News

The 12th Michigan, and 3d Minnisota [sic] have re-enlisted and, gone home on furlough.

The Steamer J. Patton was burned last night at Walker’s Bend, on the Mississippi river; loss $25000 to $30000.

Guerrillas are getting troublesome on the river.

Gen. H. H. Buckland is appointed to the command of the District of Menphis, and Gen. H. T. Ried [sic], assumes command of the District of Cairo.

A boy at Buffalo, being mistaken for a substitute trying to escape, was shot by one of the soldiers having the substitutes in charge.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, February 6, 1864

A New Volume in the Gettysburg Library

One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg
and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia
July 4-14, 1863

By Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent

Gettysburg. Say it and one is immediately reminded of the cataclysmic three day battle between the Army of the Potomac, commanded by George Meade, and the Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by Robert E. Lee. Three days, July 1-3, 1863, that changed American History forever. Thousands of books and articles have been written about the battle which took place in the tiny hamlet of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. I dare say you could fill an entire room in a library with nothing about books devoted to this one battle alone.

But what happened after the battle? Lee’s retreat from Gettysburg, and Meade’s failure to destroy the Army of Northern Virginia before it crossed the Potomac River to the safety of Virginia is sometimes given the briefest of mentions, but more often is treated as a single chapter, or epilogue in a work covering the battle or the whole of the Gettysburg Campaign. Books devoted entirely to the retreat itself can easily be counted on the fingers of one hand.

Eric J. Wittenberg, J. David Petruzzi and Michael F. Nugent have successfully corrected this omission from the historical library with their book, “One Continuous Fight: The Retreat from Gettysburg and the Pursuit of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, July 4-14, 1863.” Drawing on a wealth of first hand accounts: letters & diaries, many of which until now have remained unpublished for 145 years, as well as contemporary newspaper articles and previously published primary and secondary sources, the trio of authors have written a dynamic and engaging volume, that is easily read and hard to put down.

During its retreat the Army of Northern Virginia clashed in nearly two dozen skirmishes & major engagements with the Army of the Potomac, including fighting at Granite Hill, Monterey Pass, Hagerstown, Williamsport, Funkstown, Boonsboro and Falling Waters. There was so much fighting going on between the opposing forces that Privet L. T. Dickinson of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry to described the ten day retreat as “one continuous fight.”

The book covers in detail the movements of the armies; however the first chapter is devoted entirely to Imboden’s “Wagon Train of the Wounded,” which I found compelling to read.

Mead has often been accused of letting Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia slip from his grasp at the moment when he had the ability to crush them in the palm of his hand. After the titanic three day struggle on the fields of Gettysburg, was Meade derelict in not following up on his victory? Did he move too slowly or too cautiously? Could Meade have done more? Or was the blue-clad Army of the Potomac as used up as their brothers clad in butternut and gray? From the title of their book alone, the authors dispel nearly 145 years of finger pointing, and accusations and in their conclusion they give a fair and balanced view of exactly who, if any one, was at fault.

Included at the end of the book are two driving tours: The Retreat from Gettysburg and The Wagon Train of the Wounded, both contain GPS coordinates and detailed driving directions so the reader can follow in the footsteps of history. Of course, if you want the full experience, I’d encourage you to don a wool uniform, strap on a backpack, pick up your rifle and walk the routes in the ninety degree heat of July. If you chose to do so I’ll wave at you from the comfort of my air conditioned car as I drive by.

Are there too many books about the Gettysburg Campaign? In a word, yes. Is there still anything left unwritten about the campaign & battle? Absolutely, and this book is but one example. It is a must have for any student of the Civil War, and especially for a student of the Gettysburg Campaign.

From New Orleans

New Orleans, Jan. 24. – The Free State Convention for the nomination of the candidates for State officers will be held here on Feb. 1st.

General Banks has pledged himself to the Free State Committee to such a modification of the Constitution, as to exclude the negroes from the representative basis.

The Veteran troops in this department are re-enlisting with great unanimity.

A Rebel force 10,000 strong is reported at Brazos, 15 miles inland on the Brazos river.

The Federal gunboat Siota [sic], and Steam Ship monongahela destroyed a cotton clad rebel gunboat on the 31st at Port Cavallo.

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, February 6, 1864

A Captured Letter. Sweet but Sensible.

Magnolia Vale.

My Own Darling Herbert:

Dearest one, once more I resume my pen to transmit a few thoughts to my best loved in reply to his very kind and acceptable letter of the 7th of last month, which was this day received. I am thankfully dearest, beyond my feeble power of expression, that your precious life and health has been spared thus far, trusting in faith that you will be permitted to return to the fond passionate embraces and loving caresses of your warm hearted Amelia, to the enjoyment of what you were pleased to term her charms. I would thank you, my Herbert, for the many kind and affectionate expressions on our last evening, for the continuance of your love for one who feels deeply her unworthiness of the priceless boon. If I had language at my command sufficiently powerful to convey an idea of the intensity of the affection I bear you, I might attempt to tell you of the length, breadth, and depth of my love, but dearest, language is powerless to portray my feelings, and I must leave you to judge, darling one, of your Amelia’s affections so deep and lasting that a life’s time will not be sufficient to prove its strength.

Notwithstanding, dear Herbert, you attempt to present the situation of our beloved country in as favorable light as possible, my hopes for success are dead. I cannot in the present aspect of affairs perceive the slightest ground for hopes. If, as you say, the circumstances of our situation are flattering, why is it that a proud and exultant enemy is permitted to occupy the heart of our territory? Why has he been allowed to sweep our commerce from our Rivers, to blockade our seaports till every article of comfort or necessity which we do not produce has become a novelty purchasable only at fabulous prices? Why has he been allowed to sit down quietly and undisturbed in our fairest cities converting the palatial residences of the noblest of our land into Hospitals for the reception of his low and vulgar soldiery? The truth, dear Herbert, though humiliating, is apparent; our means are inadequate for the performance of the task we have undertaken, a task which time and experience has proved our inability to perform and every day while it reduces our strength, increases that of the enemy. If such is not the case why do foreign nations who sympathize naturally in instinctively with us, hesitate to acknowledge our independence. Is it for any other reason than because they see our situation in the true light and know that we shall not succeed? You will not, dear Herbert, change your Amelia with disloyalty, or want of heart in the good cause. Dear Herbert, you know that I have sacrificed too much to subject myself to such imputations; you know that the material aid I have furnished and the losses I have sustained. You know that when the war commence I rejoiced in a fond father and two loving brothers, high minded, chivalrous, and magnanimous gentlemen, the very soul of honor, as true knights as ever laid a lance * * * * * rest in defense of insulted virtue. Where are they now? Alas! The victims, and to me the sad evidence of the irresistible power of the government we have attempted to overthrow. I know that I am but a woman, and that my opinion on affairs of state are of but little worth, nevertheless, dearest Herbert, I will appeal to you to hear my request. Resign your commission, return home and enjoy the charms of your own Amelia, whose life is bound up in her adored Herbert. Now please don’t refuse me, my precious one; you know that I am alone in the world, and oh! How lonesome. Come back while there is hope of appeasing the terrible power you have defied, come while the day of probation lasts, or I shall die. Do come home. You are exempt under the negro act from conscription, and if you will can return and enjoy the delights of home. I have enough to support us in affluence and luxury. Come, then and for time and eternity you shall have the undivided affections of your

Amelia

Co. D 5th Regt, Georgia Cav.
To Lieut. H. M. Preston

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 30, 1864

Letter from Adjutant E. H. King

Headquarters, Iowa Inft. Vol’s
Vicksburg Miss. Jan. 4th 1864

Mr. Caverly. –

Thick clouds overspreading the sky. The rain is falling in gentle showers, and has been all day. Water and mud are every where. Still this has been a gala day in camp. “Veteran Enlistment” is the rage at present. Every energy is being spent for the consummation of this grand object. Gen. McPherson visited the camp to day and made a speech to the Regiment on the subject which was received with sound applause. Col. Belknap also made a speech which was well received, and “all is passing merry as a marriage feast” in spite of the threatening elements. The ball is moving. The heroes of many battles, show a willingness to “Rally round the flag,” for another three years if the rebellion should last so long.

From present indications, a majority of the Regiment will reenlist – perhaps three fourths. – Co. “I” has led the van in this matter, and already three fourths of the men present have enlisted, which by the stipulations of the order entitles them to a furlough of thirty days within the State. If the remaining nine companies do as well, our friends in Iowa may expect our presence among them at no distant day.

With the exception of this matter of Veteran enlistment, things remain about as they were at my last writing. Health is very good, with few exceptions. There are four cases in the Regimental Hospital, only one of which is of a serious nature.

The first, and only snow of the season fell on the last day of the old year, perhaps to lend a more graceful whiteness to his locks as he was merging in to the past, or may-be to add freshness and vigor to the face of the new, as he came to receive his greetings. Whatever the cause, there was not sufficient to cause us thoughts of Sleigh-riding even if the appliances were on hand for that purpose.

But, I must close. I only write to tell you that there is a prospect of the 15th Iowa investing and laying siege to the State of Iowa in a month or two or three, and the people thereof would better prepare themselves for an “Unconditional Surrender.”

Good bye! Your, &c.
E. H. King

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 30, 1864

Fight in East Tennessee

Washington, Jan. 30. – The following has been received at headquarters here.

Nashville, Jan. 29. – Gen. Foster telegraphs from Knoxville, 29, 9 a.m. – I have the honor to report that the cavalry under Gen. Sturgis, gained a victory over the enemy’s cavalry near the Fair Ground 10 miles east of Severville. McCook's division drove the enemy about two miles after a stubborn fight lasting from daylight until 4 p.m. We captured two steel rifled guns and over 150 prisoners. The enemy’s loss was considerable, 65 being killed and wounded in the action. Gerrad and Welford’s Divisions came up in time to be pushed in the pursuit.

(Signed,) John A. Rawlins,
Brig. Gen. Com.

Headquarters, Nashville, Jan. 29. – The enemy, 600 strong, attacked the garrison at Athens, but after six hours fighting were repulsed. Our loss was twenty – the enemy’s must have been greater. On the 27th Col Miller had a severe fight this side of Florence, repulsing the enemy. Our loss was 15 killed and 17 wounded.

(Signed:) John A. Rawlins.
Brig. Gen’l Com’d’g

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, February 6, 1864

From the 8th Iowa Cavalry (W. D. K.)

Camp on the N. W. R. R., Tenn. Dec. 31, 1863. – Mr. Editor: – Being in camp today, and having nothing to read, I have concluded to enclose you a dollar greenback for which I wish you to send me your paper, as we get but few newspapers in this God-forsaken land of treason.

Our Battalion (the 3d) have just returned to camp after being on a four days’ scout. We went from here to Fort Donelson and made a raid back through a portion of country in which it was reported a large force of guerrillas made they headquarters, but could get no fight out of them. We are stationed here to guard the Railroad and the workmen who are repairing it, and to clean out the various bands of guerrillas that infest this country. We have taken a great many of them prisoners and treated them as prisoners of war, and in return they have taken some of our boys prisoners, and we have just heard that they have shot them. The boys say they will have revenge – they are exasperated, and woe be to the guerillas they capture hereafter, for death will be their portion. These guerillas are a set of men, who, under the name of Confederate soldiers, murder every Union soldier they can capture and every Union man they can find in this country.

This is one of the poorest countries I ever saw. I would not give one county of Iowa for all of this State, and I have seen a good portion of it.

The intelligence of the people is in unison with the country. A poorer set of ignorant devils I never saw in any country. We have seen grown men and women who never saw the flag of our country and looked upon it with astonishment. They believed that Iowa Soldiers were a set of cutsthroats [sic] who would kill all the women and children we came across. Such a thing as a school-house does not exist here. And this is the kind of material Jeff Davis and the Copperheads of the North have deluded with the doctrine of coercion – men who cannot read – men who never read the Constitution of the country – men who never traveled outside their own township. Poor deluded wretches who do as the leaders of this infernal rebellion bid them.

We have had no general engagement as yet. The material we have to fight are too cowardly to come out and fight like men but fire on us from behind logs and rocks and then run like deer before the hounds.

The health of the Regiment is now very good.

Yours respectfully,

W. D. K.
Co. F, 8th Iowa Cavalry

[Hawkeye.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 30, 1864

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- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, March 19, 1864

A compositor on the Linn county Patriot...

...who is a bachelor, got a hint the other evening, which, if he don’t take, he ought to be kicked sure. He was at a social gathering, and the conversation happened to turn on sewing machines, their cost, &c., when a rosy-cheeked damsel looking up timidly into his face said: “Pa has two sewing machines to give away.”

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, March 19, 1864

From the 8th Iowa Cavalry (H. F. Mc.Manis)

Waverly Tenn. Jan 13th 1864.

Editor Sentinel : –

Thinking that some of your readers would like to hear from this little band of Hawk-eyes that started out in freedom’s cause, I drop you a line which you may publish if you think it worthy a place in your paper.

We – the first battalion – have gone into winter quarters here, within ten miles of the Tennessee river, on the Nashville and Rendelsburg road. The 2nd battalion is fifty miles east of here, and the 3rd twenty-one miles east. The road is finished and cars running 40 miles, and they expect to finish to the river by May.

As the 8th Iowa were the first Federals in this part of the state the Citizens were much surprised on our arrival. The secesh heard that we were coming and burned the jail two days before our arrival. The day before we arrived, we came on the guerrilla, Capt. Phillips, and some of his men while at dinner. They escaped leaving two horses and three mules. We have taken a number of prisoners since we came here. Bands of guerrillas composed of the ignorant classes lurk around our camp at night, fire on our pickets, and then run away to their homes; when our scouts call on them they are good loyal men, “Constitutional Democrats,” and neither arms nor ammunition can be found. They are like some of the traitors of Clark Co. **** Such men are prolonging this h–l born rebellion.*** The secesh here acknowledge their cause to be hopeless. Their money is worthless, requiring 75 dollars of it to pay for a pair of boots.

The health of the regiment is good – only some 20 in the hospital. The boys are anxious for an engagement, feeling confident in such an event of success, for we are commanded by as good officers as any Iowa regiment. We have some refugees in camp from west Tenn. They say there are enough loyal men in Tenn. to whip the secesh, if they had arms.

Uncle Sam has called for 300,000 more men and he must have them. Shall the little State of Iowa be disgraced by a Draft? I feel confident that it will not.

Yours &c.
H. F. Mc.Manis

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 30, 1864

DVD Review: The Battle of Stones River

The Battle of Stones River: The Fight For Murfreesboro
Wide Awake Films, © 2006

After its defeat at Perryville, Kentucky on October 8, 1862 the Confederate Army of the Tennessee led by General Braxton Bragg retreated to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to reorganize, while William Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland followed their Confederate counterparts as far as Nashville. In the last week of December 1862 Roscrans’ 44,000 man army left Nashville to battle Bragg’s 37,000 rebel soldiers at Murfreesboro. The resulting three day fight along the banks of the Stones River, December 31, 1862 to January 2, 1863, resulted in a tactical stalemate and nearly 19,000 men killed and wounded. Since the Confederate Army retreated from the field, The Battle of Stones River is viewed historically as a Union Victory.

Among Civil War battles, Stones River has a low profile, and is often overshadowed by other battles such as Shiloh, Antietam, or Gettysburg. It is also generally overlooked by historians, usually getting the briefest of mentions in the overall history of the war. Wide Awake Film’s 2006 documentary release, “The Battle of Stones River: The Fight for Murfreesboro,” places the battle in its rightful place along side her sister battles.

Using narration over a background of film footage of “one of the largest reenactments ever held in Tennessee,” period photographs of the participants and a few maps, the film attempts to create an impression of the battle. Sadly the impression it creates, and not a good one.

The 50 minute documentary is narrated entirely by Eben Fowler. Mr. Fowler’s narration seems distantly removed from the action on the screen. Though not monotone, his narration is reminiscent of films shown in your high school history classes of the 1950’s through the 80’s. Even when quoting from letters and diaries, Mr. Fowler’s narration lacks verve and vigor. Different voices, especially when quoting from period texts would have added layers of depth to this aspect of the film. There are several large gaps in the narration itself, in some cases lasting well over a couple of minutes, when nothing is heard but the cacophonous sound of battle. These gaps would have been better used by adding additional narration to tell the viewer more about the battle.

The footage of the reenactment seems often times at odds with the narration. Nothing is recognizable, and I found the use of a Hollywood-like set-piece of the shell of a burned out house (without a roof or windows and 2x4 braces visibly holding up the walls) laughable. With over 5,000 reenacters the screen was filled with soldiers, both blue and gray, but none of them were ever identifiable as Bragg, Hardy, Rosecrans, Thomas, Sheridan, etc.

Taken for what it is, this DVD, with its narration over a generic battle reenactment, is an acceptable introduction the battle and its participants. The disk also contains a two bonus features; footage of the 1992 reenactment (a video scrapbook for its participants, but of no redeeming use for anyone who wasn’t there), as well as a “Battlefield Park Tour” with noted Civil War Historian Ed Bearss, which isn’t a battlefield tour at all, but merely one stop on the tour: The Round Forest.

Another Wedding

Married on the 8th inst. at the residence of Mr. E. B. Gibson, Jacksonville, this county, by Esq. Proudfoot, Mr. Ira Billings of Liberty township, to Miss Lizzie Bute, of Young America, Warren Co., Illinois.

Our Correspondent writes us that Miss Bute has been spending the winter with Mr. Gibson, her uncle, and has concluded to take a Hawk-Eye back with her to Suckerdom. He also writes us that Mrs. Gibson got up a supper on the occasion, unequaled before in Jacksonville. Many guests were present who tested its excellence, and who united in pronouncing the affair one of the happiest of the happy.

Now Billings, a word in regard to the bird,
That you have avowed you will love,
Procure her a cage, a purse and a page,
And, my Word, she’ll be gentle’s a dove;
But fail to do this, and instead of a kiss,
Her looks will be colder than lead
And a hundred to one, of you are not “mum”
She’ll kick you some night from the bed.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, March 19, 1864

Volunteering in Oceola Township

At a Meeting of some of the citizens of this township Saturday evening January 2d, to provide for filling our quota under the President’s call for 300 thousand men, the members resolved to raise money by subscription sufficient to pay each recruit who may be accepted, $100, in addition to the bounty paid by Government. A Committee was appointed to take subscriptions, who have succeeded in raising $912, to this date.

Below we give the names of the subscribers and the amount each subscribed.

Others have not yet been solicited, and some whose names hare here given have agreed to sign more if it is necessary to make up the full amount. The names of those who may sign hereafter, and those who increase their subscription will appear in another issue.

A. H. Burrows, $25; L. M. D. Sherick, $25; N. H. Annis, $5; J. B. Kelly, $3; E. M. H. Fleming, $5; C. B. Bonney, $5; J. Williams, $20; George W Howe, $25; D. Sayer, $10; C. E. Millard, $20; Abner Fitzgerald, $5; E. M. Smith, $10; A. Knotts, $25; Jas. Rice, $50; R. B. Parrott, $25; S. R. Burgess, $25; D. T. Musselman, $15; W. E. Henderson, $20; Aaron S. Johnson, $25; H. F. Gross, $25; F. G. Winkler, $5; M. W. Morgan, $10; A. C. Johnson, $15; George W. Clapp, $20; Jas. Brown, $5; William B. Orr, $10; J. H. Warfel, $10; W. N. Barnard, $25; J. R. Rhea, $10; A. Lyons, $25; Moses Parvis, $10; L. R. Regley, $25; A. J. Linder, $5; E. A. Lanham, $15; David Brier, $25; J. W. Blake, $10; Wm. Brier, $20; D. Miller, $5; E. L. Orr, $15; Jacob Roberts, $10; A. A. Mintoyne $14; N. H. Ridgeway, $20; John Daily, $40; Wm. Grimes, $5; H. W. Peckett, $20; J. D. Howard, $5; Jacob Lingle, $25; Sam Moorhouse, $5; H. C.Sigler, $25; E. M. Laws, $25; O. P. Anderson, $10; Adam Lingle, $25; P. J. Goss, $10; P. C. Templeton, $5; B. F. Chapman, $5; Jas. Polly, $10 John M. Moore, $5; J. H. Caverly, $15.

Whole amount subscribed, $912.00.

The following are the names of those who have volunteered from this County.

Oceola: E. M. Legerwood, J. T. Polly, J. F. Tibbs, J. M. Campbell, H. E. Mintoyne, T. C. Laport, H. H. Adams, John Wells, John Witcraft, John Story, C. A. B. Watson. Doyle Tp: Wm Burham, James Lent, D. O. Ball, James Edwards, A. H. Wetherell, John Powers, and three others whose names are unknown. Knox Tp.- Stephen Stiverson, Wm. Ford, Soloman Thomas, Nathan Thomas.

Green Bay Tp.- P. C. Baily (colored.)

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

A Young Lady’s Soliloqy

Uselessly, aimless’y drifting through life.
What was I born for? “For Somebody’s wife,”
I am told by my mother. Well, that being true.
“Somebody” keeps himself strangely from view;
And if naught but marriage will settle may fate,
I believe I shall die in an unsettled state.
For tho’ I am not ugly – pray, what woman is? –
You might easily find a more beautiful phiz;
And then, as for temper and manners, ‘tis plain
He who seeks for perfection will seek here in vain.
Nay, in spite of these drawbacks, my heart is perverse.
And I sho’d not feel grateful for better or worse.
To take the first booby that graciously came
And offered those treasures, his home and his name.
I think, then, my chances of marriage are small,
But why should I think of such chances at all?
My brothers are all of them younger than I.
Yet they thrive in the world, why not let me try?
I know that in business I’m not an adept.
Because from such matters most strictly I’m kept.
But – this is the question that puzzles my mind –
Why am I not trained up to work of some kind?
Uselessly, aimlessly, drifting through life,
Why should I wait to be “Somebody’s wife?”

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Lost

By Nute Rice, while sleighriding with the girls Tuesday night, between Oceola and the Fremont schoolhouse, a shawl. Any one who will return the same to this office shall have five cents reward.

It is said that Nute was sitting so near the girls that he did not miss the shawl until he got home. Great thing, this animal heat.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa January 16, 1864

Stone’s River Campaign 26 December 1862 - 5 January 1863, Volume 1: The Union Army

As a general rule I usually stay away from self-published books, but after reading recent posts by Drew Wagenhoffer & Brett Schulte I decided to dash out to Stones River National Battlefield and check out Lanny K. Smith’s Stone’s River Campaign 26 December 1862 - 5 January 1863, Volume 1: The Union Army. I asked the park ranger about the book and he grabbed one right off the shelf for me and gushed about the book, telling me that he’d never seen anything like it. At 723 pages (those are 8 ½ by 11” pages and a pretty small font) it’s the most scholarly and detailed book yet written about the Stones River Campaign. In fact he was so excited about it that he asked me if I knew when volume two, covering the Confederate Army, is going to be printed. With five relatives that fought here (Stones River National Battlefield is just across town), I’m anxiously waiting to read it, as its narration of troop movements is detailed down to the regimental level. I don’t know exactly when I’m going to get the chance to read it, rest assured when I do I’ll post a review here. If you should be interested in obtaining a copy, click on the link above, but you’d better act fast as Mr. Smith printed a limited run of 330 copies. I have # 39.

Letter from Adjutant E. H. King

Headqu’r’s 15th Iowa Inft. Vol’s.
Vicksburg Miss. Dec. 28th 1863

Mr. Caverly:-

How vain are the thoughts and imagination of man! In one short hour the fairest hopes are blasted, and the brightest pictures of imaginative joy are hurled away, leaving only a pang as the price of anticipated bliss.

Every thing had been passing with an even tenure in camp: the approach of the holidays had created a desire in many minds to enjoy a season of pleasure as in days of yore, and to this end, preparations of no mean character had been in progress from the beginning of the week until the evening of the 24th inst., when everything was in a state bordering on completion, and high hopes were on the point of realization, and those who had predicted the sudden tumbling of all their expectations, were constrained to admit those were to be realized on this occasion, and the morrow would witness the full fruition of their hopes. But not so. In the midst of all, with countless numbers of half cooked turkeys, and well filled baskets of sweetmeats of every variety, and wines and liquors in greatest profusion: - when every thing had been provided which it was possible to secure to make Christmas a day of the gayest festivities, all was thrown into confusion and disappointment by an order for the 11th and the 15th Iowa Inft. To move at once to “Red Bone” 12 miles distant, under command of Col. Belknap of the 15th Iowa and reenforce [sic] the 2nd Miss. Cavalry, and 16th Miss. Infantry, stationed at that point, and which the Rebels were expected to attack early on the morning of the 25th. The column was moving by 11 p.m. and at 3 o’clock a.m. of the 25th was at its destination, and ready for enacting any scene the rebels might see fit to introduce. But considering, possibly, that discretion was the better part of valor, and that their foe being forewarned and fore-armed and doubled in numbers, were too powerful for them to be sure of a victory, the rebels failed to make the descent and at 2 o’clock p.m. of the 26th was enroute for Vicksburg, where it arrived at 5 ½ p. m. of the same day.

I did think of writing a description of the country through which we passed, but it beggars description. It is the poorest hilliest, and must desolate looking country it has been my misfortune to behold in the Southern Confederacy. There is not an acre of level ground for the whole 12 miles and not half an acre any place but is cut by gutters, five, ten and even twenty feet in depth. A more good-for-nothing, God-forsaken country than this appears to be, is certainly beyond the conception of man, and he who possess [sic] his ten thousand acres of such land, would be ten thousand times more intensely poor, than the meanest operative in New York city. “God bless our native land,” but save us from a land cursed with such hills and ditches. Every year adds to the poverty of such a country.

The weather is cold, windy, disagreeable at present, though it is generally very pleasant. No snow has yet fallen, and we are not anxious for any to fall, as it would only add to the discomfort of the troops. The health is magnificent. One could not ask for it to be better.

An effort is making in some quarters to have a good time on New Year’s day to make up for the disappointment on Christmas. As to the subscriber, he expects to spend it as any other day is spent in the army. The returns to be made up for the month, the two months, the quarter and the year just closing, will sufficiently occupy his attention, without indulging extensively in any of the festivities of the day.

But – wishing you and your readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year – I bid you a kind good night.

E. H. King

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, January, 16, 1864

Report of General Averill

EDRAY, POCAHONTAS COUNTY, W. VA., DECEMBER 21,
Via Beverly, December 22, 1863. (Received 4.15 p.m., 23d.)

SIR: I have the honor to report that I cut the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad at Salem on the 16th instant, and have arrived safely at this point with my command, consisting of the Second, Third, and Eighth [West] Virginia Mounted Infantry, Fourteenth Pennsylvania, Gibson's battalion cavalry, and Ewing's battery.

At Salem three depots were destroyed, containing 2,000 barrels flour, 10,000 bushels wheat, 100,000 bushels shelled corn, 50,000 bushels oats, 2,000 barrels meat, several cords leather, 1,000 sacks salt, 31 boxes clothing, 20 bales cotton, a large amount of harness, shoes, and saddles, equipments, tools, oil, tar, and various other stores, and 100 wagons. The telegraph wire was cut, coiled, and burned for half a mile. The water-station, turn-table, and 3 cars were burned, the track torn up, and the rails heated and destroyed as much as possible in six hours. Five bridges and several culverts were destroyed, over an extent of 15 miles. A large quantity of bridge timber and repairing materials were also destroyed.

My march was retarded occasionally by the tempest in the mountains, and the icy roads. I was obliged to swim my command and drag my artillery with ropes across Craig's Creek seven times in twenty-four hours. On my return I found six separate commands, under Generals Early, Jones, Fitz. Lee, Imboden, Jackson, Echols, and McCausland, arranged in a line extending from Staunton to Newport upon all the available roads to prevent my return.

I captured a dispatch from General Jones to General Early, giving me the position, and that of Jackson--at Clifton Forge and Covington-was selected to carry. I marched from the front of Jones to that of Jackson during the night. His outposts were pressed in at a gallop by the Eighth [West] Virginia Mounted Infantry, and the two bridges across Jackson's River saved, although fagots had been piled ready to ignite. My column, about 4 miles long, hastened across regardless of the enemy until all but my ambulances, a few wagons, and one regiment had passed, when a strong effort was made to retake the first bridge, which did not succeed. The ambulance and some sick men were lost, and by the darkness and difficulties the last regiment was detained upon the opposite side until morning, when it was ascertained that the enemy seemed determined to maintain his position up the cliffs which overlooked the bridge.

I caused the bridges, which were long and high, to be destroyed, and the' enemy immediately changed his position to the flank and rear of the detachment which was cut off. I sent orders to the remnants to destroy our wagons and come to me across the river or over the mountains. They swam the river, with the loss of only 4 men drowned, and joined me. In the meantime, forces of the enemy were concentrating upon me at Callaghan's over every available road but one, which was deemed impracticable, but by which I crossed over the top of the Alleghanies with my command, with the exception of four caissons, which were destroyed in order to increase the teams of the pieces.

My loss is 6 men drowned, 1 officer and 4 men wounded, and 4 officers and 90 men missing. We captured about 200 prisoners, but have retained but 4 officers and 80 men, on account of their inability to walk. We took also about 150 horses. My men and horses have subsisted entirely upon a very poor country, and the officers and men have suffered cold, hunger, and fatigue with remarkable fortitude.

My command has marched, climbed, slid, and swum 365 miles since the 8th instant.

WM. W. AVERELL,
Brigadier-General.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
General-in-Chief.

SOURCES: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies During the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Vol. 29, Part 1, p. 924-5; an edited version of this report also was published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, on January 9, 1864 with the heading of "Report of General Averill."

Adjutant General Thomas reports...

...Col. Hawkins’ Brigade of 5000 colored soldiers at Milliken’s Bend, as in excellent condition and its commander avers it can whip any 5000 rebels now in Arkansas. General Thomas thinks by spring there will not only be negroes enough in the field to guard the banks of the Mississippi its whole length but also to give a large surplus for duty at other points, or in the field.

An expedition, to co-operate with Gen. Averill, consisting of two regiments of infantry, 400 cavalry, and a battery of six guns, the whole force numbering 1,400 in all, under the command of Col. Geo. D. Wells of the 34th Massachusetts infantry returned to Harper’s Ferry without the loss of a man. After penetrating to Harrisonburg. When Averill has finished his work, after Wells had accomplished his diversion, strictly according to orders, he found himself confronted by from 7,000 to 10,000 of Lee’s forces and with Gen. Bosser’s brigade and a part of Stewart’s cavalry in his rear at Front Royal, but by clever strategy and forced marches he escaped the former and avoided the latter forces, and reached his post with his men and munitions unharmed. So desperate, at one time, seemed the chances of the expedition that the rebels in Winchester offered to bet that not a man would return. One hundred rebel prisoners were safely brought off.

- Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, January 9, 1864

Senator James W. Grimes to Dr. Clarke

Burlington [Iowa], August 12, 1863

Yours of the 10th inst. is recd ~ I do not know exactly what position in the Mississippi Squadron would suit your nephew that would be attainable. I advise you to write to Capt. Wells on the subject. I think he can find him a place where he can be most useful and at the same time be free from the irksome duties that fall to the lot of most men. I will be pleased to write him tomorrow & whenever it may be in my power. If he had had any experience on a boat or ship I do no doubt that I could secure him a yard position at once.

Your friend,
J. W. Grimes

[Pencil docketed on verso] Nephew of Dr. Clarke recommended for some position by Mr. Grimes & Capt Wells.