USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, and its people, Volume I > Part 16
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but he believed in the sovereignty of the states and believed in pursuing a milder, more legislative and persuasive course, and that eventually the South would be convinced of her error and correct those evils without interference, and bloodshed. And possibly this would have transpired if the North had been con- tent to submit to every insult and treasonable act, for there is no denying the fact that the South foreed the situation and compelled the North to bear arms in self defense. And. too, we cannot help but admit that other countries, in faet all the European countries had and have abolished human traffic by law. Our country has the awful distinction of being the only country in the entire world which had to settle the question in armed conflict and with such horrible sacrifice of life and property. But to return to that first organized meeting which was the spark that started the consuming fires of patriotism which raged here and prompted such an outpouring of actual service and resulted in so many en- listments. Mr. Sampson, pastor of the Methodist Church, declared his readiness to march in the ranks if necessary, thus showing that he would not urge others to a duty from which he considered himself exeused.
At a late hour the meeting adjourned, after adopting a motion made by W. G. Donnan, that committees be appointed to organize companies and raise the funds that would be required for their outfit. This meeting fully developed the fact of the unity of sentiment which existed in this community and the unflinching loyalty of the Government, and it likewise demonstrated that, should occasion demand, one company of volunteers for active service and another as a contingent could be raised on short notice. A meeting for those desirous of forming a com- pany whose services should be offered at once to the governor, was appointed for the Wednesday evening following and the Citizens' Meeting adjourned sub- jeet to the call of Mr. Ingalls, chairman.
Some incidents showing clearly the state of the public mind, as expressed at the first telegraphie dispatch announcing the cannonading upon Fort Sum- ter, was the raising of a flag. belonging to the citizens of Independence, npon the flag-staff, near the courthouse and as its beautiful folds were unfurled to the breeze the wildest cheers went up again and again from the assembled crowd. Democrats and republicans alike joining heartily in the vociferous outburst of patriotism. Flags were also raised and kept flying from the offices of the county papers, the Guardian and Civilian, nor did one excel the other in the ardor of its utterances supporting the Government and the war measures. This sounds rather tame, but in so many places the sentiments were so divided and so bitter. To be sure in the Civilian we read articles not in concord with this general feel- ing, articles full of vitriolie remarks, and censure of the "blood thirsty" aboli- tionists. and deerying the view taken by the editor of the Guardian and his "No Compromise Editorials," aceusing the republicans of "preferring party to peace." of having brought the Government to the brink of ruin, "Nothing will satisfy them but blood, blood, blood." "Great God when will reason again resume control of the American people-would to God we might hear from every portion of this onee glorious and happy land. the voice of peace, peace, and then and not until then, can we expect to be united, prosperons and happy. If we had less 'No Compromise' articles and 'sensational dispatches,' and in their stead sober, candid editorials, setting the truth before the people, we would in a short time, hear voices throughout the land erying for peace: and such I
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believe to be the duty of every lover of this Union." These were not written by the editor, however, but by a subscriber. Another ineident oeenrred on Satur- day, April 14th, while a ease was on trial in the District Court, and while the jury was attentively listening to the examination of witnesses, someone brought into the courtroom a Dubuque paper containing the first account of the fight at Charleston. The news flashed around the courtroom instantaneously, and created great excitement. Lawyers, witnesses, and jurymen caught the infection, and it was found impossible to proceed with the case until they all had heard and dis- eussed the news. The jury would give no attention until the war news was read to them, which was at length done by order of the court, a suspension of pro- eeedings having been ordered for that purpose. "The case of South Carolina and Seeession. thus uneeremonionsly brought before the jury was of a character to require no eross-examination of witnesses, no special pleading of lawyers." The crime was premeditated, self-evident, and their rendering of a judgment was quick and impartial and the decision has never been and never will be reversed -or the case appealed. Patriotic enthusiasm as evinced in those public demon- strations and meetings was by no means confined to the county seat, but at varions points in the county. public meetings were held, at Qnasqueton, Littleton, and other places.
Volunteers were daily offering their services and everywhere offers of money for the support of the families of volunteers were being made. An enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Littleton and vicinity was held early in May, with the avowed object of organizing a military company whose services should be offered to the governor as soon as the organization was complete. Many ladies were present and were as enthusiastic as the men. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. Lewis, Leavitt, and Hord of Independence ; and hy Reed, Muncy, San- ford, and others of Littleton. Thayer's Band, from Barelay was present, and when the fife and drum played those stirring National airs, the patriotism of the people was raised to fever heat. History makes mention of the faet that no town, village, or hamlet, was destitute of a flag (flags were not as common then as now) and at the county seat whenever news of especial concern was received, printing offices and stores hung out flags, in such profusion as to suggest the thought that, unconsciously, the loyal heart of the North was striving by a double meed of allegiance to atone for the indignities offered elsewhere to this sacred emblem of the Nation's power and majesty.
The first official word of instruction to companies was received in a letter from Hon. William Vandever to Mr. Rich, in which he told what the require- ments would be, what officers, uniforms, arms, and other equipment was needed. They were advised to furnish themselves with some simple style of uniform such as a gray tweed flannel (blonse and pants) to answer until the Legislature met at its extra session which met May 15, 1861, when it would undoubtedly make some provision for arming and equipping several regiments. The state would distribute arms as fast as they were received from the Federal Govern- ment. He said it was the desire of the governor to have such companies formed all over the state, fully equipped and prepared for any emergency, but not to interfere with their business pursuits. He further wrote, "I trust that in the next regiment required from the state, some of your northern companies will be preferred over those from the river towns." And as is usual in times of war
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the men were not only willing but anxious to go to the front and "lick the saucy rebel traitors to a finish in one good round, etc.," were their boasts, as likewise, did the rebels boast of what they would do to the pusillanimous Yanks. Little did they imagine what the outcome would be, and what awful carnage and destruction would be endured before the end.
Lincoln's first call had been for "ninety day" enlistments, believing that sufficient time to establish peace and order and reestablish Goverment in the Sonth. On April 16th he had issued a proclamation, giving the rebels twenty days in which to disperse ; this time expired on Sunday, May 5th, and from that date it was the firm resolve of the Administration, and in fact the determined sentiment of the entire North to crush ont this infamous Rebellion. Nothing should intervene and no armistice, compromise, or half-way measures should divert them from their purpose. An editorial written by Mr. Rich appeared in the Guardian of May 7, 1861 -- which so well sums up the situation and expresses the sentiments of this community that we consider it an important paper to preserve.
"On Sunday night last, May 5th, the twenty days which Mr. Lincom, in his proclamation, gave the rebels to disperse, expired, and from now onward noth- ing will intervene to prevent the Government from pushing its movements actively against the traitors." F. W. Seward, Assistant Secretary of State, tele- graphed to New York, in refutation of the report that an armistice had been asked by the Government, that that sort of thing ended on the 4th of March ; and we may therefore conclude, both from that and Mr. Lincoln's reply to the Maryland deputations, that the administration is fully resolved to give action to the determined sentiment of the whole North, that this infamous Rebellion must not be compromised with, but nuist be erushed out-erushed out so effec- tively that the men and the system that for long years have kept the country in foment, shall never thereafter be able to create a disturbance. The country demands no half-way measures. It demands of the Goverment no longer con- servative or defensive efforts, but calls for a forward, aggressive movement. It demands not only that Washington may be made secure, but that every fort, arsenal, and Government building in the slave states, stolen by the secessionists shall be retaken. Demands that no thought of reconstruction, no prop- osition of division shall be entertained, but that the Union and the Constitution, as they have existed. shall be preserved intact. Since they have been forced to fight. they demand that the question in issue shall be settled forever -- that slavery shall no longer have the power to convulse the country as it has done heretofore.
This firm determined stand of the people and the administration, has had its clear effect in the border states. Maryland, for a time overcome by a bold mob, has received a strengthening of backbone by this evidence of the power and will of the great North. Again the American flag floats throughout all her borders. Again her people in mass meetings deelare their fidelity to the Union, and her Legislature is forced to frown down the idea of secession. The cry of northern volunteers, "Through Baltimore, or over it," has made that city almost as patriotic as could be desired. Western Virginia stands boldly up, under the inspiration of northern firmness, and declares that she will battle to the death with the secessionists of the eastern part of the state. Missouri, also, as
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well as Kentucky and Tennessee, dare not declare against the old flag, in view of the glorious uprising of the free states, and the stern determination to drive treason from the land. Treacherous as they were and are still willing to prove with secession triumphant ; with a northern army on their borders, and the free states united and determined, they have found it inexpedient to secede, and will probably so continue to find it. Virginia that demanded so much consideration, that elaimed so much power, has gone over to the seceders, and this movement has had no other effect than to show how weak she really was, with all her vaporing. Her going has detracted nothing from the strength of the Govern- ment, and added nothing to the seceders. Her power is now forever broken, because all see that the influence she elaimed in the Confederacy she could not have possessed. Her pretentions were a mere bubble, and she herself has pricked it.
We hope, then, that the Government will declare, as the people have done, a firm determination to permit no division of our territory, no disruption of the Union.
With that declaration as the basis of its campaign the free states will make short work of this Rebellion.
These conditions occasioned Lincoln's second call, on May 14th, for 83,000 additional troops and this news was received here as everywhere with undis- guised satisfaction. The fact that no requisition was to be made upon the states for the 40,000 volunteers, for three years' service, was commented upon as being favorable to Iowa troops; all regiments offering being accepted until the full number was enrolled. The announcement of the completion of the first Inde- pendence Company appeared in the same issue as Lincoln's second call for troops. This company had been formed with the full determination to do active service if possible, a solemn oath being administered to each new recruit. Quas- queton, too, had reported on the same date, a "home guard" of nearly one hundred members, and had commenced drilling in "dead earnest," with the ulti- mate aim to do their sacred duty to their country and to its cause. Another company known as the "Buchanan County Light Infantry" was formed a short time after the "Independence Guards," but were not mustered into service until some weeks later.
On June 1, 1861, the Independence Guards having completed their roll, held a meeting for the purpose of electing officers which resulted as follows: D. S. Lee, captain; G. C. Jordan, first lieutenant ; W. S. Marshall, second lieutenant ; C. L. White, first sergeant ; R. S. Marlin, second sergeant ; T. Blondin, third sergeant ; J. D. C. Garrison, fourth sergeant ; C. J. Reed, first corporal; E. A. Woodruff, second corporal ; J. 11. Me Williams, third corporal ; O. J. M. Fuller, fourth corporal. The company being fully organized, Captain Lee and Mr. Rich went to Iowa City to tender their services to the governor with the expec- tation and desire of being accepted and sent immediately into active service. Meanwhile squad drills were held every evening in Morse's Hall and every morning between 4 and 5 o'clock on the old raee grounds on the west side of the river, showing that they meant business and not just talk and that they realized the necessity for preparation, that they might do better service for their country, and gallantly defend their noble cause.
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Just as these strenuous preparations of war were going on, news flashed through the entire country that Stephen A. Douglas was dead, which caused a general feeling of sorrow and depression to pervade the hearts of those already weighted with anxiety and gloom. A call was made for a meeting at the court house, June 5th, at 7 o'clock P. M., that the citizens might meet and show their respect for the dead. The court house was filled to overflowing and the greatest solemnity and sincerest sorrow prevailed. Every one, without regard to party affiliation, deeply mourned this honest man, true patriot, and great statesman. J. S. Woodward presided and L. W. Hart acted as secretary. The objeet of the meeting was stated by the chairman and a committee on resolutions reported through their chairman, O. II. P. Roszell.
After the reading of these resolutions, appropriate and eloquent remarks were made by O. H. P. Roszell, Lorenzo Moore, Jed Lake, E. P. Baker, W. S. Marshall, W. G. Donnan, Mr. Pratt, Rev. Robert Fulton, J. H. Hord, and L. W. Hart. The resolutions were then unanimously adopted. The hall was orna- mented with numerous flags draped in mourning and also a large portrait of the deceased. A motion to have the proceedings of the meeting and resolutions printed in the county papers and send a copy to the family of the deceased, carried. The meeting then closed with singing by the children and prayer by Rev. Sampson. Soon thereafter subseriptions were taken for the purpose of erecting a monument to this noble hero. C. F. Leavitt was the appointed agent and our generous patriotic eitizens as usual subscribed liberally.
Though assured of their acceptance, the "Guards" were not assigned to a regiment until the last week in June, when Governor Kirkwood wrote to Captain Lee as follows :
"Executive Office, Iowa City, "June 25, 1861.
"Captain Lee, Independence Guards.
"Dear Sir: Your company is assigned to the Fifth Regiment Iowa Volun- teers, and under the recent call of the war department will be sent to ren- dezvous at Burlington as soon as arrangements can be perfected-perhaps next week. Fill up your ranks to not less than eighty-four, not more than 101 men. If you can avoid it, do not go into quarters at home, as I have no money, and shall have none till the state bonds are sold.
"If you cannot possibly avoid going into quarters, do so, but not otherwise.
"As soon as matters are arranged, I will send you orders to march to Burlington.
"I enclose printed circular, and call your special attention to that part relat- ing to clothing, and hope you may be able to conform to the suggestions therein contained.
"Please answer immediately.
"Very respectfully, "Samuel J. Kirkwood."
The following extraet from a eireular enclosed with the letter giving sugges- tions in regard to the outfit of volunteers is very interesting, in view of the great changes in military requirements, and the rank extravagance of our armies of today in uniforms, arms, and equipment.
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"It is desirable that, in case you be called into active service, you have a change of clothing. I therefore suggest that your men procure for themselves, with the aid of your neighbors, the following articles for each man: A gray or black felt hat-gray is the best ; two good gray flannel shirts; one pair stout gray satinet or cloth pants, lined, with black stripe up the seam ; two pair socks, and one pair stout, well made brogans or laced boots. These articles will answer, with a good blanket, which will be furnished by the state, when you may be called out, until a uniform can be furnished by the state, and will continue to answer for a fatigue dress, or a change in case of being caught in the rain- and thus conduce to health. The state eannot furnish these things, but I hope your neighbors will aid you in procuring them. In case you shall not be called out, they can be worn as ordinary dress, and thus no loss will be sustained by the men."
As a consequence of these suggestions, a public meeting was called inviting all the people of the county to meet at the court house in Independence on Thes- day evening, July 2nd, to take steps to provide the necessary means for these purposes. This eall was signed by sixteen of the prominent citizens.
Both the Guardian and the Civilian had a generous tribute to the soldier boys and spoke in regard to their claims upon those who were to remain at home. They also said, with the utmost positiveness, that this company would be the only one to go from this county and used that as an argument for enlist- ment for all who wished to enter the service of the Government; that later enlistments would compel citizens of Buchanan to enter companies in other localities.
On the 2nd of July, Captain Lee received notice from Colonel Worthington of the "Towa 5th" that the "Guards" would probably receive orders to move to the rendezvous at Burlington on the following Monday, but owing to lack of transportation facilities they could not leave until Friday morning. Imme- diately upon receipt of this communication preparations began to be made in earnest and everybody seemed anxious to assist. The town became seething with life and aetion; the fife and drum, the sewing machine and needle were eon- stantly in use.
As a result of the public meeting, held in response to the call, and of sub- scriptions made subsequent to the meeting. $400 had been raised and the mer- chants and others contributed quantities of materials which were to be made into uniforms. Such a stupendous task seemed formidable enough, considering there was only one week in which to do the work, but as in every great emergency, the women have nobly risen to the occasion and lended their comfort and sup- port, so now the Buchanan County women answered this call, and to them really belongs the honor of being called into active service first. History reeords that "a full company, fully equipped, reported at the rendezvous at the first call of their country."
On Saturday, the second day, fully one hundred and twenty-five women were in attendance and all day Sunday, they continued the good work of mercy and necessity, "and kept it up with zeal and enthusiasm which never flagged until the seventh day when the work was finished and the entire company had been provided with uniforms, an aggregate of nearly three hundred garments." In addition each soldier had received from these women, a needle case, containing
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a pair of scissors and all the other necessities, needles, pins, buttons, and thread. As that was their last evening at home, a social meeting was called to afford the citizens an opportunity to bid the soldiers "God speed and Farewell. " Mr. Leavitt presided at this Farewell meeting and words of hope and encouragement were spoken which doubtless cheered the hearts of those brave men in many a trying hour and inspired them to acts of heroism. Captain Lee, when called upon to speak, acknowledged the great obligation both he and his men were under for the many kindnesses and services received from the people of Independence and the county at large.
The departure of this first company, "The Independence Guards," on the following morning, Friday, July 12th, was an event which, though intensely inspiring, verged on being more like a funeral cortege. In the morning, at 9 o'clock, the Guards assembled in front of the Montour House (where the Com- mercial Bank now stands) and were each presented with a Testament, by the Buchanan County Bible Association, after which Reverend Mr. Boggs, minister of the First Presbyterian Church, gave the presentation address. Reverend Mr. Fulton followed with a stirring speech and Reverend Sampson closed with an excellent prayer. The Guards were then dismissed to bid farewell to their friends and reassembled at the first tap of the drum. The town was crowded with people from the surrounding country and every one strove to the utmost to control their feelings; to bear up bravely and give the boys a cheerful fare- well. Many a soh was smothered, many a tear restrained, many a lip kept firm which was wont to tremble.
When the time for departure came, and the drum beat that solemn, prophetic tattoo every soldier fell into line and started forward on that fatal march which led to duty for all and death for some. The Independence band led the way to the depot, the Benton County Volunteers who had been quartered in town since Tuesday followed and our Independence Guards brought up the rear.
In an issue of the Civilian of July 16, 1861, the captain of the Benton County Volunteers published a list of eighteen deserters from his company, some of whom had enlisted twice. lle offered one cent reward for each ; evidently these were not very valuable "strays," at least, not for war service, and evi- d'ently they only enlisted for fun or for show and lacked the stamina and back- bone to fight. The Vinton Eagle resented this article in the Civilian declaring that they had no deserters, that every man was as "true as steel" and retaliated by saying that one member of the Independence Company deserted, was stripped of his uniform, paraded through the streets, where he was threatened and insulted and then thrown into jail because he was owing a small board bill. This was only true so far as his uniform was concerned-he was told to take that off and get out of town-which he did.
The scenes at the depot were even more affecting, hundreds of relatives and friends crowded around the departing heroes and there was enacted one of the most harrowing, tragieal moments of life, which only those who have to undergo it can image "the time of parting," and on such a mission, and with no assur- ance of return. Every soldier in the ranks was carrying a bouquet of flowers given him as a token of love and appreciation. Before the train arrived the soldiers, all of whom were too full for words and many who had given way to their feelings and wept, now mastered their sentiments, rose to the occasion
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and cheered and comforted their sorrowing friends and the spirit of patriotie fervor impelled them to cheers; cheers for "The Vinton Boys," for the wives, mothers, and sweet-hearts and the crowd of people, several thousand in number, joined in lustily, although with breaking hearts, and voices. Then Captain Lee proposed three cheers for the noble and patriotic ladies of Independence, which were given loud and long. Ile then proposed three cheers for the friends left at home, which were given with a will by the company. Soon the special train from the west arrived with a company from Hardin County aboard (cheerful and brave looking men) and ent short the fearful prolonged tension, which the soldiers acknowledged was much harder than facing the cannon's mouth or the hail of grape and canister which these brave men would face without flinching. The whistle sounded and the final moment of farewell came, pledges of love and friendship were exchanged, fond embraces and tender kisses were imparted and then amidst the booming of cannon, the cheers, and tears, the fluttering of handkerchiefs, waving flags and beekoning of hands, the train slowly moved off bearing away those gallant, noble hearted patriots, and with them the blessings and prayers of thousands, for their success and safe return. It takes conrage to face death, but it takes more sometimes to face life with all the horrors of anxiety, suspense, privation, and despair which can befall mankind.
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