History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 48

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 48

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Yours, etc.,

E. C. LITTLE.

[Early in the autumn of 1862, the war correspondence of the Buchanan county press, was enlarged by commu- nications from members of the two companies, Captain Miller's and Captain Noble's, which had been enlisted from this county and were incorporated in the Twenty- seventh Iowa infantry. Letters over the signature C. H. L., were written by Charles H. Lewis, of Quasque- ton, a member of Captain Miller's company .- E. P.]

LETTER NO. LXXVIII.

CAMP FRANKLIN, DUBUQUE, September 4, 1862.

MR. EDITOR :-- We are in camp two miles above Dubuque. On our arrival in the city we learned that no barracks had been constructed for our accommodation, and we were therefore quartered temporarily at the various hotels. We were kindly cared for, and, on our depar- ture for the camp, three rousing cheers were given for our respective landlords-"California " excepted. On our arrival in camp we found everything in confusion-barracks not completed-preparations for

cooking, eating, etc., not yet made. The soldiers took hold with a good will, and soon our barracks were completed, bunks arranged, and for the first time we gathered around the crackling camp-fire, to par- take of Uncle Sam's first evening repast, and to realize, as we had not done before, the intimate relations which bound us together for weal or woe, as members of the sanie company-the same regiment-and as an organized company of that mighty host against which the ene- mies of liberty were to hurl themselves and be broken.

At reveille the roll is called ; then an hour's drill before breakfast. Guard mounting at nine o'clock A. M .- drill from ten to half past eleven .A. M. Drill one hour and a half in the afternoon, dress-parade in the evening and roll call at night; this is the programme for the present. The camp of the Twenty-first is just above us, and 1 learn that their hospital is full. There is no hospital yet erected for the Twenty-seventh, but all the boys are sure, if required, they will receive the prompt attention of Dr. H. H. Hunt. His appointment as assis- tant surgeon gives great satisfaction to his numerous friends from Buchanan. There are about twenty barracks on the encampment grounds, rudely constructed of rough pine boards, and each barrack designed to accommodate one company. The situation at the camp is most picturesque and even grand. We are in a level tract of land raised some twenty feet perhaps above the river, and, to the westward, stretches a long chain of steep and rocky hills,

C. 1I. 1 ..

LETTER NO. LXXIX. CAMP FRANKLIN, September roth.

Every day is a day of excitement, compared with the quiet at home. We live faster here than you do in Independence. Time flies, and we scarce know where it is gone. Soon after my letter was sealed, Dr. Brewer came into camp with county warrants to pay the volunteers of our county. Some of the boys soon sold their war- rants at a considerable discount, being, I presume, sadly in want of the money. Others declared old Buchanan too good to be sold at a discount. With this pay came other valuable favors, which were gladly received. The barrels of eggs and onions, and all the dainties, refreshed and cheered the boys. The gracious remittances of these kind friends will long be remembered.

We have church frequently. Elder Fulton, of Independence, has preached for us several times. He is liked by the men, and there is a general wish that he may be appointed to the chaplainey. On Tues- day, the 21st, Colonel Merrill left for Rolla, Missouri. The regiment received marching orders with great enthusiasm. As they passed our barracks the air was rent with cheers, and the heart of every soldier, 1 doubt not, wished them God speed. There was a drenching rain as they marched from the camp to the city, and the poor fellows must have been thoroughly soaked before they reached the boats. Soon after they had gone, the Twenty-seventh regiment received marching orders-not for the plains of Dixie, to drive back the oncoming wave of rebellion; nor for the rugged northwest, to hold the cruel savage in check, but for the barracks just vacated by the Twenty-first. A num- ber of men were detailed to renovate them, and shortly, loaded with blankets, knapsacks and bundles of straw, and singing "Old John Brown's knapsack is strapped upon his back," we were marching to our new homes. The move, in some respects, is a fortunate one. The grove is more pleasant, and the barracks were built with much more care. There are accommodations here for more than four thousand -- quite a respectable little village, you perceive.

Seldom have I heard better music than from a choir of boys here. When life would he dreary, these brave ones are gleefully singing their social and patriotic songs; but, if the truth must be told, I have never been homesick except when listening to these songs. They call up so vividly the hallowed memories of a social and quiet life, that the long- ing to return to the home scenes thus recalled, surges like the tidal wave. But one thought of the cause in which we are engaged restores my equanimity and fills me with content.

An evening or two since, Lieutenant Colonel Lake and Major How- ard were introduced to the regiment. They were received with hearty cheers. Each made a brief patriotic speech, Lieutenant Colonel Lake truthfully remarking that it was no time for talk, but the time for action. Major Howard said it was pride enough for him to be a leader of lowa soldiers; that their bravery had shed lustre on the Union army. Our Colonel Gilbert, of Lansing, is not here yet.

Our uniforms are in the city, and soon we shall be clad in the habili- ments of the soldier.

C. H. L.

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOW.A.

LETTER NO. LXXX.

CAMP FRANKLIN, DUBUQUE, October 4, 1861. 5

FRIEND RICH :- - Our destination is Minnesota. It was announced by Adjutant General Baker, that he had thought of dividing our regi- ment, sending a part of it north and a part south; but that he had just received a dispatch from General Pope, stating that he might send an entire regiment north; and he had decided to assign the Twenty- seventb to that department. The announcement was received by the regiment with wild cheers; though many, perhaps the greater part of the men, would have preferred going south. In n few days the whistle of the locomotive will announce to the people of Independence the passage of troops for the protection of the north- western frontier. And we will distinguish ourselves out there. Some of the truest men that ever lived to bless any nation, have lay down to die among the mountains of the far west. It was there that the gallant Fremont, standing where man never stood before-on the very top of America, flung out to the breeze the old flag.

Surgeon Sanborn, of Epworth, has arrived. He is keen, jovial and well-spoken. By his friends he is said to he a man of ability, and every way qualified for the post he occupies. Vesterday we were mus- tered into the regiment, and this morning we are to receive thirteen dollars, the month's pay we were to have in advance. It comes in a time of need, and will be most gladly received. We are also to have furloughs for five days, and I opine that this town will decrease in popu- lation very fast this afternoon, and that we shall see home and friends once more.

The State fair is being held bere, and is, under all the circumstances, a pretty good show. Our regiment marched into the enclosure on Wednesday. The fruit on exhibition was good, and the flowers smil- ingly beautiful. The needle work showed taste and skill. Surely the ladies of lowa know how to use " The swift flying needle -- the needle directed by beauty and art." War's dread alarm is sounding through tbe land; and, in some portions of our once smiling domain, the hand of Industry is paralyzed. But of our own favored state it may yet be said,

And still she walks in golden hours Through harvest-happy farms ; And still she wears her fruits and flowers Like jewels on her arms.

Later .- W'e returned home to our camp late on Thursday evening, and found the little company who remained during our absence, in good spirits and glad to welcome us back again. .

This morning we are to receive twenty-seven dollars, our guns, knap- sacks and canteens; and this afternoon four of our companies leave for St. Paul, and the remaining companies will leave in the morning. fThe destination of the regiment had been changed from southern Minnesota. ] We leave here with happier hearts, than we should have carried away a month since. The President's proclamation, the barb)- inger of a new and glorious era has sounded in the ears of freemen.

Later .- On board the Itasea-Four companies left Camp Franklin on Saturday, and started for St. Paul on board the Northern Light. Colonel Gilbert, Adjutant Comstock and Surgeon Hastings were on board. On Sunday the rest of the regiment left, four companies on the Itasea, and two on the Flora. Lieutenant Colonel Lake, Major Howard, Surgeon Sanborn and Quartermaster Lang- worthy were with this portion of the regiment. It was too cold on Tuesday night, to sleep on deck, and Colonel Lake secured the cabin for us. The next morning, when we woke, we were within eight miles of St. Paul, but aground. At 8 o'clock we were aground again; and, it being election day, we began voting. Granger and Miller, of Alam- akee, and Donnan, of Buchanan, were chosen judges of election. The vote Lieutenant Donnan has sent you. When we reached Fort Snell- ing, we marched about a mile to the west, where we found the com- panies which preceded us. Here we are, eight miles from St. Paul, on a beautiful prairie, in our white tents. Captain Noble's company had pitched tents for us; but, unfortunately, had pitched them in the wrong place, and we were compelled to pitch our own. The fort, which is a substantial stone structure, erected in 1822, is occupied at present by a large body of troops, cavalry and infantry. Our regiment is again broken for a few days. Captain Noble's company and five others, with two cannons, are going to Mille Lacs, the head of Rum river, a distance of about one hundred miles a little west of north from St. Paul. Both the colonel and lieutenant colonel accompany the expedition, which is to superintend the payment of the annuities of the Indians up there, after which they return to this place.

A few days later, from St. Francis.

We marched

northward over a rolling tract of land, to Minnehaha Falls, six nales above Minneapolis, the intervening country being level and fertile, and not unlike that about Independence; except that it has no boulders. The situation of Minneapolis on the west side of the Mississippi re- sembles that of West Independence. It has some elegant dwellings, a good court house, and as magnificent mills as are in the western coun- try. We marched three miles above the falls, and encamped by a pleas- ant brook-side, naming our first station ('amp Lake, in honor of our lieutenant colonel. Next day we marched to Anoka, a distance of sixteen miles, the wind blowing a perfect gale. Here we crossed the river on an old current ferry, which was a very tedious job. Colonel Lake went ahead; and, as fast as we came up, the teams were put in proper position, and again we pitched our tents, a day's march nearer our destination. Could you have seen us that night, you would have had difficulty in distinguishing us from the genuine Sambo. I looked several times at some members of company (, that I had known for years, and then passed them by as strangers.

In a little while, however, we had our tents pitched - the war paint removed, and your correspondent felt like singing, "We will be gay and happy still." This morning we struck our tents at an early hour, and marched from the little village of Anoka, up the Rum river about fifteen miles; and here we are on the banks, just after an excellent dis- course from our estimable chaplain, the Rev. D. A. Bardwell. Colonel Lake is sitting by my side on a convenient box, intent on reading a copy of the Army Regulations. Hastings and Hunt are over in their tent in good spirits, and ( 'aptain Noble and company are well represent- ing old Buchanan. Captain Miller and company remained at Fort Snelling. I may write you again from some of the Tamarack or ('ran- berry swamps of this region.

CAMP GILBERT, November 3d.

As we march toward our destination, our number of able- bodied men diminisbes rapidly. Company C' has left a large propor- tion by the way. Some were down with measles, others with the various diseases incident to camp. For a little distance from Anoka there are marks of civilization-the roads are passable, here and there rude huts are scattered along the roadside. A few miles, however, and the good roads are gone, and they become rutty, muddy and al- most impassable; we have passed the bounds of civilization, and are lost amid the lofty pine trees in the great Minnesota wilderness. At Princeton, about midway between Anoka and Mille Lacs, there were a few Indians; from that point we saw them rarely. For four long days did we travel through the deep mud, pitching our tents each night in the dense woods. At last the troops came in sight of the Indian vil- lage, the novelty of the trip having worn away into dreary monotony ; but at sight of the wigwams and their dusky inmates, all were wide- awake. Lieutenant Colonel Lake had gone in advance with the artillery, which he had vigorously pushed through into camp. Colonel Gilbert, sitting erect and manly on his noble bay, at the head of his regi- ment, presented a soldier-like appearance. As we moved along, the whole Indian population came from their smoky huts, and seemed to express joy to meet their rich neighbors. Little Indian boys climbed upon stumps and fallen trees and watched our movements with eager interest. The deep eyes of the girls peered from behind the trunks of the burnt trees, and seemed to catch all our looks and actions. A few words will describe the size and appearance of Camp Mille Lacs. There is one snugly-built log house, an old stable, and a passably good barn or storehouse. There are two American and a half-a-dozen French residents; and, at the time of our arrival, thirteen or fourteen hundred Indians. The camp is situated on either side of a small trib- utary of the Rum. There is a small farm of two or three aeres near by, from which a erop of potatoes had just been harvested. In a short time, our teams or wagon train came plodding along. Few men would have succeeded so admirably, through such a swamp as the one which now lay behind us, as our wagon-master, B. C. Hale. His ef- forts were wisely directed and untiring, and he is justly applauded.

We remained but a day or two, delighting the Indians with Unele Sam's splendid show, toward whom and his representatives they exhib- ited the truest friendship. As is customary with them, they gathered tbiekly around our camp-fires to exhibit their treasures in decorated birch bark and deer skin, and to beg for presents. Some of them showed signs of civilization, while others appeared to be in a perfectly barbarous condition. They were poorly clad and as poorly fed. At the council which was hell, the paymaster and agent took seats upon a log, and the Indians soon gathered in a large semi-circle before them. Speeches were then made by the Government authorities, inter- preted by the trader. The old chief, and several others of lesser rank, replied; and their speeches were in turn rendered into English. They

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HISTORY OF BUCHANAN COUNTY, IOWA.

complained of having been wronged by their agents, and requested that the next one appointed might be a strictly honest man. The declared themselves loyal, saying that when the difficulty arose, they closed their ears, and they closed them so tight that they could not be opened. In their march they carried the stars and stripes suspended from a hickory pole, and they clung to it as the only hope of their fast fading race. General Roberts, escorted by twenty-five from each com- pany, superintended the business. He is an elderly man, deliberate in bis manner, aud possesses, one would judge, a good degree of firm- ness. Each Indian received ten dollars, the greater part of which was already due the trader.

Our supplies, especially forage, threatening to run short, four com- panies started back before the payment was made, halted when in reach of hay, and camped until the others came up. Companies A and B tarried until the business with these poor children of the forest was completed. On our way up, we failed at Minneapolis to secure hard bread and took flour instead. The boys marched by day with heavy loads upon their backs, and at night stopped to bake their bread, with but one baking tin or oven to the company. The cooks could get but three or four hours of sleep each night, but still they bore it nobly un- til the soda and cream of tartar were gone. Then the bread was as solid as sandstone, and about as digestible. Very slowly we urged on our way, until we were once more "out of the wilderness." When we came in sight of the first rude log cabin our joy was unbounded. Never before did civilization seem so good to us. Here we received news that our regiment was to go south, the companies left at Fort Snelling having already gone to Cairo. Colonel Gilbert left us here, to attend to business preparatory to our removal south. Just north of Princeton, Colonel Lake halted the battalion, placed it in order, and said, in effect :. "Soldiers, we are once again within the bounds of civilization. The manner in which you have conducted yourselves on this trying expedition is creditable to each one of you. You have en- dured many privations, the result of which to some has been serious sickness. Show to the people in this little frontier town that you are soldiers indeed, and not a rabble." The battalion then moved into town with colors flying and drums beating. Here we encamped for the night; and, in the morning as we were leaving, three cheers were given for the ladies of the little town, at the entrance way to the wil- derness. We reached Anoka next day, at the junction of the Rum and Mississippi rivers; and here quite a number of the sick gave out and took quarters at the hotel. A difficulty arose here between our quartermaster and the citizens, which, for a time, portended serious consequences, but was speedily adjusted when it came to the ears of Lieutenant Colonel Lake -- more of which hereafter.

On our way from Anoka to St. Anthony, we met a train of forty-six mule teams en route for Fort Abercrombie, on the Red river of the North, the boundary between Minnesota and Dakota. They were loaded with Government stores for the soldiers stationed there. Last evening we received orders from Colonel Gilbert to report immediately just below Pig's Eye bar, and embark,

Benjamin Sutton was buried yesterday, over yonder on the pleasant hillside, in the soldiers' burying-ground. He was ever ready to act his part, and the boys of our company will miss him. We are now in Camp Gilbert, Fort Snelling. Morgan Boone is sick bere, and a few from the companies that went north will have to remain behind, in spite of the care and skill of Surgeons Hastings and Hunt. We have improved the opportunity to wash up and prepare for another of Un- cle Sam's masterly marches. What I saw in the late one richly repaid me for all I endured; and all the boys feel the same, unless it may be the poor fellows who got sick and will now have to endure being left behind. I must up and prepare to march for Dixie,

C. H. L.

LETTER NO. LXXXI. CAMP OF THE NINTH IOWA, HELENA, ARKANSAS, November 3. 1862. 5

FRIEND RICH :- " The lowa Grey Hounds," or the Ninth lowa, are still at their old camping ground. Some of the boys have erected log barracks, anticipating a winter's campaign around the suburbs of He- lena. Fort Curtis, the Sebastapol of the Mississippi, has just been completed, and the dedication took place on Thursday last. General Hovey entered the fort, attended by his staff, at 10 o'clock A. M., and opened the ceremonies by unfurling the ensign of liberty to the breeze. Immediately a salute of thirteen guns was fired from the fort, the four gun-boats responding at the same time with eight gnns each, many of them thirty-six pounders. Then followed the batteries of the different commands, until it became one continuous roar of artillery, sounding from hill-top to bill-top, striking terror to the Butternuts and darkeys

in the valley. While the Dubuque battery was firing, the boys of the Thirty-fourth Indiana commenced ringing a large contraband church bell, which had been taken from the Christian rebels who had designed to convert it into a more potent weapon against northern vandals. But Yankees, you know, have great reverence for church bells; and, after its capture, had it erected in the centre of the camp; and it is now used, as all bells should be, to call patriots, and patriot soldiers to the service of God and their country. It is also used as a camp clock, ringing every hour in the day and night, which makes it very convenient for the different guard reliefs, When Sabbath comes its familiar sound calls us to divine service, and many a soldier's heart is made to throb at the thought of being far away from friends and home, deprived of all those associations that cluster around his once happy boyhood home. How often the tear will moisten the cheek of our brave boys when they talk to each other of home. I could not help noticing the feeling that was exhibited last Sabbath, while we were singing that old, familiar piece, "Home, sweet Home." There, father, husband, brother, son, all joined in the sentiment:

" Be it ever so humble, There is no place like home."

But our friends must not infer from this that we are homesick, and want to get away from duty. Far from it, our country, our homes, life, liberty, everything we hold dear is being assailed by the wicked hand of treason; and, as long as we have life and health, they shall be given in defence of the flag of our country. .

Mr. Harter has arrived with seven others for company C. They are strong, noble fellows, and will make the rebels skedaddle when they get an opportunity. The officers and men of company C, are highly delighted at seeing our ranks filled up with such good timber. We should like about ten more of the same stamp-can we have them? Lieutenant Colonel Coyle has returned, and taken command of the regiment. The severe wound that he received at the battle of Pea Ridge, while gallantly charging the enemy, we are happy to state, 15 entirely healed. He has been tried and not found wanting, and the regiment has all confidence in him as a leader.

General Vandever has gone with the cavalry on a five days' scout in the direction of Clarendon. The fact is, unless we have a battle or a grand retreat soon, we shall have nothing to write about. All fears of an attack upon us, at present, have passed. The rebel General Holmes says, if it was not for our blasted gun-boats he would drive us into the Mississippi river. Good for the gun-boats. The Twenty-fourth Jowa came to Helena last week. Captain Hord is in one of the companies as second lieutenant. That certainly looks well for the captain-like a determination to serve the country, without reference to tank. May he prosper.

R. W. W.

LETTER NO. LXXXII.

TWENTY-SEVENTH IOWA VOLUNTEERS, 1

CAMP DEFIANCE, CAIRO, ILLINOIS, November 17, 1862. 5

FRIEND RICH :- After a separation of nearly four weeks, the Twenty-seventh regiment is once more united. Our six companies, re- turned from the Mille Lacs expedition, left Prairie du Chien Tuesday afternoon last, by railroad, for Cairo. We came by the way of Madi- son and Chicago, travelling mostly in the night, so that we saw bnt little of the country. We pitched our tents in Camp Defiance, Friday morning, November 14th. The weather has been perfectly delightful until last evening, seeming more like June than November. Last evening it commenced raining, and, this morning, the boys say that each man carries his farm with him on his boots. For one, if I were called upon to choose, I would rather stay here in the mud than spend the winter in the Indian country. But I do not think we shall do either. There are several hundred rebel prisoners a short distance west of out camp. Some three or four hundred came up the river, un- der convoy of one of our gun-boats yesterday. They are a motley- looking crew, clad in all sorts of dress. Some are well dressed in every dav citizen's rig ; some are ragged and dirty ; some few have military overcoats ; but I have not seen a man yet in uniform. Some of the prisoners are hard looking customers, and as mulish as you please ; while others have, from their manner, seen better days. Some say they are tired of the war, and that they never will fight again in the rebel ranks ; others declare that they will fight us as long as they live, and curse ns when they die. There are also several hundred contra- bands in the place, some at work in various ways, and the remainder living in a camp constructed for them. 1 passed their camp yesterday as they were cooking their dinner. Nearly all I saw were women and children, Cairo, it is sufficient to say, is just such a city as one would

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History of Buchanan County, Iowa, with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 48

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