USA > Iowa > An illustrated history of the state of Iowa, being a complete civil, political, and military history of the state, from its first exploration down to 1875; > Part 21
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" At the extra session of 1861, what was supposed ample pro- vision was made to furnish the necessary funds for raising, cloth- ing and equipping the volunteers that might be required from this state, by authorizing the issue and sale of our state bonds. Im- mediately after the close of that session, the necessary steps were taken to put our bonds in market, but, before they could be of- fered in New York, the faith and credit of our state were most wantonly and unjustly attacked by certain papers in that city, so that when, under the law, the bonds were offered for sale, it was found entirely impossible to effect sales at the prices fixed by the board of commissioners appointed for that purpose, or which would not have been ruinous to the state. No sales were there- fore made in New York, and an appeal was made to our own people to take the bonds and furnish the means necessary to meet the large expenses consequent upon raising the troops called for from this state. The report of the loan agents, herewith submit- ted, will show you the amount of bonds sold by them in the state, and the amount of money received therefor. It will be seen that much the larger proportion of the bonds was taken by persons to whom the state was indebted, and that but a small share was sold for cash. The result was that the officers charged with the duty of raising troops as required by the general gov- ernment were much embarrassed for want of means, being com- pelled to operate wholly upon credit, consequently to great disad- vantage. Whatever could be furnished by our people was
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I. M. Preston.
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promptly furnished on the credit of the state, but without means, it was impossible to procure arms, clothing, and such other arti- cles as our own people did not produce. After providing clothing for the 1st, 2d and 3d regiments, I found it utterly impossible to provide for those subsequently raised, and was compelled to rely upon the general government for that purpose, and although it was a matter of much mortification to me to be compelled to al- low our troops to leave our state ununiformed and unarmed, yet I
am induced to believe the result has been as well for the troops and for the government. The troops who left our state without uniform, left at a season of the year when but little clothing was needed for comfort, and they were provided with uniforms in Missouri as speedily and more cheaply than I could have provided for them. The regiments which have left the state more recently have been furnished with good clothing by the general govern- ment before leaving. I have not purchased for the state the arms contemplated by the law passed at the extra session, for the rea- son that arms could be had only for money, and I had not the money wherewith to pay. Some arms have been furnished by the general government, but not sufficient for the security of the state, and I recommend the subject to your careful consideration.
"On several occasions during the past season, when the rebels had or appeared likely to get control in Northern Missouri, much uneasiness existed along our southern border lest they should at- tempt an invasion of our state, which, for want of arms, our peo ple were not properly prepared to resist. Immediately after the close of the extra session of the general assembly, I appointed Col. John Edwards and Col. Cyrus Bussey my aids, with large discretionary powers, to act for the preservation of tranquillity in the southern border counties. I was well satisfied the peace of our state would be more easily preserved by preventing invasion than by repelling it, and therefore while I could not order our state troops beyond our state line, instructed Cols. Edwards and Bussey, and through them the troops under their command, that if at any time the loyal men of Northern Missouri were in peril and called upon them for assistance, they had as full authority as I could give them to lead their men into Missouri to the aid of the loyal men there, and my promise upon their return that my
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power should be used to the utmost extent to protect them if called in question for so doing. Under these circumstances, and in some cases at the instance of the officers of the United States, Cols. Edwards and Bussey, and Col. Morledge, of Page county, at different times led bodies of Iowa troops into Missouri and kept them in service there until their presence was no longer needed, and I am well assured their services were highly valua- ble, not only in preserving the peace of our border and protecting our own people, but in supporting and strengthening the union men of Missouri. The expenses incurred in these expeditions. are, in my judgment, properly chargeable to the general govern- ment, and I am now seeking their reimbursement.
" Great uneasiness also existed on our western and northern border lest the Indians in Dacotah and Minnesota might be led by designing men to take advantage of the troubled state of pub- lic affairs, and commit depredations on our people in that region. The great distance of that part of the state from the place where my other duties compel me to keep my headquarters, and the want of the means of speedy communication therewith, either by railroad or telegraph, rendered it, in my judgment, absolutely necessary that I should confer on suitable persons the power to act for me promptly in case of emergency, as fully as if I were present to act in person. I accordingly conferred such authority on Hon. Caleb Baldwin, of Council Bluffs, and Hon. A. W. Hub- bard, of Sioux City. Under this authority, bodies of mounted men were called into service at different times for short periods, and I am happy to be able to state the tranquillity of that portion of our state has been preserved.
"I cannot permit this occasion to pass without thanking Messrs. Edwards, Bussey, Morledge, Baldwin and Hubbard, for their efficient and valuable services.
" At my request the secretary of war authorized the enlistment of a company of cavalry in the service of the United States, especially for the protection of the northwestern border. This company has been recruited and mustered in, and I hope will be sufficient for the protection of that portion of our state.
" The state university is now in successful operation, although much embarrassed for want of means arising from the nonpay-
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ment of interest due on loans of its pemanent fund. The enact- ment of laws requiring the more prompt payment of interest, and for the safety and better investment of the permanent fund as above suggested, will enable the trustees and faculty to extend the usefulness of the institution. I am decidedly of opinion that not only the interest of the institution, but also the interest of the state require, that you should provide a military department of the university, and should establish a military professorship therein The sad experience of the last few months has shown .us the necessity of military knowledge among our people. By giving to the young men who may attend the university, military instruction and training, we will not only greatly benefit them, but will also have made provision for what our present experience shows may at any moment become a necessity to our people. The board of education at their recent session directed the trustees of the university to make provision for a military department therein as soon as the general assembly should make the necessa- ry appropriations therefor, and I earnestly recommend the subject to your favorable consideration.
" The affairs of the penitentiary have been well conducted du- ring the last two years. Its present faithful and efficient officers, although laboring under many difficulties, have, by their careful and skillful management, maintained excellent discipline, pre- served, in a remarkable degree, the health of the convicts, and have so economized its expenses, that of the sum appropriated at the last regular session for the general support of the prison, there remains unexpended an amount so large, that, in the opinion of the warden, no appropriation for that purpose will be needed at the present session. These officers, however, as well as those in charge of the insane asylum, the asylums for the deaf and dumb, and the blind, and all others who have been charged with the duty of procuring for the state either labor, materials, or mer- chandise of any kind for ordinary state purposes, have been con- tinually embarrassed for the want of money, and have been com- pelled to carry on their operations, and make their purchases at great disadvantage with warrants on the treasury. Of course they have been compelled to pay higher prices in warrants than they would have had to pay in cash. As soon as these warrants
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are delivered, they are presented at the treasury, and indorsed unpaid for want of funds, and from that time draw eight per cent. interest, so that the excess of price and interest are so much clear loss to the state that might be saved if our taxes were promptly paid. Neither states nor individuals can manage their affairs in this manner without serious present embarrassment and great ul- timate loss, and in my judgment it is clearly your duty, as guard- ians of the public welfare, to see to it that this state of affairs shall not continue. The reports of the officers of the peniten- tiary show the sums, which, in their opinion, should be appropri- ated by you, and the objects for which they are needed. Whilst I am satisfied that all these objects are legitimate and that the accomplishment of them would add much to the safety and com- pleteness of the prison, I cannot in the present condition of our finances recommend appropriations for all. The completion of the third tier of cells, additional accommodations for the hospital, additional shop-room, and a new cistern, are perhaps indispensa- ble, and should be provided for.
" The reports of the proper officers of the deaf and dumb and blind asylums are herewith submitted. These institutions appeal so strongly to our better feelings, and the necessities of those for whose benefit they are intended are so peculiar and so urgent that I cannot withhold my recommendation that the usual appropria- tions be made for their support. The appropriation made at the last regular session for the new building for the blind, at Vinton, has been expended in the manner required by law. The build- ing is now inclosed, and is not, as I understand, liable to injury by exposure to the weather, and I submit whether it is not advis- able, in our present financial condition, to withhold the appropri- ation necessary to complete it until the next session of the general assembly. From the reports of the officers of the insane asylum, you will learn that the institution is now in successful operation. The appropriation made at the last regular session for finishing and furnishing the centre and east wing of the building, has proved to be more than sufficient for that purpose, and there is a considerable balance unexpended. The number of patients now in the institution is nearly or quite sufficient to fill all the finished portion of the building, and much inconvenience arises from the
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fact that patients of both sexes are confined in the same wing. This fact, with the additional one that before the next session, a large portion of the now unfinished part of the building will in all probability be needed for the reception of patients, induces me to recommend, as I earnestly do, that an appropriation be now made, which, with the unexpended balance of the last appropria- tion, will be sufficient to finish and furnish the west wing. Every one who has witnessed the misery and degradation and knows the hopelessness of the cure of those poor unfortunates when confined in the cells of our county jails, and has also witnessed their com- parative happiness and comfort, and knows the prospect for their restoration in the asylum, will insist that the most terrible diseases shall no longer be treated as a crime, and that the state shall do her duty by providing and caring for these, the most helpless and most unfortunate of her people. An abundant and unfailing sup- ply of water is absolutely essential to the successful operation of an institution of this kind. A reliance for such supply upon cis- terns and common wells would be uncertain and unsafe, and as these were the only resources heretofore provided, the trustees and commissioners, in order to remove the difficulty, have undertaken the digging of an artesian well. The details of the work for this purpose thus far will be found in the reports, and I recommend that a sufficient appropriation be made to complete it or to show its impracticability. I also recommend that the law requiring the several counties of the state to pay for the support of their own pauper insane, be so changed as to require such payment to be made in advance. In this way only will such payment be prompt and reliable, and the state be relieved practically from the burthen of supporting the institution. I cannot perceive the necessity for the two boards of trustees and commissioners. Either of the boards can easily perform in addition to its present duties, the duties of the other board, and by the consolidation, possible con- flicts of authority would be avoided, as well as considerable ex- pense.
"The report of the register of the state land office shows the condition of the various grants of land made by the congress of the United States to this state.
"Very serious and embarrassing questions have arisen from the
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Jerry a Comptrong
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conflicting interests and claims of some of the land grant railroad companies and the Des Moines Navigation and Railroad Company. There has been much vacillation and conflict of opinion and ac- tion among the heads of the department of the interior in regard to the extent of the Des Moines river land grant. That grant has been held by one secretary to extend only to the forks of the river at Des Moines city ; by another to extend to the sources of the river in Minnesota, and by another to extend only to the north boundary of our state. One or more of the secretaries cer- tified to the state as part of this grant large bodies of land lying above the forks of the river within the limits of the state, and the state subsequently sold and conveyed many of these lands to in- dividuals. Afterward the state contracted with the Des Moines Navigation and Railroad Company to prosecute the work of im- proving the Des Moines river, agreeing to convey to said company the title of the state to portions of the lands so certified to the state for that purpose, as rapidly as the work progressed. Under this arrangement the title of the state to many of these lands was conveyed to the Des Moines Navigation and Railroad Company. Subsequently by settlement with the Des Moines Navigation and Railroad Company the state conveyed to said company the title of the state to the remainder of the lands which had been certified to the state by the secretary of the interior, and at the same time conveyed to the Keokuk, Ft. Des Moines and Minnesota Railroad Company its title to all the lands of said grant which had not been certified to the state by the secretary of the interior, except fifty thousand acres reserved for certain purposes. The Des Moines Navigation and Railroad Company have conveyed to in- dividuals large bodies of the lands thus conveyed to them. The lines of three of the land grant railroads (the Dubuque & Sioux City, the Cedar Rapids & Missouri, and the Mississippi & Missou- ri) cross the Des Moines river above its forks, and hence arises a conflict between these companies and the companies and their grantees, and the grantees of the state who hold portions of those lands as part of the original Des Moines river grant. These rail . road companies claim that the Des Moines river grant never really extended above the forks of the river at Des Moines, and that consequently all conveyances made by the state of lands above
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that point, as Des Moines river grant lands are invalid, and that by virtne of the railroad land grant they acquired a title to all such lands lying within the limits of their respective grants.
" The state having only conveyed what title it had to these lands may not be legally liable to make good any loss that may result to others from a failure of that title, but certainly is morally bound, at the least, to do what may be reasonably and fairly done to protect the rights and interests of those threatened with such loss. When the state granted to the railroad companies the lands granted to the state by congress for railroad purposes, it was not contemplated by the parties, certainly it was not contemplated by the state, that it was granting to these companies lands previ- ously conveyed by the state to others, and if since the making of these grants the companies who are to receive the benefit of them have discovered that by strict legal construction they are entitled to more than was contemplated, either by themselves or by the state, and are disposed to enforce strictly these legal rights, to the injury of innocent purchasers from the state ; the state may, and I think should, hold these companies in all things to a strict com- pliance with the terms of the grants made to them. If these com- panies are now in default, and ask the indulgence and clemency of the state, it seems to me the state may very properly, before extending such indulgence and clemency, inquire and know what indulgence and clemency these companies will extend to the unfortunate holders of these lands, and make for the one with the other such terms and conditions as may be equitable and just to all."
The governor concludes his message by saying : "The year which has just closed, has brought to our people a new experi- ence, new trials, new responsibilities, and new duties. Let us continue to meet them as we have thus far met them, with neither an overweening confidence in, and reliance upon our own strength, nor an unmanly and craven fear for ourselves, or of the hardships we may endure before we win by deserving success, but with patience, calmness, unflinching conrage, and an abiding faith in God."
On the 15th of January, 1862, the two houses met in joint con- vention to canvass the votes for governor and lieutenant governor,
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agreeably to the provisions of law. The canvass was concluded with the following result :
Whole number of votes cast for governor. 105,594
Of which Samuel J. Kirkwood received.
60,252
W. H. Merritt. 40,187
S. M. Samuels
4,551
Henry Clay Dean
462
Seattering ..
142
Whole number of votes cast for lieutenant governor was 102,978
Of which John R. Needham received. 60,145
Lauren Dewey 38,617
Jesse Williams. 4,123
Scattering. 88
Whereupon the president announced Samuel J. Kirkwood elected governor of the state for the term of two years, and that John R. Needham was duly elected lieutenant governor for the term of two years, they having received a majority of all the votes cast at the election in October, 1861.
After the announcement of the result of the canvass, a com- mittee was appointed to inform the governor and lieutenant gov- ernor of their election, and to inform the governor that they were in readiness to hear his inaugural message. Gov. Kirkwood soon after appeared and read his inaugural address. This document gave an account of the struggle then pending, of the causes of the rebellion, the action of the Iowa troops in the service at Blue Mills and Belmont, and highly commending their bravery, when called upon to meet the enemy.
The general assembly adjourned sine die on the 8th of April, 1862.
The following are some of the important acts passed by the ninth general assembly at the regular session : To assume the col- lection and payment of the quota apportioned to the state of the direct tax annually laid upon the United States by act of con- gress, approved August 5, 1861 ; to appropriate money ($3,000) for the relief of sick and wounded soldiers among the Iowa volun- teers ; to provide for the payment of taxes and the interest and principal of the school fund on treasury demand notes, issued by
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the state bank of Iowa and the several branches ; for the assess- ment, levy, and collection of the quota of the state of the tax laid on the United States by act of congress, and the payment of audit- or's warrants ; for the completing of the blind asylum at Vinton, and appropriating ten thousand dollars for that purpose ; to authorize the governor to procure passes over railroad and steam- boat routes for sick and wounded soldiers ; to provide for the ap- pointment and pay of additional surgeons, and for the employ- ment of nurses in the Iowa regiments in the government service ; to provide a uniform standard of weights and measures, and cre- ating the office of state superintendent of weights and measures ; relating to the suppression of intemperance ; to make a further appropriation ($10,000) for finishing and furnishing of the hospi- tal for the insane at Mt. Pleasant ; to exempt the property of Iowa volunteers in the military service from levy or sale ; making appropriations for the payment of state and judicial officers, inter- est on state bonds and loans, etc. ; for the better protection of the school fund; to provide for the support of the deaf and dumb and blind asylums; to remove the blind asylum from Iowa City to Vinton, Benton county ; to amend and consolidate the school laws of the state.
CHAPTER XXXV.
IOWA IN THE WAR.
Kirkwood's Second Term - Extra Session of the Legislature in 1862 - Laws Passed - Governor's Message - Election of 1863 - Regimental History for 1862 - Cavalry and Battery Sketches.
AGREEABLY to a proclamation of the governor, calling for an extra session of the legislature, the general assembly convened at Des Monies on the third day of September, 1862.
Gov. Kirkwood in his message says: "When you closed your last regular session, the belief prevailed very generally that the strength of the rebellion had been broken; the lapse of time has shown that belief to be erroneous and a change of legislation upon some questions of public interest has become necessary, and you have been convened in extraordinary session to consider matters vitally affecting the public welfare, which require, in my judgement, your immediate action." The governor recommended such increase of the contingent fund, for extraordinary expenses, as they may deem necessary; he remarked, that the state had nearly 50,000 men in the field, and recommended an increase in the force of the adjutant general's office for the necessary trans- action of the business now connected with that department. He also recommended that a camp of instruction be established, and that the several counties of the state be required to furnish their equitable proportion of men to place in camp under instruction ; that when men should be needed to fill the ranks of any of the regiments, requisitions be made for the proper number. He fur- ther recommends, that the laws of the state be so modified, that all members of Iowa regiments, who would be entitled to vote, if at home, on the day of election, be allowed to vote wherever they may be stationed in the United States, and that provision be made for receiving and canvassing their votes; also, that those (298)
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Ora Bung
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persons entertaining peculiar views upon the subject of bearing arms, and whose religious opinions conscientiously entertained preclude their so doing, be exempted therefrom in case of draft, upon the payment of a fixed sum of money to be paid to the state.
The governor stated, that since the adjournment of the legisla- ture, congress had passed a law donating public lands to the several states and territories which may provide colleges for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts; and that, under this law, the state of Iowa was entitled to a donation of two hundred and forty thousand acres of land. He recommended suitable legislation on this subject.
The following are the principal laws passed at this extra ses- sion : to provide for the protection of the northwestern frontier of Iowa from hostile Indians; to appropriate money to meet the expenses of the executive department, and to provide for the sick and wounded soldiers in the service ($30,000); for the better protection of the southern border of the state ; to provide for the acknowledgment of instruments by the soldiers in the military service, and for the administration of oaths ; to accept of the grant and carry into execution the trust conferred upon the state by an act of congress for the benefit of agriculture and the mechanic arts; to amend the law of 1860, and enable the quali- fied electors of the state, in the military service, to vote at certain elections ; to legalize appropriations made by the boards of super- visors for the payment of bounties and for the support of the families of volunteers ; to provide for the appointment of sani- tary agents and to define their duties; to create the office of assistant adjutant general, and an act to provide for the selection of lands granted to the state by act of congress, approved July 13, 1862, confirming a land claim in the state of Iowa, and for other purposes. The state election for members of congress, and half of the senate and members of the assembly, took place on the second Tuesday of November, 1862. At this election the platform of the republican party was similar in its general prin- ciples to that adopted by the same party in Illinois ; and that of the democratic party was similar to that adopted by the same party in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The offices to be
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