History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 37

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 574

USA > Iowa > Buchanan County > History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 37

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

August 28 .- Four companies of our regiment received orders to march down to the Osage, eight miles below here, to guard the railroad bridge, which had been threatened by the rebels. We went aboard the cars and reached our destination at 12 M. Our arrival released a detachment of the Illinois Irish brigade, which had been on duty at this point, and they returned to town while we pitched our tents, cooked dinner, and detailed guard as soon as possible. An attempt, which was partially successful, was made by Jackson's minions last spring, to burn this bridge. Eighty feet of the western end of the bridge was de- stroyed, and the telegraph wires torn down its entire length. The bridge is now rebuilt, but in a rude and imperfect manner, and is hard- ly safe for a heavy train. I have read of many bad, mean-looking places, heard stories of others, dreamed of some, and seen a few, but nothing that imagination can conjure up, or memory recall, compares with the soi distant town of Osage. As for the few peo- ple who are compelled by poverty to live here, they bear the indelible marks of fever and ague. They would come into camp, bringing small quantities of corn and potatoes, which were eagerly exchanged for coffee and sugar. Young men from eighteen to twenty years of age, do not know the first letter; for schools appear to be un- known. Quite an incident occurred on the night of the twentieth ultimo. The discharge of a sentinel's gun was heard, fol- lowed by the cry of "corporal of the guard, No. 9." All haste was made for the spot, where the sentry was found with his right hand hanging shattered by his side. He stated that a person approached him from the railroad track, and on being challenged, drew a revolver and fired, and then ran into the bushes. Search was made but no man was found.

Five days was the time assigned to us for our stay at Osage, and on Monday we returned to Jefferson City, and were immediately placed under marching orders; but no one knew our destination. Our knap- sacks and clothing, which had that day arrived, were distributed among the companies. The coats or blouses are black, with brass buttons, and single breasted; pants blue, and warranted to rip well; the cap is black and small crowned. I understand that these are only intended for a fatigue suit, and that the regular military uniform will be gray. Each man was directed to supply himself with five day's rations, which, with our knapsacks, canteens and cartridge boxes, would make quite a re- spectable load for a mule. I could not refrain from laughing at some of the boys who had stuffed their knapsacks full of every conceivable thing that they would ever need, and went staggering along under the enormous weight. Dr. M., in particular, had his knapsack swelled to aldermanic proportions, and at sight of the bulky mass the sweat started from every pore; but he hought that he should get used to it. Owing to the lateness of the hour when we returned to camp, the numerous offices to be per- formed, and the insupportable heat, it was nine o'clock P. M. before we left the grounds for the boats, two miles distant, and our orders were were to be ready at eight. We were to embark on the steamers Satan and War Eagle for some point up the Missouri. The night was of pitchy blackness, the roads rough, and the knapsacks tremendous heavy. Our march to the boats was anything but agreeable, but, reaching them about 10:15 P. M., we filed on board, five companies on

each. A heavy thunder shower arising and the rain pouring down in torrents, the boats were made fast to the shore and remained until morning. The boys got what sleep they could in the interim by bunk- ing down on deck, and into every corner and cubby hole that was free of access. So tired were they that, once couchant, all human threats and persuasions were unavailing in getting them up again. Once a troop of cavalry horses was actually led over a squad of eight, who slept on, regardless of hoofs, threats, and expostulations.

The day dawned at last, and we were on our way up the river. The trip was as pleasant as could be expected, though the scenery was rather monotonous-nothing but the low, level banks on either side, covered with brush, with now and then a rocky bluff. Arrived at the town of Rocheford, a small place situated below Boonville, at 5 P. M., and after a little delay the troops were landed. The Satan had stopped below to intercept all communication in that direction, and had sent a part of her troops ashore to approach the town from the opposite side, while we were to march straight through, and rejoin the other compan- ies at Columbia, the county seat of Boone county, thirteen miles dis- tant. The colonel here impressed a number of horses and wagons into the baggage service, and, I believe, took one or two prisoners. No hostile demonstrations of any kind were made, but the inhabitants particularly the ladies, looked daggers. They evidently considered us as belonging to another race, and our unceremonious advent into their very midst was not calculated to gain their warmest love. It was re- ported that a strong body of rebels was stationed at Columbia, and would probably cause us a little trouble. Our division, consisting of five companies, was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Mathies, and took the main road, while Colonel Worthington, with the rest of the command, took another to the right, with the view of surrounding the enemy, should there be one, and falling upon the town of Columbia as the common centre. By 8 P. M. we commenced filing out from the town of Rocheford, and took up the line of march. The recent rain that had fallen had swollen the streams and rendered the mud of almost fabulous depth. Up one hill and down another, through bogs, holes. ruts, and ravines, we stumbled, without even the faint glimmer of a star to light our path, or a sound to cheer us, except now and then a bray from the weak lungs of some antiquated mule. Knapsacks, that had been filled with varieties sufficient to set up a Dutch pedlar in bus- iness, began to grow intolerably heavy, and haversacks loaded with crackers and meat were voted a nuisance before we had well begun our march. The baggage wagons were crowded with soldiers who were too tired to walk further, and had thrown themselves upon the tender mer- cies of the surgeon. As for your humble correspondent, he was revolv- ing mentally the difference between the real and the ideal of a soldier's life, envying the folks at home their warm beds, and heaping any amount of anathemas upon Missouri roads. I was aroused from my reflections by the voice of Lieutenant Jordan, shouting, "Keep to the left, boys, keep to the left !" Being naturally of a very inquisitive turn of mind, I wanted to see what was at the right-and the next moment found myself sinking in a hole that would compare favorably with the Slough of Despond, and still going down. By the most vigorous ex- ertions 1 succeeded in extricating myself, and struggled out upon the bank where I was greeted with a shout of uproarious laughter by the tender-hearted boys.

Here we were overtaken by Sergeant Peck and a squad of ten men, who had been detailed to remain behind and act as guard. The good man in his anxiety to catch us had been practicing the double-quick every step, and himself and men were puffing and blowing like por- poises. The delicate feet of the sergeant, only eight inches by fifteen, were loaded with mud enough to start a brick yard, and he was free to admit that he thought this a little worse than hunting Mexican Greasers. Owing to the bad condition of the roads, we went but a short distance further, and bivouacked. Wrapping up in our blankets, we sank down upon the ground, and were soon in a deep sleep, from which we were aroused by the cry of "Fall in." The grey light of the morning was fast appearing, and, by ten A. M., we were in sight of the spires and white houses of Columbia. This is the most tasteful place we have seen in northern Missouri, being situated in a beautiful farming country, and laid out with considerable taste. Instead, however, of meeting an armed foe, with glistening bayonets, the women and children came pouring out in great numbers, and we were smiled upon in the most flattering manner by the beautiful damsels. Secession has quite a number of votaries here, but through humane motives, no doubt, they refraincd from appearing. We were marched up and quartered on the State university grounds. The building of this institution is quite fine- a brick structure, in the Doric style of architecture. Here the pants made for us by the ladies of Independence, were jerked out of various

142

HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

knapsacks, and distributed to the "Union Home Guards, " who, though neither wounded (unless by the smiling eyes aforesaid) nor half dead, were in pressing need of the garments bestowed. Only one ac- cident happened during the expedition: and that, it is hoped, not a serious one. A member of the Home Guards was shot through the shoulder, while leaning on his gun. The wound was promptly dressed, and the wounded man is doing well. Reached Jefferson city again, Friday, the sixth instant, and found all well. Morgan Holmes, all honor to his culinary skill, had prepared for us a splendid supper, to which we did ample justice. More Anon. C. J. R.

LETTER NO. XV.

CAMP WORTHINGTON, JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., September 10, 1861. 5

Raining! All day the dull leaden clouds have been gathering in the southwest like a mighty host, ready to pour down their chilling contents upon us. Under such circumstances the most desirable virtue a person can possess, is patience, No matter if the water does run across the floor of his tent in small rivulets, converting his comfortable bed of straw and leaves into a steaming mass, it must be borne, and borne heroically. To be sure the soldier is apt to look out into the gloom, and contrast his present situation with that of those who are enjoying the comforts of home, which he, through motives of patriotism volun- tarily resigned, and to wonder if the happy faces and warm hearts clustered around the fireside of home, have a thoughit to bestow upon him. Certainly there must be something in the sound of the rain pattering on the tents very suggestive of feelings like these, for many have abandoned their usual pastime of card-playing, and have betaken themselves to silent reflection, or singing saered songs. A singular little world is this same camp of ours. On a fine day, with the trees waving in the breeze, and the gorgeous sunshine pouring a flood of light over the landscape of hill, valley, and tented field, all is mirth and jollity. Flags are flying in all directions, and files of soldiers, in gay uniforms, and with countenances beaming with content, are striving with a generous emulation to give animation and enjoyment to the in- spiring scene. But let Dame Nature relapse from this genial sum mer mood into one of these sighing dismal autumn rains, and its effect will soon be noted in the darkened brow of the soldier. He no longer has that reckless or don't care sort of appearance, but his manner, as he meets his comrade is warm and feeling. With anxious solicitude he inquires about the state of his health, and shows a deep interest in the latest news from home. Recollections of letters hitherto neglected and- unanswered, come over his mind, and it will be strange if he does not proceed to his quarters, draw out the old knapsack for a writing desk, and commence inditing a missive to the friends at home. If the orderly's box is not filled by the morrow's noon, it will be because there are no pens and paper to be found.

One necessity exists in the most of our western regiments, which should be supplied; that is, the want of some person capable of im- parting thorough moral and religious instruction. He should be, by natural sensibilities, as well as by education, fitted for the post, and should devote to it his highest and noblest energies. The chaplain should be of a practical turn of mind, ready at all times to associate himself with the ranks of the privates, and to pour words of consola- tion and Christian hope into the ear of the sick and weary sufferer, who, removed from all friends, and perhaps from former associates, and beyond the pale of woman's angelic influence, is longing for some kindly word of sympathy. Let him be free to reprove the profligate and abandoned, whose example, unchecked by a warning word, may lead scores of young men, previously well educated by fond and faithful parents, to the lowest depths of degradation and misery. One word from a minister who. by his daily life illustrates what he professes to teach, will have more restraint upon the evil passions of such men, than all the fears of a corporal's guard. In this advanced stage of the world's history, with the many examples that have been set before us it ought to be understood that army life is very demoraiizing, and that many powerful influences emanating from the Christian mind and press, must be set to work to counteract the host of vices that creep by in- sensible degrees into camp. Of course, the chaplain must have the sympathy and support of the officers of the regiment in his behalf. On them, and them alone, rests the responsibility; and they should be held by the world strictly accountable for the conduet of the army. When the officers are in the habit of using profane oaths, and obscene language, nothing but a storm of the most horrid vitipura- tion and abuse is heard from the ranks. The first

great maxim that should be observed and enforced in military life, is cleanliness. A large body of men, when left together without some

controlling spirit to induet it into a rigid system of order, is apt to be- come very negligent.

WEDNESDAY, IIth.

Orders have been given, I understand, from General Fremont, posi- tively prohibiting all information in regard to the numbers and move- ments of troops stationed here. So, for the present, you will have to rest contented with what news you can receive from private sources, and wild telegraphie dispatches. It is rumored that Jackson is ap- proaching with a large army, and that he boasts of his intention to eat his dinner here, a week from this date. Said dinner may not prove very palatable, but, of course, he will order his own seasoning.

But three of the guards are now in the hospital; the rest are all enjoy- ing themselves finely. Our present location for camping is very good, being situated two miles from the city, on a piece of meadow ground slightly sloping to the east. I think we shall be quartered here for some time to come. Two members of our company have been honor- ably promoted. H. S. Marlin, M.D., of Barclay, has received the post of assistant surgeon to one of the regiments stationed here; and Lieutenant Marshall has been appointed to the captaincy of company I, in place of Captain Langg, who is sick. This latter, it is probable, will be temporary. . There go the drums beating for

roll call, so good night. C. J. R.

LETTER NO. XVI-CORRESPONDENCE OF THE GUARDIAN.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH IOWA REGIMENT, }

BOONVILLE, MISSOURI, September 15. 1861. 5

If recollection serves me rightly, I predicted quite confidently in my last letter that we should remain at Camp Worthington for some time. Every thing had been arranged, messes divided off, time set apart for company drill and inspection, and a course marked out which seemed to promise rest from more active service.

But, on the morning of the thirteenth instant, orders came for us to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice ; though for what point we were ignorant. Some, relying on the demand which has been made from the east for ten regiments from the western divis- ion, asserted that we were to go immediately to Washington; others declared that we were bound for St. Lewis, while one individual of gigantic frame and nose of flaming hue gave us as his private opinion publicly expressed that the regiment was destined for Boonville via Patagonia-that the rebel generals Price and Rains had an enormous battery a few miles below on either side of the river, and that we should all get sent to Satan's dominions. Having thus delivered himself on the vexed question he proceeded to refresh his creature wants from a huge canteen that hung by his side, the contents of which, if subjected to chemical analysis, would have been found to contain one gill of water to three quarts of whiskey. The morning of the fourteenth came and with it a violent rain storm, Mud was soon at a discount, and clean pants and dry feet a novelty. The reveille was beat at three o'clock in the morning, when all turned out, ate a hastily prepared breakfast, struck tents, shouldered knapsacks, and fell into ranks with alacrity, impatient to board the good steamer War Eagle and away for our des- tination, wherever it might be. The rain still kept pouring down in torrents, wetting many a luckless fellow to the skin, and causing us all to look anxiously for an ark of safety. At last the storm cleared away; the muttering thunder died in the distance, and Old Sol favored the half drowned earth with his genial rays once more. At 8:25 A. M. we started; and after rounding a long sandbar the prow of the boat was turned up stream, which said we were bound either for Boonville or Lexington. We had gone but a short distance when we met the steamer Sioux City, freighted with furniture of every description, and having a number of families on board. A shot across her bows from the twelve-pounder soon brought the damsel alongside, when all sorts of inquiries were made concerning the movements of the rebels. They stated that Boonville had been attacked on the previous morning by a force of eight hundred men under the command of Colonel Brown, but that the Home Guards of Boonville, only one hundred and fifty strong, had repulsed them with great loss to the rebels. General Price, with sixteen thousand troops, was advancing rapidly upon Lexington, while Rains with another large division was marching to Glasgow with the intention of cutting off all communication between Lexington and Jefferson City. They were quite sanguine in the opinion that we should have some hot work to do; and giving three hearty cheers we parted. Nothing worthy of note transpired, and at midnight we made fast to the shore opposite to the fair grounds of the far-famed town of Boonville. This morning, after partaking of a hearty breakfast con- sisting of coffee and crackers, the company was marched ashore and

143

HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

quartered in the fair building. The fair grounds, comprising from twenty-five to thirty acres, rise with a bold and regular slope from the river bank, and after attaining quite an elevation descends quite as regularly on the other side. On the top are situated the intrench- ments, constructed of earth and built in the form of an elongated square with obtuse angles. Prior to our arrival not a single piece of artillery graced the works, a defect which is now somewhat remedied by our twelve-pounder. This kind persuader is placed in an embras- ure of the northeast angle, commanding the range of all the ap- proaches, and describing the arc of a circle that will sweep the town itself. The battles of yesterday was quite a serious affair, resulting in a repulse of the enemy, with a loss of twenty-six killed; while the number of wounded is not accurately known. The Home Guards lost but two killed outright, and six wounded, two of whom have since died. Colonel Brown and his brother, captain of one of the companies, were shot while gallantly endeavoring to rally their troops, The contest did not last over fifteen minutes, but was sharp and decisive.

The fire of the Union men was hot and deadly-the discharge of mus- ketry unceasing; and when the rebels saw their leader fall they fled in confusion. The following description of the battle was given by one of the sergeants: "We war not expectin' the enemy quite so soon; and when I seed a lot of the sneakin' whelps a erawlin' behind that house thar"-pointing to a large brick building-" I began to feel a little streaked. At the same time another gang of 'em was comin' through the orchard, while the colonel was tearing along in the most obstreperous manner, right in front. They didn't come in large num- bers but small squads, and kept dancing about like ducks in a gale of wind. We never waited fur orders, but poured in our fire as fast as we could, and I tell yer stranger, it wasn't slow. Every time I pulled trigger 1 thought of Betsy and the children at home, and Old Abe. Right whar you see them two trees standin' together Colonel Brown was shot, and about five rods to the left his brother fell. One of our best men was killed right here. He had just gave a cheer for the Union, and was drawin' up his gun to shoot, when a ball struck him in the forehead. But they paid dear for his death, I reckon."

WEDNESDAY, 18th.

"Say, Massa, hab you a position in the Iowa Fifth?"

"I believe I have that honor, uncle."

"Well, dese people roun' heah fraider ob you dan de berry ebil one hisself. When dey hears ob you comin dey jes packs up an' travels for dey say dar is no use fightin' a lot ob fellers dat won't run."

"What makes them fear us so much?"

"Dunno; but eber since dat fight in Springfeel, dey rather meet most anybody dan de Iowa regiments."

"When did you get away from your master?"

"Night afo' las' Massa say he gwine to knock me in de head 'fore I fall in de hans ob de aherlitionists; an' I thought I'd hunt my pussunal convenience."

"But ain't you afraid he'll catch you again?"

"Not as long as I'se wid de I'wa boys."

The facility with which the gallant confederates get out of the way upon our approach gives some coloring to the statement of my contra- band brother.

We are now quartered quite comfortably in tents on the fair ground, Company C has gone nine miles above here to assist the Irish brigade; who had a slight skirmish with the rebels the other night, and were ap- prehensive of an attack from a larger force. The Indiana Eighteenth and Twenty-second regiments arrived here yester- day. If reports are to be relied upon, the secessionists are concen- trating all their energies for an attack on this place or Lexington. I will want but one decisive battle to still rebellion forever in this section. C. J. R.

LETTER NO. XVII.

CAMP DOUGLAS, CHICAGO, September 20, 1861.

FRIEND RICH,-During the progress of this war, much has been said about the propriety of appointing civilians to high military posi- tions. So pliable had the public become, under the manipulation of skilful and unscrupulous politicians, that their willingness to risk the lives and reputations of our soldiery in the hands of men, who, how- ever expert they may have become in the arts of wire-pulling and log- rolling, could not properly load a musket, should be no matter of sur- prise. But experience is teaching us different ideas of military science, and people are beginning to understand that adaptation will, in part only, supply the place of a scientific education in the art of war. Snob politicians are no longer tolerated, and first class lawyers ean no longer be considered as necessarily first class commanders.

A little experience serves sometimes to convince lawyers themselves of this fact, as has been demonstrated in our own regiment. The first regiment of the Douglas brigade was organized on the twenty-ninth ultimo. David Stewart, a talented lawyer of this city, and mainly in- strumental in the organization of the brigade, received a complimentary election to the colonelcy; but, not being a military man by education, he had the good sense to resign, at the same time recommending Cap- tain W. H. Webb, an officer of long experience in the regular army, for the position. Captain Webb received a unanimous vote, and his election has given unbounded satisfaction to the men, and has inspired them with a confidence they could not have felt under the command of any civilian. Mr. Stewart was elected lieutenant colonel, and G. W. Roberts, major. With these officers the men are ready for any reason- able undertaking, and we are all determined to gve an honorable ac- count of ourselves.

I have been trying to analyze the material in this camp, and have separated it into three distinct and nearly equal classes: First, those who enlisted from a love of adventure, or for the purpose of obtaining a lazy livelihood; second, men of moderate intelligence, who hastily comprehend the meaning of this contest, and choose to be on the right side, but are here mainly because it is the fashion; third, the real no- bility of the land-men with large hearts, wholly devoted to their coun- try, and with arms nerved by the inspiration of duty and honor. The first class comprises nine-tenths of the grumblers-the other tenth be- long to the second-and to its ranks may be traced nearly all derelic- tions of duty, such as failure to appear at roll calls, drills, etc. It has been observed, however, that their seats at the table are seldom vacant, although they are constantly complaining of every ailment in the calen- dar, from a sore toe to general debility. They are, in short, a good- for-nothing set of drones, and could well be spared from the regiment. Efficiency does not altogether lie in numbers.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 37

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers Number of Pages: 574

Author: Williams bros., Cleveland, pub. [from old catalog]; Riddle, A. G. (Albert Gallatin), 1816-1902
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams brothers
Number of Pages: 574