From Cairo

CAIRO, March 3.

Captain Holeman, of the 7^th Ill. Cavalry, with 46 men, while making a reconnoisance of the country west of Charleston, Mo., came across 90 rebel cavalry, commanded by the veritable Jeff. Thompson, and after pursuing them a long distance forced them to make a stand about five miles below Sikeston.  Jeff.’s artillery was planted in such a manner as to command all approaches, and our forces were compelled to charge in the face of his battery.  This they did with great gallantry and succeeded in capturing four guns and putting the Confederates to flight, with a loss on our part of one man, who straggled from the command and was taken prisoner.  The rebel loss not ascertained.

The steamer Isetta arrived from the Tennessee river yesterday.  She reports that the gunboats Tyler and Lexington, accompanied by the transport Isetta, were approaching Pittsburg, a small town on the Tennessee river about eight miles above Savannah, and when within half a mile of the town were fired upon by a battery located upon a bluff overlooking the river.  The gunboats replied and for one-half hour shot and shell fell thick and furious.

At the expiration of that time the battery was silenced.  The gunboats continued to shell the battery for a half an hour, when, 86 marines and infantry left the boats. – They went ashore, burned one house, and visited one of the confederate camps.  The enemy again opened fire, but our forces repulsed and drove them over the hill.  The enemy’s forces, consisting of cavalry and infantry, being larger than the federals, they were enabled to flank them, and a retreat was ordered.  This was accomplished in good order under heavy fire.

Previous to the retreat our men captured a drum, upon which was painted, “Captured from the federal army at Manassas.”

The battery at Pittsburg had been established since the first visit of our gunboats to Tennessee river.  It is supposed that there were about 1,000 Confederate troops in the vicinity of Pittsburg.  Our loss is 1 killed, 4 wounded, and 3 missing.

The Isetta brought down about 800 bu. Of contraband wheat, belonging to one Russel, a notorious rebel, formerly of Louisville.  This was taken at Clifton.

The Isetta also brought down 20 Union refugees.  The officers of the boat represent the existence of considerable Union Sentiment in that part of Tennessee visited by our gunboats, and say that the woods along the river are full of Union men, who have been driven from their homes and await the arrival of the Federal forces to rid them of their persecutors.

At an election held at Savannah on Saturday, for Sheriff and clerk of the courts, the Union ticket received 370 votes and the secession 45.

A gentleman just arrived from Charlestown, Mo., brings intelligence of the capture of forty men belonging to Jeff. Thompson’s command, and four small 1-poounder guns.  The locality of the capture was five miles south of Sikeston.

Col. J. J. S. Wilson has resigned his position as assistant military manager of telegraphs.

CAIRO, March 1 – 9 P. M.

The sky is now most brilliantly illuminated by the reflection from a large conflagration, in the line of Columbus and apparently as far distant.  It is the opinion that Columbus is burned.  Rumors of its evacuation have been current in the streets all day.

Fresh rumors are rife here this evening of the evacuation of Columbus.  It is reported that the rebels have retreated to Island No. 10, and will make a stand there.  They claim it is the strongest position on the Mississippi river.  Men and pilots here, however, deny its claim in that respect.

The transport Economy was sunk in the Cumberland to-day.

No boats from up the river have arrived to-day.

Secretary Stanton’s recent order is still a theme of discussion here, especially the 3^rd regulation.  Various views of it are entertained, the most recognizing it as a judicious order.  Northern newspapers find their way to the rebels with the utmost regularity.  St. Louis papers reach Columbus daily, probably by bottle navigation.

The various newspaper correspondents at Cairo paid their respects to Gov. Kirkwood of Iowa, this evening.  The Governor has been here for some days, looking after the Iowa wounded.  He is firm in the belief that the rebellion is in process of rapid extinction.

The Cumberland river is very high and rapidly raising.

The Tennessee Legislature is still in session at Memphis.

A very bright light, as of a large conflagration, in the direction of Blandville, was seen from here last night.

The flag of the gallant Iowa 2d, the first which was planted on the enemy’s works at Donelson, arrived yesterday, en route for Iowa.  Three of the color bearers were killed and three wounded.

It is to hang over the speaker’s chair in the Iowa House of Representitives, and after the adjournment of the Legislature will be deposited in the archives of the Historical Society.  The flag bears the marks of the terrible conflict at Donelson, having no less than sixteen bullet holes through it.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

John W. Dewey

ENLISTED as a private in Company F, 16th Iowa, January 27, 1862, and was promoted to Quartermaster-Sergeant of the regiment. The following was written by the late Lieutenant Madison R. Laird, of the same company : —

"John W. Dewey was in the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862; in the siege of Corinth, during April and May, 1862; in the battle of Iuka, September 19, 1862; in all of the marches and skirmishes of the regiment until the 8th of February, 1863, when he was promoted to quartermaster-sergeant. He served during the campaign that reduced Vicksburg, and after this he reenlisted as a veteran volunteer, and with his regiment joined Sherman's army at Big Shanty, Ga. He was engaged with it in all of the skirmishes and battles in front of Kenesaw Mountain, where he was killed July 7th, 1864, by the explosion of a shell from the rebel batteries in front of Nickojack works."

The following particulars of the manner of his death are given by Lieutenant Hope, Quartermaster 16th Iowa, in a letter written to Colonel Dewey of Des Moines : —

"He was on duty at the time — evening July 7th, at 7 o'clock. The Rebels commenced shelling our works — the heaviest shelling I ever experienced. A shell bursted near us, one piece hitting John in the left side, and another small piece in the head, killing him instantly. Either wound would have caused death. He was not mangled except in the side, and when laid out he had more the appearance of being asleep than dead. John was a great favorite in the whole regiment. Many were the tears shed by the group of friends gathered round, when at midnight the coffin was consigned to the grave. Colonel Sanders, though accustomed to look on death, on seeing John's remains, wept like a child."

He was very companionable, and made many friends. I am not aware that he had any enemies except the enemies of his country. General Crocker always spoke of him in the most complimentary terms. It was through the influence of General Crocker that he was promoted. Had Dewey lived, still higher promotion awaited him.

Born in Westfield, Mass., his early life was mainly spent in Lebanon, N. H., his home for many years. He received a very good academical education. Came to Iowa in 1850, at twenty years of age; thought of entering into the practice of law with his uncle, J. N. Dewey, of Des Moines, but the gold excitement took him to the mountains in 1860. He returned to Des Moines in the fall of the same year; taught a term of school during the winter; returned to Colorado in the spring of 1861; came to Des Moines again in the fall, and began recruiting a company for the 16th Iowa, himself enlisting as a private.

After the battle of Shiloh, he spent a few weeks in Des Moines on sick leave, and resumed his place again in the ranks; returned again to Des Moines on a few weeks' furlough after the capture of Vicksburg.

He was hopeful and cheerful; bore misfortune with the composure of a philosopher; he made the best of everything; a man of strict morals.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of "Commen Men", p.230

Levi R. Hester

A Private in Company B, 16th Iowa Infantry Volunteers; age, twenty-seven; residence, Des Moines (according to the Reports of Adjutant-General of Iowa); native of Indiana; went into quarters Oct. 10, 1861 ; mustered into United States service, Dec. 11,1861; died Oct. 12,1862, of wounds received at Iuka.

SOURCE: Leonard Brown, American Patriotism: Or, Memoirs Of "Commen Men", p.230

Wm. W. Carrington

Sergeant, Co. H, 2^nd Texas Infantry, C.S.A.

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

Nomination for Senator

BALITOMORE, March 4.

The Maryland Legislature met in caucus last night, and nominated Reverdy Johns for U. S. Senator, on the 10^th ballot.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Boston, March 4 [1862]

The steam tug Boardman, of N. Y., arrived to-day, and reports speaking [to] a fisherman who saw the frigate Vermont on the 1^st inst. at anchor on George’s bank, with her masts cut away.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

A Brave Boy

An incident is related of young Spellitich, at Fort Donelson, a member of Co. C, and a son of Mr. Felix Spellitich, of this county, that ought to be recorded.  When our forces arrived at the entrenchments he clambered on top, stopped there, took off his overcoat, laid it down, then his under coat, laid that down deliberately, put his ammunition on top of the pile, then stood and coolly took aim at the enemy.  Each time, when about to fire, he would say “You scoundrel, you shot my captain,” or words to that effect, and every time he pulled the trigger an enemy bit the dust.  Seeing his dangerous position, exposed as the boy was, a prominent object for the enemy’s marksmen, Lieut. Bing ordered him down, but he either didn’t hear, or didn’t want to, and kept on blazing away as if the fate of the army depended on his maintaining his position.  When he came down, he was entirely unharmed.  Young Spellitich is about nineteen years old, and is a native of Hungary.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Public Meeting

In accordance with the call of the finance committee, a small number of the contributors to the Soldiers’ relief fund met at the Le Claire House.  The chairman of the committee stated the object of the meeting, which was to take some action with regard to certain bills which have been presented to the finance committee for telegraphing.

Mr. Campbell stated what the bills were. – One lot consisted of expenses incurred by Mr. C. H. Eldridge, as Secretary of the former meeting, in telegraphing in reference to the whereabouts of the wounded; the other of those of the committee to bring home the remains of Capt. Slaymaker.  The former amounted to about $34; the latter to about $10.  These the committee had declined to pay without further instructions.  An animated discussion arose as to the propriety of allowing Mr. Eldridge’s bills, a number of persons participating.  It was eventually decided to sustain the committee, but to reimburse Mr. Eldridge by additional subscriptions.  The claim of the other committee, it was understood, would be allowed by the finance committee.  The meeting then adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Returns To-morrow

Mr. Thos. Harvey, of Co. C, who expected to leave for Fort Donelson last Monday, but was detained, will leave to-morrow, and will convey to their destination all letters for any of the 2d regiment which may be left at his father’s residence, Sixth street, north side, between Main and Harrison.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Memoir Of General Crocker

Marcellus Monroe Crocker, whose portrait adorns the frontispiece of this number of The Annals, was born on the 6th of February, 1830, in Johnson County, Indiana, where his early life was spent, in such occupations and amid such scenes as usually beguile the tender years of a western farmer's son.

In 1844, he removed with his father's family, to Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa, and two years later, on the recommendation of Augustus Caesar Dodge, then a Senator in Congress from the infant State of Iowa, he was appointed a cadet in the United States Military Academy at West Point. After two years creditably spent at the academy, he was suddenly called home by the death of his father. Seeing his mother but poorly provided for, with a noble self-sacrifice, he at once resigned his cadetship, that he might the better assist her in the support of herself and his sisters, — thus voluntarily renouncing the pomp of an epauletted soldier's life, — so attractive to a youth of eighteen with Crocker's taste and talents for the profession of arms.

In 1850, Crocker, then twenty years of age, entered upon the study of the law, and was also married to a young lady whose heart he had won by relating another than the Story he was reading at the law office. His previous studies at West Point being a good basis for those of the law, has quick and comprehensive mind, with this advantage, was enabled at once to grasp the great principles of jurisprudence, and he was accordingly admitted to the bar the following year.

The same year that he was [licensed] to practice, he opened an attorney's office in Lancaster, Keokuk County, where he pursued his profession honorably and successfully till 1854, when he removed to Des Moines, and was soon afterwards recognized as one of the leading lawyers of the State.

When the rebellion broke out, Crocker was among the first to respond to the President's call for seventy-five thousand soldiers, by raising the first military company organized in central Iowa, which was incorporated into the 2nd Iowa Infantry, of which he became the first major, by the direct vote of the regiment itself, with which rank he served till the following September, when he was promoted to the grade of Lieutenant Colonel. On the 30th of October, 1861, he was commissioned a full colonel, and given the command of the 13th Iowa Infantry, then organizing at Camp McClellan. He remained in command of his regiment till the battle of Shiloh occurred, when the commander of the brigade to which the 13th was attached being wounded and disabled early in the action of the first day, Crocker, as the next senior officer, took his place.

Shortly after the battle of Shiloh, the renowned "Iowa Brigade," composed of the 11th, 13th, 15th and 16th Iowa Infantry, was formed, and its command assumed by Crocker —he being the ranking colonel in it. Much of the celebrity which this brigade acquired, is due to the discipline and esprit de corps given it by its first commander, who, though just and generous, was of a naturally irascible temper, made still more irritable by constant ill-health. None knew better than Crocker himself, of this defect in his character, and he was ever ready to make amends for any harsh word into which momentary warmth might betray him. When a fit of passion took possession of him, in the change assumed by his features, his nose would appear pale and flattened, and the boys of the "Iowa Brigade," who adored him for his well known goodness of heart, and for the many dangers and glories he had shared with them, would nevertheless joke at the expense of Crocker's nose, and call it the "Brigade Barometer" — saying, after the manner of the almanacs, if Crocker's nose was natural in hue and shape, "fair weather" might be expected; if white and flat, "look out for storms."

On the 29th of November, 1862, Crocker was appointed a Brigadier General, but the confirmation of his appointment by the Senate was deferred till the following March, up to which latter date, he remained in command of the "Iowa Brigade." Gen. Grant's army was about moving for the rear of Vicksburg when Crocker received his commission as Brigadier, and he was immediately put in command of the 7th Division of the 17th Army Corps, which, under him, greatly distinguished itself at the battle of Jackson on the 14th of May, and bore a conspicuous part at the battle of Champion's Hill on the 16th of May, 1863.

Shortly after the capture of Vicksburg, Gen. Crocker was assigned to the command of Natchez, Miss., and from thence led an expedition to Harrison's Landing, La. He accompanied Gen. Sherman in his expedition, in the early part of 1864, from Vicksburg to Meridian, and in the spring of the same year began the Atlanta campaign with the 17th corps. However, his health became so wretched, and his strength so prostrated, that he was obliged to leave the field, after accompanying the army as far as Rome, Ga., and with the hope of improving his physical condition, [he accepted] a command in the department of New Mexico. Here his heath improved, and at his own request, he was ordered to report to the commander of the department of the Cumberland in the spring of 1865. His anxiety to return to the field and to active duty, induced him to start from New Mexico too early in the season, and, as a consequence, before his journey was finished, his health was worse than ever. On his retirement from his New Mexican command, which included the custody of a large number of Indian prisoners, Gen. Carleton, commanding the department, issued a special order, complimenting Gen. Crocker in the highest terms for the able and judicious manner in which he had discharged his responsible duties there.

By the time Crocker had reached the Missouri river, the Army of the Cumberland was well nigh disbanded. So, after resting a short time at his home in Des Moines, on the 6th of August 1865, he started for Washington, to report for orders. It proved to be his last visit to his family, for on the 26th of the same month he died at Willard's Hotel, in Washington City, of the slow but certain destroyer, consumption, which for so many years had harassed and [hindered] him, and never loosened its grasp but to mock and secure a tighter hold of its victim.

His remains were taken to Des Moines, where they were buried by the citizens of the State Capital with imposing and appropriate ceremonies.

Gen. Crocker was a little, above the average height, of slender, active frame. He was sought out by all within the sphere of his acquaintance, as an agreeable, quaint-spoken companion, full of pleasant sayings for his friends. He was impetuous, warm-hearted and generous, and brave beyond suspicion. He was married three times, and leaves behind him children, and a widow to whom he was married in 1855.

In 1860, Gen. Crocker united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and remained a member of that religious body up to the time of his entering the service, yet never made a public profession of religion; but his devotion to his mother and sisters — providing as he did for the former till her death, and for the latter till their settlement in life; the faithful manner in which he discharged every duty, and the resignation and fortitude with which he bore his sufferings and met his death, attest that his life was acceptable to God, as it was useful to his fellow-citizens and glorious to his country.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Capt. A. A. Stuart, of Ottumwa, the author of the popular volume. "Iowa Colonels and Regiments," will accept our thanks for the use of the steel-plate engraving of General Crocker, whose portrait appears in this number.

SOURCE: State Historical Society of Iowa, The Annals of Iowa, Vol. 4, No. 4, October 1866, p. 765-8

C. E. Hammett

Private, Co. C, 2^nd Texas Infantry, CSA

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

Rachel M. Bolles to Lorenzo Bolles, Jr., March 28, 1863

Sand Spring [Iowa]

Saturday eve 28th March, 1863

My Dearest Husband,

I had made up my mind if I did not get a letter from you today to sit down and write you a good long old fashion love letter but yours came so loaded with love that I need pay extra on it but I don’t care for that. (I mean yours of 15th and 23rd) It expresses my own feelings so well and makes me feel so nicely that I think I will write until I feel low spirited. That won’t be a great while. I presume though I have done pretty well I think under the circumstances. Am in good health. So are the children. Anna has been unwell with a cold on her lungs. A bad cough. She has had a good many such sick spells since she had the diphtheria. She is nearly well now. Carrie wanted to know if you did they pay anything for the milk that we let them have? Don’t intend to say anything about it but have often thought I should like to know but don’t want to ask her.

Marsk is fencing in a lot for the sheep from the SW corner of the barnyard to Hubbard’s fence then from the corner of the pig pen to Bowen fence. We have eleven lambs now. Mr Campbell is quite sick with lung fever. Has been raising blood. They are boarding at Sherwood’s. Mr Greer has buried another child. Has 2 left out of 6. Mr Clines buried another this week, I had a letter from E Spalding this week with $3.00 to pay taxes. He know you are in the Army and yet writes as though you was at home. Has been to Eastbard. Saw your father, Mr Taylor called here today. Said he could do nothing about Mr Warner’s taxes. Should let it remain until you come home then you could attend to it with your own. So you see it must fall to your lot after all to take care of all these folks taxes.

I have an excellent letter from our old friend, Deborah will send it to read. Please send it back. You will see what she says about taxes in behalf of others perhaps you had better write to Doc Holding. I don’t know what to tell them. I will send you a stamp. You say you will answer somebody’s letter that I sent you. I have sent so many that I don’t know which you mean. Did you get Brother Patters letter?

Sabbath eve.

I must get this ready to go in the morning. Don’t know where it will find you but I hope in a good place, well and happy. Wish you was here tonight. It would be so pleasant to have your company. The children have all gone to bed. Anna is in the cradle by my side so I do not feel that I am all alone. She is a great deal of company for me both night and day. Carrie’s last request before going to bed was to send her love and Ann’s to Father and tell him not to forget Anna. I think she sent you a short letter in one of mine. She thinks it rather strange that you don’t answer it.

I have been to meeting today. It was rather hard for Brother Bell to get into the works but after he did he done very well. The largest half of the congregation was children. Saw Mr Boldin. Gave Brother Bell some money. They feel obliged to pay him and I am glad they do though nobody likes him. I wish they were obliged to give me something for the services that you have rendered them. Perhaps I shall get along just as well with out it. I never have suffered yet. Don’t think I ever shall. I hope not at least.

It is bedtime and I must go to bed. If you was not pretty good on reading writing also spelling I should not dare send this.

Are your old shirts and stockings worn out yet? If you have any old clothes that I can make use of when you come home take them along if you can.

I must close. Wish you a good nights rest and sweet dreams.

From your affectionate wife,

R M Bolles

Sand Spring, March 29th 1863

I have sent you all the Republicans that have come.

Henry B. Doolittle

The Cincinnati Commercial thus alludes to our gallant fellow citizen who was so badly wounded while carrying the colors of the noble 2d Iowa regiment in storming Fort Donelson:

Henry B. Doolittle, formerly of this city, for the past three or four years a resident of Davenport, Iowa, volunteered, early in May last, in the 2d Iowa Regiment.  Previous to the battle at Fort Donelson this regiment had charge of prisoners in McDowell’s College, near St. Louis, (some 1600 rebels.)  Mr. Doolittle was color bearer for the 2d Iowa Infantry, and in the charge on the 16^th inst., under Gen. Smith’s command, was shot in the abdomen, two inches below the navel, also in right leg below the knee, and in the right shoulder.  The surgeons pronounce him in a critical condition.  He is now at Mound City in the Hospital.  His brother, who resides here, has gone to remove him, if possible, to this place.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, March 5, 1862, p. 1

Cairo Correspondence

CAIRO, Feb 28, 1862.

MR. EDITOR:– I presume the different members of your city relief committee now in this vicinity, have kept your readers fully posted in regard to what is to be done, and what is being done, by them and others to relieve the sufferings and wants of the brave defenders of our country. – Therefore I propose, briefly, to give you some special incidents and descriptions of cases; believing it will give your readers a more accurate knowledge of the late daily scenes in Cairo and its vicinity than can possibly be derived from reading general descriptions.  Steamboats have daily and sometimes hourly arrived from Fort Donelson, freighted with the sick and wounded, dirty and filthy, to an extent absolutely sickening.  In very many instances this cannot be avoided owing to the profuse suppurations of wounds and the bad odor caused.

As an example I propose to give you an outline of the nature of the wounds and diseases on board of the steamer “John H. Dickey.”  It had on board 125 persons, about half of which were wounded, the balance sick and with a very few exceptions very sick.  This boat was sent from Cairo to St. Louis, in charge of Dr. White of Iowa City, with whom you are acquainted – assisted by Dr. Johns, of Decatur, Illinois – (Ex-President of the Illinois State Agricultural Society.)  He is an active man, and judging from the dispatch and tenderness with which he dresses wounds, we think him a good Surgeon.  His kind and unceasing attentions called forth many an expression of gratitude from those upon whom he waited.  Dr. W. was also assisted by Dr. Bartlett of Marengo and Dr. A. B. Turner of Tipton – both attentive Physicians and good nurses – both have the kind remembrance of those upon whom they attended.

R. L. Powers, 21 years old, a member of Co. B, 18^th Ill. Regiment.  Shot through the left thigh, by a minie ball.  The wound large and suppurating profusely – at least a pint every 12 hours.  Properly attended, will recover.

J. G. Brill, Co. G, 29^th Ill. Regiment. – Shot under the left arm, ball passing through the heavy muscles of the chest and the external portion of the lungs and coming out near the spine; also shot through the lower portion of the fore-arm and one of the bones broken – both wounds suppurating profusely – recovery doubtful.

John Dickery, 22 years old, Co. D, 18^th Illinois regiment.  Shot ten times in as many different places through the fleshy portions of the legs, arms, sides of the body and head, not a bone broken.  Recovering rapidly, will undoubtedly be able for duty again soon.

James M Wealthy, 21 years old, Co. C, 18^th Illinois regiment.  Shot obliquely through the left thigh, carrying away a portion of the bone.  Suppurating profusely, doing well, but recovery doubtful.

George Harris, 21 years old, Co. C, 18^th Illinois regiment.  Shot through both ankles of the lower jaw and tongue, separating the anterior portion of the jaw from the posterior, complete loss of speech.  Will probably recover to a certain extent the use of jaw and speech.

Meady D. Dupont, Co. C, 18^th Illinois regiment.  Shot through the external portion of the left knee; a bad wound.  Will probably lose the leg, perhaps his life.

Michael O’Connor, Co. E, 18^th Illinois regiment.  Shot through the left shoulder, passing through the shoulder blade and coming out near the spine.  Not suppurating much; after a long while may recover the use of the arm.

Talbot Horseley, a rebel prisoner from Sumner county, middle Tennessee, a member of the 30^th Tenn. Regt. Vol. under Col. Murphy, 63 years old.  Shot in the knee, breaking knee-cap; a dangerous wound.  Is a particularly good-hearted man and deeply regrets ever taking up arms against the Union; often speaks feelingly of the marked kindness he has uniformly received since he fell into our hands, and hopes to live to see the old flag floating over every court house in the Southern States; blames a few political leaders for grossly deceiving him and others as to the feeling and intentions of the Northern men.

Isaac W. Likens, 37 years old, 29^th Illinois regiment.  Shot about four inches below the knee, both bones broken, the larger badly split up, with a large external wound on both sides of leg.  On the appearance of mortification, Dr. White amputated the leg about three inches below the knee; patient comfortable and doing well.

John Madden, 17 years old, Co. E 29^th Illinois, shot in the left arm, ball passing in above the elbow up the arm and coming out near the spine.  He says he was in the act of shooting when he was shot, his arm being extended.  The ball passed about eighteen inches before coming out.  It is doing well.

One of the most remarkable cases on this boat was that of a boy who, like Geo. Harris, was shot through the lower jaw and tongue with like results, with the addition of being shot through the muscles on the side of the head, just above the ear.  Another ball entered the ankle and broke the small bone of the leg; another ball entered the other foot – the ball being still imbedded in the small bones of the foot, but not yet to be reached with a probe.  His case is a curious one.  His general health is good and his wounds are healthy.

The diseases were mostly pneumonia, (or lung diseases,) measles and typhoid fever.  There were at least thirty of the former.  Most of the patients’ expectoration was very excessive and of a bloody brick-dust character.  Each of these, as well as others requiring it, were supplied at Cairo with small tins to spit in.  These diseases were mostly caused by the great exposure while on the battle-field, and the continued changes they had to endure before reaching a hospital or permanent place to rest.

The patients were placed in the lower berths of the state rooms, while the cabin floor was covered from one end to the other, their heads toward the state rooms, leaving just room enough to pass the head of each patient and up and down through the boat.  All were mixed in together, rebels and Federals, just as they happened to be carried on to the boat.  As far as practicable, and as the good of the patient would permit, Dr. W. had those of the same disease placed together.

Two deaths occurred on the boat soon after landing – Sergeant Van Meter, so jusdged from the fact that there was found in his pocket a needle cushion with Van Meter marked on it, and because he had on the sleeves of his coat a Sergeant’s straps.  Died from inflammation of the brain.  Also John S. Short, of Co. C, 18^th Ill. Regiment.  Coffee was burnt and hourly carried through the cabin, to kill the bad odor, the stench being almost unbearable even to physicians.  Just such sights and just such disagreeable stench was noticeable on every boat.  It must be seen to be realized. Your friend, *

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2

Mr. Seward Declines the Next Presidency – An Admirable Letter

From the Philadelphia Inquirer, February 25.

A letter written by Mr. Seward, Secretary of State, on the 16^th of December last, a copy of which is appended to these remarks deserves the widest circulation, on account of the lofty patriotism which pervades its every line.  It appears that an association had been formed in this city bearing his name, the avowed object of which was to urge Mr. Seward’s nomination for the next presidency, and he was informed by letter of the fact, but it will be seen that in the firmest tone, yet with admirable dignity, he announces his purpose to decline all such honors.  He cheerfully gives up his aspirations for rule in the whole Republic as a contribution to the efforts necessary to maintain it in its integrity, and peremptorily requires his friends henceforth and forever to drop his name from the list of possible candidates.  Such gentlemen, therefore, as have been taking time by the fore-look, by procuring letters and making interest, under the impression that Mr. Seward would be at the head of the next Administration will have to turn their far-sighted glances into the future in some other direction.  The following is the letter, now first published:

WASHINGTON, December 16. 1861.

DEAR SIR:  I have received the letter which was addressed to me on the 8^th inst. by you, an officer of a political association recently organized in Philadelphia.

You will excuse me, my dear sir, for what may seem unkind or ungrateful in this reply to that communication, which has given me some uneasiness, and which only fails to inflict severe pain upon me, because I do not regard the movement which it describes as one of very considerable magnitude.

The club, as you inform me, have adopted a resolution to exert themselves to secure my advancement to the Presidency of the United States, and this resolution is generously based upon a high appreciation of such public services as I have hitherto attempted to perform.

I avail myself of the good will of the club thus flatteringly manifested, to say that I consider the proceeding as one altogether unwise, and tending to produce only public evil in a crisis when every possible path of danger ought to be carefully avoided.  It is a partisan movement, and, worst of all, a partisan movement of a personal character.

If, when the present civil war was looming up before us, I had cherished an ambition to attain the high position you have indicated, I should have adopted one of two courses which lay open to me – namely, either to withdraw from the public service at home to a position of honor without great responsibility abroad, or to retire to private life, avoiding the caprices of fortune, await the chances of public favor.

But I deliberately took another course.  I renounced all ambition, and came into the Executive Government to aid in saving the Constitution and the integrity of my country, or to perish with them.  It seemed to me, then, that I must necessarily renounce all expectation of future personal advantage, in order that the counsels I should give the President in such a crisis should not only be, but be recognized as being, disinterested, loyal and patriotic.

Acting on this principle, I shun no danger and shrink from no responsibility.  So I neither look for, nor, if it should be offered to me, would I ever hereafter accept any reward.

The country is to be saved or lost by the highest efforts of public and private virtue before another Presidential election shall occur.  If it shall be saved, as I believe it will, I do not fear that my zeal in that great achievement will be overlooked by the grateful generations to come after us. – If, on the other hand it shall be lost, he who shall study the causes of the great ruin shall not find among them any want of self-sacrifice on my part.  I could never consent, if unanimously called upon, to be a President of a division of the Republic. – I cheerfully give up my aspirations for rule in the whole Republic, as a contribution to the efforts necessary to maintain it in its integrity.  I hardly need add that it results from these circumstances, that I not only ask, but peremptorily require, my friends, in whose behalf you have written to me, to drop my name henceforth and forever from among those to whom they look as possible candidates for national distinctions and preferments.

Very truly yours,

WM. H. SEWARD.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2

Edgar Thomson Miller

Edgar Thomson Miller, of Media, Pa., son of Levis and Ann McIlvain Miller, born Fifth month 4, 1835, married, Eleventh month 7, 1865, Mary Haldeman, daughter of Issac and Eliza West Haldeman. Mary was born Fourth month 24, 1840, in Upper Providence, Delaware county, Pa., (the house now within the borough of Media). Her father, Issac Haldeman, was born in Charlestown, Chester county, 1797; her mother was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Maris) West, of Springfield, Delaware county, the former of the same family as Benjamin West, the painter.

Edgar T. Miller was educated at schools near his home, and at Salem, N. J., and was a pupil at the latter place, for a time, of Aaron B. Ivins, later principal of the Friends' Central School, Philadelphia. In 1852-3-4 he attended Treemount Seminary, kept by Rev. Samuel Aaron, at Norristown, Pa. He was engaged, in 1861, at Keokuk, Iowa, when the Civil War broke out, and having entered the military service he had an extended experience therein.

In the summer of 1861, Keokuk, being on the border of Missouri, was considered in danger of attack, and he joined a company of "City Rifles," commanded by Captain W. W. Belknap, afterward a major-general and Secretary of War, under whom he served in the engagement at Croton, on the Des Moines river, in August, 1861. In April, 1862, he was mustered in as an officer of the 15th regiment infantry, Iowa Volunteers, and then served for thirty-eight months, until after the war had closed. He was in numerous battles and engagements, including Corinth, Vicksburg, and Atlanta, and was in the "March to the Sea," under General Sherman. He served with his regiment for about half the time, and during the remainder was on the staffs of Gen. Alexander Chambers, and Gen. Frank P. Blair, holding successively the rank of Second and First Lieutenant, Captain, and Brevet-Major.

After the war he was for some time in business in Philadelphia, but from 1867 to 1890 resided on a farm near Swarthmore, retiring then to Media, where he has taken an active interest in the schools, and in municipal affairs, etc. He is (1900-01) President of the School Board of Media, and a Curator of the Delaware County Institute of Science.

Children of Edgar T. and Mary H. Miller:

Elizabeth Haldeman, b. 7. 11, 1868, m., 2. 9, 1901, Samuel Sebastian Evans, of Cedartown, Polk county, Ga.

John Spencer, b. 5. 5, 1872, student at law.

Clarence Haldeman, b. 1. 10, 1881, student of medicine.

Marion, b. 4. 8, 1885.

SOURCE:  Howard Malcolm Jenkins, Genealogical Sketch Of The Descendants Of Samuel Spencer Of Pennsylvania, p. 203-5

Elijah F. Uptergrove

Private, Co. D, 8^th Arkansas Infantry, C.S.A.

Keokuk National Cemetery

Keokuk, Iowa

Incidents, Etc., of the Battle

A correspondent of the Chicago Tribune gives the following incidents, etc., as occurring at the battle of Fort Donelson:

One of the boys of the 11^th Illinois stood behind a tree, and fired forty rounds, each time taking a bite of hard-bread and a sip of coffee between firing.  One man in the 2d Iowa had two balls through one leg, splintering the bone in each place, yet begged of a comrade to place him against a tree, saying he was good for forty rounds more, and did sit and fire his whole ammunition at the rebels.

The Second Iowa Regiment charged on the enemy on his extreme right, and forced him from his breastworks at the point of the bayonet, the rebels giving way and cheering lustily, shouting, “Bully for the Iowa boys.”  This regiment has fourteen balls through its flag, its flag-staff twice shot off, and had three color bearers killed successively.

Among the wounded on that glorious field day was Capt. L. M. Rose, Company G, Eleventh Illinois, whose name has not before been reported.  He was formerly the editor of the Effingham (Ill.) Gazette.  He received four wounds by bullets; one in each hip, in the left shoulder, and left hand.  The wounds on the left hip and shoulder were occasioned by spent balls.  Capt. Rose and Major Chipman, of the 2^nd Iowa, who was wounded in the thigh, laid two days in the woods before they were discovered, and the first night upon the ground in a drenching rain storm, suffering inconceivable pain.

It is astonishing what a quantity of artillery they had, from the small 6-pounder to the large 128-pounder, the whole amounting to over one hundred and sixty pieces, and their ammunition was of the best kind, consisting of the most improved shells, chain and grape shot, solid shot and elongated shells and balls.  They had ammunition enough to have stood a two months’ siege.

They also had all the tents that our army required to use after the victory, and of the most approved style, many of them being of the Sibley pattern.  They had built over three hundred log houses, they are very comfortable, having good board floors, chimneys and fire-places made of sticks and mudded up inside.  The houses are about twelve feet square, built in rows, chinked, and them bottomed with long split oak shingles.  Their roofs are of the same material and altogether the houses are as comfortable as one could wish.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2

Will They Come Back?

The Richmond papers say that every train from Manassas is crowded with soldiers who are on their return home to visit their friends – but who have promised to come back and re-enlist.  Wonder how much, under the circumstances, this promise is worth?  The succession of defeats which the rebel cause is encountering at every point must be a lively inducement to return.  Once at home they will fancy, come to the conclusion that patriotism imperatively requires them to stay where they are, so as to help drive away the “Hessian invaders” when they go that way.  Besides, if they spend a few weeks at their firesides, it will probably prove so difficult for them to find their old comrades and commanders, unless they seek them among the prisoners in the Union camps, that they will scarcely attempt so desperate an undertaking. – N. Y. Herald.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2

A British officer . . .

. . . writing from Teheran, Persia to the “London Times,” remarks:– “A [Cathartic] Pill, manufactured by “an American Chemist,” (DR. J. C. AYER, of Lowell, Mass.,) has cured the Shah of a Liver Complaint that threatened his life.  This simple fact, as might be expected renders the American immensely popular here, while we English are over looked.  Doubtless our own scholars made the discoveries which he employs, and thus it is in everything; we do the labor, then the mousing Americans put their makes on it and take the reward.  Doctor Ayer is idolized by the Court and its retainers here, which will doubtless be reflected to him on a gold snuff box, or diamond hilted sword, while not the name even of Davy, Christison or Brodie – the great lights by which he shines, is known.” – New York Sunday Paper.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 4, 1862, p. 2