Official Reports of the Battle of Gettysburg: No. 549 Report of Maj. Gen. Henry Heth, C. S. Army, commanding division.

HEADQUARTERS HETH'S DIVISION,

Camp near Orange Court-House, September 13, 1863.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report the operations of my division from June 29 until July 1, including the part it took in the battle of Gettysburg (first day), July 1.

The division reached Cashtown, Pa., on June 29. Cashtown is situated at the base of the South Mountain, on the direct road from Chambersburg, via Fayetteville, to Gettysburg, and 9 miles distant from the latter place.

On the morning of June 30, I ordered Brigadier-General Pettigrew to take his brigade to Gettysburg, search the town for army supplies (shoes especially), and return the same day. On reaching the suburbs of Gettysburg, General Pettigrew found a large force of cavalry near the town, supported by an infantry force. Under these circumstances, he did not deem it advisable to enter the town, and returned, as directed, to Cashtown. The result of General Pettigrew's observations was reported to Lieutenant-General Hill, who reached Cashtown on the evening of the 30th.

On July 1, my division, accompanied by Pegram's battalion of artillery, was ordered to move at 5 a.m. in the direction of Gettysburg. On nearing Gettysburg, it was evident that the enemy was in the vicinity of the town in some force.

It may not be improper to remark that at this time – 9 o'clock on the morning of July 1 – I was ignorant what force was at or near Gettysburg, and supposed it consisted of cavalry, most probably supported by a brigade or two of infantry.

On reaching the summit of the second ridge of hills west of Gettysburg, it became evident that there were infantry, cavalry, and artillery in and around the town. A few shot from Pegram's battalion (Marye's battery) scattered the cavalry vedettes. One of the first shells fired by Pegram mortally wounded Major-General Reynolds, then in command of the force at Gettysburg.

My division, now within a mile of Gettysburg, was disposed as follows: Archer's brigade in line of battle on the right of the turnpike; Davis' brigade on the left of the same road, also in line of battle; Pettigrew's brigade and Heth's old brigade (Colonel Brockenbrough commanding), were held in reserve. Archer and Davis were now directed to advance, the object being to feel the enemy; to make a forced reconnaissance, and determine in what force the enemy were – whether or not he was massing his forces on Gettysburg. Heavy columns of the enemy were soon encountered. Davis, on the left, advanced, driving the enemy before him and capturing his batteries. General Davis was unable to hold the position he had gained. The enemy concentrated on his front and flanks an overwhelming force. The brigade maintained its position until every field officer save two were shot down, and its ranks terribly thinned.

Among the officers of his brigade especially mentioned by General Davis as displaying conspicuous gallantry on this occasion are noticed Colonel Stone, commanding Second Mississippi Regiment; Colonel Connally, commanding Fifty-fifth North Carolina Regiment; Major [A. H.] Belo, Fifty-fifth North Carolina Regiment; Lieutenant-Colonel [H.] Moseley, and Major [W. A.] Feehey, Forty-second Mississippi Regiment, severely wounded while gallantly leading their regiments to the charge. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, Fifty-fifth North Carolina Regiment, was at the same time killed, as also was the gallant Lieutenant [A. K.] Roberts, of the Second Mississippi Regiment, who, with a detachment from the Second and Forty-second Mississippi Regiments, after a hand-to-hand conflict with the enemy, succeeded in capturing the colors of a Pennsylvania regiment. The good conduct of this brigade on this occasion merits my special commendation.

On the right of the road, Archer encountered heavy masses in his front, and his gallant little brigade, after being almost surrounded by overwhelming forces in front and on both flanks, was forced back. The service lost at this time that most gallant and meritorious officer, Brigadier-General Archer, who fell into the enemy's hands, together with some 60 or 70 of his men.

The enemy had now been felt, and found to be in heavy force in and around Gettysburg. The division was now formed in line of battle on the right of the road, the several brigades posted as follows: Archer's brigade (Col. B. D. Fry, Thirteenth Alabama Regiment, commanding) on the right, Pettigrew in the center, and Brockenbrough on the left. Davis' brigade was kept on the left of the road, that it might collect its stragglers, and from its shattered condition it was not deemed advisable to bring it again into action on that day. It, however, did participate in the action later in the day. After resting in line of battle for one hour or more, orders were received to attack the enemy in my front, with the notification that General Pender's division would support me.

The division had not advanced more than 100 yards before it became hotly engaged. The enemy was steadily driven before it at all points, excepting on the left, where Brockenbrough was held in check for a short time, but finally succeeded in driving the enemy in confusion before him. Brockenbrough's brigade behaved with its usual gallantry, capturing two stand of colors and a number of prisoners. The officer who made the report of the part taken by Brockenbrough’s brigade in this day's fight has omitted to mention the names of the officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves on this occasion.

Pettigrew's brigade encountered the enemy in heavy force, and broke through his first, second, and third lines. The Eleventh North Carolina Regiment, Colonel Leventhorpe commanding, and the Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment, Colonel Burgwyn, Jr., commanding, displayed conspicuous gallantry, of which I was an eye-witness. The Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment lost in this action more than half its numbers in killed and wounded, among whom were Colonel Burgwyn killed and Lieutenant-Colonel Lane severely wounded. Colonel Leventhorpe, of the Eleventh North Carolina Regiment, was wounded, and Major Ross killed. The Fifty-second and Forty-seventh North Carolina Regiments, on the right of the center, were subjected to a heavy artillery fire, but suffered much less than the Eleventh and Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiments. These regiments behaved to my entire satisfaction.

Pettigrew's brigade, under the leadership of that gallant officer and accomplished scholar, Brig. Gen. J. Johnston Pettigrew (now lost to his country), fought as well, and displayed as heroic courage as it was ever my fortune to witness on a battle-field. The number of its own gallant dead and wounded, as well as the large number of the enemy's dead and wounded left on the field over which it fought, attests better than any commendation of mine the gallant part it played on July 1. In one instance, when the Twenty-sixth North Carolina Regiment encountered the second line of the enemy, his dead marked his line of battle with the accuracy of a line at a dress parade.

Archer's brigade, on the right (Col. B. D. Fry commanding), after advancing a short distance, discovered a large body of cavalry on its right flank. Colonel Fry judiciously changed his front, thus protecting the right flank of the division during the engagement. This brigade (Archer's), the heroes of Chancellorsville, fully maintained its hard-won and well-deserved reputation. The officer making the report of the part it played in the first and second charges has failed to particularize any officer or soldier who displayed particular gallantry, which accounts for no one being named from this gallant little brigade. After breaking through the first and second lines of the enemy, and several of the regiments being out of ammunition, General Pender's division relieved my own, and continued the pursuit beyond the town of Gettysburg.

At the same time that it would afford me much gratification, I would be doing but justice to the several batteries of Pegram's battalion in mentioning the assistance they rendered during this battle, but I have been unable to find out the names of the commanders of those batteries stationed at the points where important service was rendered, all reports of artillery officers being made through their chief.

My thanks are particularly due to Major Pegram for his ready co-operation. He displayed his usual coolness, good judgment, and gallantry.

My thanks are also due to my personal staff – Major [R. H.] Finney, assistant adjutant-general; Major [H. H.] Harrison, assistant adjutant and inspector general; Lieutenants [M. C.] Selden, Jr., and [Stockton] Heth, my aides-de-camp, and acting engineer officer, William O. Slade – for their valuable services in carrying orders and superintending their execution.

I take this occasion to mention the energy displayed by my chief quartermaster (Maj. A. W. Vick) and his assistants in collecting transportation for the division when in Pennsylvania, the division having a limited supply when it crossed the Potomac; also to Major [P. C.] Hungerford, chief commissary of subsistence, and his assistants, for their activity in procuring supplies.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. HETH,

Major-General.

 Capt. W. N. STARKE,

Asst. Adjt. Gen., Third Corps, Army of Northern Virginia.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 27, Part 2 (Serial No. 44),  p. 637-9

Thirteenth Regiment

Capt. VanHosen, of this city, is now in command of the Thirteenth Regiment.  The Colonel is acting Brigadier-General, the Lieutenant Colonelcy is vacant, and the Major is at home wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 1

Capt. Henne

We learn from a telegraph dispatch in Der Demokrat of Saturday, that Capt. Henne has arrived at Springfield, Mo., and may be expected home within two weeks.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 1

John A. McClernand's Headquarters: near Woolf Field, Shiloh National Military Park

• John A. McClernand's Headquarters Monument
• First Division, Army of the Tennessee Historic Plaque

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, September 8, 1862

It rained all last night. Bolivar has a town clock which can be heard as far out as our camp. The town watchman keeps calling out the hours till 2 or even 4 o’clock in the morning, ending with his monotonous “all’s well.”  The feeling of the boys is that all is not well when hundreds of men have to be out on vedette with drawn muskets ready for a fight, and that the watchman had better dispense with the announcement until this war is over.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66-7

Iowa Items

A large company, consisting of 43 persons, having with them 12 wagons and 116 horses, passed through Iowa City last week bound for California.  They were from Northern Illinois.

RESIGNED. – Maj. Brodtbeck, of the 12th regiment has resigned on account of ill health.  Gen. Grant refused him permission to return home when taken sick, but gave him the alternative of going to the hospital or resigning.  He tried the former, but finding his health not improving he gave up his commission.

D. A. Mahony & Co., of the Dubuque Herald, sued the postmaster of that city, at the late term of the U. S. Court, for a claim of $35, for publishing uncalled-for letters from April to December, 1861, and also for $2,000 for not publishing the letter list in the Herald.  The defendant demurred, and the Court sustained the demurrer, holding the plaintiff had no cause of action, and if he had the Court had no jurisdiction.  This is “rough” on Mahony, who had been threatening “starting developments” would be made when the U. S. Court met.

The following Iowa wounded were brought to Keokuk last Monday:

Jasper T. Hubbard, Co. H, 2d; R. H. Jones, Co. G, 6th; J. W. West, Co. G, 7th; Edward T. Lanning, do; R. Austin, Co. H, 7th; H. Nichols, Co. F, 13th; C. H. Martin, Co. G. 13th; M. T. Snyder, Co. K, 13th; H. Loomis Co. G, 14th.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Tornado in Iowa

A fierce tornado passed through the Southern portion of our State on the 15th inst., doing considerable damage to property, and severely injuring some persons, though no lives were lost.  Its effects were visible so far as we have learned, in Ringgold and [Mahaska] counties.  It seems to have taken a northeasterly course and descended to the earth in the counties above mentioned.  Indianapolis, in the last named county, suffered considerably, a number of buildings being destroyed, including the village church.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Lieut. Noel B. Howard . . .

. . . of Clinton county, has been appointed Captain of Co., 2d regiment, in place of Captain Cox, resigned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

The Gallant Iowans

Iowa is a young State, but it is the home of heroes.  With the present war she has begun a war history that yields in splendor and honor to that of no State in the Union, and no country on the globe.  Her soil is the birthplace of a new chivalry, and he has become the mother of a new race of heroes.  Her soldiers are as modest as they are brave.  They are not fierce braggarts.  They are as gentle and tractable as children.

But when the storm of blood begins they are the guiding and governing heroes of the tempest.  Where the harvest of death is to be reaped, they are the foremost of the reapers.  Where a perilous assault is to be made, somehow or other there is always an Iowa regiment, or the wasted shadow of and Iowa regiment, to lead it.  It was so at Wilson’s creek; it was so at Belmont; it was show at Fort Donelson; it was so at Shiloh; it will ever be so throughout the war.

All our Western troops have been heroes, but the Iowa troops have been heroes among heroes.  The “Iowa First,” “Iowa Second,” “Iowa Fourth,” and “Iowa Seventh,” are bodies of men who would have given an additional luster even to Thermopylae, Marathon, Austerlitz, or Wagram, and all Americans may be proud of Iowa. – St. Louis News.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

From The Second Iowa Cavalry

HAMBURG, Harding Co., Tenn., April 25.

FRIEND SANDERS:  When I left Davenport I promised to write you occasionally.  I have kept my word, though I have only written you once before this, for I understand occasionally to mean when there is occasion for it, or in other words when there is something to write, worth your trouble to print and the public to read.  Such occasions in the army are rare, for generally that which may be written is hardly worth the effort, and everything really valuable or important is prohibited.  Of our travels and exploits as a regiment you have a very faithful and lively reporter in the person of “Diff,” who keeps you fully posted, but I have an item or two which deserves to be published, to the credit of our regiment and satisfaction of their friends.

Many regiments have taken special pains to report the amount of money sent home by the soldiers, and heartily approving the practice, I desire to speak for the 2d Iowa Cavalry.  Last week I took from New Madrid to Cairo, to express to the families of soldiers, fourteen thousand and six hundred dollars, nearly all from our regiment; and full ninety-five per cent. of the amount went to Iowa, and probably not less than six or seven more was sent by private hands and by mail; besides many of our officers being in Cairo at about the same time expressed their own packages.  When it is known that the regiment had nearly four months’ pay due and only received for two months, this amount I think will compare favorably with that sent from any other regiment under same circumstances.

I have another little incident which I consider it a pleasure and a duty to relate, as a public acknowledgment of personal obligation, as follows:  Some weeks ago while on a trip from New Madrid to Cairo after the mail for Gen. Pope’s division, I was compelled to leave my horse at Sikeston, when some rascal, being a better judge of horseflesh than of morals, stole my horse, to recover which it cost me several days of anxiety and tedious travel, besides considerable money.  Yesterday Lt. Col. Hatch and Capt. Sanford, Co. H, presented me with seventy dollars in behalf of the officers of their regiment, to reimburse me for the expense of the above, and for my late trip to Cairo as express messenger.  The value, to me, of this compliment is not at all expressed in figures.  The good feeling and sympathy that prompted it, and of which the act is evidence, is worth more to me than treasury notes.  I only hope I may always deserve their confidence and they always enjoy their prosperity their liberality deserves.

As predicted in my last the general health of our men is much improved.  The more frequent our changes and the nearer the prospect of battle, the better the health.  I have known men quite sick in hospital to rally under marching orders and be able to travel in twenty-four hours, or at least they would travel and do when permitted, so reluctant are they to be left behind.

Having passed over my ground proper, leaving country, scenery, exploits and trophies for “Diff,”

I remain yours, &c.,

C. G. TRUSDELL,

Chaplain 2d Iowa Cavalry.

__________

FRIEND SANDERS:  On Tuesday last the 22d, after a week of entire seclusion, the sun rose in all his former brightness and glory, giving a more cheering prospect to things generally.

Lieut. Col. Hatch, in command of the 2nd cavalry, with the staff and two companies, had been transferred from an over-crowded boat, to the Platte Valley.  After taking aboard forage, she steamed up to Mound City, and took on coal for the trip.  Col. Hatch and Major Love visited the two hospitals at Cairo and reported everything kept in A No. 1, style – eight hundred sick and wounded in one and five hundred in the other.  Mound City is beautifully submerged, the water being up to the windows of the houses.  The Hospitals being large high building suffer none, except the basement, which is not occupied.

In the evening we left Mound City for this place, passing Paducah in the night.  Next morning we found ourselves on a swollen but most beautiful river.  The Tennessee is a narrow stream, the banks rising at this high stage of water from ten to one hundred feet above the water level, with generally level bottoms extending from a quarter to two miles from the river.  In some places the bluffs approach to the water’s edge.  About 9 o’clock we landed at Fort Henry.  It is not more than four feet above the water at present, and gunboats had a fine range for their guns at that Fort.  The rebels had commenced works on top of a high ridge, half a mile from the river, a few miles above, in a much stronger position, but the sudden appearance of our gunboats caused them to skedaddle.

Here is a navigable river flowing for near three hundred miles through a fine, rich soil, and a climate second to none, possessed of unusual natural advantages, in the heart of a country long settled, yet we pass along near two hundred miles and witness not a single town, not even in name, and on average I do not think one plantation in five miles.  What a commentary on “the institution.”  Were it in free Iowa, what a different scene would it present, thousands of happy homes, some cities and scores of thriving villages.

On Thursday morning, the 23d, we arrived at Pittsburg Landing.  We soon got orders to move up five miles to this place, and disembarked.  Gen. Pope’s division is on the left flank at this place, with the cavalry on the extreme left.  The right is thrown out for the river below the landing, while the centre is held by Gen. Buell’s division.  Our lines must, I think, present a front of eight or ten miles.

At the place where our troops poured back to the river on the 6th, there is a fine rolling bluff, perhaps a hundred feet high, over which it is said our troops swarmed by thousands.  Less than half a mile above is a slough running up back of the bluff.  Our gunboats took position at the mouth of the slough and saved our army.

The battle-field presents a view of the rough side of war, many of the rebels being buried on top of the ground, which has washed off, leaving here an arm, there a leg, and again a skull exposed to view, while the stench arising from the shallow graves is far from pleasant.

The day we arrived, the cavalry got orders to move five miles out on the Corinth road.  The 1st battalion is now camped there.  A rain set in during the night and continuing, the order was suspended in the morning.  To-day is clear again, and a few days will make the roads passable.  The engineers are at work on the road.

I do not know the number of our forces here, and wouldn’t tell if I did; but we have enough to whip Beauregard’s rebel hoards, and crown with victory the decisive battle of the Mississippi valley.  Within ten days you may chronicle the glorious result.

For 2nd cavalry, address to Gen. Pope’s division, Tennessee river.  Hoping to give you details of the battle after the victory, I am yours,

DIFF.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

At the State election in October . . .

. . . the voters of Iowa will select the following officers: Secretary, Auditor, Treasurer, and Register of State Attorney General, and six Members of Congress; Judges and District Prosecutors, and Clerks of the District Court.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Miraculous Escape

Bernard Maginn, the boy that started on the Tycoon for Pittsburg, but was put off at Evansville, had a narrow escape from death.  The boat arrived at Evansville during the night time; young Maginn, half awake, was getting off the boat, but fell into the river.  He went under the water and caught the wheel at it was revolving.  He clung fast and made two revolutions and a half, which singular enough was done, and he got out uninjured. – Cin. Com., 21st.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

People should bear in mind . . .

. . . that mutilated U. S. Treasury Notes are not redeemable at their full value.  A ten dollar note with a corner torn off is only worth nine dollars.  The counterfeiters are making quite a business of mutilating notes and pasting the pieces together to form a new one.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

B. Gratz Brown . . .

. . . formerly editor of the St. Louis Democrat, it is said will be a straight out emancipation candidate for Congress in St. Louis.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, September 7, 1862

There have been no rebels to see us yet. Things are very quiet today; the weather being so hot, no one cares to stir.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66

Paper From Corn Leaves

The London Mechanic’s Magazine states that excellent paper is now made in Europe from the leaves of Indian corn.  There is one paper mill in Switzerland, and another in Austria, in which paper is made from such leaves exclusively.

Paper of that kind ought to be cheap, for the material is abundant enough; and if it has been successfully manufactured in the old world, it will not be long before it will be introduced on this continent.  We believe the Philadelphia Ledger is printed on paper manufactured of straw, and it is said to be a good article.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

First Division, Army of the Tennessee: Historic Plaque, near Woolf Field, Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.

FIRST DIVISION, ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.

MAJ. JOHN A. MccLERNAND

1ST BRIGADE,	COL. ABRAHAOM M. HARE, 11TH IOWA (W’D).
	COL. MARCELLUS M. CROCKER, 13TH IOWA.
2ND BRIGADE,	COL. CARROLL MARSH, 20TH ILLINOIS
3RD BRIGADE,	COL. JULIUS RAITH, 43RD ILL. (MORTALLY W’D)
	LT. COL. ENOS P. WOOD, 17TH ILLINOIS.
BATTERY ‘D’ 1ST ILL. LT. ARTY., CAPT. EDWARD McALLISTER, (W’D).
BATTERY ‘D’ 2D ILL. LT. ARTY., CAPT. JAMES P. TIMONY.
BATTERY ‘E’ 2D ILL. LT. ARTY., LIEUT. GEORGE L. NISPEL.
14TH BATTERY, OHIO LT. ARTY., CAPT. JEROME B. BURROWS, (W’D).
6 COMPANIES OF ILLINOIS CAVALRY.

This Division encamped here March 21, 1862; the 1st Brigade on the right, in Jones Field, the 2d in the center, its left on the Corinth Road; the 3d along the Hamburg Road south of Review Field.

During the battle on Sunday, April 6, 1862, the Division occupied seven positions on the field as follows: the first, by the 3d Brigade, east of Shiloh Church; the second, by the Division, along the Corinth Road; 9 A.M. to 11 A.M.; the third position, at right angles across the center of its 2d Brigade Camp, at 11:15 A.M.; the fourth position in Jones Field.  From its fourth position the Division advanced and at 12 M. recovered its 2d Brigade Camp and Division Headquarters.  It then fell back, fighting to Jones field again, and held this, its fifth position until 2:30 P.M. when it retired to its sixth position in Cavalry Field.  At 4:30 P.M. it occupied its 7th line, along the Hamburg and Savannah Road.

On Monday it was engaged in the camps of its First and Second Brigades.  The Division had present for duty, of all arms, officers and men, 6941.  It losses were 285 killed; 1372 wounded; 85 missing; total 1742.

Democrat on the Negro

We are not aware that the Democrat of this city has got a new hand at the bellows, but certainly its issue of yesterday abounded with more than its usual quota of ignorance and defamation.  Were we to turn around – which heaven forbid – and utter a tithe of the secession sympathizing sentiments of that sheet our readers would drop the paper instanter [sic] and tell us we had better face toward Dixie; yet they will read this sheet day after day, curse its sentiments from the bottom of their loyal hearts and continue to pat its editor patronizingly on the back!  Its leader of yesterday was a medley of stupidity and calumny, and at the same time a remarkable exhibition of quick exemplification of what we predicted but the day before, that soon our secesh contemporaries would ring in our ears that the result of their own action in flooding the North with negroes, was the work of the Republican party.  It is true that the Democrat uses the word Abolitionists to designate Republicans, but every reader of that sheet knows that he is in the habit of using them interchangeably.  He charges that the flooding of the North with negroes is just what the Republicans of the country have been so long working and intriguing for; that they regard this freedom as paramount to the government, the Union, or the Constitution.  That is folly; we doubt the sincerity of a man who will write so, and the sense of the man who thinks so.  In the abstract, we do not suppose a Garrisonian has much more love for the negro than a pro-slavery Democrat, only that he awards more humanity to him and would treat him accordingly.

It is for the principle of freedom that Republicans contend; and while they commiserate the condition of the unfortunate slave, it is not that they bear a greater degree of love for even so much for the negro as they do for their own species, but because they believe the act of man enslaving his fellow man is barbarous, inhuman, sinful, and dragging down our nation in glory, prosperity and morality.  The editor who contends that the fact of the refugee slaves seeking the North is the result of the operations of Republican principles shows a degree of ignorance, a degradation of intellect, that unfits him for his occupation.  The very fact that congress does not and has not passed an act confiscating the slaves of rebels, and assigning them freedom at the South, is the cause of their seeking that freedom at the North; and the Democrat, and kindred sheets that protest against the passage of such act, are responsible for the North being flooded with fugitive slaves.  The Democrat protests against assigning the negro a home at the South as an act of tyranny, and denounces his appearance at the North as an unwelcome intruder.  Alas! what is to become of the poor negro!  Keep him as a slave, argues the Democrat, it is the only condition fit for him, and all rebeldom says amen.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

An Incident at Nashville

One of the soldiers of the 69th regiment Ohio, now in Nashville, writes to a fellow citizen that the Secesh are still rife and rabid among the rich and purse-proud in that city and in the State of Tennessee.  The laboring classes and the poor are devoted to the Union, and greet our troops wherever they go.  The correspondent gives an amusing incident which occurred between him and two ladies (?) of the rebel corps in Nashville:  “I happened to stop to look in a window, where there were some engravings, two finely dressed ladies standing by at the same place; one of them slightly turned her head and looked at me disdainfully, and curling up her lips, remarked to her companion, ‘Another Lincoln hireling.’  I stood on my dignity, and replied ‘that my daddy was wealthier than hers.’  ‘Who is he, pray, sir?’ said she scornfully.  ‘Uncle Sam’s my daddy,’ said I, ‘and Jonathan’s my brother.’  She caved.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

“A Southern Coin Currency.”

The rebel leaders of the South are determined not only to cut loose from the old Union, but to wipe out every trace of former identification with it.  They even propose to do away with the Federal nomenclature of coin, and adopt designations peculiar to the Southern oligarchy.  For instance, cents, dimes, dollars and eagles are to be superseded by centimes, tropics, stars and sols!  They draw upon astronomy and geography for their names, as though they would move heaven and earth to accomplish their object!  We would propose that they re-christen the names of their States, as their present designations are so well calculated to remind them of their former connection with the Union. – As the proposition comes from one John M. Vernon, of New Orleans, it may be that he has concluded to drop his system of coin nomenclature since that emporium has again been placed under Federal rule.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, September 6, 1862

We were relieved this morning by Companies B and G and arrived in camp at 11 o’clock. All are glad to get back to tent for a good rest, after having been on duty for forty-eight hours.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66

John A. McClernand's Headquarters Monument: near Woolf Field, Shiloh National Military Park

HEADQUARTERS, 1ST DIVISION,

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE.

MAJ. GEN. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, COMMANDING

Deaths among Iowa Soldiers

The following Iowa soldiers have died recently at the times and places mentioned:

John Luellan, Co. I, 2d, at St. John’s Hospital, Cincinnati, April 19, of wounds.

John Hall, Co. C, 13th, at same place, April 20.

A. J. Edwards, Co. C, 13th, at Fourth st. hospital, Cincinnati, April 20.

Patrick Looby, Co. K, 11th, at Keokuk, April 25.

Josiah Harris, Co. A, 13th, same place, April 26.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Death of Judge McFarland

The Boonsboro Times announces the death of Judge McFarland, and old pioneer in the West, and widely known among the earlier inhabitants of Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 2

Local Matters

IF YOU want wall papers of the newest patterns, go to Plummer’s, No. 50 Brady st.  *tf

FOR handsome and very cheap dress goods, go to Whisler’s.  *

GREAT EXPECTATIONS can be realized by calling at Plummer’s and buying some of these new styles of wall papers.  *tf

DECORATE your swellings with some of those recherché patterns of wall paper which can be seen only at Plummer’s, No. 50 Brady street.  *tf

MAIL FACILITIES. – A daily mail is about to be established from Davenport to Keokuk by river.  At present there is only a tri weekly communication between the two cities.

SOMETHING NEW in the way of wall paper is coming, and will be opened at Plummer’s, No. 50 Brady street, in two or three days.  Look out for the finest patterns ever seen in this part of the country.  *tf

R. KRAUSS, No. 36 West Second street, is prepared to sell hats, ready-made clothing, cloths, cassimeres and tailors’ trimmings at wholesale or retail, at as low prices as they can be bought west of New York.  *

BLACK SILKS. – The best bargains in the city at Wadsworth’s.  He has just received a job lot of embd. Swiss setts, the cheapest fine good ever offered in the city.  Ladies would do well to examine them.  *

LANDLORDS, paper your houses with the beautiful paper hangings which can be found only at Plummer’s.  Then rent day, instead of being met at the door with a broomstick, you will be greeted with pleasant smiles.  *tf

AMONG the many improvements in our city this spring, we would mention that which Mrs. Rhodes has made on the Third Street House, which has been thoroughly repaired, and its rooms papered and put in neat and tidy condition for those who wish to be made comfortable while sojourning in our city.

FOR PIKE’S PEAK. – The Rock Islanders have a visitation of the gold fever, and quite a number of them, we learn from the Register, have already stated, or about doing so for the gold mines; among them are three young ladies – Miss Agnes Drum and Misses Rosa and Irene Bell.

THE MUSICAL SOCIETY are busily at work preparing their forthcoming concert, and under Mr. Wallace’s untiring management, seem determined to leave no effort untried to give us one of the best concerts our people have ever enjoyed, if not the very best.  On Wednesday evening, the orchestral society assisted at the rehearsal.  It is in contemplation to give the concert some night next week.  Come when it will, a full house will undoubtedly be there.

STILL RISING. – The river is still rising; perhaps three or four inches were added to the volume yesterday.  Front street is in many places flooded, and the water is washing up on the sidewalks [of] that street above Rock Island.  The river road is covered from the end of Second street about up to the bridge.  The wind yesterday raised quite a sea, dashing against the banks and houses near.  The water was so high yesterday morning that it was found impracticable to start Borrows’ mill.  There is said to be more of a rise coming down.  If there is, it will be hard on Cairo and towns similarly situated.

AFFECTING! – One of our Hibernian friends who appreciates the reading of the Daily GAZETTE, accosted us on the street the other day and said, that he had been in the country for a week or two, and had seen but two or three papers in his absence, and those were sent him by his wife.  ‘Och!’ he exclaimed, ‘when I received them they brought tears to my eyes!’

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, September 5, 1862

We are still on guard at the big cut, with cartridge boxes on and muskets by our sides. It was reported that the rebels were coming to attack us last night and there was no sleep for us. They did not come, but I hope that they will not deceive us any more.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66

James C. Veatch's Headquarters Monument: Shiloh Naitonal Military Park

U. S.

* * *

HEADQUARTERS, 2D BRIGADE,

4TH DIVISION

ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE;

COL. JAMES C. VEATCH,

25TH INDIANA,

COMMANDING

* * * * *

ESTABLISHED MARCH 18TH, 1862

Thomas Jefferson McKean

WEST POINTER AND CIVIL ENGINEER

Another soldier by profession was Thomas Jefferson McKean, born in Burlington, Pa., August 21, 1810. He was graduated from the Military Academy in 1831 and was assigned to the Fourth Infantry. In 1834 he resigned to engage in engineering. He became engineer-in-chief of the “Ramshorn” railroad, between Keokuk and Dubuque. During the Florida war he served as adjutant of the First Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served in the Mexican war as a private and was wounded at Cherubusco. Brevetted second-lieutenant, he resigned and returned to engineering. He became paymaster in the regular army in 1861, and in November of that year was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers. He served in the Mississippi campaign in the spring of 1862 and participated in the battle of Corinth. In 1863 he commanded the northeast district of Missouri. In 1864 he was in command in Kansas, on the Gulf and in Western Florida. He was brevetted major-general in March, 1865, and in August of that year was mustered out. He then engaged in farming near Marion, Iowa. In 1868 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention. In 1869 he declined a pension agency tendered him by President Grant. He died in Marion, April 19, 1870.

SOURCE: Johnson Brigham, Iowa: Its History and Its Foremost Citizens, Volume 1, p. 376-7

A Malignant Disease

GRINNELL, Iowa, April 30.

ED. GAZETTE – Dear Sir:  As you will have rumors various, as to recent and sudden deaths in this [village], I wish, in a few words, to give you the facts.  There have been five deaths in this village within four days.  The first person, Mrs. N. Whitney, a most estimable lady, was sick three days and delirious from the first.

The other four were not sick a day – three died to-day.  Dr. Pulsiver, a resident dentist, assisted in a post-mortem examination of Miss Sears, one of the deceased and received a cut on his finger.  His extreme illness was only a few hours.  Miss Schoonover, and her son of six years, died the same hour.

The most marked features in the progress of the disease are loss of pulse and a spotted appearance of the skin for a few hours previous to death.

Drs. Holyoke and Harris of this place, and Drs. Sears, Patten and Conley are in attendance and give no opinion as to the disease, but it is presumed that it is a malignant typhoid.

The worst, with think, is over: such is our hope.  Those with similar symptoms to the deceased, are improving.

There is naturally excitement in this usually healthy and quiet village, and I have given you all the facts, which I have no doubt are highly colored for the public mind ere this.

We are in deep mourning, but leave the events with the Almighty.

Yours,

J. B. GRINNELL.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Notice

Pay roll of Co. B, 8th Infantry, (Capt. Cleveland,) is now in my office.  Parties who hold orders for pay, due on said roll, will please call and receive the same.

H. PRICE,

Paymaster General of Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

We make the following extract from a letter . . .

. . . to the Washington Press, written by its editor, then at Pittsburg:

PITTSBURG, Tenn., April 20, 1862.

Gen. McKean, of Iowa, arrived here from Missouri on the 12th, and was immediately assigned a division in the advance.  He found his troops in a very disorganized condition, and almost entirely destitute of field officers.  The 18th Wisconsin and 25th Missouri had only two captains in each regiment – all the rest having been killed, wounded or taken prisoner.  The 15th and 16th Iowa were the only troops from our State in the division, and they with all the rest, suffered severely in the battle.  Gen. McKean immediately set about reorganizing and strengthening his command – his first effort being to get the 11th and 13th Iowa transferred from McClernand’s to his division, and, with the 15th and 16th, constitute a brigade of troops which could be depended upon in all emergencies.  This has finally been effected, or is about to be, and the brigade will be commanded by Col. Crocker of the 13th, one of Iowa’s best officers.  Gen. McKean’s division will now consist of the four Iowa regiments first named; the 16th, 17th and 18th Wisconsin, the 15th Michigan, and the 21st, 53d [sic] and 25th Missouri.  This division will be the advance of Gen. Grant’s command, and when the troops move, will advance by the left, throwing the third brigade, Col. Crocker in its front.

Gen. McKean is a very fine appearing, courteous and affable officer, rather below the medium stature, but compactly and solidly built, his hair and thick growth of whiskers well sprinkled with silver gray.  It is not difficult to perceive that he has been a regular army officer, from the decision to precision with which he manages the details and movements of the troops under his command; the confidence reposed in him by Gen. Halleck may be inferred by his being placed in command of the division of a Major General in the advance.

The Incessant rains that have fallen here for several days have interfered somewhat with the movement of the troops, but the cheerfulness of our men is unflagging.  They feel that Buell and Halleck here, competent men are in command, and that there will be no more surprises.

The telegraph connects the camps of our various division is front with General Halleck’s head quarters, and ever movement is controlled and directed by him.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, September 4, 1862

Companies E and K went out on railroad guard at the deep cut, to relieve Companies C and H. We are guarding the road for a distance of seven miles. We have some very strict orders on guard; every man has to be on guard all the time, as the rebels may come out of the brush at any moment, and if we should be caught napping, some of us would surely be killed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66

From Washington

World’s Special.

WASHINGTON, April 30.

The Petersburg Express of day before yesterday has a long editorial regarding the loss at New Orleans, and says the city was captured by our gunboats being encased with wet bales of hay, so that hot and cold shot were of no use.  The Louisiana, mounting 23 guns, was sunk, together with the Express, by our steal-pointed conical shot.  The cotton was destroyed by fire, and the sugar emptied into the river.  The special in the banks was all removed from the city when Gen. Lovell retired.

Special to Post.

WASHINGTON, May 1.

The President has just sent to the Senate the name of Chas. C. Lathrop as Collector of the Port at New Orleans.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

E. P. Halstead to Lieut. Col. John D. Shaul, April 6, 1862

HDQRS. MILITARY DEFENSES NORTH OF THE POTOMAC,

Washington, April 6, 1862.

 Lieut. Col. JOHN  D. SHAUL,

Commanding Seventy-sixth Regiment New York Volunteers.

SIR: I am directed by General Doubleday to say in answer to your letter of the 2d instant that all negroes coming into the lines of any of the camps or forts under his command are to be treated as persons and not as chattels.

Under no circumstances has the commander of a fort or camp the power of surrendering persons claimed as fugitive slaves as it cannot be done without determining their character.

The additional article of war recently passed by Congress* positively prohibits this.

The question has been asked whether it would not be better to exclude negroes altogether from the lines. The general is of the opinion that they bring much valuable information which cannot be obtained from any other source. They are acquainted with all the roads, paths, fords and other natural features of the country and they make excellent guides. They also know and frequently have exposed the haunts of secession spies and traitors and the existence of rebel organizations. They will not therefore be excluded.

The general also directs me to say that civil process cannot be served directly in the camps or forts of his command without full authority be obtained from the commanding officer for that purpose.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. P. HALSTED,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

__________

* See p. 810

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series II, Volume 1 (Serial No. 114), p. 815

United States Articles of War: Article 102

Additional article of war approved March 13, 1862.

ARTICLE 102. All officers or persons in the military or naval service of the United States are prohibited from employing any of the forces under their respective commands for the purpose of returning fugitives from service or labor who may have escaped from any persons to whom such service or labor is claimed to be due; and any officer who shall be found guilty by a court-martial of violating this article shall be dismissed from the service.

SECTION 2. That this act shall take effect from and after its passage.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series II, Volume 1 (Serial No. 114), p. 810

From New York

NEW YORK, May 1.

The Herald says:  “We have received information from a reliable source that certain parties in this city are giving practical aid and comfort to the rebels.  If our information be correct, two secessionists recently arrived here from the South, brought on a quantity of tobacco valued at and sold here for fifty thousand dollars, which sum they invested in army clothing and hats for the rebels.  Their goods were sent from the city yesterday, to a small town south of Nashville, where they will be taken in charge by the rebel authorities.  The boxes containing them are marked with a diamond.  If our authorities on the line of route exercise due vigilance, the goods may be intercepted.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, May 1.

SENATE. – Mr. Howard presented petitions for a general bankrupt law.

Mr. Wright also presented petitions for a bankrupt act, and said that none of them were from Indiana.

Mr. Wilson, of Mass, offered a resolution that the Secretary of war report whether one Fred. K. Emory, who murdered Wm. Phillips in Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1855 or 1856, had been appointed to any place in the department of Kansas.

Mr. Lane, of Kansas, said that the Government had before it today the Kansas difficulty, and presumed it would correct the evil.

The resolution was laid over.

The confiscation bill was taken up.  Mr. Wilson, of Massachusetts, offered as an amendment to the 7th section of Mr. Collamer’s substitute authorizing the President to make a proclamation and free the slaves of those who continue in the rebellion for thirty days.  Messrs. Wilson and Morrill spoke in favor of the bill.

Executive session adjourned.

HOUSE. – Mr. Blair, of Mo., called up the bill recently reported from the military committee, authorizing the appointment of a board of fortifications, to provide for the coast and other defenses of the U. S., and for other purposes; an abstract of which was published on the 24th of April.  Mr. Blair explained the provisions of the bill, and in response to a question, said it suspended the appropriations for fortifications already made.  It also provides that the money shall be expended upon such works of defenses, as shall be recommended by the commissioners proposed to be created by the bill.  The consideration of the bill was postponed until Tuesday week.

Mr. Lovejoy, from the committee on territories, reported a bill to render freedom national and slavery sectional.

The House then went into committee of the whole on the Pacific Rail Road bill.

Mr. Davis offered a resolution declaring that the war now carried on by the United States shall be vigorously prosecuted and continued, to compel obedience to constitutional laws in the lines of every State and Territory by all the citizens and residents thereof, and for no further end whatever.

On motion of Mr. Sumner, the resolution was laid over.

On motion of Mr. Wilson, of Mass., the resolution asking the military committee to enquire whether any further legislation was necessary to prevent soldiers and officers from returning fugitive slaves, was taken up.

Mr. Sumner said he was glad the Senator from Iowa, in his speech, had called attention to some officers, concerning their treatment of fugitives.  One General, who lately made an order returning fugitives, was a native of Massachusetts, and he (Sumner) used his influence to get him appointed. – If he had known that Gen. Hooker would have made such an order, he never would have tried to get him an appointment.  When a General falls in battle, there is honor in it; but when a General falls as Gen. Hooker has fallen, there will be nothing but regret.

He referred to the order of Gen. Doubleday, and contrasted it with that of General Hooker; saying that he, (Doubleday) was an honor to his country.

Mr. Sumner then referred to Gen. McCook at the West, and also to the conduct of the Provost Marshal of Louisville, as being disgraceful to the army.  Mr. Sumner also read an account of how the blacks were oppressed at Louisville.

Mr. Davis asked Mr. Sumner where he got his account.

Mr. Sumner said, from the newspapers in New York.

Mr. Davis had no doubt of the falsity of the account.

Mr. Wilson said he had abundant evidence of the disgraceful treatment of fugitive slaves by portions of the army.

Mr. Sumner also referred to the return of fugitive slaves from the camps of Gen. Buell, and to the order of Gen. Halleck excluding all fugitives from his lines.  Sumner said the order was unconstitutional and an outrage on common humanity, and unworthy of a soldier.  Such an order would exclude all the valuable information received from fugitives, such as, for instance, the capture of New Orleans and the evacuation of Fredericksburg.

Mr. Saulsbury offered as an amendment to the resolution the following:  “And also to inquire what further legislation is necessary to prevent the illegal capture and imprisonment of free white citizens of the United States.”  Mr. Saulsbury referred to the number of persons taken from the States of Delaware and Maryland.  They had been seized by the military authorities and dragged away to forts and prisons, and after being kept a week or two were discharged because no fault could be found with them.  These men belonged to a class who are deemed to be of no account, and whose interests do not appear to be cared for.  They, unfortunately, are free white persons.  The men, who had committed no offense, were seized in violation of every law and every right.  If the wrongs of the negro are to be redressed, he could only ask that the same justice might be meted out to white men.  He asked nothing for men who were disloyal to the Government.  He would have them punished to the full extent of the law.

The time was occupied in explanation of numerous amendments.  The committee rose without coming to a conclusion of the bill.  Adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, September 3, 1862

Our regiment had to fall in line of battle this morning at 2 o’clock so that if the rebels should attack us they would not find us in our beds. The rebels did not appear and a big detail was put to work on the fortifications. When these works are completed a small force can hold them against a force five times the size.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66

Arrest of a Murderer

NEW YORK, May 1.

Last evening, Superintendent Kennedy received intelligence by telegraph, from St. Louis, that the police in that city had arrested Radleski, who is alleged to have murdered Sigismund Fellner, a German jeweler, and robbed him of nearly $100,000 in gold, notes and diamonds, about the middle of October, 1861.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, May 1.

Col. Jennison received a letter yesterday from a Senator at Washington, which stated in explicit terms that an order relieving Gens. Sturgis and Denver of thei     r commands in Kansas had been forwarded from the War Department.

Jennison was yesterday relieved of his personal parole, and is now only obliged to report by letter.  Under this liberty, he expects to leave to-day for Washington City.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

From Virginia

HARRISONBURG, Va., April 29.

Three thousand rebels, under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Stanton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville, is that there are only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.  Gen. Longstreet, with his command, has gone to Yorktown.  Should Johnson retire there he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner, of the 22d, says, in effect that the destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown.  If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscription act, arming and equipping a large army, and launching a fleet of Merrimacs; but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 30.

The joint committee on the conduct of the war made a lengthy report regarding the treatment by the rebels at Manassas of the remains of the officers and soldiers killed there.  They say the facts disclosed are of a painful, repulsive and shocking character; that the rebels have crowned this rebellion by perpetration of deeds scarcely known even to savage warfare.  Investigations have established this beyond controversy.  The witnesses called before us are men of undoubted veracity and character.  Some of them occupy high positions in the army and some of them high positions in civil life: differing in political sentiments, their evidence proves a remarkable concurrence of opinion and judgment.  Our own people and foreign nations must, with one accord, (however they have hesitated heretofore,) consign to lasting odium the authors of crimes which, in all their details, exceed the worst excesses of the Sepoys in India.  The outrages on the dead will revive the recollections of the cruelties to which savage tribes subject their prisoners.  They were buried, in many cases, naked, with their faces downward; they were left to decay in the open air, their bones being carried off as trophies – sometimes, as the testimony proves, to be used as personal adornments; and one witness deliberately avows that the head of one of our most gallant officers was cut off by a secessionist to be used as a drinking cup on the occasion of his marriage.

Wm. Allen Bryant, of Va., nephew of Gov. James Barber, has been appointed chief of the bureau of inspection of the post office department.

The vote in the Senate refusing, by four majority, to refer the subject of the confiscation of rebel property to a select committee, was regarded as a test vote between the friends and opponents of the measure, and a triumph of the former.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, September 2, 1862

There was some fighting south of town this morning and there is still some skirmishing. Old Patrick and several other citizens left, for they were afraid that the rebels would catch them and hang them. They had violated their oaths to support the Confederacy and then when the Union army took this section they had sworn to support the United States, and now thinking that this place would be retaken, they got out so as not to fall into the hands of the rebels.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 66

Fanning Mill Manufactory

Of all interests which are calculated to build up a flourishing city, there are none that contribute more to that object than its manufactories.  And we venture the assertion that there is no city in the West which presents more favorable inducements for all kinds of manufacturing establishments than that of Davenport.  Although we possess a goodly number at the present time, there are other branches which might be made lucrative, to which we may hereafter call attention.  It may not be generally known to our farmer friends that we have quite an extensive fanning mill, carried on by Messrs. Hunter and Davenport, on Rock Island street, who have now on hand about 100 of Reader’s celebrated mills, of the latest improved style.  They think they are fully prepared to meet all demands upon them for those celebrated mills.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

A Hospital

Our Muscatine contemporary is riled because our citizens are making an effort to secure a hospital here.  Not having the public spirit to claim anything of the kind for their village, they feel indignant that anybody else should move in the matter.  We are sorry they feel so bad, and hope as Muscatine has sent so many boys to the war her citizens may at least establish a private infirmary.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1