Official Report Of the Killed and Wounded of the Iowa Second Regiment in the Battle of Fort Donelson

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,

Feb. 20, 1862.

EDITOR DAVENPORT GAZETTE – Sir:  By direction of Col. J. M. Tuttle, I herewith enclose an official report, as reported to headquarters of the killed and wounded of the Second Iowa Infantry Volunteers, in the action on the 15th inst., at this place.

ADJUSTANT’S CLERK.

The Following list shows the casualties of the Second Iowa Infantry Regiment, during the field operations in and about Fort Donelson, all of which occurred during the engagement of the 15th inst.

Major N. P. Chipman, severely wounded by a musket ball in the thigh.

Sergeant Major Brawner, slightly wounded.

Company A – Killed.
Private		Richard Hingham
Wounded.
Corporal	Eli Ramsey				severely
do	Henry H. Seiberlich				slightly
do	Thomas A. Stevenson				severely
Private	Seth Farr				probably fatal
do	James M. Patton				severely
do	D. H. Underhill				slightly
do	Douglas Allendorf				do
do	Geo. D Saylor				severely
do	Robert Hall				severely
do	James Quicksell				slightly
do	James Kerr				do
do	Samuel Evans				severely
do	J. J. Goodwin				slightly
do	W. W. K. Harper				do
do	John Traugher				severely
do	John Kipple				slightly
One killed and seventeen wounded.
COMPANY B - Killed
Corporal color guard				S. G Page
Private				William Guthrie
Wounded
1st Lieutenant	John G. Huntington				severely
Corporal	R. M. Lytle				slightly
Private	J. P. Scott				severely
do	A. W. Scott				do
do	G. W. Scott				do
do	G. Rosenburgh				slightly
do	A. Drawker				do
do	George Parkinson				do
do	A. H. Clark				do
do	J. H. Tracy				do
do	A. Stimmetz				do
do	S. Todd				do
do	O. E. Dike				do
do	S. H. Spencer				do
do	J. Bartchi				do
do	J. Wilson				do
do	George Mennig				do
do	John McCrelliss				do
do	W. A Nichols				do
do	G. H. Howe				do
do	H. H. Port				do
do	E. M. Manning				severely
do	John Linden				slightly
do	J. Murphy				do
do	Thomas Morrow				do
do	James Buckwalter				do
do	William Moller				do
Two killed and twenty-eight wounded.
COMPANY C – Killed.
Captain				J. S. Slaymaker
Private				G. W. Howell
do				C. H. Lenhart
do				Joseph Meyers
do				Ed. Peterson
Wounded
1st Lieut.	W. F. Holmes				severely
2d do	Alfred Bing				slightly
1st Sergeant	G. F. Hall				do
2nd do	H. C. McNeil				do
4th do (color sergt.)	H. E. Doolittle				severely
Corporal	W. M. Campbell				severely
do	W. P. Wade				do
do	J. C. Urie				do
Private	J. G. Greenwalt				do
do	G. A. Smith				slightly
do	Edward Corcoran				do
do	F. W. Caspar				do
do	W. H. Roystore				severely
do	W. H. Magill				do
do	Joseph Hunter				do
do	Charles Flewry				slightly
do	Wm. McLain				do
do	A. J. Ross				do
do	J. W. Morrison				severely
do	G. A. Bell				slightly
do	W. C. Hecker				do
do	A. F. Gore				do
do	Fred Herbert				do
do	Wm. Dtummond				do
Five killed and twenty-four wounded
COMPANY D – Killed.
Sergeant			Nathan W. Doty
Private			G. Weeks
Wounded.
1st Lieut.	Edgar T. Ensign				severely wounded
2nd Lieut	Geo. L. Godfrey				slightly wounded
Corporal	William Ragan				severely wounded
Private	Wm. H. Brenton				do
do	Casper S. Brady				do
do	Theodor G. Cree				do
do	John M. Combs				do
do	Peter Dreher				slightly wounded
do	Ricardo Debelle				do
do	Joseph S. Hayden				mortally wounded
do	Henry Lawrence				severely wounded
do	Jno. Nagle				do
do	Andrew Slatten				do
do	Robert Patric				do
do	Thomas Ward				slightly wounded
do	John Z. Williams				severely wounded
do	David G. Yant				do
do	Wm. L. Cady				do
do	P. G. Noel				do
do	Joseph Cooper				do
do	John Gardiner				do
Two killed and twenty-one wounded.
COMPANY E – Wounded.
First Sergeant	Wilmer				slightly
Corporal	Robinson (color guard,)				severely
do	G. W. Moorehouse				slightly
Private	Wm. Sage				severely
do	Reuben Coop				slightly
do	G. W. Hill				do
do	Saml. Dougerty				do
do	Robert Stam				do
do	Robert ready				do
Nine wounded.
COMPANY F – Killed.
2d Lieut.			W. C. Harper
4th Sergeant			George W. Morse
Private			Wilson S. Crooks
do			Franklin G. Metz
do			Geo. B. Shriver
do			Wesley W. Vinson
Wounded.
Corporal	Samuel Huffman				slightly
do	James Shrawyer				severely
Private	Finley M. Armstrong				slightly
do	Alonzo Bradford				do
do	Charles S. Coyer				severely
do	J. H. Duffield				do
do	H. D. Duffield				do
do	James Carr				slightly
do	Edwin Goddard				slightly
do	M. C. Hawk				fatally; (since died.)
do	John S Marriott				slightly
do	John Morrow				do
do	Geo. B. Smith				do
do	Andrew Shriver				fatally; (since died.)
do	Franklin B. Wilson				fatally
do	William W. Walker				slightly
Six killed and sixteen wounded.
COMPANY G – Killed.
Sergeant			John Dunn
Private			J. M. Duckworth
do			Andrew Patterson
do			Joseph Neidy
do			Joseph N. Rhodes
do			William H. Drake
Wounded.
1st Lieut.	J. B. Weaver				slightly
1st Sergt.	P. Q. Stoner				severely
Corpl.	John N. Jones				do
do	Gabriel Johnson				do
do	H. D. St. John				slightly
do	John A. De Muthe				do
Private	John W. Pirtle				severely
do	Samuel Fontz				do
do	George Wert				do
do	John Patterson				do
do	James H. Stevens				do
do	Hiram S. Sloan				do
do	Elijah Kinniek				do
do	John W. Hurless				slightly
do	H. H. Jones				do
do	Thomas Colliver				do
do	Wm. Buchanan				do
do	Clinton McMickle				do
do	Ephraim Farrington				do
do	John D. Scott				do
do	Elisha Wallace				do
do	Leander Jeffreys				do
Two killed and twelve wounded
COMPANY H – Killed.
Corporal			Samuel A. Meally
Wounded.
Corporal	Henry E Weaver (color guard)				severely
Private	Andrew M. Easton				severely
do	Sabastian Shoffeur				mortally
do	George B. Farley				slightly
do	Wesley Compton				do
do	W. A. Teaford				do
One killed and six wounded.
COMPANY I – Killed.
1st Sergt.			W. L. Jarney
Private			Edward Banks
Wounded.
Corpl.	Henry Churchill (color guard)				severely
do	William Granger				slightly
Private	Thomas Paine				severely
do	James H. Danner				do
do	Donald McKeen				do
do	Richard Parsons				do
do	Ferdnand Rupart				do
do	Jerome Volley				do
do	Hiram A. Simery				slightly
do	W. F. Harrison				do
do	Gottlieb Shendel				do
do	George Cook				do
Six killed and twenty-two wounded.
COMPANY K - Killed
Captain			C. C. Cloutman
Corporal			James Berkey
Private			James Blake
do			Wm. T. Kirkpatrick
do			John Hampton
do			Wm. H. B. Whitney
do			Joseph H. Phillips (Brass Band.)
Wounded.
Sergeant	Benjamin S. Hammitt				severely
do	G. M. Cook				slightly
Corporal	S. S. Sherer				severely
private	E. G. Vaughan				do
do	David Cook				do
do	James West				do
do	A. S. Thompson				do
do	Thomas Gallagher				do
do	W. H. Goodall				slightly
do	David Sergent				do
do	T. D. Holmes				do
Seven killed and eleven wounded.

During the action I received a slight wound in the wrist from a musket ball, which struck the hilt of my sword and wrenched it from my hand; also a severe injury by a fall from a log, which was knocked from under my feet by a cannon ball. – A number of others received slight injuries, which have not been reported.  Seven of the wounded have since died of their wounds, making the loss of my command, which consisted, rank and file of six hundred and thirty men, forty one killed and one hundred and fifty-seven wounded.

Very respectfully, your ob’t serv’t,

J. [M]. TUTTLE,

Colonel 2d Iowa Infantry

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

John McLean

John McLean, a native of Scotland, came to America when he was twenty-six years old. He was born June 13, 1826, near Glasgow, and settled in Dundee, Kane county, Illinois. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in the fall of 1864, in Company K., in the Fifteenth Iowa Regiment, and was discharged July 24, 1865. He accompanied General Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He died Jan. 20, 1907.

SOURCE: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge, The History Of Renville County, Minnesota, Volume 2, p. 1047, abstracted from the biographical sketch of Ephraim McBroom.

Hugh Thompson Reid

REID, HUGH THOMPSON, soldier, lawyer, was born Oct. 18, 1811, in Union county, Ind. In 1840-42 he was prosecuting attorney for Lee, Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson and Van Buren counties, Iowa, holding high rank as a land lawyer. He was president for four years of the Des Moines Valley railroad. He entered the volunteer service as colonel of the fifteenth Iowa infantry in 1861; and was appointed brigadier-general in 1863. He died Aug. 21, 1874, in Keokuk, Iowa.

SOURCE: Thomas William Herringshaw, Editor, Herringshaw's Encyclopedia Of American Biography Of The Nineteenth Century, p. 779

From The Iowa 2d Regiment

FORT DONELSON, Tenn.,

Feb. 20 1862

EDITOR GAZETTE:– Last Thursday morning we found ourselves on the Cumberland river slowly approaching the scene of contest.  At ten o’clock we stopped to wood.  Col. Tuttle said “come boys” and in a moment a lively scene presented itself as officers and men all turned out to prevent our being delayed while wooding.  We all feared we would be too late to participate.  In a few moments we were on our way up the narrow deep stream, the trees on the bank putting forth their buds in the warm sunshine.  We thought we had seen the last of cold weather this winter.

Thursday night we arrived at our destination and felt grateful that we were allowed to remain on board till morning, as it had stormed, rained and snowed and frozen up in a manner that would have done credit to an Iowa climate.  We marched at once to the left wing of the assailing army, taking two days rations and leaving our knapsacks and blankets aboard the McGill.  You that have seen the cold blustering weather of Iowa can imagine our reflections as we flocked around our fires?  We had no axes and could not find much loose wood.  All night long it snowed and blowed and we bade sleep good-bye.  We were half frozen, and in the best kind of a humor to hurt somebody.

The next day passed gloomily away till about one o’clock when Col. Lauman and Gen. Smith appeared and the order was given to “fall in.”  We were informed that it was expected that the left wing of the 2d Iowa should take the outer works at a charge bayonet without firing a shot.

The order was given and we marched out in an open field and ranged in line of battle for the breastworks, half a mile distant.  We kept a good line until we were half way up the hill to the breastworks.  Here the timber had been felled and formed an almost impassible obstacle to a line of infantry.  Their fire opened upon us, when the boys rushed forward over logs and through the brush up the hill in a manner that would have given a gymnast credit.  Their fire was well aimed and took effect on many of our brave comrades.  George Howell, of company C, was the first to fall, and others followed rapidly.  Capt. Slaymaker fell some 25 yards from the breastworks and died most gloriously, flourishing his sword over his head as he raised upon his elbow, cheering his men forward, telling them to “Charge, Charge, go on, go on, give it to them,” until he expired.  Not for one moment did the column falter, but on they rushed leaping over their dying comrades regardless of their sufferings, of danger, of every thing but the  success of our arms.  Revolving rifles poured a shower of bullets into our ranks by direct and flank fire, from behind their embankments.  In fifteen minutes from the time we had the order to fall in our men were over the works, fighting a hand to hand fight with the few of the enemy that dared brave our bayonets.  The right wing soon came up and fired at us after we had carried their embankments.  Other regiments followed, but as we were in the advance I cannot tell anything of them.  Lieut. Holmes fell on the inside of the breastwork while in advance of the men and was carried from the field.  Sergeant Doolittle fell while gallantly carrying the colors with the advance.  Corporal of company I, raised the banner to support it but a moment, when he fell.  Corporal of company F, grasped it and raising it aloft, feeling at the time that he was sealing his death warrant.  It was a courageous action in one so young to hold his life so cheaply.

In a few moments the enemy had retreated through the woods to an inner work. – Some of the bravest lingered and fired from behind trees.  Numbers of men and officers had fallen.  We were reforming one line when Gen Smith. Came up and told the men, “that we could go through,” and asked if we would go.  He was answered by cheers, and away we went on the run across the hollow to the top of the next hill.  Here we halted and opened a fire on them taking aim and picking off the rebels from behind the trees.  The Col. was stunned by a cannon ball.  Maj. Chipman had been wounded in the beginning of the engagement and the few remaining officers could not control the men if they had wished to. – The enemy had adopted the Indian style of fighting, and the 2d soon convinced them that that was a game that was understood by all parties.

No one is conscious of such music as we heard that day, except those who have been on the battle field.  The cannon ball, grape shot, Minnie ball and musket ball, each as a tone of its own.  Not for a moment did it cease, and many a note was sounded much closer to our ears than was agreeable.  Yet all were cool, loading and firing with precision.  Men fell dead without a groan while their comrades fought on as if it were an every day affair.  Lieut. Bing held his ear close to a soldier’s mouth to hear what he had to say, a Minnie ball whistled between them, cutting the Lieut’s hair.  The sentence remained unfinished.  The artillery was brought up and our men were withdrawn to the breastworks, while our cannon opened on their batteries. – Then we carried off our noble Capt.

We held our position till night when hostilities ceased.  The 2d remained all night and thought that that was the severest part of our work.  All needed sleep, but there we stood, no supper and shivered and stamped our feet all night long.  It was a beautiful night, with the full moon in a clear sky, but so cold that our whiskers were gray with white frost and filled with ice.  It was a long night, but not for a moment would we think of leaving what had cost us so dear.  Our left wing made the charge.  We alone had driven them from their works and held them until reinforcements could be brought up.

The 7th Iowa, 14th Iowa, 25th Indiana, and 52d Illinois were on hand, but the enemy did not attempt to make a charge on us.  Our presence, after one bayonet charge, was all that was required to hold the position.  The enemy was completely discouraged.  Sunday morning we prepared to try the next fortress, having replenished our cartridge-boxes.  Cheer after cheer went up from the enemy’s camp.  Far away over the hills we heard their shouts, and supposed that reinforcements had forced through the lines above us to their relief.  Judge of our surprise when an officer came, as fast as his horse could run, shouting, “They have surrendered!”  Shout after shout went up as he passed, loud enough to wake the dead.  Would that it had but for a moment, that they might know that they were not sacrificed for Liberty’s cause in vain.  What joy filled our hearts when we were ordered to lead the army into the fort, and plant our banner on its ramparts.  It was a greater honor than we had dared hope to win; and when we beheld it flying aloft of their white flag, we experienced the greatest pleasure imaginable.  The Confederates appeared joyous, and received us with cheers, and as we filed back past our troops, regiment after regiment cheered for the 2d Iowa.

Sunday night we slept soundly in the log huts within the fort.  Our killed all died in a few moments, with the exception of Capt. Slaymaker, all were buried on the battle-field, on the top of the hill.  Their graves are marked by a board, bearing name, camp, and regiment.  Our men all died bravely.  Not a shriek nor groan mingled with the din of battle.  They dying quietly expired, and the wounded were borne from the field without the least exhibition of their great suffering.  Their bravery detracted much from the horrors of the scene.  It was not like the many descriptions of battles that I have read.  But for the pools of blood we might have supposed our comrades were sleeping.

Sunday morning I for a few moments left the company as they stood on the breastworks, and strolled over the battle ground.  It wanted some hours of day and the full moon shone peacefully upon the [corpses].  I have read of the glaring eyes and gaping mouth of dead soldiers, but here lay my friends asleep; the eyes are closed, the mouth retains its natural position.  This is not like the dead of our homestead.  I could not but kneel by some of those that I thought must still be alive, but their foreheads were cold; they slept the sleep that knows no waking.  There in the silent repose lay friend and foe side by side.

One of the rebels, a religious character, saw their fire take deadly effect on our little band of 300 men, saw them rush boldly into what appeared certain death.  His heart failed him and he was convinced that they were in the right or they would not face death in that manner.  He surrendered, when he might have escaped.  While planting our flag on the fort a negro remarked to his master, “Why massa, you said these ar’ folks is Yankees and they jes looks like you is.” From what he had heard he supposed we were men in the form of demons.  We have possession of Clarksville, and the 2d will move their [sic] tomorrow.

N. A. H.,

Company C, 2d Iowa.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

Another Member of Congress

It will be seen by our dispatches this morning that the apportionment act which has passed both houses fixes the number of members at 241 – being an increase of eight over the number at present fixed by law and three more than the number in the present House. – These members are divided between Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Kentucky.  This gives us six members of Congress – an increase of four over our present number – the largest proportionate increase in the Union.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

Iowa Second Regiment

Again we surrender our usual editorial space to correspondents.  The official report of Col. Tuttle, of the killed and wounded of the Iowa 2d regiment at the battle of Fort Donelson, is a valuable document and one that will not only be read with great interest by every one in Iowa, but be preserved for future reference.  The excellent letter of Mr. H. of Co. C., Iowa 2d Regiment is one of the most detailed and graphic descriptions we have yet had of this engagement.  The list of killed and wounded of his company, which he furnished us, we have omitted, as it will be found embodied in the official report of Col. Tuttle.  The noble conduct of the brave sons of Iowa at Fort Donelson, Belmont and Springfield, sheds a luster on our State that will endure as long as the history of our republic and will proudly connected for years to come with the great rebellion that broke out in the United States in the year 1861 and was only suppressed by the entire subjection of the rebel States participating in it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 2

William R. Cowley

William R. Cowley was a lad of about eight years when he accompanied his parents on their immigration to the United States, in 1851, and the family home was established at Hudson, Ohio, in which state he was reared and educated. Prior to attaining to his legal majority he established his residence in Iowa, and in 1871, about three years after his marriage, he removed thence to Kansas and established his residence at Columbus, where soon afterward he entered the legal profession and engaged in active practice, in which he there continued, as one of the leading lawyers and highly honored citizens of Cherokee County, until the time of his death, which occurred on the 13th of July, 1914. He served for thirty-two years as general attorney for the Log-Bell Lumber Company, a large and important corporation. Prior to engaging in the practice of law he had been ordained a clergyman in the Christian Church, and he continued one of its active and zealous members until the close of his long and useful life. His widow, who continued to reside at Columbus until her death, December 30, 1915, was likewise a devoted adherent of this church. Mr. Cowley was a gallant soldier of the Union in the Civil war, in which he first served as a member of the Sixty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and later as a member of the Fifteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. His service covered a period of about three years, he was promoted to the office of sergeant and he took part in numerous engagements marking the progress of the great conflict through which the integrity of the nation was preserved, a prominent part of his military career having been that in which his regiment accompanied General Sherman on the ever memorable march from Atlanta to the sea. He was an effective and stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the republican party and was affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic. Of the six children the eldest is William Frederick, who is engaged in farming and stock raising in Southeastern Kansas; Minnie is the wife of Charles S. Huffman, M. D., who is engaged in the practice of his profession at Columbus, Kansas; Clement Sidney died in childhood, as did also Anna B.; Laurence L., was the next in order of birth; and Clare J. holds a responsible position in the general offices of the Long-Bell Lumber Company, at Kansas City, Missouri.

SOURCE: Joseph Bradfield Thoburn, A Standard History Of Oklahoma, Volume 5, p. 1771, abstracted from the biographical sketch of Laurence L. Cowley.

Henry C. McArthur

McArthur, Henry C. — Born in Circleville, Ohio, August 27, 1839; mustered into Company E, Fifteenth Iowa Volunteers, October 14, 1861; promoted fourth, second, and first sergeants. Company K, and first lieutenant, Company H; wounded in battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862; also July 21, 1864. while charging the enemy's works in front of Atlanta; detailed aid-de-camp to General Belknap January 6, 1865; brevetted captain and major, United States Volunteers, for "gallant and meritorious conduct;" mustered out July 24, 1865; appointed United States assessor, Internal Revenue, at Memphis, Mo., March, 1870; United States surveyor of customs at Lincoln, Nebr., February, 1889; captain, United States guard, and assistant custodian at Government Building, Pan-American Exposition, Buffalo, N. Y., April, 1901; laborer in the Department of State November 1, 1901; assigned to duty in connection with Department's exhibit at Charleston Exposition December 1, 1901; assistant messenger July 1, 1902; assigned to duty in connection with the Department's exhibit at Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, Mo., April 3, 1904; assigned to duty in connection with Department's exhibit at Lewis and Clark Exposition at Portland, Oreg., April 11, 1905; clerk at $900 July 2, 1906; at $1,000 March 4, 1907; assigned to duty in connection with the Department's exhibit at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition at Seattle, Wash., March 31, 1909.

SOURCE: United States Department of State, Register Of The Department Of State, September 20, 1911,  p. 83

The War News

Com. Goldsborough’s Report.

Burnside and Goldsborough Issue a Proclamation.

Rebel Preparations at Memphis.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862

QUINLAN, whose arrest . . .

. . . we mentioned yesterday, is named Philip, and not John A., as we stated.  The Argus says he called at its office, immediately on his arrival, to make a statement in regard to a notice published by that paper last spring, which asserted that he was in the rebel army.  He says he was not in their army at that time, but when the secesh learned, through that notice, that he was something of a military man, they compelled him to go into the service.  He affirms that the notice broke him up at Mobile, where he was at that time.  For the last six weeks he claims to have been at Memphis, which place he left four days ago, having escaped from the rebel army.  It is doubtful if he ever was in Camp Douglas, at least as a prisoner.  When first seen in Rock Island some of the bystanders called for a rope, and succeeded in scaring him pretty thoroughly, though it is doubtful if they had any intention of hanging him.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862

Local Matters

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

TELEGRAPHIC. – Owing to the line being down between Bureau Junction and Chicago, we are without our usual night dispatches.

DISTRICT COURT. – We are requested to state that the District Court will not be in session to-day.  Next week Judge Dillon will hold court in Clinton county.

GREAT BARGAINS are still to be had at the assigore’s [sic] sale going on at Parker & Van Tuyl’s auction room at 10 a. m. and 2 o’clock p. m.  Citizens should not neglect this opportunity to purchase goods at a low figure.

SOMETHING NEW. – Mr. E. A. Oliver, of the Family Grocery Store, S. E. corner of Fourth and Brady street, has sent us some Pie Plant or Rhubarb grown this winter in a hot bed.  It is very large and fine.  We presume those who wish can obtain some of the same sort of Mr. Oliver, as well as everything else in his line of business.

THE LECTURE on “Pilgrim Principles,” delivered by Rev. Mr. Oxnard Wednesday evening, was able and spirited.  The Democratic and religious sentiments of the Puritan fathers were set forth in bold contrast to the selfish, time-serving spirit, which is too prevalent in these times.  The earnest, anti-slavery, patriotic utterances of the lecturer were calculated to enlist the sympathy of every right-hearted citizen.  It is to be regretted that the audience was so small.  We hope that the Rev. gentleman will be invited to repeat his lecture to a larger representation of our citizens.

RESULT. – We notice that the space which was burned over last fall, opposite Washington Square, has been covered anew with houses, except one small lot which is yet bare.  Three small brick houses and one two-story frame are already occupied, while a double two-story frame building, put up by Mr. Lahrman, awaits the plasterer, and will probably be occupied in a few months.  It is evident that the owners of property down that way are not to be scared by fires, and have the energy to get themselves out of the ashes and start anew.  Most of them had wisely got their houses insured, which enabled them to rebuild as quick as they did.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862

Take Your Home Paper

Now and then a farmer calls in to buy a copy of the weekly GAZETTE.  When interrogated why he does not subscribe for it, the reply is, that he already takes the New York Tribune, and cannot afford to take two papers.  Why does he take the Tribune in preference?  Because he can get more reading matter for the same money!  It is the quantity and not the quality of matter such persons regard.  It is true, and they admit the fact, the news they get through their home paper is that which interests them most, both [pecuniary] and as citizens of Iowa; but then there is so much more reading in the Tribune than in the GAZETTE!  Now we venture to say there is not more reading matter in the Tribune which they will peruse than there is in the GAZETTE.  What does a man know of the prowess of the Iowa troops, or anything else concerning our State, who looks to an Eastern paper for his information?  Literally nothing.  He sees a great many things there, given more in detail, but which as a citizen of the west do not concern him, and are not worth the time he devotes to their perusal.  In regard to late news, he is behind the times, as since the advent of the telegraph a man must look to his home paper, if in receipt of dispatches, for the latest news.  It is false economy for a Western man to patronize an Eastern in preference to a home paper; and no matter how insignificant may be the proportions of the latter, if at all well conducted, no farmer but receives a rich return for the small amount it costs him per annum.  Farmers, if you would regard your own interest, and that of the locality in which you are placed, take your home paper, and be sure that you pay for it.  The latter is a piece of advice that, we are happy to say, the GAZETTE has no occasion in its own behalf, to offer.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862

Des Moines Correspondence

DES MOINES, Feb. 25, 1862.

You will not think it strange, Mr. Editor, that our citizens are very proud of the achievements of the Iowa Second.  Your city having two companies in that regiment, will feel even a greater pride than we, (if that were possible).  We feel now that the regiment has vindicated its bravery, and have so fully that it is place beyond the reach of the vindictiveness of petty officials; that all orders designed to disgrace it will, like that issued by one Hamilton, in St. Louis, disgrace only the man who issues them.  The name our boys won at Donelson, by hard fighting and unflinching courage, will forever place them above the reach of petty malice and official jealousy.  Their fame is national, and wherever the victory at Donelson is proclaimed; there will be applauded the heroic daring of the sons of Iowa!

In the House yesterday, the special committee to whom was referred the Senate bill in reference to Eads and his sureties, presented a majority and minority report.  The bill relates to transactions in Lee county, and the Senate and the majority of the House committee are satisfied that the State will gain by not being too exacting of men who are overtaken by misfortune.  It appears that nearly all the parties are insolvent, but some are willing to mortgage their homesteads for a certain amount, provided they can thus be released from their obligations.  The majority of the committee recommend that the State make as favorable an arrangement as possible with these parties, rather than hold them to their obligation and attempt to collect of men who have no more property than the law exempts from execution.  The minority of the committee recommends that the State try the efficacy of the law first, and compel these parties to testify as to the disposition made of the property in their hands when they became sureties, and some of which has doubtless been put out of their hands in order to prevent it from being levied upon.

The Senate was engaged most of yesterday and part of to-day on the bill authorizing the Auditing Board to audit and allow certain claims.  The bill authorizes them to audit the claims of individual or corporations for furnishing volunteers with arms, clothing etc. not arising under any express law, but rendered necessary from the comfort and convenience of the troops; also the claims of persons who have served upon the border, and of those furnished subsistence, etc. to volunteers thus serving; also the claims of officers who have become personally responsible for clothing etc. for their men; also such claims as come under the provisions of the law enacted at the extra session, but were not presented with the prescribed time.  The committee of the whole just finished the bill, and after striking out all but the provision recommends its passage.

The bill introduced by Mr. Hatch providing for the removal of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum to this city was under consideration a while and finally recommitted.

The House has to-day been in committee of the whole on the dog bill.  It is to be the special order again to-morrow and will receive due notice in my next.

The Railroad and Land Grant Committees are in daily session in the afternoon.

I append a sketch of such Editors as have found their way into the Hall of Representatives.

Mr. Stanton, of the Washington Press is the only professional printer in the House. – He is a young man of good ability, has lived in the State from his youth up, and is well posted on matters pertaining to the interests of Iowa.  He is a faithful member, and his action is dictated by principle rather than policy.  A member of the railroad committee he has drawn up an important bill, defining the duties of railroads, which is now printed and awaiting the action of the House.  He is not a ready speaker, and wisely abstains from occupying the floor; but he is an earnest worker, a good writer, and is right on the record.  The republican doctrine, undiluted and without curtailment, is his rule of political faith.  By it he lives, votes, and swears.  He is quite young yet (the ladies will also be glad to hear that he is single,) and has a long future before him, and in that future we bespeak for him an honorable career, whether on the tripod or in the legislative hall.

When I say Mr. Stanton is the only printer in the house, I mean the only one among the members.  Charles Aldrich, Chief Clerk, is also one of the editorial fraternity.  Everybody who has known anything about the Legislature for the last few years knows him. – He is known as the editor of the Hamilton Freeman, and is an energetic, prompt, and efficient Legislative officer.  He is a favorite with all parties, and gives perfect satisfaction in his present office.  No man could dispatch business with more promptness, accuracy and general satisfaction than he.

J. R. C.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862

XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

WASHINGTON, February, 27.

SENATE. – Mr. Wilson reported back from the military committee the bill providing for a national foundry and furnace with an amendment, striking out the furnace.

Mr. Davis offered a bill as a substitute for the confiscation bill.  Ordered to be printed.

The bill to increase the efficiency of the medical department of the army was taken up.

HOUSE. – The house concurred in the report of the committee of conference, in the disagreeing amendment to the bill, making appropriations for sundry and civil expenses.

Mr. Wright introduced a joint resolution that the proclamation of Andrew Jackson on the subject of nullification, together with the farewell address of Washington, be printed for distribution.

Mr. Stevens moved the addition of the declaration of independence.  Agreed to, and referred to the committee on printing.

The consideration of the Upton contested election case was resumed.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

From Washington

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

The Treasury note bill as finally passed, provides for the issuing of $150,000,000 in Treasury notes, and $50,000,000 in lieu of the demand notes issued in July, and to be substituted for them as fast as practicable.  These notes are to be receivable for all debts due to and from the United States except duties on imports, which shall be paid in coin, or demand notes heretofore authorized to be received and by law receivable in payment of public dues, and interest upon bonds and notes, which shall be paid in coin.

The notes are to be lawful money and legal tender for all purposes, except as above stated.  Depositors of notes not less than $50 are to receive in exchange bonds bearing six per cent. interest, and redeemable after five years, and payable after twenty years.  Five hundred millions of such bonds may be issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, and sold at market value for coin or treasury notes.  Receipts on imports are to be set apart as a fund for payment in coin of interest.  The other provisions are formal.

The Secretary of War’s late order is intended to apply only to war news, of a nature affording aid and comfort to the enemy, as couching intended movements.

The House committee on the conduct of the war, had a long interview with the President last night.  I learn from a member of the committee, that its members have been unanimous in all things since its organization.

The Navy and Treasury Departments have not hitherto pulled together on the question of giving permits to trade to Port Royal and Hatteras.  Mr. Welles tells Mr. Chase that he has no objection to them, if Mr. Chase chooses to grant them.  The latter says he will grant them in all cases where Mr. Welles certifies that the shipper carries necessary supplies for the use of the army and navy.  He has sent every application to Sec. Welles, being apparently afraid of breaking the blockade.  It is said that Sec. Chase issues numerous permits to trade on the coast, as well as on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, countersigned by the surveyors of customs in the West and by special officer on the coast.  Applicants will be required to give bonds as security for their fidelity.

It is said that Gen. Sherman’s soldiers have been induced to sell their pay at discount of fifty cents on the dollar, by representations that treasury notes never would be redeemed.

The additional paymasters will probably be dropped from the rolls, the Paymaster General agreeing with the military committee that there are too many.

The amendment to the congressional apportionment bill passed both Houses; giving additional members each to Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Kentucky.

The armory committee agreed to a report in favor of a National Amory east of the Alleghanies, and armory, foundry and manufacturing arsenal west of the Alleghanies, the sites of all to be fixed by five commissioners appointed by the President, who shall send the result, together with the estimates of cost, to Congress.  These works are intended to be at different points.

Mrs. Lincoln and her youngest son, who have been quite unwell, are improving.

The steamer Baltimore, direct form Roanoke Island, reached the navy yard to-day.  She was not fired on, although the night was clear.

Dispatches from Flag-officer McKein announce the capture of a brig and two schooners, off the Southwest Pass.

The amendment of Mr. Sumner, to the effect that Stark, whose case in now pending in the Senate, being charged by affidavits with disloyalty, is not entitled to his seat until an investigation of the truth of the charges, will put the naked question to the Senate of its right to exclude a traitor, who bears credentials from the Governor of his State and is ready to take his seat.  There is an opinion that Stark will be admitted, although several Republicans protested against their votes being considered a precedent.

The Senate committee on naval affairs agreed to report a bill, reducing the salaries of the highest naval officers 20, intermediate grades 15, and in the lowest 10 per cent., and abolishing naval agencies and store keepers, and hemp and live oak agencies, these duties to be henceforth performed by regular navy officers.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

Herald’s Correspondence.

The roads on both sides of the Potomac were getting into good condition rapidly, until a rain storm set in this evening, which has again rendered tem almost impassable for loaded teams.

A report that Gen. Sickles was shot at in his camp to-day is quite current this evening.  It is disbelieved.

Special to the Tribune.

A vote will probably be reached in the case of Benj. Stark, applicant for the seat of a Senator from Oregon, to-morrow or next day.  The first question will be upon the amendment of Sen. Sumner, which in effect, declares that Stark is charged by affidavits and otherwise, with disloyalty, and is not entitled to his seat until the truth of these charges shall have been investigated.  Should this amendment be voted down, Mr. Stark will be admitted to his seat.  Should it be adopted, a fair question upon the sufficiency of the evidence of disloyalty will remain.  The vote upon Mr. Sumner’s amendment will be a close one, but there is reason to fear that it will be defeated.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26.

The following is a copy of the bill, as passed, authorizing the issue of certificates of indebtedness to public creditors:

Be it enacted, etc., That the Secretary of the Treasury be and hereby is ordered to cause to be issued to any public creditor, who may be desirous to receive the same, upon requisition of the head of the proper Department, in satisfaction of audited and settled demands against the U. S. certificates for the whole amount due or parts thereof.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

Cleveland, Feb, 27, [1862]

Gens. Buckner & Tilgham [sic] passed here this morning, en route for Fort Warren, in charge of Col. Coats.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

From St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 27.

Col. Wood’s cavalry has driven the enemy out of Dent, Texas, and Howell Counties, Mo., and taken sixty rebel prisoners.

Cairo dispatches say heavy rumbling explosions were heard yesterday in the direction of Columbus.  The enemy are supposed to be blowing up their entrenchments.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, Feb. 26.

The reported loss of the Express is unfounded.

The steamer Spaulding has arrived from Hatteras.  A large fire on the main land was seen from Hatteras on Monday, which continued all day.  The fire was still burning in the evening when the Spaulding left.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, February 28, 1862, p. 1