DVD Review: The Battle of Stones River

The Battle of Stones River: The Fight For Murfreesboro
Wide Awake Films, © 2006

After its defeat at Perryville, Kentucky on October 8, 1862 the Confederate Army of the Tennessee led by General Braxton Bragg retreated to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to reorganize, while William Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland followed their Confederate counterparts as far as Nashville. In the last week of December 1862 Roscrans’ 44,000 man army left Nashville to battle Bragg’s 37,000 rebel soldiers at Murfreesboro. The resulting three day fight along the banks of the Stones River, December 31, 1862 to January 2, 1863, resulted in a tactical stalemate and nearly 19,000 men killed and wounded. Since the Confederate Army retreated from the field, The Battle of Stones River is viewed historically as a Union Victory.

Among Civil War battles, Stones River has a low profile, and is often overshadowed by other battles such as Shiloh, Antietam, or Gettysburg. It is also generally overlooked by historians, usually getting the briefest of mentions in the overall history of the war. Wide Awake Film’s 2006 documentary release, “The Battle of Stones River: The Fight for Murfreesboro,” places the battle in its rightful place along side her sister battles.

Using narration over a background of film footage of “one of the largest reenactments ever held in Tennessee,” period photographs of the participants and a few maps, the film attempts to create an impression of the battle. Sadly the impression it creates, and not a good one.

The 50 minute documentary is narrated entirely by Eben Fowler. Mr. Fowler’s narration seems distantly removed from the action on the screen. Though not monotone, his narration is reminiscent of films shown in your high school history classes of the 1950’s through the 80’s. Even when quoting from letters and diaries, Mr. Fowler’s narration lacks verve and vigor. Different voices, especially when quoting from period texts would have added layers of depth to this aspect of the film. There are several large gaps in the narration itself, in some cases lasting well over a couple of minutes, when nothing is heard but the cacophonous sound of battle. These gaps would have been better used by adding additional narration to tell the viewer more about the battle.

The footage of the reenactment seems often times at odds with the narration. Nothing is recognizable, and I found the use of a Hollywood-like set-piece of the shell of a burned out house (without a roof or windows and 2x4 braces visibly holding up the walls) laughable. With over 5,000 reenacters the screen was filled with soldiers, both blue and gray, but none of them were ever identifiable as Bragg, Hardy, Rosecrans, Thomas, Sheridan, etc.

Taken for what it is, this DVD, with its narration over a generic battle reenactment, is an acceptable introduction the battle and its participants. The disk also contains a two bonus features; footage of the 1992 reenactment (a video scrapbook for its participants, but of no redeeming use for anyone who wasn’t there), as well as a “Battlefield Park Tour” with noted Civil War Historian Ed Bearss, which isn’t a battlefield tour at all, but merely one stop on the tour: The Round Forest.

Another Wedding

Married on the 8th inst. at the residence of Mr. E. B. Gibson, Jacksonville, this county, by Esq. Proudfoot, Mr. Ira Billings of Liberty township, to Miss Lizzie Bute, of Young America, Warren Co., Illinois.

Our Correspondent writes us that Miss Bute has been spending the winter with Mr. Gibson, her uncle, and has concluded to take a Hawk-Eye back with her to Suckerdom. He also writes us that Mrs. Gibson got up a supper on the occasion, unequaled before in Jacksonville. Many guests were present who tested its excellence, and who united in pronouncing the affair one of the happiest of the happy.

Now Billings, a word in regard to the bird,
That you have avowed you will love,
Procure her a cage, a purse and a page,
And, my Word, she’ll be gentle’s a dove;
But fail to do this, and instead of a kiss,
Her looks will be colder than lead
And a hundred to one, of you are not “mum”
She’ll kick you some night from the bed.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, March 19, 1864

Volunteering in Oceola Township

At a Meeting of some of the citizens of this township Saturday evening January 2d, to provide for filling our quota under the President’s call for 300 thousand men, the members resolved to raise money by subscription sufficient to pay each recruit who may be accepted, $100, in addition to the bounty paid by Government. A Committee was appointed to take subscriptions, who have succeeded in raising $912, to this date.

Below we give the names of the subscribers and the amount each subscribed.

Others have not yet been solicited, and some whose names hare here given have agreed to sign more if it is necessary to make up the full amount. The names of those who may sign hereafter, and those who increase their subscription will appear in another issue.

A. H. Burrows, $25; L. M. D. Sherick, $25; N. H. Annis, $5; J. B. Kelly, $3; E. M. H. Fleming, $5; C. B. Bonney, $5; J. Williams, $20; George W Howe, $25; D. Sayer, $10; C. E. Millard, $20; Abner Fitzgerald, $5; E. M. Smith, $10; A. Knotts, $25; Jas. Rice, $50; R. B. Parrott, $25; S. R. Burgess, $25; D. T. Musselman, $15; W. E. Henderson, $20; Aaron S. Johnson, $25; H. F. Gross, $25; F. G. Winkler, $5; M. W. Morgan, $10; A. C. Johnson, $15; George W. Clapp, $20; Jas. Brown, $5; William B. Orr, $10; J. H. Warfel, $10; W. N. Barnard, $25; J. R. Rhea, $10; A. Lyons, $25; Moses Parvis, $10; L. R. Regley, $25; A. J. Linder, $5; E. A. Lanham, $15; David Brier, $25; J. W. Blake, $10; Wm. Brier, $20; D. Miller, $5; E. L. Orr, $15; Jacob Roberts, $10; A. A. Mintoyne $14; N. H. Ridgeway, $20; John Daily, $40; Wm. Grimes, $5; H. W. Peckett, $20; J. D. Howard, $5; Jacob Lingle, $25; Sam Moorhouse, $5; H. C.Sigler, $25; E. M. Laws, $25; O. P. Anderson, $10; Adam Lingle, $25; P. J. Goss, $10; P. C. Templeton, $5; B. F. Chapman, $5; Jas. Polly, $10 John M. Moore, $5; J. H. Caverly, $15.

Whole amount subscribed, $912.00.

The following are the names of those who have volunteered from this County.

Oceola: E. M. Legerwood, J. T. Polly, J. F. Tibbs, J. M. Campbell, H. E. Mintoyne, T. C. Laport, H. H. Adams, John Wells, John Witcraft, John Story, C. A. B. Watson. Doyle Tp: Wm Burham, James Lent, D. O. Ball, James Edwards, A. H. Wetherell, John Powers, and three others whose names are unknown. Knox Tp.- Stephen Stiverson, Wm. Ford, Soloman Thomas, Nathan Thomas.

Green Bay Tp.- P. C. Baily (colored.)

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

A Young Lady’s Soliloqy

Uselessly, aimless’y drifting through life.
What was I born for? “For Somebody’s wife,”
I am told by my mother. Well, that being true.
“Somebody” keeps himself strangely from view;
And if naught but marriage will settle may fate,
I believe I shall die in an unsettled state.
For tho’ I am not ugly – pray, what woman is? –
You might easily find a more beautiful phiz;
And then, as for temper and manners, ‘tis plain
He who seeks for perfection will seek here in vain.
Nay, in spite of these drawbacks, my heart is perverse.
And I sho’d not feel grateful for better or worse.
To take the first booby that graciously came
And offered those treasures, his home and his name.
I think, then, my chances of marriage are small,
But why should I think of such chances at all?
My brothers are all of them younger than I.
Yet they thrive in the world, why not let me try?
I know that in business I’m not an adept.
Because from such matters most strictly I’m kept.
But – this is the question that puzzles my mind –
Why am I not trained up to work of some kind?
Uselessly, aimlessly, drifting through life,
Why should I wait to be “Somebody’s wife?”

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Lost

By Nute Rice, while sleighriding with the girls Tuesday night, between Oceola and the Fremont schoolhouse, a shawl. Any one who will return the same to this office shall have five cents reward.

It is said that Nute was sitting so near the girls that he did not miss the shawl until he got home. Great thing, this animal heat.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa January 16, 1864

Stone’s River Campaign 26 December 1862 - 5 January 1863, Volume 1: The Union Army

As a general rule I usually stay away from self-published books, but after reading recent posts by Drew Wagenhoffer & Brett Schulte I decided to dash out to Stones River National Battlefield and check out Lanny K. Smith’s Stone’s River Campaign 26 December 1862 - 5 January 1863, Volume 1: The Union Army. I asked the park ranger about the book and he grabbed one right off the shelf for me and gushed about the book, telling me that he’d never seen anything like it. At 723 pages (those are 8 ½ by 11” pages and a pretty small font) it’s the most scholarly and detailed book yet written about the Stones River Campaign. In fact he was so excited about it that he asked me if I knew when volume two, covering the Confederate Army, is going to be printed. With five relatives that fought here (Stones River National Battlefield is just across town), I’m anxiously waiting to read it, as its narration of troop movements is detailed down to the regimental level. I don’t know exactly when I’m going to get the chance to read it, rest assured when I do I’ll post a review here. If you should be interested in obtaining a copy, click on the link above, but you’d better act fast as Mr. Smith printed a limited run of 330 copies. I have # 39.

Letter from Adjutant E. H. King

Headqu’r’s 15th Iowa Inft. Vol’s.
Vicksburg Miss. Dec. 28th 1863

Mr. Caverly:-

How vain are the thoughts and imagination of man! In one short hour the fairest hopes are blasted, and the brightest pictures of imaginative joy are hurled away, leaving only a pang as the price of anticipated bliss.

Every thing had been passing with an even tenure in camp: the approach of the holidays had created a desire in many minds to enjoy a season of pleasure as in days of yore, and to this end, preparations of no mean character had been in progress from the beginning of the week until the evening of the 24th inst., when everything was in a state bordering on completion, and high hopes were on the point of realization, and those who had predicted the sudden tumbling of all their expectations, were constrained to admit those were to be realized on this occasion, and the morrow would witness the full fruition of their hopes. But not so. In the midst of all, with countless numbers of half cooked turkeys, and well filled baskets of sweetmeats of every variety, and wines and liquors in greatest profusion: - when every thing had been provided which it was possible to secure to make Christmas a day of the gayest festivities, all was thrown into confusion and disappointment by an order for the 11th and the 15th Iowa Inft. To move at once to “Red Bone” 12 miles distant, under command of Col. Belknap of the 15th Iowa and reenforce [sic] the 2nd Miss. Cavalry, and 16th Miss. Infantry, stationed at that point, and which the Rebels were expected to attack early on the morning of the 25th. The column was moving by 11 p.m. and at 3 o’clock a.m. of the 25th was at its destination, and ready for enacting any scene the rebels might see fit to introduce. But considering, possibly, that discretion was the better part of valor, and that their foe being forewarned and fore-armed and doubled in numbers, were too powerful for them to be sure of a victory, the rebels failed to make the descent and at 2 o’clock p.m. of the 26th was enroute for Vicksburg, where it arrived at 5 ½ p. m. of the same day.

I did think of writing a description of the country through which we passed, but it beggars description. It is the poorest hilliest, and must desolate looking country it has been my misfortune to behold in the Southern Confederacy. There is not an acre of level ground for the whole 12 miles and not half an acre any place but is cut by gutters, five, ten and even twenty feet in depth. A more good-for-nothing, God-forsaken country than this appears to be, is certainly beyond the conception of man, and he who possess [sic] his ten thousand acres of such land, would be ten thousand times more intensely poor, than the meanest operative in New York city. “God bless our native land,” but save us from a land cursed with such hills and ditches. Every year adds to the poverty of such a country.

The weather is cold, windy, disagreeable at present, though it is generally very pleasant. No snow has yet fallen, and we are not anxious for any to fall, as it would only add to the discomfort of the troops. The health is magnificent. One could not ask for it to be better.

An effort is making in some quarters to have a good time on New Year’s day to make up for the disappointment on Christmas. As to the subscriber, he expects to spend it as any other day is spent in the army. The returns to be made up for the month, the two months, the quarter and the year just closing, will sufficiently occupy his attention, without indulging extensively in any of the festivities of the day.

But – wishing you and your readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year – I bid you a kind good night.

E. H. King

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, January, 16, 1864

Report of General Averill

EDRAY, POCAHONTAS COUNTY, W. VA., DECEMBER 21,
Via Beverly, December 22, 1863. (Received 4.15 p.m., 23d.)

SIR: I have the honor to report that I cut the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at Salem on the 16th instant, and have arrived safely at this point with my command, consisting of the Second, Third, and Eighth [West] Virginia Mounted Infantry, Fourteenth Pennsylvania, Gibson's battalion cavalry, and Ewing's battery.

At Salem three depots were destroyed, containing 2,000 barrels flour, 10,000 bushels wheat, 100,000 bushels shelled corn, 50,000 bushels oats, 2,000 barrels meat, several cords leather, 1,000 sacks salt, 31 boxes clothing, 20 bales cotton, a large amount of harness, shoes, and saddles, equipments, tools, oil, tar, and various other stores, and 100 wagons. The telegraph wire was cut, coiled, and burned for half a mile. The water-station, turn-table, and 3 cars were burned, the track torn up, and the rails heated and destroyed as much as possible in six hours. Five bridges and several culverts were destroyed, over an extent of 15 miles. A large quantity of bridge timber and repairing materials were also destroyed.

My march was retarded occasionally by the tempest in the mountains, and the icy roads. I was obliged to swim my command and drag my artillery with ropes across Craig's Creek seven times in twenty-four hours. On my return I found six separate commands, under Generals Early, Jones, Fitz. Lee, Imboden, Jackson, Echols, and McCausland, arranged in a line extending from Staunton to Newport upon all the available roads to prevent my return.

I captured a dispatch from General Jones to General Early, giving me the position, and that of Jackson--at Clifton Forge and Covington-was selected to carry. I marched from the front of Jones to that of Jackson during the night. His outposts were pressed in at a gallop by the Eighth [West] Virginia Mounted Infantry, and the two bridges across Jackson's River saved, although fagots had been piled ready to ignite. My column, about 4 miles long, hastened across regardless of the enemy until all but my ambulances, a few wagons, and one regiment had passed, when a strong effort was made to retake the first bridge, which did not succeed. The ambulance and some sick men were lost, and by the darkness and difficulties the last regiment was detained upon the opposite side until morning, when it was ascertained that the enemy seemed determined to maintain his position up the cliffs which overlooked the bridge.

I caused the bridges, which were long and high, to be destroyed, and the' enemy immediately changed his position to the flank and rear of the detachment which was cut off. I sent orders to the remnants to destroy our wagons and come to me across the river or over the mountains. They swam the river, with the loss of only 4 men drowned, and joined me. In the meantime, forces of the enemy were concentrating upon me at Callaghan's over every available road but one, which was deemed impracticable, but by which I crossed over the top of the Alleghanies with my command, with the exception of four caissons, which were destroyed in order to increase the teams of the pieces.

My loss is 6 men drowned, 1 officer and 4 men wounded, and 4 officers and 90 men missing. We captured about 200 prisoners, but have retained but 4 officers and 80 men, on account of their inability to walk. We took also about 150 horses. My men and horses have subsisted entirely upon a very poor country, and the officers and men have suffered cold, hunger, and fatigue with remarkable fortitude.

My command has marched, climbed, slid, and swum 365 miles since the 8th instant.

WM. W. AVERELL,
Brigadier-General.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.

SOURCES: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies During the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Vol. 29, Part 1, p. 924-5; an edited version of this report also was published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, on January 9, 1864 with the heading of "Report of General Averill."

Adjutant General Thomas reports...

...Col. Hawkins’ Brigade of 5000 colored soldiers at Milliken’s Bend, as in excellent condition and its commander avers it can whip any 5000 rebels now in Arkansas. General Thomas thinks by spring there will not only be negroes enough in the field to guard the banks of the Mississippi its whole length but also to give a large surplus for duty at other points, or in the field.

An expedition, to co-operate with Gen. Averill, consisting of two regiments of infantry, 400 cavalry, and a battery of six guns, the whole force numbering 1,400 in all, under the command of Col. Geo. D. Wells of the 34th Massachusetts infantry returned to Harper’s Ferry without the loss of a man. After penetrating to Harrisonburg. When Averill has finished his work, after Wells had accomplished his diversion, strictly according to orders, he found himself confronted by from 7,000 to 10,000 of Lee’s forces and with Gen. Bosser’s brigade and a part of Stewart’s cavalry in his rear at Front Royal, but by clever strategy and forced marches he escaped the former and avoided the latter forces, and reached his post with his men and munitions unharmed. So desperate, at one time, seemed the chances of the expedition that the rebels in Winchester offered to bet that not a man would return. One hundred rebel prisoners were safely brought off.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Senator James W. Grimes to Dr. Clarke

Burlington [Iowa], August 12, 1863

Yours of the 10th inst. is recd ~ I do not know exactly what position in the Mississippi Squadron would suit your nephew that would be attainable. I advise you to write to Capt. Wells on the subject. I think he can find him a place where he can be most useful and at the same time be free from the irksome duties that fall to the lot of most men. I will be pleased to write him tomorrow & whenever it may be in my power. If he had had any experience on a boat or ship I do no doubt that I could secure him a yard position at once.

Your friend,
J. W. Grimes

[Pencil docketed on verso] Nephew of Dr. Clarke recommended for some position by Mr. Grimes & Capt Wells.

6th Iowa Infantry

Organized at Burlington and mustered in July 17, 1861. Moved to Keokuk August 3, thence to St. Louis, Mo., August 9, and duty there till September 19. Attached to Dept. of Missouri, to March, 1862. 1st Brigade, 5th Division, Army Tennessee, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, Army Tennessee, to July, 1862, and District of Memphis, to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 5th Division, District of Memphis, 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of Tennessee, November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Memphis, 13th Corps, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Army Corps, to March, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Corps, to May, 1863. 4th Brigade, 1st Division, 16th Corps, to July, 1863. 4th Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Corps, to September, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 15th Corps, to September, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Moved to Jefferson City, Mo., September 19, 1861. Fremont's Campaign against Springfield, Mo., October 7-November 9. At Sedalia till December 9. Moved to Lamine Bridge November 9, thence to Tipton January 22, 1862, and duty there till March 7, Expedition to Crump's Landing, Tennessee River, and operations there March 7-14. Expedition from Savannah to Yellow Creek, Miss., and occupation of Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 14-17. Battle of Shiloh April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., via La-Grange, Grand Junction and Holly Springs June 2-July 21. Skirmish with Forest July 2. Provost duty at Memphis till November. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862, to January, 1863. Tallahatchie march November 2-December 12. At Grand Junction and duty along Memphis & Charleston railroad till June, 1863. Regiment mounted. Expedition to Hernando, Miss., April 17-26, 1863. Holly Springs April 17. Scout from LaGrange into Northern Mississippi April 29-May 5. Salem May 20. Expedition to Senatobia, Miss., May 21-26. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., June 9-14. Siege of Vicksburg June 14-July 4. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 4-10. Birdsong Ferry, Big Black River, July 4-6. Jones' Ford and Messenger's Ferry July 6. Queen Hill July 7. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. At Big Black till September 25. Moved to Memphis, thence march to Chattanooga, Tenn., September 25-November 20. Operations on Memphis & Charleston railroad in Alabama October 20-29. Battles of Chattanooga November 23-25. Tunnel Hill November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Pursuit to Graysville November 26-27. March to relief of Knoxville November 28-December 17. At Scottsboro, Ala., till April, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstration on Resaca May 8-13. Near Resaca May 14. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 6-17. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Ezra Chapel. Hood's second sortie, July 28. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October 1-26. Snake Creek Gap October 15. Ships Gap October 16. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Griswoldsville November 22. Ogeechee River December 7-9. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Salkehatchie Swamps, S.C., February 3-5. South Edisto River February 9. North Edisto River February 12-13. Congaree Creek February 15. Columbia February 16-17. Lynch's Creek February 25-26. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 9-13. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June. Mustered out July 21, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 8 Officers and 144 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 126 Enlisted men by disease. Total 280.

SOURCE: Dyer , Frederick H., “A Compendium Of The War Of The Rebellion,” Part 3, p. 1167

William (S. or L.) Brown

Private, Company B, 6th Iowa Infantry

Son of Rev. Ziba Brown (Chaplin of the 5th Iowa Cavalry) & Jane B. Coffee, he was born between 1840 & 1841 in Indiana. In 1855 & 1860 he was living with is parents in Liberty & Freemont Townships (respectively), Clarke County, Iowa, but when he, at age 20, enlisted in Company B of the 6th Iowa Infantry on July 1, 1861 he listed his residence as Osceola, Clarke Co., Iowa. He was mustered in on July 17th, 1861.

He was wounded severly in the left arm at the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi on July 16, 1863 and was consequently discharged due to his wounds November 3, 1863 at St. Louis, Missouri

Sources: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 1, p. 802; Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System; The History of Union County, Ohio (1883), p. 578; 1855 Iowa Sate Census, for Liberty Twsp., Clarke Co., IA; 1860 Federal Census for Freemont Twsp., Clarke Co., IA

See Blog Entry:
A Private Letter From W. S. Brown, of the 6th Iowa Infantry

Death of Gen. Corcoran

Genl. Milche [sic] Corcoran died on the 22 inst. from injuries received by the fall of his horse. Our readers will remember Gen. C- in connection with the battle of Bull Run, as Colonel of the N. Y. 69th, the Irish Regiment, that did such noble fighting on that occasion. In that battle Gen. C- was wounded and taken prisoner. He was after a long Confinement exchanged, promoted, and did his adopted country much valuable service, not only upon the field by the the influence

[… and there the article abruptly ends in mid-sentence.]

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Letter from Capt. Reid.

Camp 15th Reg., Iowa Inft. Vol.
3d Brig., 1st Div., Vicksburg
December 13th, 1863

Part of our Army Corps commanded by Major-General McPherson, and about nine “nigger” regiments of artillery, infantry and cavalry are now holding this post.- Brig.-Gen. Dennis commands our division, Brig.-Gen. Alex Chambers our brigade and Brig.-Gen. McArthur commands the post of Vicksburg.

We have nothing of thrilling interest – no skirmishes, and with the exception of occasional firing on pickets of nights and at target every morning when the Grand Guard is relieved, all is calm as a summer monring. The weather is so mild and pleasant; persons coming from the north would hardly realize that it is winter. Yet we have an occasional cold “spell of weather,” with cold winds and rains; yet like “morning cloud and the early dew,” it soon passes away. Our regiment is generally very healthy – In my company there is not a single man on the sick list, and we have had during the summer and autumn, fewer sick men than any other company in the regiment. Three-fourths and perhaps more, of my company will reenlist at the expiration of their two years service, as “Veteran Volunteers” among these about all the boys from Clark County. Hailing from “Old Lee,” the “Empire County… let me say to you, reader, and to their many friends and relatives, (and to their sweethearts too) for I am an old bachelor myself, and never forget the ladies – that I feel proud of the boys in my company from Clark County. “None but the brave deserve the fair,” and they are truly a gallant set of boys as ever shouldered a musket, and are “dreaming of the hour” when they hope to go home as a company to reorganize and recruit, see their friends, and have a good time generally. An order has recently been issued by the terms of which, when three-fourths of any company or regiment reenlist as Veteran Volunteers, they are permitted to go home to the State from whence they came, and will be permitted to spend not less than thirty days at home. Under that order Co. I will be almost certain get North, as we have counted noses, and ten men have gone in as Veterans, and nearly all the others, whose times are not yet up have signed a paper agreeing to do so. By the 20th of February the “Veterans” will be ready to march.

Sutler’s goods are here at pretty reasonable prices.

No Newspaper is yet published in Vicksburg; but white and unbleached American [illegible, looks like wheels], and a theater are in operation. Quite a number of officers have their wives and children here.

The River is now in good stage and we get Northern and New Orleans papers almost daily.. Oranges, apples, persimmons and fresh oysters are plenty with a sprinkling of cat-fish and almost everything else in the market, which is open every day.

Guards daily patrol the city, taking up citizens and able bodied “niggers” without passes,- the latter are pressed ino the service.

Dutch balls, suppers &c. are the order of the day, - a few nights ago the heroes of Wilson’s Creek had a grand time. I was not present, but understand it was a very “spirited” affair.

A General Court Martial, the “Court of Inquiry,” and a Court Martial for our division are now in session. No civil Court is yet established.

Col. John Adir McDowall, late of the 6th Iowa, and now U. S. Revenue agent, arrived here on the 11th inst.

Confederate money is only worth ten cents on the dollar, and corn meal $2.00 per bushel.

James M. Reid
Capt. Commanding Co. I

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Charitable Appropriations Passed

Appropriations for the several charitable institutions of the State, have passed the senate; also a bill locating the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Des Moines, appropriating $13,000 for the erection of buildings therefor [sic]. Also an appropriation for the erection of an Arsenal at Des Moines, worth, $3,000.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 2, 1864

Married

In this place by the Rev. H. B. Heacock, on the 27th of March at the residence of the Bride’s Father, Adjutant E. H. King of the 15th Iowa Infantry to Miss. F. C. Wilson of Oceola.

The wedded couple have our best wishers for their future happiness; and we doubt not that our readers, who have so many times been entertained by Mr. King’s letters published in the Sentinel, will join us in wishing them a long and blissful life.

Of the party at Mr. Wilson’s the Wednesday evening following, we shall speak on another occasion, for want of time this week.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 2, 1864

From the 6th Iowa

Bridgeport, Tenn., Dec 18, 1863.- Mr. Editor. – Sir. After traveling nearly three weeks I have arrived at this place where the camp of my company and regiment is. The regiment is out at Athens, on the Chattanooga and Knoxville railroad, but are expected to return soon. Our regiment has suffered a great deal from the long and hard marches they have made since coming to this place.

The health of the soldiers is generally good – we have plenty to eat here at this place and it will be but a very short time till the railroad bridge across the river here, will be finished and then there will be a better chance of getting supplies to Chattanooga, there are also three small boats being made here for the purpose of transporting provisions up the river.

Please send me your Weekly paper, as we have nothing to read down here, and accept the thanks of a soldier.

A. P. Lowery

[Hawk Eye.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

Letter from Capt. L. D. Bennett of the 39th

Head Quarters Co. D. 39th Iowa
Parson’s Mill Dec. 18th 1863

Friend Caverly:-

While looking over your paper of the 5th, I noticed a letter from T. R. Oldham, in which he states that Sergt. T. A. Trent had been mustered in the service as 1st Lieut. Of a Colored Company in the 2nd Ala. A.D. I can now state with much pleasure and satisfaction that our friend “Tom” was also mustered in a few days ago as Capt. of Co. E of the same Regiment.

No better selection could have been made that that of T. R. Oldham for that position. He is worthy and well qualified, and merits the place he now holds. As. Sergt. Major of the 39th Iowa, he was ever ready and willing to do his duty, and he had the respect and good will of every officer and man in the Regiment.

As regards Lieut. Trent, he is a brave and meritorious soldier, and will make and excellent officer.

My Company is detached, and we are now guarding and running a mill for the benefit of the troops of our brigade. We have built a fine Stockade with comfortable quarters attached to it, and are now living at our care and in peace, except with poultry and hogs, and as they are not reckoned in with the Commissary supplies, it seems impossible for me to reconcile my boys to let them remain in their presence.

Whether we will remain here this winter or not, I am, at present, unable to say. Gen. Dodge is ambitious and desires to be in front, and I was told yesterday that he had gone to visit Gen. Grant at Nashville with that object in view. Should we be ordered forward, we can have no excuse to complain, for I must say that our lot has rather been one of ease than otherwise, compared to that of the majority of the Iowa Regiments.

Our men are ever ready and willing, and will cheerfully go to any point when the order is given.

The boys of Co. D are in excellent health and spirits: the sanitary condition of the Co. has never been better.

Sergt. Pike is now at Louisville Ky. in the Hospital. He is afflicted with rheumatism.

I will remark, before closing this letter to those persons of Clark Co. who wish to volunteer in some of the old Regiments under the last call, that Co. D lacks some twenty men of having its maximum number, and that we will be glad to receive any who will join us. It will be to the advantage of those who desire to enlist in this way. We are one among the last Regiments that was raised and consequently will remain much longer in the service from this time, and hence, any one joining us will have the satisfaction of knowing that they will not be placed among strange[r]s in a few months by the mustering out of their friends in the old regiments.

And again, should we remain here all winter, there will be a fine opportunity of milling, besides becoming accustomed to camp life before being mustered into more active service.

Your friend;
Capt. L. D. Bennett

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 2, 1864

Married

At the residence of Mr. Wm. Gustin, on the evening of the 31st ult., by the Rev. Bartlett, Mr. J. L. Adkins, Co. “H.” 6th Iowa V. V. I., to Miss E. Flora Bates of Hopeville.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, April 2, 1864

William M. Duncan

Captain, Co. B, 18th Iowa Infantry

The son of James & Margaret Duncan, he was born Aug 14, 1828 in Kent County, Kentucky. When he was six he removed with his parents to Monroe County, Indiana where he grew to manhood. He spent his youth on a farm & received his education in the common schools there. After leaving school he taught for several terms in Indiana.

On April 10, 1851 he married Mary J. Morgan of Morgan County, Indiana. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1831 and was of Welsh & Irish descent. Two children were born to this marriage: Mary E. and James M. both of whom were born in Indiana, in 1852 and 1854 respectively. William Duncan & his family moved to Warren County, Iowa in 1855 where he taught school for eighteen months. In 1857 he moved once again, this time to Clarke County, Iowa where he was alternately a teacher and a carpenter.

There he joined the Missionary Baptist church and was an earnest & consistant Christian.

He enlisted in Company B of the 18th Iowa Infantry on July 26, 1862 and was unanimously elected its captain. He mustered in August 5, 1862 at Clinton Iowa, and mustered out at the expiration fo his term of service on July 20, 1865 at Little Rock, Arkansas having earned an honorable discharge.

He died May 3, 1879 and his widow, Mary, died in 1913. They are both buried in Greenbay Cemetery, Greenbay Twnsp., Clarke Co., Iowa. "He was a brave officer, and was loved and honored by all who knew him."

Sources: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Vol. 3 p. 146; Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System; Clarke County, Iowa Cemeteries, Vol. 2: The Rural Cemeteries, p. 85; History of Clarke County, Iowa, p. 154; 1856 Iowa State Census for Knox Township, Clarke County, Iowa; 1880 Federal Census for Knox Township, Clarke County, Iowa; Greenbay Cemetery, Greenbay Twsp., Clarke Co., IA

See Other Blog Entries:
Captain Duncan After The Copperheads
Letter from Captain Duncan to Mrs. Duncan
18th Iowa Infantry