Union for the Sake of the Union

Let every Republican, every anti-slavery man, every man who loves his country, and rejoices in Union, read the following noble utterances of John W. Forney, and profit by them:

“Two combinations are engaged in the work of undermining the fabric of our free institutions.  They work with unceasing industry and perseverance.  One is composed of armed traitors who, after stealing the property of the General Government, now devote themselves to the task of taking the lives of the freemen of the North.  The other is composed of politicians who, in a thousand ways, labor to misrepresent, assail, and cripple the Administration under the pretext of superfine devotion to the Constitution.  Every victory in the battle field by the first, elevates and strengthens the second.  Shall we profit by this lesson?  Our duty is as plain as our path:  Harmonious action in the warlike and political struggle.  No division among common friends pledged to a common cause.  No conflict over names.  No rivalries among leaders.  No criticisms upon brave men in the field, or good men in councils.  No hesitation to vote supplies in Congress. No more leniency to traitors.  With these mottoes on our banners we shall rescue our country from ruin, and build up a fortress of freedom on these shores that will stand all the ravages of time and of treason.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, April 26.

The ship Joseph Peabody has been forfeited to the Government for smuggling.

Trade has recently revived, to supply the demand for goods suitable to the Oregon and British Columbia mines, in advance of anticipated large emigration business with the interior.

Gen. Wright has issued an order requiring the arrest of persons charged with aiding and abetting, by words or acts, the rebellion.  Such persons are to be confined, unless they subscribe the oath of allegiance.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28.

The Steamer Panama has arrived from Mazatlan.  The Confederates in New Mexico and Arizona are making efforts to bring the Boarder States into sympathy with them.

Gen. Sibley, commanding the Rebels [sic] forces, had sent Col. Reiley to open negotiations with the Governor of Sonora.  Reiley tendered troops to enter Sonora, and chastise the Apache Indians, for whose service he asked the right of way overland from Guaymas to Arizona, and also the privilege of purchasing supplies at Mazatlan.  The Governor entered into a long correspondence with Reiley, and sent a special messenger to the Governor of Cinalva, on the subject of his mission.  No definite arrangements appear to be agreed upon, but Reiley received courteous treatment from the Government officials, and at last accounts had arrived at Guaymas, where he boasted that he had been far more successful than he had hoped for.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

From Salt Lake

SALT LAKE, April 29.

The report from St. Louis to-day, attributing the overland mail difficulties to the employees of the company, is entirely destitute of truth.  Persons with whom we are personally acquainted have been in fight with the Indians.  On the 17th inst., Mr. Flowers, division agent, nine men and two coaches with mails were attacked by Indians near Split Rock.  Six mail men were wounded, and compelled to abandon their mails, coaches, and animals.  The Indians afterwards burned Plant’s station.  The wounded party left Pacific Springs night before last.

The telegraph operator at Pacific Springs and another person had a fight with some Indians, and narrowly escaped.  Their animals were hurt severely with arrows.

The Station keeper at Green river was killed by the Indians a few days since, while endeavoring to protect the mail property.

Thus four employees of the company have been killed by the savages who infest the route.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

The Arrest of Col. Jennison

LEAVENWORTH, April 29.

In a circular just published, General Sturgis says the arrest of Col. Jennison was the result of representations made by Lt. Col. D. R. Anthony, of his regiment and Col. Geo. W. Deitzler, his immediate commanding officer, and it was made at the earnest solicitation of the latter officer, who, in his appeal to me of the 15th inst., demands his immediate arrest, and charges him with the most grave and serious crimes known to military law.

Hiram Rich, an old resident of the West, and for a number of years sutler at Fort Leavenowrth, died suddenly yesterday of apoplexy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

One of the humanitarian movements . . .

. . . of our times although little known as such can hardly be over-estimated in its importance upon the well-being of our widely scattered communities.  The population in the American States is in many sections so sparse that skillful Physicians are hardly available to them.  Vast numbers of our people, are obliged to employ in sickness such medical relief as they can hear from each other, or indeed any they can get from any quarter.  Hence arises the great consumption of Patent Medicines among us, greater by far than in any of the old countries, where skillful physicians are accessible to all classes.  Unprincipled men have long availed themselves of this necessity, to palm off their worthless nostrums, until the word has become synonymous with imposition and cheat.  One of our leading Chemists in the East, DR. AYERS, is pursuing a course which defeats this iniquity.  He brings not only his own, but the best skill of our times to bear, for the production of the best remedies which can be made.  These are supplied to the world, in a convenient form, at low prices, and the people will no more buy poor medicines instead of good, at the same cost, than they will bran instead of flour.  The inevitable consequence of this, is that the vile compounds that flood our country are discarded for those which honestly accomplish the ends in view, – which cure.  Do we over-estimate its importance, in believing that this prospect of supplanting the by-word medicines, with those of actual worth and virtue, is fraught with immense consequence for good, to the mass of our people. – Gazette and Chronicle, Peru, Ia.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, August 28, 1862

Nothing of importance. We are enjoying a well-earned rest in camp today, after having been without sleep for forty-eight hours. Our camp ground is getting dryer and more settled, and the weather is more pleasant.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 65

Deaths Of Soldiers

The following named Iowa soldiers died at Keokuk on the 27th inst.:  J. H. Nosler, Co. D 15th regiment’ S. Harrison, Co. K, 11th regiment; John Christian, Co. B, 8th regiment; and Lewis Kerk, Co, C, 15th regiment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

Promotions

Lieut. Col. Price having resigned, Major Shane will be promoted to that position and Capt. Van Hosen, of this city will be promoted to Major.  So we learn from a Pittsburg letter of Mr. T. H. Stanton to the Washington Press.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

Local Matters

IF you want wall papers of the newest patterns, go to Plummer’s, No. 50 Brady st.  *tf

THE cheapest and largest stock of Dry goods in the State is to be found at Whisler’s.

LADIES will find some beautiful styles of gilt curtain cornices at Sickels’ hardware store.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS can be realized by calling at Plummer’s and buying some of those new styles of wall papers.  *tf

THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, for May is a superb number, altogether superior to that of April.  We advise ever one to get it and mentally digest its contents.

DECORATE your dwellings with some of those recherché patterns of wall paper wihc can be seen only at Plummer’s, no. 50 Brady street.  *tf

“ARTEMUS WARD,” The veritable, lectured in Keokuk on Tuesday evening.  We hope he will extend his travels up the big river.

SOMETHING NEW in the way of wall paper is coming, and will be opened at Plummer’s No. 50 Brady street, in two or three days.  Look out for the finest patterns ever seen in this part of the country.  *tf

LANDLORDS, paper your houses with some of the beautiful paper hangings which can be found only at Plummer’s.  Then on rent day, instead of being met at the door with a broomstick, you will be greeted with pleasant smiles.  *tf

JUST RECEIVED at Farrand’s another large invoice of infants and misses’ Straw Goods.  Also, gents’ Hats and Caps of all grades and styles, for sale at low figures, at Corner 2d and Main streets.

SNOW IN OHIO. – A friend has received a letter from Warren county, Ohio, which states, that the latter part of last week there fell one of the deepest snows they have had there this spring.  Trees in leaf and in bloom were so completely covered that neither leaf nor blossom was to be seen.  Farmers were feeling very much discouraged.

W. B. SLOAN. – The papers throughout the State who have been advertising for this citizen of Chicago the last year, have begun to find out that he is one of the class of men who never pay the printer, and are publishing him accordingly.  He is an arrant quack and imposter, and so far as the press is concerned, – not the law, mind ye – has about run to the end of his tether.

DRY GOODS. – We direct attention to the advertisement of Mr. C. S. Whisler, in to-day’s paper.  He is one of the most systematic advertisers in the city, purchases for cash and sells for cash, and any one who wishes to get the worth of his or her money, should give him a call.  They will find every article in his line of business, and at the most reasonable prices.

THE MISSISSIPPI river is now emphatically the Father of Waters.  It is within six inches of being as high as the flood of last year and lacks but twenty-seven inches of the great flood of 1851, the highest known since 1828, before the town of Davenport had a being. – Report was received yesterday of a rise of five feet yet to come, which would be equivalent to about three feet additional here.  If we send to Cairo such a body of waters, unless the Ohio river falls very rapidly, that city will be completely submerged.

APPEARANCE DOCKET. -  Four hundred cases have been entered in the Appearance Docket, ant the Court House, with memoranda of each case.  In all cases hereafter commenced, this docket will be a complete history.  The book is gotten up in the usual good style of Luse, Lane & Co., and Mr. Jenson, of the Clerk’s office, has done the clerical portion of the work very creditably.

MARRIED.

In Davenport on Thursday, April 29th, by Rev. W. Windsor, Mr. WM. THOMPSON and Miss  SARAH F. DUNCAN.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, August 27, 1862

Companies G and B came out this morning to relieve us from picket duty at the big cut. We have had very little rest while on picket and patrol during the last forty-eight hours. Our regiment has begun building fortifications here at Bolivar; some negroes drifting into camp have been put to this work. The rebels to the south of us are getting bolder, and have driven in some of our outer pickets.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 64-5

The War News

Additional Details of the Capture of New Orleans.

Interesting Southern News.

Parson Brownlow’s family arrived at Fort Monroe.

Banks pushing toward Staunton.

GREAT PREPARATIONS AT YORKTOWN.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

XXXVIIth Congress -- First Session

WASHINGTON, April 30.

SENATE. – Mr. Harris presented a memorial from the Chamber of Commerce of N. Y., on the system of taxation.

Mr. Wade, from the committee on the conduct of the war, made a report in relation to the barbarous treatment of our soldiers at Manassas.  The report was ordered to be printed.

On motion of Mr. Wade the homestead bill was taken up.

Mr. Carlisle offered a substitute for the bill which was postponed till to-morrow.

Mr. Nesmith introduced a bill to amend the act of 1851 for a military hospital for invalid soldiers.

Mr. Powell’s resolution calling on the Secretary of State for information concerning the arrest of persons in the State of Kentucky was taken up.  Mr. Powell said he had been much annoyed at the opposition to this resolution.  The substitute offered by the Senator from Mass. (Sumner) was merely an attempt to avoid getting the information asked for.

After some debate the morning hour expired.  The confiscation bill was then taken up.  Messrs. Wilmot and Wright spoke in its favor and McDougal against it.

HOUSE. – Mr. Emmet submitted two bills, one to confiscate rebel property and to provide for the payment of the expenses of the present rebellion, and the other to provide for freeing the slaves of all rebels who have taken arms against the government.  Referred to the select committee.

Mr. Wickliffe asked leave to introduce a resolution of inquiry, to ascertain by what authority Gen. Hunter had issued an order to emancipate the slaves in the manner expressed by Messers. Hutchins, Lovejoy and others.  Objection was made to the introduction of the resolution.

The resolutions reported from the committee on government contracts were taken up.  Mr. Stevens’ motion to lay them on the table was rejected – yeas 17, nays 107.

The following resolution was read:

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be requested to adjust the claim against the Government for the 5,000 Hall’s carbines, through Simeon Stevens by Gen. G. C. Freemont, on the 6th day of August, 18612, and afterwards delivered at U. S. Arsenal at the city of St. Louis, on the basis of a sale of such arms to the Government for #12.50 each, rejecting all other demand against the government on account of the purchase of said arms.

An unsuccessful effort was made to amend the resolution by making it ready “purchased from S. Stevens.”

Mr. Fenton moved to amend the resolution by adding “providing that nothing herein contained exonerate the Government from the payment of any claims arising from advances made in good faith on certificates by authorized officers of the Government.”

This was rejected by 53 against 71.  The resolution, as originally reported, was adopted by 123 against 28.

The House adopted a resolution censuring Mr. Cameron, by a vote of 79 against 45.

A resolution censuring Secretary Welles was rejected – 45 against 72.

The House then went into committee of the whole on the Pacific R R. bill.  Not much progress made.

Adjourned.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, August 26, 1862

We remained on railroad guard all day again. Nothing of importance happened, but we had quite an exciting time for a while last night. When George Cush of Company E was on vedette, he thought he heard someone ahead of him in the brush, and gave the usual command to halt, but without response. Then as the noise continued he let fire, and although he hit nothing, yet that shot was enough to arouse the whole reserve post, and we remained in line the rest of the night, thinking that the rebels would make a charge on us before daylight. In the morning, upon investigation, we concluded that the noise must have been made by a hog or a calf, for there was not the least sign of the rebels. But the boys of the company began teasing George about his scare, and it is not likely that they will let him know the last of it for some time.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 64

BERLIN, Wis., April 30, [1862]

A fire this morning burned out Alexander Bros., J. & E. Field, Dr. Barr, J. Higgs and A J. Work, together with many others. – Loss $30,000.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

HON. E. M. STANTON, Sec’y of War:

The following appears in the Richmond Dispatch of the 28th:  The fearful state of suspense in which this city has existed for several days, has ended.  New Orleans is in possession of the enemy.  It was evacuated by Gen. Lovell, who removed his forces to Camp Moore, on the Jackson Railroad.

(Signed,)

J. E. WOOL, Maj. Gen.

The Charleston Mercury says that nine schooners left the city on the previous Saturday to run the blockade.  The Guide, Wave and two others were taken.  The crew of the Guide was landed on Gibb’s Island on Wednesday.  On Friday they were seen by our pickets and fired on, under the supposition that they were Yankees.  David Kauffer, of Augusta, was killed.  The three other vessels were sent to Port Royal.

The gunboat Mt. Vernon arrived from the blockade of Wilmington Sunday night.  She left there the Jamestown and Victoria.  The Cambridge sailed hence for Wilmington on Sunday.  The Mt. Vernon’s boilers are defective, but she will return to her station in a few days.  There is but little news.  Fort Caswell is being strengthened by the rebels in expectation of an attack.

The schooner Kate from Nassau was captured by the Mt. Vernon about two weeks ago, while attempting to run the blockade.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

LOUISVILLE, April 29, [1862]

One hundred and seven prisoners, captured by Gen. Mitchell, at Huntsville, arrived here to-night, en route for Camp Chase.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

From the South

HARRISONBURG, April 30.

Through secession channels, it is learned that the Governor of North Carolina was arrested and imprisoned in Richmond two weeks ago on account of his Union sentiments.

It was observed to-day that Jackson had removed his wagon trains back some six miles since yesterday, indicating his intention to retire still further rearward, or else entertaining a dread of an attack on them by your forces.

A squadron of cavalry was the only rebel force discovered to-day on the right side of the Shenandoah.  There was one wagon entered the village of McGaugheystown where they remained till about dark.  They came by the Port Republic route.

We have noting confirmatory of the occupation of Staunton by Gen. Milroy.

The river is still too high to attempt a passage with safety.

A dense smoke was seen in that direction to-day, but the cause is unknown.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

NEW YORK, April 30, [1862]

A letter from Washington, received by one of our merchants yesterday, states that the most positive information had been received from the vicinity of Memphis, that immense quantities of cotton throughout that section of country have been destroyed and it is now beyond question that the long decided plan of the rebels is being put into active execution.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, August 25, 1862

Companies E and K went out on railroad guard, to the deep cut about four miles east of our camp. We went to relieve Companies C and H and are to stay out two days. We have to patrol about five miles of the track to the east of our reserve post, making nine miles of track to guard. Our reserve stays in a schoolhouse located on a high piece of ground close by the railroad. We have to keep a strong picket line all night. Our drinking water here is excellent, and we have all the peaches and apples that we can eat. Some rain this evening.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 64

Review: America’s Great Debate

America's Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise That Preserved the Union

By Fergus M. Bordewich

Since its establishment by the Constitution in 1787 the Federal Government was dominated by the Southern States.  The steadily disproportionate population growth in the Northern States as opposed to their Southern sisters gradually chipped away at the Southern dominance in the United States House of Representatives.  By 1850 the Southerners were outnumbered in that institution.  With fifteen Free States in the North and fifteen Slave States in the South, through the guarantee of equal representation of each State in the United States Senate granted by the Constitution, the South still held power and sway in the Senate.

The discovery of gold in California and its application for statehood threatened to upset the delicate balance of power and give the Northern States the majority in both Houses in Congress for the first time in its history.  In his book, “America’s Great Debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the Compromise that Preserved the Union,” Fergus M. Bordewich, tackles the following ten month debate over California, Slavery and the Constitution in the Senate.

Mr. Bordewich’s narrative begins by setting the stage.  He points to “Manifest Destiny” as being the idea responsible for the Mexican War.  He further explains the possibility of the spread of slavery into that territory so recently acquired from Mexico, and how that territory would be formed in the new states fueled the fire of sectional discourse.  The discovery of gold in California and the resulting exponential increase of its population due to the gold rush only exacerbated the situation. The lack of any form of organized government made it imperative that something be done to establish government and order in California or she would quickly descend into anarchy.  If California came into the Union as a new state it was a virtual certainty that she would enter as a Free State and thus upset the balance of power between the Northern and Southern States in the Federal Government.  Sensing the impending diminishment of its political power, secession was openly discussed in the Southern States.

The vagueness of Texas’ unresloved western border complicated issues even further when she claimed the Rio Grande as her western border, laying claim to half of what would eventually become the state of New Mexico.  Texas, a slave state, was readying an army to invade the New Mexico Territory and assert her claim.

Henry Clay had an answer.  Despite his self imposed retirement Clay was once again elected to the Senate by the Kentucky Legislature.  “The Great Compromiser” would return to Washington in December with a plan that he hoped would resolve the issues and heal the ever widening chasm between the country’s Northern and Southern sections.  His plan would become known to history as The Compromise of 1850.  Thereby he appealed to Congress to:

• Form Territorial Governments in New Mexico and “Deseret” (later to become Utah) without regard to slavery.
• Set Texas’ western border, and if she released her claim to the New Mexico Territory the United States would pay off its sizable public debt.
• Abolish the slave trade in the District of Columbia.
• Toughen the Fugitive Slave Law.
• Forbid the passage of any law prohibiting or obstructing trade in slaves between the slaveholding states.

Mr. Bordewich’s narrative quickly summarizes the web of tangled issues, explains each of Clay’s proposals and demonstrates why each was necessary and relevant to the situation at hand.  Once Clay introduces his compromise the author closely follows the machinations of the debate, and the ever shifting political alliances in Congress.  Speech after speech is delivered on the floor of the Senate by the great orators of the day; Henry Clay, Daniel Webster, John C. Calhoun, William H. Seward and Stephen Douglas. Mr. Bordewich does admirable job summarizing these lengthy speeches, both for and against, the compromise,

Much to Clay’s dismay when the Compromise finally reached the floor for a vote it was in the guise of an omnibus bill.  All of Clay’s proposals were packed into one single pill designed to cure the nation of all its various political illnesses.  It was too big a pill for Congress to swallow as a whole, and it fell to defeat.

After the demise of the Omnibus Bill, the torch passed from Henry Clay to Stephen A. Douglas, the Senator from Illinois, who worked tirelessly to pass each of Clay’s proposals as single, standalone pieces of legislation.  One by one, by various combinations of different factions within the congress pass each bill, each a pill designed to cure the particular ill for which it was designed.

Clay’s medications and Douglas’ doctoring did not cure, but only postponed the malignancy of the secession cancer that threatened to cause the death of their patient.  North was not ready for war, Bordewich points out, in 1850 and further states that had it broken out the South would have in all likelihood secured her independence, by doing so the precedence of secession would be established, and the resulting probability that other sections would follow the example.  Without the Compromise of 1850 a map of the North American continent would look vastly different than it does today.

“America’s Great Debate” is exhaustively researched well written.  It is a must read for anyone interested in the history of antebellum America.

ISBN 978-1439124604, Simon & Schuster, © 2012, Hardcover, 496 pages, Photographs & Illustrations, End Notes, Bibliography & Index. $30.00.  To Purchase this book click HERE.