USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 35
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General Gilbert moved with General Garrard's divis- ion to the left of General Steele, now besieging Blakely. The regiment did excellent service during the siege- skirmishing by day, extending the parallels by night, all the while under the fire of the enemy. These opera- tions lasted until April 19th, when, with one company on the skirmish line, the others in the main line of assault, the regiment, Major Howard commanding, joined in the charge, before whose impetuous onset the rebel works and garrison fell into our hands, and the great rebellion fell into irretrievable ruins. In this fine success General Gilbert's brigade captured eight pieces of artillery and six hundred prisoners, with a loss to itself of less than thirty men, killed and wounded. General Gilbert, for his gal- lant, skilful conduct of this brilliant operation, was again recommended for promotion, which, no doubt, he would at once have received, but for the cessation of hostilities. He was brevetted a major general soon afterward.
In a few days the brigade was released from the duty of garrisoning the fort, to which it had been assigned, and joined the Sixteenth corps, marching on Mont- gomery. This march, of two hundred miles, was rapidly performed, and the regiment went into camp at the old rebel capital on the twenty-seventh. Here the command remained, awaiting orders for muster out more, than two months. The twenty-third of June, General Gilbert is- sued an elegant farewell order to his troops, and departed for the north, bearing with him the benediction of all his old comrades in arms. The regiment, having mean- while transferred its recruits to the veteran Iowa Twelfth, departed on the sixteenth of July; and, moving by Selma, Meridian and Jackson, to Vicksburgh, there took steamer, homeward bound. It was disbanded at Clin- ton, Iowa, in the early part of August, Lieutenant Col- onel Lake's farewell address being dated the eighth; and the members of the Twenty-seventh separated after journeys and marches of more than twelve thousand miles, guarding their ever unfurled colors through sun-
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
shine, and storm, and battle, never once furling the hon- ored emblem of our nationality, till the power of that nationality had been everywhere restored by means of the valor and endurance of the patriotic volunteers, such as composed this command.
LITERATURE OF THE WAR-SOLDIERS' LETTERS.
Buchanan county was exceptionally fortunate in the literary, as well as military, character of its soldiers. We fearlessly challenge any county history, published since the war, to show a collection of war letters at all com- parable with the following, either in quantity or quality. Some of these letters would do no discredit to Russell, or any other war correspondent that ever followed an army. But it is their chief glory that their authors went to the field not to write, but to fight. Like .Eneas, Xenophon and Cæsar, they told of scenes-"all of which they saw, part of which they were."
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE GUARDIAN-LETTER NO. 1. CAMP WARREN, July 19, 1861.
DEAR GUARDIAN :- Leaving Independence on the twelfth instant, we arrived at Burlington on the following Sunday, and were immedi- ately marched to the camp, which is about two miles from the city, on the fair grounds. There are three regiments encamped here-Colonel Lanman's, Colonel McDowell's, and last, though not least, Colonel Worthington's, the Fifth. I think our regiment will compare favorably with any that has been raised; and, when fully uniformed and drilled, will be unsurpassed. The men composing the regiment are mostly from the northern counties; and, among the officers, are some veterans of long service and experience. Our colonel is a graduate of the Lexington, Kentucky, military academy, and is a gentleman as well as a soldier.
In a few days we hope to move to another ground, where bathing and washing will be more convenient than at present. The regiments are quartered in huts, each hut containing bunks for one hundred men and a small hut immediately in the rear for the officers. In the morn- ing, at 5 o'clock, the reveille is beaten from the colonel's quarters, when the companies "fall in " for roll call, after which the men break ranks, and wash and clean up the quarters. Next comes breakfast call, and the companies are again formed and marched in two ranks to breakfast. The dining-room is a rather extensive one. There are about fifteen long tables, each capable of standing one hundred men. Each man has a tin plate, cup, and knife and fork. The fare consists of coffee, without milk or cream, bread, and meat for breakfast; the same for dinner, minus the coffee, and adding bean soup; supper the same as breakfast.
Drilling is going on constantly. There are officer drills, company drills, and squad drills. Each company in our regiment drills four hours a day in company, and the officers are drilled each day by the colonel.
The first two or three nights the weather was pretty cold, and our men, having no blankets, suffered somewhat; but yesterday the wel- come intelligence came that some four hundred blankets had arrived, and were to be immediately distributed. We obtained sufficient to make the men comfortable, and hope to obtain the balance before long. As soon as our arms and tents arrive we are to move and en- camp in good shape. On our route hither we were well cared for. Messrs. Allison and Conger did everything in their power to make the boys comfortable; and, on our arrival here, the captain of a company which had preceded us, whose name I did not learn, generously gave, up his dinner table to us. On the whole, I think our boys are doing well. They are improving in drill, and are in good spirits. Some few have been ailing, caused principally by change of water; but at present there are only two, I think, at all sick, and there is no doubt of their early recovery. As soon as we "get into the hang of things," i will try and keep you posted in regard to our movements.
LETTER NO. 11. CAMP WARREN, July 24, 1861.
DEAR GUARDIAN :- Since my last letter nothing of consequence has transpired, with the exception of the change in the eating department. The men now receive their rations, and cook them themselves. The
way we manage this is as follows: Every morning, at 5 o'clock, our orderly reports to the quartermaster's department, and draws for the use of the company the following provisions, being reckoned as one hundred rations: One hundred and twenty-five pounds of fresh beef, eight quarts of beans or ten pounds of rice, fifteen pounds of sugar, one and one-fourth pounds of candles, four pounds of soap, one gallon of vinegar, and two quarts of salt. These rations are for one day, and are delivered to the cooks who superintend the cooking of them. Each man is expected to take his turn as cook. The cooks for the present week are Messrs. Bunce and Francis, and no better ones could be ob- tained. No complaints have been made sinee they commenced, and they should feel well satisfied that such is the case. After a meal, the dishes are to be washed; and this is performed by squads, who take turns according to their number.
Every other day we have to furnish from nine to fourteen men for guards around the camp. They repair at the call to the place where the guard is formed, each detachment as it arrives taking post on the left of the preceding one, in open order. After the whole guard is formed, which consists of over one hundred men, they are inspected by the non-commissioned officers and the ranks closed, and marched to relieve the old guard, who are drawn up at the guard. house. As they arrive they take post on the right of the old guard, and the new officer of the guard and the old offieer of the guard advance and salute. The new guard is then divided off into three reliefs, and the first sent to relieve the sentries. The men are relieved in succession, commenc_ ing at the guard-house, and going around the entire camp. The meals for the guard should be sent to the guard-house at a time when they are relieved, or they stand but a poor chance of getting anything to eat.
There are in this camp three regiments; whether full or not I have not ascertained. Two companies came in this morning. Several of the companies were not full on their arrival here, and it created a great deal of trouble. I should advise no company to go into camp unless they have the full complement of men. It is the height of folly to expect to fill up in the river towns on the way.
Some of our men have no change of shirts, and it would conduce to health, cleanliness, and comfort if these could be furnished. I hope the citizens of Buchanan county will send enough to make up the bal_ ance. We have been well provided for by them-better, I think, than any company in the State, and we shall never forget their kindness and thoughtfulness.
The disastrous news of the defeat of McDowell has caused a general feeling of sorrow; but, in my opinion, it will only cause a renewed en- ergy to manifest itself, and a firmer determination to push forward our columns, and bring the war to a speedy close. God grant that it may be done with the least possible bloodshed. But let the Government be sustained, though it be at the cost of millions of lives and treasure. I understand that the Sixth regiment is now organized. The colonel, McDowell, who, by the way, is a brother of General MeDowell, now in Virginia, is a courteous and whole-souled gentleman, as you know; and, what is of more importance at this time, a competent officer.
If our friends wish to send us the "good things," tell them they will be received most thankfully. I can assure you our company is the most orderly on the ground, as the report from the guard-house daily shows. I will write as soon as anything transpires.
LETTER NO. 11I.
CAMP WARREN, July 28, 186r.
DEAR GUARDIAN :- Hot, dry and dusty. Not a particle of moisture have the clouds distilled for the past two weeks; and the earth, parched and burnt, sends up volumes of dust to fill the eyes, ears, clothing, and obstruct the respiratory passage of the pedestrian. With a strong wind from the south, the nuisance acqinres a tenfold intensity. Noth- ing escapes it-books, papers, blankets, and the whole paraphernalia of camp furniture speedily assumes a grayish hue. The cooks, poor fel- lows, hang down their heads in a state of perfect despondency; for the choice soup, over which they have made such great preparation, is apt to be very strongly seasoned with a substance unknown to Mrs. Leslie or Delmonico. Really, it would be quite a privilege if the God . Eolus would withhold his gentle breezes during dinner hour, and give us a chance to eat without swallowing an unlimited quantity of dirt at every meal. But there is nothing like campaigning to give a good appetite: and though there might have been some fastidious individuals at first, with squeamish stomachs, they can now walk boldly up to the hos- pitable board, and bolt their food with the gale blowing its biggest guns. We have already eaten our peck of earth, and shall make quite a hole in another if we stay here much longer. But we are gradually
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
getting habituated to our new mode of life, and find that many evils with which we were threatened, have no existence but in the imagina- tion. The greatest difficulty we have experienced is to overcome the sense of loneliness one feels when separated from the gude folks at home. But we shall enjoy their society all the better when we return. Nearly all the party have regained their buoyancy of spirits, and are ready and eager to get sight of a secesher. Whether the wish will be gratified very soon or not, remains to be seen.
On Friday, the twenty-sixth instant, our regiment was reviewed by the governor, who expressed great satisfaction at our appearance. It was quite an imposing sight. Immediately behind us were drawn up the Sixth and Seventh regiments, in battalion, extending in long parallel lines from north to south, and commanded by their respective colonels. The governor passed in front of each battalion, receiving the military salute, which was maintained by all until he had passed the distance of six paces. As soon as the review was completed, the parade was dis- missed, and the companies marched to quarters under the command of their sergeants. There are so many flying and contradictory re- ports iu camp, that it is safc not to place too much confidence in any of them. The latest one is that the colonel will march us to Keokuk as soon as our tents and blankets arrive. Quite probable; for our crowded condition here renders a removal to some more advantageous place highly desirable. New companies are arriving continually. One from Eddyville came last night. The Seventh regiment now lacks but one company of their full complement, and that will be here shortly. With such a crowd in camp, you may be sure we have lively times. The most interesting spectacle is to see the scramble every morning and evening at the commissariat department for rations. Here struggles a soldier with a heavy quarter of beef. There another is smiling with delight at having procured his regluar supply of coffee and sugar-atı- other more fortunate than the rest, has mounted the shoulders of his comrades, and, thrusting his mess-kettle in at the door, yells loudly for beans. None are compelled to wait long, and everything passes off with the best of humor. Indeed, taking into account the number of per- sons here assembled, of different tastes and dispositions, 'tis miraculous that there has not been more rows and fights in general. 1 have not yet heard of a single instance. Liquor is strictly prohibited from being brought upon the ground, a most beneficent and salutary measure; for with the dreaded firewater free for all to partake, we should have a pandemonium in earnest.
There are several beautiful residences near our camp, occupied by some of the oldest and most respectable families in the State. One, a large brick mansion situated about a mile west of us, is a model in point of external decoration. Flowers of the rarest and most beauti- ful hue, fill the air with their fragrance, while apple and pear trees bend beneath their load of luscious fruit. It is a general stopping place for our company; and, by some means, we chance to be great favorites with its inmates. This, I suppose, may be attributed, in a great measure, to the efforts of a young man in our behalf, who, becoming tired of the hum and roar of camp, went up there one sultry afternoon to write some letters. By what means he succeeded in ingratiating himself and company, none can tell; but certain it is that we were treated the next day to a couple of pailfuls of iced buttermilk, with the promise of hav_ ing more whenever convenient. Our reputation is established, in camp and country, as being quiet, orderly and chivalrous; and I hope that we may maintain it.
While I write, "Old Sol" is darting down his fiercest rays, render- ing our tent of boards anything but a cool place. O, for just one good blast from the north pole, to revive drooping nature, and freeze up a few of these accommodating musquitoes; which magnanimous insects are ever ready to greet your ears with a serenade, the moment the shades of night begin to fall. Last evening we were full of expectation. A large, portentous cloud arose in the northwest, which seemed to promise rain. After remaining stationary for awhile, and tantalizing us with its broad proportions, which contained the liquid fountains we were thirst- ing for, it slowly passed over to the east, giving to the parched and burning earth beneath it, "nary drop." I have finally come to the conclusion that rain is not necessary to the maintenance of animal or vegetable life, and that washing the face and hands is a superfluous act, which can be dispensed with without injury to the health or beauty of any person. Most of the boys have gone to church, leaving me and three or four others, to guard tent and write letters. As to me, I feel satisfied with a discourse I heard yesterday. The speaker, an intelli- gent minister belonging to the Seventh regiment, took his position near the door of our tent, and was listened to for nearly an hour by the men, with rapt attention. The exereises closed by the singing of Old Hun- dred, that grand, majestic anthem, which to me never sounded so well
before. Tears were in the eyes of many as they caught up and swelled the noble strain, and thoughts of friends and dear ones far away came over my mind thick and fast, as when a child I had listened to the same plaintive air in the village church of my eastern home.
News has just arrived that General Lyon has made a requisition upon the authorities of this State for troops-but how shall we be able to comply without arms?
Yours truly,
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. IV.
CAMP WARREN, August 2, 1861.
MR. EDITOR .- Still in the same old quarters, hotter than ever, and the dust gradually on the increase. Muttered grumblings, low and deep, are heard among the men, at the not very pleasant prospect of being confined here two or three weeks longer, with a scarcity of water, and nothing of an exciting character to do.
Last Monday was a period of great excitement. We had just re- turned from company drill, ready to hear and believe anything that promised to break up the monotony of this eating, sleeping, drilling life, when we were informed that the colonel had given us orders to be ready to march for Keokuk by four o'clock the next morning. To say that we were pleased would be using a very tame expression. The guards fairly shouted in the exuberance of their joy, and commenced packing up their "duds" in double-quick time. Those who had been at the trouble of putting up shelves, as a depository for various arti- cles, were but too glad to take them down again, consign the whole within paper wrappers, and label them for Keokuk. But alas for the uncertainty of human expectations! The fates had ordained that we should not leave this camp, with its beautiful surroundings and clouds of dust so soon. Besides the beef contractor has still some pretty tough specimens of superannuated cattle, which, when served up for the table, demand our utmost energy and perseverance to conquer ; and it will not answer to leave an unsubdued enemy in the rear.
On the evening parade the colonel stated that it would be impossi- ble to make the necessary arrangements for marching in so short a time, but that we should probably leave in a few days. In the mean- time we are to drill, and arrive at as great a degree of proficiency as possible. We shall have no time to spare; for, judging from present indications, we shall soon be called into active service. The guns have not arrived, but they are daily expected. Report says they are to be rifles.
Wednesday, the thirty-first, was a gala day in camp. The sun rose in all his brilliancy, and the drums beat their liveliest reveille from the colonel's quarters. Fligs innumerable waved from tents, and officers arrayed in blue broadcloth with shining buttons, tripped quickly to and fro. Something unusual was on the tapis-perhaps an unruly secesher had been caught, and was about to be made an example of, or a homesick youth had broken guard, and struck out with his "tallest licks" for home-but no ; a party of excursionists from Mt. Pleasant, situated about twenty-five miles west of here, had come with the amia- ble intention of paying us, benighted heathen, a visit. Through the gate and over the ground they poured in a long continuous stream of young and old, short and tall, men and women, girls and youths. Some carried on their arms huge baskets, which our voracious appe- tites, sharpened by the wear and tear of masculine beef for two weeks, readily detected as conveying odors that could proceed only from fried chickens, currant jellies, and other nice " fixins." Of course the wind could not resist so tempting an opportunity to blow, and blow it did, with a force and fury which that venerable personage, "the oldest in- habitant," never saw surpassed. Dust rolled triumphantly through the passages and into the tents, converting the immediate whiteness of the ladies collars into a pepper and salt mixture, and interfering, in a most audacious manner, with their favorite hoops. Faces, which but an hour ago could rival the lily in purity, were reduced to a dubious gray ; while silks and satins no longer gleamed and rustled in the sunshine.
"Ah ! then and there was hurrying to and fro, And gatherings of distress"-
not to the battle-field, however, but to the old fair building, there to mourn, and counsel themselves over the wreck of dilapidated hoops, broken parasols, and the mutability of things in general. I kindly of- fered to assist a rosy damsel with her shawl, just out of pure benevo- lence, you know, but her "lovyer," a great strapping fellow, looked daggers at me, and intimated that my services were not needed. Con- cluded that they weren't, and "sloped." But, despite these inconven_ jenees, they appeared to enjoy themselves, and in their interest in their soldier friends, crumpled muslin, soiled silks, and all other discomforts were forgotten. It was a joyful meeting between many-mothers em-
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
braced sons, and pulled out, from the deep recesses of their pockets. many a little keepsake, from the household pets at home. Fathers tried to preserve their selfpossession, but the moistened eye and husky voice betrayed them. Sweet angels in calico would recognize among the soldiers a cousin or a brother, and rushing forward with a cry .of delight, bestow on them a hearty kiss. And lovers there were, who exchanged any quantity of les doux yeux-and why not? "It is ever the hravest in war, who are fondest and truest in love." This was the hardest of all to bear. Our boys could take the double-quick for half a day, and never tire ; sleep on straw, and rise in the morning ready to do or dare as much as any other men ; but to see so many bright eyes and smiling glances, and know that none of them were intended for us, was too much for our nature. At least, so I felt, as I sought my bunk and vainly endeavored to compose my mind to read a tract which some anxious friend had left me, entitled : "The way to do good." Read for a while and came to the conclusion to go and divide my to- bacco among the boys, as most of them were out, and I wanted to do a little good. But we, too, had been remembered, and were not, after all, the neglected and dejected company we imagined. One of the boys rushed up to me, half frantic, with a splendid cake in his arms, to which was appended a note, requesting him to distribute it among the guards, Yes, the good folks of Independence had again taxed their generosity, and here were the fruits. Butter and cheese, cakes and pies, and other things too numerous to mention, were brought to light. Last, but not least, came tobacco ; and the way the boys shouted and poured forth thanks, was a convincing proof that they had no particular ill-will toward the donors, We had a royal dinner for that day, at least. Cake and cheese were placed at each plate, with now and then a dish of yellow butter. The sergeants kindly vol- unteered to act as waiters, and when everything was ready, and the word given to charge, you ought to have seen the firm and intrepid manner in which they came up to the board and demolished the eata- bles. Many thanks, also, for the papers. They were as refreshing as a shower upon the desert. Even the love stories of the Ledger proved quite interesting, and served to wile away many an hour. Anything in the shape of reading matter is acceptable.
Five deserters were arrested the other day, and brought into camp. There were two sergeants, two corporals, and one high private. They escaped from the second regiment now stationed in Missouri. They were securely bound and taken to the guard-house. I was unable to learn their names, but they were fine, intelligent looking men. They complained bitterly of hard fare and harder treatment. The example appears to be infectious. Two of our-I wont say men-gave us the slip last night. A squad was detailed to search for them, but returned with no tidings. Telegraphic dispatches have been sent, and the po- lice are on the alert. I have not time or space to go into particulars. Their names are Sanford Hamilton and Wesley Williams. .
Yours, C. J. R.
LETTER NO. V.
BURLINGTON, August 3, 81% P. M.
FRIEND RICH :- The Fifth regiment started this evening at dark for " Dixie's Land," and at this hour we are in Burlington, awaiting a boat to convey us thitherward. I seize the present moment, simply to inform you of the fact, not intending to write you a lengthy letter.
At 2 o'clock this afternoon we received marching orders, since which time the camp of the Fifth has been a scene of unusual hurry and bustle. Upon receiving the above orders the tents of the Guards rang with deafening cheers, which increased in intensity up to the time of leaving Camp Warren, at which time the camp presented a scene of the wildest enthusiasm that I ever witnessed; and this not only in our own regiment, but through the Sixth and Seventh, which, at our departure, saluted us with the most deafening cheers, heartfelt wishes for our success, and earnest desires for a speedy reunion with our columns in a more southern clime.
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