Washington Specials

NEW YORK, Jan. 26. – Washington specials state that Assistant Secretary Fox feels confident the Burnside Expedition has ere this struck a blow which with Gen. Buell’s advance into Tennessee will cut off all rebel communication with Virginia and States South.

Gen. McClellan says if the expedition failed we should have heard of it through the rebels ere this.

The steamer Karnak from Nassau 20th, arrived this morning.  The steamer Kate arrived at Nassau on the 18th, 48 hours from Charleston with 800 bales of cotton, 8 passengers and flying the rebel flag.  The gunboat Flambeau left immediately.  The cotton culture has been commenced at Grand Bahamas.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Foreign News

HALIFAX, Jan. 26. – The Europa from Liverpool 11th, Queenstown 12th, arrived last night.

A Cadiz telegram says the American Consul has received orders to protest against the admission of the Sumter.

It was said Spain would protect the prisoners brought by the Sumter.

RUSSIA. – It is reported that Russia has sent an embarrassing ultimatum to Rome that if the Pope don’t condemn the conduct of the Polish Clergy Russia will recognize the Kingdom of Italy.

CHINA. – A new regency has been established at [Peam] under the 2d Empresses.

FRANCE. – The pacific termination of the Trent affair caused a rise in the Bourse of 1 per cent.

The Moniteur says the feeling of profound regret and indignation has been aroused in England and France by the vindictive act of destroying the port of Charleston.  Rentes firm – 68f 60s.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, July 12, 1862

We had company inspection again as usual. A good many negroes are coming into camp. Some of the men who are strong enough to work and who want to be free are given work on the fortifications. A number of the officers are adopting negro boys as servants, and some of the most intelligent boys are being sent North to be educated.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 57

Requested to Resign

BALTIMORE, Jan. 26. – Resolutions were introduced into the Maryland Legislature Saturday requesting Senators Pearce and Kennedy to resign.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Another Successful Expedition

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 26. – Official despatches from Cape Girardeau state that an expedition which left that place a few days since for Benton and Bloomfield have returned having Captured Lieut. Col. Farmer and 11 other officers and sixty-eight privates of Jeff. Thompson’s command.  Also, quite a number of arms, horses, saddles &c.

A telegraphic line is to be immediately constructed from Rolla westward.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

After the St. Louis Rebels, Male and Female

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 26 – The following special Order will be issued in the morning:

HEADQUARTERS, Department of Missouri.

1.  The President, Secretary, Librarian, Directors or other officers of the Mercantile association, President, Secretary and Directors or other officers of the Chambers of Commerce of this city, are requested to take the oath of allegiance prescribed by Article 6, State Ordinance of October 16, 1861.  Any of the above officers who shall neglect to file in the office of the Provost Marshal General within 10 days of the date of this order the oath so subscribed, will be deemed to have resigned and any one who, after neglecting so to file his oath of allegiance within the time prescribed, shall attempt to exercise the functions of such an office, will be arrested for contempt of this order and punished according to the laws of war.

2.  It is officially reported that carriages bearing the enemy’s flag are in the habit of driving to the vicinity of the military prison in McDowell’s College.  The Commanding officer of the Prison Guard will seize and take possession of any carriage bearing the enemy’s flag, and the horses, carriage and harness to be confiscated.

3.  It is officially reported that certain women are in the habit of approaching the vicinity of the military prison, and waving hostile flags for the purpose of inciting our troops and carrying on communication with the prisoners of war.  The commanding officers of the Prison Guard will arrest and place in confinement all women so offending.

4.  Any carriage or other vehicle bearing a hostile flag in the city, will be seized and confiscated.  The City Police and Patrol Guards are directed to arrest persons in vehicles under such flags, also persons wearing or displaying a hostile flag in the city.

By command of Major Gen. Halleck,

N. H. McLEAN, Ass’t. Adjt. Gen.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, July 11, 1862

Nothing of importance today. The weather is very warm. The entire army is engaged on the fortifications and in felling trees, and besides picket duty we have to keep the camp clean and our accouterments polished. Every man has his rifle in readiness.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 57

Fire In New York

NEW YORK, Jan. 26. – The Fulton Bank and other buildings, [corner] Fulton and Pearl streets, were burned this morning. Loss about half a million dollars.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

More Rebels Captured

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26. – The War Department received dispatches to-night from Gen. Halleck, saying that an expedition sent out from Cape Girardeau to Benton and Bloomfield was very successful, capturing 68 privates, a quantity of arms, &c.  Most of the rebel officers were captured in ball rooms.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

NEW YORK, Jan. 27 [1862].

The fire on Fulton and Pearl streets was completely extinguished this morning.  The Fulton Bank building was completely gutted, but the entire contents of its vault were in perfect condition.  The amount of specie is stated at $200,000.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Iowa Legislature

(Special to the Hawk-Eye.)

– Des Moines, Jan. 24.

Nothing important in the Senate.

HOUSE. – A resolution was introduced requesting Adjutant General Baker to furnish the House with the names of all the members of the Governor’s staff – compensation of each, and from what funds paid.  Adopted.

Mr. LANE, of Scott, presented a resolution instructing the Committee on Ways and Means to inquire into the expediency of transferring the School Fund monies to the State as a loan, and provides that the State shall pay the annual interest thereon.

Mr. HARDIE, of Dubuque, tried to get up the tabled resolution instructing the committee to report a license law.  Negatived, 77 to 15.

The vote on the special order of 2 P. M. for assuming the Federal tax, vote in favor of the bill stood, ayes 90, nays 2. Kellogg, [of] Decatur and Hardie, of Dubuque, voting against the bill.  The bill provides for the collection of $450,000 each year for the years 1862 and 1863.

The House adopted the bill making the issues of the State Bank of Iowa and Us demand notes receivable of taxes – ayes 71, nays 19.

A provision was also adopted that the bill expires by its on limitation February 1st, 1864.  A good day’s work.

(Special to Burlington Hawk-Eye.)

DES MOINES, Jan. 24, 1862.

Hon. C. C. Carpenter, of Ft. Dodge, has received the appointment of Brigadier Quarter-Master under Brigadier General McKean, in Missouri, secured through the influence of Hon. James W. Grimes.

T. H. S.

DES MOINES, Jan. 25.

HOUSE. – A communication from the Governor in answer to the resolution of the House asking how regimental officers were appointed, was received and read.  The paper is an able one, citing the law of Congress on the subject, and fully justifying the course.  Ordered to be printed.

Also, a resolution of the House, asking how many acres of Railroad land had been certified to the Secretary of the Interior showing there has been seven hundred and twenty sections certified to the Dubuque and Pacific Railroad, by the Governor and his predecessor, and the same amount to the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad.  He has no official notice of the length of the Burlington and Missouri Railroad, and has certified no land to that company.  Passed.

SENATE. – A resolution was presented asking the attention of Congress to the neglected condition of Iowa troops and their want of more surgeons, nurses and hospital stores.

Mr. HARDIE of Dubuque presented a petition forty feet long asking the repeal of the prohibitory and establish a license law.

The Military Committee reported back Mr. Delavey’s resolution asking a reduction of the salaries of commissioned officers, abolishing sutlers, and all except one band to each Brigade.  It will pass.

The Senate spent most of the Session discussing the Post Master question for the Assembly.

The Ways and Means Committee reported back Senator Gue’s bill fixing juror’s fees at one dollar and twenty five cents, and collecting six dollars cost to be paid by the losing party.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, July 10, 1862

The regiment returned from picket this morning at 8 o’clock, the Thirteenth coming out to relieve us. The roads are becoming very dusty and a regiment of men with a few mules can kick up a big dust. The soil is a sandy loam, and so fine and of such a color as to look like smoke from even a short distance.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 57

In The Review Queue: Allegany to Appomattox

Allegany to Appomattox:

The Life and Letters of Private William Whitlock

of the 188th New York Volunteers

By Valgene Dunham

On September 7, 1864, William Whitlock, aged thirty-five, left his wife and four children in Allegany, New York, to join the Union army in battle. More than 100 years later, his unpublished letters to his wife were found in the attic of a family home. These letters serve as the foundation for Allegany to Appomattox, giving readers a vivid glimpse into the environment and political atmosphere that surrounded the Civil War from the perspective of a northern farmer and lumberman.Ni

Whitlock's observations tell of exhausting marches, limited rations, and grueling combat. In plainspoken language, the letters also reveal a desperate homesickness, consistently expressing concern for the family's health and financial situation and requesting news from home. Dunham's detailed descriptions of the war's progress and specific battles provide a rich context for Whitlock's letters, orienting readers to both the broad narrative of the Civil War and the intimate chronicle of one soldier's impressions.

About the Author

Valgene Dunham is Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the College of Science at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. He is the author and coauthor of numerous books, chapters, and journal articles.

ISBN 978-0815610113, Syracuse University Press, © 2013, Hardcover, 264 pages, Maps, Photographs, Illustrations, Footnotes, Appendices, References & Index. $29.95.  To purchase this book click HERE.

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24. – HOUSE. – The House considered the Senate amendments to the diplomatic appropriation bill and [then] concurred in those including Florence among Consul Generalships, and striking out Hayti, Liberia &c.  The bill will be returned to the Senate.  House adjourned.

SENATE. – The Bright expulsion case was continued.  Several Senators speaking for and against expulsion.  The subject was concluded.  After Executive session, the Senate adjourned till Monday.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

About the Gunboats

CAIRO, Jan. 24. – The two gunboats sent up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, as well as the two boats off Forts Holt and Jefferson in the Mississippi, are doing good service.  The Conestoga, Lieut. Phelps commanding, and Lexington, Lieut. Shirks commanding, have been [spelling] in turn in the river within the past week.  The Lexington chased the rebel gunboat under the guns of Fort Henry.

The remaining gunboats are nearly completed at Cairo, and as soon as men are supplied, we may expect to hear a good account of the fleet under the command of flag officer H. H. Foote, wherever it is directed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Later From California

The Rains continue -- Water again Rising.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 1. – During the past thirty hours it has rained hard almost incessantly.  The storm still continues.  Yesterday noon the water at Sacramento commenced rising in, and a complete inundation of that city is unavoidable.  The area of land now overflowed in the State is 20 miles broad and 250 long, covering upwards of three millions acres, mostly arable land, a considerable portion being fenced and tilled.

It is estimated that forty five hundred cattle and sheep have been drowned since winter commenced.

The unprecedented succession of tremendous storms have washed the mining regions, where the ground was previously upturned and dug over, producing great changes, rendering a probable increase of gold product, from the placer diggings during the ensuing season.

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan 23. – Delegates assembled at Great Salt Lake City Jan. 22d and drew up a State Constitution, to be submitted to Congress.  Utah demands admission into the Union.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, July 9, 1862

Nothing of importance today. Our regiment went out on picket again. Our picket line and reserve post are both in heavy timber and so we do not have to be in the hot sun while on duty.

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

Great Gale

TROY, Jan. 25. – A tremendous gale prevailed all through western Vermont, this morning.  As the train, which left Troy for Rutland at 7:15 A. M., was five or six miles above Bennington in the town of Shaftsbury, Vt., it encountered the gale, while passing an embankment about thirty feet high one of the cars was broken from its coupling and thrown by the force of the wind down the bank.  Dr. H. Wright, of Boston, a passenger, was instantly killed.  John Robinson, the Road Master, was severely injured and will not survive.  One other man and two ladies were slightly injured.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Southern Items

The Montgomery Advertiser, of the 5th estimates the number of troops in the Rebel army from Alabama, at 17,000.  Governor Moore, in his October message, puts it at 30,000.  Which statement is true?

The Quincy (Fla.) Dispatch of the 8th instant says the British steamer Gladiator, which recently ran the Federal blockade, is safely moored in a Florida port.  Her cargo of arms is valued at two millions of dollars.

The Pensacola Observer, of the 9th, says that about one dozen slaves recently escaped to Fort Pickens.

The Marshall (Texas) Republican of the 14th inst., leans of large mortality among the Texas troops on the Potomac.

The Richmond Dispatch, of the 15th inst., has advises from New Mexico, from private sources, dated from the 19th ult., stating that General Sibley had taken possession, by proclamation , of New Mexico and Arizona, and declared martial law therein.

We here from New Orleans that the French residents in that city are anxious to escape, that they have held a meeting to take measures to effect this and that they have put themselves in communication with the Union troops at Ship Island.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, July 8, 1862

The rebels in this locality are not making much of an effort to retake Corinth. The report in camp is that they have sent the greater part of their forces east to reinforce their army in and around Richmond. News came this evening that General McClellan has been whipped and is now retreating from Richmond.

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