Tuesday, April 16, 2013

A Scene After the Battle

(Extract from A letter of L. F. Drake, Chaplain of the 31st Ohio regiment, to the Western Christian Advocate.)

I went to the camp of the 10th Indiana regiment, where the dead and many of the wounded were, and at the request of Captain Hoagland, I visited some of the houses and tents where the wounded of both armies were, and aided all I could to alleviate their sufferings.  About ten o’clock I lay down in a tent and tried to sleep, but the shrieks and groaning of the wounded and dying reached my ears, and pierced my heart, and I could not sleep.  In a short time Dr. Linnett and Mr. Olds, from Lancaster, Ohio, came in to sleep in the tent I was occupying.  One of them remarked that there was a wounded soldier in an old blacksmith shop, who was desirous of seeing a chaplain.  I arose from my couch, and after wending my way through the mud and wet, I found the shop filled with the wounded, and one was lying upon a forge.  Some were mortally wounded, and a few were not.  After conversing and praying with one of them a short time, he obtained peace and pardon.  I then asked him what regiment he belonged to.  Said he, “I am your enemy, but we will be friends in heaven.”  He then requested me to write to his grandfather in Paris, Tennessee who is a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, and inform him of his condition, and his being prepared to die in the full triumph of faith.  I conversed with several others, and tried to point them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world.  There are times when the soldiers care but little about being conversed with upon the subject of religion, but when in the condition of these men they would prefer seeing a faithful minister of the Gospel than any of their wicked commanders or associates.  I was also permitted to see General F. K. Zollicoffer, who was laid out on a board in a tent in the cold embrace of death.  I saw the place where he was shot and laid my hand upon his broad forehead.  He was about six feet tall, and completely and well built, one among the finest heads that I ever saw.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, June 24, 1862

Our camp was inspected today by the brigade commander. Colonel Hare arrived in camp today. The boys were very glad to see him come back to the regiment.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 55

Monday, April 15, 2013

Porter's Battery: Fort Donelson National Batlefield


C. S. A.

BRIGADIER GENERAL SIMON B. BUCKNER’S DIVISION
COLONEL JOHN C. BROWN’S BRIGADE
PORTER’S BATTERY

This battery of 6 guns occupied this salient, sweeping all approaches to the front and flanking the trenches to the right and left.


On February 13, 1862, the battery assisted in the repulse of an attack made by a portion of General Smith’s Division against the right of the intrenchments.  Later in the day it had occupied a position on the opposite hill.


On February 15, 1 section of this battery moved to the left of the Confederate line and there served the guns of Greene’s Battery Assisting on in the attack upon the Federal line.  Late in the afternoon, after Federal troops had occupied the rifle pits on the extreme right, this battery assisted in preventing a further advance by the Federals.  In this last action the battery commander, Captain Thomas K. Porter, was seriously wounded.


6-POUNDER GUN





The 6-pounder was the prime artillery piece of the Mexican War and the smallest regulation gun of the Civil War.  The confederacy and the Union armies in the west used it extensively, but it was replaced in the Union armies in the east by the Napoleon and the rifled gun.  Its normal range was 1500 yards.  It fired fixed ammunition – either solid shot, spherical case, or canister.




Sanitary Condition of the 7th [sic] Iowa Regiment

Mr. G. L. T. Dille, of Co. C, 8th Iowa Regiment, who has recently returned discharged on account of ill health has handed us the following statement of the sanitary condition of the regiment was may be of interest to some of our readers.


SEDALIA, MO., Jan. 12, 1862.

The number of sick in the regimental Hospital from the 12th to the 31st of October averaged 12 per day.  For the month of November the average was 48 per day, and for December 22.  For January up to the 12th, 36.  This is besides the sick in the quarters which would average as many again as in the hospital, from 80 to 100 per day would be a fair average of those unfit for duty.

There has been 26 deaths in the regiment from various diseases, principally Billious Diarrhea, Typhoid and Lung fevers.

The prospect now bids fair for an improvement in the health.  Our physicians both becoming sick and absent has been a great drawback to us.

JAS. McCONNELL, Steward.
W. H. BARKER, Ward Master.

Washington Press

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

EDITOR’S NOTE:  The regiment in this article was mistakenly headlined 7th Iowa Infantry, but all persons named within it are members of the 8th Iowa Infantry.

Late From The Prisoners

A letter was received in this city on Saturday from Col. W. E. Woodruff, of the Second Kentucky Volunteers who is now a prisoner with the rebels. – The letter was dated the 1st of January.  Col. Woodruff and his companions, Lieut. Col. Neff, and Capt. Austin, are now incarcerated at Columbia, S. C., and were on the 1st inst. enjoying excellent health.  They await their release and return to the service with much anxiety. – {Lou. Jour., 27th.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Confederate Generals Killed or Mortally Wounded at the Battle of Franklin, November 30, 1864

  • Major General Patrick Cleburne, killed.
  • Brigadier General John Adams, killed.
  • Brigadier General Hiram Granbury, killed.
  • Brigadier General States Rights Gist, killed.
  • Brigadier General Otho Strahl, killed.
  • Brigadier General John C. Carter, mortally wounded.  He died at the home of William Harrison, 3 miles south of the battlefield, on December 10, 1864

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, June 23, 1862

Nothing of importance. I went out to the branch a mile from camp to do my washing. Burtis Rumsey of our company has been sick for about two weeks and he begged me to take two of his shirts along and wash them for him, so I did.  I used a small camp kettle which the company cook has set aside for boiling clothes. Some of the boys in the company hire colored women to wash their clothes. I prefer to do my own washing.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54-5

A Useful Dog

Mr. Schenck, at the Farms has a dog which goes out near the railroad track every night, a few minutes before it is time for the cars, and waits until they pass then picks up the paper which is thrown off by the expressman, and carries it to his master.  He is always on hand at the regular time and never fails to bring the paper when it is there.  Monday night he came back without it, and so confident was Mr. Schenck that it had not been thrown off, that he walked to Rockport, and there learned that another person had been on the route that day, instead of the regular expressman, and had forgotten to throw it off. – This same dog used to get the paper by the stage coach, ere the cars commenced running and never missed being at his post when the stage came along. – {Cape Ann Advertiser.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Sunday, April 14, 2013

William Robeck

1st Sergeant, Co. G, 5th Iowa Cavalry
Died April 25, 1863

Fort Donelson National Cemetery
Dover, Tennessee

Later From Europe

Arrival of the Anglo Saxon.

PORTLAND, MAINE, Jan. 30. – The Anglo Saxon from Liverpool, 16th, via Queenstown, 17th, arrived here this morning.  Her dates are five days later.

The steamship Teutonia, from New York, arrived at Southampton on the 12th, with the steamship America, from New York, and the Novascotian arrived at Liverpool on the 14th.  The Edinburg, from New York arrived at Liverpool on the 15th.

The news by the Anglo Saxon is unimportant.

It was rumored that the rebel steamer Nashville had been sold to English ship owners.  The Tuscarora continued to blockade her.

Corn, easy, market closed steady, with an upward tendency for wheat.  Provisions, quiet.

Consols, for money, 93¼.

The London Globe announces that the Washington Cabinet had given orders for the release of the two Americans taken from the English schooner Eugenie and the steamer Santiago de Cuba.

But little business was doing at Loyd’s [sic] in war risks.  There was continued activity in all the departments at the Portsmouth dock yard.

It was stated that the Tuscarora’s movement in leaving her moorings on the 13th inst., was to prevent the Nashville from getting under way for 24 hours.  It was understood that the Tuscarora’s orders were never to leave sight of the Nashville, to blockade her in Southampton, and if she should leave, to chase her as long as she is at sea.  In addition to the Frigate Dauntless, the war steamer Argus, had been placed at the mouth of the Southampton docks, to watch the movements of the two vessels.

The London Times says that mercantile letters from New York represent that the cry for promoting insurrection among the slaves was gaining force, and looking at the threatened horrors, whispers were at length heard of a wish that for the sake of humanity European intervention might be fount practicable.

Additional correspondence had been published in regard to the Trent affair, including Lord John Russell’s reply to Mr. Seward’s dispatch, dated January 11th.  It expresses much satisfaction at the conclusion arrived at by the Washington Government, which it considers most favorable to the maintenance of most friendly relations.  The English Government, however, differs from Mr. Seward in some of his conclusions, and as it may lead to a better understanding on several points of international law.  Lord John Russell proposes in a few days to write another dispatch on the subject.  In the mean time he says that it is desirable that the commanders of United States cruisers shall be instructed not to repeat acts for which the British Government will have to ask redress, and which the United States government can not undertake to justify.  Lord Lyons is thanked for his discretion.

Mason and Slidell had been expected by the America, and a good deal of interest was felt as to the reception they would get at Liverpool. – Various expedients were adopted to secure anything but a flattering one.

There has been no reply to the strictures on the stone blockade of Charleston.

The extra workmen at the dock yards will be discharged at the end of the financial year.

The Shipping Gazette says that war of further diplomatic strife is certain between England and America.

Liverpool Breadstuffs. – W. N. & Co. and others, report flour dull and declined 6d@1s, wheat declined 1d@2d – red 11s@12s 4d, white western 12s 6d@12s 9d, white southern 12s 9d@13s 3d.  Corn easier, mixed 31s@31s 6d.


(Latest via Londonderry.)

Liverpool, 17. – Flour steady, wheat active with an upward tendency, corn quiet but steady, provisions ditto.

LONDON, Jan, 17. – Consols for money 93¼.  I. C. shares 42 7/8 @ 43 1/8 disc., Erie shares 28 N. Y. C. 71@73.

The Times predicts a speedy collapse in America under the suspension of specie payment. – It also published extracts from Mr. Russell’s diary to the 3d of January.  He says it requires an augmentory faith to believe there will be any success in subjugating the South, for the army of the North will be stricken down for the want of means.  The troops sent to points along the coast are suffering from sickness.  The pretense of there being Union men at the South is fast vanishing.  Mr. Russell sees an extraordinary lack of ordinary political common sense in American Journals.

Capt. Symmes of the Confederate States Navy, and commander of the Sumter has addressed a letter to the Times defending his ship against the insinuations of the Secretary of the Federal Navy who in his official report describes the Sumter as a piratical rover.

Paris Bourse steady.  Rentes quoted 69f 20c.

The French journals generally compliment the Washington Cabinet for their action in the Trent affair.

PRUSSIA. – The King of Prussia, in his speech at the opening of the Chambers rejoiced at the happy issue of the Anglo American difficulties.

SPAIN. – The privateer Sumter continued at the port of Cadiz.

London Money Market. – Consols experienced a further decline of ½ per cent.  Money very easy.

The publication of the correspondence in relation to the Trent affair, has lead to some very bitter strictures on the dispatch of Mr. Seward, particularly as regards that part of it where it is announced that the prisoners, Mason & Slidell would have been retained had the interests of the Union required it.

The London Times doubts whether any nation ever committed a blunder so palpable and so enormous.

The London Morning Post says it is clear that the law of the stronger is the only law ruling in the United States.

The London Herald says that the last four lines of Mr. Seward’s dispatch is the only part of it that can be accepted as an answer to British Demands.


(Very Latest per Anglo Saxon.  Telegraphed to Londonderry.)

Liverpool, Jan. 17. – Notwithstanding the rumored sale of the Nashville she continued to fly the Confederate flag.  No sale has been registered at the Admiralty.

Berlin, Jan. 17. – It is reported that England has no objection to examine the question of guarantee for the rights of neutrals by diplomatic correspondence, but would be opposed to a Congress on the question.

Several members of Parliament had been addressing their constituents.  America was the main topic.  Mr. Gladiator made a speech at Leith.  He was very friendly towards America, and hoped the concession of the American Government would be conceived in a most generous spirit and irritation not to be increased by minute criticism.  He thought the North had undertaken a task which would prove too much for them.

Mr. Gilpin, of Northampton, declared that the lack of sympathy with the North was because the North had not identified themselves with the first principles of the Constitution, which declares all men are born free and equal.  But he believed the question had now become Slavery or Freedom.  He called on Englishmen to hesitate before they directly or indirectly sanctioned a premature and unnecessary acknowledgment of the South.

Lord Henry at the same meeting uttered similar sentiments.

Mr. Peeresford took rather opposite ground, he believed that if the Southern Confederacy established its independence it would lead to an amelioration of the condition of the slave.

The frigate Mirror was expected at Plymouth in a day or two on her way to the North American Station.

ITALY. – The Pope in announcing to the Cardinals that Russia had consented to the re-establishment of the Papal Nuncio at St. Petersburg, said he hoped this fresh concession on the part of the Emperor would be the signal for others in favor of the unfortunate Polish nation.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, Jan. 29 – Some negro deserters arrived here this morning from the opposite shore.  They were cooks in the Third Alabama Regiment, which is encamped in the vicinity.  They report that the last of the iron plates for the Merrimac were put on yesterday and that she was to be launched today.

A large steamer, reported to be the Merrimac, but probably erroneously so, made its appearance at Craney Island yesterday after noon.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Washington News

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – The Secretary of War orders that no further contracts be made by his department for any article of foreign manufacture that can be had at home.  This includes arms.

2.  All orders for the purchase of arms, clothing, &ct., in foreign countries are annulled.

3.  All persons claiming to have contracts or agreements for furnishing anything to the United States, are required within 15 days to give a statement in writing of its character, and file a copy with the Secretary of war.

4.  All contracts &c., for any supplies should be in writing and signed by the contracting parties, and if these terms are not complied with, said contracts, &c., shall be deemed fraudulent and void, and no claim thereon be allowed.

A dispatch from Heintzelman says that nine rebels were killed last night instead of twenty-nine, as previously telegraphed.


WASHINGTON, Jan. 30. – The Ways and Means Committee find that they cannot report the tax bills for some time yet.

The opinion here to-day is that the legal tender clause of the Treasury note bill will not pass the House.

Postmaster General Blair has written a letter to a member of Congress in Defense of Secretary Welles.

Gen. Butler leaves Washington this evening for New England.  He declares that his expedition has not been given up.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, June 22, 1862

We had company inspection at 5 o'clock this evening. Our chaplain, John S. Whittlesey, died of diphtheria on May 11th at Durant, Iowa, and our regiment has no chaplain at present. We have no services on Sunday now, except that some of the companies occasionally have prayer meetings.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54

Saturday, April 13, 2013

G. Smith

Private, Co. G, 5th Iowa Cavalry
Died February 25, 1863

Fort Donelson National Cemetery
Dover, Tennessee

From Key West

NEW YORK, Jan. 29. – The steam transport Philadelphia, from Key West, Jan 22d, has arrived.  She brings Company K, U. S. Cavalry.

The troops at Fort Pickens and Key West are all in good health.  Nothing new has transpired at either place since last advices.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Specials to the New York Papers

(Special to Post.)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – Gen. McClellan was before the Van Wyck Contracts Investigating Committee to-day.

Mr. Henderson, the New Missouri Senator, is in favor of the expulsion of Bright.

It is proposed to modify the language of the resolution, in which shape it will probably pass.

Extensive frauds have been discovered in army contracts in Philadelphia, and two members of the committee on the conduct of the war have left for Philadelphia to investigate the affair.


(Times correspondence.)

The House Committee on Commerce at their meeting to-day, authorized  Gen. Ward to report on the Canadian reciprocity treaty.  The report will suggest a number of important changes, making it more equal and favorable to the U. S.

Certain prisoners released from Richmond and returned here to-day say that of all the clothing forwarded to them by Gen. Wool from Ft. Monroe, some months since, by way of Norfolk, care of Gen. [Huger], not one garment ever reached Richmond.  It is supposed they were appropriated by the confederates.


(Tribune’s Dispatch.)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 29. – The Special Committee on the defences and fortifications of lakes and rivers had an important meeting this morning.  General McClellan laid before the Committee many facts showing the importance of immediate action.  He favors the fortification of a few commanding points, such as Mackinaw, Fort Gratiot, and some place on the Sault St. Marie canal, and the reliance elsewhere upon naval defences, to supply which he recommends the establishment of one or more depots of arms on the lakes.  It is understood that the Committee concur in the General’s views and will make a report in accordance therewith at an early day.

The statement that the House Committee on the District of Columbia has decided to report against the abolition of slavery in the District is untrue.  Whatever is the sentiments of the committee they have not yet been expressed by the vote.  Mr. Upton, of Virginia, to whom the question was referred reported orally that in his judgment, it was inexpedient at present.  No action was taken upon his report, but Mr. Ashley gave notice that if a majority of the Committee espoused Mr. Upton’s views he should submit to a minority report to the House, accompanied by a bill providing for the immediate abolition of slavery within the District.

Gen. Stoneman, Chief of Cavalry, has recommended the consolidation of the seventy seven regiments of volunteer cavalry into fifty regiments.  He advised that the field and line officers already mustered in be examined by a Board of Officers who shall sift out at least one third, and recommends the men also be sifted and those not fit for horsemen mustered as infantry our mustered out altogether.

Mr. Tucker was confirmed to-day as Assistant Secretary of War, and Frederick Steele of Missouri, as Brigadier General.

Secretary Seward has issued an order to Ward H. Lamon, Marshal of the District, instructing him not to receive or retain in his custody any persons claimed to be held to labor or servitude unless they are charged with crimes or are held as fugitive slaves under the law of Congress, and to retain none claimed a fugitives longer than thirty days, unless in compliance with a special order emanating from some competent tribunal.


(Times Dispatch.)

Secretary Stanton was shown private letters to-day from Kentucky containing important and extraordinary statements regarding the battle at Somerset, to wit.  That one entire rebel regiment threw down their arms in the conflict and declared their purpose no longer to fight against the government.  This example was followed by companies and individuals of other regiments and accounts for the complete failure and small slaughter attending a deliberate confederate attack.

Gen. Thomas is not pursuing Zollicoffer’s defeated army, the road’s and inadequate transportation not permitting.  He is building a road of thirty miles in length to render his advance into Tennessee easy and permanent.

A deserter from Stuart’s 2nd Cavalry came in our lines this morning and was brought to Secretary Stanton.  He reports Beauregard gone to Kentucky with 5,000 men.


Gen. Smith succeeds in the command at Centreville.

The deserter reports suffering among the rebels from a lack of suitable clothing, salt, coffee, &c.  They have plenty of meat and bread.


(Herald Specials.)

About a dozen vessels ran the blockade of the Potomac yesterday, some up and some down the river.  None were fired at.

Last night the Reliance went down to convoy two transports.  Sixty or seventy shots were fired at them, but with what effect is unknown.

The confirmation of Gen. Stoneman as chief of Cavalry and Gen. Barry as Chief of Artillery have been delayed by an opposition arising from charges brought by personal enemies of the Generals.  They will probably be confirmed in spite of such influence.

On account of some malicious representatives the nomination of Gen. Sturgis was not sent to the Senate with the list of other nominations as Brigadier Generals.

Gen. Sturgis had an interview with the President to-day, and his nomination was immediately sent to the Senate to date for his original appointment.

There is no doubt that Gen. Stone will be deposed and another General not now named will be detailed to the command of the division at Poolsville.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Gen. Lane’s Expedition

LEAVENWORTH, Jan. 28. – The following general order issued by Major General Hunter has caused a sensation in civil and military circles:

In the expedition about to be started south from this Department, called in the newspapers, Gen. Lane’s Expedition, it is the intention of the Major General Commanding this Department, to command in person unless otherwise expressly ordered by the Government.  Transportation not having been supplied we must go without it, all tents, trunks, chests, chairs, camp tables, clothes &c., must be at once stored or abandoned.  The General Commanding takes in his valise but one change of clothing and no officer or soldier will carry more.  The surplus room in the knapsack must be preserved for ammunition and provisions.

Every officer and soldier will carry his own clothing and bedding.  The General commanding has applied to the Government for six Brigadier-Generals, that this command may be properly organized, and, until their arrival, it is necessary that he should appoint acting Brigadier Generals from the senior Colonels.  To enable him to do so, in accordance with the order in the subject, each Colonel will immediately report the date on which he was mustered into the service of the United States.

(Signed.)
D. HUNTER,
Major General Commanding

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, June 21, 1862

We were relieved this morning by the Thirteenth Iowa. Some of the fruit in this locality is beginning to ripen and we will have some variety in our rations.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 54

Friday, April 12, 2013

Charles W. Lyons

Private, Co. K, 12th Iowa Infantry
Died March 6, 1862

Fort Donelson National Cemetery
Dover, Tennessee

Later From California


SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 21. – The steamer St. Louis sailed to-day for Panama with 90 passengers and $873,000 in treasure, $600,000 of which is for New York.

The weather is still rainy.  Money is universally tight and business suspended on account of the weather.

The Legislature reassembled at Sacramento yesterday.

Most of the city is still under water, but the last inundation caused little damage to the houses.


Jan. 24. – The Legislature held their first session to-day in San Francisco – the members arriving last evening from Sacramento.  That city continued flooded, all streets being navigable for small boats, and every house having water over the lower floor.

The weather has been pleasant for two days and if it continues for two weeks, stages may again commence running to the interior counties.

Dates have been received from the Sandwich Islands to the 9th inst., but the news is unimportant.

The Polynesian says that in 1860, 130 whalers recruited at their Island, in 1861, there were only 69, while the whole number north was only 76, and in 1862 the whole fleet north, so far as known here, will only be 33, while the coming spring we can only expect seven whalers to recruit here.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2