Letter of William Kelley Steele, Oct. 3, 1861

Benton Barracks

St. Louis Missouri

Oct. 3d 1861

Dear Parents,

I received your kind letter this morning and was glad to hear from you and that you were well. I also am well and enjoying myself very well. You ask where we are. At present we are at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, but expect to leave here in the morning, for what point I cannot say. It is unknown but for the field of battle probably. Borrow no trouble about my turning traitor, neither about my turning my back to the enemy, and further I will try to do my duty both to my country and superior officers. Tell Mother that it is impossible for me to get my picture for her at present. I would if I could and be glad to. News came to hand this morning that the Rebels had taken Jefferson City, but that is doubtful. Our pickets were driven in last night. Now I believe I have told you all the news and must do a little begging. Father, I wish you would send me some money for I had bad luck and lost all the money I had and am without a cent. We received our uniforms yesterday. I like all the officers well and a fine lot of boys there is in the Company. Give my love to all the family. Remember me to all the friends. Write often. Direct to William Kelly Steele, Company H, 9th Regiment Iowa Volunteers, St. Louis, Missouri. I have written two letters to Mary Ann and have received no answer, and now good bye dear parents.

Your Affectionate Son and Brother,

William Kelly Steele

Then And Now

On the 18th day of February, 1861, a little more than a year ago, Jefferson Davis pronounced his inaugural address at Montgomery.  In a speech a day or two previous he said:

“The time for compromises is past, and we are now determined to maintain our position, and make all who oppose us smell Southern gunpowder and feel Southern steel.”

Two weeks later, Mr. Lincoln, from the steps of the capitol at Washington, in far better taste said:

“Now, in view of the present aspect of affairs, there need be no bloodshed or war. – There is no necessity for it.  I am not in favor of such a course; and I may say in advance, that there will be no bloodshed, unless it be forced upon the government, and then it will be compelled to act in self defence.”

Such was the spirit of the rebellion, and such that of the government against which it then arrayed itself.  On one side, insolence, truculent, blood-thirsty threatening, and aggression.  On the other, calm forbearance, but resolute purpose.

A twelvemonth has demonstrated the old maxim which enjoins upon him that putteth on his armor not to boast as he that putteth if off.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Buckner

The Mo. Democrat notices the expected arrival of the rebel General, Buckner, at that city.  The statement of the Louisville Journal, of last Wednesday, would have a tendency to render his arrival there rather improbably.  That paper says:

Judge Catron, of Tenn., of the United States Supreme Court, holding a session of the Circuit Court in that city, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner, for treason, and that an officer left for Cairo Wednesday evening to obtain him at the hand of the military authorities there.  It was thought that at Louisville that no objection would be made by Gen. Grant to the proposition of Judge Catron to deal with the miscreant himself. – The venerable Judge is a fugitive from his home in Nashville, and will not be disposed to stand on nice points of law in sending Buckner at once to the gallows, where he may end his ignoble life.  Deputy United States Marshal Merriwether carried the process to Cairo.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

Selling Liquor To The Indians

Congress has just passed an act, which provides that if any person shall sell or give liquor to any Indian under the charge of any Superintendant or agent, or introduce any into the Indian territory unless by order of the War Department, he shall, on conviction, be imprisoned not more than two years, and fined not more than $300.  And any officer or Indian may seize and destroy any liquor or wine found in the Indian country, unless introduced there by the War Department.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

The Rush to Cairo

Immediately after the news of the battle at Fort Donelson, it is said that the rush of the humane into Cairo was overwhelming.  A single train carried in over forty cars densely packed, and was six hours behind time!  Many were anxious relatives, but the majority were intent on the relief of the soldiers.  Gen. Cullum said he was more puzzled what to do with the nurses than with the wounded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

John D. Slocum

The late John D. Slocum, who for more than twelve years discharged the duties of postmaster in Valley, was one of the pioneers of Stevens county. He was born in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, on the 14th of February, 1844, and was a son of George and Mary (Hurroon) Slocum, who were among the early settlers of Iowa. They are both deceased, the mother having passed away in 1876 and the father in 1901.

John D. Slocum was only a child when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Iowa, to whose public schools he was indebted for his education. When the call came for troops to go to the front in the early '60s he donned the blue, enlisting at Council Bluffs, Iowa, November 25, 1861, as a member of Company H, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. After spending more than three years in the service he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, July 24, 1865, following which he located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and for two years thereafter served an apprenticeship at the painter's trade. He subsequently went to Fremont, Nebraska, where he followed his trade for five years, going from there to Lincoln and engaging in the same occupation for three years. At the expiration of that period he became a resident of Paola, Kansas, remaining there for eleven years, during which time he worked at his trade. His next removal was to Valley, but during the first two years of his residence in the state he spent the most of his time in Spokane, where he was employed. He was appointed postmaster soon after settling here and continued to be the incumbent of that office until June, 1910, when, owing to his rapidly failing health he was compelled to retire from active life. His condition did not improve but gradually grew worse and he passed away on the 27th of May, 1911.

At Council Bluffs, Iowa, on the 12th of January, 1868, Mr. Slocum was united in marriage to Miss Oliva A. Day, a daughter of Samuel and Jane Day, and unto them were born four children: Ida, who is now Mrs. B. Belknap; Ralph A., who married Elizabeth Craven: Blanche, the wife of F. Weatherwax; and Vernon A.

Mr. Slocum was always an ardent republican, giving his unqualified indorsement [sic] to the principles of that party for whose candidates he cast his ballot at every election. He always took an active interest in all political matters, particularly those pertaining to the municipality in which he resided. For many years he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and while residing in Iowa he belonged to the Crocker Brigade. His position as postmaster in Valley brought him into relations with the entire community, among whose citizens he numbered many close friends to whom his death brought deep regret.

SOURCE: Nelson Wayne Durham, History Of The City Of Spokane And Spokane County, Washington, Volume 3, p. 551-2

Tennessee --- Confiscation

Political matters in Tennessee have begun to assume shape.  The poor, down trodden Unionists, who have stood up for the Government amid the most terrible oppression, once more have the recognizance of their rights.  Tennessee would gladly take her former position in the Union, but that cannot be.  She has been one of the most violent of the Confederacy and she should not be permitted to return again to her allegiance, possessing the State rights she had before she raised her parricidal hand against the Government.  She is one of those States that have brought so much misery, bloodshed and debt upon our country and it will be an outrage upon the loyal States, if she be permitted to return to the Union vested with all the rights, privileges and immunities she possessed before she sought to overthrow the Government.

In quelling this attempt of certain states, banded together as a separate Confederacy, to dissever the Union, our Government has contracted an enormous debt.  The question now arises, who is to pay this indebtedness?  Shall the citizens of the loyal States be assessed to cancel a debt incurred in defending the Government against an attempted subversion by a few rebellious states?  Or shall the rebels who have brought the debt upon the Government be made to liquidate it?  Common sense teaches the latter, and no one, unless he directly sympathizes with the rebels will object to the passage of an act confiscating their property for that purpose.  Some discrimination must be made in favor of those citizens of these rebellious States who have not participated nor sympathized in the movement.  A general tax would effect all alike.  We can see no alternative but a confiscation for the use of the Government, of all the property, both real and personal, of every man in the Southern States who has aided or abetted in any shape whatever in this monstrous treason against the Government.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

The Rebel Flag

The rebels alter their flag so often that it is difficult to keep pace with its colors.  The one recently adopted has a blue “union,” on a red field, with four white stars, the national colors, red, white, and blue, being preserved.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

Unconditional Surrender

The energy with which the war is now being conducted and the unparalleled success that have followed the Federal arms since the new year dawned upon us, fill the loyal heart with joy and cause the hope to arise, that this unnatural rebellion will soon be suppressed.  Wherever we have met the rebels, in skirmish, on the battle field, or strongly entrenched in their forts, whether few or many in number, invariably have we defeated them. Right has proven stronger than might.  It has infused a heroism into the hearts of its defenders that has made them invincible.  It has banished all fear from their breasts and made them brave as lions.  The deluded rebels are beginning to appreciate the fact, it is quite patent to their understandings, that they are not only fighting in a bad cause, but in a hopeless one.  The leaders know now, if they didn’t comprehend it before, that there is no alternative left them but unconditional surrender.  We like that, it smacks of good, strong old Saxon.  It is a part of the programme that was laid down in the beginning of the struggle, when big and little pro-slavery sheets all over the north, from the N. Y. Herald to the Davenport Democrat, opposed it and thought it would never do to “coerce” the South.  We remember very distinctly that when we spoke of “subduing” the South our neighbor pitched into us as though we had committed some gross injustice, in fact was severing the brotherly ties that bound us to the South.  He has learned better since and now talks as flippantly as anybody about unconditional surrender.  When Col. Poor, the rebel officer, appeared with a white flag at Roanoke Island and asked to see the officer in command of the Federal forces, the following conversation ensued:

Col. Poor – Are you the Commander of the Union forces?

Gen. Foster – Yes, sir.

Col. Poor – I came, sir, to ask what terms of capitulation you will grant to our army.

Gen. Foster – None whatever, sir. – Nothing but an immediate and unconditional surrender.

As there was no other alternative the conditions were complied with.  But all of the watchwords of the war there are none so good as Gen. Grant’s reply to the rebel Buckner’s request for a negotiation of the terms of surrender at Fort Donelson: – Said Gen. Grant:

“I will accept no terms but unconditional, immediate surrender; I propose to move immediately upon your works.”

Now that was to the point.  Buckner could see it.  And at the same time he saw that his policy was immediate compliance.  It was just what should have been said to Buckner and what should be said to the rebels generally.  The time for negotiation and compromise has past.  Nothing but unconditional surrender or subjection will now satisfy the bold spirits of the North, and the man who breathes any other sentiment let him be ranked among the rebels.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 2

Arrangements with Railroads!

STATE OF IOWA, ADJUSTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE

DES MOINES, February 13th, 1862.

Arrangements have been made with the following named Railroads for the transportation of Iowa soldiers at the following named rates:

ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD.

Wounded, sick, discharged and furloughed soldiers at two cents per mile.

ST. LOUIS, ALTON AND CHICAGO RAILROAD.

At same rates as Illinois Central Railroad.

CHICAGO AND ROCK ISLAND RAILROAD.

Same as Illinois Central Railroad.

GALENA AND CHICAGO UNION RAILROAD.

Same as Illinois Central Railroad.

KEOKUK, FT. DES MOINES AND MINNESOTA RAILROAD.

Furloughed and discharged soldiers at half far.

Soldiers wounded in battle, free.

BURLINGTON AND MISSOURI RIVER RAILROAD.

Sick and disabled soldiers at one cent per mile.

Wounded in battle, free.

All able bodied soldiers at two cents per mile.

CHICAGO, IOWA AND NEBRASKA RAILROAD.

All wounded in battle, either discharged or on furlough, free.

All soldiers discharged for disability, the cause of which occurred while in the service, and sick soldiers on furlough, one cent per mile.

All other soldiers two cents per mile.

CEDAR RAPIDS AND MISSORI RIVER RAILROAD.

Same rates as the C. I. & N. Railroad.

DUBUQUE AND SIOUX CITY RAILROAD.

Sick, wounded and disabled soldiers at one cent per mile.

All others at two cents per mile.

It is hoped that this department will soon be able to report further arrangements with other Railroads which have so generously made the above arrangements, and in order that soldiers may receive the benefits of the same, officers are requested, in granting furloughs or discharges, to note the cause of furlough or discharges at the bottom thereof, and sign the same, as the arrangements are made for the benefit of the soldiers.  The State has no pecuniary interest in the matter.  The soldiers of the classes referred to pay their own fare.

Soldiers should present their furloughs or discharges for the examination at the tickt office of Railroads, in order to procure tickets at the reduced rates.

N. B. BAKER,

Adjutant General of Iowa

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress – First Session

WASHINGTON, February 25.

Mr. Trumbull said it has been settled by the Supreme Court that Congress has the power to pass a confiscation bill.  Government has the right to take a person who may be bound by contract, or take a child then and draft it into the service of Government.  A master cannot hold the slave by any stronger tenure.

Mr.  Pomeroy objected to the third section, which provides for colonization.  He thought we could not afford to send out of the country the laboring men and producers, and if insisted on, he would move to amend by providing for the colonization of the slave holders, who are demagogues to the country, and whose loss would not be felt.

Mr. Willey wanted to know where there was constitutional power for the President colonizing niggers.  He was willing to cooperate in the most stringent measures for the confiscation of property, but had the Senator from Ill. Counted the immense cost of the scheme of colonization?  It would cost 500 dollars a head to colonize and keep ignorant slaves.

Mr. Pomeroy said his amendment would obviate that, as there would be only a few slaveholders to colonize.

Mr. Willey – I propose to hang all such traitors and thus save all the expense of transportation.  [Applause in the galleries, which was immediately checked by the chair.]

Mr. Fessenden introduced a bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue to public creditors certificates for the whole amount of debt, in certificates of not less than $1,000, payable in one year or earlier, at the option of the Government, bearing 6 per cent. interest.

On motion of Mr. Fessenden, it was taken up and passed.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill.

Mr. Ten Eyck said there was a great aversion at the North to having large masses of free negroes turned loose among them, nor could they be allowed to roam at large in the South.

Mr. Sumner entirely agreed with the Senator from Kansas.

Mr. Pomeroy took objections to any recognition of the fugitive slave law, for which he thought no authority existed in the Constitution.  He moved to make a second amendment, to obviate all suspicion of anything of that kind.  The amendment was adopted.

On motion of Mr. Powell, the consideration of the bill was postponed till to-morrow.

On Motion of Mr. Sumner, the Senate went into executive session, and subsequently adjourned.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

SENATE. – Messrs. Doolittle and Sumner presented petitions for emancipation.

Mr. McDougal, from the special committee, reported a bill for the establishment of a railroad and telegraph line from the Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean.

On motion of Mr. Wade, the bill for the occupation and cultivation of cotton lands was taken up.

Mr. Doolittle thought it a question whether government should go into raising cotton or attempt to run plantations.  He thought it would be a very difficult experiment, in a pecuniary sense.  If there was a population to lease the lands to he should not object.

Mr. Wade said he did not suppose the bill would realize any great sum of money, but there was a large extent of territory abandoned and the slaves left at large, and something must be done to take care of them.  This was not any settled policy, but only a temporary measure for one year, to meet the necessity of the case.

Mr. Doolittle thought that if commissioners had been sent down to Port Royal to see the elephant we have on our hands, we might have received a great deal of information.

Mr. Wade asked if he (Doolittle) had read the able report of Mr. Pierce on the subject.

Mr. Doolittle said he had not.  He confessed to ignorance of the subject.

HOUSE – Mr. Voorhes, of Ind., asked leave to offer a resolution tendering the thanks of Congress to Gen. McClellan.

Mr. Lovejoy objected.

The resolution commends the sentiments and policy avowed in Gen. Halleck’s general order of Feb. 23d, already published as imminently fair and patriotic, and in strict conformity to the Constitution; that the war should be conducted in accordance with the same, and that the thanks of Congress are tendered to Gen. Halleck for said order, and for his military achievements as commander of the Department of Missouri.

Mr. Van Wyck, addressing the Speaker, announced his desire to be excused from serving as chairman of the committee on government contracts.  I, some weeks since, informed my colleague that I should resign my place entirely on the committee so that another could be appointed, but they insisted that I should continue as one of its members, devoting such time in its service as I could spare.  Recollecting the sentiments of warm and generous friendship so often manifested on their part towards me I do not feel at liberty to disregard their wishes.  The committee has much to do, and although the unflinching integrity and untiring watchfulness of Secretary Stanton relieves it of many of its cares, I would also ask to be excused from serving as chairman of the committee on revolutionary pensions.

A long debate ensued on the Virginia contested election case of Mr. Upton.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Arrival of the Steamer S. K. Spaulding

FORT MONROE, Feb. 25.

The steamer S. K. Spaulding arrived here this p. m., having left Roanoke Island the day before.  No news by her.

We learn of the attempt to lay the telegraph cable across the bay, on the day that the Hoboken sailed.  16 miles of the cable were laid in the most successful manner when operation stopped for the night.

On yesterday the Hoboken was occupied in taking soundings when a severe gale of wind which sprung up on that bay struck her about noon.  Her steam pipe broke soon afterwards and she became unmanageable, drifting upon Cape Henry, where she went ashore and broke in two last night.  She is a total loss.  All hands saved.

The remainder of the cable, about fifteen miles, was destroyed before it was abandoned.  About an equal quantity is laid on the bay and the end is buoyed up.

The gunboat R. B. Forbes was seen by the Spaulding, ashore near Nags Head.

This morning white flags were displayed on all the houses in the vicinity.

Maj. J. T. Sawyer arrived at Norfolk yesterday, having left Elizabeth City on Sunday the 12th inst.  He represents everything quiet in that region.  He says that the entire federal fleet left the waters of the Pasquotauk on Friday morning, but two of them returned in the evening.  He also states that but few of the inhabitants remained in that place.

The Wilmington Journal, of yesterday, says that five or six federal gunboats have entered the Roanoke River.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.

The Navy Department to-day received the following:

CAIRO, February 24.

To Hon. Gideon Welles, Secretary of the Navy:

Lieutenant Commanding Gwynn, with the gunboat Tyler, has just arrived from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama, and reports the Union sentiment in south Tennessee and North Alabama to be very strong.  I shall send him back to-day, and he will call for a regiment at Fort Henry to accompany the gunboat, which will aid the loyal people of those States to raise Union forces within their borders.

Signed,

A. H. FOOTE,

Flag-Officer Commanding.

The President has approved the fortification bill.  It is therefore a law.

Both Houses yesterday agreed to the report of the committee of conference on the Treasury note bill.  It retains the provision that notes to be redeemable in five years, or payable in 20 years, at the pleasure of the government.  It also makes duties on imports payable in coin and pledges it to the payment of interest on the notes and bonds.  It strikes out the pledges of public lands.

The communication of the Russian government on the subject of the Trent affair, was communicated to the Senate to-day.  It was characterized by the strongest feelings of friendship for the United States.

Special to Tribune.

Several days have passed since a gun has been fired from the rebel batteries on the Lower Potomac, although numerous vessels have sailed by them.  Although the rebel cannon seem to be in their places, it is doubted whethe[r] they be not blackened logs, and whether the gunners have not left the banks of the Potomac.

Two Whitworth guns reached Gen. Hooker’s division yesterday, and will be used to ascertain the truth of the case.

World’s Dispatch.

The indications in the Senate to-day are clearly in favor of the immediate passage of Senator Trumbull’s confiscation bill, with an amendment forfeiting all slaves of rebels.  Senator Powell will deliver a speech to-morrow against the bill, and take occasion to explain his present position as a Senator, it being intimated that his views are inconsistent with his holding his seat at the present time.

The House judiciary committee are nearly agreed on confiscation, but may possibly await the action of the Senate.

The tremendous gale, that commenced so furiously on Monday, has dried up the mud, and prepared a solid ground for our soldiers to march over.  Already a wonderful change has taken place, and the soldiers are becoming confident that they are to move at last.

Times’ Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.

Gen. McClellan received a dispatch, an hour since, from the west, confirming the report that Nashville, Tenn., is taken by Gen. Buell’s army, and stating that the rebels have fallen back to Murphysville, about 30 miles south of Nashville.

The judgment of the Court Martial in the case of Col. Jas. Kerrigan, has been approved by Maj. Gen. McClellan, and a general order issued, carrying it into effect. – The court did not find Kerrigan guilty of treason, but of inefficiency and conduct unbecoming an officer of his military duty, and manifested in the disorganized and disgraceful condition of his regiment.  Kerrigan was adjudged to be dismissed from the service.

Much excitement has been occasioned by the discovery that the bill introduced by Mr. Wade, from the conduct of the war committee, and passed some time since, authorizing the President to take possession of railroads, also authorized him to extend railroads by construction.  It appears, that since the passage of this bill, a contract has been made by the War Department to build a railroad, 180 miles long, from Lebanon, Ky., to Knoxville, Tenn.  To-day the House repealed that portion of the bill almost unanimously, and there is talk of a motion to discharge the conduct of the war committee from further action.

It is understood that a resolution has been adopted in executive session of the Senate, calling for information relative to the alleged improper acts of Gen. Blenker.

Gen. Sturgis’ confirmation is hung up by the Senate.

The forces on the Potomac will not be paid until the paymasters are through with those battling for the Union in the West and on the seaboard.

Gen. Fremont was not at Saturday’s ceremony in the House, because the invitation did not rich him till yesterday.

Col. Lee, from Richmond, brought to this Government a communication from Howell Cobb, relating ostensibly to an exchange of prisoners, but probably to other matters, also.

Mr. Trumbull’s speech on the confiscation bill to-day, was very strong, and had a marked effect; taking the ground, among other things that the rebels, and not the loyal men, ought to pay the expenses of this war.  The bill will have a decided majority in the Senate.

News from Leavenworth has rendered tolerably certain Gen. Lane’s return to the Senate.

The Mexican treaty resolutions, &c., were defeated in executive session of the Senate.  Ayes 8, nays 28.  This carries the rejection of Gen. Scott as additional minister to Mexico.

Mr. Blair’s bill, from the House military committee, for an engineer brigade, is believed to have connection with the Danville and Knoxville Railroad, and also with the recent appointment of Amasa Stone, the great railroad contractor of Cleveland, as Brigadier General.

WASHIGNTON, Feb. 26.

Pre President has approved the United States note law, and it is therefore a law.

Special to Post.

WASHIGTON, Feb. 26.

New mail routes are to be speedily opened in Tennessee and Kentucky.

The senate bill authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to issue certificates of indebtedness to government creditors whose accounts have been audited, will probably pass the House.

The following notice to the public has just been published:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24.

The undersigned, on behalf of the commissioners appointed by the President to represent the interests of such American citizens as might desire to appear at the Exhibition of the Industry of all Nations, to be held in the city of London during the present year, submit the following statements:

The Congress of the United States, after due consideration, has declined to adopt any measures to further a national representation of our works of industry, invention and art, at the aforementioned exhibition.  The authority of the Commissioners has, therefore occurred.  They have advised the Commissioners appointed by the British Government that there will be no general participation on the part of the people of this country on the occasion; but they have thought it not improper, at the same time, to recommend to the consideration of the royal commissioners such works of industry and art as have received the authentication of the commission and may to a limited extent be presented for exhibition through individual exertions.

Signed,

WM. H. SEWARD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

From Cairo

CAIRO, Feb. 25.

Nashville was yesterday occupied by ten thousand troops under Gen. Buell, and the Federal flag is now flying over the State House.

The Tennessee Legislature adjourned on Saturday week, and met again yesterday at Memphis.

It is reported that commissioners have been appointed to confer with the Federal authorities at Washington, to arrange terms for a transfer of allegiance, and that Gov. Harris offered to turn the confederate forces over to the Union.

Secessionism is on the wane, and Unionism in the ascendant.  Union men threaten terrible retribution upon their persecutors.

Fielding Hurst, of Purdy, McHenry Co., Tenn., ten miles from [Corinth], Miss., arrived last night.  He was first arrested by order of Gov. Harris on the 2d of December, confined twenty-seven days in a dungeon at Nashville, and released by outside pressure brought to bear on the judge who had sentenced him to be hung for treason to the Confederate States.

He was again arrested, taken to Columbus, kept two days, and permitted to return to Purdy, by Rev. Gen. Polk, to establish his innocence.  He started from the guard and was taken on board the gunboat Tyler and brought to Cairo.  He represents a general union sentiment in Tennessee, and thinks the Legislature will acquiesce in the recommendation of Gov. Harris, because fearful of the rising of the Union sentiment.

When he left Columbus there were 30,000 Confederate troops there, who were confident of whipping the d----d Yankees on land, though they confessed themselves no[t] much on water.  When first released he gave a recognizance in $25,000 for his loyalty to the Confederate army.

Another gentleman, who arrived from Nashville last night, reports the Confederates will make another stand at Murfreesboro.

All the rebel troops had left Nashville except the police force, who were picking up stragglers.

When Gov. Harris fled from Nashville with the Legislature to Memphis he burnt the State library and distributed a large amount of commissary stores and provisions among the citizens.  Stores are closed and business is entirely suspended.  Secessionists are leaving with their stock and negroes and following the Confederate army.

Geo. T. Lewis, proprietor of the Cumberland rolling mills, burned by the gunboat St. Louis, and who was brought to Cairo a prisoner of war, to-day took the oath of allegiance and was released upon parole. – He leaves for Fort Donelson and home this afternoon, and expresses the utmost gratitude for the humane treatment received and returns a confirmed Unionist.  He has been under charge of Col. Murphy, of the 9th Wisconsin, while at Cairo.

Walker Tyler, nephew of ex-President Tyler, was among the rebels at Fort Donelson.  He was wounded, and escaped afterwards.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

CLOCKS. – Another installment of clocks just received and for sale low for cash, at billon’s No. 10 Le Claire Row.

COFFEE. – The best substitute for coffee is said to be rye.  A very superior article always on hand at 98 Brady street, second door above Fourth.

AHEAD OF TIME. – The R. I. Register is bound not to be beaten in getting out the latest news.  Its last issue is dated March 5, a tolerably good length of time ahead.  Wish it would always give us news a weak ahead; it would entirely supersede the telegraph.

“THE DAILY CONSTITUTION” is the title of a large, fine-looking paper, that comes to us from Keokuk, published under the editorial auspices of Judge Claggett.  It is built up of the old material of the Journal, but we presume occupies better Union ground.

SHIPMENTS OF PRODUCE BY RAILROAD. – The following are the shipments by railroad last week: 1,251 brls. Flour; 8,500 bu. Wheat; 9,000 bu. Barley; 22 sks. malt; 9,000 lbs lard; 4,270 lbs. hides; 380 lbs. butter; 45 dressed hogs.  Value, about $15,000.

CHEAP LANDS – FIRE PROOF SAFE. – we are requested to state that a superior Fire Proof Safe and 400 acres of land, will be sold to-morrow (Friday,) at the auction sale now going on of assignee goods at Parker and Vantyul’s auction rooms.

GREAT BARGAINS. – The final closing out of the large dry-goods stock, of the late firm of Eldridge & Williams, is still going on, at Parker & Vantuyls’s auction room, on Brady Street.  The entire lot is to be sold, with real estate, notes, and accounts.  Great bargains to be had, if any one wants.  Sales commence each day at 10 o’clock.

SNOW MELTING. – Under the warm atmosphere of yesterday the snow rapidly melted, the gutters were like small rivers of water, and every indication was an assurance of the speedy disappearance of the fine sleighing that for more than two months the denizens of this portion of our earth have enjoyed.  So mote it be.  Of course before night it turned cold again.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT. – We are under profound obligations to Senator Leake for a copy of Governeur Kirkwood’s Inwijdings Rede.  We have space but for the following extract: –

“Indien wij tot hun zeggen wij zijn uwe vrieden, kom tot ons en gij zult vrig zin zij zullen bij duizenden tragten te koomen.”

For the balance of this interesting document see, New York Ledger.

THE THAW still continues, and the sleighing is going very fast.  There is still a good deal in the country, but it is rough work in town.  The torrents of water pouring on the river ice must soon part if from the shore, and start it out.  If the present weather continue[s] many days the river will be opened by the end of next week, and we may reasonably expect navigation will be fully resumed by the middle of March.

A SAD CASE. – From the R. I. Argus we learn that a man named Charles Johnson, a Swede, came to the house of Mr. H. N. Mosher, near Andalusia, last Monday evening, and commence battering his door with an axe.  The door gave way, when the man was secured, and it was found that his hands and feet were badly frozen.  He was taken care of during the night, and his limbs kept in cold water till they were thawed out.  Next day he was brought to Rock Island jail.  He is evidently deranged.  He says he was tired and lay down to sleep, when he froze his limbs.

A SCENE occurred in the office of our justices yesterday, on the examination of a charge for obtaining goods under false pretenses, between a lengthy attorney and a pugnacious shoe dealer, which threatened, from the vigor with which the parties went in, to leave nothing of either party but the boots; an officer however kindly interposed his good offices and save this combatants from such mutual destruction.

REV. HENRY COX, who, it will be remembered, delivered an able lecture in this city about a year ago, has preached his farewell sermon to his church in Chicago.  He goes to St. Louis, a field peculiarly fitted for him as fearless, outspoken Unionist preacher of the Gospel.  He leaves his church prosperous, they having recently cancelled an indebtedness of $26,300.

PERSONAL. – Mr. J. H. Briggs, so long the telegraph operation in this city, leaves here to-day for Des Moines, to take charge of the office in that city.  Mr. Briggs has been a faithful and laborious operator, and has won the respect and esteem of our citizens universally.  We wish him success and easier labors in his new location.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Alexander Brown

Alexander Brown, of Van Buren County. 1837-1910.

Alexander Brown was born near Carbondale, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1837, and died at Keosauqua, Iowa, August 10, 1910. Judge Brown was of Scotch descent, his father, Hugh Brown, and his mother, Mary Gibson, were both natives of Scotland and were married in that country. They were Presbyterians and emigrated to this country in 1820 or 1822, living two years at Albany, New York, then in Pennsylvania, and from there they came to the Territory of Iowa in 1842 and settled at Keosauqua, where the elder Brown in partnership with James Johnson erected and operated a flouring mill. He died in 1847, his widow surviving him thirty years, dying at the age of eighty in 1887.

His work as a law student was in the office of Judge George G. Wright in Keosauqua, Iowa, and he was admitted to the bar at Keosauqua, Iowa, in 1859 and commenced the practice of the law there at that time, spending the whole of his professional life in that city. He was Provost Marshal in the office of Robert Rutledge, Burlington, Iowa, two years; he served two years as County Judge of Van Buren County, and six years as County Auditor, at the close of which he returned to the practice.

In the fall of 1861 Alexander Brown and his brother enlisted in Company E, Fifteenth Iowa Infantry. The brother, Hugh, was made Second Lieutenant of the company and after about a year of service with the company, served on General Ord's staff for the remainder of the war, after which he joined the regular army, where he served many years, retiring with the rank of Major. Judge Brown was promoted March 1, 1862, from private to Sergeant Major of the regiment, which left Keokuk for the front on March 19, and arrived at Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee, April 6. On the first day of the sanguinary battle of Shiloh in which the regiment took part and came out with a casualty list of 213 killed, wounded and missing, Judge Brown was among the number of wounded. He recovered from his wound in time to reach his regiment and participate with it in the battle of Corinth, Mississippi, October 3, 1862, the regiment again losing heavily, and young Brown being again wounded so severely that it not only terminated his active service in the army, but became a severe drain upon his vitality through life. He was discharged upon surgeon's certificate of disability in February, 1863, and returned to Keosauqua. In the fall of 1867 he was elected Judge of Van Buren County and held this office until it was abolished by the legislature. He was elected to the State Senate in 1881. In 1894 he was elected County Attorney, serving two terms, and he was Mayor of Keosauqua continuously for a period of ten years till 1908, when on account of growing infirmities he declined to again run for the office. He was a member of the school board and also its president at the time of his decease. He was a member of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Grand Army of the Republic.

SOURCE: Proceedings of the Iowa State Bar Association, Seventeenth Annual Session, Held at Oskaloosa, Iowa June 29 and 30, 1911, p. 24-5

New York, February 26, [1862]

Com. Stringham is to be presented on Thursday evening with an elegant sword by a committee of the citizens at Brooklyn.

U. S. treasury notes are at 30 per cent. premium at Richmond.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

From Tennessee

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26.

A Fort Donelson Dispatch to the Democrat of yesterday, says that a boat just from Clarksville reports the evacuation of Nashville.  The Union citizens of that place sent a boat to Clarksville, which craved one of our gunboats for their protections.

The rebels, with Gov. Harris, retreated to Murfreesboro.

Gen. Grant Declares martial law in West Tennessee, with the understanding that when a sufficient number of citizens of the State return to their allegiance and show a desire to maintain law and order over the territory, all military restrictions shall be withdrawn.  Postal facilities are extended to Clarksville, and the mail bags will follow the flag.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Price Again Cleaned Out By Gen. Curtis

Special to Chicago Journal.

ST. LOUIS, February 25.

Dispatches received at the headquarters of the Department [of the] West this morning announce that the army under General Curtis had again routed General Price, together with the forces sent to his assistance by the Confederates under command of Ben. McCulloch, at Cross Hollows, Arkansas.  This was the place at which Price was expected to make his last determined stand.  It is forty miles from the Missouri boundary line, and a point at which desperate resistance might well be made.

Gen. Curtis forced Price to leave behind him all his military stores, and also his sick and wounded.  Previous to his abandonment of the ground, he ordered all his camp equipage to be burned, and it was done.

General Curtis in his dispatch to Gen. Halleck, says: “Most of our provisions for the last ten days have been taken from the enemy.  Price burned the extensive barracks at Cross Hollow, to prevent our troops from occupying them.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, February 27, 1862, p. 1

Battery "A," 1st Illinois Light Artillery

First known as Smith's Chicago Light Artillery. Entered State service for three months, April 17, 1861, and moved to Cairo, Ills., with Swift's Cairo Expedition. Capture of steamers C. E. Hillman and J. D. Perry, and seizure of arms and munitions of war bound south, April 25. Duty at Cairo. Ills., till July. Reorganized at Cairo, Ill., for three years, July 16, 1861, as Battery "A," 1st Illinois Light Artillery. Attached to District of Cairo to February, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Cairo, February, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, District of Cairo, March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to April, 1862. Artillery, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. Artillery, 5th Division, District of Memphis, Tenn., to November, 1862. Artillery, 5th Division, Right Wing 15th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee. November, 1862. Artillery, 2nd Division, District of Memphis, Tenn., 13th Army Corps, to December, 1862. Artillery, 2nd Division, Sherman's Yazoo Expedition, to January, 1863. Artillery, 2nd Division, 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to November, 1864. Garrison Artillery Nashville, Tenn., to December, 1864. Artillery Reserve, Chattanooga, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to July, 1865.

SERVICE.--Duty in Military District of Cairo till February, 1862. Operations at Ironton-Fredericktown, Mo., October 12-25, 1861. Engagement at Fredericktown October 21. Expedition from Paducah, Ky., to Fort Henry, Tenn., January 15-25, 1862. Operations against Forts Henry and Heiman, Tenn., February 2-6. Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 12-16. Expedition to Clarksville and Nashville, Tenn., February 22-March 1. Moved to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., March 1-10. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., June 3-July 21. Duty at Memphis till November. Expedition from Memphis to Coldwater and Hernando, Miss., September 8-13. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November-December. "Tallahatchie March," November 26-December 12. Sherman's Yazoo Expedition December 20, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Chickasaw Bayou December 26-28. Chickasaw Bluff December 29. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark., January 3-10, 1863. Assault and capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, January 10-11. Moved to Young's Point, La., January 17, and duty there till March. Expedition to Rolling Fork, via Muddy, Steele's and Black Bayous and Deer Creek, March 14-27. Demonstration on Haines' and Drumgould's Bluffs, April 29-May 2. Movement to join army in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., via Richmond and Grand Gulf, May 2-14. Battle of Jackson, Miss., May 14. Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 5-10. Siege of Jackson, Miss., July 10-17. At Big Black till September 26. Movement to Memphis, thence march to Chattanooga, Tenn., September 26-November 20. Operations on Memphis and Charleston R. R. in Alabama October 20-29. Bear Creek, Tuscumbia, October 27. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Tunnel Hill November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. March to relief of Knoxville, Tenn, November 28-December 17. At Scottsboro, Ala., till May, 1864. Expedition from Scottsboro toward Rome, Ga., January 25-February 5, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May to September. Demonstration on Resaca May 8-13. Battle of Resaca May 13-15. Advance on Dallas May 18-25. Operations on 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. Operations in North Georgia and North Alabama against Hood, September 29-October 28. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn., October 28, and garrison duty there and at Chattanooga. Tenn., till June, 1865. Mustered out at Chicago, Ills., July 3, 1865.

Battery lost during service 15 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 22 Enlisted men by disease. Total 37.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1035