USA > Iowa > Johnson County > Leading Events in Johnson County, Iowa, History > Part 44
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was adjutant, and W. A. Dinwiddie, who was hospital stew- ard,400
It is well to mention here that the thirty-seventh Iowa in- fantry known as the "Grey Beard Regiment" included forty- four men from Johnson county, who were members of of Capt. J. W. McCaddon's company. They were mus- tered in late in 1862 at Muscatine and it must be remembered that the men compcsing this noted regiment were all over forty-five years of age. The regiment officers from the county were Lyman Allen, major, and Prentice Ransom, quarter- master.401
Winter came on, and the fortieth was still in camp. They were then informed by Adj. Gen. Baker that as soon as arms were received at Davenport the regiment would be given marching orders. Finally, on December 17, 1862, the regiment left Camp Pope at Iowa City and started by train for the scenes of war. They had less than twenty hours in which to prepare for their departure, that is to obtain provisions according to order for five days' rations. To the good citi- zens of Iowa City the colonel of the regiment, Col. Garrett, of Newton, tendered his sincere thanks for all the kindness and courtesy shown their officers and men while in camp here. And he expressed special gratitude "for the care of the sick by the large-hearted ladies of the city." The regiment bade farewell to their friends and were carried away to Davenport in the early morning of December 17, 1862.
Less than a week had elapsed when the barracks of Camp Pope were generally removed, but one or two remaining to remind the citizens that such a camp had been in existence. The farmers and others had taken them home to be placed on their premises as permanent keepsakes of Camp Pope and the days when many soldiers camped here. These barracks were sold at auction, supposedly to the highest bidder. A large crowd assembled at the place of sale and it is said "the bidding was lively and spirited." Twenty-six seperate items or build- ings were sold to more than twenty bidders.
It was late in the war period, just as the last year of con- flict began that the "Student Company" went out from Iowa. Eighty-three men composed this company, three of them mem- bers of the teaching force in the State University and Western
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College, now located in Toledo, then in Linn county. They were called Captain Borland's Company, forty-five of them coming from the University and the remainder from Western and Cornell colleges. Only two members had reached the age of twenty-five years, the age of the others ranging from eighteen to twenty-three. They were said to have been "vig- orous, healthy, young men who had thrown aside their gram- mar to pick up the musket; deserted Vergil to scan the rebel foe; left Euclid in the lurch to sooner solve the difficult problem of war." By the Davenport papers where the company went into camp they were complimented in the highest terms on their "fine appearance."
However it is apparent that not all students were inclined to take up arms on the Union side, since we read that Mr. Timothy P. Murphy, having violated the resolution which con- tained the prohibition passed at the regular meeting of the University faculty on April 29, 1863, and having continued his offence after private admonition to the contrary, was summoned before the faculty. After a hearing and an earnest and what was called an "affectionate expostulation" on the part of the faculty, he still persisted in his declaration that he would not obey the order. For this insubordination and be- cause of the increasing dissension among students he was by vote of the faculty dismissed from the institution. The officials published these proceedings in full, since much capital was made out of the action and it was reported in the Chicago Times, an anti-war paper.
The "resolution" referred to above "prohibited the wear- ing of badges by University students that were political in their nature." This had been unanimously adopted in April, and the student was dismissed in May. Dr. Totten's son was also "disciplined" by other students for southern sympathies according to statements of a student at that time.
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CHAPTER XXXII
At Home and in the Field
N TO SOONER were the soldiers in the field than relief soci- eties at home began to make plans for caring for the sick and wounded. In many cases indeed money was sub- scribed to equip the first companies. To continue this became impossible as the numbers became too numerous, but as the contributions of the relief societies were made up of a great variety of articles and sent at opportune periods they kept up their organizations during the entire war, or until their ser- vices were no longer needed.
The soldiers aid societies of Johnson county, organized in 1861, at the end of one year, or in October, 1862, through their secretary, made a report of the amount and kind of articles contributed and sent to the front. Clothing, bedding and food supply for the sick were always acceptable and the freight was cared for by the general government. The whole value of this first year's aid was over $1,500 in money and materials. The farm, the garden, the orchard, and the skill of the house- wife furnished many home-made articles for the hospital and camp. We find the proceeds of lectures, concerts, exhibitions, and contributions at celebrations and festivals all turned over to the distributing society for the benefit of the "boys in the field." Mrs. W. W. Allen was the secretary who kept an ac- curate account of all that was sent forward. If these old records could be examined they would be read with the sensa- tion of great regard for the wives and mothers who were sacrificing at home while the husbands and sons were sacri- ficing on the field. One cannot enumerate the many instances of these home societies for the care of the members of fam- ilies who must bear their share of a citizen's duty. Scott township Soldiers' Aid Society was active in 1863, for we find a meeting announced "at the home of Mrs. H. E. Carver."
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The government meantime established a soldiers' hospital in Iowa City in the summer of 1863 for the accommodation of at least two hundred patients. For this purpose the Sum- mit House was selected, and here the soldiers who were con- valescent were quartered. At the same time the relief soci- eties of the community composed of the women of the county made preparations to make the stay of the soldier a pleasant one if it must be in a hospital ward.
Soldiers were coming home on furlough now, more espe- cially from the twenty-second, so largely a local regiment, Capt. Geo. W. Clark being among the number, who reported on his return what was to him a very unsatisfactory condition of affairs in the matter of forwarding the supplies furnished by the relief organizations of the home county. After the great effort made by the aid societies it was not encouraging; to learn that the material contributed failed to reach its des- tination. It was possible that there was some mistake, but if true it only emphasized the fact that all "needed watching," even some who ought to have been trustworthy.
In order to assist in maintaining the local military hos- pital the proceeds of the Folsom toll bridge were set aside for one entire day in November, 1863. Mr. Folsom announced that all tolls for that day would be paid over to the Soldiers' Aid Society of the city. All who could make it convenient to cross on that day were urged to do so. In response to this humane act the ladies of the Relief Society issued the fol- lowing :
"G. Folsom, Esq.
"Sir: Your generous donation to the Ladies' Aid Society was duly received for which accept our warmest thanks, with the assurance that it will be appreciated as you suggest. It may not be amiss to say to you that in accordance with our constitution we do not feel at liberty to use the funds of the society now on hand for the relief of soldiers' families, except in cases where the soldier is at home and sick. This we have done in several instances. But where donations are made for an expressed purpose, those donations shall be faithfully ap- plied to the specified object.
"By order of the society,
. "Mrs. N. H. Brainerd, Sec'y.".
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The report of this society made in October, 1863, for the year ending then, gave an itemized account of their contribu- tions and a total valuation of over $1,300 sent to various dis- tributing points. The plea was continued for further sup- port since the need was as great as ever and any amount one saw fit to give would be gratefully received.
Furthermore, not least among the needy nor forgotten by all the public spirited and anxious authorities of the time were the helpless families of the absent, the wounded, or the slain soldier. It was said that even those who received the full wages of the head of the family could scarcely live because of the prevailing high prices and his small pay in the army, and in many cases the soldier either could not obtain his pay or it was lost or stolen from him, or other conditions inter- fered with its reaching its home destination, leaving no re- source for the wife and mother. Commendation and encour- agement were not lacking, but that would not feed the hungry nor clothe the naked. As one puts it: "No greater heroism is shown in all the war than that displayed by the wife of the soldier, first in consenting that he should go, and then in the noble fortitude with which she meets the demands made upon her. The sacrifice she is called upon to make puts to shame all the burdens the rest of us who stay at home are asked to bear."
The board of supervisors of the county were urged to make some provision for the emergency in proportion to the mag- nitude of it and the records of their proceedings indicate their efforts to meet the demands made upon them.402 Yet there were those who did not forget the perils and distress of ap- proaching winter, for we read of them distributing supplies to "twenty-five families at one trip." Here is a man who gives a "beef and a half" and a "cord of wood;" another "twenty- one cords of wood, for free distribution;" a subscription list of $110 for "wood and flour," indicated the great hearted- ness of some. While these organizations of mercy, and in- dividuals who were inclined to aid the unfortunate were en- gaged in ministering to the physical needs, there were others who were defending the cause for which men were fighting, which indeed was necessary at certain times, although at this distant day we cannot quite understand why. This is well
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illustrated in what took place among certain citizens of Gra- ham township, who must have been much alarmed by reports, judging from the meetings held and adoption of certain resolu- tions regarding the "contraband." They were called to meet for the purpose of taking steps to prevent the "importation of the African race into this part of Johnson county." This meeting was held at the Morse school house, and E. K. Morse was the chairman. They declared "that we mean what we say, that we are determined to have one spot in Johnson county, Iowa, untarnished by the black race, or we will leave a stain that will cry for revenge when our sons and neighbors return from the land of Dixie," and that "we will enforce the law in cases when it will apply, and use moral suasion to keep the negroes out of this part of Johnson county; and if that fails we will put them out." 408
This publication aroused other citizens of Graham town- ship and a mass meeting was held, composed of all parties, in which the previous meeting was not complimented with the term citizenship of Graham township. It being considered essential that the citizens of said community should present themselves in the proper light, the present gathering was deemed necessary in order to utter a merited rebuke to the minority of the township. Since those who uttered such reso- lutions had placed themselves above the constitution and laws it was necessary to state that every man has a right to conduct his own affairs in his own way so long as he does not inter- fere with the rights of his neighbor and when he does thus interfere, he is amenable to the laws of the land, and not to the disloyal caprices and diseased imaginary whims of his brother neighbors. It was said very plainly and in con- densed form that if necessity required it they would employ and use in cultivating the soil any help to be had, without re- gard to color, and should any one prevent, or attempt to pre- vent they must suffer the consequences without any delay.
The justice of the peace who took part in the previous meeting was asked to resign his office at once since he had impaired the dignity of it and it should be returned to the people. There is much more in the resolutions of the patri- otic support of measures then uppermost in the minds of men which cannot be given space here.
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Oxford township held a meeting sometime later, when reso- lutions of loyalty and condemning the action of any one who did not support governmental efforts, were passed. They in- dorsed the conscript law passed by Congress, and were in favor of a swift prosecution of military affairs, pledging "all their possessions and life if needed" in furthering the cause of the Union. This was not the choice of anyone, in the opinion of these citizens, but an imperative duty.404
Continuing the movement the several townships of the county began to take an active part in commending the sol- diery and in condemning any public opposition to the war in this particular vicinity. The Graham and Oxford township meetings were followed by others. Big Grove held an en- thusiastic gathering presided over by Warner Spurrier, a man whose name is associated with very early county history as one of the commissioners. Rev. N. F. Ravlin, of Cedar Rapids, came by special invitation to address the meeting. It appears that he was a man fitted for the occasion and he left no place for "copper-heads" in the future of that town- ship. The sentiments of the resolutions adopted were not unlike others mentioned before, but the events about Vicks- burg gave the meeting a new inspiration in the special items enumerated. The twenty-second and twenty-fourth, which were engaged at Vicksburg, were honored in every way that language could honor them. The meeting endorsed the prin- ciple of the "right of suffrage" of the soldier, and made the prosecution of the same to the end a prime topic. There was no doubt in the minds of these citizens that the end could only be successful by a vigorous activity in all departments and they pledged themselves in every way to carry out their own suggestions.
As mentioned, the meeting above occurred soon after the Vicksburg campaign, the surrender of which was observed in the community by another meeting. The impromptu proces- sion which formed came to a halt in front of the Clinton House where the people were addressed by Adjutant- General Baker, Governor Kirkwood, Colonel Graham, Doctor Ferrard, Judge Buttles, Major Brooks, Lieutenant Remick, Z. C. Luse, S. H. Fairall, Major Williams and others.
Farmers came in from all directions, having heard the
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artillery and the general jubilee over the news from the front. When it was understood that all would not arrive in time for the program during the day it was postponed until evening. Then fireworks and bonfires made day of the whole city and an immense number of people collected at the front steps of the Old Capitol in University Square, where they were ad- dressed by the same ones who appeared at all such demon- strations, among them President Spencer of the University, Governor Kirkwood and Adjutant-General Baker. It was more than a Fourth of July, it was a time when the long-de- layed news found a response in the feelings of the people that could not be given under ordinary patriotic occasions.
There was yet one more stirring event to cause a delay in the daily occupations, and the one that meant the most to the anxious ones both at the front of battle and at home. Mayor McCleary requested, by proclamation, the cessation of all business when the news of Lee's surrender came. The schools were closed, while handbills announcing a gathering in the evening were posted and "implements of noise" were collected from various sources. The drums were sounded, flags unfurled, and bells rung. In spite of the rain at night, the big bonfire at the corner of Washington and Clinton streets was surrounded by a great throng. Farmers came to town to find out what all this noise was about. Darkness found the town brightly illuminated [for 1865] with tallow candles. It was reported that "the University buildings had the grandest display, being illuminated their entire length" - probably a candle in each window, and considered as extraordinary.
Led by the band the crowd called on Governor Kirkwood and when the rain became too severe for further speaking out of doors the court house was seized upon for the assembly. Speeches and songs now ended the war as they began it, and at the same place and also by some of the same speakers.
The conclusion was made in the following words: "We have had great times in the week that has just passed and we shall hardly look upon the like again." Posterity trusts that such scenes may never more be necessary in the future united purposes of the nation.
The abundance of war correspondence from the field sug- gests that it should be collected and so arranged that a student
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could find a continuous account of events through which a given regiment, or company, better for local history, passed. Such complete accounts could be gathered from letters, many and interesting, sent from members of companies to family, friends or newspapers. It would take a volume to contain the letters that may be found in a single file of papers in one county and the old soldier, even, has forgotten who the correspondent was. He may have signed himself "Coon Creek," or "13," or "Jeff." Here, for instance, is a letter from the twenty- second, and here one from the second cavalry, and another from the twenty-fourth, and still one from the twenty-eighth, pages of matter written on the field, probably on a drum head, or some other improvised support.
On the same page letters come from Rolla, Mo .; from Cor- inth, Miss .; from Camp Pope; all these tell the news as it was found in their several commands. To illustrate: "Things pursued the even tenor of their way at this military point. Everything is quiet in camp. It is now ten p. m. and 'taps' have been beaten, noise is hushed, soldiers are in quarters, and lights extinguished, save the solitary one by which these lines are written. The silence seems portentious, yet nothing serious will occur for some time. It is a law of mechanics that large bodies move slowly. It is said the same rule holds in military tactics. I think so. Facts are on that side of the argument. One and a half months have passed since our regiment (the twenty-second) left Iowa City, and what has been accomplished. Regular routine of camp life, ennui and discontent created; that is all. Such is war and the spirit in which it is conducted. A 'masterly inactivity reigns supreme.' The rebel flag flaunting in the breeze in sight of our capitol and the enemy preparing for winter quarters upon the banks of the Potomoc. From winter quarters, in tents or barracks, may Heaven defend us. But such a fate is not in store for us. It was here the fourth Iowa camped last winter (winter of '62) and its dead numbered scores. It has since seen the hardest service, been in the hardest fought battles, yet such experiences are not nearly so fatal, nor do they equal in de- structive effort the silent, secret, deadly enemy - inactivity.
"It is said that in ancient times the 'smell of the lamp' conduced to mental activity. If this old candle which is burn-
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ing, fastened to my trunk, will have a similar effect, I shall be very thankful and become a firm believer in Grecian fableology hereafter."
"The regiment remains in statu quo, Col. Graham com- mandant of the post, Col. Stone not having been exchanged. No major has appeared. Capt. Lee is in command of the regiment. The failure of Col. Stone to be exchanged is deeply regretted by the regiment. An officer of experience, energetic and efficient, to be thus circumscribed is indeed a public calam- ity. . .. Snow fell here last week and being followed by a spell of severe weather, the boys got an inkling of what they might expect in the future and they immediately prepared for another attack. The tents issued by the quartermaster will hold eighteen or twenty men each and have a sheet iron stove which serves to make the tent quite comfortable.
"Ventilation is well secured by an aperture at the top through which the smoke escapes. The officers are furnished two wall tents but no stoves only as they purchase them for themselves. Most of them have constructed fire places, the smoke escaping through a flue underneath the ground, the chimney being constructed of stone, pieces of wood and empty barrels. Altogether they resemble a group of Irish shanties.
"A supposed spy was caught a short distance from here a few days ago. He had in his possession $3300 in money and a good horse. He represents himself as an Iowan on his way to Arkansas. He is a suspicious character and is still under arrest. Capt. Geo. W. Clark of Company K, the legal man of the regiment, has been appointed Provost Marshal General of the Rolla, Mo., district. Company K is still acting as Provost Guard of the town of Rolla.
"Last week our camp was enlivened by the presence of an old Iowa City citizen, M. L. Morris, formerly state treasurer. He arrived from Springfield and found Johnson county pretty well represented here. He left on Saturday for Salem to join Gen. Warren, he having received the appointment of brigade quartermaster on his staff.
"There has been another death in the regiment, Simeon Woodlin of Company I. He died on Friday and was buried with military honors, his own company following his hearse and paying the last testimonial of respect to a departing sol-
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dier. Deaths are quite frequent in the hospitals in town and almost every day escorts are detailed to accompany the re- mains to the final resting place."
Then follows a long list of sick, those in the hospital, and on the road to recovery. This letter was signed by "Jeff," and from his name appearing elsewhere, it was probably "Davis."
Another from Corinth, Miss., is somewhat different in its subject matter:
"On the morning of the 28th, three days ago, word was passed down the line that 'Sergeant Wicks, Co. B, was dead - died this morning.' In this simple announcement there was nothing for wonder or surprise. Like him many another has closed his earthly account in the hospital under circumstances as unfovaroble for them as his were for him. With the an- nouncement of his death was another which should have ex- cited wonder, but it did not, for it is too frequently told and believed to cause wonder - it was that he died from neglect.
"Don't lose all your sympathy for this one - Sergeant Wicks; think not even of his family whom he has left to mourn the sacrifice, first of health, then of life for his country. Nor shed a tear for the neglect during the hours when judicious love might have saved him for his country and for his family. Think of nothing but the bald fact - he died; and then let him rest awhile for I shall soon introduce you to other per- sonages as deserving of sympathy, as deserving of a tear.
"Not to the neglect through which Corporal Haskins died of a flesh wound received in the Farmington charge; through which a sergeant of Co. A died of a wound through the wrist. For this neglect there is only a shadow of an excuse. It is to our own hospital that I wish to call your attention.
"Corporal Smith, Co. G; Betts, Co. H; Grans, Co. A., were long sick, having a disease peculiar to the climate. The med- ical skill of the regiment acknowledged themselves baffled, unable to do any more for them here.
"What was done then? Nothing. These men fast sink- ing lower and lower were allowed to die in camp without med- ical assistance or effort to save them, and further, the officers of these three companies did all in their power to get from the surgeons either furloughs or discharges for these men but
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