USA > Iowa > Dubuque County > History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 28
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STEPS TO CEMETERY HILL
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government as administered by Mr. Lincoln seems to know of but one course to pursue, and that is to provoke a conflict between the government and its disaffected people, for the purpose of coerc- ing them to obey its own behests and to submit to the infliction of intolerable grievances from a fanatical faction which have ob- tained control of the government."-(Herald, April 10, 1861.)
"What deep lethargy has fallen on the American people? The government is tumbling into ruins. The nation is on the verge of a plunge into civil war. Imbecility of rulers at the federal capi- tal is governed by a military dictator. Hostile fleets and armies are dispatched to begin hostilities upon our brethren of the South, when that act shall become the death knell of the Union. Men of all parties can be found who deprecate the hostile operations of the military dictator at Washington. Let us all who are opposed to the code of coercion meet in one vast body in Dubuque and protest with our loudest voice against civil war and the military terrorism inaugurated at Wasihngton. Our motto should be, 'No fraternal bloodshed-no civil war; but peace and conciliation.'" -.- (America, in Herald, April 11, 1861.)
On Saturday, April 13, came the telegraphic news that Fort Sumter had been attacked by the South Carolinians. Much excite- ment was kindled in Dubuque. The Herald said: "The govern- ment, as we have said already, possesses the undoubted right to chastise rebellious people even unto death, but is it always the best policy to exercise this right? The precipitation of the country into civil war brings upon us all the solemn duty of rallying our physical energies and mental powers in the sacred cause of our country. Nothing will do now, it seems, but to goad our erring and, if it must be so, rebellious brethren of the South into the commission of such acts of violence as must be repelled and chastised. Nothing will do with the administration but to irri- tate their already excited temper ; nothing will satisfy the fanatics of the North but a provocation to civil war, in which they may accomplish their darling object-that which they have long hoped for, that for which they have toiled for many years-the incite- ment of the slaves to insurrection against their masters, and as they hope the consequent emancipation of those slaves, the abolition of slavery and the ruin and subjugation of the South to the political thraldom of northern fanaticism."-(Herald, April 13, 186r.)
The call for volunteers by President Lincoln met the approval of all Republicans here and also that of many Democrats, particularly of the Herald, which had recommended that course some time before, though in a modified way. There was much excitement, which induced the Herald to say: "Some have suffered themselves to be carried away by this excitement so far as to indulge in ex- pressions, the result of emotions which are well calculated to pro-
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duce disastrous consequences even away here far distant from the scene of conflict. This is not the time for men to give way to their passions; this not the time to indulge in harshness of ex- pression, nor in the language of provocation, nor crimination and recrimination."-(Herald, April 16, 1861.) "People gathered in groups at the street corners and around the printing offices to hear and discuss the news, and in some instances the discussion was carried on in a spirit very illy calculated to allay the excitement which was on the point of explosion into violence for some time." -(Same. )
In all the churches on Sunday the pastors endeavored to quiet the people. Rev. Father Donelan in the morning of Sunday, April 14, 1861, and Rev. Father Durnin in the evening, at the Cathedral. referred in an impressive manner to the unfortunate condition of the country. The former was almost overpowered by his emotions, and many of his congregation were affected to tears as he pictured the horrors of a fratricidal war.
A public meeting was called by hand bills on Monday evening, April 15, at the corner of Main and Eighth street, for the purpose of securing an expression of opinion in favor of supporting the government against the secession movement. A large crowd gath- ered and were addressed by L. H. Langworthy, O. P. Shiras, H. T. Utley. T. M. Monroe and William Mills. The following resolutions offered by C. P. Redmond were adopted :
Whereas, A portion of the people living under the government of the United States have seen fit to set at naught the authority of the national government, to take possession of the public and other property not rightfully in their possession, and have opposed by arms the legally constituted authority, and have by unmis- takable acts declared an aggressive war against our beloved insti- tutions, therefore,
Resolved, That the people of Dubuque, as good citizens of the United States should and do, regret with sincere feelings the rash- ness which has driven our southern brethren into arms against the government and the terrible necessity of civil war which has thus been forced upon us.
Resolved, That as good citizens it is our solemn and unavoid- able duty to sustain and uphold the government and the execution of its laws and the vindication of its authority.
Resolved. That we will give our devoted attachment, our un- wavering confidence and our unconditional support to the govern- ment of the United States.
Resolved, That our hearts are still loyal to the great principle of constitutional liberty and free government upon which the wisdom of our forefathers erected the temple of the Constitution under the shade of which we have enjoyed so many and so great blessings, and that the ruthless hands and traitorous hearts that
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would destroy this beautiful temple merit from us the severest reprobation and the most undaunted opposition.
Resolved. That if we cannot have union we will preserve liberty and the Constitution.
After the adoption of the resolutions the meeting continued to grow in size and loyalty. Speeches were made by D. N. Cooley, Ben M. Samuels. F. W. Palmer, D. S. Wilson, S. P. Adams and James Burt. The stars and stripes were displayed from Root's gallery and during the speaking any remarks not in harmony with the resolutions, and there were a number, were interrupted by pungent questions and hisses.
"Dr. C. B. Smith said he knew there was a small squad of secessionists here, 'but,' said he, 'their leader, thank God, is not a native of the soil and if he had his deserts he would be swinging from the nearest lamp post.' So intense was the sympathy of the audience with the patriotic utterances of the speaker that at the con- clusion of one of his sentences they could not restrain a marked dem- onstration of applause."-(Times, April 16, 1861.)
"The Times yesterday contained not less than three articles hav- ing for their object the incitement of violence towards this office and the editor of this paper. If the destruction of the property of this office and the hanging to a lamp post of ourselves, as the Rev. Dr. Billings Smith amiably and charitably as became his calling of minister of the gospel would have done, should be the only consequence of the efforts of the Times, Dr. Smith and others to create a riot and destroy life and property in this com- munity, it might not be so serious an affair. But there are other property and other lives besides ours."-(Herald, April 17, 1861.)
On April 17 the Washington Guards formally offered their services to the governor. Mr. Vandever had already tendered the Greys. Upon the fall of Fort Sumter the Herald displayed a large spread eagle, which the Times construed as showing the joy of that paper at the surrender of the fort to the rebels.
"It is rumored that the Herald has lost over two hundred sub- scribers within the last forty-eight hours, on account of the spirit shown and position taken in relation to our troubles with the re- belling states. Never has there been such an exhibition of feeling towards any paper in this city before as there was to our con- temporary yesterday and the day before. We are sorry to see this, as it is better to have the Herald running here alone, as the organ of Democracy, than to have some good paper started that would represent the sentiments of the young Democrats."-(Times, April 16, 1861.)
"The foregoing appeared in the local columns of the Times yesterday. It implies what is false when it intimates that this paper has ever uttered other than Union sentiments, and we dare
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the Times to show the contrary by word or act. Whatever feeling may have been manifested toward this office and towards us personally is the result of the malignant partisanship of which the Times is the echo, the organ and the advocate."-(Herald, April 17, 1861.)
No sooner had the citizens here recovered their equilibrium than they began effective operations. The Governor's Greys and Jackson Guards quickly recruited to the maximum for each com- pany. The Herald continued to find fault with the administra- tion and deal in moral and constitutional platitudes and was sup- ported by a large following throughout the county.
"Jackson Guards .- We understood last night that the Jackson Guards company was nearly full. This city will probably offer three companies, and as but two can be accepted, it will be a strife among them as to which shall go."-(Herald, April 19, 1861.)
"Washington Guards .- This company is filling up rapidly with recruits. Last night a meeting was held, at which quite a number were enrolled. The company meets tonight for drill and to re- ceive recruits. Parties who joined the company last evening are requested to meet for drill tonight."-(Herald, April 19, 1861.)
"The Sinews of War .- The State Bank of Dubuque has made a tender of a loan to Governor Kirkwood to aid in putting the lowa regiments in the field, in compliance with the requisition of the president. This branch of the bank offers all the money that may be needed for this purpose."-(Herald, April 19, 1861.)
"The Stars and Stripes waved from many a building yesterday. There was one suspended across the street from the Herald office, also from the Times office and numerous other places-Iowa Staats Zeitung, Tremont House, Julien House, G. R. West's warehouse and from many stores and saloons. Flags are on the rise."- (Herald, April 19, 1861. ).
On April 19 the Governor's Greys passed a formal resolution holding themselves in readiness to obey a requisition from Gov- ernor Kirkwood. They at once opened a recruiting office for the purpose of raising their number to the required limits. It was proposed to hold a public meeting for the purpose of forming a home guard that under all circumstances would support the flag and the Constitution. It was also proposed to raise a subscription to care for the families of volunteers in their absence.
On April 19, 1861, Col. J. F. Bates addressed the following order to Capt. R. G. Herron, of the Washington Guards, Lieut. WV. H. Clark, Governor's Greys, and Capt. F. Gottschalk, Jackson Guards: "Sir: A requisition having been made by Governor Kirk- wood for two or more companies from this section to form a part of the regiment required of this state by the President, you are hereby ordered to fill up your company to seventy-eight men and be prepared to march at a moment's warning at the call of the
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proper authority. The companies of the First regiment in this section, the Governor's Greys, Washington Guards and Jackson Guards, will, unless otherwise ordered by the governor, meet at Davenport, the place of general rendezvous, with other companies of the state, by the 20th of May, but are liable to be called into service at any moment. When the companies composing the regi- ment inect at the rendezvous, they will elect their regimental offi- cers. You are hereby ordered to open the armory of your com- pany for the purpose of receiving recruits and appoint a recruiting officer to be daily in attendance. The companies will act upon all applications and none but able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45 will be accepted. Drills are hereby ordered for every night in each company until further order. When your company is full you will report to me without delay."
William Vandever was appointed an aid to Governor Kirkwood. The war absorbed all other topics at this time. Eight young men arrived by rail on April 20 to enlist in companies here; six were from the college of Hopkinton, Delaware county, and were named Westlake, Morgan, Webb, Hussey, Spears and Metsler. By the evening of April 20 the three recruiting offices were in full blast. The Greys had then sixty-eight names enrolled, the Washı- ington Guards about sixty-five and the Jackson Guards over sixty. The Washington Guards had an offer of six men and a drummer from Epworth.
A large Union meeting was held at the Julien Theater April 20. Colonel McHenry called the meeting to order. Mayor Stout was elected chairman and C. Childs secretary. The following vice- presidents were chosen : Colonel McHenry, W. A. Jordan, P. A. Lorimier, F. V. Goodrich, T. Davis, L. Clark, Z. Streeter, J. P. Colter, J. C. Cummings, Benjamin Rupert and W. B. Allison. Judge Clark was called out and delivered an eloquent speech on the necessity of maintaining the Constitution. Other speakers were McHenry, Vandever, Trumbull, Adams and Ross. The object of the meeting was to organize a home guard, which was done, and the following officers were elected, their duties under the resolu- tions adopted being to receive and disburse funds for the benefit of families of volunteers: H. L. Stout, president; W. A. Jordan and F. V. Goodrich, vice-presidents ; J. K. Graves, treasurer ; Will- iam W. Mills, secretary; H. W. Pettit, corresponding secretary. Subscriptions to the amount of nearly $1,200 were received.
Many men came from all parts of Dubuque county and from adjoining counties, hoping to get into the companies organizing here. One man from Jackson county walked twenty-five miles without stopping and was accepted by the Greys. The companies were almost constantly on the drill. The volunteers were mostly young men, twenty-one years or under.
There was a misunderstanding as to the duties and character of
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the home guard-whether it should be an organization to care for families of volunteers or a body of militia ready to take the field if necessary. Later it was shown that the home guard was a different organization from the one that had been formed. The one formed was a volunteer fund board. The committee to organ- ize the home guard was Samuel Ross, S. D. Brodtbeck and L. W. Jackson. The volunteer fund board put everything in systematic and working order with investigations and regular reports. Still many of the wealthiest citizens apparently took no interest in the proceedings.
On April 20 the boats from St. Louis had on board several hun- dred free negroes who had been notified to leave St. Louis. A few of them landed at Dubuque. Boats were required to show their colors at all landings and all flung out the Stars and Stripes. Several boats reported seeing the secession flag flying at Hannibal and other Missouri ports.
Several members of the Washington Guards appeared before the volunteer fund board on April 22 and stated that they were not prepared for immediate service unless they were assured that their families would be taken care of in their absence. The follow- ing guaranty was immediately given: "We, the undersigned com- mittee appointed by the Union meeting held on Saturday evening, the 20th of April, 1861, for the purpose of providing funds for the support of the families of such of our citizens as may vol- unteer in the service of their country, hereby pledge ourselves to see that the purpose for which we were appointed is fully carried out and that the families of all such are fully supported during the absence of such volunteers." (Signed by) H. L. Stout, J. K. Graves, M. Allison, G. F. Matthews, A. H. Mills, J. C. Chapline, T. Faherty ; W. W. Mills, secretary.
On April 23 the Governor's Greys and Jackson Guards left for the rendezvous at Davenport. The Greys headed by the Ger- mania band marched from their armory about 3 p. m. and waited a short time below Sixth street for the Jackson Guards. Both companies as they passed along the streets were surrounded by hundreds of friends, who were shaking their hands and bidding them good-bye. At the levee the only open space left by the flood was crowded with men, women and children, sorrowing and at the same time rejoicing at the departure of the volunteers. The troops were soon on board the Alhambra, but the crowd still lin- gered, cheering and bidding them perhaps a last farewell. Amid the firing of cannon, the waving of hands and handkerchiefs and shouts of "God bless you!" and "Good-bye," the boat steamed out into the river and started for Davenport. Many tears were shed, for it was realized that some of the boys would never return. Not a few of the young soldiers themselves wiped away tears as they passed along the streets or turned to look for the last time on the
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friends and city they loved so well. One had left a young bride, another an aged mother, others wives and children, and all left behind loved ones. There were many full hearts and tearful eyes that memorable day.
The United States marshal notified the Illinois Central Railroad Company on the 23d to receive no more freight for ports below Cairo, Illinois. Samuel Osborne, orderly sergeant of the Greys, was left behind under orders to bring to Davenport, April 27, fourteen additional volunteers. Five printers were with the first two companies sent off.
When the first two companies departed, Bishop Smyth dismissed his school and with his own hands hoisted the Stars and Stripes form the portico of his home. The schoolboys went to the levee to see the companies depart.
The Stars and Stripes were raised on the new custom house by W. W. Martin, the contractor, on April 25. By April 26 the roll of the Washington Guards was about complete. Then Capt. M. M. Hayden began to reorganize the old City Guards, the oldest mili- tary company in the city. He required only sixty-five men to com- plete the roll. A field piece was to constitute a part of the arms of this company.
The committee on home guards recommended the organization of seven companies, as follows: Colonel Heath and Lieutenant Lenehan, one company : Colonel Ross and Lieutenant Conger, one company : Major Brodtbeck and Lieutenant West, one company ; Captain Doolittle and Lieutenant Grosvenor, one company ; Colonel McHenry and Capt. G. O. Karrick, one company; Captain Rubel and Doctor Blumenauer, one company. It was announced that all men capable of bearing arms must be enrolled in one of the companies. At this time there were in the city only about eighty stands of arms, and it was recommended that they should be kept here for emergencies. It was recommended that Colonel Bates should act as field marshal of Dubuque county. It was further recommended that the citizens refrain from angry debate. "The ship of state is on fire! Let us with one hand and one voice, shoulder to shoulder and side by side, extinguish the flames, return it to its original grandeur and nail to its highest mast the Star Spangled Banner," said the committee.
Concerning this report and these singular recommendations the Herald said: "It places the whole city under military discipline, military regime, military training, military everything, including military despotism in prospective. This sort of work has gone on long enough, and it is time it were ended. Any number of citizens can organize a home guard for the protection of life and property, preservation of the peace, or as a contingent force for future or emergency service. This will be the Republican or Democratic way of doing things and not the despotic as suggested by the com-
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mittee, with all due deference to them."-(Herald, April 27, 1861.)
Governor Kirkwood late in April took dinner in Davenport with the Greys and Guards at their quarters. He called the Greys a "bully company." The men were drilled daily many hours and were very proficient. Their numbers had been increased. They were without uniforms and camp equipment. At the request of Governor Kirkwood citizens of Dubuque interested themselves and the ladies finally organized and began the task of supplying this want. The permanent officers of the ladies' society were: Mrs. J. W. Taylor, president; Mrs. H. L. Stout, vice-president ; Mrs. J. L. Langworthy, chairman ; Mrs. A. Gillespie, secretary. Large quantities of blankets, socks, handkerchiefs, underclothing, etc., were contributed by the society. All sewing machines in the city were put at this service.
The Ladies' Volunteer Labor Society met daily at 9 a. m. and adjourned at 5 p. m. Over 100 ladies were thus occupied on April 30-all at work on the soldiers' uniforms and other clothing. Smith & Wellington and Mr. Becker cut out the clothing and superintended the making. They were paid by the government. The ladies' work was their volunteer offering.
The Volunteer Fund Board reported they had appropriated $8 per week for three families.
Col. George McHenry planned to raise a company of Zouaves. When he and Capt. G. O. Karrick appeared on the streets, April 29, in Zouave uniforms, they were surrounded by an admiring and witty crowd. At the Julien House they called for recruits.
The Stars and Stripes were formally hoisted early at Cascade on a tall pole. The following night someone hauled down the flag and raised a dead owl in its place and cut the rope off forty feet from the ground. By May 7, 1861, there had been subscribed in Dubuque in aid of soldiers' families nearly $6,000.
Powerful and patriotic sermons were delivered in all the churches of Dubuque during April and May, 1861. Particularly were the sermons of Bishop Smyth, Mr. Holbrook, Mr. Smith and others strong and loyal. The former visited the two companies at Davenport and addressed them from the standpoints both of religion and of patriotic duty.
The ladies to the number of 150 were quartered in Globe Hall to make the uniforms.
On May 5 the Greys and Guards at Davenport dropped down the river to Keokuk, where all the First regiment was sent about the same time. By May 8 the uniforms of the Jackson Guards were ready to be forwarded to Keokuk, and by the 9th those of the Greys were ready.
Mrs. A. Gillespie, secretary of the ladies' society, composed
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about this time the following two stanzas intended as an addition to the "Star Spangled Banner":
"Rise Sons of the West! In your valor arise ! 'Tis Freedom that summons your legions to glory ;
Ring out the glad shout to the echoing skies
And through the wide land send the heart-stirring story.
"To the combat we fly, for the struggle is nigh,
And for God and our country we conquer or die ;
That the Star Spangled Banner forever may wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."
D. S. Smith, of Dyersville, said that Captain Moreland, of the Dyersville Blues, had orders from Colonel Bates to hold the guns then at Dyersville which had been sent there by Captain Hayden.
A Union meeting was held at the schoolhouse at Center Grove May 25, 1861, on which occasion a flag was raised on a high pole and speeches were made by J. B. Bothwell, E. D. Palmer and George W. Goldthorpe. The flag raised was prepared by young ladies named Waters, Scott, Palmer, Lackey and others. After being raised the flag was lowered and draped in mourning for Colonel Ellsworth.
The uniforms of the first two Dubuque companies cost $1,939.04 ; transportation to Davenport, $337; shoes and stockings, $300. In the first mentioned sum was $208.35 for 200 woolen shirts; $40 for undershirts, and $13.70 for telegrams, etc., in all $261.05, which deducted from the first amount left $1,677.99 as the actual cost of 205 uniforms.
The citizens of Peosta and Centralia met at the former place and resolved to formally raise the Stars and Stripes in both towns. Simeon W. Clark was chairman of the occasion and J. W. Miller secretary.
"There are rumors that several citizens of Dubuque, some time absent, and who are known or were supposed to be in the service or interests of the Confederate army, have been arrested as spies at Cairo. The rumors are not sufficiently tangible to warrant the giving of names or the reported circumstances."-(Herald, May 25, 1861. )
The following officers were elected for the Washington Guards May 25, 1861: R. G. Herron, captain; D. J. O'Neill, first lieu- tenant : P. W. Crawford, second lieutenant. It was announced that the company had been accepted for the Third Iowa infantry.
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