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Civil War Era
Newspaper Items - 1862
Contributed by Elaine Rathmann,
The Davenport Daily Gazette
January 7, 1862
Benton Barracks, near St. Louis
Editor Gazette:~~I am not desirous of enrolling myself among the numerous
list of "Army correspondents" now in existence, but write in this
instance so that the 14th Iowa Infantry may for once be represented in the
columns of the Gazette.
As you are aware, we left Davenport on Nov. 27th, 1861, and arrived here Nov.
30th, where we are still stationed. The entire regiment regret that we did not
take the field immediately after leaving Davenport, as undoubtedly it would have
been better for the regiment in many respects. Were it not for the crowded
stated of the Barracks, we would have been comfortably quartered here. The
Barracks are divided into divisions, and each of them in four blocks, one of
which was originally intended for two companies whereas four now occupy them. In
this manner they become exceedingly crowded. The ventilation, until recently,
has been very poor-lately they have constructed ventilators on top of the
Barracks, rendering them much more comfortable and healthy. If a hundred and
eighty men are placed in a room poorly ventilated, which is not large enough for
half that number, you can readily imagine how foul the atmosphere must be. This,
and the changeable weather, has in a !
great measure caused so much illness among the men. Another great cause is in
the fault of the men themselves. They have their daily rations issued them,
which in quantity far exceeds the amount they would eat at home, yet they devour
the entire quantity as though the Government required it and between meals they
patronize apple-pie and pop-corn peddlers to an extent that would astonish one
who has not been a personal observer. This error is more particularly to be
found among new troops who have but recently left their homes. If all new troops
will bear in mind the injurious effects of this course, they will avoid a great
deal of illness, and some of them will prolong their lives. To exclude the
peddlers is an utter impossibility, unless they exclude all citizens, and
particularly washerwomen, who conceal pies in the bottom of their baskets and
hide them with washing they bring in.
We have had as many as a hundred and forty-five men on the sick list, though
never had over thirty-five of that number sick enough to go to the regiment
hospital. We have lost only fifteen men altogether since the organization of the
regiment, and one of those by a fall while at Camp McClellan. You will readily
discover that the mortality in this regiment has been much less than in other
regiments, which have lost from forty to sixty in the same length of time. The
regiment numbers about six hundred men and seven companies, three having been
detached and are now at Fort Randell, D. T. We attribute this comparatively
small loss to our good physician and the manner which our hospital arrangements
are conducted. The hospital is under the direct supervision of our Col., who
visits it frequently, and attends personally to the wants of the sick, without
leaving it entirely for his chaplain to attend to. We have also an excellent
physician (Dr. Staples, from Dubuque)!
who is busy from before reveille in the morning until taps at night. At
the hospital we have two ladies, who have frequently received the compliment of
keeping the cleanliest hospital in and about the city. We have not yet sent one
of our sick to any of the general hospitals in and about St. Louis, but have
kept them at our own, a large brick building just outside the lines.
Colonel Shaw has provided the regiment with their tents, which they have pitched
in the Fair Grounds, a short distance from the Barracks. The latter are occupied
by men who are unfit for duty yet not sick enough to go to the hospital. Since
we have been in tents the health of the regiment has greatly improved.
That Sanitary Committee that was sent from Iowa must certainly have forgotten
that such a regiment as the Iowa 14th was in existence, for they did not visit
our hospital; if so, it was without the knowledge of the Colonel, Surgeon or
Chaplain. I notice by a report from that committee, published in a Keokuk paper,
that they had provided the Iowa 14th with a box of hospital stores. This
certainly must be an error, for we have never received anything from them, and
if they forwarded it to the regiment, it never reached its destination. All
articles we have ever received from any source whatever have been from the
Ladies' Aid Society in St. Louis, who have kindly provided us with hospital
shirts, slippers, &c. The officers of the regiment contributed freely to the
wants of the sick in furnishing those delicacies which the Government does not.
Should they overlook anything, the Colonel himself orders it furnished. The
Surgeon General for the State of Iowa was down !
here recently, and called on our Surgeon; he remained a few minutes, stating
that he could not visit our hospital, as he was going away next morning though
it is positively known that he was in the city for several days afterward. If
you desire, you can publish the following list of deceased members of our
regiment, since its organization up to date, with cause, residence, &c:
Dec. 26, 1861--Jef. Morris, Measles, Co. D, Henry Co.
Jan. 4, 1862-A. W. Balluff, Pneumonia, Co. D., Henry Co.
Jan. 5, 1862-Sam'l Edwards, Pneumonia, Co. D., Henry Co.
Jan. 10, 1863-Nap. B. Henry, C** Fits, Co. D., Henry Co.
Jan. 14, 1863-Robt. Goodacre, Typ'd Fever, Co. E., Jasper Co.
Jan. 13, 1863-S. C. Grooms, Pneumonia, Co. E., Jasper Co.
Jan. 24, 1863-Noah Kinney, Lung Fever, Co. E, St. L., MO.
Dec. 10, 1862--Geo. W. Pitt, Pneumonia, Co. F., Linn Co.
Dec. 22, 1862-H. J. Chapman, Lung Fever, Co. F., Henry Co.
Dec. 29, 1862-Leroy Bowen, Typ'd Fever, Co. G., Marshall Co.
Dec. 29, 1862-J. J. Aldridge, Pneumonia, Co. G., Marshall Co.
Jan. 6, 1863-Chas. Wheslen, Pneumonia, Co. G., Marshall Co.
Jan. 9, 1863--*. Haymaker, Lung Fever, Co. H., Jones Co.
Jan 8, 1863--*. Heil****, Lung Fever, Co. I., Henry Co.
Nov. 24, 1862-G. Rekhard, Fall at Camp McClellan, Davenport, Co. I., Henry Co.
Nearly all of the above cases, were first taken with measles, terminating as
above: All with the exception of four whose bodies were sent home, were buried
in the Wesleyan burying ground, about two miles southwest from camp. Friends of
the deceased can secure the bodies of their friends and gain any information
they desire, by addressing Mr. John A. Smithers, Undertaker, No. 113 Chestnut
street, St. Louis, Mo., who has a complete register of each death that has
occurred in and around the city. Persons making application should be careful to
state the name of the deceased, also company or Captain, and regiment, and if
possible the date of death.
To-day, the Iowa 12th, col. Woods, and the Mo. 13th, Col. Wight, left the camp
for Cairo. The Iowa 1st, 2d and 3d cavalry are here, also the 14th, sit in these
barracks. We do not know when we will leave, and our destination is as uncertain
as our departure. With kind regards for all at home, I am
Yours respectfully,
N. N. T.,
14th Iowa Infantry.
WANTED!
For the U. S. Regular Army
Able Bodied Men, of good moral character, between the ages of 13 and 23, without
wife or child.
Pay per month, $13, With Clothing and Rations, and the best Medical Attention.
Captain S. A. Wainwright
Recruiting Officer for 13th U. S. Infantry
Office-S. E. Corner of Brady & Second street, upstairs.
Transcribed by Elaine R.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Friday, January 24, 1862
Local Matters
A Scott Co. Soldier Dead.-Hiram Hall Blackman, son of Mr. L. S. Blackman,
of Buffalo township, a private in Co. E., 2d Iowa Cavalry, died of measles on
the 12th inst. at St. Louis, in the 24th year of his age. His father has
telegraphed for his body, which is expected home to-day for interment.
Adjutant General's Office of the State of Iowa, Des Moines, January 11th, 1862.
There is now an opportunity to raise two companies for the 16th Regiment Iowa
Volunteer Infantry. Persons desiring recruiting commissions for that purpose
will make immediate application to me at Des Moines, presenting such
recommendations as they deem proper.~~N. B. Baker, Adjt. Gen'l of Iowa.
Married
In this city, on the 22d inst. by Rev. L. Buttervield, Mr. W. L. Carroll and
Miss Amanda A. Howland, all of this city. By Elder James Challen, on the 22d
inst., at the bride's father's , Long Grove, Alexander W. Brownlie to Miss
Elizabeth Thomson, all of Scott county. There were about 60 of the relations of
the families present.
Mortality of Iowa Soldiers. The following list comprises the names of Iowa
Volunteers who have died in the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named.-For
further information, apply to John A. Smithers, 113 Chestnut street, St. Louis.
Jan.11-James B. Sterns, Co. A. 6th Iowa. do
John B. Kuhne, 2d Iowa cavalry. do
Jan. 12-Jos. J. Hilbert, Co. C., do
J. R. Lamb, Co. C. 7th Iowa. do
John Hanly, Co. A. do
John S. Lee, Co. D., 12th Iowa. do
John Rutter, Co. G. 3d Iowa. do
Hiram Blackman, Co. E. 2d Iowa cavalry. do
James Himord, Co. C. do
Jan. 13-Jasper Coyner, Co. D., 12th Iowa.
John L. Jacques, Co., D. do
Robert Goodacre Co. E.,14th Iowa. do
Jan. 14-Wm. P. Hatfield, Co. M, 3d Iowa.
do
Willis Brown, Co., G. 3d Iowa. do
Leslie Moore, Co. A., 2d Iowa cavalry. do
Abraham Patterson, Co. F. do
Henry Haradon, Co. D. 12th Iowa. do
Jan. 15-Daniel Conger, Co. C., 12th Iowa.
do
J. H. Sarnes Co. K, 2d Iowa cavalry. do
Samuel Hennington, Co. E 12th Iowa. do
Jan. 16-Moses Armentrout, Co. E. 2d Iowa cavalry. do
Samuel M. Johnson, Co. H., 11th Iowa. do
Bartholomew Pierson, Co. I, 13th Iowa. do
Charles Kant **ooke, Co. F., 2d Iowa cavalry. do
Jan. 17-Hy**** Kinnan, Co. F, 2d Iowa. do
Franklin Fies, Co. A, 2d Iowa. do
Isaac V. Dean, Co. H, 2d Iowa. do
Henry Jones, Co. C,12th Iowa. do
Granville Russell, Co. C, 12th Iowa. do
Jan. 18-Hugh Linn, Co. A, 2d Iowa. do
J. Galvin, Co. 11th Iowa. do
Hebadrick C. Groom, Co. E 14th Iowa. do
Warner N. Gray, Co. I., 2d Iowa cavalry. do
David M. Cockerham, Co. D, 2d Iowa. do
Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann
Davenport Daily Gazette
Saturday Morning
January 18, 1862
Local Matters
The following persons were yesterday unanimously elected commissioned
officers in "Baker's Light Guard," 16th regiment: E. M Newcomb, 1st
lieutenant; Frank N. Doyle, 2d lieutenant. This company is from Dubuque, has
53 men in camp, and will probably be full in a week or two, as several
squads are now ready to come in.
The 16th regiment has just received from the East its complete uniforms,
overcoats and equipments-all of the best quality. These will be assigned to
the soldiers as fast as they are mustered in. As we have before said, this
will be the best equipped regiment formed in Iowa and put into service.
Additions of men are daily being made to the regiment.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
January 22, 1862
Captain Jack Slaymaker, of company C., 24 Regiment Iowa Volunteers, is now
on visit to his friends in this city. This is the first opportunity he has
had of visiting his old home since he left with his company months ago, and
we hope he will have a good time. There is no better officer or man in the
2d regiment than Capt. S., and we are glad to have him once more with us.
Death in Camp-Night before last a young man named George Bradford, a private
in Capt. Palmer's company, died at Camp McClellan. He was one of the best
soldiers in the company, and highly estimated by his officers and
companions. He was not thought to be dangerously sick till just before his
death. He lived in Muscatine county. His remains will be taken home to-day.
There are now but few sick in the hospital, and none dangerously so.
A Visitor in Camp-Day before yesterday Judge Williams, of Muscatine, visited
Camp McClellan, more especially to see the Muscatine boys there, we presume.
The Judge is a gray-haired and very affable old gentleman and well known in
this region. He rather astonished the boys in camp. He first got a violin,
and uniting his voice to its melody sung some first rate songs. He then
visited the Band quarters, and taking a drum not only beat it in style, but
beat all the drummers in camp. He then convinced them that he was also
rather ahead in the fife. No other instruments lying around loose, he did
not give further exhibition of his musical genius. The judge was a
drummer-boy in the war of 1812. During his visit to camp, he joined the
band, and played the fife when they 'beat off'. The Judge's visit was
apparently a delightful one to himself and to the whole camp He will be
welcome again.
Died.--We learn that Hiram Blackman, a son of L. Blackman, Esq., of this
city, a private soldier in company E., Second Cavalry, died the 12th last,
in St. Louis.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Thursday Morning
January 23, 1862
Local Matters
The Ladies of the Davenport Soldiers' Aid Society return their thanks to
Rev. Mr. Kynett for his interesting and instructive lecture upon the
condition of the sick and wounded soldiers of Iowa, whom he has lately
visited at their different hospitals. The thanks of the Society are also
tendered to Mr. R. B. Hill for the use of the hall, and the editors of our
daily papers for their kindness in advertising the lecture.~~Sec. Soldiers'
Aid Society.
An Astonished Trio-On Tuesday an amusing circumstance occurred on Brady
street. A horse marked alike for venerable age and scant sides, was attached
to a rough device of a sleigh containing an old man and woman. In descending
the hill the horse kept at a deliciously slow gait until in crossing the
railroad track, when some part of the harness gave way and roused him into
unwonted activity, frightening the driver, who, in attempting to control him
guided him on to the sidewalk and through the window of a millinery store.
The shock of the glass and the sight of a new bonnet hanging just in front
of his nose, was too much for horse flesh, and backing out he became quiet.
It was hard to tell which of the three was the most astonished.
Drowned-Miss Mary E. Deeds, an estimable young lady of Carroll County,
Illinois engaged in teaching school in Lyons, Iowa, was drowned one day last
week while crossing the Mississippi from Fulton to Lyons, by falling into an
air hole.
Edward Jones, aged nine years, was drowned at Fort Madison on Sunday last,
while sliding with other boys on a sled down the slippery bank of the river.
Iowa 8th Regiment.-We commence on our second page a history of the 8th Iowa
regiment from the time they left Benton Barracks. It is carefully written
and furnished us by our friend, Rev. C. G. Van Derveer (sic), chaplain of
that regiment. It will be continued through three numbers of the Daily, but
be furnished complete in our Weekly edition. To some of our readers, those
who have no immediate interest in the welfare of Iowa troops, the letters we
publish from the various regiments of our State, may not possess so much
attraction, but if they could only perceive the avidity with which these
letters are sought, especially by those whose boys have gone soldiering,
they would admit with us that our space could not be better occupied. As the
8th regiment has not yet been reported through our columns, we take pleasure
in laying before our readers the truthful statements of the Chaplain. Our
war correspondents are all reliable, and generally write over their own
names.
The Eighth Iowa Leave St. Louis
The 8th Iowa, under command of Lieut. Col. Geddes, left Benton Barracks on
the 9th of October last. A finer appearance could not be made by a regiment
than was presented as we marched up Fourth street to the depot of the
Pacific, R.R. with "fixed bayonets," pipes piping, drums beating, and
our
beautiful regimental colors floating in the breeze. It was said that every
regiment which had marched up that noted street, previous to ours, had been
saluted by the report of pistolry. But our commanding officer, who is as
brave as he is humane and gentlemanly, was not deterred from making an
honorable exit by the rumor, being determined, if necessary, to give the St.
Louisan's a practical illustration of the skill our boys have acquired in
"bayonet exercise," if we were fired upon. This display of skill in
the
manual of that most useful instrument-was, however, rendered unnecessary, as
no pistol shots were heard. Our destination-so said the order received by
our commanding officer-was Jefferson City, whither we were to proceed and
await further orders. To give a little excitement to our trip, we were
informed by a dispatch that concealed batteries were placed along the
railroad near Gasconade bridge, with the intent to fire upon us as we
passed; also that the said bridge was burned, and that the little town of
Hermann was occupied was occupied by rebels, who would dispute our further
progress in case the batteries did not demolish us, and we should escape a
fall into the Gasconade. With such comforting reflections as the
above-mentioned dispatch would inspire, we at last started with our long
train. As night began to draw her dark folds around us, the order was given
to load our pieces. Our commanding officer took his position in the front of
the train near the engineer, that he might see what was going on. The event
proved that this precaution, though certainly warranted by the dispatch, was
not necessary.
Jefferson City.
We arrived at Jefferson city safe and "in food order." Here, by a
delay in
sending us word whither to proceed, we were compelled to wait all day. And
what a day it was! Cold and rainy; and as our men were in open cars they
suffered from the wet and cold. While waiting orders, I took the
opportunity, in company with a brother officer, of visiting the State House;
and a fine building it is, though as yet unfinished. Situated on a high
bluff, it commands an extensive view of both sides of the Missouri river.
The Eighth Iowa Arrive At Syracuse.
About 10 p.m. we left Jefferson City and came into Syracuse. At this place
we remained 10 days. Here the various regiments in camp were reviewed by
Gen. Fremont and Secretary Cameron, and brigaded. Our brigade consisted of
the 8th and 6th Iowa, 7th Missouri, a batallion of regular infantry and some
regular cavalry. Col. Steele of our regiment was then appointed, and has
been ever since acting as Brigadier General. Here too the measles first made
many in that weak condition, which proved so disastrous to them-fatal to
some-during our hard march to and from Springfield.
Leave Syracuse-Southern Movement
On the afternoon of Oct. 21st, we left Syracuse. Our brigade formed a part
of the 5th division-the reserve of the "grand army of the Mississippi'-one
more under command of Brigadier General McKinstry, then acting Major
General, now safely quartered in the arsenal at St. Louis. We left Syracuse
poorly furnished with transportation-so poorly that the boys were forced to
pack their knapacks-- with half rations, we marched on, making fair day's
marches till on the evening of Oct. 24th, we went in camp about 3 miles
north of Warsaw.
The Eighth Come on To Warsaw-Incident.
We remained at our last camp one day, and on the afternoon of the second day
came on to Warsaw. We arrived at this "secesh" town about dark, too
late to
pitch tents. Our regiment lay along the road close by the house of one Judge
Wright, who is a wealthy man of decidedly secession proclivities, so at
least I was informed by citizens of the town. Still, the Judge had procured
a "safe guard" from Gen. Fremont, and consequently his property was
invio'
able. The field and staff officers of our regiment, as did several officers
of the 6th Iowa, obtained permission of the Judge's wife to sleep on her
parlor floor. When I entered the parlor, I found my friend, Lieut. Col.
Cummins, of the 6th Iowa, seated by the center table, conversing with a
young lady who was making a pair of slippers. The Colonel introduced her as
Miss W., daughter of the Judge. She made no attempt to conceal her secession
sympathies and very willingly showed the slippers on which she was working a
secession flag. Dame Rumor says the young lady's accepted lover is a
Lieutenant in the rebel army, and that the slippers were intended for his
solace and comfort after the forced marches, to which the rebels invariably
betake themselves when any large number of our men approach their vicinity.
As our regiment was delayed some hours in crossing the Osage I had an
opportunity of conversing with the young lady and her mother. I have, in our
marches through this state, improved as I could opportunities of conversing
with the citizens, so as to learn their feelings about the present war. Miss
W. openly and defiantly avowed her principles. She declared the object of
the ar to be the abolition of slavery. I endeavored to show her by the acts
of the administration that the perpetuity of the Union was the object of the
war-that slavery, though the cause of the war, was a side issue in its
settlement, and the abolition or non-abolition of slavery would depend upon
future developments. In reply to her inquiry, "You think slavery is right
don't you?" I answered "No." This led to further conversation, in
the course
of which I remarked to the effect, that I did not see that a dark skin
necessarily deprived a man of that manhood which God had given him, but that
the ignorance and stupidity imputed to the Negro were rather the effect of
his bondage. To this, Miss W. replied, "If that is the way you talk I won't
have anything more to say to you," and left me to my musings. And then I
was
reminded of Senator Sumner's famous speech on the "Barbarism of
Slavery."
Pomme De Terre-Camp Starvation
We left Warsaw October 26th, and marched over a hilly country, whose chief
product is rocks, eight miles to Pomme de Terre river. The boys fared very
hard here for want of rations of which we were destitute except beef; of
this we always had plenty. The popular camp name of this encampment is
"Camp
Starvation," though it is frequently called "Pancake Hollow" and
"Slapjack
Creek," suggested by the kind of meal here served out. This seemed to be
wheat, ground straw and all of it threshed it could scarcely have been
passed through a "fanning-mill," as the meal was full of straw from
one to
three inches in length-of this mixture cakes were made, not very palatable,
or healthy as the increased number of those who came every morning to the
Surgeon's tent, plainly indicated. Still it sustained life if it did produce
sickness.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Friday Morning
January 24, 1862
Report
Of the Sanitary Condition and the Number of Deaths in the 12th Reg't Iowa
Infantry, form their arrival at St. Louis to the 15th January, 1862.
Camp Benton, Mo., Jan. 16th, '62.
After much exposure to cold at Dunleith, and traveling by rail two nights
and one day, the Iowa 12 arrived opposite St. Louis on the morning of the
1st December.
The men stood nearly all day upon the river bank, in a chilling wind. In the
evening they were marched to Camp Benton, the streets being excessively
dusty and were quartered in an unfinished building, which had been begun,
and has since been finished and used as a stable. There were no stoves, and
no means of warming these quarters. There was a very limited supply of
straw. The weather continued cold, and snow fell on the 3d. After remaining
in the stable a week or more, we were ordered into barracks which had been
recently used as a convalescent hospital. The officers and men were diligent
in repairing and renovating the new quarters, which began to be comfortable
when we were ordered into other barracks less perfectly ventilated and in a
part of the camp less thoroughly drained. The weather became warmer and the
ground muddy. The men's shoes were bad. Coal stoves were crowded into one
apartment, originally intended for but one. All these causes conspired to
develop and aggravate catarrhal affections. So nearly universal were coughs,
colds and sore throats, that many attributed it to an epidemic of influenza.
The camp was at the same time full of the contageous (sic) measles, and the
12th did not long escape its attack. A large number were liable to it from
having been recruited on the frontier than if taken from older and more
densely populated districts, and quite a number have had it for the second
time.
The disease, ordinarily considered a mild affection, has, under these proved
dreadfully fatal-fatal-the mortality resulting, in almost all cases, from
the after consequences either upon the lungs or the bowels.
After being in Camp Benton a week or more without any hospital
accommodations at all, we were assigned a new brick building outside the
lines as a Regimental Hospital, capable of accommodating 25 to 30 patients.
On the 10th of December the worst cases were selected and taken there. After
it became full those most seriously sick were taken to the different general
hospitals in the city, while the mild and middling cases were retained for
treatment in the quarters. The Regimental Hospital, though at first scantily
furnished was soon well provided for through the Aid Societies of Iowa and
the Aid Societies of St. Louis acting in concert with the Sanitary
Commission and Surgeon Gen. Hughes. Many generous friends-both ladies and
gentlemen-whose names we do not know, have visited our sick and contributed
to their comfort. We have had a faithful corps of nurses, and our Hospital
Steward, S. C. U. Hobbs, and his wife as Matron have been indefatigueable in
their labors. Assistant Surgeon Zinley has been very efficient, though
laboring under circumstances of great difficulty. We were supplied with good
articles of medicine, but the variety of articles is limited, and some that
would have been specially serviceable were not furnished.
At first we all labored under an erroneous prejudice against the general
Hospitals and kept our patients out of them as long as possible. They are
indeed-under the supervision of the Sanitary commission-excellently managed
institutions, having all the advantages that money can purchase and a
benevolent skill can apply. We have now no new cases of measles. Some of our
men are now having mumps and a few pneumonias. But the general improvement
in health is very great. Our men are under marching orders and well armed,
are in good spirits, save the sadness at the loss of so many comrades. Our
Regimental Hospital is now broken up and our stores packed for
transportation.
It will be seen by the following list that we have lost twenty nine men up
to the 15th instant. all of whom have died from the effects of measles
except three, or at least all but three have had measles since coming to
Camp Benton.
Name Co. Hospital Complaint Died
John W. Brows A Regimental Measles Dec. 19
Neal McKenzie A Good Sam'rit'n Measles Dec. 31
D. D. Cantonwine A Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 4
Joseph Hace A 4th St. Milit'y Fever Jan. 10
Jasper J. Milner B Regimental Measles Dec. 24
Thos. Stack B Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 11
George Calico B Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 12
William Forbes C Pacific Measles Jan. 7
Leroy Lewis C Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 8
Elijah Classen C Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 16
Donald Conner C N. House Refge Measles Jan. 18
Wm. U. Webster D Regimental Pneumonia Jan. 6
Wm. D. Daly D Pacific Measles Jan. 9
Jasper N. Conner D Pacific Measles Jan. 18
John G. Jackson D Regimental Measles Jan. 19
John R. Lee D N. House Refge Measles Jan. 17
Henry Harridon D Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 15
Franklin Cooley E N. House Refge Measles Jan. 11
*. *********hoff E Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 7
Sam'l Belsh F Regimental Measles Jan. 3
Thos. Hinkle F Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 4
Hiram E. Hatfal F Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 7
Geo. W. Felier H Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 8
Joseph Noggies H N. House Refge Measles Jan. 11
Sylvester Barker H Pacific Measles Jan. 11
A. Hufsmith H 4th St. Military Unknown Jan. 11
A. Codley I N. House Refge Measles Jan. 1
Joseph Bryan I Good Sam'rit'n Measles Jan. 6
Job Main K Good Sam'rit'n Measles Dec. 31
C. C. Park 12th Reg't Surgeon
The Eighth Iowa Regiment
(Continued)
Approach to Springfield.
On October 31st we were ordered to pack up our "traps" and start for
Springfield. That night we camped near Quincy. We were ordered to be ready
to march by daylight, and by forced marches to join the main army at
Springfield as soon as possible. About 40 of our men who were not equal to
the march, with some from the 6th Iowa, were left here under the charge of
our excellent 'Hospital Steward'. The rest of us started on. We made about
29 miles that day and camped, or rather lay down, (for we didn't pitch our
tents that night,) about a mile from Bolivar. Many of the men had fallen out
of the ranks, and stragglers were coming in nearly all night. Next morning
we again began our march, and that day made about 26 miles. It was on the
evening of this day that we received the official announcement of Gen.
Fremont's recall. This information occasioned some regret among our officers
and men, for we had hoped that after his immense preparations Gen. F. would
do something. We also thought it rather unfair to remove a General just as
he started out on the prosecution of his plans. But so far as I saw, there
was in our Brigade, and so far as I have been able to discover by diligent
inquiry, in our division, no manifestation of feeling which the most fervid
imagination could construe even into the appearance of mutiny. This night,
too, we went into camp with a very small regiment-many of our men having
given out by the wayside. Most of those who had fallen back came in before
morning.
The 8th Arrives at Springfield-Prospects of a Battle
Next day, Nov. 3, we marched into Springfield. Our Brigade camped about a
mile west of the town. Here we found "the army of the Mississippi."
All
around the town were innumerable tents, and the whole scene was one of great
novelty and interest to a citizen soldier. It was reported that Price's
pickets were only seven miles from us. The afternoon of the day we arrived
at Springfield, an order came in camp to prepare to march immediately after
Price. This order was most willingly obeyed. Our boys were drawn up on the
color line and their guns inspected; the horses of the field and staff
officers were saddled; hospital wagons got in readiness to move; those too
unwell to go were drawn up in line, addressed by the commanding officer and
entrusted with the care of the camp. We all thought the long-wished for time
had at last come-we waited, expecting every moment to hear the order to
march. The plan was to march out to the pickets or as near Price as we could
get that night, and make a night attack, or wait till the morrow to give him
battle, as the case might demand. About sundown an order came down not to
advance, but to lie on our arms all night. So our horses were reluctantly
unsaddled, and we turned into our tents and blankets, a regiment of
disappointed men. That was the first, the last and the nearest approach we
have yet made to a battle. From all the information I can obtain, it is
doubtful if we were within 40 miles of Price at any time on our march. He
was kept perfectly posted, by secessionists along the route, of all our
movements, and of course retreated towards Arkansas whenever he heard of the
approach of any number of our troops proportionate to his own. His policy is
not to risk a general engagement of our army whenever he may find the
chance. Price is an admirable "bushwhacker." We remained in camp near
Springfield six days.
A Visit to Wilson's Creek Battle-Ground
During our stay in Springfield, it was determined by the "powers that
were"
that a detachment of one company from each of several regiments should go
over to Wilson's Creek battle-ground, and bury any of the dead who might
have been left uninterred after the battle. Co. D, whose youthful and
gallant Captain had served as a private in that very field in the heroic
Iowa 1st, was detailed from our regiment. It was my good fortune to fall in
with Major Dubois on my way over, and have from him an account of the part
his battery commanded the famous "corn filed," and saved Plummer's
noble
little band of regulars from annihilation by the fierce charge of the
Louisiana and Mississippi regiments. These regiments, the bet drilled and
armed in Price's army-the Louisiana regiment carrying, it is said revolving
rifles, five shooters, marched out of the brush that concealed them, and
charge on the regulars with terrible effect. But a few shells from Dubois'
well directed battery sent them back to the brush and cleared the field. We
first visited the "corn field;" here we found the uninterred body of a
regular belonging to Co. C, Plummer's battalion. He was shot through the
right breast, and probably fell dead without a sensation of pain. From the
"corn field" we rode over to the bluff opposite, where Totten's
battery was
placed, and a battalion of regulars under co. Steele, and the Iowa 1st and
Kansas 1st fought. Col. Steele was with us on the ground and identified his
last position; he was standing near two oak saplings, which spring from the
same root, and remembers a musket ball striking one of them scarcely two
inches from his head, and knocking the bark into his eyes. These saplings he
succeeded in finding and from them readily located the Iowa 1st and Kansas
1st. These troops were under fire from Gen. Wakeman's battery, one of the
best commanded and most efficient in the rebel service. Judging from the
marks on the trees, he must have poured grape and round shot into our ranks
with tremendous fury. We passed down through the range of that battery, the
same ground taken by the Iowa 1st, and not a sapling but was cut off by
round shot and perforated by grape. To one inexperienced, the wonder is how
troops ever stood under such firing; it would seem as if every man must have
been shot. But our brave volunteers did stand under it most nobly, like
veterans. Gen. Wakeman was killed and his battery silenced. Then had they
only known it, so say the officers who were on the ground-they might have
gained a complete and glorious victory. If the regulars, 1st Iowa, and
Kansas 1st had been ordered to charge with the bayonet upon the rebels as
they retreated from the gorge, the rout would have been complete, and our
forces left in possession of the field-as it was both armies seem to have
retired at the same time and the battle was a drawn one. The spot was
pointed out where the heroic Lyon fell and the tree to whose root he was
carried to die. We saw the remains of Gen. Lyon's gray charger, and a cave
in which it is said the rebels cast 80 of their dead. Passing over this
recent field of carnage, seeing bits of uniforms here and there and bones of
men scattered among skeletons of horses, gave the more vivid idea of the
terrible reality of war than any of the written descriptions I have ever
seen. After satisfying our curiosity on the field of battle, we rode over to
the house occupied by Ben. McCullough as his headquarters. Near this house
and just on the bank of Wilson's Creek-a beautiful, retired spot-we saw
perhaps in hundred graves, where the rebels killed in the battle or died
from wounds had been buried. Some graves were marked by boards bearing the
name of the deceased, and among them we read the name of one Col. Brown. The
declining sun warned us that it was time to return, so we turned our horses
toward camp, a good ten miles distant, gratified and instructed by our day's
excursion. While encamped near Springfield, Gen. McKinstry was called to the
St. Louis Arsenal, and we were placed under command of Gen. Sturgis.
Retrograde Move-Leaving Springfield
Saturdya, Nov. 9, we were ordered to march-which way we were not informed;
consequently there were conflicting opinions in camp, some affirming we were
to march south, others north. The matter was settled when the head of our
column turned toward Warsaw. Before we left camp we vuried, with suitable
religious service and the usual military honors, H. E. Hartwell, of Co. B.
He was the first of our men who died with his regiment. Our march back to
Sedalia was somewhat hurried. Some days we made 20 miles or more, and this,
for the ocndition of our regiment at that time was pretty hard. We managed
to press several teams into service, and by this means carried the boys
knapacks, and gave many of the weak ones a chance to ride. Thursday, Nov.
14, we camped 6 miles this side of Warsaw, and then and there, for the first
time since we left Syracuse, drew full rations. On the march up we buried
three men besides the one interred near Springfield. Poor fellows! All was
done for them which our limited means would permit, but the 'all' for a sick
and dying man on a rapid march is very little.
The Davenport Daily Gazette
January 30, 1862
Mortality of Iowa Soldiers
The following list comprises the names of Iowa Volunteers who have died in
the vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named. For further information apply
to John A. Smithers, 113 Chestnut street, St. Louis.-
Jan 15--James Mason, Co. E, 12th Iowa.
Henry D. Lynes, 3d Iowa Cavalry.
Jan. 19-Napoleon B. Henry, Co. D, 14th Iowa.
Marshall Lazelle, Co. F, 12, Iowa.
Jan. 20-John H. Scott, Co. K, 2d Iowa Cavalry.
John Sohn, Co. B, 12 Iowa.
Thomas Jordan, Co. F., 11th Iowa.
Jan. 21-James M. Hughes, Co. A., 12th Iowa.
Barney Clawson, Co. I., 2d Iowa.
Ubl. Mather, Co. D., 12th Iowa.
Thomas Brattain, Co. C. 2d Iowa.
Jan. 22-Hiram Halleckm, Co. E., 7th Iowa.
James C. Taylor, Co. F., 2d Iowa Cavalry.
Jan. 23-Henry McDougal, Co. E., 7th Iowa.
D. H. Sawin, Co. A., 12th Iowa.
Lewis P. Mills, Co. K., 2d Iowa.
Jan. 24-Capt. C. C. Tupper, Co. G., 12 Iowa.
Ira H. Phillips, Co. H., 12th Iowa.
Jackson Jewell, Co. B., 2d Iowa Cavalry.
Jan. 25-George Mason, Co. E., 12th Iowa.
John Eing, Co. F., Iowa Cavalry.
While the 7th Iowa Regiment was on the way to Cairo, an assistant surgeon
was run over by the cars at Du Quoin Station, and died of his injuries last
Wednesday.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
April 9, 1862
Alfred Sanders, Publisher
Local Matters
Our streets are in an awful muddy condition. Yesterday several teams were
stalled on fourth street between Iowa and LeClaire. This thoroughfare should be
placed in better condition.
Lt. Col. Herron, of the 9th regiment, who was wounded and taken prisoner at the
battle of Pea Ridge, and several others of the wounded, passed up the river
yesterday on the Hawkeye State, bound for Dubuque.
Colonel Galligan arrived in this city on Monday evening. He has resigned his
commission. He is improving in health; his hand, we learn, is partially
paralyzed from the effect of the wound received at Pea Ridge.
Returned-Lieut. Huntington, of Co. B, Sergeant Hall, of Co. C, and fifteen
recruits for the army, left here yesterday on the Metropolitan for St. Louis.
Thence they will proceed to the Tennessee river to join their regiment, which is
destined soon to participate (if it has not already done so) in one of the most
terrific battles of the war, or one of the most extensive pursuits of a flying
enemy.
Teachers' Examination-At the teachers' examination held on the 29th ult. There
were 55 applicants. Of this number, 3 received first grade certificates, 7
second grade, 15 third grade, and 20 fourth grade; while 10 were rejected
altogether. The County Superintendent has raised the standard for the lower
grades. The percentage of correct answers to questions propounded is now as
follows: first grade 90; second grade 80; third 70; fourth 60. The
Superintendent informs us that many of the candidates exhibited an astonishing
amount of ignorance for persons thinking themselves competent to teach others.
The penmanship in many cases was execrable. The orthography was very faulty. Of
fifteen words, one applicant only spelled two right. Many were wrong in the
majority of cases. The word 'psychology' was a desperate puzzle, the initial p
being left out by many; one spells it 'sicologay'; vacillation, pneumatics and
others were also desperately handled. The word 'beaux,' singularly enough was
always spelt right by the ladies. Omnipotent is made to mean 'not present,'
'high,' 'all seeing.' In geography the most blunders occurred. Labrador and Cuba
Island were respectively said to be the first land to be discovered by Columbus.
The points of the compass were sadly mixed up in many craniums. The revolution
of the earth from north to south was said to cause the change in seasons; so was
the tipping of the earth from north to south and south to north! These may be
considered specimens of the brilliant answers to the questions propounded given
by many of the applicants. Some of them, it is evident, think that almost
anybody can teach school, but Mr. Gorton's way of treating them is likely to
dispel the idea, and at the same time give our schools better teachers.
Late News
Island No. 10 Captured.
Davenport, April 9--2 p.m.
The telegraphic operator here has just received a dispatch from the operator at
Bureau Junction announcing that Island No. Ten surrendered last night, with
several thousand men, and all the enemy's transport, guns, &c.
The Carondelet Brushing Around
Other Gunboats Run the Rebel Blockade
Gen. Pope's Division Cross the River.
Speedy Termination of the Siege.
We have glorious news to-night from New Madrid. Last night the gunboat
Pittsburgh ran the blockade in safety under a terrible fire from the rebel
batteries. Four steam transports and five barges were also got through the
slough from Phillips Landing, above Island No. 10, by Col. Bissell's corps of
engineers.
This morning, under fire of the gunboats, silencing one of the rebel batteries,
a company of men under Capts. Lewis and Marshall crossed the river and spiked a
battery. Another force took three other batteries, spiked the guns and threw the
rebel ammunition into the river.
At eleven o'clock, in the face of a fire from other batteries, Geo. Paine with
four regiments and a battery of artillery, crossed the Mississippi to the
Kentucky shore. Subsequently, the division of Gen. Stanley and Gen. Hamilton
crossed, and also Geo. Granger with his cavalry. They are strongly posted and
ready for any emergency.
The spectacle of so large a body of troops crossing in the teeth of the enemy's
batteries, was truly magnificent. The praises of Gen. Pepe are upon every
tongue.
It is believed here that forty-eight hours will decide the fate of Island No.
10.
It is hardly credible, but reports thus far agree that not a single casualty
occurred during the whole of the magnificent affair.
>From New Madrid Direct
New Madrid, April 7
There was heavy cannonading this morning in the direction of Point Pleasant,
commencing at about 9 o'clock and continuing with scarcely any intermission
until this hour (4 p.m.) At noon, as the roar of the cannon was heard, I
repaired to New Madrid and discovered the Carondelet steaming down the river,
belching forth shot and shell at a line of rebel batteries on the Kentucky
shore, opposite the lower fort. The fire was vigorously returned from their
batteries, most of which fell short and did no damage. The Carondelet was aided
by our battery established on the Missouri shore, between the lower fort and
Point Pleasant, some of whose shot did splendid execution.
It is said that the guns on Wattrous Point, the most northern battery, are
silenced and destroyed. Whether true or not, we have o means of determining. We
only know that after a shell from our guns struck their entrenchments, there was
an immense cloud of dust raised, and the rebels were seen running about in wild
confusion, and the guns afterwards maintained a mysterious and obstinate
silence.
At this moment, standing on the river bank below the upper fort, I can see the
Carondelet steaming below the point at a distance from here apparently of 10
miles. She must be approaching Riddle's Point.
Besides the rebel batteries above mentioned, there are two heavy guns opposite
Point Pleasant and the same number opposite Riddle's Point.
A man who has just returned from that point, informs me that the rebels have
collected some fifteen gunboats, prepared to dispute the passage of the
Carondelet. One of these is just visible in the distance, slowly poking her
horns around the point, evidently intending to engage the Carondolet.
An express has just ridden post haste for Gen. Pope's headquarters with some
message of importance, the purpose of which is not yet known, but probably
relating to the passage of the Carondolet.
The smoke from the chimneys of the rebel transports is plainly discernable from
any point of observation.
Things are working in this region and you may be prepared to hear of stirring
movements at any moment.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Friday Morning
April 11, 1862
Local Matters
Off for Tennessee.-Drs. Maxwell and Gamble, and Messrs. Burwell and Brown,
started on the eastern train yesterday morning on their way to the Tennessee
river. They will probably arrive at their destination on Sunday next-none too
soon for the suffering.
"Any more news?" queried a little girl of us yesterday.
"Yes," we said, "Beauregard got his arm shot off!"
"Good," she replied, "we've got that much of him,
anyhow."-Grown folks generally wish it was his head, and are not so
disposed to be thankful for small favors.
Child injured.-Yesterday morning a little girl, child of Mr. John Birkel, Second
street, near Brady, fell down a pair of stairs and struck against a bowl which
she was carrying, cutting a horrible gash in her face, four or five inches long,
extending across the forehead, around the right eye and on to the cheek. Dr.
McCortney dressed the wounds , which in some places extended to the bone, and
the little sufferer is doing well, though she will be badly scarred.
Iowa Troops.-Gen. Grant has eleven Iowa regiments under his command, and it is
probable that nearly all of them were in the fight. Yet the telegraph says
nothing of their having any officers killed or wounded--circumstance from which
we might drive "some" consolation were it not that past experience
assures us we mustn't expect to hear from Iowa troops till after the big States
have had their bloviation; then, perhaps, will come the tardy admission that
some Iowa regiment turned the tide of battle. Won't somebody start a mud-turtle
express, so that we can hear from Iowa boys, on occasions of future battles, in
advance of the ordinary modes of communication? Who'll commence it?
The War News
It is said to be the intention of the Confederate government to abandon Virginia
unless the people of that State render more aid of men and money.
All men suspected of being for the Union are robbed of property with impunity,
and no redress can be had. In consequence of this most Union men are very quiet.
During the embarkation of our troops from Liverpool Point, a large number of
Maryland slaveholders lined the shore on horseback, said to be looking for lost
slaves. No slaves from Maryland or Virginia were allowed to go aboard our
transports. Some free Negroes were taken as servants. There were about 800
fugitive slaves left at Liverpool Point and Mattawoman Creek, without any
protection. Slave owners threaten to make trouble.
For the Tennessee
St. Louis, April 10.
Two steamers fitted as floating hospitals left here yesterday for Tennessee
river. Large contributions of all kinds and supplies are being made to-day to
furnish two more which will leave this evening. The Western Sanitary Commission
are moving earnestly and energetically with the matter, and an effort will be
made for speedy relief of our wounded soldiers at Pittsburg landing.
Evansville, Ind., April 10
The steamer Charley Bowen left here at 11 a.m. for Pittsburg landing with a
delegation of surgeons and nurses and a full supply of hospital stores form
Indianapolis. They will take on board another delegation of surgeons and
supplies from Posey county, Ind. at Mt. Vernon.
The Spoils of Island No. Ten
A special to the Republican from Island No. 10 says two hundred hogsheads of
sugars, several hundred barrels of molasses, eighty cannon, 400 wagons, 126
horses, 600 mules, 6,000 stand of small arms, 30 pieces of light artillery and a
great quantity of blankets, clothing &c., have fallen into our hands. The
total number of prisoners captured is 5,000, one Maj. Gen. (McCall) and Brig.
Gens. Gault, Walker and Schannon. The prisoners are being embarked for Illinois
as rapidly as possible. About 56,000 solid shot and immense quantities of
ammunition were taken.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Monday Morning
April 14, 1862
Local Matters
Twenty little ladies met at the house of the editor Saturday, and scraped
lint all the afternoon for our wounded soldiers. At these little sociable
gatherings there is always great rivalry between the tongues and fingers of
the young ladies.
Lieut. Col. Price.-the following is the copy of a dispatch from Mr. Hiram
Price to Judge Dillon, in relation to Lieut. Col. Milton M. Price, of the
13th Iowa. Jno. F. Dillon-Have heard from Milton, He is wounded in the
shoulder, but not dangerously.
Anxiety of our Citizens-Never have we seen so much anxiety manifested by our
citizens as has been exhibited by them since the news of the battle at
Pittsburg reached them. Men and women have thronged our office, day and
night anxiously inquiring for news. All of them appear to have had husbands,
sons or brothers in the great conflict. As hour after hour and day after day
have passed, and still no tidings of the loved ones been received, the
anxiety of some minds has amounted to anguish. We have seen tears come into
the eyes of strong men, as they have spoken of their sons or brothers being
in that conflict and the probability that they many be even now needing
assistance and unable to obtain it. It is a fearful suspense, and we truly
hope that our community, from which so many brave men have gone to fight the
battles of the nation, may soon be relieved from its anxiety.
Young Spellitich.-A few days ago we made mention of the bravery at Fort
Donelson of Stephen Spellitich, a young Hungarian, of this county, a private
in Co. C, 2d Iowa Infantry, and that a request was made of the War
Department that he be presented with the rifle he had captured. The
following letter will show that the request has promptly been granted:
Headquarters Dept. of Mississippi; St. Louis, April 1st 1862.
Hon. J. B. Leake-Sir, With the approval of the Secretary of War I have
directed to be presented to Stephen Spelletich, of Co. C. 2d Iowa Infantry,
the rifle which he so heroically captured at the battle of Fort Donelson.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
H. W. Halleck, Maj. Gen.
Rev. C. G. Van Derveer.-We are gratified to learn from Mr. John N. Rogers,
who has received a dispatch to that effect from Mr. Burwell, the Rev. Mr.
Van Derveer, of this city, the Chaplain of the Eighth regiment, came safely
out of the battle at Pittsburg Landing.
Married
On the 9th inst., by Rev. L. N. Butterfield, Mr. Sylvester M. Close and Miss
Emma M. Blackman, of this city.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Tuesday Morning
April 15, 1862
The War News
Further about the Pittsburgh Battle.
The 15th lose about 600 men.
All The Field Officers Wounded.
8th 19th and 14th Regiments Taken Prisoner.
Only 115 of the 12th Iowa Escaped.
Aver Loss, 21 Killed and 100 Wounded in each Regiment.
1000 Prisoners Taken, and 2,500 Lost.
To Chas. H. Eldridge, Davenport.
Thirteenth regiment has 40 killed, 160 wounded, 1 Lieut. Co. B, dead.
Sixteenth suffered much. Col. Chambers slightly wounded. Lt. Col. Sanders
all right. Eleventh regiment also had 40 killed, one hundred wounded. Lt.
Compton killed; Maj. Abercrombie slightly wounded. Several of 3d and 12th
regm'nts wounded are on their way to St. Louis. Lieut. Col. And Major of the
12th are sick in hospital. The fifteenth Iowa, on Sunday morning, had one
thousand and forty-five. On Monday four hundred and seven answered to call.
Col. Reid is shot in back of head. Lieut. Col. Dewey wounded badly in the
shoulder. Major Belknap lightly wounded. Capt. Hendricks killed. Reported
here that part of the eighth, twelfth and fourteenth are prisoners. ~~ A. H.
White.
The body of Gen. Wallace, accompanied by his staff and Col. Dickey, arrived
on the steamer Woodford this evening. She brought down some prisoners on
their way to St. Louis.
A special train, with the body of Gen. Wallace, will leave this evening
for
Ottumwa.
Col. Hugh F. Reid, 15th Iowa, from Keokuk, paralysed by ball in back of
his
head; Lieut. Col. Dewey, badly wounded in the shoulder; Maj. Belknap,
slightly; Capt. Hendricks, killed. This noble regiment had just arrived on
Saturday with 1, 015 men. After the battle only 407 answered to their names.
They had received their guns at St. Louis, and left Keokuk only two weeks;
were in Prentiss' division.
Nearly all of the 58th Illinois and 12th, 14th, and 8th Iowa were
surrounded and taken prisoners while maintaining their ground, and fighting
like heroes.
Col. Wood of the Iowa 12th is wounded and gone to St. Louis. Only 115 men
of his regiment were not taken prisoners, these were in the hospital on
Friday.
The Iowa 14th reported not taken prisoners.
Late News by the Mails
The following list of killed and wounded we obtain from private dispatches
to the Muscatine Journal.
The following is the list of casualties in Co. F, 11th regiment, from
Washington county:
Killed.-G. I. Barnes, M. A. McLand, H. H. Riley.
Wounded.-Lt. Miles, mortally; S. McKinney, severely in leg; H. J. Coulter,
slightly in hand; J. Cochrane, severely in leg; D. Gibson, severely in
thigh; S. S. Lyttle, severely in breast; J. Williams, slightly in eye;
Taylor Thomas, slightly in hand; Taylor Keiting, slightly in hand; A. J.
Scott, slightly in hand; Wiley Wicher, slightly in leg; J. Rolston, slightly
in hand; W. P. Shelton, slightly in leg; Moses Rose, slightly in breast;
Alex Keating, slightly in head; J. Morton, slightly in head; D. Jones,
slightly in head; Theodore Campbell, slightly in shoulder; Sergt. Jackson,
slightly in side.
The following is a list of the wounded in Co. H, 2d Iowa regiment, also
from Washington:
Killed.-None.
Wounded.-Lieut. Schofield, severely in thigh; Thos. Curran, leg off below
the knee, H. Russel, slightly in hand; ---Hamilton, slightly.
Eighth Iowa Regiment.
Taken prisoners, 419; 215 more left under Adjt. Rankin.
Lieuts. Dawson and Plum safe.
Company C.
Killed.-James H. Young
Wounded.-David J. Palmer, slightly.
Seventh Iowa-Company H.
Wounded.-G. W. Hoag, mortally; --Walcott, slightly, Sergeant Hope, slightly.
Thirteenth regiment not heard from.
Lieut. Crosley, 3d regiment safe.
Capt. A. R. Z. Dawson, safe.
Wounded Iowa Soldiers
From a special dispatch to the Chicago Tribune, we gather the following
names of Iowa soldiers who were wounded at Pittsburg, and are now at St.
Louis:
Iowa Regiments.-3d-Co. D., R. C. Crandell, P. B. Holverson; Co. H, Patrick
Larkin; Co. G., W. H. Swan. 6th-Co E., T. Smith, F. H. Sewell; Co G., James
Calhoun; Co. H. Wm. Spain; Co. K, E. R. Clark; Co. H, J. T. Lynn, 12th-Co K.
, John Moulton, F. Keyser; co. E, Benj. Eberhart, A. Biller, Jacob Howsey,
C. Johnson; Co. F, A. Crippen, Jos. Pate; Co. B, Cornell Denny; Co. C,
William Giving; Co. D, Isaac G. Clark, Sergt. J. M. Clark, R. Caldwell, E.
H. Bailey; Co. F, Sam'l Witenberg, Co. H., W. W. Crist; Co. K, G. W.
Garrity; Co. G., Jas. Brown, As. S. Fuller, 16th-Co. E., C. Veal.
The following are at Mound City Hospital:
Iowa-Emory Spery, 3d. Co. B; McCallister, 13th, Co F; Thos. Import, 6th co.
C; Jacob Fredrick, 8th, Co. B; Peter Kountz, 6th, Co. D; Jno A. Hughes, 11th
co. D; Jno W. Sullivan, 2d Co F; Stephen Cousins, 3d Co. A; Louis Castor,
13th Co. D; Joseph R. Hall, 3d, Co G; Gratus Nuddle, 5th, Co D, badly; L.
Stahl, 15th Do K; S. Griffin, 12th Co R; H. McGatherson, 3d, Co D; John
Meckly, 2d Co. A; Stephen Smith, 13th Co. a; Jesse Hampton, 13th Martin
Reapion, 13th, co H; Jno Angle, 8th Co D; Isaac K. Story, 8th, Co F; J.
Moore 3d, Co B; Jos. J. Hart,--Co F.; George Ready, 6th Co G; Thos. F.
Lewis, 8th Co D; J. Williams, of the 6th, and J. McDonald, of the 16th, are
also wounded.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
April 16, 1862
Late News
List of killed and Wounded in the 11th Iowa, at the Battle of Pittsburg
Landing, April 6th and 7th, 1862.
Col. HARE, Acting Brigadier, wounded severely in right hand.
Lt. Col. HALL, commanding the regiment, wounded in ankle, slightly.
Maj. ABERCROMBIE, wounded in head, slightly.
Company A.
Killed.-Wm. FIELDMAN; Jno GEODOCKE; Geo. W. CALLENDER.
Wounded.-1st Lt. J. W. ANDERSON, head, slightly; Sergt. SHELLABARGER, arm;
Corp CORWIN, foot; Corp J. M. TAYLOR, back, slightly; Corp R. LIVINGSTON,
hand. Privates.-C. ENSTLER, finger lost. R. THETMAN, back; J. S. STRETCH,
head, severely; J. OAKES, shoulder; L. W. GATES, finger; H. VANKIESSILD, leg
slightly; C. KINGSLAND, hip, slightly; E. FORTMAYLOR, shoulder, severely;
C. GESLER, leg, slightly; Wm. REID, leg.
Three killed; 15 wounded.
Company B.
Killed.-Corp Wm F. HOUGH, Hardin Co.
Wounded.-Slightly-Capt Chas. FOSTER, wrist; Orderly AKERS, thigh; Corp R. V.
HERSEY, hand. Privates.--Daniel DALE, hand; Addison GARWOOD, hand; C. N.
HAMMOND, neck; John RATAN, hand; David STAFER, abdomen, severely, Martin
DENBOW, neck; Geo HAWORTH, thigh; John W. RAMSEY, arm; Wm. N. Street, arm;
Jas. FITZGERALD, arm; Thos. C. SMITH, shoulder.
One killed; 14 wounded.
Company C.
Killed-Sam'l FRITZ.
Wounded.-Corp Gerodes WYNCOOP, wrist, slightly; Corp Jos. W. MOORE, leg,
slightly. Privates.-Severely, A. E. CAMPBELL, shoulder; G. W. LIVINGSTON,
shoulder, dead; Wm. HARP, jaw; Henry MILLER, neck; Wm. EDMONDSON, arm; Jas.
C. DUNCAN, arm. Slightly.-S. H. CALDWELL, shoulder; Jas. W. WATTS, head;
John H. PATTEN, foot; David CUMMINS, head; Jos MANNERS, head; Thos. REID,
shoulder; Chalmers REYNOLDS, head.
One killed; 15 wounded.
Company D.
Killed.-Sergt. Henry Sibert. Private-Thos. CAREY; Peter CRAVEN; Wm.
LEVERICH; Wm. WHITE.
Wounded.-Sergt. Beecher CHATFIELD, ankle, slightly; Corp John HUGHES, face
severely; Corp Walter G. ROGERS, breast and back; severely; Corp Alex THOM,
hip, slightly. Privates-Severely, F. M. EDGE, hand; Jno MILLSOP, arm; R.R.
McREA, mouth. Slightly, B. F. HERR, foot; Christian HERR, neck; Chas.
LAPORT, wrist; Oregon PRESCOTT, breast; S. N. RUCKER, thigh; Ira SHIFFLETT,
hip; J. J. HAMLIN, both arms.
Company E.
Killed-1st Lt. J. F. COMPTON; Sergt. E. McLONEY; Privates T. M. HAINES, U.
FRINK, G. CROOKS, John BUCKMAN.
Wounded-Slightly, Corpl J. M. DANIELS, in hand; Privates B. ROSSART, side;
A. H. HATCH, shoulder; E. MOONEY, shoulder; C. RANKIN, shoulder; M. MUSENEY,
leg; G. SIMMONS, knee. Severely, F. DWIGGINS, in hip; E. CRISMAN, arm
broken.
Six killed and eleven wounded.
Company F.
Killed-Corpls G. I. BARNES and Martin A. McLAIN; Private H. H. RILEY.
Wounded-Seriously, 1st Lt. J. D. MILES; Sergt. N. S> McKINNEY, leg; Privates
S. S. LYTLE, shoulder; T. CAMPBELL, shoulder; Jno WILLIAMS, head; W.
WHICHER, leg. Slightly--, Sergt. E. G. JACKSON, side; Corpl Jackson COULTER,
arm; Privates Taylor THOMAS, hand; John KETING, finger; W. P. SHELTON, leg;
Isaac MARTIN, hand; John RALSTON, hand; David JONES, hand; Alex CAPEN, foot.
Three killed. Sixteen wounded.
Company G.
Killed-Privates Wm. BLACJ, Theodore PALLET, Mortimer HOBART.
Wounded-2d Lt. G. W. BARR, arm, seriously; Corpl Geo. McNEELY, hand,
slightly; Privates Clinton HALL, neck seriously; Osco CONNER, leg, severely.
Slightly, Larson CROOKS, bruised; Wm. LINKINS, bruised; C. DAILY, hand; M.
J. MILLER, knee.
Three killed. Eight wounded.
Company H
Killed-Henry C. ADY; Finley H. HEWAL; WM E. MIKESELL.
Wounded-Slightly, 1st Lieut. Geo. D. MAGOON. Severely, Corpl Wm HERR, head;
Corpl. Thos. G. LEWIS, shoulder. Lightly, privates Wm. A. GORDON, thigh;
Warren Evans, leg; Jas. M. ALLEN; Conrad KRAUSE; Wm RICHARDS, head.
Severely, Jno ZOELINA, foot;August KRAUS, face. Slightly, B. K. WINTERMUTE,
arm and leg.
Three killed and sixteen wounded.
Company I
Killed-Sergt. E. DANIELS; privates Madison RAYBURN, John HESTER.
Wounded-Slightly, 2d Lt. A. B. WILES, neck; Sergt. J. E. CROWDER, finger.
Severely, Corpl Wm. HALL, leg, R. L. MILLER, arm; Privates Jno TAHLMAN,
since dead; Thos McKEAUGH, breast; G. F. GREENHOW, head; A. WILSON, leg; Wm
CRAIG, leg; A. BEALL, lef; H. HINKHOUSE, leg; H BARNHOLDT, foot; J. B.
SULLIVAN, arm; P E. SHAW, thigh and arm; P. C. Ebermin, shoulder and ahnd.
Slightly, John TATTON, shoulder; Wm H. GARD, shoulder; Riley PENNEL, leg;
John LEACH, arm; Chas. HOOPER, shoulder; Wm. ETHERTON, hand; M. KIEF,
abdomen; S. MATTERN, leg; John WESSON, head; Peter E. DAVIS, shoulder;
Orlando McGRUE, nose.
Three killed and twenty-six wounded.
Company K
Killed-Private N. BOGART.
Wounded-slightly, Capt John C. MARVIN, leg. Severely, 2d Lt. O. P. KINSULAW;
Sergt. Chas. MASON, arm and side; Corporal John DANCE, arm. Slightly, L.
DAVIS, leg. Seriously, Privates S. GEARBART, wrist; J. WILKINSON, arm side
and hip. Slightly, John ELDER, arm and side; B. FLUHARTS, leg; M. LATTIMER,
foot; R. SMITH, hand.
Missing-Private Wm. W. MITCHELL.
One killed, eleven wounded, one missing.
The wounded are either on the boats, or in hospitals at Savannah, and are as
well taken care of perhaps as is possible in the circumstances. But
doubtless great numbers have died, and will die, who might have been saved
if they could at once have received the surgeon's attention, and the nursing
of home.
Iowa Soldiers
The following are additional to the names already published of killed and
wounded Iowa soldiers at the battle of Pittsburg:
Killed.
11 Regiment-Co. A. -Wm FIELDING, John JODYKE and George CALLENDER, of
Muscatine county. Co. H-Henry ADY, Atalissa. Co. J-George DANIELS. Co.
B-Lieut E. D. DUNCAN, Jasper co. Co F-Lieut WATSON.
Wounded
8th Regiment-Co H-J. T. LYON.
11th Regiment-Col A. M. HARE, Muscatine; Lt Col Wm. HALL, Davenport; Mjor
ABERCROMBIE, Burlington; Lt. MOSS, Co. F.
13th Regiment-Major SHANE, Benton Co; Adj HAHN.
On Steamer Louisiana, Bound for St. Louis
3d Regiment-Co. A-Patrick LARKIN,--Newson. Co. D-b. HOBSON.
12th Regiment-Co. E-Jacob HOWREY.
Co. F-Samuel WETHERBY, C. L. Johnson.
At Mound City Hospital
2d Regiment-Co. A-W. H. ROBINSON, Co. E-B. ROSS, John DUNCAN, CO. G-H. D.
St. JOHN. Co. I-Fred FILLEY.
3d Regiment-Co. E-W. C. CHAMBERS.
6th Regiment-Co. A-M. HOWE. Co. E-Solomon KELLOGG, Thos. B. BAKER, Co. H-a.
W. HUFFORD.
8th Regiment-Co. A-John DOUGAL, Bo. B-J. N. GARDNER, W. JAYNE. Co. H-J.
CRAIG.
11th Regiment-Co. C-G. W. SIMMONS, Wilson SIMMONS.
12th Regiment-Co. G-Ole OLESON.
13th Regiment-Co. C-J. DEBAULT, Co. E-E. CLARK, Co. G-Lieut D. R. SHERMAN.
Co. H-Lieut E. SHURTZ.
14th Regiment-Co. E-Jno L. MILTON.
15th Regiment-Co. J-D. BURCKLEY.
16th Regiment-Co. G-Patk. BOYLE.
The Des Moines Register says that fourteen men of the 4th Infantry,
wounded
at the battle of Pea Ridge have died since the battle.
Captain Granville Berkley of company F, 2d Iowa Cavalry, was mustered out
of the service on March 29th.
Samuel M. Wise, a Captain in the Iowa First Infantry, has been
commissioned
Maj. Of the 17th Regiment , Col. Rankin.
The 17th regiment has been formally accepted by the War Department. It has
900 men now in camp at Keokuk, and 200 more are on the way there.
The Daily Gazette
City of Davenport
Thursday Morning
April 24, 1862
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 reconnaissance. When high
up, the rope broke, and off floated the balloon, directly over the enemy's
entrenchments. The officer was considered to be inevitable 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 earth "by the run," entirely
unharmed.
What he saw is for military use, and not for publication.
Pittsburg Landing
April 15, '62
List of Killed and Wounded of 8th Iowa Infantry in the Battle of Pittsburg
Landing, April 6th, 1862.
Killed.
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.
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 Pattie.
Co. I-Thos. R. Robb, Jno Badger, Henry C. Gordon, Chas. M. Lane, Jno Murphy.
Co. K-A. C. Heinsecker, Jno McQueen, A. Thompkins.
Total, 33.
Wounded.
Co. A-Dan'l. 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
Haynes, 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. Fluke, J. Newton Pursell.
Co. C-David J. Palmer, Jas. Marshall, David Parish.
Co. D-Jas. Gardner, Julius Gardner, Leonard Blakesley, Mason Ogan, John A.
Angler.
Co. E-R. 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, Sam'l M. Shrekley, Benj. F. Stevenson, Adolph Seible,
Isaac M. Williams.
Co. G-John Johnson, Jonathan Sprague, Jacob Harr, Geo. W. O'Neal.
Co. H-Capt. Fred S. Palmer, Lieut. D. J. Craigle, Lt. Chas. Wells, Jacob
Fredericks, Johnathan 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, Sam'l 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
Iowa 2d Regiment
Company A
List of killed and wounded.
Killed-W. W. Clark; Geo. W. Friend.
Wounded-Severely: Sergeant John Mackley, John Kepple, Joseph Conley, W.
Robinson, Lightly: 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. Satliff, 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, Corpl. 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 Borggs,
Reuben Coop, Slightly: Capt. T. J. McCullough, Lieut. D. B. Wilson, Henry A.
Millen, James Ross, Elwood Williams, J. M. Hughes, L. T. 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. John.
Wounded-Severely: Capt. S. A. Moore, Chas. E. Dunn. Slightly: John Denmuth,
Davis Proctor, Burr Vurmilia.
Company H
Wounded-Severely: Lieut. Scolfield, Thos. Curren, Henry Russell, J. N.
Hammill.
Company I
Killed-Corporal Cooly.
Wounded-Severely: Capt. H. P. Cox, Sergt. S. L. Tull, Corp. N. Rodgers, John
Luellen, John 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 Meecher.
Company K
Killed-Lieut. John E. Molby. Lightly: W. H. Henderson
A.Axline
Chaplain 2d Iowa Reg't Infantry
The
Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
April 28, 1862
To
the Editor of the Gazette:--Several days have now elapsed since the memorable
battle of Pittsburg Landing. I presume from various sources you have received
descriptions of the fight. Many reasons, in the form of attendance on the
wounded, hunting for acquaintances in other regiments, and fatigue, have
prevented an earlier communication. I shall now attempt a brief account of the
battle, not attempting to a full description, but confining myself rather to the
brigade to which the 8th Iowa was attached, and more especially to
the regiment which I had the honor to serve. The information I shall give may be
relied on, as it is gathered from personal observation partly, and still more
from others, who being combatants and actually in the engagement are better
qualified to give a correct account.
Commencement
of the Engagement
The enemy’s advance lines were I sight of our outposts as early as
Friday afternoon, April 4th. The fact that a battery was planted near
our lines was communicated to Gen. Sherman, who commanded the division on our
extreme right, and in the advance. He had received orders from Gen. Grant “not
to bring on an engagement,” and supposing the design of the enemy was to
induce skirmishing and endeavor to learn something of our strength, paid no
attention to the battery or the skirmishing of pickets. Evidently our commanders
were not expecting an attack, but soon as Gen. Buell’s column should come up,
intended an advance. Saturday was quiet except skirmishing. On Sunday, April 6th,
the attack was made, and found us entirely unprepared. Our line of encampment
was somewhat in the form of a crescent. The enemy attacked us by what is termed
the letter V movement. The apex of the letter V rested on our center. The two
lines, extending back obliquely, were admirably formed for flanking us on both
wings. We who were camped near the river, heard heavy cannonading early on the
morning of the 6th for an hour or two before we were ordered out.
Meantime, several of our advance regiments were driven back—some had scarcely
time to form a line of battle at all; others, overpowered by numbers, retreated
in good order, loading and firing as they fell back. The first regular line of
battle was formed about 9 a. m. This was the first I saw, and I believe, from
what I can learn, it was the first formed by our main army. I shall now write
more particularly of the part taken by the Iowa 8th, which was in
this line.
Position
of the Eighth Iowa Infantry
Between 8 and 9 a. m. on Sunday, our brigade—third brigade, second
division—was ordered out. This brigade consisted of the 8th Iowa,
52d Illinois, 7th, 37th and 50th Illinois
regiments, under command of Col. Sweeny,, of the 52d Illinois. The 8th
Iowa occupied the right center of the brigade, and in the line of battle the
brigade was posted in the right center of the brigade, and in the line of battle
the brigade was posted in the right center of the line. On our left was Gen.
McClernand’s division and I think Gen. Hurlbut’s. On our right the Iowa
brigade, formerly Col. Lauman’s, but during the battle under command of Col.
Tuttle, 2d Iowa. Shortly after the line of battle was formed, the 52d Illinois
moved off to the right, and was soon followed by the 7th Illinois.
The design of this movement I have never learned, but it left our right entirely
unsupported, and an open space between us and the regiments which filed off. On
the right of the 8th Iowa two cannon were placed. Of these guns our
gallant Colonel took command for a short time, and so pointed them as to rake
the enemy. Col. Geddes was for many years an artillery officer in the British
regular service. He saw these guns were not worked to good advantage, and riding
up to the man in charge gave directions. The man said, “If you can manage
these guns better than I, do so.” The Colonel replied, “I can,” and
immediately took command. With what effect the check which the advancing enemy
received best tells, and more than vindicates the Colonel’s action. On the
left of the 8th was another gun, so pointed as to prevent an oblique
movement of the enemy on our left flank and to protect the regiments on our
left. All this while the enemy were pouring a tremendous volley from cannon and
small arms into our lines. Two guns had been taken from one of our batteries
early in the morning. These guns were now in front of our regiment. Their
recovery was determined on. (sic) Our men had been lying down allowing the enemy’s
fire to pass over them; meanwhile Col. Geddes was riding along the line or
directing the two guns on our right, smoking his pipe and giving orders with the
same coolness as if on battalion drill. It is also due to Lieut. Co. Ferguson
and Maj. Andrews to say that they conducted themselves with the utmost coolness
and bravery. The recovery of the lost guns being determined upon, the Colonel
ordered the 8th Iowa to charge. A more brilliant or successful charge
need never be made. Forward after their gallant commander, whom every man loved
as a brother and trusted as one more than human, rushed our noble Iowa boys. The
guns were seized by our brave boys, and with their own hands hauled off from the
enemy. In this charge most of our brave fellows, who were killed in the battle,
fell; but they fell not in vain. I was over the ground on Tuesday morning, when
we were gathering up their bodies. I passed over to the place into which they
had discharge volley after volley from their trusty Springfield and Enfield
rifles. Never have I anywhere seen—at Wilson’s Creek or on this battle
ground, over all of which I have ridden—bushes and small trees so completely
cut and riddled by rifle balls, as was the spot where our boys took good aim and
true, and nowhere on the whole field did I see the rebels shot dead, lie thicker
than among these riddled bushes. Other regiments fought nobly, heroically, but
we of Iowa may justly be proud to point to that charge of our 8th,
and fearlessly challenge any and all to show, on any part of the bloody field,
evidences of cooler bravery or more terrible execution. It is with feelings of
profoundest sorrow that I have to record, but a few hours after this brilliant
and successful charge.
The
Capture of the Gallant Iowa 8th
The 8th Iowa, after re-taking the captured guns, returned
nearly to their former position. Their right, as already observed, was
unsupported. It became necessary now to change front by flanking on the left,
both to get the guns they had in charge in good position, and to avoid as far as
possible the raking fire of the enemy. Meantime, the enemy’s fire had taken
great effect on the right and left of our line, which was gradually falling
back. The 8th Iowa did not fall back with the line, but held its
ground some time longer. How this happened , is to me not yet fully explained. I
am, however, fully satisfied no blame whatever, can be attached to Col. Geddes.
He did his duty nobly, heroically. In the charge, his horse was shot under him
by a grape, but he sprang from his back and still led his men onward. I
conjecture, and , from the circumstances, with the utmost probability, that Col.
Geddes was not fully aware of his position. He was placed in position by his
commanding officer. His duty was to maintain that position as long as possible,
or until ordered elsewhere. Comparatively early in the action, Col. Sweeney, who
commanded the brigade, was severely wounded. After he left the field, no order,
so far as I can learn, was given to Col. Geddes to change his position. He had
no time to inquire who was tailing back on his left. When overpowered by
numbers, he fell back in good order, bringing on the artillery in his charge,
until after falling back a mile, or perhaps more, from his first position, he
found his regiment entirely surrounded. Nothing now could be done but surrender.
I was informed, though I cannot vouch for its truth, that Col. Geddes tendered
his sword to the Right Rev. Bishop, Maj. Gen. Leonidas Polk. However this may
be, the officer who received the Colonel’s sword handed it back to him. Their
swords were returned to all our captured officers, and they were treated in a
very gentlemanly manner. The officer who received and then returned their swords
to our officers, complimented them upon their bravery—“You are brave men;
you have fought bravely, but fought too long.” Said he. Both Col. Geddes and
Lt. Col. Ferguson received flesh wounds in the leg, and both wee taken with
their regiment. A horse was offered Col. Geddes, but he remarked, “I will walk
with my boys.” Where our battalion is by this time, we of course do not know.
No information has been received. I presume they are somewhere in Southern
Alabama or Mississippi, where they can be kept till the close of the war.
Maj. Andrews was severely wounded by a spent ball striking him on the
head. He was carried from the field some two hours before our regiment was
taken, and thus escaped. His wound, though very serious, was thought by the
surgeons not to be dangerous. He started for his home in charge of an attendant
several days since.
Capt. Hogan, of Co. F, was killed; Capt Palmer, 1st Lieut.
Craigie, and 2d Lieut. Wells, of Co. H, were wounded. But I sent you a list of
the killed and wounded of the 8th Iowa, as far as ascertained.
The
Last Stand Made Sunday Evening
All day long the enemy had driven us back. The roar of cannon, whizzing
sound of shells and cracking of rifles and musketry had been incessant. I have
never read of any engagement in which the discharge of firearms on both sides
was so constant and so long continued. Usually such firing settles the battle in
three or four hours. We who were with the wounded heard this firing, and knew
the enemy were slowly driving our men back to the river. Thousands of our men,
for some reason or other, came in by detachments from the field to the river,
all declaring that their regiments were cut to pieces. No effort on the part of
officers could induce these men to return. They seemed to be entirely unmanned,
and for the time at least, were acting as arrant cowards. I had occasion about 4
1-2 p.m. to go from our hospital tents over toward the road leading up from the
landing—as I returned I heard a cavalry officer giving orders by the authority
of Gen. Buell. I inquired of him, and found Gen. Buell had really arrived on
this side of the river, and that Gen. Nelson’s division was then crossing. I
put the spurs to my horse and hastened to give circulation as best I could, to
this most welcome news. We near the river, who saw how things were, had spent an
afternoon of torturing anxiety. The fear of personal danger, though balls and
shell often whistled and sung in most unpleasant proximity to my ears, was quite
lost in the apprehension that our entire force and armament would be taken.
Already the enemy had advanced within half a mile of the color lines nearest the
river, and we had the ground left only for one stand. This was most nobly made.
Two siege guns and a large iron howitzer were placed along our line in the rear.
In front of these was all our available artillery and the infantry which had
been under fire all day. Next the siege guns lay the first brigade—perhaps
more—of Nelson’s division. It was near sundown when the enemy made their
last assault. For half an hour the cannonading and musketry was terrific; but
our men stood firm, while our 64 pounders and howitzer poured into the enemy’s
line a fire they could not stand. About dusk the enemy withdrew, and quartered
themselves in our tents, all of which they had left standing. The enemy expected
to capture us—tents, camp furniture and all, so they destroyed nothing of
these, though the officers were robbed of trunks, clothing, &c. That night
all our troops slept or rather lay on their arms in line of battle. All night
the gunboats Lexington and Tyler threw a shell about every fifteen minutes into
the camp of the enemy. By the way, these gunboats did good service, and the
rebels are very much afraid of their shells. Where I lay out on the bank of the
river, I could see the flash and hear the report of the gun on the boat, listen
to the shell as it went singing over the timber, and then hear it burst with a
report like a 24-pound howitzer. Sunday night it rained very hard for an hour or
two, but as it was warm our boys got along very well. It was hard on the poor
wounded fellows who lay out.
Monday’s
Battle
During Sunday night all of Gen. Nelson’s Division had crossed the
river; also McCook’s and I believe Crittenden’s; Gen. Lew. Wallace was also
on hand with his large Division. Our men who had been in the fight on Sunday
were in good spirits. Soon as we could see on Monday morning, fresh troops were
ordered in the advance—Nelson on the left, McCook the centre, and Wallace on
the extreme right, I think. Soon the battle began—the cannonading, and
musketry was again terrible, Gen. Buell was on the field near Nelson’s
Division, a little to the left, where balls and shells were falling thick and
fast. The place where he stood was shown me by an officer, who received more
than one order from him in person; and also a tree just behind the hero, which
was riddled by a shell. Of Gen. Buell’s history I know little, but that he is
a noble, brave and eminently capable General is abundantly proven by his conduct
on Monday. I have heard military men speak with admiration of his management of
the enemy when the flanking operation was attempted. Gen. Buell had his forces
so placed that when the enemy fell back to change front and flank, he was held
fast, and lost just the distance he had fallen back from his first position.
For two or three hours in the morning the enemy stood well up to the
work. They demonstrated on Sunday and Monday that Southern troops lack neither
valor nor determination. Their loss on Monday must have been very great, for we
pursued them with terrible firing. On Sunday I think our loss was great as
theirs, but on Monday, form all I can learn, we must have slaughtered them. All
our troops fought nobly on Monday; there was no running to the river, but all
stood up to the work. When the sun set on Monday evening, he went down over one
of the most glorious victories, as it was undoubtedly the severest battle ever
won on this continent. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, who planned and commanded on
the rebel side in this battle, was killed on Sunday. Johnson, the Provisional
Governor of Kentucky, was wounded and captured. When
taken he remarked that there was no more chance for Secessia; she had
staked her all in this battle and lost. I believe this Gov. Johnson has since
died. It was reported that Beauregard was killed, then that he was wounded. I
believe him alive, well and in command, and expect we shall have his skill to
combat in our next battle. I can form no correct idea of the number killed and
wounded on either side. I suppose we will soon know with respect to our loss
from the official reports of Surgeons and Adjutants. Gen. Prentiss was wounded
and taken prisoner early on Sunday. Gen. W. H. L. Wallace, of Illinois, was
badly wounded, and died soon after he was carried to the boat. The 8th,
12th, and 14th Iowa and 58th Illinois were
taken prisoners. The loss of these noble regiments casts a shadow over what
would otherwise be a most glorious victory.
The
Present Condition of our Army
Yesterday I rode out beyond our advance lines to the pickets. I found, as
they used to say about the army of the Potomac, “all quiet along the lines.”
There is occasional skirmishing on our outside cavalry pickets, indicating that
a portion of the enemy are about somewhere. An attack was somewhat expected the
first of the week. Now the indications seem to be that we shall advance as soon
as the roads will permit. Troops are still coming in, and those camped far back
are moving toward the advance. Our advance divisions are now so arranged as
themselves to form a kind of pickets. Batteries are in a position of defence,
and from appearances, by five minutes after the “long roll”—ominous sound
to the soldier—is beaten, an hundred thousand men would be in line of battle,
and all in a position to support each other. Evidently Gen. Halleck does not
intend another surprise. We are pretty well prepared for an attack. Our
misfortunes of the 6th have taught us a lesson; all now looks fair
for success. There is, I think, good reason to hope that before the summer is
ended, rebellion will be effectually crushed out in the southwest. Let us hope
the grand army of the Potomac, or Rappabannock, I believe it is now, may also
speedily be successful in fulfilling its part of the great work.~~~C.
The Daily Gazette
Thursday Morning
May 1, 1862
Sad Casualty
The wife, child and mother of Capt. Chas. A. Sherman, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, were
drowned on the 24th Inst., by the sinking of a skiff in which they were crossing
Boone river. Capt. Sherman is now in Eastern Virginia, performing his duties as
Commissary of Subsistence. The elder lady was the wife of S. M. Sherman, Esq.,
Postmaster of Fort Dodge. Both ladies were remarkable for their intelligence and
amiability of character. The bodies were recovered the same day. Thus at a
single blow has the gallant Captain been deprived of mother, wife and only
child.
Mental Agony.-Few persons can conceive of the mental torture endured by those
who have near and dear relatives in the army, on receipt of the news that the
regiments to which they belong have participated in the battle. We have seen the
tears come into the eyes of strong men and feeble women, as they have talked to
us of the terrible suspense in which they have been held; and we have received
letters from both men and women, entreating us to tell them, if we knew, the
fate of their loved ones. We have invariably done this, though sometimes we have
had to keep back a part of what we did know. We will give on letter, received
three days since, though not the most recent one we have had, as a sample,
suppressing names, etc.:
Mr. Sanders.-Dear Sir: I address you this, hoping in this way to gain some
information in regard to my husband. Since the terrible battle of Pittsburg
Landing I have heard nothing of him. I am almost wild with anxiety. I have seen
a great many lists of the killed and wounded, but none of the Iowa troops. This
suspense is dreadful. I would rather know the worst, let it be ever so bad. Now,
sir, for pity's sake answer this. I felt that you would know, if it were
possible for any one to know. I live in a country place, and get but little
news. Please answer this as soon as possible, and you will have the grateful
thanks of an almost heart-broken wife.
Married
In Davenport on Tuesday, April 29, by Rev. W. Windsor, Mr. Wm. Thompson and Miss
Sarah F. Duncan.
Funeral Notice
The funeral of John S. Christian, mortally wounded at the battle of Pittsburg,
will take place to-day at 2 o'clock from Christian Chapel, Brady st. His friends
and fellow citizens are invited to attend.
THE WAR NEWS
Additional Details of the Capture of New Orleans
Interesting Southern News
Parson Brownlow's Family arrived at Fort Monroe
Banks pushing towards Staunton
Great Preparations at Yorktown
From Fort Pillow
Deserters from the rebel lines bring the gratifying intelligence that New
Orleans has surrendered to our forces, under command of Com. Porter, and that
the city is now in our possession.
On Thursday last the Federal fleet passed Fort Jackson, after a desperate naval
engagement, in which one vessel was sunk and several badly damaged. It is
supposed that the Federal loss was very heavy. The rebel loss was 60 killed and
184 wounded.
The engagement lasted a part of two days. The Federals took possession of New
Orleans without a struggle on Friday.
The rebel force had all evacuated, destroying such steamers as they had no use
for, and taking with them the greater part of military stores on deposit in the
city.
There is supposed to be a large amount of cotton stored in New Orleans, which
will fall into our possession, notwithstanding the efforts of the rebel
authorities to destroy the entire stock.
The Union citizens of New Orleans were jubilant over the result of their long
waiting.
The strength of Fort Pillow is stated by deserters, at 8,000 under command of
Gen. Villipigne, who has not been superceded as reported. They have seven
batteries mounting an aggregate of 26 guns.
From New Orleans
A special dispatch to the Daily from Ft. Jackson yesterday, says the enemy's
fire had much slackened. He has fired 39,000 lbs. Of powder, and over 1,000 tons
of iron. This bombardment is unprecedented in the annals of warfare. Our loss so
far is five killed and ten wounded. The mortar vessels are out of sight behind a
point of woods. We sunk two of them yesterday, and disabled a steamer.
Southern News
A flag of truce from Norfolk to-day brought down the wife and family of parson
Brownlow, and also the wife of Congressman Maynard. The party, consisting of
four ladies, two gents and six children, are all from Tennessee. They bring the
report hat all the Union families of Tennessee have been ordered by proclamation
to leave within 36 hours. 1,800 Union men left for Kentucky a week ago Friday.
Of a party of four hundred attempting to leave, one hundred had been killed.
There can be no doubt of the capture of New Orleans. The Southern newspapers
speak of it in the most dismal strain, and demand that the mystery of the
surrender of the city shall be explained.
The Norfolk "Day Book," in an editorial, says: "It is by far the
most serious reverse of the war. It suggests future privations to all classes of
society; but most to be lamented of all, it threatens our army supplies."
The raising of meat and corn and wheat is disconsolately recommended by the
editor.
The Richmond "Dispatch", of yesterday, says when the enemy's fleet
arrived opposite the city and demanded its surrender, Gen. Lovell refused, and
fell back to Camp Moore, after destroying all the cotton and stores.
The iron-clad vessel, Mississippi was burnt to prevent falling into the hands of
the enemy. Nothing is said about the Louisiana, but it is supposed that she was
scuttled. It is rumored that she was sunk at the first fire.
The Norfolk "Dispatch", under the head of markets, mentioned the very
small supply of edibles exposed for sale, and says it becomes a question of
great moment, as to where and how the people are to be fed.
The death of Samuel B. Todd, brother of Mrs. Lincoln, is announced. He died on
the battle field, and from the effects of the wounds he received at Shiloh, in
the action of the 7th.
New York, April 30
A letter from Washington, received by one of our merchants yesterday, states
that the most positive information had been received from the vicinity of
Memphis, that immense quantities of cotton throughout that section of country
have been destroyed, and it is now beyond question that the long decided plan of
the rebels is being put into active execution.
The Daily Gazette
May 2, 1862
Alfred Sanders, Editor
Page 1
The 16th Regiment
We are asked so frequently whether we have had anything of late from our
brother, Add. H. Sanders, that the following extract from a brief letter
received from his yesterday, dated Camp near Pittsburg, April 24th, may be of
interest.
"Mr. Parker, our suttler, going direct to Davenport, I send my trunk by
him, that you may store it away in a safe place. We are 'stripping' in a manner,
for another flight. Our regiment (16th Iowa) is going on the advance line
tomorrow, and in case of any strong attack by the enemy we should be compelled
to fall back, and in that event lose our baggage. I have a satchel, in which to
carry under clothing, &c, but will miss my trunk very much. Col. C. goes
away to-day, to stay a month, or twenty days at the shortest, to settle up his
Government business, leaving me in command of the regiment. I have had the
diarrhoea for eight or ten days, and cannot get rid of it except temporarily.
Yesterday afternoon I was sicker than I ever was in my life before. This morning
am so weak I can hardly stand."
The chronic diarrhoea is one of the worst enemies our soldiers in the South have
to contend with, and will be more fatal to many of them than the bullets of the
enemy. Addison should either resign his position or leave until his health is
recruited. A few weeks of good nursing might save his life.
Returned.-Lieut. Benton, of Co. B, 8th regiment, arrived in town yesterday
morning on the Jennie Whipple. Lieut. B. had been sick two weeks before the
battle of Shiloh, and at that time was unable to leave his bed. During the first
day's fight, the enemy got so near to where he was confined, that some of his
men insisted on removing him, notwithstanding his earnest remonstrance. They
took him to the landing, but were not permitted to take him on a steamboat, as
he was not wounded, and he was left on the landing, where he lay from Sunday
till Tuesday morning, without anything to eat, and exposed to the storms at
night during the battle. He was wet through, and in that condition was taken
back to the hospital, suffering from typhoid fever. He was subsequently brought
to St. Louis and taken to a hospital, whence Mrs. Dougherty, a benevolent lady
of that city, had him removed to a private house, where he was kindly cared for.
Lieut. Benton's sister went to St. Louis and brought!
him to this city whence he started for his home in Blue Grass yesterday.
We hope for his early restoration to health under the genial skies of Iowa.
A Wonderful Improvement.-It is stated that the following excellent arrangement
is in vogue on the line of railroad from Chicago to Philadelphia. A boy goes
around with a card through the cars, with numberless refreshments printed
thereon, with the price attached to each, including tea and coffee, and you
check such as you want, which are speedily brought to you on a salver from the
commissary car.
We like and hope the improvement will come West. Then a man who is so
unfortunate as to be compelled to travel for a living or for pleasure needn't
swallow his victuals whole to get 50 cents wroth or more in the nominal twenty
minutes allowed him for "grub." Send that improvement West. It will be
good for dyspeptics, if nobody else.
Western Troops
An intelligent New York gentleman in a social letter to us says, "I think
that McClellan will have some hot work at Yorktown. I hope that I am mistaken,
but I cannot resist the fear that McClellan is not the man for the
gigantic task he has before him. I wish that he had some of your Western troops
with him. I think the fact is beyond dispute that the Western soldiers are the
best fighters and the Western officers the ablest in the Union.
A Hospital.-Our Muscatine cotemporary is riled because our citizens are making
an effort to secure a hospital here. Not having the public spirit to claim
anything of the kind for their village, they feel indignant that anybody else
should move in the matter. We are sorry they feel so bad, and hope as Muscatine
has sent so many boys to the war her citizens may at least establish a private
infirmary.
The War News
Report on the Rebel Atrocities at Manassas.
From Washington
April 30
The joint committee on the conduct of the war made a lengthy report regarding
the treatment by the rebels at Manassas of the remains of officers and soldiers
killed there. They say the facts disclosed are of a painful, repulsive and
shocking character; that the rebels have crowned this rebellion by the
perpetration of deeds scarcely known even to savage warfare. Investigations have
established this beyond controversy. The witnesses called before us are men of
undoubted veracity and character. Some of them occupy high positions in the army
and some of them high positions in civil life: differing in political
sentiments, their evidence proves a remarkable concurrence of opinion and
judgment. Our own people and foreign nations must, with one accord, consign to
lasting odium the authors of crimes which, in all their details, exceed the
worst excesses of the Sepoys in India. The outrages on the dead will revive the
recollections of the cruelties to which savage tribes subject th!
eir prisoners. They were buried, in many cases, naked, with their faces
downward; they were left to decay in the open air, their bones being carried off
as trophies-sometimes, as the testimony proves, to be used as personal
adornments; and one witness deliberately avows that the head of one of our most
gallant officers was cut off by a secessionist to be used as a drinking cup on
the occasion of his marriage.
Late News
By the Mails
A Malignant Disease
Grinnell, Iowa, April 30
Ed. Gazette.-Dear Sir: As you will have rumors various as to recent and sudden
deaths in this village, I wish, in a few words, to give you the facts. There
have been five deaths in this village within four days. The first person, Mrs.
N. Whitney, a most estimable lady, was sick three days and delirious from the
first.
The other four were not sick a day-three died to-day. Dr. Pulsifer, a resident
dentist, assisted in a post-mortem examination of Miss Sears, one of the
deceased, and received a cut on his finger. His extreme illness was only a few
hours. Miss Schoonover, and her son of six years, died the same hour.
The most marked features in the progress of the disease are loss of pulse and a
spotted appearance of the skin for a few hours previous to death.
Drs. Holyoke and Harris of this place, and Drs. Sears, Patten and Conley,
are in attendance and give no opinion as to the disease, but it is presumed that
it is a malignant typhoid.
The worst, we think, is over: such is our hope. Those with similar symptoms to
the deceased, are improving.
There is naturally excitement in this usually healthy and quiet village, and I
have given you all the facts, which I have no doubt are highly colored for the
public mind ere this.
We are in deep mourning, but leave the events with the Almighty.
Yours,
J. B. Grinnell
We make the following extract from a letter to the Washington Press, written by
its editor, then at Pittsburg:
Pittsburg, Tenn. April 20, 1862
Gen. McKean, of Iowa, arrived here from Missouri on the 12th, and was
immediately assigned a division in the advance. He found his troops in a very
disorganized condition, and almost entirely destitute of field officers. The
18th Wisconsin and 25th Missouri had only two captains in each regiment-all the
rest having been killed, wounded or taken prisoner. The 15th and 16th Iowa were
the only troops from our State in the division, and they, with all the rest,
suffered severely in the battle. Gen. McKean immediately set about reorganizing
and strengthening his command-his first effort being to get the 11th and 13th
Iowa transferred from McClernand's to his division, and, with the 15th and 16th,
constitute a brigade of troops which could be depended upon in all emergencies.
This has finally been effected, or is about to be, and the brigade will be
commanded by Col. Crocker, of the 13th, one of Iowa's best officers. Gen.
McKean's division will now consist of the four Iowa regime!
nts first named; the 16th, 17th and 18th Wisconsin; the 15th Michigan, and the
21st, 53d, and 25th Missouri. This division will be the advance of Gen. Grant's
command, and when the troops move, will advance by the left, throwing the third
brigade, Col. Crocker, in the front.
Gen. McKean is a very fine appearing, courteous and affable officer, rather
below the medium stature, but compactly and solidly built, his hair and thick
growth of whiskers well sprinkled with silver gray. It is not difficult to
perceive that he has been a regular army officer, from the decision and
precision with which he manages the details and movements of the troops under
his command; and the confidence reposed in him by Gen. Halleck may be inferred
by his being placed in command of the division of a Major General in the
advance.
The incessant rains that have fallen here for several days have interfered
somewhat with the movement of the troops, but the cheerfulness of our men is
unflagging. They feel that Buell and Halleck here, competent men are in command,
and that there will be no more surprises.
The telegraph connects the camps of our various divisions in front with General
Halleck's headquarters, and every movement is controlled and directed by him.
Notice.
Payroll of Co. B, 8th Infantry, (Capt. Cleveland) is now in my office. Parties
who hold orders for pay, due on said roll, will please call and receive the
same.
H. Price, Paymaster General of Iowa
1,000 New Lace Collars
At one-half the usual prices, at Whistler's.
The Peerless
Spring Steel Hoop Skirt
The very latest and best patent now in use, just received.
5,000 for sale at New York prices at Whistler's.
Special Notice
Furniture at Wholesale & Retail
Gould
On Second st., corner of Perry
Is now armed and equipped with a large Factory for the maufacture of all kinds
of Furniture. Hereafter he will sell Furniture of his own make that for taste,
workmanship and durability cannot be excelled.
Factory on river road just above Renwick's saw mill.
All kinds of Turning and Sawing done with neatness and dispatch.
Bear in mind, also, that in connection with Furniture, Gould has constantly on
hand an immense stock of
Carpets and Oil Cloths!
Hair, Spring, Moss and Husk Mattresses!
H. Y. Slaymaker,
Land Agent and Notary Public
Office at
Palmer's Vinegar Deport
No. 37 East Second Street.
Has For Sale-1,000 acres of Prairie in Iowa at $1.00 per acre.
1,000 acres in Scott county.
A Farm near Hickory Grove. Also,
These farms will be sold low and on easy payment.
Davenport Daily Gazette
Saturday Morning
May 3, 1862
Page 1
Local Matters
Co. B, 2d Regiment.-Sergeant O. C. Lewis is acting Second Lieutenant of the
above company at present. Either he or Sergt. Suiter will probably be appointed
to the vacant office.
Small Pox, a private letter says, has broken out in the camp of our Second
Infantry at Pittsburg. It is to be hoped it well soon be checked; our men have
already suffered enough without having this loathsome disease also to contend
with.
Returned.-Mr. Fracker, of Iowa City, Quartermaster of the 16th regiment, arrived
in town yesterday. Mr. Fracker has been quite ill since he left here, and is
much emaciated in appearance, though considerably improved since he commenced
his journey homeward. He leaves for Iowa City to-day.
Second Regiment Flag.-Sergt. Doolittle was in our office yesterday afternoon,
having with him the tattered flag of the Second, which he so gallantly carried
at Ft. Donelson. It has eighteen bullet-holes in it. It will be exhibited for
public examination at R. E. Sickels' hardware store for a few days. Sergt.
Doolittle desires us to publicly acknowledge in his behalf, his obligations to
Governor Kirkwood for the kindness with which he was treated while in Iowa City,
and for the promptness with which he acceded to Sergeant Doolittle's request for
the use of the flag.
Some Trophies.-Mr. H. H. Smith showed us yesterday a small specimen of a
cottonsnake, as it is called, confined in a bottle, which was sent to him by his
brother-in-law, Sergt. O. C. Lewis, of Co. B, 2d regiment. The reptile, when
grown, is said to be very venomous. Accompanying the 'secesh varmint' were a
ferocious looking knife, about eighteen inches long, and a screw from the
bomb-shell by which Capt. Littler was wounded. The knife belonged to a member of
a regiment who delighted in the amiable appellation of 'Mississippi Tigers.' It
looks as if it might kill an ox at one blow, and would do great execution in a
hand-to-hand conflict.
Guerilla Warfare.-The steamer Metropolitan came up early yesterday morning from
St. Louis, on her way to Dubuque. The Metropolitan was one of the transports
which conveyed Gen. Pope's army from New Madrid to Fort Wright, and up the
Mississippi again and the Tennessee to Pittsburg. The Metropolitan carried the
first regiment U. S. Infantry and Totten's Battery. On the way up the Tennessee,
the boat immediately ahead of her, the Minnehaha, received a volley from the
shore, fortunately hurting no one. The boat landed, and in company of cavalry
went ashore, scoured the country, and brought in five of the scoundrels. Coming
down, the Memphis and Choctaw, which were just ahead of the Metropolitan were
also fired into by guerrillas, killing one man on each boat, and a search was
made for them, but ineffectually. The Metropolitan escaped without any
compliments of the kind, much to the gratification of the officers and others on
board.
Navigating the Tennessee, just now, is considered anything but a wholesome
pastime by river men. Sharp shooters are too plenty along its banks for comfort,
and they have too careless a way of hitting the boats and those on board. The
officers of the Metropolitan obtained a large amount of trophies, the spoils of
the enemy, mostly obtained at Island No. Ten. The clerk of the boat, Mr.
Woodhouse, will please accept our thanks for a small share of said spoils. The
Metropolitan is commanded by our worthy townsman, Capt. Green, an experienced
steamboatman.
Malignant Disease.
Grinnell, May 1st, 1862
Mr. Sanders-Dear Sir:--Inasmuch as I sent to you a note yesterday in reference
to a malignant disease prevailing here, I can with peculiar pleasure say, that
there has been no death here since I wrote you. There have been a few new cases,
but of a milder form, which yield to treatment, and we do not anticipate any
more deaths. The excitement has mostly subsided in the community-none are
leaving.
There has been a case three miles out of the village-that of Mrs. Cirsen-a fact
which those may study who seek to flee from what the Almighty chooses to send.
Yours, J. B. Grinnell.
P. S. I have just heard of four cases a few miles south, and one case six miles
north. All are taken with chills.
J. B. G.
Married
On the 1st inst., by Rev. J. D. Mason, Mr. C. C. Campbell and Miss Lizzie Hess,
of Utica Ridge.
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
May 5, 1862
Page 1
Relief Association.-This evening, the members of the Relief Association, and the
public generally, will bear in mind, is the monthly meeting of that Society. It
is needless to say that there ought to be a large attendance at the meeting.
Even before to-night a savage battle may have been fought at Corinth, and
hundreds more of Iowa's soldiers be stretched in death on the field, or
suffering with gaping and agonizing wounds. Let there be a full attendance, and
let the spirit of the meeting be such that our soldiers, hearing of it, may
realize that they have faithful friends here, ever solicitous for their
welfare, and may feel assured that strong hands and eager hearts will render
them abundant assistance, both when in health and when prostrated by sickness,
or by wounds received in battle.
News from Pittsburg.-The telegraph informs us that the news from Pittsburg is of
the highest importance, but its transmission by telegraph is prohibited. A
citizen received a letter from his son on Saturday, dated Pittsburg the 29,
which stated that hey were on the eve of a battle, and had orders to pack up
everything in readiness for the "long roll." Even if a battle had been
fought or was being fought there, we see no reason why the news should be
contraband.
Child Lost.-a boy about five years old, son of Mr. Henry Hansen, of Princeton,
wandered away from home last Tuesday, and had not been heard from at last
accounts. Anyone knowing anything of the whereabouts of the little fellow will
do an act of kindness by letting his father known where he may be found.
Deaths in Keokuk Hospital.-April 28. Geo. Smith, Co. K, 17th Iowa regt. 29th H.
B. Hyatt, co. H, 15th Iowa; J. E. Ross, Co. G, 17th Iowa, 80th, O. P. Compton,
Co., C., 16th Iowa. For particulars friends will address V. T. Perkins,
undertaker of that city.
Mobile, May 1
A special dispatch to the Mobile Advertiser from Corinth, 26th ult., says that
Col. Scott, of the Louisiana Cavalry, with two companies, had driven out a
regiment of Federals from Tuscumbia, killing several and taking 40 prisoners.
The enemy burnt their stores and were pursued by the Confederates. The result is
unknown. The telegraph operator from the Bay St. Louis has telegraphed the
Mobile office that the stores at New Orleans were being emptied of sugar and
molasses, which were thrown into the streets and river. The city was to have
been formally surrendered on the 26th ult. But the time was extended. Some of
the enemy's vessels have gone up river.
Savannah, May 1
Gen. Lawton has formally communicated to the city council his determination to
surrender the city. The council have resolved to sustain Gen. Lawton.
Dr. Foulkes, editor of the Memphis Avalanche has been arrested for publishing an
article calculated to array the planters against the government.
>From Yorktown
Before Yorktown, May 2, Prof. Lowe has brought up a huge balloon, called the
'Intrepid.' It was built to carry up from four to six persons and from its
position in the edge of the woods towers up above the lofty pines. It lies at
anchor, ready at all times to make an ascension. Gen. Barnard went up a few days
ago, and remained at anchor over Yorktown nearly four hours. This is the fourth
balloon we now have here between the York and James rivers.
The Daily Gazette, Alfred Sanders Publisher
Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning
May 6, 1862
Page 2
Local Matters
Keokuk Hospital.-W. Patton, Co. C., 11th Iowa, and B. Bense, Co. K, 7th Iowa,
died at the Keokuk hospital on the 1st Inst.
Rev. J. S. Whittlesey.-It is with sorrow we learn, form a member of Mr.
Whittlesey's family, that that gentleman, chaplain of the 11th Iowa regiment, is
now lying sick at his home in Durant, Cedar county, of typhoid fever and
pneumonia, worn out by the care of so many wounded men. We hope his recovery may
be speedy.
Landlords, paper your houses with some of the beautiful paper hangings which can
be found only at Plummer's. Then on rent day, instead of being met at the door
with a broom-stick, you will be greeted with pleasant smiles.
Blue Grass Township.-Samuel Benshoof has paid to Ernst Claussen, Recording
Secretary of the Scott County Soldiers Relief Association, the following
contributions to the funds of said association, collected in the western part of
Blue Grass township:
Jno. W. Moore $1.00
T. W. Jeffrey 1.00
D. S. Sutton 1.00
F. W. Referstein 1.00
Fred Hofbauer 1.00
P. Hansen .50
H. W. Dowell .50
Jacob Wohlenberg .50
Sam'l Benshoof 1.00
Wm. McGee .50
John McCrea .50
Henry Sutton 1.00
D. E. Russell .50
L. Lavander .50
J. T. Skiles 1.00
V. Wyman .50
W. U. Voss .25
J. J. Heersch 1.00
Johnk (sic) 1.00
Rev. Douglas .59
Samuel Dallen 1.00
T. L. Lavander .10
A. J. Benshoof .10
J. H. Benshoof .25
P. L. Benshoof .20
Total $15.95
Jail Statistics.-Mr. Ackerly, the jailor, has kindly furnished us some
statistics relative to the prisoner confined in the county prison. The
statistics embrace a period of nine months, during which time 130 persons were
incarcerated in that institution. Of this number, there were 38 Americans, 69
Irish, 15 Germans, 2 English, 2 Scotch, 2 French and 2 Canadians. Two of the
number were negroes. Their religious preferences, what they had of the article,
were divided as follows: Catholics, 76, Lutherans, 14, Methodists, 12;
Presbyterians, 10, Infidels, 9, Baptists 5; Episcopalians, 2; Millerite, 1;
Universalist, 1. Of the Irish, nearly all were put in for minor offenses; while
those sent to Fort Madison were mostly Americans and Germans.
Accident.-Mr. Christian Snyder, a German, employed in the plow factory of Mr.
Krum, met with a painful accident yesterday at the factory. He was engaged at a
circular saw, cutting some lumber, when a piece of wood, about three feet long,
and a couple inches square, was caught by the saw and hurled towards him,
striking him in the mouth, cutting his lips very much, and causing the blood to
flow profusely. He will be laid up for several days.
Hitching Horses.-People who are in the habit of allowing their horses to stand
in the street unhitched will do well to remember we have an ordinance in this
city punishing such negligence by a fine of five dollars. Farmers had better be
on the look-out, or some police-man, on scent of a fee, may haul some of them up
before a magistrate and ease their pockets of some surplus demand notes.
The Daily Gazette
City of Davenport
May 7, 1862
St. Louis Correspondence
St. Louis, May 2, 1862
Alfred Sanders, Esq.-Dear Sir: Reading in the Weekly Gazette of yesterday your
editorial on Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, I am induced to add a word. I knew Gen.
Grant in 1858, as a collector of house rents in this city. He was then strictly
temperate, but of inactive habits for coolness and perfect equanimity he is
justly noted. All West Pointers pride themselves on those qualities. But no one
who estimates the General with impartial eyes will accord him the possession of
even the qualities for a "third rate" commander. Aside from habits of
intemperance which have resumed their sway after an interregnum of some years,
the battles of Belmont, Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing have
fully tested him. And curious it is, and sad a curious, to note how the
successful results of those fights, so far as successful, have been passed to
his credit at Washington.
At Belmont, his utter neglect to protect his rear, and to station a few field
pieces to prevent the enemy from crossing, led to a terrible reverse and
slaughter of the best of troops, an the Iowa boys poured out their blood like
water, in vain.
At Fort Henry Grant was to co-operate with com. Foote, but failed to get his
forces to the rear of the fort for four hours after the surrender. The rebel
infantry instead of being bagged, as they might, had abundant time to
"skedaddle," which they did effectually.
At Fort Donelson he was off the field during all the important part of that
bloody Saturday. His friends say he was conferring with com. Foote; others say
he was intoxicated, but his admirers are compelled to admit that he went to
confer with Foote at two or three o'clock Saturday morning, a distance of four
or five miles, and did not return to the field till late in the day, when the
fortunes of the day had been turned by that advance which, the N. Y. Herald
says, was ordered by Capt. Hillyer, of the staff-a mere civilian-on his own
responsibility. Gen. Grant's ablest advocate says the roads were in such
condition he could not return in time-four miles!
Yet, before the facts of the affair at Fort Donelson were known, except the
surrender, the President nominates Grant a Major General! Wittily, though,
profanely, has it been said that Providence ought to be made a major General,
for it had given us two victories for which Grant got the credit!
But the climax of incompetency-criminal incompetency-was yet wanting. It was
attained at Pittsburg Landing. Against orders he placed his forces on the west
side of the river, on the plea that no good position could be found on the other
side, and against all rule he placed the rawest troops of his command in front,
under command of Prentiss, a notoriously inefficient officer. This, too, in the
face of an active enemy, distant, at the farthest, only 18 miles. Add to this
that no pickets were kept out at any proper distance, and what more could
Beauregard have asked for?
The attempt has been made to show that Prentiss, alone, had no pickets out, but
this is disproved by the universal testimony that all the brigades were alike
surprised. None of them had any notice of the enemy's advance.
I have the information from a rebel surgeon, who was in the advance of the rebel
army, that on the Saturday evening before the attack of Sunday morning, he, from
his position, saw with his glass the evening parade of one of our regiments, and
heard the drums and usual noises of the camp. He further says that the rebel
advance was in readiness to begin the attack on Saturday but did not, because
the reserve were not in supporting distance. This surgeon in known here by union
men as a gentleman, and one who entered the rebel army merely for the purposes
of professional advancement, and not for love of the cause. He has no motive for
falsehood and is corroborated by his fellow prisoners.
Thus the army was surprised and the thousands slaughtered, for whom tears are
flowing through half a continent. It was in Halleck's fitly chosen phrase,
"the heroic endurance" of the troops on Sunday, which saved them from
utter annihilation, and their fresh reinforcements of Monday, that rolled back,
but did not rout, their enemies, already weary with slaughter.
Again, before the facts were known, Gen. Grant was officially commended by Mr.
Secretary Stanton, who seems to have felt that as somebody had been hurt,
somebody deserved praise, and so he caught upon the readiest name and praised
it.
I am happy to say that no newspaper of this city has dared, editorially, so far
as I know, to say one word in favor or exculpation of Gen. Grant on the field of
Shiloh, beyond testimony to his personal bravery. But enough of General Grant.
The country has had too much of him. His advancement has been in the teeth of
his unfitness, and demerits; his successes have been in spite of disgraceful
blunders; let us hope that hereafter, Providence will give us greater victories
with good generalship, than those which have been won without it.
General Halleck is in the field now and his sleepless vigilance will not permit
a second surprise.
Yours truly, E.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Supplemental Report of Col. A. H. Hare
Muscatine, Iowa, May 3, 1862
To Major Brayman, A. A. General 1st Division:
Sir: Having been wounded in the hand on the first day of the battle of Pittsburg
Landing, I was unable to write out my report myself, and entrusted that duty to
other hands. I gave full directions concerning the same, but by inadvertence, I
suppose, the names of Lieut. Col. M. M. Price and Major John Shane, of the 13th
Iowa, are not mentioned. I take this occasion to call particular attention to
these two gentlemen. They both acted with the greatest coolness and intrepidity
and were both disabled on the first day of the battle-Lieut. Col. Price by the
falling of a limb of a tree, and Major Shane, by a minie ball in the arm near
the shoulder.
Respectfully,
A. M. Hare,
Col. Commanding Brigade
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It is said that owning to the secesh reputation of Dubuque, it was thought
impolitic and unsafe for the steamer bound up the river with a load of
Confederate prisoners, to make a landing at that place.
Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862
Page 1
Local Matters
Mr. J. Newbern has removed back to his old stand, 54 Brady street, where he will
be glad to see his old friends again.
Found-Some papers of use to James M. Hannum, Second Lieutenant Co. A, 2d Iowa
Cavalry. He can get them by calling at this office.
Returned.-Harry Bowling, one of the wounded of the 16th Iowa, arrived in town on
Tuesday morning. He is recovering from his wounds. He is a member of Co. D,
Capt. Williams.
Vegetables.-Mr. P. B. Simmons has taken the store on Brady street, next the
Hawkeye, where he will keep flour, and fruit, vegetables, &c, in their
season. He will also deliver them free of charge in any part of the city.
Soldiers Deaths at Keokuk.-The following named Iowa soldiers died at the
hospitals in Keokuk last week: J. E. Ross, Co. G, 17th regiment; Matthias
Pearce, Co. F, 17th; J. E. Presly, Co. G, 17th; J. E. Neal, Co. A, 18th, and S.
M. Randolph, Co. K, 15th regiment.
A Dead Horse.-Quite a crowd collected yesterday afternoon, at the corner of
Third and Main street to witness a horse in the agonies of death from colic. He
was a noble animal and valued at $150 by his owner, Mr. Grace, Sr. of this
county, to whom he is a serious loss just at this time.
City Attorney.-At the meeting of the Council yesterday afternoon, D. L. Shorey,
Esq. Was elected to the office of city Attorney. This is an excellent selection
and we have no doubt friend Shorey will discharge the duties of this office in a
perfectly satisfactory manner.
A Difficulty.-During the fire on Tuesday evening, some of the firemen belonging
to Rescue Co., refused to work. The foreman reported the fact to the Mayor, who
disbanded the company temporarily. Yesterday the foreman reported the names of
the derelict to the Mayor. A notice of his subsequent action in the matter will
be found elsewhere in to-day's paper.
Hickory Grove Township.-Yesterday Col. J. H Ross brought in the following
donations towards the Soldiers' Monument, being less than one-half the amount
subscribed by those he saw during a couple of days:--James H. Ross, $1.00; Abram
Curtis, $1.00; Jas. Birch, Sr., 50c; D. W. Nutting, 50c; Leander Curtis, $1.00;
Ira Birch, $1.00; Joseph Weymer, $1.00; L. D. White, 50c; Lewis Pickens, 50c;
Oliver Wooster, 50c; Sam'l. Calderwood, 50c. Total $8.00.
Expulsion of Firemen.-At the meeting of the City Council, yesterday, May 7, the
following action was had: At the recommendation of the Mayor, and on motion of
Ald. Noe, the following persons were expelled from the Fire Department for
refusing to work at the fire on Tuesday evening, viz: P. Kisler, H. Boonhoef, J.
Brusler, S. Bartschir, and Peter S. Hoff and the action of the Council was
ordered published in the daily papers.
Council Proceedings
Davenport, May 7, 1862
Council assembled. Present all but Ald. LeClaire.
The petition of Kohrs & Bielenberg and others for permission to work out
their poll-taxes on the alley, in block S. Referred to committee on streets with
power to act.
The petition of Catharine M. Veiths, for refunding of tax, of James McGuire to
be allowed to work out his tax, and of Catharine Gorman for remission of tax,
were referred.
The Mayor announced that at the fire on Tuesday evening some of the firemen of
Rescue Engine Co., refusing to work, he had disbanded the company temporarily.
The foreman had presented him the names of some firemen who had refused to work,
and he recommended their expulsion.
The report of the City Sexton was presented. The whole number of interments for
the past year was 148.
Ald. Renwick moved that James Grant, Bleik Peters, and Enos Tichenor be
appointed a board of equalization, they to receive two dollars each per day for
their services.
The Mayor announced that he had appointed Mr. Brown as policeman, subject to the
approval of the Board, and had also appointed Adam Hamaker as special policeman
at Bard's lumber yard. Appointments approved.
Ald. Noe moved, that whoever claims a reward for killing a dog shall produce the
tip of the nose of the animal sacrificed before getting his pay. Adopted.
Ripley Street.-Among the more substantial improvements in progress this season
is the two-story and basement brick house, being put up by Mr. B. H. Lahrmann
for his own residence, on Ripley street below Second. It is to be twenty-two
feet by about forty deep. This building is on the corner of the alley. Between
it and the German Theatre, on Second, Mr. Lahrmann has laid the foundation for a
new building, which he will put up probably next season. This latter building
will be of the same height as the theater, one roof covering both buildings. It
will have no ground floor, the structure being supported on two large arches. It
is Mr. Lahrmann's intention to extend his hall the entire depth of the building
on Ripley street to the dwelling house, 128 feet in all, by 40 feet in width,
making it, when competed, much the largest hall in the city. Mr. Lahrmann Is one
of our most enterprising citizens, and has done as much in the way of
improvement as any person of his means in the city.
Iowa Regiments Brigaded.--The 58th Illinois, 8th, 12, and 14th Iowa regiments
have been brigaded together and will act as one regiment until further order of
Brig. Gen. Davies. Capt. Healy, of the 58th Ills., is the acting Colonel; Capt.
Fanton, of the 12th Iowa, Lieut. Colonel; Capt. Kettle, 58th Ills., Major;
1st Lieut. S. E. Rankin, 8th Iowa, Adjutant. The 58th Ills. Is divided into
three companies, I, C and H. The 12th Iowa into one company, K. The 14th Iowa
into three companies E, G and B. This general order, it is said, has caused much
excitement among Iowa troops.
The Surgical Committee.-Mr. Russell, Corresponding Secretary of the Relief
Association, has received a letter from Dr. Maxwell, dated at Savannah, May 2d,
in which he says he has dept a complete register of all things done, and has his
report up to the time Dr. Gamble entered the U. S. service, April 24th; ready,
and will forward it as the earliest moment. The Dr. says there are 1,000 sick
and wounded at savannah, 5,000 at Pittsburg Landing, and 3,700 at Hamburg; of
this number there are not less than 600 Iowans. The army is advancing two or
three miles per day.
Remember ye owners of howling quadrupeds, that you have only till the 15th-just
a week to-day--to get your canines registered; after that, they will be liable
to sudden death by the hands of constables, policemen, &c. Be careful you
don't give them a chance to make a quarter out of your faithful pointer's
carcass. A gentleman riding in the country the other day, says he counted sixty
dollars worth of revenue under the dog law, in a distance of two miles. We hope
to see this law rigidly enforced; it will both diminish the number of useless
animals, and increase the school fund of the county.
Page 2
Iowa Officer in Memphis
The Memphis Daily appeal gave a list of Federal officers captured at Shiloh,
furnished by Gen. Prentiss. The list was not complete. The following Iowa
officers were named:
Col. Geddes, and Lieut. Col. Ferguson of the 8th, Major Stone of the 3d, and the
following Captains in the 8th: W. B. Bell, Calvin Kelsey, John McCormic, F. A.
Cleveland, Wm. Stubbs; also Capt. Galland of the 6th, and Capt. Hedrick of the
15th.
Also the following Lieutenants: H. Fink, 15th, Dewey Welch, 8th, H. B. Cooper,
8th; D. J. O'Neil, 3d, John Wayne, do.; J. P. Knight, do; J. M. Thrift, 16th.
Also the following officers of the 12th: Adj. N. E. Duncan; Quartermaster J. B.
Door; Sergt. Maj. G. H. Morrisey, Capts. S. R. Edington, W. C. Earle, W. W.
Warner, J. H. Stibbs, W. H. Haddock, L. D. Townsley, E. M. Van Duzee; Lieuts. L.
H. Merrill, J. H. Borger, H. Hale, J. Elwell, Robert Williams, J. W. Gift, W. A.
Morse, J. F. Nickerson, L. W. Jackson, John J. Marks, J. J. Brown.
More Wounded from Pittsburg.
The steamer Tycoon arrived at Cincinnati last week from Savannah, Tenn., which
place she left with 140 wounded and 60 sick, of which number four died on the
passage. We find the following Iowa names among her list of passengers:
Dan A. McCleary, Co. A, 3d Infantry; wounded in right arm.
Jas. R. Smith, co. B, 6th right leg.
Henry Z. Howler, Co. E, 8th, left arm.
M. Shellsberger, Co. A, 11th shot in right arm.
John Ramsey, Co. B, 11th, right arm.
H. B. Moon, co. A, 12th diarrhoea and typhoid fever.
John Dolloson, 12th typhoid fever.
-- Heallisen, Co. I, 12th, bilious fever.
J. Darth, Co. G, 13th shot in left arm.
Wm. J. Jackson, Co. G, 13th, left arm broken.
Thos. B. Pearce, Co. B, 16th, rheumatism.
Aug. Schultz, Co. B, 16th, gathering in the head.
Peter Esmoil, co. C, 16th, left hip.
Joshua Carbin, Co. D, 16th typhoid fever.
Daniel Holcomb, Co. D, 16th left elbow.
Gabriel Miller, Co. D, 16th kidneys affected.
Henry Biscall, Co. I, 16th, wounded in left arm and side.
Ira Rhodes, 16th, chronic diarrhoea.
The Daily Gazette
City of Davenport
Alfred Sanders, Editor
Friday Morning,
May 9, 1862
Local Matters.
Resigned.-Rev. P. H. Jacobs, and Rev. A. G. Eberhart, chaplains respectively of
the 8th and 12th Iowa Infantry, have resigned their positions. Dr. C. C. Parker,
surgeon of the 12th, has also resigned.
Runaway.-A horse belonging to Dr. Baker, and attached to his top buggy, came
dashing down Brady street yesterday afternoon at a ferocious speed. He left all
but the fore wheels of the buggy at about Fourth, and the rest near the
post-office. Dr. Baker's son attempted to stop the horse, but was thrown down,
though not hurt.
The 16th.-From a private letter received last evening direct from the battle
ground, we are happy to learn that Lieut. Col. Add. H. Sanders of the 16th
regiment, has sufficiently recovered to be on dress parade. The boys of that
regiment have become so skilled in the use of their muskets, that it is
thought they will be able to make their mark in the coming battle.
A Joke!-Captain Charlie Foster, of LeClaire, will have his joke, notwithstanding
he is surrounded by all the realities of war. Mr. Stanton, of the Washington
Press, writing from Pittsburg battle ground, says:
"I sent down to Capt. Foster's tent a few minutes ago for Dumas', 'Three
Strong Men' which he had borrowed from me to read on guard duty last night.
Imagine my surprise when the orderly returned, bringing with him three of the
biggest, strongest men in company E, who presented themselves at the door, and
desired to know with what important duty they were to be entrusted! Upon mature
reflection, I concluded that Capt. Foster was becoming slightly facetious."
Breech-Loading Carbines.-Mr. Henry Berg, gunsmith of this city, has recently
obtained a patent for a breech-loading carbine of his own invention. It may be
loaded with either cartridges or loose ammunition, and is a self-cocker and
self-primer. It has some other new features, and withal, Mr. Berg claims for it
the merit of simplicity in construction, more so than any other carbine now in
use. We believe this is the first fire-arm of any kind ever invented in this
city, the inventive faculties of our artisans having been, prior to the war,
devoted to the development of the arts of peace.
Deaths of Iowa Soldiers at St. Louis.
The following deaths of Iowa soldiers occurred at the hospitals in St. Louis
last week, April 26. John Boardman, Co. A, 6th regiment; 28th, Z. M. Lanning,
Co. B, 6th, John Moulton, Co. K, 2d; John H. Grim, Corporal, Co. F, 5th; May 1.
James Calhoun, Co. G, 6th; Austin Hall, Co. G, 12th; Charles O. Collins, Co. I,
3d regiment.
Army Correspondence
Hamburg, Tenn., Night, April 29, '62
Friend Sanders;--Once again I write from this pint, though I remain behind with
stores, the regiment being five miles out on the Corinth road. Two day since
while on picket guard, Corp. Miller, of Co. G, was taken prisoner. To-day the 3d
battalion, while out on a scout, was suddenly opened on by a masked battery. Wm.
Faxton was instantly killed by a grapeshot through the head, and three of Co. I
wounded by grape. Corp. J. B. Smith; in leg, James Bontrigerin thigh, and Wm.
Bremner in the shoulder. Bremner's horse was killed in the first fire, and while
retreating on foot he was struck. Co. R, of first battalion was advanced guard,
and after a slight skirmish captured twenty prisoners. The 2d Cavalry are in
front and will endeavor to prove worthy.
The river which had fallen some, has risen four feet in the past two days. Most
of our forces have advanced from the river, but more arrive daily. Last night
rain again, and to-day has been cloudy without rain.
Perhaps many are asking why don't Gen. Halleck advance and attack Beuaregard?
Why don't he move? &c. Let me describe faintly my ride out to camp, a few
hours before dark, and return. Leaving the river I pass through a slough wehre
the water runs into the wagon box, then up a bluff of thirty feet. In the
distance of a mile and a half, I count two hundred and fifty six mule, and four
horse teams, loaded with powder, shot, shell and ammunition of all kinds, camp
equipage, stores, forage, &c. For this distance the road is level, with many
mud hoes; here is one larger than others, with four teams stuck at once, and one
of four mules so deeply imbedded that but for ears, one might think them lumps
of mud, just beyond we pass a slough that in places swims the mules. Here is a
jam, some teams are coming, others going, some wait for a chance, others don't.
There are on these sloughs no "mill dams" but at these particular
points the other kind is unlimited.
A few days since, an order was received to muster out regimental adjutants and
quartermasters and battalion quartermasters. Lieutenants and quartermasters
Samuel Gilbert, J. M. Hannum, and George R. Ammond, formerly of Cos. A, K, and
F, were 'mustered out,' and left for Iowa a few days since. Better men are not
in the service. They ha won for themselves, not only the respect and confidence,
but the love of the regiment. Could the unanimous loud voice of the regiment
avail, they would be called to return, and fill honorable positions among a body
of men that part with them with sincere regret.
I am writing this in a wagon, and the mules hitched to the tongue are playing
smash with my periods. Besides, owing to the breeze and original shortness, my
candle is nearly out. More next time.
Diff.
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
Saturday Morning
May 10, 1862
Local Matters
Dead Soldiers.-William T. Noell, Co. G, 17th Iowa, and Isaac M. Williams, Co. F,
8th Iowa died in Keokuk hospital on Tuesday last. Henry Kennedy, Co. I, 15th
Iowa died at home in that city, the day previous.
Promoted.-Sergt. Theodore Slonsker, of the 10th regiment, has been appointed 2d
lieutenant of Co. D, in that regiment. Mr. Slonsker was formerly a resident of
this city, and was a member of Capt. Wentz's company.
Mail Agent.-Our fellow citizen, Mr. S. P. Fidler, has been appointed by the P.
O. Department. U. S. Mail Agent between Davenport and Keokuk. This is an
excellent appointment and we have no doubt our old friend will fill it to the
entire satisfactions of all concerned.
Camp McClellan Vacated.-Some seven or eight sick or recovering soldiers were
brought down from the camp yesterday to take passage on the Northerner for St.
Louis. They were left at the steamboat office at the landing to await the
arrival of the boat. As she did not come for some time, the poor fellows made
their way, as well as they could, to the hotels for dinner. One of them, when he
arrived at the LeClaire House, was so sick that he had to go to bed. They all
obtained their dinners, as we take pleasure in saying that the practice of the
hotel proprietors here is not to turn away any soldier because he is short of
money. During the rest of the day the soldiers made themselves as comfortable as
possible. These men belong to the 4th, 6th, 18th and 16th regiments, for which
they have just been recruited and are now ordered in report themselves for duty,
although they look very unfit for duty as soldiers. They left only one man at
Camp McClellan, who is believed to be insane. !
His name is Love, form near Washington. He has since been removed to a private
residence. Camp McClellan is therefore now entirely deserted for the first time
since its establishment last August.
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
Tuesday Morning
May 13, 1862
Local Matters
A Sad Case.-The many friends of Rev. D. C. Worts, of Dixon will learn with
regret that his oldest son Charlie, has, in consequence of a recent attack of
fever, become blind of one eye, and entirely deaf. Mr. Worts has brought him to
this city for medical treatment, in hopes of effecting a recovery.
Freaks of the Lightning.-During the storm yesterday afternoon the lightning
struck the belfry at the Congregational church, which is detached from the
building, passed down a rope and out at the bottom, striking and injuring a
horse in an adjoining lot. A little boy passing at the time with a bag of bran
on his shoulder, felt his legs refuse to perform their accustomed locomotion and
suddenly sat down; gathering himself and bag up he ran away! The rope in the
belfry was one attached to a machine invented by our young citizen Charles A.
French, to be used in tolling the bell. The shaft with which it was connected
was broke off, near the ground.
The brick house at the southeast corner of Rock Island and Second streets was
struck during the shower; the lighting, which passed down the chimney, knocked
down Mrs. McMann and another woman occupying the house, both of whom were badly
injured.
A lad engaged in washing windows at Todd's shoe store, startled by a vivid flash
of lightning, ran his hand through the glass, cutting his wrist so badly that
surgical aid had to be summoned.
Striking the telegraph wire between Ripley and Scott streets the fluid passed
up, shivering the nearest post and running along this conductor to the telegraph
office, which it entered, melting about eight feet of the wire and passing down
to the ground. The operator says he distinctly saw three balls of fire and felt
the shock.
Scared by the vivid lightning, the horse attached to Mr. French's express wagon,
which was hitched on Commercial street, broke loose and ran away. Coming in
contact with a dray, both vehicles were upset, the thills of the wagon breaking
and freeing the horse, which was caught without further damage.
A horse attached to a buggy, in which was Mr. LeClaire, was suddenly brought to
his knees by a vivid flash of lightning, but quickly regaining his feet, started
off on a run, but was checked without incident.
This list comprehends all the incidents that have come to our knowledge, as the
result of the pranks of the few vivid flashes of lightning that attended the
slight storm of yesterday afternoon.
*From the 2d Iowa Cavalry
We have been permitted to make the following extracts from a private letter
received by Mrs. Truesdell from her husband, chaplain of the 2d Iowa Cavalry,
dated At Camp on the Corinth road, May 4.
"Our regiment has just returned, having been several miles beyond our most
advanced pickets to a point on the Columbus and Memphis railroad, some 15 miles
southeast of Corinth, and burned two railroad bridges and captured some
prisoners, mules, horses, wagons, &c. This will prevent the enemy from
receiving reinforcements from that direction as well as prevent their escape
from Corinth. I have no doubt the great battle of the season, if not of the
whole war, will have been fought and won before you receive this."
"Gen. Pope seems to think that our regiment performed a very brilliant
exploit. It was certainly very hazardous. They passed two miles beyond the
enemy's pickets before them, and the prisoners taken say they never dreamed of
our daring to attempt such a thing as the burning of these railroad bridges by
one regiment of men within one mile of the place where they had five thousand
encamped to guard it. But our men accomplished it without an accident. Yesterday
some men sent out for the purpose, found the body of Paxton, the man killed the
other day out of Company B. he was decently buried in his uniform, with his
blanket around him."
A Brave Iowa Woman Kills a Scoundrel.-Private letters received in this city give
the particulars of an affair which recently happened at Cape Girardeau, in which
a lady of this city bore an active part. Mrs. Kendrick, wife of Capt. Frank
Kendrick, of the 2d cavalry, had been staying at a Hotel in that village for
some time, when she was aroused one night by a man at her room door who desired
admittance, which was of course refused, and on his persisting, she called for
help. He then fled, but came the second time, when she again raised the alarm,
and he ran off. The landlord of the hotel then gave Mrs. Kendrick a pistol, and
advised her to use it in case the scoundrel came back again. He did so, and she
then threatened to shoot him if he disturbed her again, when he left. Two or
three nights after she was again awakened by his rapping at her room door, and
opened it and asked him what he wanted, and if he remembered what she told him.
He replied that he wanted to come in and!
see her, and guessed she wouldn't hurt anybody with an empty pistol, and
he then tried to push her back into the room, so as to enter and close the door.
Raising her pistol, she fired, the ball entering the neck near the jugular vein,
and he fell dead on the spot. He proved to be a prominent citizen of the town, a
wealthy man, and a leading secessionist. When the news became known about town,
a crowd of his fellow secessionists mobbed the house and threatened to hang Mrs.
Kendrick, and it is not improbable they would have tried to carry out their
designs if a guard had not been placed around the house by the commander of the
Federal forces at the Cape.
Mrs. Kendrick promptly made known what she had done, and went before a
magistrate, who after an examination gave her a certificate of honorable
discharge; it is also said that the wife of the deceased, who leaves a large
family, expressed her approval, under the circumstances, of what Mr. Kendrick
had done. The citizens also presented her with a pair of elegant pistols as a
mark of favor. Mrs. Kendrick shortly after rejoined her husband in the army on
the upper Tennessee.
In this act, melancholy as is the fact that any man should thus bring down upon
himself such punishment, Mrs. Kendrick exhibited a determined heroism, combined
with true womanly dignity, that does her much honor. Her act will be applauded
wherever it is known; and were there a few more examples of the kind, there
would be far less libertines in the world.
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday Morning
May 14, 1862
Local Matters
Wanted.-A journeyman tinner, at Geo. W. Smiley's stove store. None but a good
workman need apply.
Plowing Match.-The plowing-match of the Winfield Township Agricultural Society
comes off to-day on the farm of Mr. Irving Quinn, Long Grove.
Masonic.-At a meeting of Davenport Lodge No. 37 A. F. and A. M., held last
Monday evening, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: O. H.
Watson, W. M.; W. F. Kidder, S. W.; F. H. Griggs, J. W.; Geo. H. French, Treas.;
Fred. Koops, Sec'y; J. W. Jamison, s. D.; J. M. Dunn, J. D.
A Nuisance.-A number of defunct cavalry horses were buried a few days ago near
the Fair Ground under the direction of the military authorities. The work was
not properly done, however, the bodies not being fully covered. The effluvia in
the neighborhood is consequently very rank, and calls for remedial action.
Wounded Soldiers.-One hundred and twenty-seven wounded soldiers arrived at
Quincy, Illinois, one day last week, of whom two were from this city, viz; H.
Hinkhouse, Co. I, 11th regiment, and J. Nolan, Co. A., 16th regiment. The former
was shot in the thigh and the latter in the ankle; both doing well.
Indians.-A couple of Indians, of the Musquakwa tribe, have recently arrived in
town from the West. One of them is sadly crippled, having had both feet frozen
off; he walks on his knees. Such an object commends itself to the charity of
spectators, and many a hand, as he passes by, dives into the pocket-book in
search of something to help the poor fellow along.
Editor of Gazette.-At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Scott County
Soldiers' Relief Association, held on the 7th inst., it was resolved that in
order to obtain such information of the condition of our sick and wounded
soldiers in Tennessee as would enable the Association to labor understandingly
in their behalf, and that a faithful disposal of all supplies donated might be
secured, a competent person should be appointed to proceed without delay to
Savannah, Pittsburg, and vicinity, to visit the troops in the field and report
from time to time to the Association the results of his investigations. Mssrs.
J. W. Thompson, J. L. Davies, and G. S. C. Dow, were appointed a committee to
nominate such a person and report their nomination to the Executive Committee.
At a meeting held on the 19th inst., this committee reported their inability to
select an agent, no suitable person having expressed a willingness to go. By a
unanimous vote I. M. Gifford was requested to act, !
and in compliance with urgent request consented. A committee of five appointed
to confer with Gov. Kirkwood deputed Rev. A. J. Kynett to act for them, and
through him a commission was secured for Mr. Gifford as agent of the State, with
authority to visit sick and wounded in the filed, and render them assistance as
may be needed. Acting under this commission and with the co-operation of the
Association, Mr. G. left for Pittsburg Landing this morning, attended by Mr. L.
J. Centre, engaged as nurse, and provided with medicines, wines, &c. for the
sick. If he deem it necessary Mr. G. is empowered to charter a steamboat on the
Tennessee for the conveyance of wounded soldiers home or to hospitals.
On behalf of Executive Committee,
John Collins, Vice Pres.
Edward Russell, Corres. Sec.
~~~
An Ugly Customer.-An Irishman, whose family name seems to be lost in antiquity,
but who is commonly called "Billy, the mule," was arrested yesterday
morning, and brought down to jail form his house on Perry street, above the Fair
Grounds. This Billy, if all accounts are true, ought to have received the
attention of the authorities some time ago. When under the influence of liquor,
it appears he blockades the road by his house, and undertakes to prevent the
public from using it. One day last week as a drayman was driving by, Billy
ranged his own horse and dray across the street, so that the other could not
pass. The latter got down, and taking Billy's horse by the head, backed him out
of the road. Billy then seized a shovel, and struck at the other drayman, who
used his whip in return. Monday evening a young colored man, in the employ of
Mr. Preston, went that way looking for cows, when Billy made him turn his
horse's head, and go around through a mud hoe. Returning subsequently with the
cattle, he had to come by Billy's a second time, when a fight ensued between
that worthy and the sable gentleman, in which the latter dealt his opponent some
pretty hard blows with the butt end of the whip. The neighbors finally separated
them. Complaint was made yesterday morning against Billy, and a warrant issued
for his apprehension. He was accordingly arrested, though not without resistance
by himself and wife, and was brought to jail on a dray. Billy seems to be a
mortal enemy to "niggers," and has notified some of the residents on
the bluff, who have colored men in their employ, that they must keep them out of
his reach. From what we can learn of him, he seems to be a perfect terror to the
neighbors around when intoxicated. A little wholesome punishment will do him no
harm.
~~~
Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., May 7.
Mr. E. Russell, Cor. Secretary Scott Co. Relief Association.
Esteemed Sir: I have arrived from Hamburg general hospital. I consented to be
assigned, for the present to the 8th ward of that institution, after having
assisted Dr. Varian, post surgeon, to establish it. I have 160 of the sick of
the 2d cavalry, 5th, 10th, 3d, and 17th infantry of Iowa volunteers under my
care. They are doing quite as well as we could hope for under the
circumstances-have lost none, have nurses plenty, but nee good cooks. This is
the mistake. Good cooks are what is most needed in our hospitals. Fruits,
potatoes, onions, barley, whisky and lots of peppers are needed too. Mrs. Harlan
and Mrs. Burnell are here somewhere. I believe Dr. G. is still in the 3d Iowa.
The army is advancing to-day three miles-they must fight or run, I think, this
week; are skirmishing now. The cannon are booming-it's exciting music, but
brings no terror. The army is in excellent spirits, although much sickness is in
it. See that the good people of Davenport do not turn out promiscuo!
usly as a crowd to help here in case of a battle, but send a few working men. I
shall do all I can to keep posted as tot eh wants of our troops, and relieve
them as far as that can be done with my means.
Yours,
A. S. Maxwell
The Daily Gazette
City of Davenport
Alfred Sanders, Editor
Thursday Morning
May 15, 1862
Mortality of Iowa Soldiers
The following list comprises the names of Iowa Volunteers who have died in the
vicinity of St. Louis at the dates named. -For further information apply to John
A. Smithers, 113 Chestnut street, St. Louis.
April 30-Lewis Stab, Co. K, 16th regt.
May 3-Wm. H. Johnson, Co. K, 17th regt.
May 4-Theo. Campbell, Co. F, 11th regt.
May 4-Chas. White, Co. K, 17th regt.
May 6-Robt. A. Bennett, Co. D, 2d regt.
May 6-Ben J. Baker, Co. K, 14th regt.
May 7-G. W. Hess, Co. F, 6th regt.
May 7-Gottleib Weltlaff, Co. K, 16th regt.
May 7-Wm. T. Clark, recruit for 4th regt.
May 8-John Keppel, Co. A, 2d regt.
May 8-E. A. Ward, Co. H, 12th regt.
May 9-Jos. B. Caraway, Co. B, 12th regt.
May 9-Geo. B. Ferguson, Co. D, 5th regt.
May 10-Thos. Sharpe, Co. I, 4th regt.
~~~~~
16th Iowa Infantry Correspondence
Camp near Pittsburg, Tenn.
May 4, 1862
Editor Gazette.-I have been intending to write to you for some time, but our
frequent moving, sickness, &c., have prevented. Even now there is no
certainty that a letter commenced will be finished at one writing or in the same
camp, even if it take only an hour to write it. Our marching orders are sudden,
and the brief interval is a busy time of preparation. At all times we have
to be prepared for a battle, and generally with rations cooked ahead. The battle
will be daily or hourly expected until it happens, unless we should get news of
Beauregard's retreat, something we do not expect.
A little over a week ago we were in camp thirteen miles from our present
location. An order to move received after dinner, a dismally rainy afternoon,
took us four miles away through mud and mire to supper. We left a beautiful
camp, but located in one even more lovely, we occupy the left, the 15th next,
13th next, and the 11th on the right, Col. Crocker, of the 13th commanding the
brigade-(these are the regular positions of the regiments of the brigade in
camp.) Had a brigade inspection in this camp, by Inspector Gen. Judah, and our
regiment was probably more complimented than any other.
On the 29th our brigade was ordered to march with all the ammunition we could
carry, and two day's rations. We started in the afternoon, with the prospect of
a fight ahead, Lieut. Col. Sanders in command of the 16th, Col. Chambers being
absent for some days, with the intention of staying perhaps a month, on business
connected with his old government duties. We marched eight or nine miles and
after dark halted in the woods, where we slept on the ground without covering,
in the old style. In the morning we marched about a mile farther, halted, and
soon about faced and marched back to our own camp. Gen. Wallace's cavalry had
attacked Purdy, and we were sent out to support him, and make a reconnaissance.
But he took the place without our aid, and destroyed a long railroad bridge and
other property used by the rebels-a serious disaster to our butternut breeched
friends.
April 30th, we had our regular inspection and muster for May. The
"pay" has not yet turned up, however.
May 1st, we again struck our tents, and made another move of four miles towards
the advance, and in such a lovely place we felt an inward conviction it could
not long be enjoyed by us Here we received notice that our Division (6th) had a
new commander, Gen. McKean being transferred, to the first division, and Gen. T.
W. Sherman (Port Royal and "Shermans Battery" Sherman) commanding our
division. He is reported a splendid officer.
May 3d, Yesterday we again moved our camp, taking a five mile step in advance.
This time the 16th landed with its tents in the middle of a wheat field, far
different from the rare forest beauties of our other camps. The wheat is about a
foot high and moderately thick. The planter is doubtless with the rebel army. At
all events as there are tents scattered all over the immense field, the crop
will be effectually blasted. This country is sparcely settled, and but little
cultivated. It is a beautiful region, but soil generally poor, yet good enough
to produce well under free culture. Whether our camp is in Tennessee of
Mississippi, I don not know. It is certainly very near the line, and about seven
miles from Corinth.
Yesterday afternoon there was a heavy artillery firing several miles off, and
for an hour or two we expected to be called to march and mingle in the strife.
The roar of guns finally died away, and the cause remains yet unexplained to us.
At night we were ordered to provide four day's rations, and may any hour be
ordered to march, leaving our tents behind.
Yesterday our regimental commander commenced "stripping" us for a
fight or quicker marching. Each company left behind two or three of its five
Sibley tents, one of the two officers' tents, and all the "property"
that could be spared, hospital and extra commissary stores, bed ticks, extra
blankets and sick. Although we have not so large a sick list as a week ago
(about one hundred off of duty now) yet the sick have been a great incumbrance,
and their frequent removals over these very rough roads have been anything but
beneficial. Every regiment has a train of convalescents straggling in its rear
when changing camps, with the bed-confined to follow in ambulances and wagons.
Yesterday our sick were sent to the river hospital, excepting those likely to be
ready for duty in a few days. This will greatly relieve us, and be better for
them. Several of our officers are sick, and this morning Capt. Smith, of Co. A,
will be sent to the hospital, where he ought to have been days ago. H!
e is the "noblest Roman of all," did his whole duty in the battle, and
has been the most eager for another fight. The prevailing sickness is diarrhoea,
and it seems uncommonly difficult to control. Mere astringent medicines will not
do it in most cases, but the cause has to be struck at. The 15th has about two
hundred on its sick list, and every regiment has a pretty large list. There are,
however, but few deaths. Several have died in our regiment, and among them the
old drummer, Mr. Russell, of Boone county. He was 78 years old, and was a
drummer in the war of 1812. he had not been well since we left Camp McClellan,
and here got the diarrhoea which in a few days carried him off.
A letter in the Lyons Mirror has created great indignation among our men and
officers, from Clinton Co. especially. Speaking of the battle, the writer
(suspected to be an officer most ridiculously bepuffed in the letter) says the
15th did not leave the field till the 77th Ohio and 16th Iowa had retired. Now
the fact is, the 16th did not leave till that identical 15th flag sent home to
the State Historical Society with several holes in it, had gone from the field,
and the most of the 15th with it. This flag had been stuck up on a stump in the
battle, and was a pretty mark to shoot at, and without endangering the color
sergeant or guard. I was in another part of the field, but these are told me as
facts by a number of reliable officers and men who witnessed what they state.
Our color sergeant was killed while gallantly bearing his banner, and six of the
eight color guard wounded. The 15th did not occupy the position at all stated by
this Lyons Mirror correspondent, who was ei!
ther not in the battle or too badly scared to notice the position of things.
Both regiments did well, and neither should, in doing justice to itself, do
injustice to the other. Both have been outrageously slandered, without cause,
and both are eager for another fight to properly annihilate these slanders by
deeds instead of words.
Our old friend Wilkie, the war correspondent of the N. Y. Times, is in our camp
nearly every day, and is actively at work getting items in this great field of
military operations.~~J. B.
~~~~~
From the Second Iowa Cavalry
Camp Between Hamburg and Corinth
Wednesday, May 7th, 1862
Editor Gazette: On Sunday morning, some twenty regiments of infantry, with bands
playing and banners floating to the breeze, marched through our camp advancing
to the front, followed by batteries of light artillery, and some long 30 pounder
Parrott field pieces. Everything betokened a general forward movement; but on
Sunday night a heavy rain flooded the country, rendering an advance impossible
for a few days.
Capt. Sanford, Co. H, in consequence of impaired health, has resigned, and Lt.
Joseph Freeman, of Co. C, as been assigned to the command, which gives general
satisfaction.
The wife of Capt. Frank A. Kendrick is on a short visit to camp, having arrived
a few days since from Cape Girardeau, Mo., where she had been with friends for
some time past. About the last of April she became a party to a transaction,
that, whilst it rid the world of a villain, proves her the worthy wife of a
Union officer, ad shows that the honor of Iowa's gallant sons may be safely
entrusted to her fair daughter-
[As we have already published the particulars of this heroic act, we omit
"Diff's" description, further than to state that the name of the
villain killed was Samuel Sloan, and that he left a wife and child.
"Diff" speaks thus of the pistol used on the occasion:--Ed. Gaz.]
The pistol used was loaded by Sloan in Mr. Morrison's store last Spring, to
"shoot the first man that should run up a Union flag in Cape
Girardeau." It was left in the store, and Mr. M., to prevent harm, took it
home, where it remained until as above stated. The ball, loaded by this traitor
to his country to murder a Union man, was, by the judicious handling of a Union
officer's wife, the means of arresting in his mad career this specimen of
Southern chivalry.
Thursday, May 8.-Three dry days, and the engineer regiment having rendered the
road passable, orders were received lat night to move this morning. We were up
at three o'clock, and tents down at sunrise. The brigade (2d Iowa and 2d
Michigan cavalry,) moved forward, followed by their train. A camp was selected
at this place, (four miles) and the column without halting passed on to the
front. The country is up hill and down, with occasional 'sloughy' levels between
them. The soil is thin and poor. Pine trees begin to appear interspersed with
other timber. The farms are few, and it would be little harm were they fewer!
From prisoners and the inhabitants we learn the market prices at Corinth, viz:
soft hats, $5 to $10, boots, $15-$25; coffee, $10, and none at that; salt, $15
per sack, &c; and no money to buy. Cotton no sale.
Yesterday Col. Elliott visited the enemy with a flag of truce. He merely got
within their lines, and had the privilege of returning. To-day Beauregard
returned the compliment, both of which probably resulted in nothing except
information gained by the way.
Our troops were in line of battle to-day a mile beyond Farmington, and within
three miles of Corinth. The 2d Cavalry were skirmishing, and got into close
quarters, not without loss. John Wilson, Co. B, of Marshall county was killed;
shot through the chest and head. His body is now here, and will be buried
tomorrow. Harry Doutbil, Co. D, is severely wounded, shot in the head and leg;
and James Slawter, Co. D, through the wrist and calf of the leg. Lt. Washburne,
Co. D, was surrounded and taken prisoner. He had delivered his arms, retaining
one revolver, and as his captors were retreating with him, some of his company
rallied and pursued. The Lieutenant, drawing his revolver, wheeled his horse,
and broke from them. A volley sent after him killed his horse, but he made his
escape, is safe and sound, and ready for another trial. A Major of the 7th Ill.
Cavalry was killed. It is now past 10 p.m. and our regiments just coming in,
tired and hungry enough.
The country about Farmington (4 miles from Corinth) is more open. Our forces
will probably move their camps, forage, rations, &c, forward to that
locality to-morrow and next day, get ready on Sunday, and if the weather
continues dry, about Monday, the 12th, the probabilities are that Gen. Halleck
will commence sending "Epistles to the Corinthians," which will
speedily convince them of "sin and judgment to come," and cause them
to seek protection under the sheltering stars and stripes and by renouncing
their errors find rest in Abraham's bosom! For the fulfillment of which
anxiously awaiteth all men.
Your obt., &c,
Diff
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