Iowa in the Civil War - Davenport Daily Gazette

Iowa in the Civil War

Home	Regiment Data	County Data	Other Data	Prisons
Lookups	Research Help	Photo Album	Cemetery Listings	Site Coordinator

Articles from the Davenport Daily Gazette
July 4 - 30, 1862

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Friday Morning
July 4, 1862

Local Matters

Mrs. Wittenmyer.—This lady will be present at the meeting this morning, at the Christian Chapel, and it is desirable that as many of the different aid and relief societies, and the public generally, as can make it convenient will attend. Matters of interest to our citizens and our friends in the army are to be considered.

Public Installation.—The Sons of Temperance will publicly install the following officers this evening: Jesse C. Teagarden, W. P.; J. Wilson Gulieau, W. A.; John N. Crawford, R. S.; Chas. H. Eldridge, A. R. S.; J. S. Connor, F. S.; Chas. E. Putnam, T. George Chadwick, C.; P. P. Paddock, A. D.; J. G. Shorey, T. S.; J. J. Severance, O. S.; T. R. Sheperd, Ch. Speeches and music will form a part of the proceedings.

Public Meeting.

In accordance with notice, the Ladies’ Aid Society and the Executive Committee of the Scott County Relief Association met in the lecture-room of the Christian Chapel, on Brady street, yesterday morning, for the purpose of consulting with Mrs. Wittenmyer, of Keokuk, relative to matters connected with the comfort of our soldiers. The attendance at the meeting was not as large as it should have been, but considering the time of day, perhaps as many attended as could conveniently.

The meeting was organized by choosing Dr. Maxwell Chairman, and C. E. Putnam, Esq. Secretary. Eld. Jas. Chullen, with a few appropriate remarks, introduced to the meeting Mrs. Wittenmyer, who disclaimed any idea of making a speech, and said her object in coming here was to secure concentrated effort for the benefit of our sick and wounded soldiers. We have a number of organizations in the State, all working for the same object, but lacking unity of effort. She wanted to see some plan of co-operation agreed on by these different bodies. Sickness was on the increase in the Western army, and it was important that something should be done. Mrs. W. thought there ought to be somebody with the army, to have some official character, who would, in co0operation with Mrs. W., look after the welfare of our troops, and see that the supplies, &c., sent to them reach the soldiers, and are not appropriated by surgeons and attendants, as had been intimated.

Dr. Maxwell corroborated Mrs. Wittenmyer’s statements in regard to the increase of sickness in the army, particularly in Pope’s division, and thought that in August and September it would be worse still.

In answer to inquiries by Dr. Baker, Mrs. Wittenmyer said Dr. McDougal was very strongly in favor of a hospital in this city.—The reason why some of the sick had not been sent here is, that the Stephen Decatur, the boat which was expected to bring them, in consequence of the rapid fall of the Tennessee river, was employed in getting the sick out of that river down to Paducah as soon as possible; while the other boats employed were of too large draft to come above Keokuk. Mrs. W. was herself favorable to Davenport, and her present visit strengthened that partiality. She would write to Dr. McDougal, telling him of the admirable location of the proposed hospital, on the bank of the river and out of town, which latter was quite an object with Dr. McDougal.

Rev. Mr. Kynett did not think there would be any more soldiers taken to Keokuk, as that hospital was now full, having 900 patients.

Dr. Ennis said the destination of the sick on any particular boat depended mainly on the State from which most of them came.

Mr. J. L. Davies wanted to know if the Sanitary Commission had not been working against Davenport.

Mr. Kynett scouted the idea and said the Commission had used its best efforts for Davenport.

Mrs. Wittenmyer said the Sanitary Commission had not co-operated with the Aid Societies as heartily as she could have wished, but she had heard of no feeling on its part against Davenport.

Mr. Knett said the Governor would appoint a Sate agent as soon as the question of allotment pay roll was settled, as the Governor wished to have the same person attend to both matters.

After considerable further general discussion, the following resolutions, offered by Mr. Russell were adopted:

1. Resolved, That this meeting has head with pleasure the statements made by Mrs. Wittenmyer in relation to the efforts exerted by the various Aid Societies of the State to supply the wants of sick and wounded soldiers of Iowa, and we hereby tender to Mrs. Wittenmyer our thanks for the energy and devotedness with which she has labored as the almoner of these societies in distributing hospital supplies, and in caring for the suffering; and we pledge our sympathy and hearty support to her in the further prosecution of the important and arduous labors yet to be undertaken.

2. Resolved, That we heartily concur in the suggestion of Mrs. Wittenmyer that a State Agent should be appointed to remain with the army of the Tennessee and devote his whole time to the distribution of such goods and sanitary stores as may be contributed by the people of Iowa, and to a general attention to the wants of Iowa troops.

3. Resolved, That Mrs. Dm N. Newcomb, President of the Ladies Soldiers’ Aid Society of Davenport, John Collins, Vic-President of Scott Co. Soldiers’ Relief Association, and C. E. Putnam, Esq, be appointed a committee to confer with Mrs. Wittenmyer as to the best plan to be adopted to secure a unity of action by the various Aid Societies of the State in order to ensure a systematic supply of sanitary stores to and a proper care of sick and wounded soldiers from Iowa.

4. Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns it shall be to meet in the Christian Chapel at 8 o’clock to-morrow morning, to receive the report of the committee appointed by the third resolution.

A lively discussion ensued during the consideration of these resolutions, in which the Chairman and Messrs. Kynett, Russell, Collins, and Davies took part, after which the meeting adjourned till 8 o’clock this morning.

Wednesday Morning
July 16, 1862

Local Matters

Soldiers On the Way.—Capt. Blanchard, of Washington, Iowa, arrived in town last evening with fifty men, exclusive of officers and four musicians, from that county, and stopped at the Pennsylvania House. They leave for Clinton to-day. Capt. Blanchard has already forwarded about ten men, and he has some twenty more at home—making a full company for the 18^th regiment.

‘Sanitary Matters.’—We refer to the excellent communication in to-day’s paper, from a lady whom many will recognize as a former citizen of this place. As she speaks from experience, the suggestions she makes should have due weight. While our Sanitary Committees look especially after the sick and wounded of our own State, we hope their practical benevolence will not be confined to so narrow district, and our agents will relieve suffering Union soldiers when met with, regardless of the State from which they may have enlisted. There is a vast amount of suffering among our soldiers, and the kind hand of woman, ever first to alleviate human misery, should be always open to relieve the pain and anguish of those who went forth so willingly in defense of our rights. Women, ‘not naturally formed for great cares themselves, but to soften ours,’ as Goldsmith so feelingly says in his Citizen of the World, make the best nurses, and we hope they will rally in response to the requisition made for their services, and enlist in the good cause.

From The 16^th Iowa Regiment.

We make the following extract from a private letter form a member of the 16^th regiment, who dates from Camp near Corinth, July 9, 1862.

“We have had a good deal of excitement in camp lately, at one time being under marching orders to the Potomac—then countermanded, then news again of McClellan’s defeat and anticipation of renewal of orders—with a constant burning anxiety to hear more about the battling near Richmond. We are now satisfied that McClellan has had a reverse if not defeat, although there are flying rumors this morning of Richmond being taken by somebody, and Vicksburg also. In addition, we had a contraband report of a rebel brigade being close by us, with the object of making a dash into our camps, something on the rebel Stewart’s plan, so successfully carried out in McClellan’s rear.

“There are a good many rebels living in the neighborhood of Corinth, who have every opportunity of ascertaining the exact position of things here, and of communicating with the rebels below. We are resting in such entire confidence of our own security, that a rebel foray might be made in our midst, or might have been a few days ago, and perhaps accomplished with comparative safety and much destruction of life and property. But our Generals have taken the alarm, and such precautions are now being used as may effectually secure us from any casualties of this nature. Several prominent rebels hereabouts have been arrested and are now closely confined, including Mr. Chadwick, formerly Post Commissary for the rebels at Corinth, but who has claimed to have been merely a merchant there and a Union man—and Col. Whitfield who owns an elegant mansion and a vast deal of property near our camp. The latter has never disguised his rebel sympathies, but has been treated with “distinguished consideration,” and a guard placed over his house and gardens. At the same time he charged us the most exhorbitant (sic) prices for everything sold us from his farm, diary and gardens. But he is now likely to go North. There is no doubt but that he and others have been in constant correspondence with the rebels, Chadwick acting as the go-between.

“By way of variety our regiment has been for two days building fences, or repairing them, around three hundred acres of land, to make a carrol (sic) for mules. The work was rather enjoyed by the boys, as it was light and under the deep shade of great forest trees. We may to-morrow be on a march after the rebels.

“The health of our regiment is improving. We have got a new Surgeon, Dr. Lloyd, formerly Assistant Surgeon of the 11^th, and an excellent man for the position. No better appointment could have been made although there was disappointment that our own Assistant Surgeon was not promoted. We have also a second Assistant detailed before the Surgeon’s appointment to help our Assistant. There are but few new cases of sickness in this regiment, and we will doubtless form this time continue to gain in health. The weather is very hot, but our camp is on high land and in a healthy location. We keep two teams busily engaged every day in hauling water. It is good water for us, but I think it would give a stranger the diarrhoea in quick time.

“There is no regiment in this brigade or division under better discipline than the 16^th Iowa, thanks to the regular ways of Col. Chambers. The men of other regiments appear to do pretty much as they please, in the way of leaving and returning to camp, foraging in gardens, &c., but in this regiment it is different. No man goes, or can well get outside of the guard lines, unless accompanied by an non-commissioned officer who is responsible for the good conduct of all men he takes out under him.—Men are obliged to go out to bathe, wash their clothes, get wood, &c. Discipline is everything in camp life—and the idle camp show just as well who are the good and reliable officers as the battlefield—in fact, I think a great deal better.

“We have now our company muster rolls just completed for the last day of June, and expect to at once draw our pay for the last two months. Each company’s clothing account is included in its muster roll, which has delayed us; the other regiments of the brigade having, I think, neglected this duty, as several are now being paid off.—The boys have been “flush” since the late payment, and do not appear to be at all anxious for another, although it would be acceptable, as money always is.

“I visited Corinth this morning. It is a hot and dusty place. Being our “head-quarters,” it is crowded with teams, officers and soldiers. There are a number of secesh prisoners there, and a very dilapidated looking set of Christians they seem. Clothing stores and lager beer saloons are open, Daguerro type saloons prevail promiscuously. An hours’ visit satisfied me, and I rode back glad to get in our wilderness camp.”

Thursday Morning
July 17, 1862

Local Matters

Henry O’Connor, Esq., of Muscatine, delivered there one of his rousing speeches on the war, Monday evening last. We hope to hear Harry in this city ere long. If the Governor would send him out to stir up the patriotism of the people, there would be no need of drafting.

Patriotic.—The Muscatine Journal says the roll was opened in that city on Monday, for the enlistment of the fifteenth company from that county. Muscatine is the most patriotic county in our State. The Journal says, that it is pledged to the last man and the last dollar for the suppression of this unholy rebellion.

Hospital Matters.—On Friday last, the steamer Stephen Decatur left St. Louis with a large number of sick and wounded, destined for the hospital at this place. On arriving at Keokuk last Sunday, it was ascertained she couldn’t get over the Lower Rapids, on account of low water, and her sick and wounded were taken ashore at Keokuk, and crowded into a school-house and other places there. Now we would like to know by whose authority those sick and wounded were taken from the Decatur at all. The Northern line boats, nearly every one of which is heavier than the Decatur, have had no trouble as yet getting over the Rapids, even when heavily loaded, and the Decatur could have come on to Davenport, we verily believe, if some busy people below hadn’t exercised the little brief authority they are possessed of, and prevented her.

A Returned Prisoner.—Friedrich Reckler, a German, formerly a resident of this county, who has been a prisoner in Secessia for nearly a year, was in town yesterday. At the time of the breaking out of the war, he was a resident of Wisconsin, and joined the Second regiment of that State, and was at the battle before of Bull Run, where he remained three months; thence he went to New Orleans and stayed there four months; and was finally removed to Salisbury, where, after a further detention of four months, he was paroled, and reached Gen. Burnside’s lines about the first of June. His account of treatment while a prisoner corresponds with what we have generally been told by those who were taken at Bull Run. He hadn’t enough to eat most of the time, and while at New Orleans he was allowed only a width of eighteen inches for sleeping room. After his release he was compelled to pay his own way from New York to the West. This is an evil which we hope to see remedied soon, so that soldiers may return home, when wounded or released on parole, without having to pay a good part of their year’s earning for traveling expenses. Mr. R. Has a brother living at Walcott, whither he goes to-day.

Saturday Morning
July 19, 1862

Local Matters

Resigned.—Among the recent resignations reported from the Adjutant-General’s office we notice that of Capt. Lundy, of Muscatine county, well known to many of our citizens as the popular commander of Co. G, 2d Iowa cavalry. Lieut. Jos. W. Eystra, of Muscatine, and formerly of Rock Island, succeeds Capt. Lundy.

Death of Chas. E. Richardson.—A dispatch received from St. Louis yesterday by Mr. Joshua Burr, announces the death in that city, on Thursday evening of Mr. Chas. E. Richardson, of Davenport. Mr. Richardson had been sick some time with camp diarrhoea, but had partially recovered, and had got as far as St. Louis on his way home, when he was stricken with death. Mr. Richardson came to this city in 1856, and has resided here ever since. On the organization of the Sixteenth regiment he accompanied Mr. Parker to the sutler’s department of the regiment, with which he was connected at the time of his death. Mrs. Richardson received a letter from her husband a few days ago, stating that he was improving and would be home in a few days. Charlie Richardson had among our citizens a host of friends and not an enemy; the news of his death will fall upon them with sadness.

Deaths of Iowa Soldiers.—On the 14^th inst., S. M. Syster, and on the 15^th, Douglas Jagger, both of Co. E, 15^th regiment, died in hospital at Keokuk. At the St. Louis hospitals the following deaths of Iowa soldiers occurred at the dates mentioned:--July 4, Richard McClane, Co. L, 4^th cavalry; 8^th, Garrett Smith, Co. G, 18^th (?) regiment; 10^th, Thomas J. Roberts, Co. F, 15^th regiment, and T. W. Corwin, Co. A, 11^th regiment.

Tuesday Morning
July 22, 1862

Local Matters.

Dead Soldier.—Corp. James R. Russell, Co. I, 6^th Iowa Regiment, died at Keokuk hospital on the 18^th inst.

Drafting.—While we should much prefer to see Iowa’s quota of troops raised without having to resort to drafting, yet if such course become necessary, there will be some things in its favor. Those blatant treason-shriekers, men who refuse to give a dollar to help the cause and denounce those engaged in preserving their country, will some of them become conscripts and be forced to fight for the flag they have traduced. There are men in this city, whom it would rejoice the loyal heart to see pressed into service; not one of them but who would return a better man and better qualified for all the duties of citizenship.

The following is an extract of a letter found in the postoffice at Jacksonville, N. C., upon the occupation of that place by the U. S. forces. It establishes beyond doubt the truth of statements heretofore made, as to the atrocities committed by the rebels on the dead bodies of our soldiers:

Camp Presses, Manassas, Junct., Dec. 2d, 1862

My Dear Sister: I have seen more since I have been in this war than I ever expected to see in my life. I went to the battle field one day where the great battle was fought, and I saw more than I ever want to see again. I saw soldiers form Georgia grabble up Yankees that had bee buried. I saw them pull of their heads and scrape the meat and hair off, and take the skull bone with them to send home of their folks to see.

Your dear brother, |
Hyman Caton,
Co. J. 4^th reg’t N. C. State Troops

Wednesday Morning
July 30, 1862

Local Matters

Personal.—We were pleased to see our soldier-printer friend, Wm. P. Wade, in town yesterday. He is nearly recovered from the severe wounds he received at Fort Donelson. He has recently been discharged from the service, on account of continued disability.

Another Resolution.—The Des Moines Register, from the files of an old treason journal published in that city, gives the following resolution passed by the Scott County Democratic Convention one year ago. They were plainer in the expression of their sentiments then than they are now:

Resolved, that in our opinion the war now being waged by the present Republican Administration against our brothers of the South, is wholly uncalled for, unnecessary, unconstitutional, and antagonistic to the highest and best interests of our once happy country, and that we will use all honorable means to discourage it and bring about a peaceful solution of our present troubles.

Home Traitors.—The resolution passed at the citizens’ mass meeting on Saturday evening last, declaring there were secessionists, et id omne genus in our city, and the way in which they should be treated, appears to give some of our thin-skinned citizens a little uneasiness. The Democrat does not approve of any convention or set of men passing such a resolution. The time has come when things should be called by their right names, and men must learn, that if they are not with the Government in sustaining it in putting down the unholy rebellion that now threatens it with dissolution, they are against it, and are just as much secessionists as though they avowed it in so many words. When a citizen is ascertained to be in sympathy with the rebels let him be marked, say we, and treated as an enemy to his country. The kid-glove policy is just as fatal to the success of the war practiced at the North as it is at the South, and no truly loyal man will object to scorn and indignation being heaped upon the head of every rebel sympathizer found in our community. Our fathers, husbands, sons and brothers are periling their lives in their efforts to suppress traitors in arms against their Government, and yet scoundrels in our midst, while fattening upon the blessings these men are fighting to secure to them, will show their sympathy for the traitors, and wish that the noble sons of Iowa may die upon the battlefield; and we are to take these miscreants by the hand, admit them to our society, and wish them well. No! shriveled be our hand, and blistered our tongue, when we become so hypocritical before God and man as to act thus toward one, whom we know to be a traitor to his country, and the society that he infests.