From The Iowa Second Regiment

McDOWELL’S COLLEGE,
ST. LOUIS, February 6, ‘62

EDITOR GAZETTE: As it is some time since I wrote to you, I will with your permission through the columns of your valuable paper, let our friends in Iowa know how we of the 2d are getting along.

News is rather scarce in St. Louis at the present time, and reporters have to be constantly on the lookout if they wish to obtain an “item.” The regiment is in good health and spirits, and are well provided for, and when the time comes – if it ever will – for them to show their courage and valor, I think they will give a good report of themselves. Our quarters are much more comfortable than the ones we had at Camp Benton, and the men do not drill as much, but they have an extra amount of guard duty to do, and that makes it about the same. We have a dress parade each evening near the college, and to see the admiring crowds who assemble to witness them, makes each man try to outdo the other in drill. We have been here a good while, and the same thing over and over again naturally becomes an old song; but it seems that the more the people see our dress parade the more anxious they are to see it again. The crowd increases each day instead of diminishing, and it has become necessary to place a guard across the streets to keep the crowd back.

Company B is as usual “gay and happy.” We have our full complement of men, and nearly all of them are reported for duty – there being but few on the sick list. Capt. “Bob” has not changed a particle; he is the same “Bob” as he was when we left Davenport, and has but one interest in view – the welfare of his country, and the health, happiness and promotion of his company. They are his constant care, and the “boys” think he is the only man in the country to be loved and obeyed.

The Prisoners are well taken care of. – Their quarters and provisions are good. Yesterday, a great number of woolen sack coats, shoes, stockings, shirts, &c., were distributed amongst them. A considerable number have been discharged from custody upon their taking the oath of allegiance, and giving bonds for their future loyalty. – The twenty or thirty contrabands are kept at work, cleaning the streets about the quarters, chopping wood, carrying coal, &c. They are all under the charge of Lieutenant Flanagan, of Co. B, and he is very attentive to the wants and comforts ob both soldiers and prisoners.

Our brass band, under the leadership of Lieut. Ray, has gained great favor with the citizens of St. Louis. Their collection of music is excellent. Three nights of last week they played at Mercantile Library Hall, for a series of tableaux, given by the Ladies’ Aid Society. The hall was crowded to almost suffocation, and the music was loudly applauded. One gentleman arose in the audience, and proposed three cheers for the 2d Iowa brass band, and such a shouting and waving of handkerchiefs was, perhaps, never heard or seen in the Hall before. To-morrow evening, Miss Kimberly, the celebrated actress, who just terminated an engagement at the St. Louis theatre, gives a reading for the same benevolent purpose, and the band have again been invited, and will enliven the entertainment with their sweetest strains. I forgot to mention that the gentlemen managers of the Ladies’ Aid Society tendered an excellent supper to the band, after one of their performances, which was superb – oysters in every style, quails, rabbit, fish, and, in fact, every eatable in market, not forgetting a choice collection of drinkables and cigars. Mirth and music reigned supreme, until late at night, when we took our departure for camp.

Not wishing to occupy too much space in your paper, I will close. Before I do so, However, I must thank you for the papers we receive from you. The GAZETTE comes regularly, and is read and re-read by ever one in the Company, for which you will please accept all their thanks.

JULES

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 2

Punishing Bushwhackers

Three men, named respectively Henry Kuhl, Hamilton W. Windon and Conrad Kuhl, have been tried by court-martial in Western Virginia, and found guilty of murdering a Union soldier. The two first named were sentenced to be hung, and the third to wear a ball and chain, and perform hard labor during the war. Major General Fremont, in an order issued on the 25th inst., confirmed the findings and sentence of the Court. The hanging is to take place at Suttonville on the 9th of May; and the ball and chain rascal is ordered to Camp Chase, to satisfy the violated law in that locality. Some examples like these will put an end to bushwhacking. Halleck and Fremont know how to deal with this peculiar species of traitors.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

23rd Missouri Infantry Position Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.
23D MISSOURI INFANTRY,
PRENTISS’ (6TH) DIVISION,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

THIS REGIMENT REPORTED TO GENERAL PRENTISS FOR DUTY AT 9 A.M. APRIL 6, 1862 AND WAS ENGAGED HERE UNTIL 4 P.M. WHEN IT FELL BACK 200 YARDS.

The Defunct States

(For the Burlington Hawk-Eye)

C. DUNHAM – Dear Sir: – I would say a few words about Mr. Thomas’ speech in congress, published in your paper of the 23d instant.

I assume that loyal people cannot act without the light of our Constitution. It has been our constant light, and the source of our political animation through our lives. But were we so idiotic as to look at, and into the Sun, (by the light of which we do our daily work,) we would be but dazzled and blinded, and do very little work by it. To look into the sun, is not to “work while the day lasts,” but it is idly to strike our feet into mire, and against rocks – Traitors will not perish this way, but we will, and our Constitution shine only for traitors, if it shine at all.

Let us never mind (now) what Mr. Burke says – it don’t apply to us – and besides, what any man says, who has not have the light of the Constitution, cannot be considered the best authority in our case.

We do not propose to shock the civilized world, nor excite their indignation, any more, notwithstanding that all Republicans, always do this very thing, whenever and wherever they defeat despotic designs.

We propose to hold our National Government to its duty of providing Government, and order over the whole arena of the Nation, thus preserving its own nationality, and the rights of the inhabitants who support it.

Where State Societies are formed upon National territory, order is established – on the remaining territories of the Nation, the Nation must provide a Government directly, for the different portions of it, which is called a Territorial Government.

We propose to re-settle the territory occupied by the eleven defunct States – that our Nation administer upon their estates – the interests and property be distributed to loyal bands – and until a State is re-formed, Territorial Governments provided for these portions of the National Territory.

There is no question in my mind, but that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and will be.

Of all men in the land, the loyal ones will be the last to deny their attachment to the Constitution, and it is in no wise disgraceful to them.

But the question to which we are coming, it seems to me, is, who are to be taxed, and who are to be protected in this Nation, which has life and Constitution left? Who is to pay the cost of this rebellion, endangering its life? How is this Constitution and life of the Nation to be maintained through our present circumstances? Is it by protecting loyalty, or protecting disloyalty to the Nation? Is it by entailing an everlasting debt upon loyalty, or by entering upon the estates of interstate disloyalty? Are the patriots of these times to be protected, or to be taxed? Are we to be taxed for to galvanize defunct States into a mechanical life, and work them as partners in an Government of the country, which they would only degrade?

There is no constitutionality or spirit in this nation for compelling a State to remain a State; and it cannot be done; for the moment we institute such a proceeding, we assume the government over it, the same as any Territory that has not State organization.

This being according to the forms of our Constitution, and former practice, I cannot see why we would wish to do different in the present case, or why we would wish to make an exception at this time.

I see that Mr. Thomas is as fond of assertions as the rest of us. He says that it is not constitutional for States to go out of the Union – “no door to go out,” and therefore they cannot go out. Now I submit it to Mr. Thomas, what we are to do, when we are powerless to prevent it, and they are “all abroad,” door or no door. I think he would say with us, we must do our plain constitutional duty – we must take care of the Territory thus evacuated by State governments, and re-establish governments there which would be territorial, and provide for the reformation of states on these Territories.

The existence of a State society, on any Territory of this nation, is the result of the actions of those composing that society, under the permission of the national Constitution.

The General Government can neither create or destroy a State. It can hold and govern its territory as territories, and when a State society is not in existence upon that Territory, it is the duty of the National Government to take charge of the Territory, before or after the existence of a State society thereon. Our National Government cannot hold up a State, and compel its existence, and in case of incapacity in the Territory for government, the duty of the General Government is equally plain. If Louisiana was inundated and the inhabitants swept off, all except five persons remaining, it could no longer maintain the character and society of a State – the State is destroyed, and the Territory which it occupied, calls for the care and aid of the General Government.

Rebellion has now destroyed these States, has disfranchised them as by pestilence, or flood, or any other judgment of God, and further than this the legal rights of these rebellions inhabitants on these Territories, are not now as good as were the rights of the aboriginal tribes that formerly inhabited these Territories.

The acts or decrees of the State follow the destruction of the State. Their titles and commissions are void and their penalties of slavery remitted.

If we have no better light to work by than the Constitution of our country, then we must not shrink form any duty which implies its preservation and the promotion of its activity; however serious and imposing this duty may appear to us.

J. B. P.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 2

Border Scouts --- A Thrilling Adventure

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

A couple of weeks ago, being anxious to visit his family, he took with him a party of six well armed and determined men and went down. Their arrival in the settlement became known to some of his secession neighbors and a plan was instantly set on foot to “take them in.” On the third night, being apprehensive of an attack, they assembled at a house in the settlement, where, after making all necessary preparations, they betook themselves to sleep. About two o’clock they were awakened by the approach of the enemy. They quietly took their places behind the fence surrounding the house, ready to give the foe a warm reception. The secession force approached to within 30 yards, halted, and most of them dismounted for the attack. “Now” said the captain, “creep up cautiously, and when I fire the signal gun, make a rush for the house and surround it.” Breedin and his comrades lay quietly in their corners until the enemy were within a few yards of them, when they delivered their fire with terrible effect, just as the sesesh Captain was about to fire his “signal gun.” A prisoner whom the attacking party had with them shouted as he heard the discharge, “d—n it, gentlemen there’s a good many signal guns there.” For a few minutes the skirmish was a hot one, when four of our men, having emptied all their rifles and pistols, and fearing that they would be surrounded, retired past the house into the timber and made their way to fort Scott on foot, leaving Breedin, Carpenter and Jones still at the fence fighting. Jones had nothing but a rifle, but he made every shot tell. Carpenter a boy of eighteen or nineteen years, had left his revolver in the house. After firing his Sharpe’s rifle, he threw it down, ran into the house, got his revolver, and coolly closing the door after him, returned to his post at the fence. Astonished at the telling and rapid fire from the fence, the enemy became panic-stricken, and rushing to their horses with loud cries of “we’re whipped, we cant stand the Minies,” &c., fled in utter confusion on the Greenfield road, leaving two dead and six wounded – two of whom have since died – on the field. They continued their flight about three miles, when the captain succeeded in stopping a few of them; but the barking of some dogs started them again, and no more halts were made until they reached Greenfield. A messenger was immediately sent to Price for a regiment of troops to come and drive Breedin out of the country.

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

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

From Tennessee

A gentleman who has made his way from Nashville, through the lines of both armies has informed the editor of the Louisville Democrat that Zollicoffer was averse to attacking Thomas, and when ordered to do so by Crittenden he said with tears in his eyes that he might as well take his men and hang them.

By this gentleman we learn that Parson Brownlow’s health is very poor. His son stated that he doubted if his father would live to reach the Union lines; and if his health would permit, he did not believe the rebel guard would let him go. It is to be hoped, however, that the defeat of Crittenden’s army, the death of Zollicoffer, and the panic with evidently now prevails all through east Tennessee, together with Gen. Thomas’ advance, will open the way for the safe arrival of the parson in a land of freedom.

This gentleman is on his way to see Andy Johnson and reports that the rebels have seized Johnson’s house, and turned it into a hospital, and confiscating all his property; that in order to save his mother from the most fiendish persecution, one of Johnson’s sons had taken the oath to support the rebel cause, or at least not to furnish aid and comfort to the Unionists. Another son is hiding among the hills, and has been since last December, looking with eager longing eyes for the approach of the Union forces and the relieve from a life of wretchedness.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Crittenden In Trouble

The Memphis Avalanche has a detailed account of treachery on the part of General Crittenden, of the Southern army, in endeavoring to transmit to the Northern army papers revealing the character of the rebel fortifications at Mill Spring, the number, and the troops, the amount of provisions on hand, &c. The papers, it says, were entrusted to a negro to deliver; the negro was pursued and shot, and the papers recovered. It says also that Crittenden was arrested and is now a prisoner. The Nashville Gazette attributes the defeat of the Confederates and the death of Zollicoffer to the drunkenness of Crittenden, and alluding to an investigation, says “We shall feel some little astonishment if this investigation does not also connect with Crittenden’s crime of drunkenness the greater sins of treason, treachery and cowardice.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

Since the breaking out of the rebellion . . .

. . . the southern confederacy have lost the following named rebel Generals:

Major Gen. David E. Twiggs, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Henry B. Jackson, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Robert S. Garnett, killed.
Brigadier Gen. W. H. T. Walker, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Bernard E. Bee, killed.
Brigadier Gen. Gideon J. Pillow, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. Thomas T. Fauntleroy, resigned.
Brigadier Gen. John B. Crayson, died.
Brigadier Gen. Felix K. Zollicoffer, killed.
Brigadier Gen. Philip St. George Cocke, committed suicide.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

A Scene At A Review

There was a beautiful instance of fine horsemanship displayed at a late review held at Vienna, up on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the military order of the Maria Theresa, when some thirty thousand cavalry were in line. A little child in the front row of the spectators, becoming frightened, rushed forward just as a squadron of hussars were charging at full tilt – swooping down with maddening velocity, nay, almost on the child. Terror paralyzed alike the spectators and the mother of the child, while the lovely and amiable Empress almost fainted with horror, for the child’s destruction seemed to be inevitable. The little one was almost under the horses’ feet – another instant would have sealed its doom – when a hussar, with out lessening his speed or loosening his hold, threw himself along his horse’s neck, and seizing the child, placed it in safety in front of his saddle, without so much as changing the pace or breaking the alignment in the least. A hundred thousand voices hailed with pride and joy the deed, while two voices could but sob their gratitude – the one a mother’s, the other that of her sympathizing and beloved Empress. – A proud moment that must have been for the hussar when his Emperor, taking the enameled cross of merit, attached it to his breast – a proud moment alike for the sovereign and the man.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

In Zollicoffer’s entrenchments . . .

. . . among Major General George B. Crittenden’s private baggage, Lieut. Colonel Kise of the 10th Indiana found a breastplate which the General either wore on the battle field and found to weighty to carry further, or else intended to put on and in the frenzy of his fear, forgot to make use of it. It is made of common sheet iron, of four thicknesses, riveted together, is about eighteen inches in length and fourteen inches broad. Lieut. Col. Kise has deposited it in the State Library at Indianapolis.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

Alonzo Luce, Private, Co. B, 19th Illinois Infantry - Compiled Service Record

Alonzo Luce, Pvt, Capt. Stuarts Co., 19 Reg’t Illinios Inf.† Age 23 years. Appears on Company Muster-in Roll of the organization named above. Roll Dated Chicago Ill. June 17, 1861. Muster-in to date June 17, 1861. Joined for duty and enrolled: When: June 17, 1861. Where: Chicago. Period: 3 years.

Alonzo Luce, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg Illinois Infantry. Company Muster Roll for June 12 to Aug 31, 1861. Joined for duty and enrolled: When: June 12, 1861. Where: Stark Co., Ill. Period: 3 years. Present or absent: Not stated.

Sep & Oct, 1861, Not stated.

Dec 31, 1861, Not stated.

Dec 31/61 to May 31, 1862, Not stated.

May 31 to Aug 31, 1862, Present.

Aug 31 to Dec 31, 1862, Present.

Jan & Feb, 1863, Absent. Absent sice at Nasville Tenn since Jany 1/63

Apr 10, 1863, Special Muster Roll, Absent. Absent sick Nasville Tenn since Jany 1/63

Mch & Apr, 1863, Absent. Absent sick Nashville Tenn Jan 1/63

May & June, 1863, Present.

July & Aug, 1863, Absent. Sick in field Hosp at Cowan Station Tenn since Aug 13/63.

Sept & Oct, 1863, Absent. Sick in Gen Field Hosp at Cowan Station Tenn since Aug 13/63

Nov & Dec, 1863, Absent. Sick in Gen F Hosp Cowan Station Tenn since Aug 13/63

Jan & Feb, 1864, Absent. Sice in Gen Hosp. #1 Nashville Tenn since Aug 1863

Mar & Apr, 1864, Absent. Sice in Gen. Hospital No. 1 Nashville since Aug 18 ‘63

Alonzo Luce, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Infatnry. Age 23 Years. Appears on Co. Muster-out Roll, dated Chicago Ill. July 9, 1864. Clothing acct: Due soldier $22.76. Bounty paid $___; due $100.00

† This organization subsequently became Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Inf.

NOTE: Unless otherwise noted all muster rolls are Company Muster Rolls.

Alonzo Luce, Private, Co. B, 19th Illinois Infantry - Medical Records

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Catarrhus. Admitted Oct 14, 1862 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 89

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Febris Int. Admitted Oct 17, 1862 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 90

Alonzo Luce, Rank Pt. Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Regemental Hospital 19th Illinois Infantry. From Oct 17 to 21 (20 yrs. 21). Prescription Book, Ill. Reg’t Reg. No. 272

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Catarrhus. Admitted to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 100

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Bronchitis Acuta. Admitted Dec 22, 1862 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 105

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. B, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Diarrhorea Acuta. Admitted Jun 11, 1863, to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 124

Alonzo Luce, Rank, p; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Complaint, Diarrhorea. Admitted Dec 28 1862 to No. 1 (New), U.S.A. , Gen’l Hosp. Returned to duty June 3, 1863. Tenn. Reg. No. 27; Hos. No. 526

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pvt, Co. F, 19 Reg’t Illinois Inf. Complaint, Febris Intermitteus. Admitted July 11, 1863 to Regimental Hospital, 19th Illinois Infantry. Sent to G. H. Aug 11, 1863. Remarks: Field Hospital Cowan. Ill. Reg’ Reg. No. 271; page 127

Alonzo Luce, Rank, P; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Complaint Ch Diarrhorea. Admitted Aug 26 1863 to No. 13, U.S.A. Gen’l Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. Sent to G. H. Sept 7 1863. Remarks: Ward 6. Tenn Reg. No. 181; Page 28

Alonzo Luce, Rank P; Co. B 19 Reg’t Ills. Inf. Admitted Sept. 28, 1863, to No. 1, U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp. Nasville, Tenn from Convalescent Camp for Duty in Hospt. Admitted Sept. 28, 1863 to No 1 (new), U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp. Nashville, Tenn. Remarks: Detailed for Duty in Hospt. Sep. 25/63. Tenn. Reg. No. 27; Hos. No. 2698

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pr; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill. Admitted Sept 28, 1863 to No. 1, U.S.A., Gen’l Hosp, Nashville, Tenn. Ret’d to duty May 14, 1864. Tenn Reg. No. 31; Hos. No 887

Alonzo Luce, Rank P; Co B, 19 Reg’t Ills. Inf. Admitted Sept 28, 1863 to No. 1, U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp, Nashville, Tenn. From Conv. Camp. Diagnosis Chronic Diarrhorea. Ret’d to Duty May 14, 1864. Tenn Reg. No. 35; Hos. No 887 Page 9

Alonzo Luce, Rank Pvt., Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ills. Admitted May 7, 1864 to U.S.A. Gen’l Hosp. Chattanooga, Tenn. From Field. Diagnosis Remittent Fever. Remarks: Age 24. Tenn. Reg. No. 393. Hos. No 4143

Alonzo Luce, Rank, Pr.; Co. B, 19 Ret’t Ill. Complaint, Remittent Fever. Admitted May 30 1864 to U.S.A. No 1 Genl Hosp., Nashville, Tenn. Returned to duty June 13 1864. Tenn. Reg. No 31; Hos. No. 6211

Alonzo Luce, Rank, p; Co. B, 19 Reg’t Ill’s. Admitted May 30, 1864 to No. 1, U.S.A.. Gen’l Hosp. Nashville, Tenn. From. G. H. Chattanooga. Diagnosis, Remittent fever. Ret’d to duty June 13, 1864. Ten Reg. No. 30 Hos. No.; 6211, Page 152

SOURCE: National Archives & Records Administration, Washington, D.C.

Daring of Federal Officers

The New Orleans correspondent of the Charleston Currier gives the following interesting paragraph under the date of the 18th ult.:

We have a story in circulation, and it seems to be pretty well authenticated, that three officers from the federal fleet paid our city a clandestine visit, disguised as oystermen, on the 8th. What was to be accomplished by the hazardous adventure passes our comprehension, unless it was to communicate directly with the stationary spies here, of whom there are many, no doubt, and perhaps to witness the spectacle of the celebration of the anniversary, falling on Thursday, with a view of measuring our military strength. Before leaving, one of them dropped a note in the post office to a military officer, with whom he was formerly acquainted bantering him upon the laxity of our guard, and promising another call at an early day, under circumstances not constraining a masquerade.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

18th Wisconsin Infantry Position Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.
18TH WISCONSIN INFANTRY,
MILLER’S (2D) BRIG., PRENTISS’ (6TH) DIV.,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

ABOUT 200 OF THIS REGIMENT WERE ENGAGED HERE, UNDER GENERAL PRENTISS, FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. APRIL 6, 1862, WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO RETIRE BUT WERE SURROUNDED AND CAPTURED WITH PRENTISS AT 5:30 P.M.

Thurlow Weed’s Letters from Europe

(Editorial correspondence of the Albany Journal.)

LONDON, Jan 9, 1862.

London was jubilant yesterday. I was in the city, among the bankers, at 3 o’clock, when a telegram from Queenstown announced as a “rumor” that the “Trent Affair is settled.” This gave instant life to the drooping stock market. In a few minutes information came that a dispatch in ciphers from Lord Lyons was going over the wires to the Foreign Office. Up went the stocks again! Then came a report that the rebel Commissioners were on their way to England in the steamer America, and another jump in consols.

With the very satisfactory intelligence I took a “Hansom” and came to the West End, stopping by the way to exchange congratulations with some friends, warmly with us for the Union. Soon after I reached my lodgings came Sir Henry Holland, Sir Emerson Tennant, Sir John Wilson, &c., &c., to exchange congratulations. And while at dinner, (my friend Terence McCulloch dining with us), came Commissioner Parkes to say that Earl Russell’s dispatch from Lord Lyons informed him that the Confederate Commissioners has been unconditionally surrendered, whereupon we repaired to the legation to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Adams. Here Mr. Adams added to the gratification which the peace news gave, by informing us that the United States steamer Tuscarora, Capt. Craven, had arrived at Southampton.

The peace news was announced at the Theaters, and was received with hearty cheers. In the London press, this morning, it is variously treated though by a large majority in a spirit creditable to both Governments.

There are two classes to whom the action of our government is distasteful, viz: the English who, from hatred or envy (and this is not a numerous class) wanted war; and the secessionist. Out of the Trent affair they hoped everything for the cause of rebellion. But the seasonable and happy adjustment of the difficulty will create a healthful reaction of feeling. It wall now be seen, that while England – Government, press, and people – takes fire when the honor of its flag is concerned, that question honorably settled, the popular current will set back strongly. While the Trent affair remained open and an impression prevailed that America intended to provoke a war, there was a united feeling against us here. That feeling will now give place to manifestations of regard and friendship.

I have met distinguished personages, members of the Ministry, the Government, and of Parliament, at dinners and breakfasts, with whom I have conversed fully on American questions, and while I am not at liberty to use names or publish conversations, I may say that the Union has many and strong friends here. And I am sorry to add that, although the Trent trouble is out of the way, we shall need all that those friends can do for us. The moment Parliament meets, agitation of American questions will commence. The blockade will be attacked from one quarter, while another section will demand a recognition of the Confederate States. Nor is it from England alone that this kind of pressure will come. France is even more restive than England under the blockade.

Mr. Sanford, our Minister to Brussels, who is indefatigable in efforts to aid our Government, has purchased a cargo of arms, saltpetre, clothes, &c., &c., and chartered the “Meleta,” an iron steamer, which he dispatches from Antwerp, on Sunday, under the command of Capt. Eastman, of Maine, a thorough sailor and devoted Union man, of whose experience and daring the Government will do will to avail itself.

Our Minister to this Court, Mr. Adams, is the “right man for the right place.” Beside his knowledge of the duties, and his ability to discharge them, both Mr. Adams and his family possess an eminent degree of the personal and social qualities which commend them to the high and refined circles and associations which surround them and in which they are moving. Nor did the change, in this regard, occur any too early, for I learn from unquestionable authority that the interests of the Government here, as in France were but indifferently represented.

T. W.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

Eight Great Blunders

The Religious Herald, a Baptist paper published in Richmond, Va., very candidly says, that the South has made eight great blunders, and enumerates them as below. The R. I. Argus copies the article with the remark, that “it shows so much more coolness of judgment and candor of mind than we are in the habit of finding in our Southern exchanges, that we deem it worthy of special notice.” We commend the fifth blunder enumerated to the Democrat of this city, which is still backing up the South in the maintenance of this wretched blunder into which its friends have fallen:

1. In firing upon Fort Sumter.

2. In believing there would be a divided North and an apathetic Federal Government.

3. In believing that they would have the hearty sympathies of Europe.

4. In believing that the bonds of their Confederacy would readily be taken in Europe.

5. In believing that the military power of the North would be directed in a crusade against slavery, rather than employed for the overthrow of treason and the establishment of the Union and Constitution.

6. In believing that Northern courage and physique were no match for Southern, or that in battle one Southerner equaled five Yankees.

7. In believing that the flag of the cotton oligarchy would wave above the capital at Washington, and the roll of slaves be called on Bunker Hill.

8. In believing that the fancied omnipotence of cotton would dominated over the commerce of the world.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

Iowa Hospital for the Insane

We are indebted to our attentive friend, Hon. T. H. Stanton, of the House, for the first biennial report of the Superintendent and Trustees of the Iowa Hospital for the Insane, from which we glean some interesting particulars.

It has now been seven years since the first appropriation was made by the General Assembly for the erection of an Asylam [sic] for the Insane. The plan of the building was conceived on a scale of philanthropy worthy of a great State. It was designed to be as perfect as that of any similar institution in America.

On the opening of the hospital the influx of patients was rapid. One hundred were admitted in less than three months. During the nine months between the first of March and first of December, there were admitted one hundred and seventy patients. Of this number, nineteen have recovered and been discharged; two have been discharged improved; two have been removed unimproved; one has eloped; and six have died. Of the admissions, forty-eight were recent cases, of less than one year’s duration; of this number sixteen have recovered; and of one hundred and twenty-two chronic cases, of a longer time standing, three have recovered. It is gratifying to observe that the hospital, at the outset of its career, furnishes as large a proportion of recoveries as the most successful institutions of the kind.

In accordance with the provisions of law, the trustees fixed the price of board and the care of patients, at two dollars and fifty cents per week at the opening of the hospital.

The report of the Treasurer and Steward, which accompanies this report, exhibits the receipts of the hospital at $17,960.69, of which amount $1,409.96 was received from patients, and the balance from the State. The expenditures have been $17,950.02, leaving the small balance in the treasure of $10.67.

Among the improvements being made at the hospital is an Artesian well, which has reached a depth of seven hundred and twenty feet, and no water yet.

The east wing of the building only is finished. It is capable of accommodating one hundred and fifty patients; as yet the number has not exceeded one hundred and forty. It was the original intention to devote one wing to the female, and the other to the male patients.

The grounds about the hospital have been left in a rough and broken condition. If there is a human being in the world in confinement, who ought to be soothed by the prospect of an agreeable landscape, it is one who is bereft of his reason; the trustees therefore recommend an appropriation of one thousand dollars for the purpose of beautifying the grounds around the institution.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2

Review: Knoxville 1863

Knoxville 1863: A Novel
By Dick Stanley

By late November 1863 the fate of East Tennessee was held in the balance. A detachment from the Army of Northern Virginia under Lieutenant General James Longstreet was sent to Knoxville to prevent the Union Army of the Ohio under Ambrose Burnside from moving to support the Union forces at Chattanooga who were besieged by Braxton Bragg’s Confederate Army of Tennessee.

Union Engineers constructed several bastioned earthwork fortifications around Knoxville. One of these was Fort Sanders. Directly west of town, it was a salient in the line of earthworks which surrounded Knoxville on three sides. The fort was protected by a ditch that was twelve feet wide and eight feet deep with a vertical wall of red clay that rose nearly fifteen feet above the ditch.

It is during this time and at this place that Dick Stanley has set his second book, the appropriately named novel, “Knoxville 1863.” Mr. Stanley has taken a unique approach to telling the story of Longstreet’s failed attack on Fort Sanders. His narrative follows the linear chronology of the attack on and defense of the fort, but the story is told from several different view points: inside and outside the fort, civilian and soldier, from both the Union and Confederate points of view. This method of storytelling is both the novel’s greatest asset, as well as its greatest weakness, as it gives Mr. Stanley’s readers a multilayered understanding of what is happening at all points, but there is no one central character to follow through the narrative, which can overwhelm and loose its reader.

In his afterward, Mr. Stanley, takes the time to point out the real historical characters and summarizes what became of them. He also includes a brief discussion of the sources he used in researching the novel. Mr. Stanley has certainly done his homework; his novel rests on a solid foundation of historical facts. It is well written & a joy to read.

ISBN 978-1451580310, CreateSpace, © 2010, Paperback, 230 pages, $7.98

18th Missouri Infantry Position Marker: Shiloh National Military Park

U. S.

18TH MISSOURI INFANTRY
MILLER’S (2D) BRIG., PRENTISS’ (6TH) DIV.,
ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE

ABOUT 100 MEN OF THIS REGIMENT WERE ENGAGED HERE UNDER GENERAL PRENTIS FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. APRIL 6, 1862 AND SURRENDERED WITH HIM AT 5:30 P.M.

The Bright Prospect

The news that comes to us from Tennessee fills the loyal heart with gladness. Since the rebellion assumed shape in South Carolina on the 12th of April last, at no time has the prospect of its speedy suppression been so encouraging. The skies are indeed bright, and it would seem as though the Federal forces had noting to do but to advance and seize upon the very strongholds of secessia. Better still, it appears as if it were the intention of our Generals to leave no hiatus in our victories, but all things being in readiness, to advance from one conquered post to another, until the rebels seeing the Government is terribly in earnest and altogether invincible, unconditionally surrender to the power that for ten long months they have outraged. – We rejoice not more in the subjection of the rebels, than we do for the release of the Union men and women all over the South, who have suffered so much indignity from the insurgents for refusing to aid them in their gigantic treason. What gladness will it bring to their noble hearts to learn that their sufferings will soon be at an end, and the miserable demagogues who have brought such affliction upon them will be punished as their monstrous crime so richly merits. God prosper the right, and hasten the day when the stars and stripes shall float triumphantly over every State in the Union, and extend the aegis of their protection to every man, woman and child who acknowledges allegiance to the glorious Government whose privileges they have so long enjoyed.

As for those rebel leaders who have brought upon our happy country so much distress and sent deep mourning into so many households, may no false sympathy enter the Federal heart to shield them from the fate of Haman. And their wretched, misguided followers, who have been lured by these specious, traitor leaders into an attempt to overthrow the Government of the United States, and establish a slave oligarchy upon the free soil of our common country, may they be punished with all the severity that the humanity of an enlightened nation can inflict, that the great lesson be enforced of the fearful penalty that awaits him who dares raise his fratricidal hand to subvert our liberties.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, February 10, 1862, p. 2