History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 38

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 38

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Those of the second class will make passably good soldiers; though their efficiency will depend much upon their humor. Should every- thing go to their liking; should their officers suit them and their rations be well served, they would be reliable in an emergency; otherwise they could not be depended upon, though they would scarcely prove mutin- ous, unless under the strongest provocation.

But the life, soul and support of the regiment rests with the third class. Actuated by the deepest sense of duty, and inspired with an almost religious zeal for the sacred cause, they are ready to meet every privation, and to overcome every obstacle. Without them, the regi- ment would be worthless; with them, it will return from victory with the beautiful colors, presented this day, unsullied by a stain of dis- honor.

I suspect that the divisions above noticed will apply to our army gen- erally. It is not composed entirely of disinterested patriots; and a thorough extirpation of weeds, cutting it down at least a third, would just about double its efficiency.

There are a thousand things in camp life to write about-matters in- significant, perhaps, in themselves, but invaluable as an index to the general character of our people; but I will not intrude much further upon your space, so valuable in these exciting times. The amusements practiced in camp, are not particularly elevating or invigorating. Card playing is the staple, and seems to be with many a passion amounting 10 folly. Its effects are seen in their disinclination for duty, and restlessness under restraint. Card playing, equally with whiskey drinking, unfits men for military service, and should be equally inhib- ited throughout the army. There is, however, little drunkenness in our camp. Of course, the sale of liquors upon the grounds is prohibited, and it is only occasionally, when his habits are known, that a drinker is passed outside the lines. We pride ourselves on this feature of camp discipline, and also on the good behavior of our men at the chaplain's service.

The regiment is soon to remove to Missouri, and I may have some- thing of more interest to communicate.

J. L. LOOMIS.

LETTER NO. XVIII.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH IOWA, BOONVILLE, MISSOURI, September 22, 1861.

* * I can not describe the misery and confusion that every- * where prevail. Law and order are abolished, and a miserable horde of Ishmaelites are roving the country, burning bridges, stealing prop- erty, and slaughtering or driving away all those who are suspected of having the least particle of love for the Union. Too cowardly, or 100 sensible of their inability to meet the Federal troops in a fair engage- ment, they are content to lie in wait, like the cunning savage, and strike a blow at some unguarded point.

J44

HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

On the eighteenth instant, companies E and H returned from a suc- cessful scouting expedition, fifteen miles up the river. The spoils brought into eamp consisted of a gang of six negroes, and property to the value of five thousand dollars. I was prevented by sickness from accompanying the party ; but, from accounts related by the boys, many rich scenes must have occurred. Company E was commanded by Lieutenants Jordan and Marshall, who were nothing loth to give What if the shoe

the men a touch of adventure.

did pinch, or the knapsack hang heavily, all was sure to be compens- ated for when resting from their toil in the house of some broad plan- One of the scenes of the drama was the tation.

taking of a horse and carriage from a couple of strong-minded ladies. They were grandly dressed in silks and satins, and made no pretence of concealing their hatred of "old Abe " and his soldiers. They had overtaken the company on the main road, and were permitted to ride quietly along till they arrived at their own residence. The soldiers then politely informed them that the horse and carriage must be delivered np as contraband property; that having reached their home they could have no further use for it, while, on their part, it would prove very ser- viceable in conveying knapsaeks and tired soldiers.

At this stage of affairs an old lady appeared at the gate, protesting vehemently that she had used both parties alike, and she thought it mean, yes, outrageously mean, to be treated so. As for the young ladies, they poured down the vials of their wrath in rich profusion. It rained, hailed, snowed and lightened all manner of choice expletives, but no one was hurt. Two soldiers were detailed to take charge of the property in dispute, and it is to be hoped, that when next these ladies rode, they were, if occasion required, civil, even to Federal soldiers. Time would fail me to relate all the ad- ventures that befell the boys. How Sergeant Peek succeeded in get- ting his small feet planted under a table and eating until the mistress of the house stood aghast at the prospect of a famine; how orehards were entered, and the golden fruit confiscated for present necessity, while well-filled haversacks provided against future need. All these, and more, are stored up in retentive memories, to be related by the boys when safe at home by their own firesides.

A fatal and most disgraceful blunder was made by members of the Indiana Eighteenth, on their way to Lexington. The steamer had been made fast to the shore, and seouting parties thrown out, when two of these met, and, through mistake, fired into each other, killing and wounding quite a number. The whole affair was the result of mismanagement on the part of the lieutenant colonel, who was in com- mand, and who could not be persuaded that the firing did not proceed from rebels in ambush. Had it not been for the captain of the boat, this valiant specimen of a Bakertown militia captain would have re- treated, leaving three hundred of his own men, scattered on shore in different directions, to shift for themselves. If such officers could be remanded to the sphere in which it is possible they made a respectable figure, it were better for them and the army. Every- 4 thing passes off smoothly in our regiment. The commissariat depart- ment is well supplied with an abundance of meat, coffee and sugar, more than is used, which enables the men to dispose of the surplus for vegetables. We are attaining a good degree of proficiency in com- pany and battalion drill, and gradually becoming accustomed to the regime of the camp, and necessary sanitary regulations.

On the twentieth instant reports came that the bridge spanning the Lamine river, nine miles above, had been burned, and that a body of rebels were encamped in the vicinity. Five companies from our regi- ment were called upon, and ere five minutes had elapsed from the first roll of the drum, they were ready to march, company E being the first in line. Many of the boys had left their dinners warm upon the table, and had tallen into the ranks, not without a sigh of regret on the part of those who had been at the trouble of procuring potatoes and other delicacies. It was 12 o'clock precisely as we passed out of the en- campment, and struck the main road leading to the bridge. The division was under the command of Major Robinson and Adjutant Foley, who are well qualified and possess the unbounded confidence of the whole regiment. The country is hilly and badly eut up into deep ravines and gullies, and in places heavily timbered.

Many fine private residences ahound-models of taste and elegance --- invariably surrounded with groves of maple or butternut trees, and with nice, smooth-shaven lawns extending in front. At the rear of the family residence are situated the whitewashed cottages of tue blacks, always clean and neat ; and still further baek the orchards, bending be- neath their load of luscious fruit. Missouri may safely challenge any State in the Union, as far as the raising of fruit is concerned. The fabled gardens of the Hesperides could not equal an orchard we

stumbled into while out on a foraging expedition. Great, rosy-cheeked peaches, pendant from branches bending to the ground, while ap- ples !- well, there is no use talking ; the earth was fairly covered with them for rods around ; and, for onee, you felt that the folks at home might envy the soldier boys. A dense cloud of smoke directly in front, showed plainly where the work of destruction had been consumated. A few miles farther-our march being at a quick step, pausing now and then for rest and water-and a sudden turn in the road revealed to us the black and smouldering ruins of the bridge. The torch of the incendiary must have been applied early in the forenoon, for the frame work was all consumed, and there remained only the three grim, silent, stone abutments. It had obviously been burnt for the purpose of preventing communication between Lexing- ton and Jefferson City, it being the programme of the secessionist to hem in and secure this place and Lexington, and then turn their united forces on Jefferson City, which they are anxious to take the present month, in order to pass an ordinance of secession declaring the State of Missouri free from the parental authority of Uncle Sam, and en- titled to pass her own laws and regulations. The

banks of the Lamine river resemble those of the Osage, being fringed with a thiek growth of dwarfish timber, and affording a safe asylum to multitudes of nameless insects. As to the few people who manage to eke out here a seanty living, they bear a close resemblance to all other Missourians of the same class; being dressed in butternut colored pants, loose frock evat and broad brimmed hat, and possessing a cadaverous cast of countenance. We stacked arms and proceeded to gather up materials for dinner, but with rather poor success, as none of the baggage wagons had arrived. Toward evening a woman came to the guard's quarters, bearing upon her arm a large basket well filled with meat, potatoes and warm biscuit. It was soon surrounded by a hungry, clamorous crowd, humbly entreating for a small piece of crust. Lieutenant Jordan and company were de- tailed to act as outside pieket guard for the evening, and set out on their wearisome tramp. Nothing of importance transpired ; no traces or signs of an enemy being seen. Brother Sam, aided by the nimble fingers and willing heart of Corporal Woodruff, succeeded in drawing a fine bowl of butter from an isolated spring-house, which helped amazingly in setting out our breakfast table the next morning. No one asked any question, but all felt inspired with veneration for the magie virtues hidden in that one small word "draw." The next day we were ordered back to quarters. It is probable that the bridge was fired by a small party that could place itself immediately out of danger. Its destruction can result in no great inconvenience to the transportation of troops, as they have kindly left us the Missouri river, and a ferry a few miles above in possession of the home guard. Twenty-fourth-Startling news reached us last night to the effect that Colonel Mulligan, of the Irish brigade, and an Illi- nois cavalry company, stationed at Lexington, had surrendered to the rebels under General Price. Lane, with his six thousand reinforcements, was too late to render assistance, and after a contest of five or six days the Federal forces, having exhausted their amunition and suffering for water, were compelled to submit. Great loss of life on both sides.

Of course the greatest excitement prevails now, and the most extraordinary exertions will be made to retrieve the lost ground. By this disaster the strongest entrenchments and most complete military stores on the river are turned against us ; and all this happened when the Iowa Fifth, the Indiana Eighteenth, Twenty-second and Twenty- seventh regiments were only forty miles from the scene of action. Lexington will be made a grand military depot, from which rebe] armies can be fitted out to descend the Missouri, cutting off our sup- plies from Jefferson City and completely corralling us. This is a grand scheme of the rebels-they have had a mortal hatred of this place ever since their deleat by the Union home guards, and they are determined to have it at all hazards. If so, they will have a fine chance to dis- play their agility in scaling breastworks, for we have a splendid line on the most advantageous ground, four feet high, and ten feet in thick- ness. Four steamers are now lying at the landing, and another fleet is expected this evening. The Indiana Eighteenth regiment left for Georgetown to-day, about forty miles south of this.

To-day noon, six of the border ruffian rangers, whose regiment is stationed seven miles above, arrived in camp. They stated that the story about the capture of Lexington was all false, and that Lane, with fifteen hundred men, had cut his way through to the relief of Mul- ligan, while the rebels are cornered on every side and can't run. Our regiment is now under marching orders, probably for Lexington, where the courage of the boys will be no doubt tested. C. J. R.

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

[The glaring contradiction in regard to the burning of the bridge over the Lamine, which will be noticed in reading letters Nos. XVIII and XIX, suggests several serious questions, as: Which of the writers was the more voracious? Who burned the bridge? Was the bridge burned? Why was the bridge burned? etc. His- tory is said to repeat itself: so also does it illustrate itself. Some light may be shown upon the last of these questions (the first three being measurable), by the fol- lowing incident of the late war, known to have occurred at Chillicothe, the old capital of a state, young in years, but old in renown:

Morgan's raid had thrown the southern portion of the above mentioned State into a condition of constant ex- pectancy. Morgan and his troop were on the outskirts of every considerable town in the whole breadth of the land; from the furthest east to the Queen City of the west. Home guards rode through the streets every- where and with gauntleted hand shook defiance at the bold intruder. At the old capital a picket guard was stationed near a splendid bridge, which had cost the municipality many thousands. Some horsemen were seen in the distance-the guard set fire to the bridge, beneath which murmured a silver, shrunken stream eight inches deep, and dashed into town shouting, Morgan! Morgan! The horsemen, some neighboring farmers, who had thought to ride into town and get the latest news, asked innocently, as their horses hoofs were cooled by the laps- ing waters: "Why was the bridge burned?" And, now that we look at it, telling the story is not answering the question, which, for aught we can see, must go down through the ages, vainly questioning .- E. P.]

LETTER NO. XIX.

CAMP LYON, BOONVILLE, MISSOURI, September 22, 1861.

FRIEND RICH :- Having drawn one more stamp, and fished up a sheet of paper, I thought I would drop a line, just to let you know we are all alive and well. One of our boys received a letter from home a few days since, informing him that he and two other of the boys had been killed, and several wounded in a fight with the rebels. But as they show no sign of being kilt, we await confirmation of the report.

We arrived at this place one week ago to-day, at I o'clock A. M. News reached us that the Union Home guards were being cut to pieces. On arriving here we found the facts to be, that on the Friday before there had been a hard fight between one hundred and sixty of the guards and eight hundred rebels with a loss of forty killed and several wounded. Colonel Brown, commanding the rebels, and his brother, a captain, were both killed. The guards had the advantage of a small earthwork, built by General Lyon after his victory here. One of our boys asked a member of the guard why the rebels did not storm the works. He replied in effect, that there was such an incessant hail of shot, that they kept behind the trees in an opposite grove. We are now pleasantly encamped on the battle ground, amidst a fine grove of butternut and walnut trees.

Tuesday morning companies E and H were ordered to march with two days' rations. News had come in that the rebels were trying to burn the bridge over the Lamine, nine miles west of us. Away we went in high spirits. But we were again doomed to cruel disap- pointment, for, on reaching Sulphur Springs, two miles beyond, we found that the rebels had been gone fifteen minutes, and they being mounted, pursuit was, of course, useless.

. Friday noon, while sitting in my tent trying to write . a letter, I was interrupted by the beating of the long roll, and the fall- ing in of men. A report had come that the enemy was approaching from the direction of the Lamine. Word was given that the first five companies out would be sent to meet him. Company E was the first on the ground. Four others were soon in ranks, and we started at a rattling pace. When about one mile out, we halted and loaded. Our

good-natured major now rode along the line saying: "Now, boys, keep perfectly cool, don't break ranks, and don't waste one iota of powder." All being ready, scouts were sent out on each side of the road, and we again moved forward. When about two miles from the bridge, a courier met us with the information that Price's army of twelve thousand men was only a few miles across the river. Acting upon this advice, the major sent several mounted men forward to burn the bridge. Preparation having been made many days since, this was easily done, and, a short time after we arrived, the noble structure, which, a few days before, we had made a forced march to protect, was one smoking mass of ruins. The march of nine miles was made in two hours, which we think was pretty good time.

I forgot to mention that the most of our men came off without their dinner. As soon, therefore as we camped, this became the all-absorb- ing question. But the boat is getting up steam, and I must close or lose the chance of sending this. I meant to have told you about draw- ing the hoe-cake, the scene in the milk house, the mysterious disap- pearance of the jar of butter, coupled with the condition of Corporal W's. haversack, and of the visit to the peach orchard; but the Satan will not wait. We returned safe and sound the next day, and are now ready for the next job.

Our fair patrons at home are ever remembered with gratitude, and they may rest assured that the thought of them will make the weakest strong. With kind remembrances from all, to all, I remain,

Yours, etc., O. J. M. FULLER. LETTER NO. XX.

GLASGOW, MISSOURI, September 29, 1861. } HEADQUARTERS IOWA FIFTH. 5

Our regiment left Boonville on Wednesday, the twenty-

fifth instant, and arrived at this place on the following day. Came up the river on the War Eagle. But little sickness exists in the regiment, and all are quiet and orderly. E. J. R.

LETTER NO XXI.

BENTON BARRACKS, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, } October 3. 1861. 1

FRIEND RICH: You doubtless have correspondence from Benton barracks, but your readers may be interested to know what is thought of the Iowa Ninth by disinterested spectators. Belonging, as I do, to a regiment recruited mostly from Illinois, I have better opportunities to hear impartial judgments than members of the Independence com- pany. I have heard but one comment, and that of entire comnienda- tion. We have been quartered here for ten days, and have witnessed the arrival and departure of many regiments, but none to equal Colo- nel Vandever's. I have had occasion before to feel proud of Iowa, as the State of my adoption; but especially now of our own county Bu- chanan. Her part has been nobly performed. A little figuring will convince any one that in numbers she has far exceeded her proportion; and, in the efficiency of her men, probably no county in Iowa excells her. Her first company will, doubtless, soon have an opportunity to test its quality, as, at last accounts, it occupied the advanced post of Glasgow, on the Missouri. Let us hope that the Fifth may deserve equal glory with the gallant First, and the Ninth greater than both. But what queer, tall, brass-emblazoned black hats the boys are sport- ing ! Already we have nick-named them the " Hawkeye stovepipers," and we only wish the enemy may wear "the like " when within shoot- ing distance-a better mark could not be provided. Brass bugles and eagles are all very fine, but precious heads ought not to be made prom- inent targets without cause. Altogether, the regiment seems to have been as well provided for as any other western troops-far better than many.

Our regiment that is, the First regiment of the Douglas brigade, now classed as the Forty-second Illinois-left Camp Douglas and Chi- cago without one feeling of regret. Every day here increases our sat- isfaction with the change. Strange as it may seem, our commissary arrangements here, almost in the enemy's country, are vastly superior to those of Chicago. There it was impossible to obtain vegetables or anything beyond the old army rations; here we have the new army ra- tions and are enabled to exchange for vegetables of every description. We are living luxuriously now, but the boys of the Irish brigade tell a different story of their fare further west. We shall make the most of our few days of grace here. But, after all, this detention here is not grat- ifying. We are anxiously awaiting our arms. Companies A and B are already provided with Colt's revolving rifle, a splendid arm; but the rest of us (our's is company G) expect the regulation rifled mus- kets, manufactured at Springfield. They are certainly a simpler and

146

HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

lighter gun than the revolving rifle, and their range is two hundred yards longer. 1 understand that a movement is on foot in the Iowa Ninth to provide themselves entirely with the Colt gun, the cost to be subtracted from their bounty, they of course to retain the gun after the close of the war. The experience of the French, the most accom- plished and the most scientific fighters in the world, has taught them that the simplest gun of the longest range is the most effective in active warfare. It is to be feared, therefore, that the Ninth will have cause to regret the step should the effort be successful.

Benton Barracks afford splendid accommodations for the thousands of soldiers quartered here for the completion of their organization and equipment. The magnificent parade is just receiving its finishing touches, and is said to have no superior in the country. Brigadier General Curtis, of our own State, is in command, and is universally esteemed. There are probably ten thousand troops in this camp alone. It would be folly (if not treason) for me to give any estimate of the number within the line of fortifications that surround St. Louis. We certainly feel perfectly secure.

Universal indignation is expressed among the soldiers at the villain- ous efforts of Blair and his adherents to procure the removal of Fre- mont, who has the entire confidence of the Army of the West. A few days will show that hopes in him are well founded. We are satisfied to serve under John C. Fremont, and our cry is : "Death to sleepless and meddlesome politicians." Į. C. LOOMIS.

LETTER NO. XXII-NINTH IOWA REGIMENT .*

BENTON BARRACKS, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, { October 5, 1861.

FRIEND RICH :- Thinking that perhaps a few lines from this camp would not be uninteresting to some of your readers, I take it upon myself to give you a short account of our company. Since we left Dubuque we have seen rather hard times. We left there with five other companies on board the Canada. As we were very much crowded, and had hardly half enough to eat, the situation was well calculated to beget homesickness. But when we left the boat and marched through the city of St. Louis without a single cheer, it was as solemn as a funeral. We finally got to the camp, which is in a most beautiful situation, and are now in very good barracks. We have six cooks to prepare our victuals, and, of course, live on the top shelf. Five or six men are furnished daily by our company to act as guards.

Nearly every day men are killed here. Three men were sent to their eternal home yesterday -- one was shot, one was stabbed, and the other was thrown from his horse, or supposed to be. The first two were killed by a member of the Irish brigade that surrendered at Lexing- on, and he is now under arrest.

We have received our uniforms at last, and the most of the company needed them badly. Our coats, or rather blouses, are of dark blue and rather short; our pants are light blue, fitting to a charm; hats of the most beautiful style, black, one story and a half high, with a beau- tiful feather.

By the way, the report that the Ninth regiment were all killed com- ing down the river, must be false, although it was current when we got here, for I believe we are all right.

We have not yet received our guns, but expect some in a day or two, to practice the manual of arms with. We are anxious to try our pluck on the battle-field, but there is no doubt we shall have enough to do yet. There is a report that the enemy is within thirty miles of here, but little confidence is placed in it, as the air is full of rumors. Some twenty-two thousand men are here now, while more are coming every day. Regiments are also constantly leaving, having completed their equipment. The weather has been very pleasant until to-day, but now it is raining very hard. Our company is the color company of the re- giment, company C. This is all that would interest our friends at this time, and if you think it worth publishing, please do so.

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History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 38

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