The editor of the Schoharie (N. Y.) Patriot thinks . . .

. . . the federal government represents the locomotive, and the seceding states the cow in the following story:

When George Stephenson, the celebrated Scotch engineer, had completed his model of a locomotive he presented himself before the British Parliament, and asked the attention and support of that body.  The grave M. P.’s looking sneeringly at his invention asked

“”So you have made a carriage to run only by steam have you?”

“Yes my lords.”

“And you expect your carriage to run on parallel rails so that it can’t go off do you?”

“Yes my lords.”

“Well, now, Mr. Stephenson, let us show you how absurd your claim is.  Suppose when your carriage is running upon these rails at the rate of twenty or thirty miles per hour, if you’re extravagant enough to even suppose such a thing possible, a cow should get [in] its way.  You can’t turn out for her – what then?”

“Then ‘twill be bad for the cow, my lords.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

John W. Hoback

Private, Co. F, 15th Kentucky Infantry (U.S.A.)
Killed December 31, 1862 during the Battle of Stones River

Section B, Grave 717
Stones River National Cemetery
Murfreesboro, Tennessee

John W. Hoback, Private, Co. F, 15th Kentucky Infantry (U.S.A.): Pension Index Card

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

Whip For President Lincoln

The American Whip Company, of Charlestown, have manufactured a magnificent whip, which is to be presented to President Lincoln.  A portion of the stock is ivory, elaborately carved, with patriotic devices, and a raised portrait of the President.  The remainder of the stock is a hickory stick, with silver tipped knots.  The ferrules are of gold, and on one is an appropriate inscription.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, May 18, 1862

Our brigade threw up four miles of fortifications, earthworks, and also forts for the artillery. We were expecting to be attacked by the rebels' making an effort to turn our right flank, so we were in line of battle all day. The pickets have been fighting all day, for the only action taken by the rebels was trying to drive in our pickets.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 49

Philadelphia papers of the 1st announce . . .

. . . the receipt of the pardon of Judge Vondersmith convicted in 1859 of forging applications for pensions, and sentenced to pay a fine of five thousand dollars and to undergo an imprisonment of twenty years.  Before the expiration of President Buchanan’s term of office he commuted the sentence to three years which would have expired in May next.  The pardon of President Lincoln is unconditional, and relieves him from the payment of five thousand dollars.  Since the incarceration of Vondersmith, his wife has died and this is urged as a reason for his pardon.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The forests of Aroostook, (Maine) where . . .

. . . for many previous winters, thousands of axes have almost incessantly sounded, are almost silent this season.  The sturdy lumbermen are away to the wars and the pine will stand another year.  The same is to a large extent true of the lumber district of the Northwest.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The year 1861 was unlucky to the crowned heads . . .

. . . as Napoleon truly observed in his New Year’s day speech.  Prussia buried a King, the effete Sultan of Turkey sank into the grave, the Emperor of China was struck down, Portugal lost a youthful and noble sovereign.  The future historian of 1861 will not, as we hope, esteem it beneath his dignity to include a line of obituary for the dusky sovereigns of Dahomey and Madagascar.  An assassin’s had strove to take the life of the New King of Prussia and a crack brained Athenian enthusiast made an attempt of a similar nature upon the Queen of Greece.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, May 17, 1862

We were ordered to strike tent and march out to the picket line and form in line of battle. Here we remained in line until after dark. There was heavy cannonading and musketry firing all along the line and it continued all day. We pitched our tents in a heavy piece of timber and established camp number 8, in our siege of Corinth.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 49

A post office clerk named Charles Gay . . .

. . . at Montmorenci, Mich., is under arrest and will doubtless be sent to the State Penitentiary, for opening a young lady’s letter and writing a page of obscenity in it.  The Post Office Department takes notice only of the former offense, but the latter makes the penalty all the more deserved.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Bullet Extracted

Dr. Asa Horr performed an important surgical operation upon Mr. John Bell, Thursday evening, extracting a Minie ball which he received the 10th day of last August at the bloody battle of Wilson’s Creek.  The surgeon at that time did not succeed in finding the ball when he probed the wound, consequently imagined it was not in there.  The wounded, however, refused to heal, and at last a hard lump was discovered deep in his groin.  This proved to be the bullet, which the surgeon has just so successfully removed.

John was left in the hospital at Springfield after the battle, but he followed our retreating forces two miles, under the impression he would have to take an oath not to bear arms against the Confederates, if he fell into their hands.  He preferred to die rather than to take such an oath. – {Dubuque Times.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The Way They Do Things In Dixie

The Rockingham (Va.) Register, on the plea that the Union men in the border counties are giving information to the Union forces prejudicial to the Southern Confederacy, thus proposes to make short work of them.

“That we have such enemies, and a good many such, in the border counties of Loudon, Jefferson, Berkley, Morgan and Hampshire, is well known, and we think the sooner they are driven over the river, imprisoned, shot or hanged, the better for us.”

A correspondent of a Cincinnati journal, in the course of his remarks about matters and things in the Southwest, says:

“One item about the rebels.  The Physician of Rosseau’s – I disremember the doctor’s name – has been in possession a brand which has been used to mark suspicious men in the rebel army.  Numbers of Germans and Irishmen, to his own knowledge, have been marked with it.  The iron is heated, and the letters C. A. (Confederate Army) burnt on some parts of their body.  The purpose is to detect them should they try to desert.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Horace Weaver, of Winsted, Conn., writes home . . .

. . . from camp at Washington that he has just “carried the log” for three hours as the penalty for shooting a hog while on sentinel duty.  He had orders to “let nothing pass,” and after a short tussle with the porker, he had to give in or shoot.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The flag of the Tenth Indiana Regiment . . .

. . . presented to them by the ladies of Lafayette, and borne through its campaign in Western Virginia without the least injury, was so completely riddled by the leaden hail of balls at the battle of Mill Spring that it looked like a number of pieces of ribbon fastened to a staff.  For more than one hour it was streaming to the breeze amid that terrible fire, and but one person of the color guard was injured, which shows that the rebels elevated their pieces too high for affective aim.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

A general swearing business is going on in St. Louis.

We are pleased to see that Gen. Halleck has recommended clergymen to take the oath of allegiance, that the people may be able to distinguish between the loyal and disloyal of that profession.  There are several ministers there who sympathize with the rebels, but who in order to retain their places, have been trying to sail under neutral colors.  It is now time that they show their hands.  A man who sympathizes with treason is not fit to teach religion.  A man that betrays his country is no better than one who betrayed the Head of the Church.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, May 16, 1862

Nothing of importance has taken place today, but I think we will have a fight soon. We have plenty of rations, but the drinking water is very poor. The health of the men is better, however, since we have become more active, and the men are getting back their old-time vigor. Some of the boys who have been sick are now returning to the regiment. Major Abercrombie is in command of the regiment while Colonel Hare and Lieutenant-Colonel Hall are at home recovering from wounds received at Shiloh.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 49

Gov. Morton, now in Washington . . .

. . . has telegraphed to Indianapolis ordering clothing, blankets, and many other necessaries, to be sent to Indiana prisoners at Richmond, Va., Columbia, S. C., and Tuscaloosa, Ala.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The Wolf At The Door

We are now in the heart of winter, and a cold icy heart it proves.  During these sullen days and bitter nights the gaunt wolf howls on the prairie, and his grim brothers in populous settlements catch and repeat the cry.  Wolves are of many different species each bearing certain distinctive traits but haggard and hungry all.    When the night shuts in still and clear, and the stars shudder and draw nearer to each other for mutual warmth, when the white frost gathers on the coverlet of the sleeper, and his breath floats above him like a cloud then from attic and hovel comes at frequent intervals a harsh spasmodic sound.  That is the barking of the wolf of cold, a sharp fanged animal who preys chiefly upon the vitals of his victims.  Night by night and day succeeding day, he bites blue fingers and toes, turns red ears with a touch to ghastly white, and gnaws incessantly at torn and bleeding lungs.  Like others of his race, he sometimes prowls in the retreats of luxury, and if the pet of the nursery has been too briefly clad, or too long exposed upon the ice, by his warm couch at midnight is heard that fearful bay.  But most fearful are his visits when he sits triumphantly upon the widow’s heart and turns the orphan’s tears to hail stones as they fall.

In the large cities, as you pass down squalid street and filthy lane, you hear at intervals a low, wailing cry, like that of a child.  It is the wolf of hunger, found only where there are more heads than hearts.  For in this fruitful world is more food than its children can consume, and nature has annexed to every mouth a pair of hands through which it may be filled.  But there are grasping hands which gather and hoard up the food of many, and so the wolf of hunger rarely prowls except under the shadow of the basely rich.  Wherever bloated wealth takes the poor man’s lamb to make up exorbitant rent, where commerce forecloses the pitiless mortgage and grasps the last penny of interest with an iron hand, there the wolf of hunger seeks his prey, and feeds silently upon blood and nerve and muscle, till the bones stare woefully through the shriveled skin.  He pauses only to glance fraternally at his human ally, who strides pompously down the street, caressing the whiskers upon his well fed cheek, with white fingers upon which no ordinary eye can detect the stain of blood.

But there is another wolf that hunts in a wider range, and ventures in where fire and fuel abound.  He sits by the hearth of the settler, when for weeks no human form draws near his door.  He looks in upon the farmer when the storm is wild without and no trace of living thing breaks the surface of the pathless snow.  He lands with the immigrant, when the forms he meets seem but a part of the landscape, and every eye is glass.  He shares the vigils of the wife, when her husband “tarries long at the wine,” and of her, a wife no longer whose eye sadly explores the winding road down which a form has passed that shall return no more.  He draws to the side of the mother, when her darlings are asleep in snow-white beds, each with a stone for a pillow and a curtain of the willow’s pendant boughs.  His eyes glitter in the fire-light of many a loveless hearth, where stern forms sit in silence and a word is frozen by a frown.  He intrudes even where chilling courtesies are exchanged, and cold hands meet and part without a throb, and life is polished till its machinery has not friction enough for heat.  This is the wolf of loneliness, the most prolific of the race.  By night and day, in town and country, he is widely and wearily known.  He has no voice, but his silence is terrible.  Do you know what will drive him away? – {Springfield Republican.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Rebels Captured In North East Missouri

On Sunday last, Col. Moore with 170 men, left Memphis, Scotland Co., Mo., and made a tour in Schuyler county.  He captured 80 secessionists, of whom 55 were sworn and released.  The distillery connected with Bryan’s mill, in Schuler county, was burned, as it was a prolific breeder of secessionists.

A doggery in a little town called Union, that furnished the grog to raise the first secesh flag that was unfurled in North-east Missouri, shortly after the boys passed, was seen to be in flames.  This burning was not done out of malice, but only to cut off supplies, as bad whisky is as necessary to a secessionist as treasury pay to an office holder.

The scouts returned to Memphis about eight o’clock at night, bringing in besides the twenty-five prisoners, about a dozen guns and horses – the trophies of a bloodless victory. – Hannibal (Mo.) Messenger.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, May 15, 1862

We were expecting to be attacked today by the rebels’ making a charge on our front line and were ordered to fall in with two days’ rations in our haversacks. We marched out about a mile, and forming a line of battle, remained there till dark — about six hours — when we moved toward the right wing and up to camp. The entire right wing of the army has moved around farther to the right.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 49

The price of pork in Montreal . . .

. . . is lower than it has been for eighteen years, a grievous fact of Canadian farms, arising from the war between the North and South, which shuts western produce out of the slave States, and deluges Canada and Europe with it.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The Eruption of Vesuvius – Terrific Scene

NAPLES, December 28. – The destruction of a city which numbered 23,000 inhabitants is so startling a fact that I trust I shall not weary you by sending some statistics which I have this week gathered on the spot.  Covered with snow, vomiting ashes still like a ten thousand horse power factory chimney, with a ruined city lying at its feet, such is the spectacle which Vesuvius at this moment presents.  Unable to restrain my curiosity to know what was passing behind the clouds of ashes which intervened between us and the mountain, I went down again on Tuesday last, and directed myself to the committee who had been sitting in permanence since the 8th instant.  The municipal building, a fine old historical edifice of the times of the Arragons, has been destroyed, so that the committee was sitting in a suppressed monastery on the outskirts of the town, and not on the bed of old lava. – The cloisters and the stairs were filled with squalid misery which come here for relief, and the Syndic and his coadjutors, to whose courtesy I am much indebted, gave me the following information.  Out of a population of 21,000, 15,000 are fugitives.  Between fifty and sixty houses have already fallen, and three hundred and twenty are falling, the rest are more or less injured.  Out of eleven churches four only are uninjured, but there is another fearful source of danger – the sulphurous exhalations which are emitted in every direction, and which render houses in other respects comparatively safe, uninhabitable.  By these exhalations, five or six persons, and all the animals, such as cats, dogs, mice and birds, and the fishes in the sea, have been killed.  In fact two thirds of the city have been destroyed.

The committee begged me to appeal to the British public on their behalf, at least to Italians resident in England, and then sent two of their members to accompany me again over the city.  I must confine myself to such new features as I have not yet described, and they are of great interest.  My companions took me through a narrow lane, on either side of which the houses were on the eve of falling, down to an orange garden belonging to one of them, at the furthest extremity of which gaped a crater twenty feet wide and as many deep.  Planks were thrown across, and getting upon them I looked in and saw the walls of a church which had been destroyed in 1798, graves which had given up their dead, for the skeletons had been removed as soon as discovered – and the frescoed walls of the inner chamber of some house.  The smell of sulphur was here strong, and almost insufferable, in the streets through which I afterwards passed.  Dead animals lay here and there and amidst these signs of mortality and sign posts of danger which met the eye at every turn, while to soil was still heaving beneath our feet, while Vesuvius was throwing out more violently than ever, and when at midnight only the poor who had returned had fled from their houses, alarmed by another shock, I met some persons coming in with their household goods on their backs.  A few steps brought me to the sea, which was boiling furiously for some distance, like a cauldron, not the effect as I thought first, of springs of fresh water gushing up, but of volcanic action, and the smell of the gasses escaping was so intense that I found it necessary, for safety, to cover my face with a handkerchief.  Here I met my friends Cappacci, Guiscardi and Palmieri, who had come over as a scientific commission to make investigations.  They bottled up the gas on the spot, which they reported to be carbonic acid and carburretted hydrogen.

How long the eruption might continue Palmieri ahd no means of calculating, it was going on as violently as ever, and his seismograph was always registering.  From Sunday until Monday morning at 5 a. m., there had been eight shocks, and from that time to when he spoke to me they had been continual.  The soil had risen five palms and the subsidence might be attended with great danger.  “Until this has taken place,” he said to my municipal conductors, “you must not think of rebuilding, and you must carefully note the fissures in the houses and the streets, to observe wither the approximate.”  I have said that the number of fugitives was 15,000 only, several thousand having returned to their houses on the confines of the bed of lava on which the great part of Torre is built.  One old woman I saw who had taken up her dwelling in a house which was rent from top to bottom, and almost leaning against the poles which were put up as props to the arches on which it rested.  I stopped and spoke to a thriving shopkeeper, who was looking out eagerly for customers. – “What can I do?” he said, “I have 20,000 ducats invested here, and I must look after them.”  Of the Carbineers I heard only golden opinions – their praise was in every man’s mouth, and I must express my opinion that even in England greater order could not have been preserved, fewer acts of violence committed, or that the Government and local authorities could have lavished more care and attention than have been displayed in Terro de Greco on this sad occasion.  General La Marmora has been down several times to inspect, and the National Bank, according to the last night’s Gazette, has contributed 5,000 lire and opened a subscription for the relief of the poor. – {Cor. Of the London Times.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Grant’s Expedition

PADUCAH, February 4, 1862

The transports which left Cairo yesterday with troops on board, came straggling in here one at a time during all of last night, and immediately proceeded up the Tennessee.

We reached a point ten miles this side of Fort Henry about daylight, where we found the gun boats St. Louis, Essex, Carondelet and St. Louis [sic] lying at anchor.  The troops on board the new Uncle Sam, Illinois and Aleck Scott, were disembarked and again re-embarked, and landed four miles above, where the balance of the troops were also landed as fast as they arrived.

The gunboats weighed anchor upon our arrival, and steamed up to within gunshot range of the Fort, where an interchange of shot and shell was had between our boats and the Fort, about twenty shots being fired on each side.  The shooting was very accurate on both sides.  One shot from the Fort struck the upper wooden cabin of the Essex, and tore a hole in her.  The damage was, however, but trifling, as the cabin was but a temporary affair.  Several of our shells burst in the fort, and immense damage is supposed to have been done.

At intervals between shots a rebel steamer was seen maneuvering about.

A powerful Union force is now encamped on the heights of the east bank of the Tennessee River, just beyond the range of the enemy’s guns.

The transports, after landing their human cargoes, returned to Paducah, where they will take on reinforcements, and proceed as speedily as possible to the point of debarkation, near Fort Henry.

The New Uncle Sam met with an accident in returning here this afternoon.  About twenty miles up the river, while running close to the shore, she ran into a large tree, tearing away her railings and escape pipe, and damaging her wheel house and barber shop, the latter to the great consternation of the proprietor of the last named establishment.

Heavy re-enforcements will be landed near Fort Henry to-morrow, to co-operate with the force now there, and ere many days shall elapse, the clash of arms will be heard in this quarter that will shake secessionism to its foundation.

I have not been able to learn what, if anything, has been done on the Cumberland from Smithland.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, May 14, 1862

We cleaned up our camp today and had company drill twice. There was some heavy musketry firing on the front lines, and the artillery was in action on both sides, but not much damage was done.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 49

From the South

A letter appears in the Richmond Enquirer from a gentleman just arrived there from Europe, apparently one of the numerous secession emissaries, which contains some interesting statements.  Although evidently desiring to put the best appearance on the prospects of the confederacy, he frankly acknowledges the defeat of its expectations of foreign aid thus far.  He says:

“When I left Richmond in June last there was a very general expectation that the manufacturing necessities of England and France would force them to a speedy recognition and interference with the federal blockade.  There was, too, an equally confident impression that the commercial enterprise of England would spring at once to the enjoyment of the high prices the blockade established by sending forward cargoes of arms, munitions, medicines and other stores most needed in the confederacy.  The first thing I learned after my arrival was the great error of these expectations. – Immediately on getting to London I endeavored to start some shipments to the confederate states that had been suggested by certain parties from whom I carried messages, but soon I found it up hill work.  When I told of hundred per cent profits, they said ‘ten per cent without risk, or even five, and we are your men but no range of profits however high, will tempt us to risk uncertainties.”  Those who came back some months ago know what untiring efforts we made for this purpose, but I am sorry to say without the success we confidently anticipated.  This matter however, shows signs of continual improvement, and I hope the channels of trade will soon be opened.  The fallacy of popular expectations in reference to speedy recognition and interference with the blockade was even more strongly apparent, and should in my opinion, be taken into account in simple justice to the confederate commissioners in Europe.  The difficulties in the way of a speedy interference on the part of England and France, I consider among other things to have been – First – The fact that both of those governments are eminently conservative, which, coupled with the fact of both possessing important colonial possessions made them naturally cautious in encouraging innovations on the existing status of nations, and of encouraging a disposition to revolution that might be turned against them in some day of future trials of their own.  Second – A prevalent impression among nearly all classes that the differences between the South and North would be speedily settled, either by a peaceful division of the Union or a peaceful reconstruction.  Third – A very general fear among those particularly friendly to the South that she would be over run and conquered, in which case they said we should find a difficulty on our hands from interference, which would be anything but advantageous or agreeable.  Fourth – The influence of the old national party of England, especially to encourage within her own borders an independence in the monopoly of manufacturing stables.  Fifth – And the last, in this hurried letter is the abolition element of England and her people.  It is not to be distinguished that abolitionism at the outset of the war was the prevailing sentiment of the British nation.  This sentiment, planted by the labors of Wilberforce and Clarkson, and of late years by the active fanaticism of many of her most powerful writers, preachers and politicians, stimulated by the artful and insinuating fictions of writers of the Harriet Beecher Stowe order, and total ignorance of the mitigating features which have made America the greatest possible boon to the African, had grown not only the general, but the active and determined sentiment of the people.  It is true that many of the strongest abolitionists have been pitching into the Lincoln government, but it was from anything but a friendly motive to the South and constituted an influence from which nothing advantageous to her cause could be expected.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The Nashville at Southampton – Tuscarora is Waiting – Interesting News

(From the London Times’ Southampton Correspondent, Jan. 9th, 10th and 11th, and telegrams of the 12th.)

Southampton is in a state of blockade.  The federal screw sloop-of-war Tuscarora is moored at the entrance of the Itchen Creek, just at its confluence with the Southampton water, about a mile from the dock mouth.  She has her fires banked up, and lies with two springs to her cable, ready to slip another and start at a moment’s notice.  The Nashville, which vessel the Tuscarora has come over to take specially under her watchful care and protection, still remains berthed in the dock.  The Tuscarora is armed with nine heavy guns, while the Nashville is stated to have only two guns of somewhat inferior caliber.  As soon as the Tuscarora arrived, Captain Craven communicated with the captain of the frigate Dauntless, which lies off Netley, expressing the regret he felt at hearing of the death of Prince Albert, and asking if there would be any objection to his firing a salute of twenty-one minute guns in respect to his memory.  Capt. Heath replied that in consequence of Her Majesty having requested that no guns should be fired in the vicinity of Osborne, the compliment, which he fully appreciated, could not be accepted.

On Wednesday evening the American Consul went on board the Tuscarora, and it may be presumed, made such arrangements as will render it a matter of impossibility for the Nashville to make her escape.  The Tuscarora, it is said, is to be followed by one or two other ships of the Federal navy, to protect their flag in the English Channel.  With regard to the Nashville there is no doubt that the expected arrival of the Tuscarora, was received by Capt. Pegram some days ago, and every effort has been made to get her ready for sea as expeditiously as possible. – The British Government has observed the strictest neutrality in regard to the repairs, &c., effected in this ship.  Nothing has been done but what was absolutely necessary to make her sea worthy, and such repairs only have been executed as are always permitted, as an act of humanity, to any vessel in distress.  In proof of this, it may be mentioned that the shipwright who is engaged to repair her, attempting to put in some heavy pieces of oak to strengthen the decks, to enable her to carry guns, the Government authorities absolutely refused their permission for the timber to go on board, and it still lies on the deck quay.  She has not been allowed to ship any powder, a small quantity which was on board when she arrived here, and which was permitted to be removed to shore, has been reshipped.  No guns or munitions of war have been put on board, and, in fact, has been allowed to be executed but ordinary repairs.  The Tuscarora requires only coals, water and provisions, which are being supplied her.

A telegram, dated Southampton, Friday, says:  “Three armed men and an officer from the Federal corvette Tuscarora were found last Tuesday night in the docks, watching the Southern privateer Nashville.  They were discovered by the Dock Superintendent close at Nashville’s bows.  They had dark lanterns and combustibles for the purpose of signaling the Tuscarora should the Nashville attempt to leave the docks.  The dock Superintendent stated that the docks were private property, that they had no right there for such a purpose and insisted on their leaving immediately, which they eventually did.

The Nashville is now getting up steam to leave the docks and to anchor near the Tuscarora.  The Confederate war steamer Sumter is expected here.  She has seven guns and one hundred and forty men.”  Another telegram dated 10 A. M. yesterday, says:  “A boat has just left the Tuscarora, and came on afterwards the docks, as if reconnoitering.  The Nashville was getting steam up.  The boat returned to the Tuscarora.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, May 13, 1862

We received marching orders this forenoon, and striking our tents at noon, started off towards the right. We marched four miles and went into camp — camp number 7. There was some skirmishing with the pickets today.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 49

Border Scouts – A Thrilling Adventure

Among the most active and daring of the Union scouts in the Southwest are four young men known as the Norrises and Breedins Acquainted with every cross road and by way, they scour the country for a radius of seventy-five miles south and east of Fort Scott.  Their very names are a terror to secession and every plan that ingenuity could devise has been reported to effect their destruction.  Not long since the younger Norris was wounded in a skirmish near Shanghai in which sic out of a party of twelve under Lieutenant Lewis met with a similar fate while contending against treble their number of the enemy.  He is in the saddle, again however and ready for the field.  These men formerly lived in Golden Grove, Mo., fifteen miles beyond Lamar, in the direction of Greenfield.  The elder Breedin has a wife and family still living there.

A couple of weeks ago being anxious to visit his family he took with him a party of six well armed and determined men and went down.  Their arrival in the settlement became known to some of his secession neighbors and a plan was instantly set on foot to take them in.  On the third night being apprehensive of an attack they assembled at a house in the settlement where after making all necessary preparations, they betook themselves to sleep.  About two o’clock they were awakened by the approach of the enemy.  They quietly took their places behind the fence surrounding the house, ready to give the foe a warm reception.  The secession force approached to within 30 yards, halted and most of them dismounted for the attack.  Now, said the captain, ‘creep up cautiously and when I fire the signal gun make a rush for the house and surround it.’  Breedin and his comrades lay quietly in their corners until the enemy were within a few yards of them when they delivered their fire with terrible effect just as the sesech Captain was about to fire his signal gun.  A prisoner whom the attacking party had with them shouted as he heard the discharge, “d—m it gentlemen there’s a good many signal guns there.  For a few minutes the skirmish was a hot one when four of our men having emptied all of our rifles and pistols and fearing that they might be surrounded retired past the house into the timber and made their way to Fort Scott on foot leaving Breedin, Carpenter and Jones still at the fence fighting.  Jones had nothing but a musket, but he made every shot tell.  Carpenter, a boy of eighteen or nineteen years, had left his revolver in the house.  After firing his sharps rifle, he threw it down, ran into the house, got his revolver, and coolly closing the door after him returned to his post at the fence.  Astonished at the telling and rapid fire from the fence the enemy became panic stricken, and rushing to their horses with loud cries of ‘We’re whipped, we can’t stand the Minies,’ &c., fled in utter confusion on the Greenfield road, leaving two dead and six wounded – two of whom have since died – on the field.  They continued their flight about three miles when the captain succeeded in stopping a few of them but the barking of some dogs started them again, and no more halts were made until they reached Greenfield.  A messenger was immediately sent to Price for a regiment of troops to come and drive Breedin out of the country.

Eight horses were left by the enemy in their flight, these were captured by Breedin and his companions and after scouring the country two days longer they returned to Fort Scott, bringing two prisoners, the eight secession horses and the horses left by their own party.  The distance is about seventy miles.  The secession party by their own account numbered not less than one hundred and thirty men. – Breedin’s whole force as we before stated, was about seven. – {Leavenworth Conservative.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The Foe in our Midst

In St. Louis there are scores of dangerous men, zealous and scheming rebels, who are both acting the part of spies in our camp, and, by their position, presence, example and counsel, are rendering valuable service to the enemy.  The immunity with which they have long done this emboldens others to follow in their footsteps, and gives encouragement to the almost despairing foe in the field.  It is time that these mischief makers were placed where their influence would be powerless.  The peace of the city, the welfare of the State, and the cause of the country, as well as genuine kindness to these disturbers and their friends, all demand this. – Justice, policy, precedent and propriety alike require it.

During the struggle that gave birth to the Republic, the country was grievously infested by active and bitter tories.  In certain portions of the land they especially abounded, and in some were actually predominant in numbers.  They frustrated the efforts of patriots, gave invaluable information to the enemy, and materially aided in protracting the conflict.  Many of them were wealthy, educate, of high standing, had even gained a reputation for integrity, and thus wielded an influence mischievous in the extreme.  The journals of that time have since been published, tell us how these citizens were disposed of.  They were made to pay heavily for carrying on the war, and were removed to some region where their power for evil ceased.  This course was adopted by the advice and with the hearty concurrence of Washington.

In principle, the secessionists of this war are more flagitious than the tories of ’76, and in practice those of them near our military lines are worse.  The difference between the olden and the modern tory is purely circumstantial, and the circumstances are in favor of the former.  The one breathed in the times of ’76, when a republic was an experiment, the other knows that the experiment has been gloriously successful for four score years.  The one was opposed to a government of the country by the people of the country, and the other is so opposed.  The first was unwilling to have the people of the land rule the land, and the second is similarly unwilling.  But while one objected to sacrifice, peace and the ties of the fatherland, with its hallowed memories and proud historic associations, to enter upon a novel experiment under gloomy auspices, the other invokes war, tramples upon every sentiment of national price, outrages the glorious history and flag of his country, in order to render abortive the tried and well proved experiment of national self government.  Every sentiment that palliated the course of the tory of ’76, aggravates that of the secessionist of to-day.

What plea can be urged in behalf of further tolerance to the foe in our midst?  Why has he more claim to the shelter of constitutional law than the [foe] in the field?  How, when his whole spirit, all his aspirations, hopes, efforts and influence, are known to be hostile, is he not amenable to the laws of war?  Are the friends and well wishers of the enemy to be indefinitely harbored and cherished among us? – It is time that all illusions were at last dissipated, and that many of our citizens, who seem to be still dreaming amid the terrible realities upon us, were startled with a discovery of the serious nature of their position.  We are at war, St. Louis is a military post, yet in all quarters she is infested with prying, hypocritical, plotting, ingenious, implacable and deadliest foes.  What shouts of jubilee would they send up in our streets should some chance of war enable the enemy, through their aid, to gain possession of St. Louis?  How much mercy would be shown to their Union fellow-citizens?  Not a particle.  Every Unionist would be banished, or imprisoned and his property confiscated.  The wealth of the patriots of St. Louis has been by Sterling Price distinctly offered, though with absurd imbecility, as the prize of his rebel horde!  We urge no such wholesale treatment of those here who may sympathize with the enemy. – Yet the busy leaders and conspicuous intriguers among these sympathizers ought to be, and we trust soon will be, marked and effectually disposed of.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, May 12, 1862

Batallion drill today. Sixteen of the boys of our regiment failed to appear for the drill and later they were put into a squad by themselves under an officer and put through the drill until dark — that was their punishment for disobeying orders.

__________

On this day George T. Willcott of Company E died of fever in Scott County, Iowa, and George W. Simmons died of his wounds at Tipton, Iowa. This makes Company E's loss in the battle of Shiloh, nine — six killed and three dying of their wounds. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 48

The Desperation Of The Rebel Cause – The Federal Military Cordon – A Wail From Rebeldom – The War Drum To Be Beaten – Plenty Of Work For Court House And Cross Road Orators.

(From the Richmond Enquirer January 27.)

If the plans of McClellan are indeed now developed, and if he has been placing a military cordon around us, with a view to crush us by a simultaneous constriction as the anaconda crushes its victim, there is one element of resistance the force of which he has not allowed for.

The very difficulties with which our enemies hope to surround us – the very danger with which they urge us on every side – will add to the heroism of our fighting and the energy of our movements.  Press the war home upon us, cut off all retreat and all temporizing, cause every man to see and feel that his immediate safety depends upon the instant success, and it will add vigor to our blows and an endurance to our courage that will make every soldier count at least double.  Pent up even a coward and he will fight.  Make a brave man desperate and he is irresistible.

* * * In the threats that fall upon our ears, and the great fleets that they are sending to our various frontiers, our enemies are giving us a call to arms that should rouse every spirit in the land.  Their great boasts and small performances heretofore, in the true style of Mexican grandiloquence, have tended to make us careless and almost lethargic.  We have learned to despise our enemy – always a source of danger.  We have heard his battle sound so often when there has been no battle, that we have ceased to notice it.  There is peril in this.  The enemy knows that what they purpose to do they must now do quickly.  Their own people are dividing.  Some are weary of an inglorious and fruitless war.  Others are in despair at the dilatory proceedings.  The funds are fast failing.  Europe, too is weary of waiting and will soon interfere in behalf of the interests of commerce.  The appearance of vigor is absolutely necessary to keep the cotton manufacturers from outbreak.

Hence McClellan is moving his legions, and probably in earnest.  Are we ready?  The war drum should sound throughout our confederacy.

The war spirit must be revived.  We want war speeches at our court houses and crossroads.  Our people should rouse up and organize as one man, and prepare for the most determined war.  See ye not the circle of fire that is uniting around you?  Here ye not the tramp of the enemy’s advancing lines and the rush of his coming steps?  The shock of tremendous strife is upon us.  As a free and independent people we have either to conquer or to die, and we are resolved not to die.  The time is come when every one who has the spirit of a man must show it.

“The men who carried me to Mexico, are the men who kept me back from Richmond,” – as Scott is reported to have said to Lincoln. – Let McClellan’s experience be made as bitter.  Scott is a traitor to his State, McClellan is a traitor to the principles he formerly avowed. – Companions in infamy, let them be consigned to the fellowship of defeat.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

"Stone Blockades"

The London Times, as quoted by us yesterday complacently observes that ‘it never entered into the thoughts of men like Jervis and Nelson, and Collingwood that they could save themselves trouble and their country expense by totally destroying the ports they were set to watch.  Yet (it adds) what might not England, with her undisputed supremacy at sea, have effected, had she suffered herself to meditate such an iniquity?’

We fear the London journal is not very well “up” in the history of the English navy, whose exploits form so large a part of its nation’s glory.  Whatever Jervis, and Nelson and Collingwood may have thought proper or improper to allow themselves with regard to other French ports, (after Boulogne had been blockade by sunken hulks) it at least appears that the “iniquity” was practiced against the United States in the war of 1812.  A correspondent recalls the fact that during that war the British commanders on Lake Champlain (see Cooper’s History of the American Navy vol. 2 page 34) attempted to fill up the harbor of Otter creek by sinking several vessels loaded with stones.  This enterprise had for its authors Sir James Provost, Lieutenant General de Rottenburg, Major Generals Brisbane, Power, Robinson and Bynes, also the commander of the fleet, Sir James Yeo. – {National Intelligencer.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, May 11, 1862

The Iowa Brigade moved two miles to the right, nearer to Corinth, and some of our boys came in upon the rebel pickets. We established another camp — camp number 6. The Eleventh Iowa was relieved from picket duty this evening.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 48

The New York Legislature's Concurrent Resolutions Tendering Aid to the President of the United States in Support of the Constitution and the Union

Concurrent Resolutions Tendering Aid to the President of the United States in Support of the Constitution and the Union.

Whereas, Treason, as defined by the constitution of the United States, exists in one or more of the States of this confederacy, and

Whereas, The insurgent State of South Carolina, after seizing the post office, custom house, moneys and fortifications of the federal government, has, by firing into a vessel ordered by the government to convey troops and provisions to Fort Sumter, virtually declared war; and whereas, the forts and property of the United States government in Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana, have been unlawfully seized, with hostile intentions; and whereas, further, senators in congress avow and maintain their treasonable acts; therefore,

Resolved (if the senate concur), That the legislature of New York, profoundly impressed with the value of the Union, and determined to preserve it unimpaired, hail with joy the recent firm, dignified and patriotic special message of the president of the United States, and that we tender to him, through the chief magistrate of our own State, whatever aid in men and money he may require to enable him to enforce the laws and uphold the authority of the federal government. And that in defence of “the more perfect union,” which has conferred prosperity and happiness upon the American people, renewing the pledge given and redeemed by our fathers, we are ready to devote “our fortunes, our lives, and our sacred honor” in upholding the Union and the constitution.

Resolved (if the senate concur), That the Union-loving representatives and citizens of Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, who labor with devoted courage and patriotism to withhold their States from the vortex of secession, are entitled to the gratitude and admiration of the whole people.

Resolved (if the senate concur), That the governor be respectfully requested to forward, forthwith, copies of the foregoing resolutions to the president of the nation, and the governors of ill the States of the Union.

STATE OF NEW YORK,

IN ASSEMBLY, January 14, 1861.

The preceding preamble and resolutions were duly passed.

By order.

H. A. RISLEY, Clerk.

STATE OF NEW YORK,

IN SENATE, January 14, 1861.

The foregoing preamble and resolutions were duly passed.

By order.

 JAS. TERWILLIGER, Clerk.

SOURCE: Supplement to the Fifth Edition of the Revised Statutes of the State of New York, p. 107

The Great Burnside Expedition

(From the Newbern Progress of Tuesday.)

Nothing would afford us more pleasure at this particular time than to be able to give a strictly correct account of the strength and condition of the Burnside Expedition.  We doubted some days ago whether there really had ever been such a thing in existence, and began to think it all a Yankee lie, but more recently we have become convinced that there is such a thing, and that what is left of it is actually at Hatteras.

The Country is so situated about Hatteras that it is difficult to get close to the enemy to take satisfactory observations without being observed.  We saw, however, and conversed with a gentleman direct from Portsmouth having left that place Saturday and arrived here Sunday night, who went to Ocracoke before leaving, took a horse and rode down the bank as near to the enemy as was safe, within 10 or 11 miles, and took as good an observation has he could with a glass.  He says he counted 93 vessels, about two thirds of which were steamers, all inside the bar and about 20 inside the Sound, and puts down the number at least 100.

(From The Newbern Progress of Monday.)

THE BURNSIDE FLEET – ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FIVE VESSELS – AN ATTACK THOUGHT TO CERTAIN – NEWBERN, WASHINGTON AND ROANOKE THE POINTS.

The Albemarle arrived on Saturday between 3 and 4 o’clock, having left Portsmouth early Saturday morning, and we have learned from Col. Singletary, who was in command of the expedition, that he arrived at Portsmouth Wednesday evening after the storm had set in, so that it was impossible for him to make any observations himself, but he saw a Mr. Samuel Tolson, a Mr. Williams, and others, who had been applied to by the directors of the fleet to act as pilots, and those gentlemen assured him fleet was at Hatteras, numbering about 175 vessels, and represent that their force is 30,000 strong.

About one third of the fleet was in the Sound on Tuesday, on third in the Roads, and one third outside.  They were busy lightening vessels over the Swash, and as they would clear the roads by entering the Sound, others would come in from outside.  They said that the Yankees were very anxious to get pilots for the Croatan Sound and the rivers, which makes it seem that Roanoke, Edenton, Washington, and perhaps other places east of us are to be attacked and it is rendered certain that we are to be visited from the fact that the vessels they were lightening over could not attack any place but this.  These gentlemen also learned from them that they had lost three vessels and three men since they had come to Hatteras.  Also that New Orleans is to be attacked simultaneously with the attack here.

It is impossible to tell what effect the storm of Thursday and Friday had upon them but it must have been severe.  The Colonel says that Portsmouth was completely covered with water.  He thinks they must have suffered severely, for the gale was terrific, but it was impossible for him to learn anything of their condition later than Tuesday.

He reports the people of Portsmouth under arms and determined to defend themselves as best they can.  The women are apparently much alarmed.

Capt. Crosson went down the river yesterday on the Albemarle, and will probably return to-day, if so, we shall be able to give something further in relation to the movements of the fleet in our next.

THE BURNSIDE FLEET

GOLDSBORO’, Jan 28. – The Tribune of to-day saw a man who left Portsmouth on Saturday. – He said seventy five vessels could be seen from Portsmouth on Saturday.  The storm on Thursday and Friday was very severe.  Portsmouth was wholly submerged.  Several vessels were reported as stranded and there were some on Chickamacomico beach.  The Tribune says the fleet is certainly at Hatteras, and the attack is expected at Newbern and Roanoke perhaps Edenton, Elizabeth City and at other places.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The Burnside Expedition --- The Actual Facts

To the Editor of the New York Times

Upon my arrival at Fortress Monroe, I gave without any compensation, the facts relating to the Burnside Expedition to the Associated Press.  In that report I nothing extenuated, nor set down aught in malice.  I stated the facts without commentary.  The official dispatch distinctly states that only one vessel was lost and that Gen. Burnside says so.  I know that he did not.  I know that Gen. Burnside freely and openly spoke to the Correspondents of his position, of his misfortunes, and his responsibilities, and that when he was advised to place an espionage over the Press, he said, “I am in the hands of the public.  I have been deceived but I will bear the blame.”  Freely, and with generosity, in the face of counsel opposed to him he allowed the correspondents to send their dispatches.

The facts stated and published by these gentlemen have verified my original statement, but now that some official parties have seen fit to contravene the primary statements which the public received, perhaps it would be well to reiterate and state the facts.

An expedition called the Burnside Expedition which had long been in preparations, and which consisted of one hundred and twenty five vessels of all descriptions sailed on the 4th of January from Fortress Monroe.  Slight storms and head winds retarded us on our progress, but we arrived, either outside or inside the bar, on the 13th or 15th of this month.  Gen. Wool advised the departure, the pilots agreed with him, and thus we saved meeting a storm which would have buried one half of the worthless hulks on the sandy bottom of the sea.  The vessels comprising the expedition were bought under the understanding that they should draw a certain depth of water.  The correspondent of the Evening Post states in one case: At least one steamer was sworn to draw but six feet six inches when laden and actually draws when lightened as near as possible, eight feet.  From the World’s correspondent: ‘I shudder when I look back to a week ago yesterday, and recount the train of casualties which has followed us and were I to present them in the order they occurred your readers would certainly presume this an ill starred expedition.’

All the daily papers add testimony to these statements.  I will not enter into particulars already published.  The terrible storms almost unparalleled, the rapid current sweeping with resistless force from Pamlico sound to the wild ocean at the rate of five miles an hour and returning.  The high tides washing over the sandy beach of Hatteras and preventing the landing of soldiers or the serene quiescent gouty state of the Commodore who lounged on his divan while the whirlwind and the rough ocean tore and shattered the City of New York’s elegant proportions into driftwood and an unseemly object when a hauser from a tug boat might have saved her.

I will sate facts.  The City of New York with 400 kegs of gunpowder, 1,700 Enfield rifles, with bombs &c., was lost through neglect, and her Captain and crew in full sight of the fleet remained in the rigging forty hours exposed to the mercy of the elements.  The Zouave gunboat, armed with one 32 pound Parrott gun, two Wiard guns, rifled, dragged her anchors, stove a hole in her stern and sunk.  The troops were saved and so were the guns.  The vessel is lost.

The Grapeshot bomb-vessel went down at sea.

The Pocahontas, an old steamer, was charted for horses.  The pilot stated to the General on board the Spaulding that her owner was utterly opposed to her going on the expedition. – The pilot also stated that the boilers leaked and they drove wooden plugs in the boiler, that the iron grates fell out (See Times correspondent) and she went ashore because they and no sail!  The Pocahontas lost 80 Rhode Island Battery horses and 15 staff officers’ horses.

The bark Volligeur, with a portion of the Eleventh Connecticut is hard ashore with 500 troops.

The Admiral who carried Gen. Burnside and the Massachusetts Twenty-fourth and which were sent ashore, stuck in the Swash three days but is now over.

The steamer Northerner, the headquarters of Gen. Reno, broke her anchor and was ashore three days.

The Eastern Queen went hard ashore.

The Louisiana, a large paddle-wheel steamer, (Herald correspondent says,) broke her back.

A schooner went ashore near the light-house, with oats for horses, and went to pieces.

Another schooner went ashore with coal, and lost six men, four of whom were buried by Col. Stevenson of the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, and two by the Eleventh Connecticut.

The ships purchased for the Expedition never could have stood a storm at sea.  Old freight boats from Poughkeepsie and Albany were fitted up as gunboats, painted black to look formidable, two of them, the Lancer and Pioneer, carried 500 troops each.  When in the trough of the sea they rolled fearfully and a Captain in the navy who was on board the Lancer, stated that in case of a storm, nothing could prevent her from bilging and going down.

The contractor who furnished the water casks for the expedition has committed an outrage on our soldiers which should only entitle him to John Brown’s fate.  The casks used to put water in were old whisky, kerosene oil and camphene barrels furnished by the Union city of Baltimore.  The sufferings endured from this source was terrible, men could not drink it, it was too nauseous.

Another contrast.  Ice would have been a luxury to the soldiers – it was only $5 a ton. – Water we were short of.  Coal we were short – it was only $4.50 a ton.  Stone was worth 25 cents.  All of these most excellent ballast.  Yet would it be believed that we took on board pig iron at $20 a ton as ballast, knowing when we started we should have to cast it overboard. – Yes such is the fact.  The gunboat Lancer arrived at Hatteras Inlet short of coal and water, and yet she threw over 75 tons of iron - $1,750 worth.  In all $3,600 worth of iron was cast overboard, yet we were short of water.

The pilots, we are all told, were all Union, Hatteras Inlet was Union, and New York subscribed $8,000 for the inhabitants because they were all Union.  Yet one of the pilots hired by us one went over to the enemy and informed them of everything, and as for the inhabitants of Hatteras Inlet, they are too ignorant to know the difference between Union and Secession.  It is all nonsense, experience teaches us that, there are no Union men there, and that the 3,000 rifles asked for, if they had been granted, would now be on Roanoke Island, and that the $8,000 sent to North Carolina for the benefit of the Union men, was all lost to us.  The south are in earnest and we are at play.  We had to pay $800 in secret service money to those self-same Union men, to know whether Roanoke Island was occupied or not.

Briefly reiterating the facts contained in my first dispatch, and calling attention to the rascalities of the first steamboat contractors, and other contractors, and asking the public to pause in the contemplation of a set of scoundrels who have allowed the lives and health of 15,000 men to be periled by their life boats and their water casks, I will conclude by stating the position of affairs.

The naval gunboats have crossed the “swash.”  One half of Gen. Burnside’s vessels have done likewise.  Seven thousand troops are safely over.  Those vessels which cannot cross will be relieved of their troops, and will cross on other vessels.  Vessels may be injured.  Water was scarce for a time.  The rations were rather slight.  But the whole army of 15,000 men have confidence in their General.  He is ever ready to relieve the wants of a shipwrecked crew or the privations of the soldier.  In the storm in his top boots, his old gray flannel shirt and Kossuth hat, the American Garibaldi is loved by all.  They have faith in his bravery – they have confidence in his judgment – and their experience teaches them that Gen. Burnside will never bring back the star on his shoulder dimmed by defeat, but rather that it will shine resplendent in victory.

W. R.

FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL, Tuesday, January 30th, 1862.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, May 10, 1862

The Eleventh Iowa went out today to reinforce pickets again. Our cavalry had quite a skirmish with the rebel pickets out on the flanks while driving them in.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 48

Mason And Slidell – What Has Been Gained By Their Surrender

The following is an extract from and English letter written, says the New York Evening Post, by a most intelligent observer:

“Since the surrender of Mason and Slidell our position in Europe is much better than it has been at any time before since the rebellion.  A strong reaction has set in against the South and in our favor I am greatly mistaken if those gentlemen don’t find a cheerless welcome in Europe.  Mr. Seward’s dispatches are widely and strongly commended, as well as the magnanimity and sagacity of the Government.  That fact is, all Europe was frightened almost to death by the apprehension that we meant to resist, for which they every day had increasing evidence of our ability, if we were reckless enough of consequences about which they had not much doubt.  When they found the men were delivered up, and in such a spirit, their gratitude was proportioned to their selfishness and the feeling towards the South was changed in a corresponding degree.  The northern cause now stands a great deal better in Europe than it did before the seizure.  It was feared we were going to give England a triumph as the champion of the rights of neutral commerce.  When it was ascertained that we had caught her in a trap, and, while vindicating our traditional policy, had brought her mouth to the bucket, every one gave our Government the credit for having achieved a masterly triumph.  It will now be very difficult to awaken any hostile feeling towards the North in Europe, if it in any way can promote the interests of the Secession States.  England has paid about £4,000,000 for a false alarm, to say nothing of the depreciation in the sale of stocks, a good many times as much more, and the Government may cry “Wolf!” now as often as they please, they will not be headed.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The ladies of Louisville . . .

. . . have it in contemplation to present a flag to each of the regiments engaged in the Mill Spring fight, the Fourth Kentucky, Tenth Indiana, Ninth Ohio and Second Minnesota.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, May 9, 1862

We heard some very heavy firing off to the left towards Farmington. General Pope was compelled to fall back from Farmington, but has again taken the town.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 48

Alexander G. McCarty, Private, Co. I, 5th Missouri State Militia Cavalry: Compiled Service Record

Alexander McCarty, Priv., Capt. McCarty’s Co., Misouri State Militia (this organization subsequently became Co. I, 5 Reg’t Mo. State Militia Cavalry).

Appears on Company Muster-in Roll of the organization named above.  Roll dated St. Joseph, Mo., April 17, 1862.  Muster in to date April 17, 1862.  Joined for duty and enrolled April 17, 1862 at St. Joseph, Missouri.  Period: War years.  Valuation of horse: $120.00.

Appears on Company Muster Roll for from 17th to 30 April, 1862.  Absent.  Remarks: On detached service since 21 April by order of Gen. Ben Loaw [sic].  Name next on Mo. Roll.  From Second Auditor’s Roll.  Next Roll on file, Aug 1862.

Appears on Co. Muster Roll, dated St. Joseph, Mo., June 22, 1863.  Remarks: Discharged by order of General Schofield, June 6, 1862.

SOURCE:  Compiled Service Record for Alexander McCarty, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D. C., available at www.fold3.com.

A petition has been circulated in Detroit . . .

. . . on the subject of fortifying the lake coast, which according to the Advertiser, sets forth that there is not, at the present time, upon the five hundred miles of frontier coast line, a single defense, nor any way of communication with the Upper Peninsular of Michigan except through the St. Mary’s Falls canal and the river.  The Canadian Government have built a military road from Toronto to St. Mary, which gives them the advantage of communication with Lake Superior by two routes, and in the event of war with England Lake Superior would easily fall into the enemy’s hands.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2

The report of the Potter investigating committee . . .

. . .excites much attention at Washington, but it is said that a large proportion of the persons singled out by the committee as disloyal, and who have not already been dismissed from the service, will endeavor to prove that they are now perfectly devoted to the interests of the Government.  There are several cases of this kind which have been successful in removing the suspicions attached to them.  Whenever ordinary means will not answer the female friends of the accused party are brought to bear upon the sympathies of honorable Senators and the heads of Departments, and it is an argument that rarely fails.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 8, 1862, p. 2