Iowa Legislature

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye)

DES MOINES, Man, 29, 1862

SENATE. – Mr. McCRARY, of Van Buren, introduced a resolution instructing the Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into the expediency of reducing the salary of the Governor’s Aids.

The Committee on Ways and means reported a substitute for the House bill assuming the Federal tax.

The Military Committee reported a Joint resolution instructing the Governor to procure the balance of the State quota of arms for 1861-2 in long range rifles, instead of ordering muskets.

Mr. WOOLSON reported back from the committee of Ways and Means an act authorizing warrants issued by the Auditor on the War and Defence Fund to be receivable in payment of State taxes.  Laid on the table, and ordered to be printed.  Also, a bill providing for the taxation of railroads.

The Senate bill making Iowa money and U. S. Treasury notes receivable for taxes was made the special order for to-morrow.  They spent the balance of the day in Committee of the Whole on Court of quarter sessions bill.

HOUSE. – Mr. FARRELL, of Johnson, introduced a bill exempting young orchards from taxation 10 years.

Mr. LANE, of Scott, introduced a bill authorizing an increase in the number of meetings of boards of supervisors in counties over 20,000 inhabitants.

Mr. ROTHROCK, of Cedar, offered a resolution giving all the foreigners now in our army full naturalization papers on their receiving an honorable discharge from such service.  Referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Mr. McPHERSON, of the Senate, and EATON, of the House, were appointed a committee of Conference to-day on the division of the State into Congressional Districts.

DES MOINES, Jan. 30

HOUSE. – The military committee reported a joint resolution asking the attention of the War Department to the fact that the Eighth Iowa Regiment are without proper tents, have insufficient arms, and no ambulances or hospital stores, and urges that something should be done for their relief.  Also, a joint resolution asking the General Government to pay Col. Edward’s troops for service in Missouri last fall.

Mr. FLINT of Wapello, introduced an infamous bill providing that no negro or mulatto shall come into, or reside in the State without filing his free papers and giving bond in five hundred dollars, for good behavior, and a violation renders him liable to be taken up and hired out to the highest bidder, to the board of supervisors.  Also, granting the right of transit to masters with slaves, through this state.  The vote to indefinitely postpone was 74 to 15.

The House adopted the Senate bill assuming the direct tax of $452,000 annually, and authorizing the Government to notify the Secretary of the Treasury immediately.

SENATE. – The Senate adopted the bill giving jurors $1.50 per day and ten cents mileage, also passed the bill from the Committee of Ways and Means authorizing county Treasurers to receive U. S. Treasury notes and the issues of the State Bank of Iowa in payment of interest and principal of school fund.

PROMOTIONS. – Second Sergeant G. W. Harlan to First Lieut., Co. C, 4th Infantry; Sergeant Major F. Earle [sic], to First Lieut., Co. I, 8th Infantry; First Lieut. E. J. Weiser to Captaincy, Co. D, 3d Infantry; Capt. Stiver[s], 14th Infantry resigned.

Col. Noyes of the Governor’s staff, goes to Davenport to-morrow to superintend the shipment of clothing and hospital stores to Iowa troops in accordance with the resolution of the General Assembly, also if possible to consolidate the German regiment with the Sixteenth Regiment.

T. H. S.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

From Cairo

CAIRO, Man 28. – The river is still rising.  Six feet more will sweep over Fort Holt.

All kinds of reports are in circulation this evening in regard to a fight in Missouri.  The latest is that Gen. Payne is likely to cut off Jeff Thompson’s retreat at Sykestown, as it is believed that he cannot reach New Madrid by any other route, the late rains having filled the swamps with water, thus rendering them impassable.

Troops are still arriving.  A regiment from St. Louis arrived this evening.

Col. Doughtery made a contact with a Connecticut Yankee to-day for a new leg.  It is warranted superior to the original with the exception that should a ball strike it would bleed.

I learned from good authority to-day that the Chaplain in Col. Lawler’s regiment never makes his appearance except on pay day.

Quatermaster Baxter left for Washington on Saturday morning.  Capt. Turnley arrived to-day and will take possession as District Quartermaster.

Contractors are not so numerous as they were a few days ago.  Some of the railroad men are still smelling around after contracts.

CAIRO, Jan 29. – The 12th Iowa Regiment, Col. Wood, arrived yesterday.  It left for Smithland last evening.  It is armed with the Enfield rifle.

The 16th Illinois and the 18th Missouri Regiments are on the road hither.

The force composing the expedition which left Bird’s Point on Saturday are returning. – Nothing was accomplished except the capture of a number of Thompson’s men.

The country beyond Charleston was found to be infested with Guerilla bands who are plundering every one Union and rebel alike, but they would not make any stand for battle.

The Federal troops marched nearly to Sykestown.  Gen. Payne has determined to occupy Charleston.  For that purpose a regiment of infantry and a detachment of cavalry will remain at that place.

A large rebel mail containing several hundred letters, has been captured above this place on the Mississippi river.  It contained letters of importance from Bowling Green and other rebel camps.

It is now snowing hard here.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, June 15, 1862

There were five hundred men from the Sixth Division detailed to go out and cut down the timber in front of the fortifications around the camp. The trees are cut so as to make them fall outward toward the approach of an enemy; the branches are then sharpened, making what is called an abatis.

The trees in a space six hundred feet wide and twenty miles long are being felled. We had company inspection at 5 o'clock in the evening.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53-4

Federal Troops And Casualties At Fort Donelson

Interpretive Marker in front of the Visitors Center
Fort Donelson National Battlefield

U. S. A. FEDERAL TROOPS AND CASUALTIES AT FORT DONELSON
McClernand’s Division Oglesby’s Brigade Wallace’s Brigade Morrison’s Brigade	Strength	Killed	Wounded	Missing	Aggregate
	8000	311	1058	183	1552
		184	603	66	853
		99	350	98	547
		28	105	19	152
Smith’s Division McArthur’s Brigade Cook’s Brigade Lauman’s Brigade Smith’s Brigade	7000*	145	819	23	987
		69	340	20	429
		10	109	2	121
		55	301	1	357
		11	69	--	80
Wallace’s Division Cruft’s Brigade Thayer’s Brigade	6500*	44	231	18	293
		35	182	16	233
		9	39	2	50
Artillery Not Brigaded		--	10	--	10
TOTAL	21,500*	500	2,108	224	2,832
* Estimated

A Forward Movement of Troops in Missouri

ROLLA, Jan. 29. – The latest information from the West is that our army is encamped at Lebanon in considerable numbers.  Major Wright’s Battalion is quartered in houses lately occupied by Secessionists, but the greater portion of the troopers are encamped just beyond the town.  No troops except scouts have advanced beyond that town nor is it probable they will until other regiments on the way shall have arrived.

Form a gentleman who has recently arrived from Webster County I learn that Captain Freeman who has been carrying on a thieving and pillaging business in Webster, Douglas, Wright and other Counties was killed about a week since, in a skirmish which took place in Webster County between Union men and Secessionists.  It was at first reported to be Col. Freeman, of Polk, which proves untrue.  The Colonel is more influential but no meaner man than this Freeman.

General Curtis and staff departed several days ago to join the army in the field.  This would indicate that the campaign is to be pushed forward with energy.

Gen. Sigel has arrived from St. Louis and it is understood he will go forward with the expedition now under way.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Texan Rangers Surprised

WASHINGTON, Man 29. – A dispatch from Gen. Heintzelman, dated Fort Lyon to-day, addressed to Assistant Adjutant General Williams, says, last night a force of 50 men of the 37th New York regiment under Lieut. Col. Burke, sent out by Col. Hayman, surprised the enemy, some Texas rangers, at Mrs. Lee’s House at the head of Belmont, on Occaquon Bay.  The rebel force was about 30 men.  They fought till all but one was killed whom Col. Burke took prisoner.  Our loss was one killed and four wounded.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Rebel News From Richmond

BALTIMORE, Jan 28. – The Richmond Dispatch of yesterday has the following:

New [Berne], North Carolina, is in a ferment of excitement in expectation of an attack in that quarter.  The town is under martial law and every preparation is being made.

(Later from Mill Creek.)

Gen. Crittenden and his staff are safe and unwounded.  General Carroll and staff are safe.  Our loss is reported at 300 killed.  The enemy’s loss is supposed to be twice this number.

Nashville, Jan. 24, via Mobile 25. – The most reliable information of the engagement at or near Somerset is that only two regiments. Col. Buttle’s Tennessee and Col. Statham’s Mississippi, were engaged in the fight near Mill Springs.

Fort Henry is still safe – the enemy for some reason having withdrawn from its immediate vicinity.  The shots of the gun boats were not replied to from the Fort, which will be held at all hazards.

Paris was in a perfect ferment of excitement yesterday.  Many anticipating an immediate descent of the enemy, which they deemed themselves utterly powerless to resist, were preparing to leave their negroes and other property.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, June 14, 1862

We came in from picket this morning, having been relieved by the Thirteenth Iowa. We do not have much idle time here, for besides keeping our camp and clothing clean, we have picket duty and fatigue duty on the fortifications.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

Richard Higham

Private, Co. A, 2nd Iowa Infantry

Died February 15, 1862

Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Dover, Tennessee

The Next Naval Expedition

The next naval expedition, which is now preparing at New York and other points, is to be commanded by Com. Farragut, and reports are abroad, some stating that it is destined for Savannah and others assigning it to the western part of the Gulf.  It will be by far the most powerful naval force yet fitted out, and will consist of the Hartford, Richmond, Pensacola and other large steam frigates, a great number of gunboats, and twenty or thirty vessels carrying mortars and thirty-two pounders.

The mortar flotilla connected with this expedition is under the command of Capt. D. D. Porter and is being hurried towards completion with all possible haste, but from its extent some weeks may elapse before all the vessels are ready to proceed to sea.  The armament being of a kind rather novel to our navy, has caused some delay in fitting out the first vessels of the flotilla, but those obstacles are now overcome, and the vessels are nearly all ready for their guns. – The mortar, which is placed amidships of each craft, weighs about 17,000 pounds, and is bored for 13-inch projectiles, the most formidable known to modern warfare.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Canadian Feeling Towards the United States

The Quebec Chronicle, a short time ago, was most rabid in its prognostications of war, and predicted that, even though Mason and Slidell were given up the breaking up of the blockade by the British Government would furnish another casus belli.  It has now however copied the example of the Leader and moderated its tone amazingly.  In a recent article the Chronicle says:

There were hardly a dozen men in Canada who were not rejoiced when they heard that the American Government had removed the likelihood of war.

We feel that if unfortunately there should ever be actual hostilities between England and America Canada would suffer severely.  Canada would be what Virginia now is, the battleground of contending armies, and the worst consequences of war would fall upon us.  Our best blood would be shed like water, and sorrow and mourning would be brought to the door of every family in the country.  Our property would fall in value everywhere, our [fairest internal] commerce would cease, our revenue would diminish to a trifle.  The States would suffer too, and we believe we should eventually be successful in repelling their invading forces.  But we know how dearly that result would certainly be bought.

In the event of a simple war of tariffs and the repeal of the Reciprocity treaty, too we should also suffer for a time.  Established business connections would be broken up every new trade opening would be the consequence of the closing of another, and it would be a poor consolation for the loss of the American market to our cereals to know that we had closed ours to the Western States, and prohibited the Eastern seamen from fishing on our coasts.

So we strongly deprecate all feelings of enmity to our neighbors, for political and commercial reasons not to speak of those higher ones which we too often neglect.  We would rather Canada would be a bond of union between Britain and the States than the occasion or pretext for war.  If there should be an international contest, we shall have to choose our side, the Americans will not allow us to be neutral.  But the people of the United States ought not to look upon this as a fault of ours, it is the only drawback to the advantages of our connection with the country we love and honor.

We write these words in all sincerity, and command them, as the opinions by far, of the largest portion of the Canadian public to the press of the United States.  We feel sure that our American contemporaries with whom we exchange will be doing good service both to their country and ours, by reproducing them with such comments as to them may seem fit and proper.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Deaths of Iowa Soldiers

The list of Iowa Soldiers who died in the Hospitals of St. Louis and vicinity during the week ending January 25th, is as follows:

Jan 19 [N] B Henry, Co. D, 15th Inf

Jan 19 Marshall Lazelle, Co. F, 12th Inf

Jan 19 Richard Williams, Fletcher’s Battery Light Artillery

Jan 20 John H Scott, Co. K, 2d Cavalry

Jan 20 John Sohn, Co. B, 12th Infantry

Jan 20 Thos Jordan, Co. F, 11th Inf

Jan 21 James M Hughes, Co. A, 12th Inf

Jan 21 Barney Clawson, Co. I, 2d Cav

Jan 21 Uhl Mather, Co. D, 12th Inf

Jan 21 Thomas Brattain, Co. C, 2d Inf

Jan 22 Hiram Halleck, Co. E, 7th Inf

Jan 22 James C Taylor, Co. F, 2d Cav

Jan 23 Henry M Dougal, Co. E, 7th Inf

Jan 23 D H Swain, Co. A, 12th Inf

Jan 23 Lewis P Mills, Co. K, 2d Inf

Jan 24 Capt. C C Tupper, Co. G, 12th Inf

Jan 24 Ira H Phillips, Co. H, 11th Inf

Jan 24 Jackson Jewell, Co. B, 2d Cav

Jan 25 George Mason, Co. E, 12th Inf

Jan 25 John [Eing], Co. F, Cav

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Editor’s Note: The last person named in this list may be the John Elinger of Co. F, 9th Illinois Cavalry, who the United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Grave Site Locator states died Jan. 25, 1862 and is buried in Section 50 Site 694 in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.  However, his Pension Index Card on Fold3.com gives is date of death as June 27, 1909.  Based on these 2 conflicting pieces of information, I cannot make a positive identification.  It could very well also be a death reported in error.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, June 13, 1862

It came the Eleventh Iowa's turn to go on picket today. The teams still have to go to Pittsburg Landing, twenty-two miles from Corinth, for provisions and ammunition for the army.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

Two Men Frozen to Death in Adair County

We have received a letter from W. B. Hall, Clerk of Adair County describing the body of a man found dead at the frame of a building about eight miles north west of Fontanelle.  The letter was sent to us for publication in order to discover who the deceased was.

On Thursday Mr. Lewis of Audubon county, being in town and seeing the description of the deceased recognized him as Daniel Imus of Hamlin’s Grove, Audubon county.  Mr. Hall’s letter states that a memorandum book with the name of Daniel Imus, was found in the pocket of the dead man.

Daniel Imus and his brother Luke, both resided at Hamlin’s Grove.  On Wednesday the 15th inst., they left Morrison’s Station in the northwest part of this county, en route for Ringgold county and in crossing Adair were undoubtedly frozen to death.  Luke was unwell when he left Morrison’s, and nothing has been heard of him up to this writing here.  A part went out to look for him on Thursday but we have not learned the result of their search. – Both had been lately married, Daniel about three months and Luce three or four weeks ago. – {Cass County Gazette.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

See Also:

• Luke Imus Found

George Heise

Private, Co. F, 5th Iowa Cavalry

Fort Donelson National Cemetery

Dover, Tennessee

Change In The Burnside Expedition – Spies In Washington

The Washington correspondent of the New York Post says that the President informed a Senator, one evening last week, that the original plan of the Burnside expedition had been given up, because the rebels had got hold of it.  The same writer says:

The attention of the new Secretary of War has been directed to the fact that Secessionists in the District are in constant correspondence with the rebel leaders, and that rebel spies reside in Washington.  A prominent citizen yesterday gave information that a well known rebel army officer is secreted among his family friends here.  He has not yet been discovered by the Government detectives but the fact he was in the city last week, is established beyond a doubt.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Court Martials

Lieut. H. A. Webb, of the 27th regiment Ohio Volunteers, was recently tried by Court Martial in St. Louis, on a charge of “absence without leave,” and was sentenced to forfeit his monthly pay proper for three months and to be reprimanded by the commanding officer of the Department.  Private, Geo. H. Holland, Company I, 24th Indiana was found guilty of desertion and sentenced to be shot.  The sentence was afterwards mitigated to hard labor with a ball and chain during the war, with the forfeiture of all pay, which is a good deal worse than to be shot.  Private Jeremiah Raney, of the same company and regiment, was found guilty of the same offence and sentenced “to forfeit all pay and allowances which are or may become due him up to the 31st day of January 1862, excepting the just dues of the sutler and laundress, and to refund the United States the cost of his apprehension, thirty dollars, to have half his head closely shaved, and to stand for three hours daily on three successive days, on the head of a barrel, on the parade ground of his regiment with a placard around his neck on which will be printed the word ‘Deserter.’”  At the expiration of this sentence he will be dishonorably discharged from the service.  Jesse Fussell was also tried for violating the laws of war in robbing and plundering the property of Wm. H. Page, a loyal citizen in Missouri, and taking a gun from another loyal citizen.  He was found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment during the war.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

The Great Eastern

The grand mogul of sailing craft – is to be converted into a bathing house or floating hospital.  It is died of plethora, or what Carlyle styles a kind of “too-muchness.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

A New Party

The New York correspondent of the Boston Post says a new party is now organizing in the former city, under the name of “Republican Democrats.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Persons who are distrustful of . . .

. . . Uncle Sam’s deputy postmasters and route agents, sometimes cut bills in two and forward half at a time, waiting to hear of the receipt of the first before sending the second half.  This, it seems to us, is doubling the risk, as if either half is lost the whole amount is lost.  Persons sending us money by mail will therefore please not cut bills.  We will take the whole risk in one letter.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, June 12, 1862

The farmers living about here are cutting their wheat; some have already begun stacking. Wheat here is good, with some especially fine fields, but some fields were entirely destroyed during the siege of Corinth. The corn is not as good on account of the cold, wet spring.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 1862

It is raining in this miserable city, – it has rained for more than two weeks.  The roads are almost impassable.  I understand the horses on the other side of the Potomac are suffering for want of forage, because it is impossible to carry it in sufficient quantities.  Fever and small pox are prevailing to an alarming extent.  Everybody gets vaccinated, but still everybody trembles.  And it is to this long spell of bad weather, that the wiseacres tell us the slow movements of the army are owing.  Gen. McClellan, they say, contemplated a grand movement of our entire army – the Burnside expedition, the Cairo expedition, the brilliant maneuver in Kentucky, Halleck’s advance in Missouri, that of Rosecrans in Virginia and that of the great army of the Potomac, were to be projected simultaneously.  The plan is frustrated by the weather.  I hope and believe it was so contemplated, for the pressure from the North and from Congress must have forced a forward movement of some kind, but I only give you the rumors, and you can judge.  And by the way, I hear that the member of the cabinet most strenuous for an immediate advance is the Attorney General., Mr. Bates.  Postmaster General Blair has heretofore occupied this position, but it is now occupied by a man whom we have been accustomed to consider and old fogy of the slowest kind.

The war will continue according to General McClellan’s policy, endorsed as it is by the President, and such men as Garrett Davis and Mr. Crittenden.  The story of a conversation between Jim Lane and Mr. Lincoln, in which the latter endorsed the former’s opinions is a most ridiculous hoax.

Judge Swayne of Ohio is appointed to the Supreme Bench to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Justice McLean.  The appointment will create some surprise as it was understood no immediate appointments were intended. – But it has been difficult sometimes to obtain a quorum of the Court, and hence the appointment now.  Judge Swayne is an Ohio man, of about fifty years of age, and a Republican of what they please to call conservative tendencies.  If the bill creating another Circuit in the West passes, Senator Browning or Secretary Smith will probably be created a Justice.

The expulsion of Bright is occupying the attention of the Senate.  The charge against him is similar to that of against our illustrious fellow-citizen Gen. Jones, of writing letters to Jefferson Davis, asking him as President of the Confederate States, friendly offices towards a Mr. Lincoln, a new inventor in fire arms.  He will hardly be expelled, (a two-thirds vote being required,) but a majority will probably be recorded against him.

The War Department under Secretary Stanton is at present very active and efficient.  But “as new broom always sweeps clean,” and the present is no indication of the future.  A bill has been posted up, allowing Congressmen Saturdays to transact their business, and the ungloved Public  Mondays, while for the rest of the week the Department is closed to outsiders. – Mr. Stanton says that without such an arrangement he cannot proceed.

A movement is in progress to make a Major General of Brig. Gen. Sigel.  I understand the President favors it as a recognition of the services of our German fellow citizens during the war; their regiments being acknowledged on all hand to be among the most efficient and the best drilled of the troops in the field.

XOX.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Despotism in Iowa

We print in another place in this paper, the ukase of Clark Dunham of Burlington.  According to the edict of this petty tool of Abolition despotism, no freight can pass outside the City of Burlington by stage or rail, going westward, without a permit, nor can any traveler proceed in the same direction without his baggage undergoing the surveillance of a custom house officer.

Whither are we drifting?  Iowa is a loyal State, she never claimed to have seceded from the Union, she has furnished nearly twenty thousand troops to sustain the Government, her citizens at home are peaceful Union men, and now under the pretence of necessity, the tyrant’s plea, we of Southern Iowa are subjected to an indignity which only finds its equal in the despotic countries of Europe and Asia.  Is this the inheritance left us by our Revolutionary sires?  The question is pertinent, it should be pressed to an answer. Whither are we drifting? – Ottumwa Mercury.

It is not exceeding strange that a staid, courteous, gentlemanly and dignified Ex-judge, who has always been severe, not to say sanctimonious, in observing the amenities of social life, should tear his undergarments in that way.  Most assuredly his Honor has not recently seen quotations of unbleached muslins.

Observe with what immeasurable contempt and indignation he speaks of the National Administration as an “abolition despotism.”  That is precisely the term used by Jefferson Davis.  Most of the Generals in the Rebel Armies, whenever they have said anything have thus spoken.  The newspapers in the Rebel States have all with one accord characterized the Administration in the same way – the epithet has become stereotyped with them.  And there is a wonderful coincidence in the spirit exhibited.  The severe austerity of the high toned, white neck clothed Judge gives way at once, and the ranting, envenomed, malignant secession sympathizer shows his teeth, as full of poison as a rattlesnake in August.  What is the matter? – Why such an exhibition of anger?  The Government has made an order designed, not to annoy or trouble loyal people but to prevent Missouri rebels from receiving arms, munitions of war, or other aid through Iowa.  Is not the purpose of the order – its intent and object, such as loyal people approve?  As to the manner of its execution?  Does any one complain of inconvenience, detention, insult or oppression?  Who?  When?

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, June 11, 1862

I was on guard today at General Todd’s headquarters. The weather is very hot. The teams all went to the river for provisions. We are establishing a good camp at this place. We raised our wedge tents up from the ground and built bunks for our beds instead of lying down on the ground.¹

__________

¹ This was the first time that we built bunks for our beds, raised up from the ground. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

Mausoleum of Samuel Merrill, Colonel of the 21st Iowa Infantry & the 7th Governor of Iowa

Woodland Cemetery
Des Moines, Iowa

SAMUEL MERRILL

Governor 1868-1872

Governor Samuel Merrill

Samuel Merrill was born in the town of Turner, Oxford County, Maine, August 7, 1822. He was the son of Abel and Abigail (Hill) Merrill. He was one of a large family and was descended from Nathan Merrill, who came to America from England in 1636. When sixteen years of age he removed, with his parents, to Buxton, Maine, where he attended and taught school in turn until he reached his majority. He tried teaching in Maryland, but soon returned to his native state where he engaged in business with his brother Jeremiah. A few years later he joined the great rush of settlers to Iowa and came to McGregor, establishing himself in the mercantile business. He prospered during the rushing days of McGregor's great prosperity and soon became one of the leading merchants. Accumulating wealth rapidly, he soon became engaged in the banking business and was one of the founders, and the first president of the McGregor State Bank.

In 1859 he was elected to the Legislature from Clayton County and he took such forceful part in the deliberations of that body that he soon became recognized as one of the leaders of the Republican party. Before coming to Iowa Mr. Merrill had been a member of the Legislature of the State of New Hampshire, and this legislative experience aided greatly in fitting him for a public career in Iowa. The Iowa Legislature, of which Mr. Merrill was a member, was called in extra session by Governor Kirkwood to devise measures to assist the general government in the prosecution of the war, and in this work Mr. Merrill took a prominent and patriotic part. When the first Iowa regiments were organized it was found that there was no available money to uniform them. It was this emergency that Mr. Merrill joined with other men of wealth and advanced some $10,000 each for the equipment of the volunteers. It was this patriotic action which enabled Iowa to respond, promptly and efficiently, to the call for troops.

In 1862 Governor Kirkwood tendered Mr. Merrill the colonelcy of the 21st Iowa regiment. Colonel Merrill accepted the commission and at once became active in recruiting, and later, in leading his men to battle. The history of the regiment has been told in another chapter. Suffice it here to say that Colonel Merrill lead his men bravely and to victory. At the battle of Black River Bridge he was so severely wounded that he was forced to leave his regiment and return to McGregor.

His wound was so serious that he was granted an honorable discharge, but there was an insistent demand on the part of the regiment that he be reinstated, and thinking his health would permit, he rejoined his regiment. It proved, however that the effects of his wound were too serious to permit of active service and he was forced to leave the service in May, 1864. Returning to McGregor he became again interested in banking and when the State bank was reorganized as a National bank, he was the first president.

On account of his activities, both in peace and war, he was a favorite candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor in 1867. At the state convention of the Republican party he lead all in the balloting, and was nominated on the fourth ballot. He was elected by a large majority and during the stormy days of re-construction, he was a strong influence for the granting of equal rights to the negro race. Some of his state papers are among the strongest and most able ever issued by an Iowa Governor. He was the first Governor of Iowa to recommend the regulation of railroad rates, and he was also a pioneer in insurance and educational legislation. He did a great work for Iowa, in 1868, when upon the invitation of Peter Cooper, he wrote a lengthy review of the resources and possibilities of the state. This document was circulated widely in the east, was translated into other languages and had great influence in attracting desirable immigration to Iowa.

Governor Merrill was reelected, in 1869, by the largest majority ever given an Iowa Governor up to that time. He was a man of great force of character, and unafraid to act according to his convictions, and he vetoed a number of bills during his second term as Governor. Some of these vetoes drew sharp criticism, but in every instance they were justified by time. It was during his term that the capitol of Iowa was built and it was Governor Merrill, who, in October, 1870, held the plow to break the first ground for the building of that great structure. It was he, also, who laid the cornerstone of the building in November, 1871. He was also the moving spirit in the great soldiers' reunion held at Des Moines, in 1870, securing an appropriation of $15,000 from the state and $5,000 from the city of Des Moines for the purpose of the entertainment of the soldiers and also securing for them free transportation over the railroads of the state.

His administration was marked by many other accomplishments for the good of the people. He was also the first Governor of Iowa to give his entire time to the conduct of his office, removing to Des Moines for that purpose. Upon retiring from the office of Governor, he accepted the presidency of the Citizens’ National Bank of Des Moines, which position he held until his removal to California, where he spent his last years in well earned leisure. He died at Los Angeles, California, August 31, 1899, and he was buried at Des Moines. Gov. Merrill was married three times. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1847, died fourteen months after their marriage. He was married in 1851 to Miss Elizabeth D. Hill, and she was the wife who was known and loved by the people of McGregor and of Iowa as the first lady of the state. Governor Merrill was one who made his way by sheer force of intellect and deeds, rather than by words and protestations. He was reserved and dignified and not at all of the type of the so-called “popular politician,” and there were many in Clayton county who stood closer to the hearts of the people, but none who commanded higher respect.

Realto E. Price, Editor, History of Clayton County, Iowa, Vol. 1, p. 405-6

The Sickles Case

It is said that the Military Committee of the Senate has unanimously resolved to report in favor of the confirmation of Daniel E. Sickles as Brigadier General.  It is understood that Secretary Stanton commended this decision.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

The Washington Dispatches say . . .

. . . that the Committee of Ways and Means are at present besieged by a horde of speculators some of whom have stored large quantities of goods now on the free list, and would like to see a large duty laid on their importation, to enhance their value.  Others are endeavoring to find out what articles are to be taxed and what to remain on the free list, in order that they may telegraph their confederate speculators in the large cities.  The Committee of Ways and Means, however intend to exercise the utmost secrecy until the bills are ready to be presented to the House.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, June 10, 1862

It is dry and hot. I wrote a letter to father enclosing $50.00 of the $53.00 which I received from the Government on May 31st, and in greenbacks at that. I had $1.86 coming to me over and above the allowance the Government makes for clothing, which is $40.00 a year.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53

Twenty five American trotters . . .

. . . says the Journal de Havre, have arrived at that port which were purchased for the imperial stables.  Prince Napoleon has selected five of them for his stud and five for the King of Italy.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Jan. 25 [1862]

EDITOR HAWK-EYE.

SIR, - I noticed in your issue of the 22d inst. an article in answer to a letter from a Mr. King of Kossuth relative to the sending home of Robert Barn’s remains undressed in uniform.  I assisted the bereaved father of the deceased (also a member of Co. k, 2d Iowa Cavalry) in expressing the remains of his son home and would say to inquirers that Mr. B. did not decide to send the body home until after it was prepared for burial by the government and it was then too late to dress it in uniform because of the delays which would be caused in making out the papers necessary for obtaining the clothes from the Hospital officers.  I will further add for the benefit of those having friends sick in the army, that the sick are well attended to in very comfortable hospitals, and the dead decently buried, though not in uniform.  The graves all are numbered and a record kept, so that friends can find the graves of the deceased relatives should they ever desire to do so.

Yours,

L. B. PIERCE

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Review: Robert Toombs by Mark Scroggins

Robert Toombs: The Civil Wars of a
United States Senator and Confederate General

By Mark Scroggins

Civil War scholarship often falls victim to the cult of celebrity; thousands of tomes have been written about Abraham Lincoln and hundreds about Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, William T. Sherman, Stonewall Jackson and others of their like.  It’s understandable; it is what sells.  Books focusing on the less than stellar personalities of the antebellum and Civil War period are noticeably fewer.

Robert Toombs, ranks among those notables of the 19th century so often overlooked, that is until now.  Author Mark Scroggins has authored biography of the Confederacy’s first Secretary of State, and later Brigadier General.

Scroggins’ womb to tomb biography (pun intended) covers the width, depth and breadth of Robert Toombs life, the successes and the failures, beginning with his ancestry and ending at his death.  Scroggins literally follows Toombs life from Washington, Georgia to Washington D. C. and back.  Mr. Scroggins’ book details the quick rise of the sarcastic and egotistical Georgia politician from state office to United States Congressman and Senator; from Whig to Democrat; from a Unionist of the 1840’s and 1850’s to one of the South’s most fiery Secessionist; from politics, as the Confederacy’s first Secretary of State, to the battlefield as one of the Confederate Army’s most unsuccessful Brigadier Generals; and finally to his final role as an unreconstructed rebel.

Often acerbic and sarcastic, Scroggins points out Toombs could also be charming and graceful, but demonstrates his ego and fiery demeanor often won him as many enemies as it did friends, and often prevented him from rising to the level of his personal ambitions.

Scroggins’ book is well researched, but reads like a history textbook, which weighs down the forward movement of his narration.  The text of the book is set in a small font and very compact with very little “white space” on the page, which in combination with the dryness of his narrative makes for tedious reading and leaves his reader with little sense of progress.  Had Scroggins’ book been set in font size found in most hardcover books I suspect his 242 page book would lean more towards a 450 to 500 page book.  A cover price of $35 seems a little excessive for a book of its physical size, but taken with the immense scope of its contents, it is an equal value to any other book covering a like subject.

ISBN 978-0786463633, McFarland, © 2011, Paperback, 242 pages, Photographs, End Notes, Bibliography & Index. $35.00.  To purchase the book click HERE.

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, June 9, 1862

It is dry and hot. We are at work building fortifications here on a large scale, Corinth being an important point for either army to hold, as it is the key to Mississippi and Alabama. The bulk of the Army of the Tennessee is left here, while detachments of the original hundred thousand under Halleck are being sent to other commands to act as reinforcements.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 53