William W. Cowley

William W. [sic] Cowley was the Fourth Commissary Sergeant and was promoted from Sergeant of Company C. The writer of this did not serve with the Regiment then, and cannot state further concerning Sergeant Cowley's history.

HENRY T. FELGAR, LUCIUS BOUDINOT, CORNELIUS INGLEFIELD and ALEXANDER Mc, 15tGILVERY were Hospital Stewards.

They must have been good ones, or Surgeon Gibbon would not have tolerated them for a moment. It is regretted that nothing of their history can be given beyond the fact that Felgar was from E Company, and died in Service. Boudinot was from Company B, and was discharged for disability. Inglefield was from Company K, and was mustered out March 27, 1865, and McGilvery was from Company G, and stayed until the end.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 47

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.

Ethan Allen Hitchcock was to-day appointed Major General. He is a grandson of Ethan Allen of ‘Reverend’ fame and one of the ‘Praise God Barebones’ kind, being equally effective in praying and fighting. He has the highest reputation for military capacity. Gen. H. is already a veteran in the service, having been Colonel of the 2d Infantry, and having ranked as brevet until within the past two or three years, since when he has been in private life. Gens. Abercrombie and Montgomery were his Lieutenant Colonel and Major, respectively, in old time. He has been urged for this appointment for months.

Efforts to discredit the well-authenticated fact that Gen. McClellan is to be reduced to the command of the army of the Potomac are futile. ‘Ion,’ of the Baltimore Sun, this morning, confirms my statement to that effect.

The nomination of Gen. Sigel as Major General will be sent to the Senate to-morrow.

Maj. Gen. Ethan Allen Hitchcock was confirmed to-day.

Dr. Ives one of the principal editorial writers of the N. Y. Herald, who has been here temporarily for the purpose of reorganizing its Washington Department and acting himself as its chief correspondent, was arrested to-day, by order of Secretary Stanton, and sent to Fort McHenry. He is suspected of being a rebel spy. He has a brother in the rebel army.

Maj. General Hitchcock is now living in retirement at St. Louis. He has been telegraphed to take immediate command at Cairo. He was Assistant Adjutant General to Gen. Scott, and Brigadier General Brevet in Mexico, but offending Jeff. Davis was forced to resign. He is not a slave catcher. His appointment was urgently advocated by Mr. Collamer. He is spoke of as one of the greatest military men in the country.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

The Convention will be notified to-morrow . . .

. . . that the Legislatures of Iowa and Wisconsin will visit your city in a few days and would like to meet this Convention. The idea is to discuss questions of interest to the Northwest, in Bryan Hall – say Treasury notes in payment of State taxes; the ship canal from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river; national armory, &c. If this Convention goes up to Chicago, they will have a great time in your city.

The above is from the Springfield (Ill.) telegraph dispatches to he Chicago Tribune of the 10th inst. If our Solons go upon any such excursion we hope it will not be until after their adjournment, and that then they will pay their own expenses.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Terrible Coal Oil Disaster

CRESTLINE, O., Feb. 9.

Last evening about 6 o’clock, as Mrs. Graham, wife of engineer of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago R. R., was filling a coal oil lamp; the oil caught fire, communicating to Mrs. Graham’s clothes and burning her and two of her children to death. Mrs. Graham’s mother, an old lady, was also burned; also another child of Mrs. Graham’s but it is thought they will recover.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

James G. Shipley

James G. Shipley was the Third Commissary Sergeant. He was enlisted by the writer of this in 1862 at Keokuk, Iowa, and was promoted from private in Company K. He afterwards was promoted First Lieutenant in the same Company. He was a man of education and a good deal of ability, and in the performance of his duties, especially in the transportation of the 4th Division 17th Corps from Washington to Louisville via Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, he showed singular and marked ability. His residence is not known.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 47

PHILADELPHIA, February 10 [1862]

Gen. Stone was arrested yesterday morning; first, for misbehavior at Ball’s Bluff; second for holding correspondence with the enemy before and since Ball’s Bluff, and receiving visits from rebel officers in his camp; third for treacherously suffering the enemy to build a fort since the battle of Ball’s Bluff, under his guns, unmolested; fourth, of a design to expose his force to capture by the enemy under pretence of orders for moving from the commanding General.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Iowa’s Sick and Wounded

A telegraph dispatch from St. Louis to the Chicago papers says:

Arrangements have been made by the State authorities of Iowa, through the state government here, for the conveyance home of sick and wounded belonging to that State.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Robert W. Cross

Robert W. Cross was the First Commissary Sergeant, and he was promoted First Lieutenant 23d Iowa August 11, 1862, and Quarter-Master of the same Regiment.

Elisha W. Elliott was Second Commissary Sergeant. His history is given above.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46-7

Another Victory

Again, with heartfelt gratitude, we announce another victory. Burnside’s fleet is beginning to make itself felt on the coast of North Carolina. The Federal forces have now a fair foothold at Roanoke Island, and thence will push forward into the rebel State. We have few particulars of this engagement, but sufficient to show that it is a complete victory, and the rebels can no more withstand our troops on water than on the land. While every victory encourages the Union forces, it discourages the insurgents. Soon they will be forced to lay down their arms, or resort to the desperate alternative of Cobb and Co., and lay waste to their beautiful homes.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Later Foreign News

PORTLAND, Feb. 10.

The steamship Jura, which left Liverpool on Thursday the 30th and Londonderry 31st, arrived at 11:45 to-night.

Mason and Slidell had arrived at Southampton. No demonstration was made. The former went to London, the latter went to Paris.

Sales of cotton for the day 28,000 bales, including 12,000 to speculators and exporters. Market firmer, with an advance of one quarter. Advices from Manchester favorable.

It was rumored that the Government had ordered the Nashville to quit Southampton but extended the time for her departure, owing to danger from the Tuscarora. It was also rumored that the government will prohibit armed ships of either party remaining over 24 hours in any British port.

The following is the Etna’s report. Earl Russell, in a dispatch dated January 23d, to Lord Lyons, says the English government differ entirely from Mr. Seward’s conclusions on the question whether the persons taken from the Trent and their supposed dispatches were contraband.

It was rumored that the vessel which the Sumter engaged off Algiers was the Iroquois. There was no news of either.

It was reported that the Tuscarora was about to quit Southampton. The destination was kept secret.

The Times, in a characteristic article, calls for something decisive in America. It says: “Unpleasant complications must arise of the present state of affairs continue much longer.”

Napoleon opened the French Chamber on the 27th. He said, “the civil war which desolates America has greatly compromised our commercial interest. So long, however, as the rights of neutrals are respected, we must confine ourselves to expressing wishes for an early termination of those dissensions.

France recommended Rome to reconciliate the Court of Turin. Antonellia absolutely refused all terms.

There were contradictory rumors of an enlarged French expedition to Mexico.

The London Times remarks on Mason and Slidell that both will probably keep quiet and wait events that are at hand.

PARIS, Jan. 30. – The Moniteur says the dismission of Mr. Cameron gives England great satisfaction.

LONDON, Jan. 30. – Mason and Slidell have left for Paris.

MADIRD., Jan. 30. – Mr. O’Donnell declares that France has made no separate engagement with Spain. The Spanish Government has no reason to suppose that France intends settling the affairs of Mexico without considering the wishes of other powers.

Very latest via Londonderry. – A telegram from Lisbon announces further satisfactory news from Buenos Ayres. Strico’s Fleet was taken by the Buenos Ayreans.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Washington Items

WASHINGTON, April 29. – Lieut. Robinson is ordered to the command of the Battery E. A. Stevens, commonly by erroneously called the Naugatuck, at Fortress Monroe.

The Secretary of the Treasury is now prepared to bay all indebtedness of a date prior to the 1st of February, 40 per cent. in cash.

The Emancipation Commissioners met to-day. Several petitions were filed, and, during the morning, thirty of forty persons waited on the Board for information regarding the mode of procedure.

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

James H. Flynt

James H. Flynt, of Company B, was the Third Quarter-Master Sergeant. He did his duty faithfully. He died at _____.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46

Louisville, Feb. 11 [1862]

Arrangements have been effected, whereby Maj. Helvitt and Capt. Prince, of this department, will be released by the rebels.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Fort Monroe, Feb. 10 [1862]

Deserters, contrabands, came to camp here this P.M. having been found by a scouting party. One was a member of the black Virginia cavalry who were engaged in the skirmish at New Market Bridge, on Dec. 22, with Max Weber’s regiment. – He was completely armed with carbine pistol, &c., and had a considerable amount of rebel money. They present a great scarcity of provisions.

The bark Trinity arrived this p.m. from Boston with forty-five released prisoners in charge of Lieut. Buell, to be exchanged. It is expected that Bishop Ames & Hon. Ham. Fish will accompany the prisoners when they are sent over in the morning.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Arrest of Col. Jennison

LEAVENWORTH, April 29. – In a circular just published, Gen. Sturgis says: The arrest of Col. Jennison was the result of representations made by Lieut. Col. D. R. Anthony, of his own regiment, and Col. John W. Deitzler, his immediate commanding officer, and was made at the earnest solicitation of the latter officer, who, in his appeal to me of the 15th inst., demands is immediate arrest and charges him with the most grave and serious crimes known to military law.

Hiram Rich, an old resident of the West and for a number of [years] a Sutler at Ft. Leavenowrth, died suddenly yesterday of apoplexy.

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

Burnside’s Expedition takes possession of Roanoke Island

FT. MONROE, Feb. 10.

News by the flag of truce states that our troops landed at Roanoke Island yesterday p.m.

No particulars are given, but it is understood that the island was taken.


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 10.

The Inquirer of this city has a dispatch dated Ft. Monroe, last night, which reports the landing of the Federals at Roanoke Island.

Three rebel gun-boats were sunk and two captured – one of them the flag ship. The firemen on board the steamboat, reported that the stars and stripes could be seen over the batteries, from Elizabeth City.


PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 11.

The Baltimore Clipper publishes an extra stating that Roanoke Island was captured after three days fighting. Two rebel gun-boats were captured and the rest were sunk or scattered.

The People of Norfolk and Portsmouth are panic stricken. The News is confirmed by passengers, by Fortress Monroe.


NEW YORK, Feb. 11.

A Fort Monroe letter of the 9th states that the bombardment of Roanoke Island continued. – Yesterday about noon Com. Lynd got his rebel flotilla under weigh, and came down Carrituck Sound to assist Wise on the Island. The federal gun-boats at 5 p.m. on the 8th had sunk three and captured two – one of which had the Commodore’s pennant – and dispersed the rest of the rebel gun-boats in every direction. Firing ceased at dark, but recommenced with increased vigor in the morning until 8 o’clock, when it was supposed the rebels surrendered. It was rumored at Norfolk on the morning of the 9th, that eight regiments had been recently sent to Roanoke Island, and as there was no chance of escape they are all probably captured. The rebels acknowledge that the only obstacles of importance to retard Burnside’s march upon Norfolk are swamps, marshes and sickness.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Andrew Mitchell

Andrew Mitchell, of Company A, was the Second Quarter-Master Sergeant. For some misconduct, it is forgotten what, he was reduced to the ranks. But it could not have been a fault of high degree, because on May 11, 1865, he was made Captain of his Company. No one doubts his loyalty, bravery and merit. He resides at Norway, Iowa.

SOURCE: William W. Belknap, History of the Fifteenth Regiment Iowa Veteran Volunteer Infantry, p. 46

Gen. Sherman

WASHINGTON, April 29. – A dispatch received from Gen. Halleck says it is the unanimous opinion that Gen. W. T. Sherman saved the fortune of the day on the 6th, and contributed largely to the victory on the 7th, was in the thickest of the fight, had three horses shot and himself wounded twice. I respectfully ask that he be mad a Major General of Volunteers.

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

Trouble Among the 2d Iowa Regiment

ST. LOUIS, February 10.

There is an excitement this evening among the 2d Iowa Regiment, Occasioned by the issuance of the following extraordinary order:


“The General commanding the District had occasion, yesterday, to commend the conduct of the 2d Iowa Regiment. To-day, he is under the painful necessity of saying that some miscreants in the regiment have been guilty of an act of wanton vandalism in the robbery and destruction of the museum attached to the McDowell College. As this was carefully guarded, and strict orders given to sentinels that no one should be admitted; the disgrace is attached to the whole regiment. they will march to the place of embarkation with colors furled, and a copy of this order shall be sent to the Governor of Iowa.

{Signed,}

SCHUYLER HAMILTON
J. T. PRICE
Assistant Adjutant Generals.


The facts appear to be that a cabinet, containing stuffed birds and specimens, was lately robbed by some unknown persons. A hole large enough for a man’s head was made through the partition back of the cabinet, and it could be removed by boys attached to a school in the same block, as easily as by any of the soldiers. The order was carried out, and the men went to the levee without music and with furled colors.

The men are very indignant that the whole regiment should be disgraced by a few black sheep. An effort is to be made to have General Halleck take notice of the matter, and order an investigation to be made. The regiment is expected to leave for Cairo momentarily. It has been generally praised and this unfortunate affair will take the public of St. Louis by surprise.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1

Iowa Second Regiment

Red tapeism [sic] is fairly cast in the shade by the bit of “brief authority” exercised by a couple of officials at St. Louis, in regard to the Second Iowa regiment. That a whole regiment should be disgraced on the bare suspicion that one or more of their number had stolen a few stuffed birds, when it was more than likely the work of boys, is simply absurd. We hope, if the Governor notices the matter at all, it will be to reprimand Messrs. Hamilton and Price for the extreme measures they pursued.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 1