MILITARY RECORDS
Civil War Era Newspaper Items - May 1862
Contributed by Elaine Rathmann
The Daily Gazette
Thursday Morning
May 1, 1862Sad 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 YorktownFrom 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 that 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 1The 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 worth 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 30The 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 their 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 MailsA Malignant Disease
Grinnell, Iowa, April 30Ed. 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 regiments 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
Davenport Daily Gazette
Saturday Morning
May 3, 1862
Page 1Local 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, 1862Mr. 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 1Relief 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 2Local 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 $1.00 A. J. Benshoof $1.00 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, 1862St. Louis Correspondence
St. Louis, May 2, 1862Alfred 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, and 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 1Local 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, 1862Council 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, 1862Local 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, '62Friend 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 had 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, 1862Local 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, 1862Local 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, 1862Local 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 promiscuously 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, 1862Mortality 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, 1862Editor 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 do 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. He 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 either 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, 1862Editor 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, has 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 last 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
The Daily Gazette
Saturday Morning
City of Davenport
May 17, 1862From the 2d Iowa Cavalry
Camp of Hamburg and Corinth Road
Friday, May 9, 1862Friend Sanders.-Of yesterday's skirmish, and loss, I wrote you last night , and to-night as a faithful chronicler, am compelled to add further to the record, which though of noble deeds, will carry anguish to loving hearts. About noon, orders came to be ready to move at the firing of a single gun. The signal soon came, and in ten minutes the regiment was in column, and on its way to the front. I may mention that most of our force which had advanced yesterday, had retired back to camp, vacating the ground they had occupied. Yesterday our regiment was a mile and a half beyond Farmington; to-day two miles this side of the town. They met Gen. Paine's Division and three batteries, retreating. Passing this column on coming to an opening a mile wide, on the opposite side of which the rebels had three batteries, they formed into line, Lieut. Col. Hatch commanding with Majors Hepburn, Coon and Lave, commanding respectively the 1st 2d and 3d batteries. The rebels had the range, and their batteries were well manned and playing rapidly on our lines. Gen. Paine rode up and ordered the regiment to "charge" those batteries. The batteries were three-fourths of a mile distant, and formed a line half a mile in length-sweeping with their murderous fire the whole space. The charge sounded and officers and soldiers swept forward through the leaden tempest! Shot and shell hurtled through the air, or plowed up the ground beneath. The woods flanking the open space were occupied by rebel sharp shooters, and they too poured forth their murderous fire on the rushing line. Though such a fire of iron hail is seldom faced in a charge and horse and man went down by sections, yet onward at full speed charged the 2d Cavalry through canister and grape, to within one hundred yards of the guns, when they were found to be supported by dense lines of infantry. When knowing we were unsupported, the rally was sounded, and we retired, but had the satisfaction of seeing the batteries limber up and cease firing.
The regiment was absent from camp less than three hours. The charge was of short duration, but from the annexed list, which is reliable, Iowa may see whether her glory has been dimmed by the 2d Cavalry-whether another laurel has not been added to her brow-another bright page added to their immortal list-a record made that when Iowa is tried, she is never found wanting.
1st Battalion-Commissary Sergt W. W. Miller, by spent ball in leg, slightly.
Co. K-Killed, none. Wounded, Corpl Elias W. Shephard, in head; Derwin Doner, flesh wound in leg; R. M. Downer, in leg by piece of shell; Fred Lehart, in head; G. R. Bradley, in leg by piece of shell, Abraham Leffler, in head and chest.
Co. L-Killed, none. Wounded, Corpl M. V. Hubbard, in head; G. W. Kelso, in the thigh, Missing James Raymond.
Co. E-Wounded, Lewis Kephart, in hand; Bugler, Wm. Dunderdale, in head; Corpl W. Aldrich in head slightly; Sergt J. W. Jennings, in hand.
Co. M-Wounded. Nathan Smith, in the foot, amputated below the knee; Sylvester L. Hazen, in shoulder, slightly; J. S. Breedan, in leg; John Parker, wounded and missing.
3d Battalion.-Co. I and D, all safe.
Co. F-Wounded, Labon J. Parks, in breast severely; Wm. Bailey, in thigh and rectum, severely; Sergt James Fought, in thigh, slightly; Sergt. Daniel Okeson, missing.
Co. B-Killed, John Burgh, (missing yesterday and supposed killed.) Wounded, J. S. Brush, in right shoulder, severely; W. M. Freeman, in breast by shell; Corp Wilker, missing; Cloud H. Brock, in arm, severely; Daniel Craft, in side, slightly.
2d Battalion-Co. A.-Killed, Sergt Frederick L. Ayer. Wounded, J.B. Gaddis, in arm and side, slightly; B. F. Wagoner, in shoulder slightly; Otis Legg, in side, slightly.
Co. H-Killed, Lt. Benjamin F. Owen. Wounded, Corp Haskins, in leg, slightly; A. V. Reeves, in thigh, slightly; A. N. Detwiler, in breast, slightly.
Co. G-Wounded, Capt Wm. Lundy, in the head, slightly; Sergt L. H. Waterman in hip dangerously; Corp J. T. Haight, arm and side; Anderson Heinly, severely through from side to side.
Co. C.-Wounded, Capt Henry Egbert, in thigh, by piece of shell; James Armstrong, through both hips and bladder (poor fellow, as I now write, just midnight, I hear his constant groans; brave man, I fear he must die;) Wm. Gordon, right heel-amputation below knee; James Taylor, through the shoulder severely.
Total-2 killed, 30 wounded, 1 wounded and missing, and 3 missing.
Captain Lundy, Lieuts Schnitger, C. C. Horton, Co. A, and Chas. Moore, Co. K, had their horses shot from under them. Ninety seven horses were killed and disabled, and nearly as many more wounded. A shell divided Lt. Col. Hatch's heavy brass stirrup; another passed so close to Capt. Kendrick's head, as to deafen one side, and numerous sabers, scabbards and revolvers show the scars of cannon shot, shell and bullets. The surgeons had all the wounds dressed before night and the sufferers with the exception of one or two, are quiet and doing well.
No Churches or Schools
Our excellent correspondent "Diff" has on several occasions referred to the absence of school houses in the slave States which he has visited, and the consequent illiterate condition of the people. A correspondent thus alludes to the same subject:
"On coming to Rolla, I was struck with the fact that there was neither church nor school-house in that town. From there to Springfield, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, in which there are farming neighborhoods settled over twenty years, I saw but one church-a half finished building, commenced by the southern Methodists, and afterwards abandoned-and not a single school-house.-At Springfield there were indications of moral religious and intellectual culture, (churches and academies, temporarily abandoned during the possession of the town by the rebels, some of them destroyed,) but from Springfield to Cassville, there was not a church or school-house to be seen. In Cassville, I think, there must have been some obscure place used for religious purposes, but it was not visible, nor distinguishable from the other houses. From Cassville to this town, no church or school-house has met my eye. In Galena, the county seat of Stone county, there is no such structure. In Forsythe there is the same destitution of any outward signs of religion or education. Is it any wonder that in such a region the rebellion should find adherents among an ignorant and prejudiced population?"
The New Rebel Flag-Imagine a red handkerchief with a broad white bar stretching diagonally across it from one corner to the other, and a similar bar crossing the first from the opposite corners, with a blue shield at the point of intersection, on which a yellow spot represents the sun, and you have the flag.
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
Monday Morning
May 19, 1862Local Matters
No Dispatches Last Night.-Atmospheric electricity interfered very much with the working of the lines on Saturday, and we have only about one-half our usual dispatches. We received none at all after dark Saturday.
Death of a Soldier.-Mr. Henry Love, of Washington county died yesterday morning at the residence of Mr. McEwen, on the Jersey Ridge road. When Camp McClellan was broken up, Mr. Love was removed to McEwen's house, sick, and supposed to be deranged. He sank gradually till he died. He was quite young, and was a new recruit for the 16th Iowa regiment.
Editor Gazette.-Dear Sir: I see by your paper that Dr. C. H. Rawson has resigned his commission in the army. This is an error. I had a letter from him yesterday, near Corinth. He has resigned his post as Surgeon of Iowa 5th, having received the appointment of Brigade Surgeon, and is acting as such to Gen. Hamilton's Brigade. He will not reign while the war lasts.
From Camp near Corinth
We are in receipt of a letter from a "Camp near Corinth" correspondent, testifying to the uncomplaining disposition of our Iowa boys, even when severely wounded:
Two or three of the wounded men came in three miles on horseback, each with a foot almost severed at the ankle yet sitting upright in the saddle and frequently making some careless remark, or threatening vengeance the next time they met the "secesh." Two poor fellows, which I now have the care of, were each shot through the right ankle, and apparently by a large grape shot or small cannon ball. It was a sickening sight to see their limbs amputated, yet wonderful to observe how bravely they stood the operation. I was with them till midnight, and have been all day long to-day, and am now sitting between their cots, writing, as they are sleeping tranquilly. One poor man received his mortal wound, and died to-day noon, and I was told that only a few hours before he died he sat propped up in his cot and wrote a letter to his wife.
It is truly wonderful, how patiently our wounded men bear their pains, and how uncomplainingly they submit to the most painful surgical operations. If any doubt that Iowa has brave sons, let them come and see them fight, or view them lying in the hospital tent, and convince themselves of the fact.
To-day a secesh deserter came into our camp, and told his story, the purport of which was, that, although they were just upon the field, and nearly double in number, yet they sustained a greater loss in killed and wounded. Strange as it may seem, they evacuated their position, which of course our forces now occupy.
Sunday, May 11.-An attack is expected upon our left flank soon; and when I awoke this morning, the boys had their horses saddled, ready to start for the conflict at a moment's notice. Another deserter, just come in, says that Beauregard lately made a speech, in which he seemed confident that he could, with the 120,000 men he claimed, whip us.-Perhaps he can, but I don't believe it.
Yours, &c. -- B.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Sick Iowa Soldiers.-The steamer D. A. January arrived at St. Louis, from the Upper Tennessee, last Wednesday. She brought a large number of sick and wounded soldiers to Jefferson Barracks Hospital. The following Iowa names appear among them:
James Taylor, Co. C, 2d cavalry; Wm. H. Reckord, and James Flanagan, Co. I, 8th infantry. These are from Scott county.
John L. Bursh and Wm. F. Bullock, Co. B, 2d cavalry; James Slaughter, Co. D, do; L. J. Parks, Wm. H. Bulls, Samuel Craig, C. E. Biggs and James Faught, co. F, do; J. T. Haight, Anderson Hersley and E. H. Evans, Co. G, do,; Derwin Downer, Co. K,do.
Charles W. Adell, Co. D, 3d infantry; Luther B. converse, C. M. Townsend, George Everhart and C. H. Talmage, Co. I, do. Daniel E. Follitt, co. H, 8th infantry; Moses Conklin, Wm. Lewis, and Henry Applegate, Co. I, do.
Martin Poling, James f. Little, M. P. Myers, and Wm. H. Cooper, Co. B, 13th infantry; Sam. F. Hill, Co. E, do.
Calvin Loid, co, B, 15th; Wm. Phrekis, Co. C, do.
James Casley, Co. B, 17th; Benj. Stephenson, Co I, do.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Cairo, Ill. May 15, 1862
We just arrived at this place, and through the assistance of Gen. Strong, got passage on the steamer City of Alton, (hospital boat) for Hamburg. We think it fortunate, as the next boat does not leave till Saturday.
I saw Rev. Folsom, he does not know what is most needed, but says that there is a great scarcity of thin drawers. Would it not be best to suggest the same to our ladies, that they may make up some.
I purchased a dozen essence ginger, and some ale, but have not time to look around here after the sick. Gen Strong tells me he has made arrangements to send them all home.
Yours &c., -- Ira M. Gifford.
The Daily Gazette
Davenport, Iowa
Tuesday Morning
May 20, 1862Local Matters
Vandalism.-Nicholas Krambech, sexton of the city cemetery, informs us that he detected a couple of young women, on Sunday, robbing the graves in the inclosure (sic) of the flowers that friends had placed over the remains of the cherished dead. He contented himself with taking the bouquet from them, and reprimanding them for their conduct, but says if it is repeated he will be under the necessity of prosecuting the parties guilty of such outrage.
Returned.-Lieut. Henne, accompanied by his wife and Mr. Holm, arrived yesterday afternoon on the Sucker State from St. Louis. Lt. H.'s wound is healed up, but he is unable to walk, being destitute of both left arm and left leg, and has not yet obtained an artificial substitute. On his arrival, the cannon was got out, and a salute fired in honor of the return of the gallant officer to his home, for the first time since his departure with Capt. Wentz's company last spring.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Seduction and Suicide.-One of the most melancholy cases of death by suicide it has ever been our duty to record, occurred last Sunday afternoon in this city. The deceased,--Jennett Dutton, was a native of Scotland, and had been in this city two or three years, during which time she had been living with different families in town, and for some time previous to her death had been employed at the Burtis House. The circumstances leading to her death are related in the testimony as taken before the Coroner's Jury on Sunday evening nearly all of which we publish elsewhere. She first tried to kill herself with laudanum, but took an over-dose, which caused nausea and vomiting, destroying the effects of the poison. Sunday morning she procured some strychnine, with which she succeeding in accomplishing her object, death ensuing at about 5 1/2 o'clock in the evening. She appears to have been suffering very much in her mind from the stories which had been set afloat about her, and these eventually, no doubt, led her to commit suicide.
The jury in the coroner's inquest found that the deceased died from the effects of strychnine, and that Frank Collins was guilty of a criminal misdemeanor on her person, which prompted her t commit suicide. On the rendition of this verdict, Coroner Tomson issued his warrant for the apprehension of Collins; and last evening constable Teagarden, assisted by Mr. Dermody, and by Justice Swander, of Rock Island, arrested him on the other side of the river, brought him over, and locked him up in jail. The ferry boat had lain up for the night, but Capt. Robinson promptly got up steam, and brought over the party, declining to receive any pay for it. Collins will probably be examined this morning.
Testimony
In the Case of Jennett Dutton who committed suicide, Sunday, May 18.Examination of witness, produced, sworn and examined before me, J. J. Tomson, Coroner of said County, and Israel Hall, J. Ruch, G. H. Mosier, lawful men of the said county, duly sworn upon their oaths to inquire when, how, and by what means Jennett Dutton came to her death.
Dr. J. C. Parker, sworn: I know the person lying dead. I saw her some 8 months ago. She was apparently sane at that time. Some 4 or 5 days ago she came to my office, saying that she was in trouble-wished to know what to do.
I saw her to-day about 11 o'clock. I found her suffering from spasms. She informed me that she had taken strychnine with the intention of killing herself. Said she got the poison in Rock Island. I think that her death was caused by strychnine. She said she had been dishonored, and wished to die. I remained from 11 till 3 o'clock.
Dr. Adler, sworn: I saw her, the person here lying dead, for the first time this afternoon. Found her lying on the floor, on her back. Found her quite rational, with frequent pulse. Face flushed-head turned to the left, and vomiting at intervals. She had a slight convulsion of her limbs soon after I saw her. I had been informed that she had taken strychnine. She told me herself that she had taken strychnine. I remained until she died. I am satisfied that she died from the effects of strychnine.
J. J. Burtis, sworn: I know the person here lying dead; have known her about four months; she has been in my employ; I considered her a girl of sound mind; I did not know of her troubles; for the last two or three weeks she has not done as well in my service as previous; she has due her from me $4.65, which I have paid to Mr. Daniel Moore; I believe her to be a girl of good moral character; she lost no time by reason of sickness during the time she was in my employ.
Daniel Moore, sworn: I know the person here lying dead; her man (sic) is Jennett Dutton; she worked for me in 1860, three months, also three months in 1861; she said that she had been married in Scotland, and her husband was lost on the ocean; so far as I know she was woman of good moral character; she came to my house last night about nine o'clock, a good deal excited; she said that Frank Collins had started reports about her at the Burtis House, and that she had taken laudanum on his account; she laid down and slept all night; this morning she appeared to be rational, but somewhat excited; she left my house about 10 o'clock to go to her sister's in Coal Valley, Rock Island county, Illinois; I went to East Davenport and between ten and eleven o'clock I was sent for, saying that Jennett had returned to my house and had taken strychnine; when I got home Dr. Parker was with her; a little time before she died, she seemed to be sorry that she had taken the strychnine; she seemed to be anxious to get well; the balance of my testimony corroborates that of Drs. Parker and Adler.
Mrs. Rachel Keating, sworn: I have known the person here lying dead about two years.; she told me that she was a widow; she had been at the Burtis House nearly six months; she came to my house yesterday and asked me if I had heard any reports about her; I said that I had, but had paid no attention to them; I then asked her what her trouble was; she said that Frank Collins had raised a bad report about her; she said that she had been to him on Thursday night last, and urged him to clear her of it, or she would throw herself into the river; the next morning she heard what she said to him from the girls in the Burtis House, she told me that she had taken laudanum, and did not wish to live; I gave her mustard and alt, which vomited her; she told me yesterday that she was determined to kill herself; I saw her this morning, soon after she returned to Mr. Moore's; she was very much excited; I put my hand into her pocket, and found a paper with what I supposed to be strychnine; the paper was still wet, as though she had had her tongue to it; she told me that she had taken some of the powder which I found in her pocket; she said that she got the powder, which she said was strychnine, in Rock Island; she said that she had tried the laudanum from Tuesday and had not succeeded in taking her life, and she thought that she would try strychnine.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Sudden Death of Henry Y. Slaymaker
It is with deep regret that we this morning announce the sudden death of Mr. Henry Y. Slaymaker, which occurred between 10 and 11 o'clock Sunday evening, at the residence of Mr. Chas. Ruthrauff, his son-in-law, on Brady street, opposite the college Grounds. Mr. Slaymaker had attended church in the morning, and seemed to be in his usual health all day. At night he retiredquite early, apparently well. About 10 o'clock he was taken alarmingly ill, and Dr. Adler was immediately summoned, but before he could arrive the sufferer was dead. He lived only about twenty minutes after he was taken ill. Mr. Slaymaker was a native of Lancaster, Pa., and was sixty-seven years of age at the time of his death. About ten years ago he removed to this city, since which time he has been on of our most respected citizens. During the last administration, Mr. S. held the position of agent for Government on rock Island. Mr. Slaymaker leave no offspring except Mrs. Ruthrauff; and his wife has been dead some years. The late Capt. Slaymaker was a nephew of the deceased.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ Died
In this city, on Sabbath evening, May 18th, suddenly of disease of the heart, Henry Slaymaker, aged 64 years. The funeral will take place from his late residence on Brady street, this (Tuesday) afternoon at 2 1/2 o'clock.
In Littleton, N. H., at the residence of her father, Mrs. Altheram, wife of Milo K. Parks, of this city, aged 34 years.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ A Case for the Charitable
Mr. Editor: I desire to call the attention of the public to the case of Mrs. Adolphus Knocke, corner of Rock Island and Second streets. Her husband and two sons have been in the army of the U. S. as volunteers since January, 1862, and have not yet been paid off by the U. S. The family are actually suffering for food. Some generous persons who are able, should provide her the means of living until her husband and sons are paid off. -- G. E. Hurbell.
We had thought there was a committee appointed in our city, to see that the families here of those fighting the battles of our country did not suffer in their absence. It seems that we were mistaken. It should be done in all haste, as it seems the least we can do.
The Daily Gazette
Wednesday Morning
May 21, 1862Local Matters
C. C. Carruthers, Co. F, 2d Iowa, died at hospital in Keokuk on Friday last, aged 23 years. He was from Van Buren county.
Hogs.-There are altogether too many of these quadrupeds loose upon our streets. The Marshall should see to it that if people will keep hogs in a city, that they keep them in pens.
Lt. Col. Sanders.-We received a lengthy letter from our brother yesterday, written on Sunday and Monday of last week. His health is no better, still he refuses to come home.--They were at that time expecting a battle hourly.
Scalded to Death.-The Rock Island Argus says, that on Monday evening of last week, a little child of Thomas Slatterly, in the lower part of that city, pulled a pan of hot water from a table, spilling it over and scalding itself so badly that it died on Saturday morning. The child was about three years old.
Death of a Citizen Soldier.-It is with regret we announce the death of Newton Austin Haldeman, of this city, Sergeant of Co. C 2d regiment. He died of typhoid fever at Jefferson Barracks hospital on Thursday last, 15th inst., aged 24 years. Mr. Haldeman was an occasional correspondent of this paper and his letters were copied throughout the country. A lengthy one furnished us after the battle at Fort Donelson, was pronounced by some of our cotemporaries, the best description published of that battle. He was an excellent young man, a kind brother, and a dutiful son. His remains were interred for the present at Jefferson Barracks. His brother is in the army at the East, and as no word has been received from him for sometime his parents fear that he too is no longer among the living.
Painful Accident.-A painful accident happened at Bard's saw mill yesterday morning to Thomas Leighton, a laborer employed in the mill. He was at work near the rotary saw, and placed his right foot in such a position that it slipped and was caught by the saw, which penetrated his foot to the ankle-bone. A man who was standing by seized him, and pulled him back-otherwise he would have been drawn on to the saw, and perhaps torn to pieces. Dr. McCarn was summoned, and dressed the wound, which is of a very serious character-threatening the loss of his limb, though this, Dr. M. thinks can be averted. Mr. Leighton has a wife and four children, and lives in East Davenport. He had been at work in the mill only a day or two. A similar accident occurred at the same saw about five years ago.
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