USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 36
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We expect to stop at Keokuk for two or three days, or possibly one week, but not longer; when we are to advance into Missouri to take the place of the First Iowa regiment, whose term, as you are aware, has almost expired. In proficiency of drill we are, of course, far inferior to the First, but as to patriotism and ardent devotion to the cause in which we are engaged, that is excelled by none in the service.
Our "boys" are in excellent spirits, and are only anxious to push forward the work which we have so much at heart-the crushing of the rebellion. There are only two cases of slight indisposition in the company, and all are with the regiment except two, viz: Sanford Hamilton and Wesley Williams, of Spring Creek, who vesterday basely and cowardly deserted the company-of whom more anon.
The company learned with regret of Captain Lee's sickness, and all join in wishing him a speedy recovery and early reunion with our ranks We yesterday received the splendid present of luxuries from the ladies of Independence; but, in the hurry of to-day, have failed to acknowl- edge the receipt of the same. It will be attended to at our earliest leisure. Meantime tender to the liberal donors, grateful and sincere thanks from the Guards.
Very truly, your friend, A. B. L.
LETTER NO. VI.
KEOKUK, August 4, 1861,
DEAR GUARDIAN :- In my last 1 stated that our regiment had just received marching orders for Keokuk. Many of the boys were dis- posed to consider it a hoax, as we had been deceived so often before. But it was true, and at eight o'clock P. M. we struck tents and left Camp Warren for Burlington, where we were to take boat for Fort Madison. A large amount of our equipage, consisting of cartridges, uniforms, etc., had already arrived, and before that and the rest of our baggage could be conveyed on board, it was twelve o'clock. Two large barges were attached to either side of the steamer, and the troops filed on board, filling the boat from stem to stern. Reached Fort
Madison at half past three A. M., and took the cars. The train was so heavily loaded that it was next to inipossible for the engine to move it. Finally succeeded in reaching Keokuk without any serious acci- dent or loss other than our breakfast, and went into quarters. We are now stationed in a large store room, with good conveniences for cook- ing, and manage to make ourselves comfortable. The boys were over- joyed at leaving Camp Warren, and appear to be well suited with their present quarters. The sixth regiment arrived last night. The kindest courtesy is extended to us all by the citizens. A report was circulated yesterday that a party of secessionists have caused trouble on the Keokuk & Des Moines railroad, eighteen miles from here. They are getting quite troublesome in the northern part of Missouri, and it is probable that we shall be called there as soon as our guns arrive, which will be by the first of the week. Weather is excessively hot, but I have not heard of much sickness among the men.
In great haste, yours, · C. J. R.
LETTER NO. VII.
KEOKUK, August 7, 1861.
Since my last, we have had a slight touch of grim old war, but have passed through the ordeal safe and unharmed, and are ready to report all what we did or saw on the momentous occasion. Rumors to the effect that a large party of Missourians had assembled for the purpose of making an attack on Athens, a small town on the Keokuk, Des Moines & Missouri railroad, had been some time in circulation, but were generally discredited. On Monday, the fifth instant, news came that severe fighting was going on, and that the Union forces were hard pressed and required help. We had as yet received no arms, but suc- ceeded in procuring the loan of some old cap-lock muskets, which were kindly lent ns by the State until we could get rifles. By 9 o'clock nine companies from the Fifth and Sixth regiments were on board of the cars and steaming away for the land of Secessia. Many citizens, some with double shot guns and revolvers, accompanied, also a brass band. We were cheered tremendously at starting, and on the route maidens fair smiled upon us. Old ladies tottered to the doors and waved their night caps, or any other articles that they could get hold of, vigorously, while cheer upon cheer, caught up and prolonged by a thousand throats, were wafted over the waters of the Mississippi. We passed up the valley of the Des Moines river, through a low and broken coun- try, but sparsely timbered and poorly watered, and but little of the land in a state of cultivation. Not a farmer did we see in the fields, not a carriage upon the roads; but, in lieu thereof, sentries and squads of cavalry. At every turn it looked warlike. Ar- riving within two miles of Athens, the train stopped and the five com- panies of the Fifth regiment, with citizens, left the train, while the com- panies belonging to the Sixth proceeded at once to Athens. We forded the Des Moines at this point, and marched up the left bank, while the Sixth was to outflank the rebels if possible, attacking them both in front and rear. We had gone but a short distance when we were met by a party of horsemen, who informed us that the Missourians, sixteen hundred strong, under the lead of McGoffin, it was supposed, had at- tacked them at 4 o'clock that morning, but had been repulsed by Col- onel Moore, and were then in retreat towards the south. Lieutenant Colonel Matheis, who had command of one division, gave orders for immediate pursuit, as the seceshers wers supposed to be encamped at
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no great distance. We marched five or six miles, and finding no traces of them, bivouacked for the night on a smooth, open prairie, and awaited new developments. Here we learned from reliable author- ity that the rebels were sixteen miles distant, and in full retreat. As most of their force was mounted, it was folly to think of continuing the pursuit. In the morning we returned to Athens and rejoined the Sixth. Here we saw many evidences of the fight that had taken place. . . The Sixth regiment will remain here for a time. The Fifth returned to Keokuk, and will probably start for St. Louis in a few days. I find I have omitted many important particulars, but have no time to write further.
Respectfully yours, C. J. R.
LETTER NO. VIII.
ON BOARD STEAMER WAR EAGLE, } August 14, 1861, opposite St. Louis. §
EDITOR GUARDIAN :- Left Keokuk on the steamer Di Vernon Sun- dav morning, the eleventh instant, for St. Louis. There were five com- panies of men, and one hundred mules on board, the latter being des- tined for baggage service. Our trip down was as pleasant as could be expected, though the crowded condition of the boat did not offer many comforts. The hard sea biscuit and raw ham galled the conscience of many of the soldiers. In the evening we had a violent shower, the rain pouring down in torrents, running in miniature floods from the quarter and forecastle decks, and completely deluging many a luckless fellow, who was awakened by a stream of water pouring around his ears. Owing to the low stage of the river, our progress was but slow, being compelled to take a sudden turn every few moments to avoid some treacherous sandbar. Reached St. Louis the next day, and in- stead of being marched to quarters, as we expected, were immediately transferred to the Jennie Dean, a Government packet, and started for Jefferson Barracks, twelve miles below, where we remained all night on board. The next day we landed on the river bank, with the expecta- tion of staying a couple of weeks, at least. But no; we were ordered to hold ourselves in readiness for marching at a moment's notice, and this morning took to the water once more for Boonville.
Looking over the Daily Bulletin, a secession sheet, I saw this morn- ing a notice of a great battle fought in the southern part of this State, in which the Federal forces were reported completely routed, and Gen- eral Lyon killed. We hardly believe it as yet. Should it prove true, however, the most of the troops in the northern part of the State, with the exception of the Fifth regiment, will be withdrawn to support Gen- eral Sigel. General Fremont is now at St. Louis, and is using the most vigorous measures.
Our boat is dismantled of all her furniture, and everything put in order.
The officer of the day has just come into the cabin, saying that we are bound for Lexington, distance three hundred and fifty miles from here. The boys are all well-everyone. Mail just going, so good bye.
C. J. R.
LETTER NO. IX.
JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI, August 16th, } On board the steamer War Eagle.
FRIEND RICH :- This is our third day out, and we are still steaming over the turbid waters of the Missouri. Of all the dirty, ill-looking streams I ever saw, this is the worst. A pailful of water will de- posit a sediment an inch in depth. We are compelled to use it, however, for drinking and culinary purposes, and in justice, I must say that it is far better than it looks. It is healthier and pleasanter to the taste than that furnished by its illustrious brother, the Mississippi. The banks in places are low, and fringed with a thick undergrowth of vines and willow bushes, which make a jungle almost impenetrable for man or beast. In other places the banks rise in rocky bluffs to the height of a hundred feet or more from the surface of the water, and are covered with a heavy growth of cottonwood and sycamore trees, which are the principal timber.
The chief towns between St. Louis and Jefferson City, are Washing- ton and Harmon, each containing between four and five thousand white inhabitants, and any quantity of negroes. The latter class, as far as I have seen, appear to be well dressed and to enjoy a certain degree of independence, for which they may thank Claiborne Jackson, and others of a like stamp, who, in seeking to pin them forever to a southern con- federacy, have brought in a set of fellows to aid the Government in their unconditional liberation. Said an intelligent darkey to me the other day:
"W'e hab easier times now, massa gwine to give us our freedom be- fore we be contrabens. 1)is chile fights for de Union, you see."
And away he went humming the "Star Spangled Banner." Many of them since the war began are thrown out of employment, and hang heavily upon the hands of their masters, who would be heartily glad to dispose of them if they could. A good, whole-souled Christian slave trader in St. Louis has an advertisement in to-day's paper, in which he kindly offers to sell a couple of fat, bacon-fed niggers at a loss of forty per cent., stating as his reason for so doing, that business of an imper- ative nature demands his immediate presence south.
The Missouri & Pacific railroad here follows the river for the whole dis- tance, and must have been constructed at great expense, there being heavy grading and blasting through solid rock. Three different bridges have been burned by the secessionists on this route, but they are now all rebuilt stronger and more substantial than ever, and guards are stationed at the distance of every mile. At the towns we passed, the "Stars and Stripes" were waving, and cheers for the Union were given. All appeared overjoyed at the appearance of our troops, while not a single representative of Jeff Davis appeared. Union men are becom- ing inspired with confidence in the power and determination of the Federal Government, and the reign of tyrants and terrorism that has hitherto held the good and loyal citizens of the State in restraint is drawing to a close. The disunionists either leave or preserve a respect- ful silence. Many of them are still in St. Louis, but the presence of General Fremont with a large military force, and the fact that he has proclaimed the city to be under martial law since the fourteenth instant, has had a most salutary effect. I caught a glimpse, and a glimpse only, of the general while we were lying at St. Louis. He was sitting in a carriage, watching the embarking and departure of the troops. I was not near enough to get a distinct view of his features, but contented myself with gazing long and fixedly upon the stovepipe hat that graced his head.
Much grief is manifested at the death of General Lyon. His noble efforts in behalf of the Government, and the wisdom he displayed in preparing the campaign, have enshrined his memory in the heart of every patriot citizen. Instead of becoming discouraged at our recent defeat at Springfield, for you can call it nothing else, the War Depart- ment is making more gigantic preparations than ever. It is hkely that General Fremont will start soon with a fleet of gnn-boats down the Mississippi to Bird's Point, while General Siegel and other com- manders will cooperate from different portions of the State.
LETTER NO. X. JEFFERSON CITY, August 17, 1861.
Bright and beautiful is the opening day, and the sun, as he gently rises from behind the bank of fog that is curling upward in fantastic wreaths from the bosom of the broad Missouri, lights up with a mild radiance hill and valley, and falls with a golden lustre upon the cupola of the capitol, from the dome of which is suspended in proud triumph the stars and stripes. The principal objects of inter- est in Jefferson City are the capitol and penitentiary buildings. The former stands upon a high bluff, commanding a fine view of the sur- rounding country, and is built of limestone. The Second Illinois brig- ade is quartered there with two pieces of artillery. The long and lofty senate chamber no longer echoes the sounds of violent political discus- sions, the rustling of papers, and the beat of the speaker's mallet. They have given way to the tramp of the sentry, the click of the mus- ket, and the ringing sound of the bayonet. In the rooms once occupied by the traitor Jackson and his confreres, plotting the dissolution of the L'nion, are now quartered the volunteer defenders of their assailed country.
Sunday, August 18th.
Started this morning for Lexington, but had proceeded but a short distance when we were met by the steamers McDowell and White Cloud, having on board the l'ifth Missouri regiment. They had been fired into about two miles above, and one of their number killed. After a short consultation our boats returned with the others to Jefferson City, where we are now stopping.
C. J. R.
The young hero who was " off for the war " already in the harness. LETTER NO. XI.
CAMP DOUGLAS, CHICAGO, August 17, 1861.
FRIEND RICH :- Everybody now-a-days is supposed to be interested in the welfare of "our boys," and everybody wants to know all about them. There are, of course, two sides to a soldier's life, and when a glowing picture is painted there is a natural curiosity to see the con- trasting shades. As I am not under restrictions, I shall endeavor to
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present the truth unvarnished. Let me say, at the start, that a soldier in camp has no time to polish his letters, and were I not aware of the charity of your readers, I should hesitate to comply with your request to write occasionally for the Guardian.
I have now been in barracks with the Douglas brigade two weeks. How I came here need not be detailed. A personal narative is not my object, and would not interest your readers. This regiment, called by license the Douglas brigade, has been collecting for several weeks, and comprises at present nine hundred men. These are divided into four- teen companies, only a few of which are full. The smaller companies will probably combine, and the regiment be fully organized next week. Our camp is beautifully situated in an oak grove, three and a half miles south of Lake street, and near the lake shore. We are quartered in rough board shanties, having two rows of bunks, one above the other on each side, each shanty large enough to accommodate a full com- pany. The bunks are filled with good, sweet hay, and for those of us accustomed, from choice, to lie on the floor during the summer months, are positively luxurious. I have no complaints to make of our quar- ters. We have been furnished with warm blankets, and no one need suffer from exposure. I will here state that the regiment is organizing under the auspices of the General Government. The requisition for arms and uniforms was made some time since, but we have not been able to discover much of what the papers term "characteristic energy," so far as supplying them is concerned. We have received our blankets, and shoes for those entirely destitute; but we otherwise present every characteristic of the "ragged regiment." We hear rumors that our uniforms are about to be contracted for in Chicago, which does not look like an immediate provision. The boys are very patient, how- ever, and I am surprised that there are so many noble souls here. As a general thing the boys seem inspired by a devoted patriotism, and conduct themselves accordingly ; but it must be confessed that there are here a large number who are actuated by haser motives ; and it is among these that the grumblers are almost invariably found.
We have plenty to eat. To be sure the coffee is sometimes dis- covered to be compounded of burnt beans, acorns, and various other untropical ingredients, and the bread is occasionally a little sour, but we all know it to be the fault of the virtuous contractors, and not of our officers, and so we grin and bear it. One great fault in the com- missary department of the army generally is the failure to supply fresh vegetables in the place of some of our salt meat rations. We cannot even get good potatoes, and are hereafter to be confined to regular rations, which consists of meat, bread, rice or beans, sugar, coffee, soap, salt, vinegar and candles. The above list includes all our allow- ances, with the exception of a little pepper and wood. We are not even to be allowed, as heretofore, to trade off a portion of our villain- ous salt pork for molasses and sugar. We expect the scurvy in a few days, but we shall endure it all without grumbling-if we can. The temptation is certainly very strong when one is fortunate enough to get a pass for town, to spend one's money simply to get a change of diet. But 1 expected all this, and have no fault to find so far as I am concerned ; but it makes my heart ache to see men suffering from sick- ness caused by the want of food which could be provided without ex- pense to the Government; for we would willingly give half of our meat rations for good new potatoes alone. This letter is already too long, and I will close with the statement, that the name of this regiment seems not to have been taken into consideration at all by the men en- listing. I suppose there are as many known as Republicans as there are of Douglas Democrats composing it. We are all of one name- Americans.
J. L. LOOMIS.
LETTER NO. XII.
JEFFERSON CITY, August 27, 1861.
FRIEND RICH :- In your last issue, that is, the last received here, 1 noticed among the telegraphic items a statement in regard to our being fired into while coming up the river. This is a mistake. The much-looked-for pleasure of smelling "Secesh" powder has not yet been given us. After travelling nearly, or quite, one thousand miles, and enduring some, at least, of the privations of a soldier's life, we have yet to tell that we have had "nary scratch" of "real fun," How soon we may is uncertain, but the prospect is good at present.
The mistake above mentioned occurred on this wise: While on our way up the river, about fifty miles above here, we met two steamers carrying the Fifth Missouri regiment of three months' volunteers, whose time was out and who were going home. They said they had been fighting all day, the rebels firing from the timber which lines the shores, and running away on any landing being made for the purpose of en-
gaging them. The Fifth Missouri lost one man killed and four or five wounded.
Not having any artillery, our officers deemed it best to return here and send to St. Louis for some. On arriving at this place the next morning (Sunday, 18th), our orders to proceed to Lexington were countermanded, and we have remained here since. Tents have been distributed to six companies of our regiment, E being one of the lucky ones. The other four are quartered in houses. The health of all is good, and we are as happy a set of fellows as you would find on a summer day. Postage stamps are in great demand, many of the boys being utterly unable to obtain any, and therefore can not write to the "girl they left behind them." And, in fact, I should be very unwilling to narrate the manner in which I drew the one which will ornament the outside of this letter. Nothing is ever stolen, begged, or borrowed here, but if a man wants anything which is comeatable, he is sure to "draw " it.
The blankets furnished us are very warm and comfortable, but no protection against rain. Indeed, the principles of capillary attraction are not better illustrated by the sponge. Money is generally looked upon as filthy lucre, unworthy the notice of "brave soldiers." We have to-day drawn each a pair of new pants, a cap and a canteen. The pants and cap are blue, and a fair specimen of swindling contracts. The gray ones are generally much the worse for wear, and will soon be laid aside, I shall not part with mine without regret, they being a perpetual reminder of scenes gone by and friends far away.
But my letter is already too long -- so long I fear you will not find space for it. But if you will publish the part of it relating to the kill- ing, you will much oblige all of us, as we wish it to be distinctly under- stood that we are all here.
O. J. M. FULLER.
LETTER NO. XIII.
CAMP OSAGE, MISSOURI, August 31, 1861.
EDITOR GUARDIAN :- Fortune favors the brave, they say, but I am consoled in the thought that there are exceptions to the general rules, or 1 should not have been placed upon picket guard to-day, to with- stand the scorching rays of the sun. Companies B, C, E, and F, of the Fifth, are at this post for the purpose of guarding the Osage bridge, which has been twice hurned by the secessionists. The bridge is a noble structure, a quarter of a mile in length, well worth guarding. The otherportion of the regiment is at Jefferson City. We left there on Wednesday, the twenty-eighth, with three days' rations, and expect to return to-morrow, as our time will be out and some other companies will be called in our place. At the risk of being called particular, I will say that this is a miserable hole, where grim-visaged musquitoes be- set us at every turn, and an army of fleas are in league with Claib Jackson in trying to drive us from the land. There is only one redeem- ing feature here, and that is the fruit, of which there are great quantities. Apples, peaches and pears are not considered a luxury with us.
There can be no secession force near here, as the country has been thoroughly traversed by scouting parties. Yesterday I was out on a scout under Corporal Woodruff. We went up the Missouri several miles, to the timber, to the plantation of an old secesher. Came in contact with his orchard, but not with him. The orchard, of course, was a part of Secessia, and putting a large quantity of apples under guard, was doing our duty. We saw one of his negroes who was mighty free to express his opinion on the impending crisis. He said he was thirty-five years old; had lived where he was ever since he was born, and withal appeared to like to be a nigger.
The boys are in excellent spirits, and, with two or three exceptions, are all well. Tuesday Uncle Sam furnished us pants and caps toward our uniform, which was very much needed by some of the companies. The Fifth regiment receive their pay to-day or on Monday next.
Yours, etc.,
S. A. REED.
LETTER NO. XIV.
CAMP DEFIANCE, JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI, September 7, 1861.
FRIEND RICH :- A copy of the Guardian, dated August 27th, lies before me, and you may be sure its contents were read with pleasure. Nothing is sought after with more avidity by the company than a perusal of its columns; and it becomes almost necessary, at times, to have a guard stationed over one in order to keep it. By it we learn that Captain Hord has left with a gallant company for the seat of war. May they ever sustain the high expectations that have been formed of them; and nobly vindicate the cause of truth and liberty. . . . Camp life, as well as every other, has its different phases or classes of society. First, there's your sober, sedate peace-loving fellows, who
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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.
smoke their pipes, read papers, and spin most interminable yarns of an evening, by the ness-fires. They are quite sensitive in regard to forming new associations, and allow none but a favored few to come within their circle. Between meals, the time that is not consumed in reading and smoking, is usually devoted to inventing some new and savory stew, wherewith to tempt their own appetites, or gain the ap- probation of some commissioned officer; number two are perfectly con- tented to take things as they are, and never trouble themselves to go beyond the list of luxuries provided for them by the commissary gen- eral and sutler. To wash their faces, comb their hair, and groan for the sight of an orchard filled with peaches and apples, is their principal employment when off duty; number three differ from both of these. It is im material to them whether they eat more than once a day or not, while washing and other refining processes are by universal con- sent regarded as barbarous practices, and never to be indulged in, ex- cept when the colonel foolishly insists on their performance. Their acme of human felicity is attained when in possession of a pack of cards, a plug of tobacco, and a five cent ante. This class is generally styled the fancy mess, and though many of them are whole-souled fel- lows, they are generally let alone by all those who wish to get the best end of a joke. To be sure, the inmates of sundry hen- roosts, cry out for vengeance against them, but the broth of their con- fiscated and slaughtered companions has served to invigorate the weakened frame of inany a homesick fellow, and it certainly must be right in the sight of all who like to see foraging done up on the square.
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