Sherman's, and McPherson’s, all natives of Ohio. . . .

Jackson will never again be a point where an enemy can assemble and threaten us. . . .  As soon as my detachments are in, I will return to Black River. Our men and officers must have rest. For months in trenches, working day and night in the heat and dust of the roads, all are exhausted and need rest. I hope the Army of the Potomac will finish Lee. Morgan should not escape from Indiana. Love to all.

Your brother,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 208-9

Gen. Mitchell And The Contrabands

The correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial, writing from General Mitchell’s division at Murfreesboro, Tenn., says:

Yesterday morning I was in the quarters of a Colonel of one of our Ohio regiments.  A slave holder, clad in the inevitable butternut colored stuff, with a black cloth overcoat, entered the tent.

“What is your business, sir?” queried the Colonel.

“Why I’ve lost a boy.  I understand he is in your regiment, and I want to look for him.”

“Have you a pass?” demanded the officer.

“No, I was told it wasn’t necessary to have a pass.”

“We want nothing more to do with you here,” replied the Colonel.  “Adjutant, conduct this man over the lines.”

My lips remained closed, by my heart said, “God bless you, Colonel, for a soldier and a man.”  I have seen officers cringe in similar cases, as though they supposed that only the most disgusting servility would save their backs from the slave holder’s lash.  But those officers did not belong to General Mitchell’s division.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, April 2, 1862

It rained all day and we had no drill. The men remained in the tents, reading the Bible, magazines and papers, or writing letters home.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 40

Washington Correspondence

WASHINGTON, April 1, 1862.

ED. HAWK-EYE – Dear Sir: Our great army has a multitude of representatives at the hotels and “all quiet on the Potomac” is what I see; at home I only hear it.

There is a desperate effort to prop up the fortunes of Gen. McClellan, yet all agree if he does not gain a great battle, and soon, he must doff his plume and give way to Banks or somebody who defies mud and dares to lead and to die.

This city is to be free, thank God.  The Emancipation bill will pass despite the [money] used to defeat it from Baltimore and the District.  Senator Sumner’s speech was very fine as an historic statement.  He gained good attention for full two hours, and part of the speech I have no doubt, will be read with delight in Iowa.

The Iowa employees so far as I have seen them are a credit to the State, and are gradually being promoted in the Departments.

Mrs. Senator Harlan has just returned from a visit to Port Royal.  Hers was truly a mission of mercy, and at the proper time she will make public facts and theories in regard to the Carolina negroes and what can be done and what ought to be.  In her view it is a great missionary work, and can only be prosecuted by government aid in part, and the banishment of sundry official negro haters who seems to hold the power wherever there is a military occupation by the Union troops.

Senator Harlan is one of the busiest men in Washington.  Ash chairman of the Public Land Committee he is hard at work.  There is a promise of his doing some large work for the State; yet I must not particularize.  The facts will justify a large expectation and time will give more details.

Mr. Grimes has certainly a high rank here as Senator.  The commercial men of New York name him as a Secretary of the Navy, in the event of a place being made by Secretary Welles retirement.  Any one who reads the Globe cannot help seeing that the Governor knows all about this District, and that he must be the worker on the Naval Committee – not to mention the many jobs he spoils by a question, or by a very short telling, insinuating speech.

Who is this man Wilson? asks a member of the House.  I never heard of him before, but he did make a “big speech,” killing a bad Railroad bill.  He was enough for two or three of the most adroit of the old members.

I can say only for our Representative that he got Sorghum exempted from the Tax bill; that he is acting as one of the working men on the Judiciary Committee, and will get a bill for an United States Court, placing Iowa in the center of the District, embracing Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota.  Who will consent to be Judge? – on the supreme bench for life.  Have we any man who would take the place?

In the House I noticed how instinctively our Democracy voted against the tax on dogs – but it carried; but they went in for a high tax on pianos, melodeons, &c.  Don’t they love music?

I saw Le Grand Byington, a seeker for a seat in Vandever’s place, hand in glove with the traitor Vallandigham.  It will be a fine thing for him to get mileage and perchance a seat, back by 4,000 traitors votes!  Wilson will make a big fight against him, I guess.

Yours,

_______

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Gen. Fremont’s Departure

It is announced that news from Gen. Fremont’s department is to be looked for before many days.  Gen. Fremont is at Wheeling, Virginia, where he has issued general orders, assuming the command of his division and assigning to Gen. Kelly the Command of the railroad district, including the north eastern counties of the State.  The Wheeling Press on the 31st ult. says:

“Gen. Fremont comes among us in the face of considerable popular prejudice growing out of his prior political status and associations, but he is a patriot and a skillful officer, a man of determined and untiring energy, and has the advantage of birth and education in the South, and enlarged experience in the mountainous regions, and among mankind generally, which will enable him to appreciate the wants and peculiar position of our people; and we have confidence that he will rightly fulfill his mission in the mountain department.”

Gen. Rosecrans, relieved of his command by the appointment of Gen. Fremont, addressed a general order to his troops, taking leave of them in which he says:

“Companions in arms: in this vast department of mountains and forests, in the rains of summer, and cold and storms of winter, for nine months I have witnessed your uncomplaining patience, zeal and activity – your watchings, your marchings and your combats.  Under God, to your bravery and good conduct it is due that not a single reverse has attended our arms in all these vast regions.  Wherever I go, I shall bear with me the remembrance of men, who, leaving home and all its endearments, against the force of all former tastes and habits, have under taken to inure themselves to the toils, privations, hardships and dangers of military life, and have succeeded.  But, comrades, proud as I am of the manly energy you have thus displayed, I am prouder still to bear testimony to the pure and lofty patriotism which has called it forth.  No mean and sectional spirit, no low truckling to reckless leadership, no blind and ignorant fanaticism has animated you.  By your intelligence, your magnanimity and forbearance toward those whom the rebellion has misled, you have shown that you entered into the conflict with a conviction that the interests of free government and even of freedom itself, opposed by arbitrary and despotic will – by rebellion in favor of despotism – lay in the issue, and that you fought for the liberties of all, both North and South.  Such men deserve to be and will be free themselves, or dying, will bequeathe liberty and a glorious name to their posterity.  That it may be your happy lot, in the Union under the Constitution and the laws, to be free and happy yourselves, and to bequeathe freedom, happiness and a glorious name to your children, is my cherished hope.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, April 1, 1862

Our Division, the First, was reviewed this forenoon by General Grant and Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand. While the review was in progress three men were seen on the roofs of two small log houses at the southern end of Jones' Field, taking notes on our maneuvers, the number of men in line, etc. They were dressed in butternut suits although, it is said, they had claimed to be Union men; yet when the review was ended no trace of them could be found.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 39-40

Diary of Judith W. McGuire: Richmond, Virginia, Thursday, February 27, 1862

Nothing new or important in our army. We were relieved to hear that the number who surrendered at Donelson was not so great as at first reported; the true number is 7,000, which is too many for us to lose! I trust they may be kindly treated. I know that we have friends at the North, but will they dare to be friendly openly? Oh. I hope they may have mercy on our prisoners! We have had some hope of recognition by France and England, but they still look on with folded arms.

SOURCE: McGuire, Judith W., Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 96

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, July 18, 1863

MANSFIELD, OHIO, July 18, 1863.

My Dear Brother:

I supposed when Vicksburg fell that you would have a period of rest, and perhaps might return to Ohio to find yourself popular and famous. But the fortune of war carries you into new dangers and I hope new successes. We have been very anxious for news from your movements, but as yet we have only had uncertain reports, and can only live in the hope that you will whip Johnston and win new laurels. I have just returned from Cincinnati, where I was during the whole of Morgan’s raid. How completely the tone of the press has changed in regard to you. Even the “Gazette,”¹ which has been malignant to the last degree, published quite a number of letters in which your share of the movements about Vicksburg was highly praised. I notice, however, that the editor has said nothing. All other papers, and indeed all officers and citizens with whom I converse, gave you great credit. So that now in the Northern States, and especially here in Ohio, your popularity is second only to that of Grant. You need care but little for this, as you passed through a storm of obloquy which would have submerged many an officer. Popular opinion is so changeable that it is worthless. It is founded upon rumor, and is as explosive as gas. Meade has had a foretaste of this. His drawn battle at Gettysburg relieved the country from a great danger, and he was at once a hero; he was the coming man. He has allowed Lee to escape him, and all his popular honors are lost. McClellan has succeeded in establishing the position of a party leader, and now enjoys the bad honor of being cheered by a New York mob of thieves and scoundrels, while poor Hooker is dropped by all just when he thought he had Lee in his power.

While the war goes on there is a danger looming up that seems to me more ominous than any other. It is the Presidential election next summer. We shall have a fierce canvass. . . . If the election cannot be held in the Southern States, no one is likely to get a majority of the electoral college. This must be, to secure an election by the people. All the States must be counted, and under the Constitution the successful candidate must have a majority of all the electoral votes. Can this be secured by any one man? If not, the election then goes into the House, and who can tell the result. The war has done a great deal to shake that implicit obedience to law which has been the great conservative element, but in the struggle for so vast a prize will it not be easy to clog the machinery for a legal election? — and then civil war or anarchy is the certain result. These are only possible dangers, but it is well to look them in the face. At present I do not stand very well with my political associates, because I have openly differed with them on important questions. But I am too well grounded in the principles of the Republican party to be shaken in my faith. Indeed, nearly all the errors into which the administration has fallen, have arisen from the advice of an old school of politicians who never belonged to the Republican party.

Affectionately your brother,

JOHN SHERMAN.

__________

¹ Cincinnati “Gazette.”

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 206-8

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, March 31, 1862

Our regular drills are: Company drill from 10 to 11 a. m., battalion drill from 3 to 5 p. m., and dress parade at 5 p. m. We have a splendid drill ground in a large field. Received orders to get ready for review by General Grant tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.

The country around here is quite rough and the soil is very poor. There is a great deal of gravel and there are some rocks, but the soil works very easily. The timber here is mostly white oak.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 39

Ford's Theatre Advertisement: April 14, 1865

FORD’S NEW THEATRE,

TENTH STREET, ABOVE PENNA. AVENUE

_____

BENEFIT AND LAST APPEARANCE

OF

MISS LAURA KEENE,

THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING, APRIL 14, 1865

When she will appear as

FLORENCE TRENCHARD,

In her celebrated Comedy of

THE AMERICAN COUSIN,

From the original manuscript by Tom Taylor, as played at

LAURA KEENE’S THEATRE, NEW YORK,

For upwards of

THREE HUNDRED NIGHTS

She will be supported by

J. C. McCOLLUM, JOHN DYOTT, HARRY HAWK,

And the Entire Company.

_____

TO-MORROW, BENEFIT OF MISS GEANNIE GOURLAY,

When will be presented the Great Drama, Illustrative of

Southern Life, Southern Scenes and Southern Homes.

Entitled

THE OCTOROON.

_____

            The popular young Tragadian, EDWIN ADAMS, is engaged for Twelve Nights only, and will appear on MONDAY, April 17th.

– Published in the Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, D. C., Friday, April 14, 1865, p. 1

Grover's Theatre Advertisement: April 13, 1865

Grover’s Theatre.

­­_____

FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 14.

_____

GRAND ILLUMINAITON.

_____

DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS.

_____

The Spectacle of

A L A D D I N,

OR,

THE WONDERFUL LAMP

_____

PATRIOTIC POEM,

By

COLONEL B. B. FRENCH;

To be delivered by

A LADY OF WASHINGTON

_____

SHERMAN’S MARCH TO THE SEA.

(SONG,)

MUSIC BY KOPPITZ

_____

AND OTHER EXTRA ATTRACTIONS

_____

GROVER’S THEATRE.

_____

FRIDAY, APRIL 14.

_____

REMEMBER FORT SUMPTER

Ap12-t

– Published in the Daily National Republican, Washington, D. C., Thursday Evening, April 13, 1865, p. 2

Death Of A Female Slave Trader

Mrs. Watson, nee Lackey, an American woman noted for being in the slave trade, has recently died at Cadiz, Spain.  There were three indictments against her in New York for fitting out slavers, and she fled to Spain last summer.  She fitted out several slavers at Cadiz, but the United States Consul at that port, being advised of her movements, withdrew the registers of her vessels and they could not sail.  It is said that the female slaver then resolved to drink and die.  She was a native of New York.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

A Key West letter to the Boston Journal contains the following:

“That the rebels anticipate a speedy peace is evident from the fact that an officer of the Steamer R. R. Cuyler, when in Havana a few days since, met a friend, who had recently read a letter addressed to a sea captain in Nassau by the owner of the vessel which he commanded, a prominent merchant in Charleston, S. C.  The captain wrote to his owner for advice as to what to do with the ship.  In reply the Charlestonian said – ‘Do nothing; peace will be declared in less than sixty days.’  This statement, coming as it does from the very fountain head of the rebellion, is certainly significant, and taken in connection with the reports made here almost daily by persons from the South, goes far to confirm the opinion expressed a day or two since by Flag Officer McKean, who said that three months would end the war.  God grant his words may prove true.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, March 30, 1862

This is our first Sunday in camp in the “Sunny South.” We had company inspection with all accouterments on, by the colonel of our regiment, Colonel Hare.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 39

Glorious News

We have news of the unconditional surrender of the Rebel forces at Island No. 10. – Commodore Foote run the blockade with two of his Gunboats and several transports, probably attacked the enemy in front and rear, and thus made quick work of the siege.  Up to the time of writing, we are unable to get any particulars, the line being, as usual, out of fix.  If anything comes it will be found in the proper place.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Dead Letter System Abolished

On the 21st of January, 1862, the President approved an act passed by Congress authorizing the Post Office Department to return all dead letters to their writers.  The Post Master General was of the opinion that the revenue derived from a charge of double postage on such letters would more than equal the expenditure caused by an extra clerical force in the Department.  Thus far the new system (which is like the English one) works very smoothly, and all letters not reaching their destination, instead of being burned by the cart load, are now carefully sent to the writers, and double postage collected. – Of course many non-valuable letters are returned, but of their value the writer, not the Department, should be the judge.  The following notice on the envelope inclosing the dead letter to the postmaster explains the further object of the new law:

“The inclosed letter is sent to the writer, under an act of Congress, approved January 21, 1862.  If not delivered, and double postage collected, as required by this new law, it must be returned to the Third Assistant Postmaster General within one month, with the reasons for non delivery indorsed on it, according to section 199 of Post Office regulations.

“If retained a longer period the Postmaster will be held accountable for the postage, whether delivered or not.  The date of receipt at the post office must be marked on the letter.

“The Postmaster will not allow the envelope to be opened before receiving the postage.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

The center of our army across the Potomac . . .

. . . is now at Warrenton, and is pushing the enemy gradually backward.  The rebel army is now beyond the Rappahannock at that point, having resisted our advance only by occasional skirmishing, to cover their retreat.  The right wing, General Banks’ division, is at Strasburg, and Jackson’s force is supposed to be at Woodstock.  Our left wing, some 80,000 strong, which went down the Potomac, is supposed to be in the vicinity of fortress Monroe, and is likely soon to be heard from.  Watching for the iron plated battery Virginia is now the matter of absorbing interest at the Fortress.  It is understood that, in addition to the smart little Ericsson Monitor, other and novel means of assault on the rebel monster have been prepared, upon which great reliance is placed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Friend Claggett, of the Keokuk Constitution . . .

. . . devotes more than a column to the small article of fifteen lines on currency printed in this paper the other day, and takes occasion to ask us several questions touching law, finance, paper money, coin, &c.  We refer him back to that article.  If his questions are not answered in that he can infer that we cannot answer them.  We said all we had to say and ventilated all our stock of knowledge in that short article, and if we know ourself as we think we do, we shall not bore our readers with any repetitions our reiterations.  He is entirely welcome to have it all his own way.  In the mean time if he is really anxious for information on currency and finance he is certainly in a fair way of acquiring it practically.  If he continues a year in the newspaper business he will learn a good many things that will be of use to him if he survives.  And this is the only kind of teaching that will ever reach his case.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Parson Brownlow In Cincinnati

His Straight Out Union Speech

__________

Parson Brownlow, of East Tennessee, accompanied by his son, arrived in this city yesterday, and took quarters at the Gibson House.  At 9 o’clock the Union Committee met him in the ladies’ parlor, and he was welcomed by Pollock Wilson, Esq., who alluded with emotion to the services of Brownlow in the cause of the Union, and his heroic endurance of persecution.  The Parson was much moved by the cordiality of his reception, and commenced speaking with a stammering voice, and eyes filled with tears.  He had been for Clay in 1836, for Harrison in 1840, for Webster in 1856, for Bell and Everett in 1860.  Speaking of Bell always reminded him of “pity the sorrows of a poor old man.”  He (the Parson) had never had any sympathy with secessionists.  He had been offered large bribes to sustain the rebellion; but though he was a poor man he was not for sale.  He gave an account of his correspondence with Judah P. Benjamin, all of which he had preserved and would publish in his forthcoming book.  He could not express the joy he felt in finding the old Union flag at Nashville.  When the army went to East Tennessee he wanted to go along.  It was in Fremont’s Department and he was glad of it.  Fremont was his sort of a man, and he wanted to go with him to East Tennessee.  There had been a great deal of hanging on one side, and he wished to superintend it on the other.  He could say, and without profanity, that the Federal army in East Tennessee would be hailed with a joy only equaled by the hosannahs of the angels when Christ was born.

He never had any sympathy with Disunionists, Secessionists or Abolitionists.  He was born in Virginia, and his parents before him.  He is a slaveholder, but he had no hesitancy in saying that when the question comes, as it will, “the Union and no slavery,” against “slavery and no Union,” he was for the Union and let slavery go to the dogs, or where else it may be sent.  He was for the Union above that or any other institution.

The wicked rebellion, he felt confident, was on its last legs.  It is almost played out.  When the rebel Crittenden’s army passed him, the men were literally barefooted and almost naked.

The blockade has played sad havoc with them.  They were preparing to make a desperate fight at Corinth.  If whipped there, their cause was gone.  He hoped they would be pursued through the cotton States to the peninsula, and then driven into the sea, as were the devils driven from the hogs into the sea of Galilee.

The nigger never was in this rebellion.  He was never intended to be.  Other causes had produced it, but the guilty were reaping their reward.

After the reception the Parson took an airing with some gentlemen, driving through Clifton and other attractive suburbs of the city.

He visited with the Merchant’s Exchange, where he was introduced to the merchants by President Butler, and spoke for perhaps half an hour.  He showed plainly the marks of the hard times through which he has passed.  He is very thin, and his face is haggard, bloodless and deeply marked with suffering and anxiety.  He is, however, one of that race of tall, hardy, swarthy, black haired East Tennesseans, who gave Tennessee her old time glory as the Volunteer State, and were foremost in the battles of Andrew Jackson, and with proper care he will soon recover his health.

He gave a touching narrative of his sufferings in prison, of his illness, and the care with which the guards placed over him were doubled, when he was so sick he could not turn in bed without assistance.  The jail was crowded with Union men.  Many sickened and perished miserably in it, and others were taken out and hung.  Gen. Carroll, of the Confederate army, who was at one time a great friend of his, being a Union man until a late period, visited him in Jail, and said to him: “Brownlow, you ought not to be here.”  “So I think,” the parson responded, “but here I am.”  The General said the Confederate Court was sitting within a hundred yards of the jail, and if he would take the oath of allegiance, he should be immediately liberated.  “Sir,” said the parson, looking at him steadily in the eye, “before I will take the oath of allegiance to your bogus Government, I will rot in jail or die here of old age.  I don’t acknowledge you have a Court.  I don’t acknowledge you have a Government.  It has never been acknowledged by any power on earth and never will be.  Before I would take the oath I would see the whole Southern Confederacy in the infernal regions, and you on top of it!”

The General indignantly left the jail, remarking “that is d----d plain talk.”  “Yes, sir-ee,” said the Parson, “I am a plain man, and them’s my sentiments.”  Frequently men were taken out of the jail and hung, and the secesh rabble would howl at him and tell him as he looked out from the jail windows that he was to be hung next.  He told them from those windows that he was ready to go to the gallows, and all he asked was one hour’s talk to the people before he was swung off, that he might give them his opinion of the mob called the Southern Confederacy.  The Parson said he expected to be hanged.  He had made up his mind to it.   At one time he was tried by court martial, and in the decision of his case he was within one vote of being sentenced to hang.  There was nothing between him and the gallows but the will of one man, and him a secessionist.  Great God, on what a slender thread hung everlasting things!  The jails in East Tennessee and North Alabama were overfull of Union men.  The Union men there had never flinched.  They stood firm now.  The Government, whatever else it did, should immediately relieve them from the grinding and destroying oppression of secession.

He related an instance of a young man, named John C. Hurd, and exemplary citizen and church member, with a wife and two little children, who was convicted of bridge burning.  He was notified but one hour before he was hung that he was to be executed.  He asked for a minister of the Gospel to come and sing and pray with him, but was told that praying would not do traitors to the South any good, and he was thus insultingly refused his dying request.  But the rebels Sent with him to the gallows a miserable, drunken, and demoralized Chaplain of one of their regiments, who stood on the gallows and told the crowd assembled to see the hanging, that the young man about to be executed had been led into the commission of the crimes for which he was to suffer, by designing men, and was sorry for what he had done.  The man about to be hung sprang to his feet, and called out that every word that Chaplain had uttered was false.  He was the identical man who had burned the New Creek Bridge.  He knew what he was about when he did it, and would do it again if he had a chance.  They might go on with their hanging.  He was ready for it.  And they hung him forthwith.  The Parson told of an inoffensive citizen, who was pointed out to a part of straggling soldiers, while at work in a field, as “a d--- Unionist.”  He was at once fired upon, and so mangled that he died within a few hours.

The Parson said it might astonish them, but the greatest negro thieves in the world were the Confederate soldiers.  He spoke feelingly on this subject.  They had stolen from him a likely negro boy, fourteen years old, and worth a thousand dollars.  He had never heard from the boy since he was taken away, and never expected to see him again or get a cent for him.  It was a solemn fact that the Confederate soldiers had stolen more negroes during this war, than all the Abolitionists had stolen for forty years.  These soldiers were the off-scourings of the earth.  Not one half of them had ever owned a negro, or were connected by any degree of social affinity or consanguinity, with anybody who ever did own a negro.  Not only did they steal negroes, but they entered houses and took the clothing from the beds, broke open the drawers, and took all the money and jewelry they could lay their hands upon.  They were, emphatically, thieves as well as traitors.

He had recently had a conversation with a secesh lady, who spoke as usual of one of their chivalry whipping five Yankees.  He asked her about Fort Donelson, &c.  She explained that by saying, the people of the north-west are sons of emigrants from the South.  They were Southern stock and fought like Southerners.  He inquired what of the blue-bellied Yankees, under Burnside, but she did not know how that was; in fact had heard but little about it.

The parson spoke in an animated style, and presently his voice gave signs of failing.  He has been troubled with a bronchial affection, and is still weak from the illness contracted during his imprisonment.  He remarked that he had not for some months attempted to speak at length in public, and his failing strength admonished him that he must close.

He thanked God that he could see daylight now.  The game of the rebellion was pretty near played out.  A “little more grape” and we would have them.  His motto for the war was “grape shot for the armed masses, and hemp for the leaders.” – {Commercial.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4