GENTLEMEN get your clothing made at Erskine’s.
A NEW lot of Ready Made Clothing for sale very cheap at Erskine’s.
GONE HOME. – Chief Justice Baldwin and Judge Wright, with a number of the lawyers who have been attending the Supreme Court, left yesterday morning on the steamboat Jennie Whipple for their respective homes.
IT IS a true saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Farrand, Cor. Of 2d and Main sts., Davenport, has the best stock of hats and caps in the western country. His hats are all neat and serviceable. He keeps constantly on hand all the latest and most desirable styles, which he is selling cheap for cash. For the proof of this give him a trial.
IOWA STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY. – The annual meeting of this Society will take place at Iowa City on Wednesday, May 28th. The county societies are requested to make the proper effort to secure a full attendance, and all members of the profession in the state having the requirements, are invited to meet and become members of the Association
MERRY’S MUSEUM. This excellent magazine for the young has enjoyed a deserved popularity for the past twenty-one years. It is filled with choice stories, essays, instructive articles on natural history and other sciences of peculiar interest to the young, games, puzzles, &c., and embellished with beautiful pictures illustrative of its topics. Terms $1 a year in advance. Address J. N. Stearns, publisher, 111 Fulton street, New York city. We advised every parent and teacher send for it.
GRAPES. – There appears to be a perfect furore [sic] for the new sort of grape vines. Let us urge cultivators not to neglect the older and well tried varieties. Almost every kind has its peculiar desirable qualities. Study all these advantages, and don’t confine your view to only one or two qualities. While early maturity and delicious flavor will and ought to insure favor for vines with these characteristics, the keeping qualities are almost equally valuable. Now, the old Isabella can be kept without difficulty until February and March. As much cannot be said of either the Clinton or Catawba, and perhaps of hardly any other variety. Let our readers bear this in mind, and act accordingly.
ADVERTISING. – Our contemporary of the Dubuque Times thus discourses upon advertising:– Fanny Fern has said some good things in her way, but she never made a better bit or spoke truer than when she perpetrated the following: “It is just as sensible to get married without courting as to attempt to succeed in business without advertising.” How are the public to know what you have to dispose of unless you make it known through the medium of the press? A gentleman whose mind had been brought to bear upon this subject by reading an article on the subject of advertising, concluded to make an examination of the matter, and taking up a paper examined the advertisements, made a list of those merchants who had advertised, and them made a tour of the streets where they were located, and his experience was, that those houses which advertised frequently and liberally were crowded with customers, while equally as attractive looking stores next door to them were doing but little, and some of them no business.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Local Matters
A La Salle Surgeon
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1
From Washington
The Select Committee, to whom was referred the question of the loyalty of Senator Stark, of Oregon, reported to-day that he is disloyal to the Government of the United States, having found that for many months prior to this that he was an ardent advocate of the rebel cause, and after the formation of the rebel constitution openly declared his admirations for it, and warmly avowed his sympathy with the rebel cause.
A caucus of the Republicans in Congress is called for to-morrow night.
Gen. Wadsworth, the military Governor, has issued an order requiring all farm stock in Prince William, Loudon, Alexandria and Fairfax counties, Va., to be confined and carefully guarded, the destruction of the fences rendering this measure necessary for the cultivation of the land.
The oath of allegiance has been administered to Mansfield S. Walworth, Saratoga county, N. Y., a political prisoner at the old capital prison. He also gave his parole of honor that he would not aid the rebels in any manner.
The Secretary of the Treasury has directed all public treasurers and depositaries to receive no more temporary deposits at rates of interest exceeding four per cent.
Richmond papers of yesterday contain telegraph reports of the landing of our forces near Elizabeth City, N. C., and an engagement at that point. They admit that their forces retired to Dismal Swamp Canal, with the loss of thirty-eight killed and wounded, and say the Federal loss was heavy. They notice the occupation of Fredericksburg, and complain of the withdrawal of their troops, which were in force there, without a contest.
The general commanding at the Warrick Creek fight, whose reported condition on that occasion called forth representative Morrill’s resolution empowering the President to cashier drunken officers is said to be Wm. F. Smith. It is said that he fell from his horse twice, smearing his clothes and face with mud.
Mr. Morrill said that the two companies of Green Mountain Boys stood in the marsh fifty minutes without support or permission to retire.
Most of the friends of Mr. Bingham’s confiscation bill feel sanguine that the house will pass it, under the previous question to-morrow. It is believed the vote will be a rather close one.
Tribune’s Dispatch.
Several Vessels of the river flotilla have been up the Rappahannock, some of them as far as Fredericksburg. About nine miles above Tappahannock schooners had been sunk to obstruct the river, but Commander Wyman, in the Yankee, with his consorts pushed their way through. At one point the boats were fired upon by musketry. – No one on board was injured. Twelve or thirteen vessels, two of them steamers, were found in the creeks, and were seized and brought down stream. The river is now considered open for navigation, and timber for re-building the bridges burned by the rebels, will soon reach Falmouth.
Nothing is heard of the rebel force, but it is believed to be in force not far back of Fredericksburg.
The finance committee of the Senate has done with the machinery sections of the tax bill, having made such amendments as in its judgment were calculated to perfect the system adopted by the House. An effort was made to raise the tax on whisky and other distilled spirits to 25 cts. A gallon, but the committee retained it at 15 cts. The committee decides to impose some change on stock on hand on the 30th of June, when the act is to go into operation, but left it to a sub committee to decide how much it should be. The tax on beer and other fermented liquors will be $2 a barrel instead of $1. No other noteworthy changes have yet been made.
Chas. A. Dana, of N. Y., has been appointed, by Secretary Stanton, one of the commissioners to investigate the war accounts at Cairo.
Prof. Bache and Mr. Westervelt have declined to serve on the Board appointed to examine the Stevens battery.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Another Chance
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1
Heavy Correspondence
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1
Returned
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1
More Wounded
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, April 25, 1862, p. 1
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
From Cairo
Special to the Chicago Times
The steamer Charley Bowen reached here to-day, from Paducah. From Capt. White, one of her passengers, I gather Pittsburg news of Sunday night. The weather in that quarter has been exceedingly unfavorable for movements of our army. For the last three days rain has fallen incessantly, and it is now an utter impossibility for the army to move on account of the great depth of the mud. Preparations, however, are going on steadily, so when the roads improve, the army will be in readiness for battle.
Beauregard is being constantly reinforced and the citizens of Memphis and New Orleans are throwing up their business occupation and flocking to his standard, believing on the ensuing battle depends the fate of the Valley of the Mississippi. It is thought by those who ought to know best that the majority of the Southern people are ready to throw down their arms and return to the Union, if they are defeated at Corinth; while the leaders are still as desperate as ever.
Major Belknap, of the 15th Iowa regiment, has been promoted to the Colonelcy of a Wisconsin regiment, for his gallant conduct at the battle of Pittsburg.
I have it from excellent authority, that every charge against Gen. Grant, will be shown to be groundless, and that facts not generally known, tend to exculpate him from any blame whatever. The charge among others, that he landed troops on the Pittsburg side of the river, contrary to the order of Gen. Halleck, is easily cleared up, by the fact that the whole opposite side of the river was flooded with at least three feet of water, making the debarkation of the troops on that side impossible. The impression is gaining ground that Gen. Grant not only acted prudently under the circumstances, but conducted himself with marked bravery throughout the battle.
Five of the rebel miscreants who fired on the steamer Minnehaha during her recent trip up the Tennessee, have been captured, together with a quantity of ammunition and a number of horses, bearing the U. S. marks. The rebels were to be shot.
Gen. Smith is lying dangerously ill at Savannah. His division was commanded at the battle of Pittsburg by Gen. W H. Wallace.
Capt. G. R. Gardner, Co. F, and Capt. R. R. Henderson, Co. H, 13th Ohio, reported killed in the battle of Pittsburg, are both alive, and though wounded, are doing well.
The gunboat Eastport, captured at Nashville, is now being rebuilt at Mound City. She is to be somewhat longer and narrower than the gunboats now in service, and is to be provided with a huge iron prow; otherwise she will be continued after the pattern of the Benton and other gunboats. She is to be completed in about four weeks. Capt. Pennock, the naval officer in command at this post, is superintending the construction of the Eastport.
The captain of the Minnehaha arrived here to-day, and brings particulars concerning the drowning of Gov. Harvey. The Governor was returning in company with a number of gentlemen of Wisconsin from Pittsburg, whither they had gone to relieve the wounded Wisconsin troops. At Savannah they stopped some time visiting the wounded in hospital, and at length started to return. The party were passing from the steamer Dunleith on board the Minnehaha, when Gov. Harvey lost footing and fell into the river. He endeavored to swim against the current, and while in this act Dr. Clarke, on of the Governor’s party plunged into the stream to his rescue. Before he could reach him, however, Gov. Harvey was carried under a coal boat, since when nothing has been heard of his body, though endeavors have been made to recover it. A reward of $1,000 been offered by the State for the recovery of the body.
The Postmaster at Cairo requests all postmasters in mailing letters for the army, which should properly be sent to his office for distribution, to put them in separate packages and endorse the letters “soldier’s letters, Cairo D. P. O.” The enormous increase of letters received makes this an absolute necessity.
The steamer Stringer arrived from Fort Pillow this morning, but brought nothing of importance from the fleet. She left our fleet on Sunday evening, and reports that there was no firing on either side during that day. A few shots were exchanged on Saturday, Mortar boats occasionally toss shell into the rebel fortifications. Nothing lively may be expected from the flotilla until after the battle of Corinth.
First Lieut. John Sec, Co G, 41st Ills., wounded in the battle of Pittsburg, died when coming down the river yesterday.
The river here is at least at a stand, and if any change is occurring is slowly receding.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
From Banks’ Division
The following has been received at the War Department:
NEWMARKET, Va., April 22.
To Hon. Edwin M. Stanton:
Our advance is near Harrisburg. We have troops across the mountains protecting the bridges on the Shenandoah at Olney and on the Murray road. The inhabitants of that vicinity were greatly alarmed at first on account of the reports circulated by the rebels as to the treatment they would receive from us, but in the course of a few hours they became quite reconciled to our presence. There is a good road to Warrenton, 25 miles, and a turnpike to Culpepper Court House, the same distance.
In several recent sharp skirmishes with the enemy we lost three men. Jackson had abandoned the valley of Virginia permanently, and is en route for Jordonsville by the way of the mountains. Every day brings its prisoners and numerous deserters from the rebels.
(Signed)
N. P. Banks,
Major General Commanding.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
A Thrilling Adventure
A letter from Fortress Monroe says:
We learn from Gen. Wool that there was an accident of a most thrilling nature at General McClellan’s headquarters yesterday. Gen. Fitz John Porter ascended in a balloon, for the purpose of making a reconnoisance. When high up, the rope broke, and off floated the balloon, directly over the enemy’s entrenchments. The officer was considered to be inevitably lost. The hearts that were wrung with the hardness and strangeness of his fate, were suddenly cheered as well as amazed with the spectacle of the return of the balloon over our own camps. It had ascended to a counter current of air, and was wafted with all its precious freight, back to safety. Once again over his own troops, the soldier aeronaut pulled the valve and discharged the gas from the balloon, and came down to the earth “by the run,” entirely unharmed. What he saw is for military use, and not for publication.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Ninth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry
The ten companies of the Ninth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry were ordered by the Governor to rendezvous at Dubuque, as part of the quota of the State under the proclamation of the President dated July 23, 1861, and were mustered into the service of the United States on dates ranging from September 2d to September 24, 1861, by Capt. E. C. Washington, United States Army.
The Hon. Wm. Vandever, then a member of Congress from Iowa, was given authority by the President to organize this regiment from the counties composing his district, and he was commissioned by Governor Kirkwood as its first Colonel. The names of the field and staff and company officers, at the date of muster in, will be found in the subjoined roster, in which will also be found notations of the subsequent changes which occurred on account of death, promotion, resignation, or from whatever cause, together with a paragraph opposite the name of each line officer and enlisted man, arranged in alphabetical order, showing his personal record of service in so far as the same could be obtained from the official records in the Adjutant General's office of the State of Iowa, and the War Department in Washington. That some of these records are very imperfect, and that they may, in some instances, do injustice to the memory of the officers and men of this gallant regiment, is a matter beyond the control of those under whose supervision this great work has been done. Every effort has been made to make this compilation historically correct, in so far as the limitations as to time and space would permit; but, where the records of individual service may have been incorrectly given in the official returns and reports, and no other source of Information was available, there was but one course to pursue, and that was to follow the official records, which, in the main, will be found to be correct.
The last company was mustered September 24, 1861, and, two days later, the regiment, with an aggregate strength of 977 officers and enlisted men, was embarked on steamboats at Dubuque and transported to St. Louis, and, upon its arrival there, marched to Benton Barracks, where it received it first supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage. Here it remained until October 11th, receiving such instruction in military drill as could be given in so short a period of time. It was then ordered to proceed to Franklin, Mo., at which place regimental headquarters were maintained, while companies were detached to different points for the purpose of guarding the railroad from Franklin toward Rolla, Mo. During the three months in which the regiment remained upon this duty it suffered greatly from exposure to the inclement winter weather, and, like all new regiments, was subjected to much sickness on account of such exposure On the last day of the year 1861, the official returns showed a death loss of l7 and 7 discharged on account of disability, total 24; but on the same date it had gained 38 by additional enlistment, and 4 by transfer, making a net gain of 18, and an aggregate of 995. Of this number, however, many were on the sick list, and the hardships which the regiment was called upon to endure, during the active winter campaign which followed, still further reduced its fighting strength, and when it first went into battle it numbered but little more than half the aggregate above stated. January 21, 1862, the regiment was again consolidated, the companies on detached duty having been relieved, and was conveyed by rail to Rolla, Mo., and from there began its first real campaign against the enemy. Marching to Lebanon, Mo., it joined the Army of the Southwest commanded by General Curtis. Colonel Vandever was placed in command of the brigade to which his regiment was attached, leaving Lieut. Col. Frank J. Herron in command of the regiment.
Upon the approach of the Union forces, the rebel General Price evacuated Springfield, which he had occupied during the winter, and began his retreat towards the Ozark Mountains. Then began that remarkable march of General Curtis' army in pursuit of the enemy. The regiment started from Springfield on the 14th of February and, in less than one month, had marched over difficult roads, and much of the time through storms of alternating rain and snow, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles. Arriving at Cross Hollows, Ark., a detachment of three hundred of the regiment was sent upon an expedition to Huntsville — forty miles distant — with the purpose of surprising and capturing a detachment of the enemy stationed there as a guard for commissary stores: but, upon reaching Huntsville, they found the place abandoned, and learned that the rebel army under General Van Dorn was marching to the attack of General Curtis' army, which had fallen back from Cross Hollows and taken up a new position at Pea Ridge. Realizing the danger of being cut off and captured by a superior force, the detachment of the Ninth Iowa at once started to rejoin the command and, after a continuous march of sixteen hours, covering a distance of forty-two miles, it reached the regiment at 8 P. M. March 6th. With only a few hours of rest after this exhausting march, these men went into the memorable battle of Pea Ridge at 10 A. M., March 7. 1862.
The enemy opened the engagement by a fierce attack upon the Union lines, and the Ninth Iowa was in the thickest of the fight. The first attack of the enemy was repulsed, and the Union line advanced, but was in turn compelled to retire under a terrific fire of musketry, grape and canister. Thus the battle raged during the entire day, with alternating temporary advantages for both Union and rebel forces. There were occasional intervals, during which the men on both sides availed themselves of the opportunity to replenish their ammunition and to attend to the removal of their wounded to the rear. The fighting was most persistent and desperate, and in no battle of the war was the valor of the American soldier—upon both sides—more splendidly exhibited. While this was the first time the Ninth Iowa Infantry had met the enemy in battle, its officers and men exhibited the steadiness and bravery of veterans. Had this been the only service rendered by the regiment, it would have been entitled to the lasting gratitude of every patriotic citizen of the Union, which it was there defending against those in armed rebellion against it.
At night the survivors lay upon their arms, ready to renew the conflict at the dawn of day. At daylight the Union artillery again opened upon the enemy, and the fire was promptly returned. In his official report Colonel Vandever says, "At this point, finding ourselves exposed to a raking fire from one of the enemy's batteries on our right, we changed direction to the east. About this time, the First Division coming into position on our left, we joined in the general advance upon the enemy, the whole cavalry force participating, and the artillery co-operating. The enemy here broke into disorder, and the fortune of the day was decided in our favor."
The entire rebel army was soon in full retreat, and the battle of Pea Ridge ended in a brilliant victory for the Union army. At the close of his official report Major General Curtis especially commended Colonel Vandever and the gallant troops of his brigade, and says, "To do justice to all, I would spread before you the most of the rolls of this army, for I can bear testimony to the almost universal good conduct of officers and men, who shared with me the long march, the many conflicts by the way, and the final struggle with the combined forces of Price, McCulloch, McIntosh and Pike, under Major General Van Dorn, at the battle of Pea Ridge." At the close of his official report Colonel Vandever says:
Of the bravery of Lieutenant Colonel Herron, In Immediate command of the Ninth Iowa Infantry, too much can not be said. He was foremost in leading his men, and, with coolness and bravery never excelled, rallied them to repeated attacks of the enemy. Unfortunately near the close of the day on the 7th, he was disabled by a. painful wound, his horse was killed under him, and he was captured by the enemy. Major Coyl, also of the Ninth Iowa, acted with distinguished valor until disabled by a severe wound, and compelled, reluctantly, to leave the field. Adjutant William Scott also deserves great praise. Lieutenant Asher Riley of Company A, my Acting Assistant Adjutant General, deserves particular mention. Upon the fall of Captain Drips and Lieutenant Kelsey, of Company A both distinguished for their bravery. Lieutenant Riley gallantly took command and remained with the company to the end of the battle. Captain Carpenter and Lieutenant Jones of Company B also acted with great bravery, leading their company in the face of the enemy, and bringing off one of our disabled guns and a caisson. Captain Towner and Lieutenant Neff, of Company F, were conspicuous for their bravery. Both of these officers were severely wounded, when the command devolved upon Lieutenant Tisdale, who gallantly led the company through the remainder of the battle. Captain Bull and Lieutenant Rice, of Company C, also deserve particular mention, the latter of whom was killed near the close of the day, while the former was severely wounded. Captain Bevins of Company E was killed upon the field, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Baker, who acquitted himself with great credit. Captain Washburn, and Lieutenants Beebe and Levrich of Company G, Lieutenants Crane and McGee of Company D, Captain Moore and Lieutenant Mackenzie of Company H, Captain Carskaddon and Lieutenant Claflin of Company K, and Lieutenant Fellows, commanding Company I, also Lieutenant Inman, were all conspicuous for bravery, under the hottest fire of the enemy. I should also mention Sergeant Major Foster and other members of the non-commissioned staff, who did their duty nobly. Many instances of special gallantry occurred among non-commissioned officers and men, during the trying events of the battle, which I cannot here enumerate. Where all did their duty so nobly and well, distinction would be invidious. I can only say that I feel deeply Indebted to every officer and man of my command for the heroic manner in which they have acquitted themselves.
The loss of the regiment was very heavy. Of the 560 who went into the battle, 4 commissioned officers and 34 enlisted men were killed, 5 commissioned officers and 171 enlisted men wounded, and 1 commissioned officer and 3 enlisted men captured, making a total loss of nearly forty per cent of the aggregate number engaged.*
After the battle the regiment had only a brief season of rest. Its next experience was a long, devious and trying march with the Army of the Southwest, through Missouri and Arkansas, covering six hundred miles and ending at Helena, July 17, 1862. During this march the weather was very warm and dry, and the troops suffered greatly from the heat, dust and thirst, and, on the latter part of the march, from insufficient rations. For five weeks of this time the army was cut off from all communication, but fortunately no considerable body of the enemy was encountered and it at last arrived safely at Helena.
Here the regiment went into camp, and for the ensuing five months enjoyed comparative immunity from the hardships and dangers of a soldier's life. It was, however, rendering valuable service in holding an important post, and the time was not spent in idleness. The officers and men utilized the time to the best advantage, in perfecting themselves in military drill and discipline, and, when they again entered upon the duties of active campaigning, they were splendidly equipped for the hard and continuous service which they were called upon to perform during the remainder of their term of service. While the regiment was in camp at Helena, a most pleasing incident occurred, which deserves permanent preservation in this sketch and is thus described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his "History of the Ninth Infantry":
At Helena a stand of beautiful silk colors reached us, sent by the hands of Miss Phoebe Adams, in behalf of a committee of ladies of Boston, Mass., as a testimonial of their appreciation of our conduct in the battle of Pea Ridge. They were guarded and cherished while in the regiment with religious care. After having been borne over many a proud field, they were, by the unanimous voice of the regiment, given back, riddled and torn — one to the original donors, the other to Brevet Major General Vandever, our original Colonel, who, by his bravery and decision at Pea Ridge and Arkansas Post, with the regiment, and by his honorable record thereafter in other fields, won the confidence and love of his regiment.
December 18, 1862, the regiment was again called into active service, this time on the lower Mississippi, and was assigned to General Thayer's Brigade of General Steele's Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps. It participated in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou, December 28th and 29th, where it maintained its good record for bravery under the fire of the enemy. Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, describing the part taken by his regiment in this battle, says, "The regiment, though under fire the greater part of the 28th and 29th, was only engaged about half an hour of the latter day. While the hardest fighting was in progress, we were being transferred from a point above Chickasaw Bayou to where the main army was massed, reaching there only to go into position as others were falling back. We were soon withdrawn beyond the reach of the rebel batteries lining the hills in our front, and next day embarked, the attempt having been given over."
The regiment next went into camp on the Yazoo River above Vicksburg, where it remained until the close of the year 1862. The official returns show that, during the year, the regiment had gained by additional enlistments 54, and by apointment 2; total gain 56. In the same time it had lost in killed in battle 43, died from wounds 41, and from disease 37; total number of deaths 121; 178 were discharged for disability, and 8 had deserted, making a total loss for the year of 307. Its losses up to the 31st day of December, 1861, had been 24, and its gain by additional enlistment 42. It will thus be seen that, in the one year and three months that the regiment had then served, it had lost 331 officers and men, and had gained 98 by additional enlistment. Its losses thus far had aggregated nearly one-third of those originally mustered and gained by additional enlistment, while it had just entered upon the second year of its three years' term of service.
Early in January, 1863, the regiment was engaged In the movement against Arkansas Post, and on January 11th, when the attack upon the fort was made, it was in the reserve line, waiting for the order to move forward to the assault; but. before the order was given, the enemy raised the white flag in token of surrender, and the regiment had the pleasure of witnessing the fall of that stronghold without loss to itself. January 24th found the regiment again in camp at Young's Point, near Vicksburg. About this time, Colonel Vandever was promoted to Brigadier General, and the officers and men of the Ninth Iowa, while rejoicing in his well-deserved promotion, felt that they were parting from one of the bravest and most efficient commanders, and that it would be difficult to determine who should succeed him. There was an excellent list of officers from which to make the selection. Captain David Carskaddon of Company K was elected and became the second Colonel of the regiment.
Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, in his history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry thus graphically describes the experience of the regiment for the remainder of the winter of 1863:
The history of the regiment for these two months of February and March is a tale of sorrow. The health of many of its members was already undermined by a six months' sojourn in the miasmatic regions of the Mississippi valley, and it seemed that but few could withstand the debilitating and enervating Influence of this insalubrious climate. The smallpox came now, for the first time, into our ranks. Scores of our number, hitherto stout and rugged, were prostrated past recovery, and now lie buried in shallow graves about the hospitals which once stood In that sickly region; while others only recovered completely, long afterwards, In the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia, or on the sandy plains of the Carolinas. The ordeal of these unpropitious months was the more grievous because it had all the evils of the battlefield, with none of Its honors.
Every true soldier will admit the force and truth of the above statement. The inspiration which comes to men in the midst of battle sustains them in the performance of deeds of valor, but when it comes to the struggle with disease and death, without the tender ministrations of relatives and friends, far from home and all its comforts, the men who endure and die, as well as those who endure and live, must be sustained by a fortitude and courage even greater than that which enables them to perform their whole duty when engaging the enemy in battle.
During the month of April, 1863, the regiment participated in an expedition to Greenville, Miss., and farther into the interior, in which it met the enemy in occasional skirmishes, but the object of the expedition was accomplished without severe fighting. Upon its return from this expedition, it entered upon the campaign which ended in the surrender of the rebel strongholds at Vicksburg and Jackson. Its movements and operations are described by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy, as follows:
On the 2d day of May, leaving our tents standing at Milliken's Bend, La., the regiment started In light marching order for Grand Gulf, crossed the Mississippi, and commenced on the 8th of May the march In rear of Vicksburg. On the 14th reached Jackson, the State capital of Mississippi, and took part in its capture. Four days later, after some skirmishing in which we lost three wounded, the regiment took position In the outer works which environed Vicksburg. * * *
May 15th, after severe skirmishing, and a final assault, the regiment succeeded in getting and holding an excellent position, about seventy-five yards from the enemy's works. * * *
On the 22d of May, In line with the whole Army of the Tennessee, the regiment went first up to the assault. Its flag went down a few feet from the rebel works, after the last one of its guard had fallen, either killed or wounded, and its dripping folds were drawn from under the bleeding body of its prostrate bearer. In the few terrible moments of this assault, the regiment lost 79 killed and wounded, nearly one-third of the number in action. But that was not all. The assault had failed, and we found ourselves lying in the ravines, behind logs, contiguous to and partly under the protection of the rebel earthworks, above which no traitor could raise his head, except at the expense of his life. There we were compelled to stay until darkness gave us a cover under which to escape. Here I pause to pay the slight tribute of recording their names, to Captain Kelsey, and Lieutenants Jones, Wilbur, and Tyrrell, who fell while leading their companies to the assault, and to Captain Washburn, who was mortally wounded at the head of the regiment.
Our loss in the previous assault of the 19th of May was 16 men, and when, on the morning of Independence Day, the enemy came out and stacked arms and colors on his works, our total recorded loss in the siege was 121.
After the surrender of Vicksburg, the regiment participated in the siege of Jackson, and, after the evacuation of that place, took part in the pursuit of the enemy, and lost one man killed in a skirmish at Brandon. The regiment now went into camp on Black River, Miss., where It remained until September 22d, when it was ordered to Vicksburg, thence by river to Memphis, and from there by rail to Corinth, Miss., from which point it took up the line of march to Chattanooga, and entered upon another campaign which resulted in great success for the cause of the Union, and a crushing defeat to that portion of the rebel army against which the operations were directed. After a march of three hundred miles, during which the regiment had some skirmishes with the rebel General Forrest's troops, it arrived at the foot of Lookout Mountain, Nov. 23, 1863, and, on the 24th, took part in the battle above the clouds, and, later, in the battles of Missionary Ridge and Ringgold. Although not in the heaviest fighting in these three engagements, the regiment accomplished all that was assigned to it. Its losses in killed and wounded during the campaign aggregated 22. It now marched to Woodville, Ala., where it went Into winter quarters Dec. 29, 1863. During the year the regiment had marched 870 miles, and had been conveyed 1,300 miles by water and 100 miles by rail. In the same time, it had met with a total loss of 227 and gained by enlistment 11, leaving an aggregate of 510.
January 1, 1864, 287 men of the regiment re-enlisted as Veteran Volunteers for another term of three years, and under the terms of their enlistment were entitled to a thirty days' furlough, to begin after reaching the State of Iowa. They left Woodville, Ala., February 4, 1864, and reached Dubuque, Iowa, February 14, 1864, at which point they separated for their respective homes. March 16th found the veterans of the regiment re-assembled at Davenport, Iowa, accompanied by 125 recruits. They reached Woodville, Ala., April 10th, having marched from Nashville, a distance of 125 miles. A new supply of arms, clothing and camp equipage was issued to the regiment, and on May 1st, with Colonel Carskaddon In command. It took up the line of march for Chattanooga. In six days it had again reached the scene of military activity, and entered upon another great struggle for the preservation of the Union. The Ninth Iowa Infantry was constantly at the front, on the firing line, and in the trenches, and had its full share in the fighting during the campaign. The compiler of this sketch is compelled, by the limitation of space to which he is restricted, to omit the detailed account of the operations of the regiment given by Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy in his history, from which quotations have heretofore been so freely made. It must here suffice to say that, from the opening to the close of the Atlanta campaign, the Ninth Iowa Infantry displayed the same conspicuous gallantry which had characterized Its career In all the battles In which It had been engaged, from Pea Ridge to Jonesboro. Describing the close of the campaign, Lieutenant Colonel Abernethy says:
At Jonesboro, on the 31st of August, where we were attacked in vain, and for the last time, by the rebel army of Tennessee, we held our position easily, and with comparatively slight loss. The march thence to Lovejoy's Station, and back again to East Point, Ga., by the 8th of September, completed the campaign — a campaign which, for hard and continuous fighting, for severe labor and exposure, for long marches in the hottest weather, for duration and persistent obstinacy, is unparalleled in history. We had marched 400 miles, principally in the night, built 40 different lines of works, crossed three large rivers In the face of a powerful enemy, flanked him away from three of the strongest natural positions In the country, and fought the battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie River, Decatur, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy.
The regiment lost in the campaign since the 1st of May 14 killed, 70 wounded, and 6 captured.
The non-veterans of the regiment were mustered out of the service on the 23d day of September, 1864, the original three years' term for which they had enlisted having expired. For the re-enlisted veterans and recruits there yet remained the experience of the closing campaigns of the war, which, in some respects, were more remarkable than any which had preceded them. On the 4th of October the regiment was again on the march with the army which followed the rebel forces under General Hood through Marietta, Rome, Resaca, and across into Alabama, returning to the vicinity of Atlanta on the 5th of November, having marched 354 miles. November 15th, the regiment, then under the command of its senior captain, Paul McSweeney, began the famous march with General Sherman's army to Savannah and the sea. This remarkable military exploit was accomplished in 35 days, the distance covered being 400 miles. During the year, the regiment had marched 1,400 miles, and traveled by steamboat and railroad 1,900 miles. It had gained by additional enlistment 160, had lost in killed 14 and from other causes 214, leaving an aggregate of 442 on December 31, 1864.
The closing campaign — the trip by sea to Beaufort, S. C, and the march through the states of South and North Carolina — was full of interest and most worthy of being recorded in detail, did space permit. Colonel Carskaddon, who had been wounded at Atlanta, returned to the regiment, and was honorably mustered out by reason of expiration of term of service on February 14, 1865. While the regiment was marching through Georgia, Major George Granger had died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and Captain Alonzo Abernethy of Company F had been promoted to Major, January 1, 1865, and was now in command of the regiment, which he led successfully during the remainder of its service. After giving a detailed description of the events which transpired during the long and toilsome march, the Major thus describes the closing scenes in the history of his regiment:
Our severe labors, hardships, and exposures were forgotten in the pleasure of having taken part in this most magnificent of all our campaigns. The remaining history is briefly told. On the 10th of April started with the army to Raleigh, N. C, where we found the rebel leader suing for terms. When these had been given, the regiment started for Washington, D. C, via Petersburg, Richmond, and Alexandria, Va. Reached the latter place on the 19th of May, after a march of 293 miles in the last nineteen days, and 360 miles from Goldsboro, N. C. Took part In the military pageant of May 24th, which consisted of the review of Sherman's army In the streets of Washington. The regiment came thence by rail and steamboat to Louisville, Ky., on the 1st of June. Went Into camp and awaited further orders, which came July 10th to the effect that the remaining regiments of the army of the Tennessee would be at once mustered out of service.
Lieutenant Colonel Coyl had resigned June 17th on account of his having received the appointment of Judge Advocate of the Department of Kentucky. Major Abernethy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Inman of Company I to Major. On the 18th of July, the muster out was completed.
The regiment was then sent to Clinton, Iowa, where it was disbanded, and the officers and men returned to their homes.
From the time it started from Dubuque, three years and, ten months from the date of its final muster out, the Ninth Iowa Infantry had marched over 4,000 miles, and traveled by rail and steamboat 6,000 miles. During the year 1865, there had been added by transfer from the Twenty-fifth Iowa 53, by enlistment 15, from the draft rendezvous of the State 129, a total gain of 197. The total losses had been 45, leaving an aggregate of 594 at muster out.
In closing this brief sketch, the compiler again refers to the subjoined roster for the record of personal service of each officer and man of the regiment, in so far as it has been possible to obtain such record. As an organization the Ninth Iowa Infantry has a record of service unsurpassed by that of any regiment which the State sent to the field during the great War of the Rebellion.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total enrollment 1440
Killed 84
Wounded 385
Died of wounds 64
Died of disease 210
Discharged for disease, wounds and other causes 299
Buried in National Cemeteries 139
Captured 32
Transferred 30
* The compiler of this sketch finds this loss statement in the return of casualties of the Army of the Southwest in the battle of Pea Ridge, Ark., attached to the report of Major General Curtis, found on page 205, Series 1, Vol. 8, War of the Rebellion Official Records. In the history of the Ninth Iowa Infantry by Lieut. Col. Alonzo Abernethy, found on page 174 of the Adjutant General's report of the State of Iowa, for the year 1866, the aggregate loss In killed, wounded and captured Is given as 240, making nearly 44 per cent of the number engaged. In either event, the loss was far above the average of the battles of the War of the Rebellion.
SOURCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 2, p. 3-10
Iowa 2d Regiment
List of killed and wounded.
Killed – W. W. Clark; Geo. W. Friend.
Wounded – Severely: Seargent John Mackley, John Kepple, Joseph Conley, W. Robinson. Slightly: John Hoff, Ephraim Wiley, Thomas Feban, Wm. Douglas, Joseph Collins.
COMPANY B.
Wounded – Severely: Capt. R. M. Littler, M. L. Thomas, A. Post. Slightly; B. Farrell, D. J. Scott, Jules Meridith.
COMPANY C.
Wounded – Severely: E. Corcoran, W. H. Sutliff, Jefferson Wooster. Slightly: Sergt. H. C. McNeal, Chas. Rowan.
COMPANY D.
Missing – Austin Rush, James Crystal.
Wounded – Severely: J. H. Looby, Wm. Riddle, R. D. Barrett. Slightly: N. M. Mills, Sergt. Wm. Houston, Corp. L. B. Houston, Robert Byle, John Sharp.
COMPANY E.
Killed – Sergeant Amos Weimer, John C. Haverstick, Elijah Newby.
Missing – Daniel Walmer.
Wounded – Severely: Daniel Brown, Chas. Reed, John Duncan, Theodore Boggs, Reuben Coop. Slightly: Capt. T. J. McCullogh, Lieut. D. B. Wilson, Henry A Millen, James Ross, Elwood Williams, J. M. Hughes, L. T. Webster, J. J. McKee, Thos. Patton, Marion York.
COMPANY F.
Wounded – Severely: Capt. A. Wilkin, Lieut. Brawner, Sergt. W. Miller, J. W. Sullivan.
COMPANY G.
Missing – Herman D. St. Sohn [sic].
Wounded – Severely: Capt. S. A. Moore, Chas. E. Dunn. Slightly: John Denmuth, Davis Proctor, Burr Vurmilia.
COMPANY H.
Wounded – Severly: Lieut. Scolfield, Thos. Curren, Henry Russell, J. N. Hamill.
COMPANY I.
Killed – Corporal Cooly.
Wounded – Severely: Capt. H. B. Cox, Sergt. S. L. Tull, Corp. N. Rodgers, John Luellen, John [sic] S. Herwick, Geo. G. Whittier, Wm. F. Granger, Corp. F. Dailey, G. F. Cook, H. A. Smiley, Wm. H. Laird, W. F. Robins, Wm. Robins, Charles Reader, George Mescher.
COMPANY K.
Killed – Lieut. Oling.
Wounded – Severely: Lieut. John E Molby. Slightly; W. H. Henderson.
A. AXLINE.
Chaplain 2d Iowa Reg’t Infantry.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
List of Killed and Wounded of 8th Iowa Infantry in the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6th, 1862
Co A – Nelson Howard, Geo Heller, Augustus Haun.
Co B – Robt Moody, Wm Penrose, Zalmon W Kelly.
Co C – James H Young.
Co D – Samuel Smith.
Co E – Jno H. Patterson, J C Finley, Joseph Conwell, J F Woodward.
Co F – Capt Wm F Hogan, Geo Johnson, Calvin L Bland Jas Carlyle, Timothy Hensley, Thos V Lane, Jno D Monical, Wm M Torrence.
Co G – W Pratt Bush, Thos F Greenlee, Jas Paterson.
Co H – Isaac Noel, Jeremiah Patrie.
Co I – Thos R Robb, Jno Badger, Henry C Gordon, Chas M Lane, Jno Murphy.
Co K – A C Heinsecker, Jno McQueen, A Tompkins.
Total, 33.
Wounded.
Co A – Danl Welsh, Jno R McDougal, Jerome Lucas, Alex H Swearengen (since died).
Co B – Lieut E Tichenor, Jno Tichenor, Jno Christian, Luther McCullough, Jacob Walker, Rudolph Murray, Jno A Rown, Wilbur R Lockwood,, Whittaker Jaynes, Wm C Logan, Wm H Golden, Hiram Barber, S A Walker, Henry Somman, Jno Moody, Amos Merritt, Christopher Quinn, Christian Lemberg, N Frylinger, Orlando R Fiske, J Newton Pursell.
Co C – David J Palmer, Jas Marshall, David Parish.
Co D – Jas Gardner, Julius Gardner, Leonard Blakesley, Mason Ogan, Jon A Angler.
Co E – B F Wolf, J R Pearsall, B F Banty, W McFarland, M H Dean, Wm Wolf, Albert Bremer, Lemuel Kincade, Frank McConnell, Sabine Fowler, F M Baufman (since died.)
Co F – Robt D Hagin, Wm Conger, Benj F Cox, Geo W Hodson, Wm Kreger, Wm W Cronkrite, Saml M Shrekley, Benj F Stevenson, Adolph Sieble, Isaac M Williams.
Co G – John Johnson, Jonathan Sprague, Jacob Harr, Geo W O’Neal.
Co H – Capt Fred S Palmer, Lieut D G Craigle, Lt Chas Wells, Jacob Fredericks, Jonathan Platz, Elias M Blizzard, Jacob L Billings, Marion F Crull, Luther Colwin, Henry H Lower, Chas McDevitt, Stephen D Rohrer, Solomon Wilcox, Merton D Groves, Joseph F Lyon.
Co I – Chas E Fox.
Co K – Lieut W T Hayes, G McHenry, Saml Reynolds, L Thorp, Edgar Brass, Michael M Ryan, Geo Beck, John L Guthrie, Edward Groves, M Littleton, J Story, A Vandervort.
Total 86.
Yours, &c.,
C. G. VAN DERVEER,
Chaplain 8th Iowa Infantry.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Monday, February 15, 2010
Eighth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry
The Eighth regiment had the usual experience of those which had preceded it, in the short time it remained in rendezvous at Davenport. Its officers realized the importance of fitting themselves for the responsible duties which they had been called upon to assume, and the necessity of incessant study, in order that they might become capable of imparting to the men under their command such instruction as would, at the earliest possible moment, enable them to perform the active duties of soldiers in time of war.
The time for such preparation was exceedingly limited, and being without arms or uniforms, and supplied with only the most crude camp equipage, they were in a raw and unprepared condition when, on the night of September 24, 1861, orders were received to be in readiness to embark early the next morning for St. Louis. The order was promptly obeyed, and the regiment was soon on board the steamer "Jenny Whipple" and on its way south.
At Keokuk, arms of poor quality, but the best the government was at that time able to procure for its fast increasing army, were issued, and the regiment proceeded on its way. Arriving at St. Louis, it disembarked and marched to Benton Barracks, where troops were being rapidly concentrated, and instructed and equipped as fast as possible for the arduous work which was before them. The time was utilized to the best advantage, and on October 15th the regiment left St. Louis, on board flat cars, and proceeded to Syracuse, Mo. The regiment was fortunate in having for its first commander a capable and thoroughly trained soldier of the regular army, Col. Frederick Steele*, who insisted upon good discipline, which the men could not at that time appreciate as they did later, when they came to understand more fully the necessity for it.
On the 21st of October, the regiment began the march to Springfield, Mo., with Lieutenant Colonel Geddes** in command, Colonel Steele having been assigned to the command of a brigade. On this march the men suffered greatly, not having become inured to the hardships of a soldier's life, and unable to care for themselves under such conditions, which, at a later period, those who had the physical vigor to enable them to survive these early privations had learned to do. The regiment remained at Springfield until November 4th, when it marched to Sedalia, Mo., again enduring great hardship from exposure. Two companies, E and K, were sent to Fort Leavenworth as guard to a drove of cattle and a wagon train conveying supplies. The other eight companies remained at Sedalia during the winter, to which place the two companies on detached service did not return until about the first of March. This winter campaign in Missouri cost the regiment many valuable lives, while many more were permanently disabled and subsequently discharged. It is a well known fact that, in the first year of the war, more deaths and disabilities resulted from sickness than from conflict with the enemy upon the battlefield. While there may 'have been some exceptions, this statement would apply to most of the early regiments from Iowa. The men who thus suffered and died, and those who were so enfeebled as to be no longer able to serve, are entitled to the same honor as those who were killed and wounded in battle.
March 11, 1862, the regiment was ordered to St. Louis, and from there it was conveyed by boat to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. On its way up the Tennessee river the boat was fired into by rebels concealed in the woods, and two men were killed and three wounded. Upon its arrival at Pittsburg Landing, the regiment went into camp and was assigned to the Third Brigade of the Second Division, Army of the Tennessee. The brigade was under command of Col. T. W. Sweeny, and the division was commanded by Brig. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace. In this great battle, the Eighth Iowa Infantry rendered such conspicuous and important service, and suffered such great loss, that the compiler of this sketch feels impelled to quote here the complete official report of its commanding officer, notwithstanding the fact that it will necessitate making only brief quotations from later official reports.
VINTON, BENTON COUNTY, IOWA, Nov. 13, 1862.
SIR: In compliance with your request, I have the honor to submit for your information a report of the part taken by the Eighth Iowa Infantry at the battle of Shiloh, fought on April 6, 1862. About 8 o'clock on the morning of the 6th, I ordered the regiment under arms, and formed line of battle in front of my encampment, awaiting orders to proceed to the front. At this time, the firing on our advanced line had become general, and it appeared to me evident that we were being attacked in force by the rebel general. After remaining under arms about half an hour, during which time I had ordered the baggage belonging to the regiment to be loaded on the wagons, and an extra supply of ammunition to be issued to the men, I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, brigade commander, to proceed to the front. On arriving at our advanced line, I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny to take position on the left of the brigade to which I was attached, for the purpose of protecting a battery immediately in front. Here the regiment remained about one hour, exposed to a severe fire from artillery of shell and grape, killing and wounding several of my men. About 11 A. M., I was ordered by Colonel Sweeny, through his aid, Lieutenant McCullough, of the Eighth Iowa, to leave my position, and take ground to my left and front. This change of position brought my regiment on the extreme right of General Prentiss' division, and left of General Smith's, the latter being the division to which my regiment belonged. I was thus entirely detached from my brigade, nor did I receive any order from my brigade or division commander during the remainder of that day. On arriving at the point I was ordered to defend I formed my regiment in line of battle, with my center resting on a road leading from Corinth to Pittsburg Landing, and at right angles with my line. Here I immediately engaged a battalion of the enemy, and after a severe conflict of nearly an hour's duration, in which I lost many of my men, the enemy were driven back with heavy loss. At this time Captain Hogin, Company F, was killed and Captain Palmer, Company H, severely wounded. About 1 P. M. General Prentiss placed a battery in position immediately in front of my regiment, with instructions to defend it to the last. The precision of its fire, which was directed by the General in person, made great havoc in the advancing columns of the enemy. It therefore became an object of great importance to gain possession of the battery. To this end they concentrated and hurled column after column on my position, charging most gallantly to the very muzzles of the guns. Here a struggle commenced for the retention and possession of the battery, of a terrific character, their concentrated and well directed fire decimating my ranks in a fearful manner. In this desperate struggle my regiment lost 100 men in killed and wounded.
The conspicuous gallantry and coolness of my company commanders, Captains Cleaveland, Stubbs and Benson on the left; Captains McCormick and Bell in the center, and Captains Kelsey and Geddes, and Lieutenant Muhs on the right, by reserving the fire of their respective companies until the proper time for its delivery with effect, and the determined courage of my men, saved the battery from capture, and I had the satisfaction of sending the guns in safety to the rear. In this attack, I was wounded in the leg, and Major Andrews severely in the head, and I do here take pleasure in acknowledging the courage and coolness displayed by my field officers, Lieut. Col. J. C. Ferguson and Major J. Andrews, and the able assistance rendered by them on that occasion. About 3 P. M. all direct communication with the; river ceased, and it became evident to me that the enemy were driving the right and left flanks of our army, and were rapidly closing behind us. At this time, I could have retreated, and most probably would have saved my command from being captured, had I, at this time, been ordered back,, but I received no such order, and I considered it my duty to hold the position I was assigned to defend, at all hazards.
General Prentiss' division having been thrown back from the original line, I changed front by my left flank, conforming to his movement, and at right angles with my former base, which was immediately occupied and retained for some time by the Fourteenth Iowa, Colonel Shaw. In this position, I ordered my regiment, to charge a battalion of the enemy (I think the Fourth Mississippi), which was "done in good order, completely routing them. We were now attacked on three sides by the rebel force, which was closing fast around us. The shells from our gunboats, in their transit, severing the limbs of trees, hurled them on my ranks. It now became absolutely necessary, to prevent annihilation, to leave a position which my regiment had held for nearly ten consecutive hours of severe fighting, successfully resisting and driving back the enemy in every attempt to take the position I was ordered to hold and defend — with a loss of near two hundred in killed and wounded — I ordered my regiment to retire. On retiring about three hundred yards, I found a division of the rebels, under General Polk, thrown completely across my line of retreat. I perceived that further resistance was useless, as we were now completely surrounded. Myself, and the major portion of my command, were captured at 6 P. M. of that day, and I claim the honor for my regiment of being the last to leave the advanced line of our army, on the battlefield of Shiloh, on Sunday, April 6, 1862.
I cannot conclude this report without bearing testimony to the gentlemanly conduct and dignified bearing of my officers and men during their captivity. Our captors had felt the effects, and well knew the courage of my regiment in the field, but had yet to learn they could conduct themselves as well under other and very trying circumstances. Not having received any reliable information as to the true amount of casualties at the battle, and during our imprisonment, I shall forward an official list, as soon as practicable, of killed and wounded, and of such as died in southern prisons, through privation and neglect. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. L. GEDDES,
Colonel Eighth Iowa Infantry.
His Excellency,
Samuel J. Kirkwood,
Governor of Iowa.
The morning reports, published officially, show that the Third Brigade of the Second Division had 2,131 present for duty on the morning of April 6th, and the official reports of casualties in the battle show that the brigade suffered a loss of 1,247, or about 60 per cent of the entire number engaged. Of this number, the Eighth Iowa lost 493.
There were six regiments in the brigade and its total loss was about 60 per cent of the entire number engaged, while the loss of the Eighth Iowa Infantry, which fought detached from its brigade, exceeded 80 per cent of its number engaged, in killed, wounded and captured. The highest duty of a soldier is implicit obedience to orders. Colonel Geddes, when confronted with the fact that the troops upon his right and left flanks were being driven back, but receiving no order to retreat, simply changed front at right angles with his former line, conforming to the movements of the remnant of General Prentiss' division, and stubbornly continued to hold his ground. To these troops, then acting under the orders of General Prentiss, is due the credit of delaying the advance of the rebel forces in their front long enough to enable the scattered and disintegrated Union forces in their rear to rally and form the line of last resistance, as night was fast coming on, on that hard fought first day's battle at Shiloh.
The truth of history demands that the credit of saving the day for the Union army at Shiloh be given to those gallant regiments (three of them from Iowa) who so gallantly stood their ground, without hope of reinforcement, and with the full knowledge that it was only a question of time when they would be completely surrounded by overwhelming numbers, and compelled to surrender. To concede this honor is no discredit to the gallant men who, profiting by the delay thus afforded, rallied behind the concentrated Union artillery, and hurled death and destruction upon the advancing columns of the enemy, and at last turned what had seemed certain defeat into victory.
Almost the entire number of the Eighth Iowa Infantry which had gone into action on that Sunday morning, and had escaped being killed, were captured, and entered upon a long and weary term of imprisonment, during which many of them died. Most of those who were wounded before the enemy got in the rear of the regiment had been sent to the field hospitals, but those who were wounded later, and were considered by the enemy able to be moved, were compelled to go along with the prisoners, and many of them died in prison. The few who succeeded in eluding the enemy in the confusion and darkness of that first night, together with those who had been sick in hospital, on detached duty and furlough, when the battle was fought, were afterwards placed in an organization called the "Union Brigade," in which they remained until the captured officers and men were exchanged, when the brigade was disbanded and they rejoined the regiment. A sketch of the operations of the Union Brigade will be found in its appropriate place in this work, in which the history of service of the officers and men of the Eighth Iowa Infantry who served with that organization will be found. The prisoners were paroled October 18th, and exchanged November 10, 1862.
During the winter of 1862-3, the regiment was re-organized at St. Louis, and was sent from there to Rolla, Mo., where it spent the remainder of the winter. In the spring it returned to St. Louis and was sent to Vicksburg, where it arrived about April 1st and was assigned to the Third Brigade of the Third Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. W. T. Sherman. Early in May it participated in that brilliant series of movements around Vicksburg ending in the assault upon Jackson, and then marched to Vicksburg and became part of the investing force up to the 22d of June. During this time it participated in the siege operations carried on by its brigade, and took part in the assault on the rebel works on the 22d of May. June 22d it became part of the force, under the command of Gen. W. T. Sherman, constituting a line of circumvallation to guard against the threatened attack of the rebel General Johnston's army and the re-inforcement of the rebel forces under General Pemberton, then defending the formidable forts and earthworks around Vicksburg. The regiment remained on this duty until the surrender of the rebel stronghold on July 4th. Immediately after the surrender, the regiment was ordered, with the other troops under Sherman, to go in pursuit of Johnston, who was retreating towards Jackson. They participated in the operations which led up to the short siege and subsequent evacuation of that place on July 17, 1863. It then became part of a force under General Steele which drove the enemy out of Brandon, Miss., and captured that place. At the conclusion of Colonel Geddes' official report of the operation of this regiment during the Vicksburg campaign, he says: "From the 2d of May to the 25th of July, we marched without tents or transportation, over three hundred miles, engaged the enemy at Vicksburg, twice at Jackson, and at Brandon, and, although during the operations of this ever memorable campaign, both officers and men of the regiment suffered much exposure and hardship of a very trying character, they endured all without a murmur, and with a fortitude which elicited on several occasions the unreserved commendations of the commanding general."
Sherman's army soon after started for Chattanooga, but the Third Division of the Fifteenth Corps was left.to guard the railroad. The Eighth Iowa was stationed at Pocahontas, Tenn., from the last of October, 1863, to the first of January, 1864, on which date three-fourths of the men re-enlisted as veterans.
The following month General Sherman organized the famous Meridian expedition, which penetrated far into the interior of Mississippi and inflicted great damage upon the enemy in the destruction of railroads and immense quantities of supplies which were found stored at Meridian. The Eighth Iowa Infantry participated in this remarkable expedition, marched over three hundred miles and bivouacked in the open air, living upon such provisions as could be gathered from the country through which they marched. Returning to Vicksburg, the re-enlisted veterans were sent to their homes in Iowa on furlough, while the non-veterans participated in the ill-fated Red River expedition, in which they performed good service and suffered great hardships. The veterans returned to Memphis, Tenn., at the close of their thirty days' furlough, and upon their arrival there were assigned to provost guard duty under the command of Lieut. Col. W. B. Bell, Colonel Geddes being at the same time appointed Provost Marshal of the District of West Tennessee. In the discharge of this important duty, the regiment won the commendation of General Marcy, Inspector General United States Army, who pronounced it equal in equipment and discipline to any regiment in the volunteer or regular army. It was while performing this duty that the regiment had a severe engagement with the rebel General Forrest's cavalry which made a daring raid into the city of Memphis on the 21st day of August, 1864, and at 4 o'clock in the morning had made its way into the very center of the city.
The following extracts from the official report of Lieut. Col. W. B. Bell will show how well the troops under his command acquitted themselves in defeating and driving the rebels from the city and pursuing them into the adjacent country:
When the first alarm was given, by the enemy firing on the streets, my command turned out promptly from their several barracks throughout the city, and skirmished with the enemy wherever they found him, killing and wounding several, and taking six prisoners. Lieut. D. W. Stearns, with the headquarters' guards, numbering twenty men, attacked a force of the enemy who were attempting to release the prisoners in Irving Block, and, in connection with the prison guard, drove them off. A few minutes afterwards, I arrived at regimental headquarters. Adjutant Campbell had already ordered Company C and Headquarters' guard to report at regimental headquarters.
In compliance with General Buckland's order, I pursued the enemy with the Headquarters' guard commanded by Lieutenant Stearns, and Company C commanded by Lieutenant Boyer, leaving Major Stubbs and Adjutant Campbell to assemble the balance of the regiment.
On crossing Beal street, I was joined by Company F, commanded by Lieutenant Irwin, which increased my command to seventy men. With this force, I moved briskly forward after the enemy, who were retiring on the Hernando road. On arriving at the mouth of a lane, I sent forward a line of skirmishers under Lieutenant Stearns and advanced in line of battle for some distance, when my skirmishers were driven in.
Sergeant Ostrander and privates A. M. Walling, I. E. Newman, Charles Smith and Peny Clark watched their opportunity, and fired a volley on the flank of the enemy, killing the rebel captain Lundy, and wounding several others. Then by making a circuit they safely joined their command. At this time General Dustan came up and assigned to my command fifty of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois, commanded by Lieutenant Chatfield. I then moved forward some distance, halted, formed line of battle, and moved through the orchard on the left side of the road, and into the woods a short distance beyond, when we met the enemy, and firing commenced on both sides about the same time. A brisk, spirited, and severe engagement ensued. * * *
During the engagement, the troops under my command, one and all, behaved gallantly. Captain Geddes, who was on detached service, joined my command at the first, and throughout the engagement did good service. By the death of Lieutenant Irwin, who fell bravely leading his company, the regiment lost a good soldier, a pleasant companion, and an excellent man. Annexed is a full list of casualties.
In this engagement the regiment's loss was 43, which, considering the fact that only a small portion of the regiment was engaged, was very heavy. Lieutenant Colonel Bell moved promptly with the few men he found to be immediately available, and rendered most important service in promptly moving to the attack without waiting to rally his entire regiment. The regiment remained in Memphis until in January, 1865, when it was ordered to New Orleans, where it was encamped for some time on the old battlefield eight miles below the city. It next took passage for Mobile and, shortly after its arrival there, joined General Canby's army. The regiment was now a part of the Third Brigade, Third Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and its brigade was under the command of its colonel, James L. Geddes, while the regiment was commanded by Lieut. Col. W. B. Bell. The maneuvers leading up to the beginning of the siege of Spanish Fort were participated in by the Eighth Iowa; and in the siege operations, lasting from March 27th until April 8, 1865, when the assault was made and the fort captured, the regiment bore a most conspicuous part and suffered heavy loss. Lieutenant Colonel Bell gives a graphic account of the terrific fighting during the assault, and the desperate resistance made by the enemy. After describing in detail the passage of his regiment through an almost impassable swamp, during which it was under a heavy fire from the enemy, he says:
As soon as the regiment gained the crest of the hill, where our skirmishers were, the fight commenced in full force, but of such a character that it is difficult to describe. The regiment moved by the right flank in rear of the enemy's rifle pits, and carried them for a distance of 500 yards, either killing, wounding, or capturing the entire force of the enemy occupying the same. One thing that was very much in our favor was, the enemy's works, from their extreme left for a considerable distance up, consisted of a series of small pits, without direct connection with each other. This enabled us to attack them in detail, and we had carried a considerable portion of their works before their main force was aware that we had turned their left. We here witnessed the spectacle of dying in the last ditch, as quite a number of the rebels refused to surrender, and were shot in their ditches, and on the other hand, quite a number of them who were taken prisoners ought, in justice to our men, to have been killed, as they would first fire at our men after being ordered to surrender, then throw up both hands and surrender. * * * Soon after this, Colonel Geddes came up and directed me to place my command outside the enemy's works, and — facing toward them, and using them for breastworks — to throw out a company as skirmishers to my right and front, which orders were promptly complied with. * * * Soon after this, Captain Kettenring, of my command, in charge of the skirmish line, reported the enemy advancing in heavy column. They advanced within thirty or forty yards of us, calling out, "We surrender," and then fired on us. When they got within twenty-five yards of us, I ordered my command to fire and fix bayonets, which was done with a will. The enemy broke and ran, but soon after rallied and returned, and when within fifty yards of us halted. I ordered two companies to give them a volley, which caused them to break, and we saw them no more. Soon after this Colonel Geddes returned, formed his brigade and marched it through the fort, and to the bay beyond, after which, by his directions, I moved my command to camp. I claim for my regiment the honor of making the attack, and of being the only regiment that engaged the enemy inside of his works, also of capturing three stands of colors, five pieces of artillery, and four hundred and fifty prisoners, seven of them commissioned officers. * * *
Where all do their duty it is a difficult and delicate matter to make any discrimination. The several companies of the regiment were commanded by the following officers: Company A, Captain Muhs; Company B, Captain Kettenring; Company E, Lieutenant Clark; Company F, Lieutenant Harper; Company G, Lieutenant Vineyard; Company H, Lieutenant Bell; Company I, Sergeant Taylor; Company K, Captain Weeks. I would respectfully present to the favorable notice of the Colonel commanding brigade, the following named officers: Capt. Henry Muhs, who was conspicuous for his coolness while in command of the skirmish line; Lieut. Henry Vineyard, commanding Company G, in skirmish line, who was wounded in the arm early in the engagement, but continued in command of his company, until he received a wound which broke his leg, and will probably prove fatal; Captain Weeks, who was conspicuous for his bravery throughout the engagement; Captain Kettenring, who was severely wounded while bravely leading his company; Lieutenant Gardiner, who took command of his company after Captain Kettenring was wounded, and led it through the engagement with ability, and Sergeant Betz, Company G, who took command of his company after Lieutenant Vineyard was wounded, and handled it well. I am under obligations to Adjutant Marsden for valuable assistance rendered me in communicating instructions to the command. In addition to the names above mentioned, many enlisted men deserve honorable mention, but they are so numerous that it would make this report too voluminous.
Then follows the long list of the killed and wounded, another addition to the total record of its losses, that had now grown to an aggregate of fearful proportions. But the fighting days of this gallant regiment were now practically ended. The non-veterans (those who had not re-enlisted) had been mustered out of the service at the expiration of their original three years' term, and the regiment was now designated as the "Eighth Iowa Veteran Infantry Volunteers." And they had fully earned the title of veterans. The remainder of its service was in doing garrison and guard duty at different points in the South. From Mobile it was sent to Montgomery, Alabama, the place in which some of its members had been confined in prison after the battle of Shiloh. Prom Montgomery it was sent to Tuscaloosa and, during the winter of 1866, it was stationed at Selma, another point which many of the survivors had good reason to remember, on account of their experience in prison there.
On the 20th of April, 1866, the regiment was mustered out of the service at Selma, Alabama, after serving a 'little over four years and eight months. It was the last regiment from Iowa to be mustered out of the service. Among all the splendid volunteer organizations which Iowa sent into the field during the great War of the Rebellion, none reflected greater honor upon the State than the Eighth Iowa Infantry. At the time this sketch is written only a small number of the men who once marched and fought with this gallant regiment are living, and, a few years hence, none will be left to tell the story of their long and faithful service to their country, but the compiler of this sketch will hope that he has been able to preserve for their posterity, as well as for all the coming generations of the patriotic sons and daughters of Iowa, the most important events in the history of the regiment, and that in the subjoined roster they will find a record of individual service of progenitors that will be held as a priceless legacy.
SUMMARY OF CASUALTIES.
Total enrollment 1589
Killed 50
Wounded 228
Died of Wounds 45
Died of Disease 141
Discharged for wounds, disease and other causes 340
Buried in National Cemeteries 91
Captured . 394
Transferred 50
* Col. Frederick Steele was promoted to Brigadier General Feb. 1, 1862.
** Lieut. Col. J. L. Geddes was promoted to Colonel Feb. 7, 1862, and succeeded Colonel Steele in command of regiment.
SOUCE: Roster & Record of Iowa Soldiers During the War of the Rebellion, Volume 1, p. 1061-9
For every little municipal election . . .
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Carl Schurz
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Yorktown
When I come to the mere matter of individual judgment, I firmly believe that Gen. McClellan will make Yorktown the theater of a victory more brilliant, though more desperately contested, than that which crowned our arms and contributed to the close of the conflict during the Revolution. It is stated as a curios historical fact, that the men who stood by Washington when he compelled the surrender of Cornwallis were not Southern but Northern troops – the soldiers of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England. Their descendants now fight under the same flag that marshaled the fight in the same cause that consecrated his sword. He struck against the British tyrant. Our brave men strike against a domestic tyrant, equally cruel, false, and unscrupulous.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A Good Hint
The Springfield (Mass.) Republican makes the following suggestion to soldiers and their friends, which may prove of far more value than much advice of greater length and pretensions:
The Republican has already recommended as a relief from thirst, for the soldier, a clove taken in the mouth, to promote the flow of saliva and relieve the irritation, without the evil effects of bad water, and worse whiskey. Many other substances are almost equally useful, not including tobacco, for with that the saliva cannot be swallowed. A soldier said that on a long and fatiguing march, tea was a great refreshment. Granted, but in the desert fields of Virginia, a man is not at his own tea table. Doubtless a cup of Mocha coffee would be equally acceptable. No, he said, a comrade had a little box filled with tea, and each day merely took a few leaves in his mouth. We might believe it, or not, but it was as good as a cup of tea. It is worth trying. Let those who are putting up a box for [pet] soldiers put in a few cloves and some tea with these suggestions.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
Freedom at the Capital
The pro-slavery press takes a very narrow view of the question, when it seeks to cast obloquy upon the Republican party by identifying its action simply with love for the negro. While the welfare of the black man is duly regarded in manumitting him from slavery, that is not the great object sought to be attained. It is to free our country from the darkest stain and greatest drawback to prosperity with which the nation was every cursed. To remove from it the only obstacle to continued peace and harmony. To unite the nation as one people, governed by one interest, and working for the same great object. To destroy an incubus that is crushing out the intelligence, morals and religion of the nation, and fitting it only for “treason, stratagem and spoil.”
The war that is now distracting our nation and sowing misery broadcast over the country, is the direct result of slavery, and yet not the most fearful to be apprehended. It kills the body, but the effect of slavery is to destroy the mind, by corrupting all the channels of moral and social progress, and reducing the nation to a state of semi-barbarism. The first step in the progress of reform having been taken, freedom having been initiated at the Capital of the nation, henceforth the sympathies and the action of our Government will be exerted for the constitutional abolition of slavery, and all good men who love their country more than party, may rejoice at the flood of light which illumed the future, when then portals for freedom were thrown open, by the passage of an act breaking the shackles of every slave who enters the Capital of the nation.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 2
XXXVIIth CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION
HOUSE. – On motion of Mr. Morrill it was resolved that the President should be requested to strike from the rolls the name of any army officer who has been known to be habitually intoxicated by the use of intoxicating liquors, while in the service. Mr. Morrill stated that he had been assured that the commanding General who failed to reinforce the two Vermont companies who suffered so severely at Yorktown, was drunk, and hand fallen off his horse into the mud. Mr. Morrill was asked for, but declined to give the name of the General.
An unsuccessful effort was made to lay fifteen or sixteen confiscation bills on the table, but the motion to do so was lost by yeas 39, nays 60.
Mr. Bingham’s substitute providing for capture and condemnation of the enemy’s property, and to indemnify the U. S. for expenses incurred in suppressing the rebellion, was agreed to – 62 against 48.
Adjourned.
WASHINGTON, April 23.
SENATE. – Mr. Trumbull presented a petition from W. C. Jewett for a defensive stand-still policy at Yorktown, to secure a reserve force of 25,000 men.
Mr. Hale offered a resolution that the military committee inquire whether any General before Yorktown had exhibited himself drunk in the face of the enemy; and if any measure had been taken for the trial and punishment of such officers. Mr. Hale referred to the statement of Mr. Morrill in the House yesterday, and thought it high time some notice should be taken of this state of things. If officers thus leave men to be slaughtered like beasts, no punishment is too great for them.
Messrs Foster and Foot concurred in the remarks of Mr. Hale, and thought that the Senate would not confirm the nomination of officers known to be intemperate.
The resolution was adopted.
Mr. Davis introduced a bill prescribing an additional oath for grand and petit jurors in the U. S. Courts.
The bill recognizing the independence of Hayti and Liberia, and the appointment of a diplomatic representative, was taken up.
Mr. Sumner said that our government, usually friendly to new governments, had turned aside from these nations. It was time to put an end to this anomaly in history. Mr. Sumner concluded his speech by saying – By recognizing these two nations we only tardily follow the example of the principal nations of the globe. The bill was then postponed till to-morrow.
The confiscation bill was taken up. Mr. Davis resumed his remarks in opposition to the bill. He concluded that Congress had no right to pass such a bill under the war power.
HOUSE. – The House resumed the consideration of the confiscation bill, which was tabled by 48 against 14.
The bill to facilitate the suppression of the rebellion and prevent the recurrence of the same, was taken up. It authorizes the President to direct our Generals to declare the slaves of the rebels free, and pledges the faith of the United States to make full and fair compensation to loyal men who have actively supported the union, for any losses they may sustain by virtue of this bill.
Mr. Olin understood that the committee on Judiciary had agreed substantially that none of the confiscation bills referred to them ought to pass.
Mr. Thomas, of Mass., remarked that the committee recommended that none of the confiscations bills pass.
Mr. Olin said the disposition of the House and country was that there should be some legislation on the subject. As the judiciary committee could not agree on the matter, he proposed that a select committee of seven be appointed to take the subject into consideration, and if such a committee be untrammeled, the House might anticipate a proper measure of legislation.
Mr. Dunn regarded the subject of confiscating rebel property as one of the most difficult questions before Congress, in the decision of which was involved the restoration of the Government to its former state of prosperity. He congratulated the House and the country that this morning there had been laid upon the table a bill, which, if it had been passed, would have disgraced the civilization of this age. {Exclamations on the Democrat side of “Good! That’s so!”} It was a bill, which at one fell swoop, would have impoverished the people generally, from old age down to innocent childhood.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
Latest from Gen. Halleck’s Army
Our informant thinks the impending battle cannot be long delayed. Gen. Halleck is not disposed to give Beauregard much time or opportunity to strengthen himself at Corinth.
It can do no harm to state in this connection that Gen. Pope is now with Gen. Halleck. – Chicago Journal, 22d.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
The Intercepted Dispatch
“TO JEFF. DAVIS:– You must send me reinforcements, or I shall not be able to hold out against the enemy. BEAUREGARD.”
“TO GEN. BEAUREGARD:– I cannot send you reinforcements, for I have none to spare. I want reinforcements myself. DAVIS.”
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Deaths at St. Louis Hospital
April 14 – Corp Wm Butler, Co E, 16th regiment;
April 16 – John H. Talbot, Co H, 3d regt;
April 16 – Harrison Henry, Co F, 3d regt;
April 16 – S E Kirkpatrick, Co E, 2d regt;
April 18 – Andrew Slatten, Co D, 2d regt;
April 18 – Th B Jones, Co C, 6th regt;
April 19 – Th Sosebe, Co F, 13th regt;
April 19 – Th McKeogh, Co I, 11th regt;
April 19 – Ch Johnson, Co E, 12th regt.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
A Skirmish
Capt. Elder who reached this city this P. M. states that on the 16th, as a reconnoitering party of the 8th Michigan Regiment went out under the command of Col. Fenton, to accompany Lieut. Wilson, of the engineer corps to Wilmington Island for the purpose of erecting fortifications, they encountered a regiment of Georgian troops in ambush, and a skirmish ensued, which ended in a complete rout of the rebels, leaving their dead on the field.
Our troops pursued them for two miles. As it was dark when they returned, our informant could not ascertain the number of the rebels killed and taken prisoners.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
From Fort Monroe
All is quiet at Fort Monroe and Yorktown to-day at one o’clock P. M. The weather was pleasant, the army in high spirits, and operations progressing favorably.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
NEW YORK, April 23, [1862]
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
The Freshet
Advices from the interior report that the freshet has reached its height, and the waters are now receding. Railroad travel is assuming regularity.
HARTFORD, Ct., April 22.
The river is rapidly falling, after having reached a height lacking only 14 inches of the great flood of 1854. Trains are now running regularly through to Springfield.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
From St. Louis.
Henry L. Kout, on of the parties indicted by the grand jury of the U. S. Circuit Court in this city, for conspiracy and treason, has been released from custody by order of the President.
The difficulty at the culvert of the O. & M. RR., in East St. Louis, has terminated. No effort was made to interfere with the military guard left there. It is believed the opening of the culvert will inflict less injury that was at first supposed.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
The Sailing of the Asia
The Cunard mail steamer Asia left to-day for Liverpool, taking $157,220 in specie. Among the passengers are Bishops Lynch, of Toronto, Timon, of Buffalo, Laughlin, of Pittsburg, Horan, of Kingston, McFarland, of Hartford, Ct., and a large number of the clergy
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
From Fredericksburg
The King Phillip has arrived at the Navy Yard this morning, and reports the Vicksburg as having courageously passed the five sunken obstructions below Fredericksburg.
Our flotilla has captured seven rebel schooners, one of them with a valuable cargo of dry goods, medicines and saltpeter, and also two small steamers.
It is further stated that the rebel pickets are occasionally seen on the south side of the river.
Our troops still command the position of Fredericksburg, the residents of which are entirely free in their usual business pursuits.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1
Foreign News
The Steamship Bohemian, from Liverpool 10th, Arrived this morning.
Flour firm at 6d advance. Wheat and corn steady. Consols 93 7.8 a 94 money.
Rumor says that the relations between England, France and Spain, relative to Mexico were unsatisfactory. It is reported that France wished to march against the City of Mexico.
COPENHAGEN, April 11. – The Ensberg Gazette asserts on a reliable authority that England has succeeded in drawing Spain to her side on the Mexican question, by promising not to object should Spain take possession of Hayti.
John C. Heenan has gone to Paris. He don’t intend to fight Mace, or any other man.
U. S. 5’s were quoted at 77a98.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p. 1