Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, July 3, 1862

The Eleventh Iowa went out on picket duty. I was on guard at division headquarters, my post being in a large orchard, and my orders were to keep all soldiers out of it.¹

__________

¹ Such orders soon got to be a joke with the men, they in a quiet way giving the commanding officers to understand that they did not go down South to protect Confederate property. In a short time all guards were taken from orchards or anything which the men wanted for food. — A. G. D.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 56

Fort Donelson: Wayside Exhibit

The Mounds of earth you see before you are the remains of Fort Donelson, which originally covered 15 acres.  Confederate soldiers and enslaved African Americans built the fort over a period of seven months.  The walls, made of logs and earth, stood 10 feet high.  Although not as permanent as brick or stone, earthen walls provided better protection against enemy fire.

Confederates built the fort to protect the upper and lower batteries along the Cumberland river from land attack.  The fort, however, never came under direct land attack.  All fighting except for the ironclad gunboat attacks on the river batteries, took place in the outer defense lines.

Brigadier General

Daniel S. Donelson

the man for home the fort was named, participated in the original 1861 survey that selected the sites for both Forts Henry and Donelson.

SOURCE:  Wayside Exhibit at Fort Donelson National Battlefield, Dover, Tennessee (pictured at the left).

A Western Governor And Somebody's Pretty Sister

The Washington correspondent of the New York Tribune relates the following:

A clerk in one of the Departments in Washington was lately detected in the act of communicating information to the rebels and was immediately discharged.  A few day[s] after he appeared at the Secretary’s office with a letter asking his re-appointment.  This letter was from a Governor of one of the Western States.  He writes to the Secretary that the ex-clerk is an old and intimate friend of his, a good and loyal citizen, has been most unjustly dealt by, and winds up by asking it as a particular personal favor that the ex-Clerk be reinstated in his office.  And the request was immediately complied with!  Directly after an acquaintance meeting Mr. Reinstated said to him:

“Where did you get acquainted with Governor _____?”

“I never was acquainted with him – never spoke to him in my life.”

“How then did you get such a strong letter from him to the Secretary?”

“Oh I have a pretty sister who went to Alexandria the other day with the Governor.  She procured the letter for me.”

The story is well authenticated and the writer believes it is true.  But what should be the punishment of a man who would thus betray his country or what is the same in effect protect those who would betray it?

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

A Darkey's Speech

In one of the small cities of Massachusetts, the colored population held a meeting to discuss the propriety of celebrating the anniversary of the West India emancipation.  At one of these meetings a conservative gentleman was exceedingly surprised to see some of the “fair sex rising and taking part in the discussion.”  After two or three of the sisters had “freed dar mines” on matters under debate he spring up in a greatly excited state and addressed the audience.

Feller citizens.  Ef I’d spose at de ladies would be permitted to take part in dis yere discussion – (sensation) – ef I’d none dat de ladies cud jine in dis yere debate – (all eyes turned on the speaker) – ef I’d belebe for one moment, feller citizens, at de female sect would dare rase thar voices in dis yere meeting, I’d Feller citizens –

“Wot – wot would you’ve did ef you’d a none it?” shouted two or three of the sisters and the white of their eyes flashed on the speaker.

I – (scratching his wool) – I’d a brung my wife along wid me.

Here the discomfited orator dropped into his seat completely exhausted.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Juvenile Anecdotes

A little girl of three years from beyond the Mississippi who had never seen an apple tree in full bloom beheld one in Ohio.  She lifted her fat hands in the attitude of devotion and exclaimed, “See God’s big bouquet!”

Another child of five years having seen her father for the first time, having been absent in California was much astonished that he should claim any authority over her and upon one occasion of rebellion, as he administered punishment she cried out, “I wish you had never married into our family.”

Another little one being called by her sick mother who said to her, “After I am gone, I hope you will love your father dearly and take care of him as I have done,” replied with assumed importance, “Yes, I’ll keep him out of mischief.” –{Home Monthly.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, July 2, 1862

I went out about a half mile from camp to pick blackberries, and I picked a gallon of them and sold them to the hospital steward for $1.25.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 56

Fort Donelson: Historical Marker

C. S. A.

FORT DONELSON

The Confederate defenses consisted of this fort, two water batteries, and the line of rifle pits enclosing these and the town of Dover.  The garrison of the fort proper consisted of the

30th Tennessee, Colonel John W. Head

49th Tennessee, Colonel James E. Bailey

50th Tennessee, Colonel Cyrus A. Sugg

This force was organized by General Pillow upon his arrival on February 9, 1862, as a brigade under Colonel Head.

On February 12, Colonel Head’s regiment was ordered to a position in the outer defenses and the immediate command of the fort passed to Colonel Bailey.  The artillery armament of this fort consisted of one 8-inch Howitzer and two 9-pounder guns under Lieutenant P. K. Stankiewicz.

The Main line of resistance consisted of the line of trenches which extend from Hickman Creek over a distance of approximately two miles along the crest of the hills and envelop the town of Dover.  At some points in front of the intrenchments felled trees formed an abatis and presented a difficult obstacle in the path of the attacker.

To My Children

BY A SOLDIER IN THE ARMY

Darlings – I am weary – pining;

Shadows fall across my way

I can hardly see the lining

Of the clouds – the silver lining

Turning darkness into day.

I am weary of the sighing

Moaning – wailing through the air

Breaking hearts, in anguish crying

For the lost ones – for the dying

Sobbing anguish of despair.

I am weary of the fighting

Brothers red with brother’s gore

Only, that the wrong we’re righting –

Truth and Honor’s battle fighting –

I would draw my sword no more.

I am pining dearest, pining

For your kisses on my cheek

For your dear arms round me twining

For your soft eyes on me shining

For your lov’d words darlings – speak.

Tell me in your earnest prattle

Of the olive branch and dove

Call me from the cannon’s rattle

Take my thoughts away from battle

Fold me in your dearest love.

Darlings – I am weary pining

Shadows fall across my way,

I can hardly see the lining

Of the clouds – the silver lining

Turning darkness into day.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

The Post Hospital

Yesterday we paid a visit to the Hospital at this place.  We found there some seventy patients belonging to the 5th Iowa and 37th Illinois, and also some of the 1st Iowa Cavalry and Merrill’s Horse, wounded at the battle of Silver Creek, who, we are glad to say, are all rapidly recovering.  The whole arrangements of the hospital are excellent. – The rooms are kept warm and are as clean and neat as any hospitals in the Eastern cities.  The patients all seemed well satisfied with the treatment received.  They have excellent attendance by the numerous nurses, and in every case have as good care as they would have at home.  Dr. Carpenter, the Assistant surgeon of the 5th Iowa, has recently been appointed Post Surgeon, who besides an able and efficient Surgeon gives his unwearied and undivided attention to mitigate sufferings of the sick and wounded soldiers. – The friends of the soldiers in the 5th Iowa may rest assured that when the men are sick, they have as good attendance as can be afforded.  It is true that on a march the accommodations are not great, but every attention is paid to their wants and comforts that can be procured.  Dr. Carpenter is assisted by Dr. Haas of Booneville, and Mr. Smith, one of the best Stewards in the service. – {5th Iowa Register, Booneville, Mo.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Fort Donelson

Fort Entrance

Confederate soldiers and slaves built this 15-acre earthen fort over a period of seven months, using axes and shovels to make a wall of logs and earth ten feet high.  While a more permanent fort of brick or stone would have been more desirable, earthen walls were much quicker to build.  Properly constructed earthworks can provide better protection than brick or stone.  The fort’s purpose was to protect the Cumberland River batteries from land attack. At the time of the battle, all trees within 200 yards of the fort were felled, clearing the fields of fire and observation.  Tree branches were sharpened and laid around the outside of the fort to form obstacles called abatis.

SOURCE: 2010 Fort Donelson National Battlefield park brochure: Tour Stop 2.

Exterior of the Fort's Walls.

Exterior of the Fort's Walls.

Interior of the Fort's Walls.

Interior of the Fort's Walls

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, July 1, 1862

Received orders to cook four days’ rations and be ready to move at a moment’s notice. We had everything in readiness when late in the evening the order was countermanded.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 55-6

The Iowa Fifth Regiment Volunteers

We presume that a few items, in regard to the organization and movements of this regiment since it has been in the field, will not prove altogether uninteresting to our readers as there has been considerable interest taken in its welfare by high military distinction and civilians. The Fifth first rendezvoused at Burlington, Iowa and the most of the companies were mustered into the United States on the fourteenth of July last.  The field officers commanding the regiment were W. H. Worthington, Colonel, of Keokuk, C. L. Mathies, Lieutenant Colonel, of Burlington (formerly a Captain in the three month’s service under General Lyon), W. S. Robertson, Major, Columbus City, and J. P. Foley, Adjutant, from Bellevue, all of Iowa.  The regiment left Burlington on the 3d of August for Keokuk, where they were quartered for a couple of weeks and took part in the memorable engagement at Athens.  On the eleventh of August left for St. Louis on board the Die Vernon, and after a quick and pleasant trip, arrived there on the 13th.  From there went to Jefferson City were after spending some time were provided with tents and uniforms, our guns having been delivered to us on our voyage up the river.  Much dissatisfaction was exhibited by some of the companies on receiving the common muskets, for they had expected to get rifles.  No blame was attached to our Colonel, however for he had done all that mortal men could do and received the assurance, as some say, that his men would not have to use them but thirty days.  The time must be up now.  While at Jefferson City, the most of the time was spent in drilling and perfecting the troops in the manual of arms.  Nothing occurred worthy of note here, unless we except a trip made to Columbia, for the purpose of showing the people of that place our new knapsacks.  From thence, we were ordered to the Osage – a small place, 8 miles below Jefferson – to guard the R. R. bridge, on the St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, which the rebels, instigated by Claib, had kindly endeavored to burn last spring.  From there back to Jefferson City where we remained for a while sweltering beneath the rays of powerful sun to which our canvass tents offered but poor protection, and finally started for Boonville aboard the War Eagle, which we reached on the 14th of September, ult.  After being quartered at this place and Glasgow for a number of weeks, we were ordered on the memorable march to Springfield, departing on the 14th of October.  Of the trip and numerous incidents which befell us on our march to the latter place I have not time to speak.  Just two months had elapsed ere we made our appearance on the Fair Ground of Boonville again, and we were not sorry for all of the places we have seen in Missouri, Boonville takes the lead in beauty, intelligence, and uniform kindness on the part of the citizens.  The other regiments, Illinois 37th and Missouri 9th, composing the brigade with us under Gen. Kelton, are now quartered at Lamine bridge and if reports speak truly are not very well contented.  We had been in expectation of being ordered into winter quarters either at Tipton or St. Louis, – and our sick were sent to the latter place, – but our sudden departure for Boonville coupled with the fact that the other three companies of our regiment left at Syracuse, are to join us in a few days, would seem to indicate that we are to spend the winter here.  The Fifth regiment numbers among its officers and privates some of the most intelligent, enterprising and patriotic citizens of Iowa – men, who have forsook their farms, offices and counting houses, to shoulder a musket – who enlisted from no mercenary motives – but for the maintenance of the Union, the Constitution, and the enforcement of the laws.  But although we have traveled to almost every point of note in the State where it was rumored the secesh would make a stand we have been unsuccessful in getting into an engagement.  None of our boys have been wiped out by the enemy’s bullets while few, comparatively, have fallen victims to disease.  So far the regiment has been tolerably well clothed though in one instance clothing which was destined for us, was forwarded to another regiment, giving us theirs, which consisted of the despicable roundabout.  We are somewhat in need of a new stand of colors, and it is probably that the patriotic ladies of Iowa will send us one ere long.  The band is not quite so full as desirable but, we understand that steps are being taken up to fill it up.  Taking all things into consideration, we have no reasonable ground for complaint, our regiment being fully as well equipped, officered, and disciplined as any in the service. – {Boonville Register.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Secession Wagon -- Union Side

(From the Fifth Iowa Register)

BY J. H. WILSON

Secession is the wagon!  ‘Tis painted nice and new,

The horses they are fractious, and a draw a fractious crew,

But then the whip’s a good one – the lines are safely tied –

So jump into the wagon and we’ll all take a ride.

CHORUS –	Then drive along the wagon
	The Secession wagon –
	We’ll put them in their wagon,
	And give them all a ride.

Come all ye Northern freemen and fall into the ranks,

The “Secesh” need a lesson, and we will stop their pranks

We’ll bring them to subjection – we’ll subjugate their pride –

We’ll put them in their wagon and give them all a ride.

So drive along the wagon, &c.

The wagon it was stolen, and so the horses too,

And all their spending money was taken right from you

But Floyd’s the man to do it tho’ others long had tried

So we’ll put them in the wagon and give them all a ride.

So drive along the wagon, &c.

Jeff Davis, we will catch him, and Stephens we will bag,

And all the Southern leaders who of their bravery brag,

We’ll box them up so neatly, and from all care exempt,

They never shall have troubles, for they shall be well hemped.

So Drive along the wagon, &c.

Claib Jackson is included, and Price we’ll kindly treat

For we know he always travels with the loosest kind of seat,

And the poor deluded rebels, whose trusts have been belied

We’ll show them every kindness on their Secession ride.

So drive along the wagon, &c.

The niggers we don’t want them, for them we do not fight

For tho’ we make them freemen, we can not make them white

We’ll only take their masters, who do not with us side,

And put them in the wagon to take a Secesh ride.

So drive along the wagon, &c.

Abe Lincoln is our driver, McClellan holds the reins,

And he will drive the wagon with the greatest care and pains

His hold it is a good one, and it will never slip

So jump into the wagon, he’ll take you through the trip.

So drive along the wagon, &c.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, June 30, 1862

The Eleventh Iowa was mustered for pay this morning. The men all looked fine — well and clean. None had on ragged clothing and few were absent from the regiment on account of sickness.

This ends June, with us in a good camp near Corinth, Mississippi.

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

Incidents of the Battle at Webb’s Cross Roads

While the body of Zollicoffer lay upon the ground in front of a Minnesota tent surrounded by soldiers an excited officer rode up exclaiming to the men, “What in h-ll are you doing here?  Why are you not at the stretchers bringing in the wounded?”  “This is Zollicoffer,” said a soldier.  “I know that,” replied the officer – “he is dead and could not have been sent to h--- by a better man, for Col. Fry shot him – leave him and go to your work.”

When the two Parrott guns were planted on the hill at Brown’s house overlooking the enemy’s camp, the peculiar wh-r-r-r of the shells was new to our astonished darkie who with hat off and eyes protruding, exclaimed to his sable companion, “Gosh Almighty Sam, don’t dat go howlin trou de wilderness?”

In nearly a direct line with the course we had marched from the battle field to the rebel works, is a bold elevation about three fourths of a mile this side of said works on which one of our batteries was immediately planted and commenced throwing shot and shell into their camp.  Several regiments had lain down upon the ground to rest from the fatigue of their march and as the rebels answered but feebly, with two guns their shot passed high over the heads of our men. – As the intervals grew longer and longer – watching the shot became a matter of amusement with them. – “Secesh ball!  Secesh ball!” they would cry out, while half a dozen would start and run after it – others calling out, “Run harder or you won’t overtake it.”  While this amusement was going on a rabbit sprang out of a bush between the lines when the cry, “Secesh ball!  Secesh ball,” and the boys took after it with better success, for they caught it.

Upon the high ground last referred to the rebels made a brief stand half an hour before we reached it, but were driven off by a few shots from Stannard’s Battery.  One of these six pound shots struck a poplar tree about two feet in diameter, directly in the center and some twenty feet from the General, passing entirely through the tree, tearing off splinters eight or ten feet long and passing on “thro de wilderness.” – Another shot struck a tree seven or eight inches in diameter directly beside the other but lower down cutting it off nearly as square as though it had been done with a saw.

Being among the first who entered the rebel fortifications I discovered a barrel which proved to contain apple brandy.  Pulling out the corn cob from the bung hole I turned it up and filled a canteen.  While doing this one of Bob McCook’s skirmishers came in and says, “vat you gets there?”  I replied that it appeared to be pretty fair apple brandy upon which the Dutch man ran to the door calling out furiously, “Hans!  Henrick! schnaps!  See come a rous!”  Upon which a dozen Dutchmen came in, and the brandy which was not spilled upon the ground was soon transferred to their canteens.  I said, “boys you had better look out – this is a doctor’s shop, and there may be strychnine in that brandy.”  They paused a moment to look at each other when one of them exclaimed, “Py Got, Hans, I tells you vat I do.  I drinks some and if it don’t kill me, den you trinks” – upon which he took a long and hearty pull at his canteen and smacking his lips a moment said, “All right, Hans, go ahead.”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Review: Shiloh, Book 2 of “The Civil War Battle Series”

Shiloh: Book 2 of “The Civil War Battle Series”

By James Reasoner

James Reasoner continues the saga of the Brannon family of Culpepper County, Virginia, in “Shiloh,” the second installment of “The Civil War Battle Series.”

“Shiloh” picks up shortly after the conclusion of “Manassas,” the first book in Mr. Reasoner’s series, continuing the story of the Brannon family with the only member of the family we have not yet met, Coriolanus Troilus Brannon, the wayward son of Abigail Brannon.  Before the war he travelled west to find his fortune.  Things haven’t gone as well as he had hoped.  When the book begins Cory is a day laborer working on the wharfs of New Madrid, Missouri on the Mississippi River.  He is dirty, hungry and homeless.

Through a series of unfortunate events Cory is rescued by Ezekiel Farrell, captain of The Missouri Zepher, a river boat which frequently traverses the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Cairo, Illinois.  When Cory warns the captain that a torch-bearing crowd of abolitionists is on its way to burn the Zepher, Captain Farrell decides to quickly depart from New Madrid, and as thanks for the warning allows Cory to come along.  But Cory is not the only youngster onboard the Zepher, the Captain’s daughter, Lucille, is also aboard.

Cory spends the next few months on board the Zepher, travelling up and down the Mississippi River, learning the river and its hazards all the while falling in love with Lucille.  But in early 1862 Cory’s past catches up with him, and sends him, and the Zepher, fleeing from New Orleans with a cargo of cotton bound for Cairo and a shipment guns for the Confederacy.  After the cargo is delivered, Captain Farrell seeks the safety of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River, but that isn’t far enough, the Union Flotilla is on its way.  Farrell sends Lucille to live in the safety of the home of her uncle and aunt, Charles and Louise Thompson, in Nashville, while Farrell and the crew of the Zepher stay to help defend the fort.  It is a disastrous decision, the Zepher and her crew are lost and only the Captain and Cory make it safely back to shore and eventually twelve miles over land to Fort Donelson where Captain Farrell is killed in Grant’s attack on that fort.

Many of Nashville’s citizens, including Lucille and the Thompsons have fled the city ahead of the occupying forces of the Union army.  After arriving in the city Cory fruitlessly looks for Lucille, and unable to find her heads to Corinth, Mississippi, where he volunteers, temporarily, and fights with Nathan Bedford Forrest’s cavalry during the battle of Shiloh, his third battle in as many months.

Though most of Mr. Reasoner’s narrative concentrates on Cory Brannon, he briefly catches his readers up on what has been going on with the rest of the Brannon family: Will is still with the Confederate army; Titus, pining for Polly Ebersole has turned to alcohol to sooth his broken heart; Henry’s shoulder has healed; and Mac has captured and tamed the mysterious wild stallion and had decided he will soon join the Confederate army.

As with Mr. Reasoner’s previous book, “Shiloh” is a simple story told simply.  There is not much in the way of character development; the novel is purely a plot driven vehicle.  Though, there is more action in this novel than in the previous one, it is all in its last hundred pages: The attack on Fort Henry doesn’t occur until page 265.  Over all it is a satisfying novel, it is neither good, nor bad, but falls somewhere in the middle.

ISBN 978-1581820485, Cumberland House Publishing, © 1999, Hardcover, 362 pages, $22.95.  To purchase click HERE.

The Great Flood In California

Immense Destruction of Property – Damage $10,000,000.

The Pacific slope has been visited by the most disastrous flood that has occurred since its settlement by white men.  From Sacramento northward to the Columbia River, in California, Nevada Territory and Oregon, all the streams have risen to a great height – flooded the valleys, inundated towns, swept away mills, dams, flumes, houses, fences, domestic animals, ruined fields and effected damage, estimated at $10,000,000.  All Sacramento City, save a small part of one street, part of Marysville, part of Santa Rosa, part of Auburn, part of Sonora, part of Nevada, and part of Napa not to speak of less important towns were under water.

The rainy season commenced on the 8th of November and for four weeks, with scarcely any intermission the rain continued to fall very gently in San Francisco but in heavy showers in the interior.  According to the statement of a Grass Valley paper nine inches of rain fell there in thirty six hours on the 7th and 8th instant.

Sacramento City was the chief sufferer. – The city stands at the junction of the Sacramento and American Rivers, on the eastern bank of the former and the southern bank of the latter.  The valley there is wide and flat.  Form the foot of the Sierra Nevada at Folsom, to the base of the coast range near Fairfield, the plain is about 10 miles wide.  The original site of the city was sixteen feet above low water mark and the river rose 17 or 18 feet above nearly every year.

A railroad connects Sacramento and Folsom both on the southern bank of the American River and twenty miles apart.  The railroad enters the Capital city about two miles north of the American River on a high embankment.  The water ran against the levee and then down to the railroad embankment, and unable to go further it heaped itself against these two barriers until it rose above the levee and began to pour in.  Soon the soft earth gave way and the vast body of water poured into the city and flooded every part of it except a small portion of Front street.  The levee which had been built to protect the city now was the cause of great injury for instead of keeping the water out it kept it in.  The flood entered at the east, where the land is high and if the levee had not been in the way the water would have run off without touching the business part of the city.  The Sacramento River was much lower, its flood had not time to come down so there was abundant room for the water of the American to spread out when it should reach Sacramento River.  But the levee dammed the water in and it very soon was ten feet higher inside than the levee of the Sacramento river on the outside.  In some places the water was fifteen feet deep, in others ten, in others three.  The greater part of the most fashionable houses had from three to six feet of water in the parlors.  In many of the houses the line of the flood is visible on the plastering in the second story.  Dozens of wooden houses, some of them two stories high were lifted up and carried off.  The destruction of property was terrible.  The water came so rapidly that most people had not more than an hour’s warning of the danger.  Most persons living in two story houses carried their furniture and cooking utensils and provisions upstairs, those who lived in one story houses ran for their lives.  And when the water filled the city there was no boats.  Men, women and children had stayed in houses thinking there was no danger and when the flood rose they could not get away. – Some of these houses were carried off and boats were sent after them to rescue the human freight.  All the firewood most of the fences and sheds, all the poultry, cats, rats, and many of the cows and horses were swept away.

The Union of the 18th says:

The water had so far receded from the western part of the city yesterday afternoon that the inundated portion was limited to the section lying between Third and Seventh and south of M Street.  On all the adjoining streets the late occupants of houses were busily engaged in cleaning out and fixing up those of their houses which can be made inhabitable again.  The scene presented is one of confusion and desolation.  Some of the houses are turned partially around, some are broken and shattered, and all are covered inside and outside up to the high water mark with mud – mud of the worst kind – of a soft slippery greasy character which it required a great deal of labor to get rid of.  The streets were strewn with fences, doors, shutters, lumber, cord wood, broken furniture, dead horses and lifeless cows and hogs.  Fruit trees and shrubbery are greatly injured if not utterly destroyed.  Boats of various sizes are still actively engaged in the water picking up whatever is worth taking possession of.  Many families are evidently preparing to go into their houses in a few days.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Buckner's Defense: Fort Donelson National Battlefied

Buckner’s Division Position Marker is to the upper left.

BUCKNER’S DEFENSE

To stop the Confederate break-out attempt on February 15, Grant sent his reorganized troops against the Confederate left.  At the same time, to take advantage of the weakened enemy line, he sent C. F. Smith’s Division against the Confederate right.  Smith’s forces rolled over the Confederate outer defenses and pushed the Southerners back to a position along the ridge in front of you.  There the charge was halted by Buckner’s forces who had arrived just as the Union assault had begun.  Afterwards, Buckner paid tribute to the field artillery for its role in checking the Yankee advance.  The strong new defensive position on the ridge and the coming of night ended the fighting.  The Union forces grudgingly withdrew to the old confederate defense line.  In this desperate fighting several hundred men lost their lives.  Many of them still lie in this area in unmarked graves.

 

SOURCE: Interpretive Marker shown just right of center in the photo above and pictured at the right.

Remarks of Mr. Harlan

In the Senate, Thursday last, Mr. Harlan made the following reply to Mr. Davis of Kentucky, the subject under discussion being the ever present contraband.

Mr. HARLAN (of Iowa) – Mr. President, I do not intend to reply in detail to the somewhat extraordinary speech that has just closed for two reasons satisfactory to myself.  In the first place I should hardly hope to equal the eloquence and learning that have been displayed and in the second place I agree too fully with many things that have been said to make it necessary for me to attempt a detailed response to the speech.  I will say, however and I trust the Senator will pardon me for the allusion that it does seem to me that the whole speech has been a little ill timed and especially that part of the speech which makes it necessary for me to say one word.  The Senator has expressed the hope that the unending Slavery question may not agitate this body and the country and yet, as extraordinary as it may seem in connection with that expression he himself has unnecessarily detained the Senate and retarded the public business of the country for more than an hour in the discussion of that very question.  Sir, what is the question now before the Senate?  The propriety or the impropriety of retaining as a member of this body the sitting Senator from Indiana.  Now I ask what pertinency to that question has been the whole speech which has occupied the Senate for more than two hours to-day?  I make this remark not for the purpose, not with the desire, of chiding the Senator who has taken his seat but I wish the Senator to bear me witness here and the country to take notice of the fact that every long labored excited discussion of the Slavery question that has taken place in this Chamber for the last six years in which I have had the honor to occupy a seat here has been lugged in in that manner and by gentlemen holding seats from Slaveholding States.

Mr. DAVIS – Will the gentleman allow me to say a word?

Mr. HARLAN – Certainly.

Mr. DAVIS – I confess to the gentleman’s impeachment that a great part of my speech was inappropriate but it was designed in some measure to meet the numerous petitions that have been presented by the Senator from Massachusetts and other gentlemen upon this floor.

Mr. HARLAN – I will however, Mr. President, while I am on the floor and before I allude to the proper question of discussion attempt to set myself right on the point alluded by the Senator.  When I made the remarks to which he evidently alluded, this body was entertaining and considering Senate joint resolution No. [23] which proposes to authorize the commander of the army in the Western Division, including Kansas, to muster into the United States service such persons as may present themselves for that purpose and organize them therefore and to retain them therein such length of time as in the opinion of such commander the exigencies of the service may require.  This was opposed on the ground that the commander of that division of the army might, using his personal discretion, muster into the service of the United States Indians and persons of African descent.  I expressed myself in favor of the proposition and in reply to some remarks dropped by the Senator from Delaware (Mr. Saulsbury) I stated that I individually had no objection to mustering into the service of the United states men of color, either Indians or negroes, and I attempted in a few brief remarks to illustrate my view on that subject.  I stated that I could perceive no reason why an able bodied man native born in the United States should not aid and defending the Constitution and the laws.  Nor do I now perceive a reason why this should not be done.  I know it is said in language pathetic and eloquent.  What, arm the slaves against their masters?  I might make a truthful appeal still more startling and ask, What arm the children against their fathers?  And yet that is being done by your mustering officers every day where the father chances to be a traitor and a rebel.  Are you not to permit the young men of the country to arm themselves in defence of the Constitution and the laws because their parents happen to be traitors? – You exercise the right to take my son under the age of twenty one years and place him between your violated Constitution and the country’s foes regardless of my rights to his service or the control of his person.  Now I ask the Senator from Kentucky what better is his slave then my son.

Mr. DAVIS – Not half so good.

Mr. HARLAN – I will illustrate what I mean on this subject by supposing that the Senator with some of his well taught and Christian slaves was engaged in a personal contest for life and death between me and my son.  As we gradually become exhausted on the one side and the other, I knowing full well that the moment I give his slaves the intimation that I would protect them they would flee from their master to my defense, should I be much short of an idiot, much short of a fool, if I were not to invite them away?  The loyal States of this nation are now engaged in a contest for its very existence.  On the one side we have arrayed the loyal old men and middle aged men of this country.  On the other side we have the rebel owners of slaves arraying their young men and slaves.  On the other there are some hundreds of thousands of colored people, native born on the soil on which they live, who will leave their rebel masters the very moment they have an intimation that they will receive the protection of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and yet we insanely continue this controversy, not permitting these strong armed men to aid us and save the lives of our brothers and our sons.  But the Senator from Kentucky said that he thought on this subject with horror when he reflected what massacres had occurred of white people in some of the West India Islands.  Mr. President oppressed people in every age, in asserting their right to themselves, have committed acts of atrocity that civilized communities could never justify.  It is no more common to the African race than to the Anglo Saxon or the Caucasian of whatever country.  I will ask him with his perfect knowledge of history to compare the scenes of carnage and blood enacted there with those enacted but a few years since in the streets of Paris, the capital of one of the most enlightened and refined nations that have existed and which at this time stands at the very head of the civilized nations of the world.  The proposition which was made to which I was speaking was a proposition to allow the commander of this division of the army to muster into the service of the United States such loyal persons as might present themselves irrespective of color.  What does that imply?  That they shall be organized, that they shall be officered, that they shall be commanded, that they shall be controlled by the laws of the United States and by the articles of war.  I took some pains to state on that occasion that I would not advocate a proposition to arm indiscriminately the mass of the servile population even in the rebel States, but that if arms were placed in their hands they should be organized, disciplined and placed under the ordinary restraints of military rule.  I have no criticism to make in regard to the Senators eulogium of the peaceful condition of his own slaves other than this.  If they are the character which he has described and have ever been ready to stand by him and their masters in times of pestilence and danger – if that statement of the character of his own slave household be correct, I draw the conclusion that the alarm of the Senator is totally without foundation.  If they are thus Christianized, are thus enlightened, and will stand by their masters through every kind of calamity that can arise what will be the danger of placing them in an attitude not only to defend themselves but their masters and their country?  But.  [Since] all this eulogium of the character of the houses and clothing of the slaves, if it were a legitimate subject of discussion at this time, I take it, might be said with equal truth of the Senator’s horses and cattle and oxen and mules.  I would ask him if he treats his slaves as men, possessing spirits immortal, that are to live parallel with his own spiritual existence and if he gives them the means of mental cultivation and moral development or if it be not in his own State with his sanction a penitentiary offence to teach these slaves to read the word of God?  They are well clothed so would be his cattle if necessary to their health and vigor.  They are tenderly treated, so is every other species of property that is under his control.

The question however with me is not how this Christian gentleman or the other may happen to treat those over whom he may exercise absolute control but what is the system?  How may he with impunity treat those human cattle if he chose to treat them with severity? – I will venture here to throw in the remark, and risk its being successfully contradicted, that there is not now in existence and has not been in existence since the dawning of civilization a system of Slavery so bad as the one now in existence in the United States.  There never has existed and does not now exist, a system of human bondage on this whole earth so loathsome as the one that now exists in the bosom of this Christian Nation.  And I defy successful contradiction.  I do not say that Christian gentlemen may not, regardless of the law and regardless of the system treat their slaves humanely.  They do, I know they do.  I am proud to say that I know they do.  But it is a tribute to humanity and to the influence of Christianity on the minds of men and not a tribute to the system of slavery itself.  I united very cordially with the Senator in his expression of the hope that these collateral outside questions may not be discussed, and that we may unite harmoniously for the purpose of putting down this rebellion and I trust that he may be willing out of the abundance of his patriotism even to give his slaves to the cause of the Union if it becomes necessary, and not be giving the weight of his influence and of his talent – which is by no means small – unintentionally on his part, to the cause of the rebellion.  If any speech delivered during this session of the congress of the United States shall see the light in the rebel States, it will be the speech which the Senator from Kentucky has just concluded and thus has he very unintentionally on his part, neutralized much that he has said of the policy and bearing of the Senator from Indiana during the earlier part of this rebellion, which he has so severely criticized. I had intended, Mr. President, after making these explanations to say a few words in relation to the legitimate subject of discussion before the Senate, but on account of the lateness of the hour I will not claim the further indulgence of the Senate.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 3

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Sunday, June 29, 1862

We had inspection this morning at 8 o'clock by the general inspector. Colonel Hall and Captain McLoney arrived from home this morning. The Colonel had been wounded at Shiloh and went home to let the wound heal. Mrs. Hall is with the Colonel in camp and the men of the regiment have great respect for her; she is so kind to the sick in the regimental hospital.

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