Civil War News - Madison County, Illinois
Madison County ILGenWeb Coordinator - Beverly Bauser
BELOW ARE NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS REGARDING THE CIVIL WAR AND MADISON COUNTY PATRIOTS
SEE ALSO: THE ALTON MILITARY POST AND PRISON | THE ESCAPE OF COLONEL EBENEZER MAGOFFIN
7TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY QUARTERED AT ALTON PRISON
Source:
Alton Telegraph, May 10 & 17, 1861
The Regiment [7th Illinois
Volunteer Infantry] quartered in Alton appear to be contended
and happy. They come out daily as Companies, and drill amid the
green grass and leaf-covered forests in the vicinity of the
city, and decorate themselves with wild flowers with which the
woods abound. To see them in their innocent recreations and
their love for the romantic and beautiful, one would never be
led to think they were preparing to shed blood. They have
conducted themselves with great propriety since they have been
here, and have the good wishes and kindly sympathies of the
entire community. Last Friday morning they hoisted a large and
beautiful flag over their camp, amid the shouts and hurrahs of
thousands. Afterward Colonel Cook and others made some patriotic
and pertinent remarks, which were received with deafening
applause. Then the Star Spangled Banner and other patriotic airs
were sung by the Volunteers, with a will and emphasis which
showed that their song came from the depths of their hearts.
Friends from abroad having relatives here may rest assured
that the people of Alton will spare no pains to make the
soldiers comfortable and happy during their sojourn among us.
Some of our ladies’ hearts are so large and full of patriotism
that they are talking of getting up a great picnic for the
entire Regiment so that the Volunteers can have a chance to meet
our citizens and receive evidences of their kindness. We cannot
say now whether they will be able to succeed in their
contemplated enterprise. But simply speak of it is an evidence
of the esteem and respect they entertain for the brave soldiers
sojourning for the time being among us.
The men in this
encampment are diligently engaged in drilling preparatory to
active service, whenever they may be ordered. They are a
fine-looking lot of men, and we have not yet heard of a single
case of disorderly conduct among them since they have been in
our city. Some of them complain of their quarters, but we think
that it is caused more from the fact that they are inside the
Penitentiary walls than from any inconveniences which they
suffer. It is not supposed at this time, however, that they will
be permitted to remain much long with us, especially if their
service should be needed in Missouri, but at present we do not
think that will be the case.
Many of our citizens have
enough milk to spare, and we learn that it is in great demand at
Camp Dubois. Would it not be convenient and agreeable to those
who are so abundantly supplied with milk to send it into the
Camp for the benefit of the brave Volunteers who stand in so
much need of it? We have also been told that some milk shylocks
have been taking it there and selling it at 10 cents per quart,
while they supply their regular customers at 6 cents. It is
shameful thus to extort upon men who have left their all to
protect our Government and perhaps our lives and property from
destruction, simply because they are in a situation that they
cannot help themselves.
NOTES:
The 7th Illinois
Infantry was mustered at Cairo, Illinois, on April 25, 1861,
under Colonel John Cook. On April 27, they marched from Camp
Yates to the armory, where they received their arms – the
Harper’s Ferry altered musket. The regiment then marched to the
depot and took the train to Alton, arriving at 4 p.m. They
quartered in the former State Penitentiary. The men were eager
for war, with hopes of glory, and to be quartered in the old
criminal home grated harshly. Every day the regiment was marched
out onto the city commons by Colonel Cook, and exercised in the
manual of arms and the battalion evolutions, until they attained
a proficiency surpassed by none in the service. On May 19,
Private Harvey of Company A died – the first death in the
regiment. On June 2, Private Dunsmore of the same Company died.
On June 3, the regiment left Alton on board the steamer “City of
Alton,” for Cairo, Illinois. They were inspected at the St.
Louis Arsenal, and then proceeded on their way. They saw service
at the Battle of Fort Donelson, the Battle of Shiloh, the Battle
of Allatoona, the March to the Sea and the Carolinas Campaign.
The regiment mustered out of service on July 9, 1865.
COLONEL COOK’S REGIMENT LEAVES ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, June 7, 1861
Colonel Cook’s Regiment left this
place on Monday evening last, about 10 o’clock, for Cairo. There
was a large assemblage of citizens collected on the levee to see
them off, and when the boat began to move, deafening shouts were
sent forth from the brave volunteers, and returned by the
citizens. They embarked on the [steamboat] City of Alton. From
the uniform good conduct of the men while here, they had made
many friends, and most of our citizens regretted to see them
leave, and on the other hand the soldiers expressed the warmest
attachment towards our citizens, and acknowledged with grateful
feeling the kindness shown them, especially by the ladies of the
place. More than one of them said they hoped after peace was
restored, they would be permitted to return this way, and meet
again their kind friends in Alton, before leaving for their
homes. That they may be successful to their mission, be
preserved from the bullets of the rebels, escape desolating
sickness, and speedily be permitted to return to their homes, is
the earnest desire of our citizens.
ARRIVAL OF TROOPS IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, June
21, 1861
On Tuesday morning the steamers Sam Caty and LaSalle
landed at our wharf from Peoria, with the 17th Regiment of
Illinois Volunteers Colonel L. F. Ross in command. Their camping
grounds is a little north of Middletown. They are a fine-looking
body of men.
On Wednesday a Regiment under the command of
Colonel Turner arrived by the way of the Illinois Central and
Terre Haute, Alton and St. Louis Railroad, from Freeport.
On the same morning, the Regiment from Joliet arrived on the
St. Louis, Alton, and Chicago Railroad, under the command of
Colonel Marsh, and also Colonel Hecker’s German Regiment from
Chicago.
These troops are camped in the suburbs of Alton,
and are a determined and noble looking company of men. There is
no nation on the face of the earth which has such an intelligent
set of men to light its battles as ours. Here it is our fellow
citizens, inferior in no respect to the best of our people who
are at home, that volunteer to lay down their lives in defense
of their country, and that too without any reference to the
consideration they are to receive. They should, and we have no
doubt but they will, receive the sympathy and kind attentions of
our citizens while they sojourn in our community. In addition to
the Regiments named above, it is understood that the Dixon
Regiment, under Colonel J. H. Wyman, will also be stationed here
if this should be sol, Colonel Wyman, as the senior Colonel,
would have charge of the encampment. Of those men here, Colonel
Turner is the senior.
ALTON VOLUNTEERS ON FURLOUGH
Source: Alton Telegraph, July
26, 1861
A number of the Alton Volunteers who have been in
Cairo in the Jaegers and Captain Tucker’s Company, have been
spending a day or two at home. They represent the troops in that
place as in good spirits and enjoying excellent health for the
season of the year. Nearly all of them have re-enlisted to serve
during the war.
CAPTAIN FRANKLIN MOORE’S COMPANY SWORN IN
Source: Alton
Telegraph, July 26, 1861
On Wednesday, Captain Franklin
Moore’s Cavalry Company of Madison County was sworn into
service, and took their place in the camp. This Company is
commanded by the following officers: Captain Franklin Moore;
First Lieutenant George Leopold; Second Lieutenant Thomas Brown.
CAPTAIN J. L. ROBERTS RIFLE COMPANY
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 9, 1861
Captain J. L. Roberts if organizing
a crack rifle company made up in a good degree from the brave
and well-drilled company of Captain B. W. Tucker’s three months’
volunteers. Those wishing a place in this popular organization
must call soon, as it is nearly full and will leave for
Springfield on Saturday or Monday at farthest. Captain Roberts
is just the man to lead his men to victory and renown, and all
who join with him will be sure to be called to active service.
ARTILLERY COMPANY FORMED IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 9, 1861
We learn that Steerling and M.
Welfley are aiming to form an Artillery Company in Upper Alton
for the purpose of serving under General Fremont in the
southwest. The Company will be mainly made up from those who
have had active experience in the Prussian army. A few men with
the proper qualification may yet be received into this company.
The patriotic ardor of our people is unabated, and we have no
doubt this company will soon be full.
LIEUTENANT FERDINAND WELKER NOW QUARTERMASTER
Source:
Alton Telegraph, August 23, 1861
Lieutenant Ferdinand Welker
of Alton has entered upon the duties of Quartermaster in the
battery of Captain Schwarz Light Artillery, which Company is
attached to Major General Freemont’s bodyguard. We are certain
we shall hear a good account of him in whatever position he may
accept. This adds another to the list of “Alton boys” who are
doing good service in our sister state. We learn that Mr. Welker
will be detailed to recruit some additional forces for said
Company.
GEORGE TUTHILL NOW SECOND LIEUTENANT
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 30, 1861
We notice that our old friend
George W. Tuthill, formerly of Alton, is now Second Lieutenant
in a Company from Springfield, and now at Camp Butler. George is
a good fellow, and his numerous friends here will be glad to
hear of his good fortune.
CAPTAIN L. B. HUBBELL FORMS A COMPANY
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 30, 1861
Captain L. B. Hubbell, who has
just returned with his Company from a three months’ campaign in
Missouri, has just opened a recruiting office in the front room
of the Telegraph building, for the purpose of organizing a
company under the following order: “I detail you on recruiting
only at Alton, Illinois, for the Third Regiment of Missouri
Rifles. And you are authorized to enlist men for the three
years, or during the war, and to receive and send men in such
numbers as they may present themselves to the Arsenal in St.
Louis, to be reported there to Colonel Burbank, officer in
charge. Signed Colonel Wright, Third Regiment Missouri Rifles.”
There is no doubt but this company will soon be filled
up, under the active and persevering efforts of Captain Hubbell
and the young men laboring with him, and the earnest desire of
our people to relieve their brethren of Missouri from the
anarchy and deep distress under which they are now laboring.
Call soon if you want to get a place in this Company.
ANOTHER ALTONIAN COMPANY FORMED
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 30, 1861
Captain William M. Hart left Alton for Camp
Butler today with a fine Company of men. He had room for a few
more good men, however, who can enlist by calling at the old
rendezvous at the office of the Illinois Iron Works, where they
will find his brother ready to receive and forward them to the
Camp.
ATONEMENT FOR A NATION’S SIN
Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 1, 1861
Never has there been in our city [Alton] any
public day so universally observed as was last day, yesterday.
Every store and place of business, as far as we could observe,
were close during the entire day, with the exception of the
National Mills and the Distillery. These two establishments were
in full blast from morning until night. The streets were almost
entirely deserted, but few persons were to be observed on them,
and hardly any wagons were in from the country. There were
public services in every church in the city, in the morning,
which we believe were well attended by serious and solemn
congregations, and as far as we have learned, the sins of the
nation were faithfully exposed by the pastors of the different
churches.
In the afternoon, a Union prayer meeting was
held in the Presbyterian Church. This meeting was well attended,
filling the church almost to its utmost capacity. The following
ministers took part in the exercises: Rev. Messrs. Jameson and
Coon of the Baptist Church; Rev. Mr. Logan of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church; and Rev. Messrs. Lippincott, Norton and
Taylor of the Presbyterians; and in addition to these, several
lay members of the different denominations made remarks and led
in prayer. A most excellent impression was produced by this
meeting. It was evident that the people are looking with earnest
desire to the Great Ruler of the nations, that He might give
success to our heroes, vindicate the right, and once more
restore peace to our distracted and bleeding country. It is to
be hoped that the great mass of our people are beginning to
realize that righteousness and righteousness alone exalteth a
nation, while sin is a reproach to any people. In the evening,
also, there was religious exercises in nearly all of the
churches, which were also well attended.
CAPTAIN DAVIS ORGANIZING COMPANY
Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 4, 1861
Captain Davis, we learn, has put in process
of organization a Company in the American Bottom for Colonel
Morrison’s 40th Illinois Regiment, and proposes in connection
with H. Baeer to address the people during the coming two weeks.
We bid him success in his unbounded energy, and shall welcome
with much pride the Company of Rangers when formed. Colonel
Morrison, doubtless, will be proud of it, as it is to be
commanded by his fellow soldier in Mexico, Captain L. W. Moore,
of Madison, assisted by Mr. William Stallings of Six Mile. Under
their control, the Company cannot fail. An honor to the American
Bottom.
AFFAIRS IN MISSOURI DISCOURAGING
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 29, 1861
No portion of the people of the United
States have suffered so much on account of the war, as the loyal
men of Southwest Missouri. Nowhere have the secessionists
manifested such a fiendish spirit. They appear to have neither
honor nor mercy. The helpless women and children have been
plundered and robbed by them of everything, and left to starve
or perish from the inclemency of the approaching winter, while
many of the men have been murdered in cold blood, and the rest
have had to flee for their lives. Their farms have been stripped
of everything that would sustain life, and even their houses,
and in many instances the fences around their fields, have been
consumed. This was the condition in which they were found when
Fremont’s army took possession of Springfield. No wonder that
these poor, persecuted, robbed and injured people rejoiced when
they once more beheld the glorious Stars and Stripes proudly
waving in their part of the State, and beheld the Rebel horde
fleeing before the conquering Union forces.
The exiled
husband and father once more returned to the embrace of his
half-famished, distracted, but now rejoicing wife and children,
and they together knelt and thanked God for their deliverance
from a fate worse even than death itself. But their rejoicing
and safety was of short duration. For reasons best known to
those in authority, our army was ordered to retrace their steps.
No sooner was this move known, than Price and McCulloch, with
their band of half-clothed soldiers, emerged from their hiding
place and take possession of this portion of the State, and
these poor, suffering Union people will once more be subjected
to all the horrors and privations previously endured by them,
increased by the inclemency of the weather and the great
scarcity of provisions.
The retrograde movement of our
forces appeared to us at the time as unwise, but then we thought
the General in command ought to know his own business. He was
trained to military duty and certainly was not troubled with any
diffidence in reference to his own qualifications, or he would
not have been so free to criticize the acts of others. He was no
doubt right. We do not pretend to know anything about military
matters, but we cannot refrain from sympathizing with those true
and loyal spirits in Southern Missouri, who amid all their
trials and hardships still maintain their attachment and
devotion to the Union.
WISCONSIN 11TH PASSES THROUGH ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, November 29, 1861
The Wisconsin 11th passed
through our city last evening and embarked on the City of Alton
for St. Louis. This regiment is composed of fine, large, robust
men, and are exceedingly well equipped. Their arms are Minnie
muskets, manufactured at the Springfield, Massachusetts armory,
and the men appeared well pleased with them. A splendid band
accompanies this regiment, which discoursed sweet melodies to
the crowd on the levee who had congregated to see them embark.
After the soldiers had left the cars, and while the officers
were forming in line, one of our citizens, a railroad man, who
had just read the cheering news from North Carolina, approached
the Captain of one of the companies and proposed “three cheers
for North Carolina.” The officer, who had not heard the news,
supposing him to be a southern sympathizer, pushed him aside
rather roughly. Not altogether relishing this kind of treatment,
he again approached and endeavored to explain himself, when the
Captain, becoming irritated, struck him a severe blow in the
face and knocked him down. Our railroader got up and was about
pitching into the Captain, when one of the Privates advanced
from the ranks and gave him another severe blow, which dropped
him a second time. His friends who saw that matters were getting
serious, interfered and took him away. It is proper to state
that when the officers of the regiment became acquainted with
the news, they ordered three cheers for North Carolina, which
were given with a will, by the entire regiment.
MARCHING ORDERS FOR THE 29th ILLINOIS INFANTRY
Source:
Alton Telegraph, January 17, 1862
To the Editors of the
Telegraph:
From Camp Caito, January 9th, 1862
Marching
orders! Off for Dixie! Pass it round! Our time has at last come
boy’s – don’t be afraid to “hurrah!” We are tired enough of
camps; give us a chance and we will show you. We are going sure
this time. And so it is, for we are ordered to be ready for
instant marching at 12 o’clock, this day.
The long looked
and anxiously waited for time seems to be close at hand, sure
enough. No more scouting or “play fights.” Downright work is at
hand, and with cheerful spirit, intermingled with an occasional
sigh or sad thought for the loved ones far away, we make
ourselves ready. We secure five days rations with plenty of
ammunition, “secession medicine,” pack up camp equipage
including tents and cooking utensils, and await for the order.
It is amazing to see how the sick ones have suddenly got well.
One boyish looking “sucker,” with face swollen
disproportionately on one side with mumps, comes up concealing
the fleshy side, and declares most solemnly that he is quite
well, or if that is disputed, thinks he can stand it. No amount
of medicine can produce such a healthy effect. All we want is to
go, and no fooling. Well, it is most eleven, most time, but not
quite.
One man from Company “E” comes up and asks the
Colonel to give the word, at the same time reporting that the
sick men are fast getting worse, and that their stimulant cannot
hold out much longer without a forward movement. Reminding one
of certain distinguished public men, not to say editors, who wax
cold in the true Union causes when things come of a defeat, or
an editorially forward movement is delayed. Is there not a
similarity? They are not willing to bide the time of men who can
both plan and execute. We want no more Bull Runs or
Springfields, and you suggest Belmonts. We have had enough. Be
sure we are right, if it is a year longer, and then go ahead.
Tom blow your call! “Fall in,” is heard up and down the
line. The word is given, and a regiment of volunteers spring to
their line, each anxious to excel in speed his neighbor. No
matter if the mud is deep and soft, and the drizzly rain makes
you damp and chilly. A warmer clime awaits us, aye, and hotter
work than drill and camp duty. Well, the line is formed, the
Colonel, in a few earnest and patriotic words, not unmixed with
pride and sorrow, asks his men to distinguish themselves, as
others have done before them, and to show that what has been
done in times past can be done now. “Three cheers for the flag
that waves over us, and three more for our gallant young
Colonel,” lustily given, in this response.
Right face!
Forward march! And off we go to the tune of “I wish I was in
Dixie,” with merry faces, and I trust, with stern hearts.
Through mud and water (never mind young soldiers, if you do slip
down; it neither indicates weakness or drunkenness). Other and
worse slips have been made by older and wiser man. Now you are
up, watch closer next time, and a “secesher” [Rebel] may be at
your mercy. “Halt!” “Front face!” And we find ourselves on the
Ohio levee in line like cattle, waiting for a transport to bear
us to our unknown destination.
Goodbyes are said to those
who remain, and congratulations are extended to those who go. We
soon get anxious, waiting in the “drizzle,” but no boat. Soon,
however, are orders come for us to go to camps, and be ready to
go at an instant’s notice. Countenances hitherto bright, now
look mixed at the thought of being fooled again. The explanation
is sufficient. The heavy fog which hangs thickly, not to say
gloomily, over the river, for through its density we see
triumphs for our cause, and glory for those who are not “home
guards,” has prevented the arrival of a large number of troops,
already expected and promised. Well we go back with the
assurance that next time we go “surely” and compose ourselves.
Where the morrow may take us, we know not. We know that we
will go wherever ordered, but we do not know which of us may
live to tell the tale of the next five days, and we trust we
will do our duty, and are glad we have the opportunity.
Yours, for Columbus, Dixie, or somewhere.
The Twenty-Ninth
Illinois Infantry
LIEUTENANT PINCKARD IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, July
18, 1862
Lieutenant William G. Pinckard arrived in Alton last
evening from Corinth. He is on business connected with his
position as Quartermaster of General Colesby’s Division. He
reports the health of the soldiers as very good, and states that
they are very tired of the slow mode of conducting the war. All
are hoping for an early move towards the lines of the enemy.
NICHOLAS CHALLACOMBE LEAVING FOR DIXIE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 1, 1862
Mr. Nicholas Challacombe, who
advertised in our columns for fifty teamsters for Rosecrans’
Division in Tennessee, obtained the men and leaves for Dixie
tomorrow morning. No better man could be found for wagon master
than Mr. Challacombe. He is thoroughly acquainted with the
business, perfectly reliable, and a driving, energetic man.
PAY DAY FOR THE U. S. INFANTRY
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 1, 1862
We understand that the United States Infantry
station in Alton are receiving their pay today. This will be a
blessing to many of them, as it will enable them to procure many
little comforts not furnished by the government, while to many
others it will only furnish means for dissipation, which brings
in its train many pains and untold suffering and often premature
death.
DAILY TELEGRAPH PUBLICATION SUSPENDED
Men Have Volunteered
to Serve in the Army
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 1, 1862
Owing to the number of enlistments from the Telegraph office, we
shall be compelled to suspend the publication of our Daily after
today, until we can recruit a sufficient number of hands to take
their places. Five of our men have volunteered, and among the
number is Mr. John T. Beem, our partner, and Messrs. Thomas S.
Pinckard, Samuel Malcom, Samuel Matthews, and Thomas McCorkle,
all of them among the best and most efficient hands in the
office. We could not say to them stay, for we felt that their
services were more needed in the army than in the printing
office, and if we could sell out, we would go with them, as all
other business, in our opinion, should be subordinate to the
great work of subduing the Rebellion. We regret the necessity
which compels us to suspend our daily issue, but hope that it
may be of short duration. In the meantime, we shall continue the
publication of the weekly as usual, and hope that through its
columns, we may meet the wants of our friends until we can make
arrangements for issuing the daily again.
HART, HARRISON “HARRY” (LT. COLONEL)/Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 1, 1862
Founded a Company in the 22nd Regiment of
Illinois Volunteers
We mentioned a day or two since that Lt.
Colonel Harry E. Hart, of the 22d Regiment of Illinois
Volunteers, had returned home sick. We have the painful duty to
perform today of announcing his death. He died this morning of
camp fever, at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. A. H.
Plait, of Alton.
Colonel Hart was raised in Alton, and
has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his
fellow-citizens in a high degree. He was active and
public-spirited, and was always ready to aid his public
enterprises of Alton, State or country. He was with the army in
Mexico during our late war with the Republic [Mexican-American
War], and when troops were called for to defend our cherished
government against the affairs of the Rebels, he interested
himself immediately in getting up a company in Alton. When the
company was organized (May 1861), he was elected to take command
of it. In the organization of the 22d Regiment, he was promoted
to Lieutenant Colonel, which position he held up to the time of
his death. He, however, acted much of the time in the capacity
of Colonel, owing to a severe wound which Colonel Dougherty
received at Belmont, which disabled him for a long time from
performing the active duties of his command. The 22d Regiment
was in the battle of Belmont and New Madrid, which it
distinguished itself for bravery and did credit to its
commanders.
The death of Colonel Hart at this time is a
great loss to his regiment, as he had the confidence and
affection of all the subordinate officers and men. We have
understood that he will be buried with military honors on Monday
afternoon next, at 4 o’clock, to take place from the residence
of Mr. Plait on State Street, and will be attended by the
battalion of U. S. Infantry stationed in Alton.
NOTES:
The 22nd Illinois Infantry was organized at Belleville, Illinois
on May 11, 1861. It was mustered into service for three years.
On July 11, 1861, the Regiment moved to Bird’s Point, Missouri.
On November 7, 1861, seven companies engaged in the battle of
Belmont, in which Colonel Dougherty received a severe wound. The
loss to the regiment was 144 killed, wounded, or missing. Lt.
Colonel Hart returned to Alton sick in July 1862, and died a few
days later of camp fever. He was buried in the Alton City
Cemetery.
On August 19, Colonel Dougherty attached
Colonel Hunter at Charleston, Missouri, driving him from his
camp in a hand-to-hand combat, capturing many prisoners and
horses. Of the 22nd, 1 was killed and 11 wounded, including
Colonel Dougherty, whose shoulder was broken with the butt of a
gun, and Captain Johnson, who received a gunshot through the
right leg.
The 22nd Regiment went on to engage General
Jeff Thompson in Sikestown, and went on an expedition to
Tiptonville to intercept the retreating enemy from Island NO.
10, where 4,000 prisoners, 2 Generals, and a large quantity of
stores, ammunition, arms and guns were captured. The Regiment
was engaged in the siege of Corinth, and then engaged in
guarding Memphis and Charleston Railroad, when on August 25,
1862, it fell back to Nashville. The Regiment besieged the city
of Nashville for months without receiving communication from the
outside world. On December 31 and January 1 and 2, 1863, the
Regiment was engaged in the battle of Stone River, where it lost
199 out of 312 men. Every horse belonging to the Regiment was
killed. After the occupation of Murfreesboro, the Regiment was
in camp at different points. They then engaged in the battle of
Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, losing 135 officers and men
out of less than 300. The Regiment lost 96 men in less than ten
minutes. They remained in and around Chattanooga, suffering from
exposure and want of provisions. On November 26, it was engaged
in storming the heights of Mission Ridge, losing 30 – 40 men.
They spent the greater part of the severe winter (1863-4) in the
mountains of East Tennessee. They marched to Dandridge in
pursuit of the Rebels, then on through Knoxville to Loudon,
Tennessee. They then marched to Cleveland, Tennessee, and
remained there until joining the grand Army of General Sherman.
They were engaged at Resaca, where 20 men were killed and
wounded. On June 10, 1864, the men were ordered to Springfield,
Illinois to muster out.
DISCREDITABLE TO ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8,
1862
We have been informed that Thomas S. Pinckard, who was
laboring to raise a company of volunteers in Alton, after
raising twenty or thirty men, has abandoned the effort. He was
induced to take this step from the vacillating course of the
Common Council, and the committee appointed to raise funds, and
to furnish bounties to those who might volunteer. Many of the
men he had procured were from the country, and had enlisted in
his company with the understanding that they should get the
proposed bounty from the city. Under these circumstances, he
released them. A number of those who joined his company in Alton
have enlisted in Captain Trible’s company, and all will go into
the service in some one of the companies from this vicinity.
ENLISTMENTS IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8,
1862
The work of enlisting in this section is progressing
finely everywhere. We understand that Captain Rogers of Upper
Alton has already succeeded in filling up his company. John
Trible, Esq., of the same place, although he only commenced
enlisting Wednesday, has met with such good success that he has
no fears but that he will succeed in filling up his company in
the course of a day or two. Curtis Blackman, Esq., a gentleman
well advanced in years and favorably known as a member of the
legislature in previous years from Madison County, informed us
yesterday that the young men of Marine had prevailed upon him to
take charge of a company from that place, and that he expected
to be able in a day or two to report it full at headquarters.
Quite a number of other gentlemen are laboring in other
parts of the county with good prospects of succeeding. We now
believe that Madison County will be able to raise her quota of
volunteers by the 15th instant. In Little Jersey, also much
activity is prevailing in raising troops. Our full company at
least of volunteers will be furnished from our county.
NEGROS NOT ALLOWED TO FIGHT
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 8, 1862
It will be observed that President Lincoln has
decided that no negro regiments will be received into the army.
It is reported that he said their admission would cause 40,000
men now in the army to leave the field, but he does not tell us
how they would procure their release. He also said it would
drive some of the border states out of the Union. Perhaps it
would. But it has been a question for some time, whether it
would be cheaper to protect them in the Union, or subdue them
out of it. Our own opinion is, if they are to continue to cramp
and cripple the government so as to prevent a vigorous
prosecution of the war, with all the means God has placed within
its reach, that the latter course would be the cheapest in the
end. It is natural to expect that all of this class will
immediately pitch in, and fill up the quota of troops now called
for. We shall expect to hear of all the effective force in such
printing establishments as the Chicago Times, Springfield
Register, Quincy Herald, and Alton Democrat, immediately
enlisting. The conductors of these establishments profess to be
in favor of suppressing the Rebellion, but they do not think the
negro is good enough to kill Rebels, will they not now volunteer
and aid in doing it themselves.
Now we have never argued
this matter, and do not feel any great interest in it now, but
we would just as soon that colored men should risk their lives
on the battlefield as our white friends, not deeming their lives
any more valuable than that of whites, and that a ball from a
musket in the hands of a negro would do just as much as though
it was directed by white hands. WE cannot, therefore, understand
why it is, that millions of men who stand ready to render
effective aid in subduing the Rebellion, should be permitted to
stand idle, while our sons and brothers are slaughtered and
decimated by disease, in an unfriendly climate, by the
thousands. Such a course appears to us like a strange and
unaccountable infatuation, without precedent in the history of
the world, or a single substantial reason to support it.
LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC WAR MEETING AT UPPER ALTON
Source:
Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1862
Pursuant to a call of over
fifty of the citizens of Upper Alton, Stocker’s Hall was crowded
to overflowing at an early hour in the evening. The meeting was
organized by electing the Hon. Cyrus Edwards, President; and
George R. Stocker and J. M. Elwell, Vice-Presidents; and John
Trible, Secretary.
Mr. Edwards, on taking the chair, made
an exceedingly impression and patriotic speech, during which he
said that in the beginning of our difficulties with the South,
he had sought to avert war by every possible means. He had been
willing to make every concession that any reasonable man could
ask. For peace, he had been willing to yield everything but
principle and honor. But the South was determined to be
satisfied with no reasonable concession. She had forced this war
upon us for the purpose of destroying this, the noblest and best
government ever established by human wisdom. He believed with
Frank Blair, that treason and rebellion corrupted the blood.
Though he had many strong ties that bound him to the people of
the South – Virginia was the home of his ancestors, Maryland was
the land of his birth, and Kentucky was the adopted state of his
youth, and he had warm and dear friends all over the South – but
when they raised the hand of the assassin to destroy our nation
of existence, those ties that bound them to him were in an
instant sundered. He was now an old man, but was willing to
offer up all for his country. He sent forth his only surviving
son of sufficient age into the ranks, and he enjoined upon him
to aim neither to the right nor to the left, too high nor too
low, but right at the heart of the enemy. And should it be
necessary, if his country needed the sacrifice, he was willing
to offer up his own life upon the altar of his country. During
this most eloquent speech, the venerable speaker was frequently
interrupted by loud bursts of applause.
Mr. B. H. Mills
moved that a committee of five be appointed to draft resolutions
expressive of the sense of the meeting. Messrs. B. H. Mills,
Joseph Burnap, T. R. Murphy, and George Carr were appointed that
committee.
Mr. H. S. Baker was then loudly called for and
responded by making a most earnest, forceful, and convincing
speech, of which the brief limits of this report will not allow
even a synopsis. Mr. Baker, as is usual with him in his
speeches, elicited the loudest applause.
Mr. B. H. Mills,
the chairman of the committee on resolutions, then reported the
following resolutions, which were adopted without a dissenting
voice:
We, the people of Upper Alton, assembled without
distinction of purity, in view of the dangers that surround us,
do deliberately adopt the following as expressive of our
sentiments:
Resolved, that the present unnatural and
wicked rebellion, devised by designing politicians and
prosecuted by a large portion of the people of the South against
a government from which they had never received aught but
blessings, must be suppressed, no matter what the cost, and the
war should not cease until the glorious old flag floats over
every foot of soil within the limits of the United States.
Resolved, that we heartily approve the course pursued by the
President of the United States, in his effort to restore the
supremacy of the laws, and that we will support him in all
legitimate measures, having the same object in the future.
Resolved, that Gov. Yates is due the hearty thanks of every
loyal citizen for his efforts in raising troops, and
particularly for his untiring attention to our sick and wounded
soldiers.
Resolved, that it is apparent to the most
casual observers, that if we do not subdue the rebels at an
early day, they will subdue us, that we much prefer to defend
our liberties and homes on other soil that that of Illinois – we
therefore recommend that the Governor be requested to muster in
the entire militia force of the State, to be prepared for any
emergency that may arise.
Resolved, that we believe the
minds of the brave men who go forth to peril their lives to
defend our lives, liberty and property, should be set at rest in
regard to the “loved ones at home” – that as every tax payer has
an interest in sustaining the government, we therefore call upon
the County Court, by virtue of the power granted at the last
special session of the Legislature, to levy a tax sufficient in
amount to comfortably provide for the families of volunteers in
active service – their widows and orphans.
Resolved, that
we have learned with pleasure that our esteemed fellow-citizen,
Andrew F. Rogers, is raising a company for active service – that
we bid him God speed in his patriotic efforts, and pledge him
our cordial cooperation.
Resolved, that the proceedings
of this meeting be published in the county papers.
The
hall being found too small to contain the large assemblage,
Captain J. W. Davis being loudly called for, from the outside
stairs of the hall, delivered the most stirring and impressive
speech of the evening.
On motion, Messrs. L. J. Clawson,
James Cooper, and J. B. Lathy were appointed a committee to
raise and disburse money for the purpose of supporting the many
families of persons who may enter the ranks as soldiers in
defense of their country, and for the purpose of encouraging
persons to volunteer. The sum of $404.00 was immediately
subscribed. On motion, the meeting adjourned.
Cyrus Edwards,
President. John Trible, Secretary
COLONEL FRIEND S. RUTHERFORD’S REGIMENT
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 22, 1862
This regiment is now full, and
Col. Rutherford informed us that he expected to be able to have
it organized this week. All the companies are now in camp, but
the two from Alton are not yet quite full. As far as we have
been able to learn, it has been made up of a very choice lot of
men, and it is expected that it will render efficient service to
the cause of the Union on the field of battle.
ACHENBACK’S COMPANY
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 22,
1862
This body of men, raised in this city by William
Achenbach, the Daguerrean, left for Springfield last Tuesday
morning to join Col. Friend S. Rutherford’s regiment. Captain
Achenbach is thoroughly acquainted with military tactics, having
been for a long time in the army in his native land, and we have
no doubt he and his brave companions will reflect credit upon
our city on the battlefield. There was a large crowd at the
depot to see them off, and they left amid the loud plaudits of
their friends and fellow citizens, mingled with many good wishes
for their success and safe return.
CAPTAIN TRIBLE’S COMPANY LEAVES ALTON
And the Reflections
of War
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 22, 1862
We were
deeply impressed in beholding Captain Trible’s Company leave
Alton on Tuesday evening last. Four or five of his men had long
been intimately associated with us in our office. Mr. T. T.
Beem, our partner, being among the number. There was a large
crowd of our oldest and most respectable citizens present to
give them a parting farewell. While we looked upon the parting
scene of these young men, with their parents and other friends,
we could not refrain from asking: How many, and who among that
interesting group of young men would fall by the sword, or by
their still more deadly enemy, disease, before the company would
return? How many would come back to us maimed and crippled for
life? How many would escape the demoralizing influence of camp
life, and be permitted to return with their former good habits
untarnished by its blighting influence?
In view of those
thoughts, we were led to ask, why our people are called upon to
make such precious sacrifices for their country? Why is almost
every family weeping over some dear one in their circle, who has
already fallen a victim to this devastating war? Why is everyone
looking anxious, distressed, and perplexed? Why all kinds of
business are deranged, and in many instances, completely
paralyzed?
There can be but one answer given to those
questions. All this sacrifice of blood, treasure and distress of
mind is brought upon the nation as the legitimate fruit of the
accursed system of slavery, which has been fostered, protected,
and extended by the nation, until nothing but blood will atone
for the crime, or remove its blighting and withering influence
from our happy country.
If it was honorable and
praise-worthy for our Revolutionary sires to pledge their lives,
their property, and sacred honors, in the struggle for our
independence, it is no less so for us to sacrifice everything to
maintain, in all its purity and unity, and with all its free
institutions unimpaired, the glorious country we inherited from
them.
After these reflections, we felt like saying to
those heroic young men, most of whom we have known from infancy
up, go forth, in the name of the God of battle, and contend for
your country, for the right, and for freedom. The cause is
worthy of the cost, and although some of you may be called upon
to yield up your lives, yet remember, that it is sweet to die
for your country, and doubly so, when her cause is so
pre-eminently just as it is in this conflict to subdue the
rebellion now raging in the South.
We know that the
parents are ardently attached to these, their sons, and that
life is sweet to the young and hopeful, but with our government
overthrown, freedom gone, and universal anarchy reigning,
children would be a source of misery, and life would be a
burthen. Victory then, in this conflict, is more important and
more to be desired than the presence and safety of sons, or of
even life itself. Let everyone therefore arm himself with a
spirit of sacrifice and endurance, and with faith in the Great
Ruler of nations, and strive manfully for the right until we
shall have a permanent peace restored to our beloved land.
LETTER RECEIVED FROM CAPTAIN TRIBLE’S COMPANY
Source:
Alton Telegraph, August 29, 1862
We have received a letter
from a member of Alton’s Captain Trible’s Company, now in Camp
Butler. The writer represents the boys as all well and full of
fun. He says their rations are very good, but their barracks are
nothing to boast of, but that they expect in a short time to be
better situated in that respect. Trible and Achenbach both need
a few more men to fill up their companies. Rutherford’s Regiment
has eleven companies in it, but it is doubted whether it will be
permitted to go on to the field with that number. Achenbach’s
Company has not yet elected its officers, except the Captain and
First Lieutenant. Richard S. Howard from the Grafton Road was
chosen as their Lieutenant. The other officers will be elected
as soon as the company is filled.
SWORD PRESENTATION
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 29,
1862
We are glad to publish the following testimonial of
respect, tendered to our energetic young friend, Lieutenant S.
B. W. Stewart, by the undersigned citizens of Alton. But we
exceedingly regret, that whoever drew up the letter to Mr.
Stewart, should have so far forgotten himself and the
propensities of the occasion, as to insert in the correspondence
a miserable can’t party phrase, first made use of as a party
catch-word by the notorious traitor, Vallandigham, the “Union as
it was and the Constitution as it is.” We are satisfied that a
majority of the signers of this paper did not see that sentence,
or they never would have put their name to the paper.
Vallandigham, we should think, would be the last man that loyal
men would feel like quoting, and especially in addressing a man
who had consecrated his life to put down a rebellion with which
Vallandigham is notoriously in sympathy.
“To Lieutenant
S. B. W. Stewart, 97th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers:
The
undersigned, your friends, have witnessed with admiration the
energy, industry, and perseverance displayed by you in
recruiting for your regiment in Alton under adverse
circumstances sufficient to have disheartened one of less heroic
mould, and as a testimony of their appreciation of your conduct
and services, tender you the accompanying sword, belt and sash.
They will watch your future career with paternal solicitude,
not doubting that you will discharge all the duties of your new
profession with honor to the “Old Flag,” and distinction to
yourself; and when this unholy rebellion shall have been
crushed, and the “Union as it was and the Constitution as it is”
shall again shed their benign blessings over our unhappy
country, they will welcome your return to the undearments of
home and the avocations of peace.
Signed by:
G. D.
Sidway, M. D. Davis, D. D. Ryrie, R. L. King, William McPike, C.
D. Caldwell, G. S. Hopkins, W. T. Miller, M. M. Dutre, B. F.
Barry, Sam Barnett, Dr. White, Whipple & Tunnell, Isacc
Scarritt, H. G. McPike, W. C. Quigley, W. B. Buckmaster, Thomas
Dimmock, C. M. Crandall, M. H. Filly, D. Simms, H. Wissure, R.
T. Gunderhill, Samuel Avis, L. D. Cleveland, G. Paddock, D. C.
Martin, S. & W. Pitts, J. W. Stewart, W. A. Holton, Charles W.
Dimmock, and Albert Wade.”
FROM CAMP BUTLER, SPRINGFIELD
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 12, 1862
As our readers are aware, three weeks ago
today, Captain Trible’s Company left Alton for Camp Butler, at
which place they arrived at 8 o’clock on the morning following,
and at twelve o’clock the same day we were examined and sworn
in. Some three or four members of the company experienced
considerable difficulty in passing muster, on account of their
youthfulness, but one person, however, was thrown out. Being the
last company to arrive to fill out this regiment, we were thrown
on the outskirts of the camp, a location which would require
“distance to land enchantment to the view.” However, the boys
fell in with hearty earnest in cleaning out the rubbish and
pitching their tents, and now, after some pretty hard manual
labor, we have succeeded in somewhat civilizing this part of the
camping ground, and have before us a street that will admit of
favorable comparison to a large number of so-called streets in
Alton. Three weeks’ experience in camp has afforded us somewhat
of an insight into a soldier’s life and duties, and it is with
feelings of pleasure that the writer chronicles the fact that
the boys all take to it finely, and appear highly satisfied. Not
a murmur has been expressed, but all are eager for marching
orders.
The regiment was formally organized, some days
since, by the election of the staff officers. Captain L. D.
Martin of the Bunker Hill Company was unanimously elected
Lieutenant Colonel, and being loudly cheered, he addressed a few
short and pertinent remarks to the men. For the position of
Major, there were two aspirants – Mr. Horton and Mr. Reed – each
of whom delivered speeches before the election. Mr. Horton was
elected almost unanimously. Mr. Reed asserted that Colonel
Friend S. Rutherford had promised him the position of Major,
provided he brought two companies into the Regiment. After his
defeat, Mr. Reed induced one of the companies which he claimed
to have been instrumental in bringing into the regiment to
desert. They were captured at Decatur, and brought back to camp
under arrest. Upon their return to camp, an order was received
from Adjutant General Fuller to disband the company and cashier
the officers. The men were distributed among some of the
companies, to bring them up to the required number. Thirty of
these men entered Captain Achenbach’s Company, and their former
2d Lieutenant was given the same position in his company. Thirty
others went into Captain Scott’s company, and their former 1st
Lieutenant was given the same position in his company, thereby
throwing out Mr. S. B. W. Stewart, who had been elected to the
1st Lieutenancy by the men some time previous. A chance was
given Mr. Stewart for the 2d position, but he was defeated. Our
boys expressed regret at the treatment of Mr. Stewart received
at the hands of this company. I do not know what he proposes to
do now. Mr. Reed was afterwards arrested and placed under guard.
I have not heard what became of him.
The regiment was to
have been mustered into the United States service a week ago,
but it did not take place until today, when eight or nine
companies were mustered in. Captain Trible’s company will not be
mustered in for some days yet. The company is incomplete, and
there is no immediate prospect of it being filled up. It is
probably that we will have to give up one of the Lieutenants, in
order to hold out sufficient inducements to have men enter the
company. There is sixty-three names on the roll-list, and as a
matter of course, we want twenty-five more. But what the company
lacks in numbers, it probably makes up in quality, for in the
ranks of no other company in the regiment is found as much grit
and intelligence, as is seen in the ranks of the Alton boys.
Their peculiar brightness has manifested itself in various
forms, and has secured for the boys the title of “Alton Rip
Snorters,” by which they are known all over camp.
The
grub is very fair, and having good cooks, who understand their
“biz,” the eatables, when served up, are not to be sneezed at.
There has been considerable sickness among the boys
since our arrival here. Some five or six have been on the sick
list every day, but two of them, however, were serious cases.
There were ten desertions reported at the Adjutants
office on Saturday. Of these, four were from this company. These
were from the number who camp from Missouri and unlisted at
Alton. They left camp on last Sunday week, and started for Alton
on foot. A detachment of four men, in charge of our Orderly,
started after them, but arrived too soon, and consequently
missed them. This morning, however, they made their appearance
in camp, having voluntarily returned.
There are at
present some eight regiments completing their organization at
this camp. Also two artillery companies. The secesh prisoners
who have ornamented the inside of Camp Butler, proper, for
months past, have been all sent South. Only some sixty, who are
sick in the hospital, are left behind. Their departure was
quietly conducted, there being little demonstrations offered on
the part of the prisoners. Their old quarters are being
overhauled and put in better trim. The prisoners look anything
but inviting.
On last Thursday, a small party of ladies
and gentlemen arrived from Alton for the purpose of presenting
Captain Trible’s company with a flag. Lieut. Lewis, with a squad
of eight men and one Sergeant, proceeded a short distance from
camp, received the party, and acted as an escort for them to the
camp. On reaching the companies’ quarters, the men were drawn up
in line, and the flag was presented to the company by Miss
Hattie Phinney, with a neat and appropriate address. Lieut.
Lewis, in acknowledging the gift to the company, made use of
some happy and well-timed expressions. As no company flags are
allowed, and this being a regimental flag, it will in due course
of time be formally presented to the regiment, with the
condition that if we succeed in carrying it safely through the
campaign, it shall be returned to the company at the conclusion
of the war. The flag is a very handsome one, and as a matter of
course, the Alton boys think a great deal of it, and will
certainly strive to do their duty with its folds streaming over
them. We frequently meat with Alton forces in this camp. During
the past week, four or five citizens of Alton paid us a visit,
which was certainly appreciated by us.
The 70th Illinois
Regiment (three months’ men) leave today for Alton, for the
purpose of guarding the prisoners there.
The weather has
been quite pleasant thus far. Last Friday evening we had a heavy
rainstorm, which continued, more or less, severe throughout the
night. Out tents afforded us a poor shelter against the beating
rain, and many a poor lad passed the night without sleep, not
having a dry spot whereon to rest their heads. More anon. Signed
by Hip Snortell
MAJOR GENERAL McCLERNAND GIVES SPEECH AT THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 12, 1862
Our people,
having ascertained on yesterday that Major General McClernand,
one of the prominent heroes of the hard-fought battles and
bloody victories of which Kentucky and Tennessee have been the
theaters, was in our vicinity on private business, sent for him
requesting the honor of a speech upon the aspect of the war, and
his views in reference to its successful prosecution.
Notwithstanding the storm in the early evening, and the
threatening clouds pertending, our citizens, such as are not
absent upon the tented field, rallied in large numbers at the
call of Murphy’s splendid band, which played in superior style
the glorious national airs, to which the national heart has beat
and our national troops have marched for a century. The 77th
Ohio and 70th Illinois Regiments in full uniform marched down
from camp and swelled the crowd to a large concourse.
General McClernand appeared upon the balcony of the Franklin
House in company with Hon. George T. Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms of
the United States Senate, who welcomed the General substantially
as follows:
“General, on behalf of the people of Alton, I
take pleasure in extending to you a cordial welcome. Our
country, lately so united and happy, struggles with a giant
rebellion, nearly as causeless as that which resulted in the
driving of the Evil One and his followers from the presence of
the Almighty, and destined, we hope, to as signal a failure. In
this day of gloom and disaster to our arms, we hail with no
ordinary gratification, the presence of a distinguished son of
Illinois, fresh from the glorious battlefields of the Southwest.
To the Northwest, the present contest is of more importance than
to any other section of the Union. While the loyal States are
united in fighting for the preservation of the Union, we of the
Northwest are fighting for that and much more, an access to the
markets of the world. The soldiers of the Northwest, under your
gallant leadership, and that of your brother officers in
command, have already shown what victories loyal hearts and
strong arms can accomplish. In the future conduct of the war, we
think we only need a few more of the same kind to crown our
efforts with lasting victory and subsequent peace. Accept sir,
for yourself and the brave men you have led to battle at
Belmont, Ft. Donelson, and Shiloh, the heartfelt gratitude of
the people whom I represent.”
As the General stepped
forward to reply, cheer upon cheer greeted him from the
assembled multitude, but from no other part of the crowd so
heartily as from the gallant soldiers whose greater sacrifices,
solemn pledges, and sufferings, render them far more conscious
of their country’s peril than those can be who have only heard
of the war of cannon, the rattling of musketry, and the groans
of the dying. The General said he would not attempt to find
words to express the emotions which filled his soul as he saw
the multitude, who in spite of the thunder, lightning and rain,
had assembled in the open air to welcome so humble an individual
as himself. He was aware that they came to welcome him as the
representative of a cause sacred above all causes to them, and
to the friends of constitutional liberty throughout the world. A
cause now fearfully imperiled, and calling for the speedy
employment of all the moans which God has placed in our power.
It had been justly observed by the speaker introducing him, that
this Rebellion is a causeless one. Even Mr. Toombs, now a
General in the armies of the Rebellion, said but a short time
before the war that the peculiar constitutional rights of the
South had never been more faithfully observed than then, and yet
at that time men high in position in the execution of our laws
and having access to and control of our arms and treasure, had
prostituted their trusts, perjured themselves and poured a flood
of treason, anarchy and demoralization over the proudest and
fairest land and the happiest people that ever the sun shone on.
Mr. Brown had been pleased to refer to the battles of
Belmont, Ft. Donelson, and Shiloh. In each of those battles, the
gallant Illinois troops had done their duty and had carried the
banner and proud name of their state in the forefront of every
struggle. But the rebellion is not suppressed. Recent success
has flushed the Rebels, and more audacious than ever, they are
marching their massed legions northward. The man of the
northwest in addition to the many vita interests which is
imperiled in common with the people of the whole country, have
the additional motive of preserving to their intense posterity
untramancied by treaties or customs the great inland sea, by
which God has connected their commerce with the whole world.
This must be done, and to this end the Rebellion must be put
down, though the war lasts five hundred years. Let the troops of
the north be massed for battle, no longer guard Rebel property,
private or public, and let them be rolled upon the foe as any
mighty, irresistible projectile.
[the rest of the article
was unreadable]
COMPLIMENT TO COLONEL FRIEND S. RUTHERFORD
Source: Alton
Telegraph, September 12, 1862
To Colonel F. S. Rutherford,
97th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers
September 6, 1862
Dear
Sir: Your friends of Madison County, desirous of expressing
their personal friendship to yourself, and their appreciation of
the patriotic enterprise in which you have engaged, respectfully
ask your acceptance of the accompanying testimonial. Trusting
and believing that you and the soldiers under your command may
prove worthy of the fame which Illinois has already won on the
battlefield, we bid you an earnest God speed in the sacred cause
of Liberty and Union.
Signed by W. C. Flagg, Levi Davis,
E. L. Dimmock & Co., John M. Pearson, D. C. Martin, H. C.
Sweetser, C. Phinney, Blair & Atwood, W. T. Miller, L. Hamlin,
D. S. Hoaglan, Isaac Scarritt & Co., M. G. Atwood, Patterson &
Travis, W. A. Holton, John Dye, J. E. Hayner, H. S. Baker, W. C.
Quigley, Hatheway & Wade, D. D. Ryrie, George T. Brown, E. D.
Topping, G. D. Sidway, N. Hanson, A. S. Barry, C. M. Grundall,
and R. T. Wood.
Accompanying the above was a splendid
sword, belt and shoulder-straps, together with a horse and
complete accoutrements, including pistols &c. To this
compliment, Colonel Rutherford returned the following graceful
reply:
Springfield, Illinois, September 8, 1862
Messrs. W. C. Flagg, Levi Davis, E. L. Dimmock & Co., John M.
Pearson, D. C. Martin, and others:
Your letter, tendering the
present of a beautiful sword, a magnificent horse and caparison,
has been duly delivered into my hands. I can devise no form of
words that does not seem lame and spiritless beside the intense
emotions of gratitude and pride, this unlooked-for proof of your
kindness and liberality has awakened in me. Though deeper than
before, the feeling is not a new one, for it is but one of many
favors – a triple underscoring to a “long line” of highly
appreciated marks of good will – now bearing an accent which
move beyond reply. It is the more significant and touching that
it is not for me along; that I am esteemed a worthy medium for
the bestowment of such a patriotic gift to the cause of our
country. While I could not ungenerously interpret out of it the
personal sentiment which makes it doubly grateful to me, yet I
cannot feel that it is more an offering to the “sacred cause of
Liberty and Union,” which I am thus appointed to administer. It
is an offering of that sterling and noble patriotism which,
against every assault, is to be the salvation of this people,
the safeguard of Freedom and the hope of the world. “It marshals
me the way I was to go,” and though untried in the grim service
to which it consecrates me, and the self-distrustful to make
proud promises; yet it is my privilege to hope that, encouraged
and sustained by the sturdy, brave, and true Illinoisans who
have chosen me for a leader, and who will pour out as water,
their hearts’ last drop of blood ere they will put a blot upon
the State’s bright escatchem, I may give such an account of your
honorable token as will make you glad to remember, in the time
to come, both your generous action and its humble and grateful
recipient.
I am gentlemen, Your most obedient servant,
Friend S. Rutherford
CAPTAIN SENTON RETURNS TO ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 12, 1862
We are gratified to announce that our old
friend, Captain Senton, who has for a long time been fighting
the battles of his country, has returned safely to his old home
and resumed his former business. His shop is on Second Street
[Broadway]. He is so well known in this community as a superior
workman, and accommodating and obliging business man, that it is
not necessary for us to say anything more than to simply
announce the fact, that he has resumed business to assure him an
extensive patronage.
ARRIVAL OF CANON IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 12, 1862
The field pieces that Governor Yates
promised should be sent to Alton for the defense of Alton
arrived last night. They are two fine brass six pounders. We
learn that a company is to be formed from Alton Fire Companies,
to take charge of them and learn how to make use of them in case
there is any raid made upon our city.
TRUST IN GOD AND THE PEOPLE
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 19, 1862
We observed the above heading to an
article in a leading religious paper this morning. It struck us
as being exceedingly appropriate at this time, when so many are
depressed and almost hopeless. That God will ultimately crown
the army which is contending for the national existence of the
best government, the sun ever shone upon, for free speech, a
free press, universal education, and for liberty, we cannot
doubt for a moment. And the people have proved themselves
faithful in every emergency. They have furnished troops by the
million, poured out their treasure like water, and are ready to
furnish everything that is needed to annihilate this wicked and
unnatural rebellion. But we hear some hypochondriacs say with
prolonged fear and downcast eye, “We have no men to lead our
troops on to victory.” We reply, our necessities must soon
develop a head. Great emergencies always produce great men.
Never despair, but trust in God and the people, and all will yet
come out right.
EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION ISSUED BY LINCOLN
Source: Alton
Telegraph, September 26, 1862
President Lincoln has at last
lost all hopes of conciliating the rebels, and has issued his
proclamation declaring the slaves free in all States which may
be found in rebellion on the first day of January next. He has,
however, very wisely provided to have all loyal slave-holders
compensated, which may be found in those States. He also leaves
untouched the slaves which may be found in States represented in
the United States Congress on the first day of January 1863,
except as they are affected by the confiscation act passed by
Congress.
This proclamation will send a thrill of joy
and hope through the hearts of all loyal men in the United
States, and will insure the Government the hearty sympathy and
good wishes of every philanthropist and lover of free
institutions throughout the civilized world.
LETTER FROM CAMP BUTLER
Source: Alton Telegraph, October
3, 1862
Having read your paper of last Friday, containing a
statement signed by “Rip Snorter,” in which my name was
mentioned, I would explain it. I think he reported too much
toward the end of the article. Those not acquainted with
military affairs would be very apt to misconstrue the whole
matter, as some ladies of Alton have done already. I am not so
barbarous as to refuse a man a furlough under such
circumstances. I hope to explain it so as to retain the good
opinion of the citizens of Alton.
A private of Captain
Slaton’s company, named Whitlock, came to me and stated that his
captain had gone home, and that he (Whitlock) had received a
letter stating that his two children had died, and that his wife
was lying at the point of death, and requested me to help him
get home. I told him I would go to Colonel Rutherford and ask
his permission. I did so, and stated the case to him. The
Colonel said he was willing for him to go, but he had no right
to give him a leave of absence, as the latest order refuses any
furloughs in any circumstances whatever. I then wrote a petition
for Whitlock, to the Governor, and took it to Colonel
Rutherford, who signed it instantly and willingly. Mr. Whitlock
went to Springfield and got a furlough. He returned this morning
and thanked me with tears in his eyes for my trouble. I think
comment on this statement is unnecessary, but I do it to take
the blame from shoulders where it does not belong. Signed by
William Achenbach, and verified by Jacob W. Whitlock. Witness,
B. F. Slaten, Captain.
NEWS FROM CAMP BUTLER
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 3,
1862
The men from Madison County in the regiment are
generally enjoying good health, there being but six or seven
cases of sickness, and none of them dangerous. Last Monday night
a rumor was spread in the camp that McClellan had conquered
Stonewall Jackson and taken 35,000 prisoners. The firing of
cannon was heard, and the ascent of rockets seen in Springfield.
The Telegraph operator was absent, and someone in the office
wrote on a slip of paper the words quoted above. One of our
officers was sent to see whether there were any dispatches
confirming the rumor. Seeing the slip of paper, he returned to
the camp and spread the intelligence. The cheering, which had
already spread from regiment to regiment, awakening all that
vast multitude, was now redoubled, the troops seemed wild with
joy, and the tremendous clamor was heard for miles around,
making the woods of the Sangamon and the prairies ring. Our men
assembled at the headquarters of Colonel Moore, a bonfire was
made of our Chaplain’s hay, and our Colonel being called for
made a well-times speech, which was tremendously applauded.
Speeches were then made by Major Newsham, Captains Olden,
Hulbert, McFarland, and Messrs. Gregg and Kerr. The enthusiasm
continued unabated until the command was given to retire to
quarters. The cheers still rang in the distant encampments.
Colonel Hecker, in addressing is fine regiment in one of
those bursts of oratory for which he is unrivaled, remarked
“that with it he could make a gap in aristocracy, that would be
a thoroughfare for liberal institutions for ages to come.” If
his men have an opportunity, they will make his words good.
The regiments of Colonels Day, Lovell, Rutherford, and
Hecker are armed and equipped, and in common with all the other
troops here, are anxious for marching orders. The defensive
policy is in low repute here. It is rumored that the regiment of
Colonel Day is going to join the brigade of Colonel Blair.
Colonel Day is at St. Louis at present. We were visited last
Friday by our distinguished Senator Trumbull and General Paine.
The Senator made a speech to the regiments of Colonels Sinan and
R. Moore. He is still, as ever, an earnest advocate of a
vigorous policy, and believes as men generally do now, that we
cannot conquer the enemy without using all the means in our
power to weaken his strength, cripple his resources, and crush
out the spirit of the rebellion. This, with McClellan’s cry of a
bloodless victory, might now be considered the great farce of
the war, had it not ended in a terrible tragedy. The cry of
concentration and advance must be caught up by the whole people,
and continued until the army and its leaders are inspired or
driven by the sound, before we can reasonably hope for success.
Today, a regiment of “three months” men returned from
Alexandria, Virginia. The men say it is thought generally we
have gained great advantage, and that McClellan is a favorite
with the men. One main objection to McClellan, to use his own
words, is that he always thinks “tomorrow better than today.”
This is a grave error, and to it may be attributed all the
reverses of the war. It kept our magnificent Army of the Potomac
idle for a long and inglorious winter campaign, exposed to the
rigors of a Northern winter, losing the golden opportunity of
crushing the rebellion before their raw conscripts had been
disciplined and brought into the field. It sacrificed the
gallant Baker on the bloody field of Ball’s Bluff, quenching
forever one of the brightest lights of the nation. It has “held
the word of promise to the ear and broken it to the hope.” The
many thousands whose bones repose on the fields of Virginia and
Maryland, the tears of widows and orphans from the powerless
homes of the North, cry out against the policy. Let not a
magnificent army again chafe in inactivity on the banks of the
Potomac. Let us never again hear the desolate wail from the
fever-parched lips coming up from the swamps of the
Chickahominy. We trust to the President, Congress, and the
people, to prevent the recurrence of the great mistake of the
eastern campaign. If it happens again, our cause is lost, and
with it the hopes of mankind for freedom for ages to come.
Signed by Occasional.
LETTER FROM CAMP BUTLER
Source: Alton Telegraph, October
10, 1862
The last two weeks at Camp Butler has been
characterized by an unusual degree of activity. The drilling has
been urged on, and the companies have acquired considerable
proficiency in company and battalion drill, and also in the
manual of arms. A week ago yesterday, there was a review of nine
regiments, being all at that time stationed here, with the
exception of Colonel Snell’s. The regiments were formed in two
brigades, the first commanded by Colonel Hecker, the other by
Major Newsham. The line extended about half a mile, and
presented an imposing appearance, most of the regiments with
their bayonets glistening in the bright sunlight. We were review
by Colonel Fonds, commander of the post. The regiment of Colonel
Hecker was preceded by their pioneers, and a splendid brass band
which discoursed inspiring music. There was a large attendance
from the city witnessing the review.
The regiments of
Colonels Day, Snell, Rutherford, and Jesse Moore left here last
week for Louisville. Last night we visited their deserted
encampment, and although the grounds and buildings were never
very commodious, a feeling of desolation came over us, similar
to that so beautifully expressed by the poet:
“I feel
like one who treads alone, some banquet hall deserted,
Whose
lights are fled, whose garlands dead, And all but lie departed.”
Our regiment is armed with French rifled muskets. They are
said to carry eight hundred yards. Out men are still cheerful
and enthusiastic, notwithstanding the sickness that prevails,
unused by the wet weather of the last two weeks. We have a good
hospital, and those that have been in it speak highly of the
nurses.
The storms in the political world pass by and
produce little impression here. The men seem determined to make
good use of their leisure hours, and several debating societies
have been established. At the last meeting in Captain Kinder’s
company, the question of drafting was discussed. The boys are
almost unanimously in favor of a draft. The arguments in its
favor were: 1st. It is the quickest method of converting a
sympathizer into a Union man. 2d. It is the quickest method of
raising an army, and therefore a vast saving of expense. It
would prevent the danger which may result from the preponderance
of secession votes at home, since loyal men mainly join the
army. It was argued, “We do not want traitors in the army,” to
which it was replied, “We can better take care of them than our
fathers and mothers at home.” The speeches in favor of drafting
were loudly applauded. Those literary societies will be of great
benefit to our regiment.
I take pleasure in
congratulating the Telegraph in its final triumph. Throughout
this struggle it has been the consistent, persistent advocate of
a vigorous policy. Thank heaven, that policy is adopted at last.
We have entered on the new life of the Republic with a future
radiant with hopes for our country and for mankind. The incubus
that shadowed the brightness of our example is about to be
removed.
Yesterday our regiment was paid their bounty
and premium, and 1,700 dollars have been sent from Captain
Blakeman’s company to their friends at home. We are under orders
to leave for Cincinnati immediately, and will be on our journey
in two days at most. We are anxious to depart for new scenes, to
join the advancing columns of the Union. Signed by Occasional.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE 97TH ILLINOIS REGIMENT
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 10, 1862
Yesterday afternoon several
messages from Camp Butler were received stating that Colonel
Rutherford’s regiment, the 97th Illinois, would pass through our
city enroute for Louisville, Kentucky, and as our place is well
represented in two companies of the regiment, many were on the
“que vive” to know when they would arrive. Anxious parents,
sisters and wives thronged the depot of the Chicago Road from
early in the afternoon till late at night, anxiously awaiting
the expected ones. An observer could see that it was no usual
thing which was to happen. They were there with little
“tidbits,” little things, which when they first left home,
perhaps were lost sight of, things which would be tempting to
the appetite as also for the comfort of the dear ones they were
to meet. Time wore away, and dark came on, and still they came
not. Tired limbs and wearied bodies were forgotten in the
anxious waiting for the train to arrive. The crowd increased as
night came on. At about half-past ten, the cry of “here comes
the train,” brought all up standing, and all were aroused and
watching. The train consisted of twenty-six cars, box and
passenger. They passed the depot and stopped on the curve on the
levee to change engines preparatory to continuing their journey.
It was no use trying to keep the men from coming out of the
cars, for if they didn’t get through the doors, they did get
through the windows, and the meeting with the friends beggars
all descriptions. We can but faintly touch upon it, it needed to
be seen to be appreciated. There were aged parents whose sons
were there, sisters whose brothers were there, wives whose
husbands were there, and those who had no immediate relatives
still had acquaintances among them. They knew their stay would
be short, and the parcels that had been prepared with so much
care were handed over, and the interchange of sympathy was good
for the heart to witness. All looked well and hearty, and were
anxious for the “fray.” The train was prepared, and ready to go,
the last leave-takings had to be gone through with, perhaps for
the last time upon earth, and as they gazed upon the faces of
the dear ones so soon to leave them, was it my wonder that the
tear would fall? The parting was sad and impressive, and amid
the cheers, tears, and prayers of that large crowd, they moved
on to their destination. May the Bod of battles be with them and
keep them unharmed, and return them in safety to the friends
they have left behind. We expect to hear noble deeds from the
97th yet, for we know that wherever Illinois soldiers are found,
there is safety, and there is something to be relied upon. We
are certain we shall not be disappointed in our expectations. We
say three cheers for Colonel Rutherford and his noble band of
men!
LADIES LINT SOCIETY
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 10,
1862
We understand that the young Misses of Alton have
reorganized their Lint Society again, which was in operation
last winter, and did so much towards furnishing material for
dressing the wounds of our noble soldiers who were injured on
the battlefield. This society can accomplish much in the aid of
our brave men on the field, and at the same time the reflex
influence of their benevolent deeds on their own hearts will
more than compensate for all the trouble it may cost them. Their
next meeting will be at the house of Mr. R. L. King on Belle
Street, Saturday afternoon next.
ALTON UNION AID SOCIETY
Source: Alton Telegraph, October
24, 1862
The Alton Union Aid Society has contributed during
the past month the following articles:
To the hospital of
70th Regiment Illinois Volunteers – 20 pillow ticks; 20 pillow
cases.
To the hospital of the 77th Regiment, Ohio Volunteers
– 9 shirts, 9 pair drawers, 4 towels.
Sent to the Illinois
Sanitary Commission at Cairo, for benefit of wounded soldiers at
Corinth – 2 jars blackberries, 7 cans and 5 bottles of peaches,
1 sack dried apples, 1 can tomatoes, 5 cotton sheets, 17 pillow
ticks, 33 pillow cases, 2 feather pillows, 9 handkerchiefs, 2
napkins, 8 pair socks, 81 shirts, 15 pair drawers, 781 yards
bandages, 1 testament, a large quantity of lint, scraped and
raveled, rags, compress, &c. Signed by L. J. Lea, Secretary
GRAND RALLY TO BE HELD IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 24, 1862
The eloquent and patriotic E. C. Ingersoll,
Esq., the man who loves his country more than his party, will
address the citizens of Alton and vicinity in the city hall, on
Monday, October 27th inst. Let every voter of Madison County be
present and hear the noble defender of his country discourse on
the importance and absolute necessity for every citizen to stand
by the government in this hour of peril, when it is openly
assailed by the armed rebels in the south, and secretly in the
north by the K. G. G.’s. It is from the latter the friends of
the country have the most to fear at present. There is no man in
Illinois better qualitied to tear the hypocritical cloak of
identity from these fire-in-the-rear men, and expose them in all
their naked deformity to the reprobation of every patriot in the
land, then Mr. Ingersoll. Let there be an overwhelming audience
present to hear him on Monday next. The hour when the speaking
will commence will be announced by handbill, or otherwise.
THE 70TH ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS
Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 31, 1862
Again we speak of the 70th Illinois
Volunteers – that body of men, according to the Democrat, who
have been parading our streets from early morning till late at
night, causing trouble in getting around them, and who have
disturbed our neighbors dreams in the still hours of night, have
been paid off, and will leave in a short time for their homes.
We think this regiment has behaved nobly under the
circumstances. They have been disappointed time and again in
getting their money. We bid them goodbye, hoping that if they go
in for the war, they may acquit themselves nobly.
CAMP AT HUNTERSTOWN
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 31,
1862
The 126th Regiment, formerly the 128th, have pitched
their tents at the lower extremity of Hunterstown, on the border
of Shield’s Branch.
LETTER FROM A MISTRESS TO HER FREED SLAVE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 31, 1862
The following letter was received
by a contraband at Fortress Monroe, from his late mistress.
Thousands of men in the South, like the husband of this woman,
have left their families (to be supported by slaves), while they
fill the Rebel ranks and shoot down the defenders of our Union.
When the families of those men are deprived of that support,
either by the voluntary escape of the slaves, as in this
instance, or the confiscation of them by the government, those
families will be reduced to beggary and starvation, and the
husbands and fathers who have sworn to protect, feed and cherish
them, if they are not as false to their social ties as they have
shown themselves false to their country, will cease their
warfare against the Union and return to their domestic duties,
and that will be the end of the Rebellion:
“Anthony, I
have heard that you were making a great deal of money, and as we
are in Williamsburg and have no support, and William [her
husband] is away and I cannot hear from him, I send you this to
let you know that we are in need of everything. I have no meat,
no money of any kind that will pass. I want you to send me some
bacon and sugar and coffee, and any other things you can get
that I need. I have no money to buy a thing with. You have had
twelve months’ freedom to make money in – it is time to do
something for me and my children – they are in want of clothes
and the winter is coming. If you do not send me some money, they
will perish with the cold, for wood is very high, and I am not
able to buy any now to cook with. We have done all in our power
for you until you left us, and can you hear of your master’s
children starving, and you able to work and help them so I
cannot think it.
I should like to see you, if you can
give me a little help every month it would keep us from want.
Send what you can get for me by John King, he will bring it
safe. He is doing all he can for his mistress. He does not let
them want for anything. I never should you this, if I had not
been in want, as you have not done anything for me all this
time. If you consider yourself free, it is your duty to do what
you can for me and my two little children. I shall expect you to
do all you can, if John King does not come up soon you can send
them by Sam Simpkins. He belongs to Mrs. Eliza Jones. Tell him
to bring them to Mrs. Tilford. We are there now. Send them as
soon as you can. From your Mistress, Hannah D. Westwod.”
LETTER FROM CAMP BUTLER
Source: Alton Telegraph, November
7, 1862
(This letter was received some days since, but we
could not find room for it in our columns until after the
election.)
The prospect of a speedy removal to the scene of
danger, which produced great activity in camp three weeks since,
has been changed to uncertainty, and it is now even rumored that
we will remain here for the winter. We, however, hope still soon
to be removed. It is now expected that we will be under the
command of General McClernand, who is at present in Springfield,
there are at present seven regiments stationed here. Two of them
lately arrived from the southern part of the state. They are
strong looking men, good marksmen, and will make excellent
soldiers. The members of Captain Blakeman’s company were favored
some days ago with an excellent dinner from the patriotic ladies
of Marine, by the hand of Miss Blakeman. We valued the dainties
much as a change from our rough fare, but more, as a token of
kind remembrance from the sympathizing friends we have left at
home. The thought that our friends are mindful of our perils
will be an incentive to renewed efforts in “danger’s darkest
hour.”
Last Wednesday the three regiments of Colonels
Hecker, Moore, and Judy, under Colonel Hecker, and those of
Colonels Hundley, Hardee, Niles, and Fonda, under Major Newshum,
were ordered to Springfield to be reviewed. We started, fully
equipped, at ten o’clock, and arrived at the prairie east of the
city at twelve; here we halted and ate our first dinner from our
haversacks. We then resumed our march, and having passed through
the principal streets of the city – objects of pleasing interest
to thousands of gay belles and gallant beaux who thronged the
windows and the corners of the streets – returned once more to
the prairie, where we were reviewed by General Brayman. Many
beautiful and intelligent faces from the windows of the high
school were seen waving their handkerchiefs in token of
appreciation, showing that the cause of education and the hearts
of the rising generation are allied to the Union. After review,
we resumed our march toward camp, and arrived in as the shades
of evening were closing around us, having marched about eighteen
miles, besides standing two hours motionless on our feet. We
would have relished such a march toward the land of cotton, but
such a tramp merely to gratify the love of display of some
officers was not so well appreciated by some of the men.
We have watched with anxiety for some time the efforts that have
been made by certain parties to prejudice the minds of the
western people against those of the East, and the inactivity of
our army on the Potomac has been used to the prejudice of the
Yankee name. The same heroic valor that distinguished the
Yankees in the war of the Revolution exists now among their
sons, and if blame there be, let it rest with the leaders the
government has placed over them, and not with the men. Let there
be harmony between the East and the West. Woe to the man that
sows the seeds of prejudice that may result in dire war. The
true patriot glories most in being an American, and State pride
is humbled in the august presence of the Republic.
The
news from our army in Tennessee is cheering, but while we exult
in the victory of our forces, we must shed a tear for our heroic
dead, whose blood moistens the ground where they so bravely
fall. Thirty brave men from a small town in Iowa fell on the
field of Perryville. Among the mourners of that brave band is an
old man of our company – a man of steady habits and undaunted
heart – 68 summers have passed over his now whitened locks, yet
his step is firm and his heart was as merry as the merriest of
the band. Three of his sons have joined the army, and his wife
is at home on his farm. Yesterday the old man received the
intelligence that one of his sons had fallen, and that another
was seriously wounded. The strong heart of the old man refused
to weep, and his grief was too deep for utterance. He told few
his sorrow. He was going home today at any rate, but he resolved
to go immediately. There was some delay in getting his furlough,
and at nine last night the old man started on his lonely walk to
Springfield, to reach the train going north. Poor old man, the
winds of that wild night to him wailed a requiem over the grave
of his loved lost son. Yet, his heart falters not. Let his
heroism be an example to those who would falter in devotion to
our cause. Signed by Occasional.
COLONEL COMPTON RETURNS TO ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 7, 1862
Colonel Compton, who was taken prisoner near
Helena sometime since, by the guerrillas, has been exchanged,
and arrived in the city last evening, much to the joy of his
numerous friends. It was some offset for his sufferings in the
Little Rock Penitentiary, to learn that the chief of the
guerrilla party, by whom he was captured, is now in the military
prison in Alton.
GENERAL JOHN A. McCLELLAND IN ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, November 7, 1862
General John A. McClelland, the
celebrated General who is universally popular among all loyal
men, came into our town on Saturday night from Springfield, and
stopped over the Sabbath at the Franklin House. None of his old
Democratic friends, however, called upon him, they now denounce
him as an abolitionist, just as they do Ingersoll, Smith, and
all others of their party who are in favor of a vigorous
prosecution of the war. We understand that the General leaves
for St. Louis this morning.
126TH REGIMENT HOLDS DRESS PARADE
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 14, 1862
Last evening, we witnessed the dress parade
of the 126th Regiment at their quarters just in the rear of the
City Cemetery. They were all drawn up as in battle array, and
presented a fine appearance, indeed. The orders were given
plainly, and were obeyed by the men promptly as they were given.
They showed that they had done something besides lounge around
the camp. We judge from the dexterity shown there, that the
drill book has been a constant companion among both private and
officer. We expect to hear some noble deeds done yet by that
fine-looking regiment, and we wish them, to take with them when
they leave us, our warmest wishes for their future success.
UNION FOREVER
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 28, 1862
Who that witnessed the unfurling of “Old Glory” last evening at
the Old Folks’ Concert, for the benefit of the Ladies Union Aid
Society, can doubt the loyalty of the major part of our
respectable citizens? Such a furor as was exhibited when the
singing of “Rally, Boys, Rally,” commenced, and the unfurling of
our beloved flag took place, we have seldom, if ever, witnessed
before such a waving of handkerchiefs from the ladies. God bless
them, they are always for the Union – and the storm of huzzas
and clapping of hands from the sterner sex must have made the
hearts of secession sympathizers quall, if any had the hardihood
to mix themselves with such a highly respectable audience as
welcomed the Quincy Old Folks in this their first concert in our
city. The large hall was jammed, and all left there perfectly
satisfied with the entertainment, and thanking our Quincy
friends for their very successful efforts in behalf of a Society
that aims to benefit the sick and wounded soldier, and has
already added greatly to their comfort to the different
regimental hospitals opened in Alton.
SLAVEHOLDERS PREPARING FOR EMANCIPATION
Source: Alton
Telegraph, December 19, 1862
A correspondent of the New York
Tribune, writing from the Department of the West, says that the
Emancipation Proclamation is already having its effect in the
preparations which the slaveholders of Alabama and Tennessee are
making for their future relations to the slaves. Many of them
have already entered into a contract with their slaves to remain
upon the plantations under wages. They have come to the
conclusion that the slaves are as necessary to them as it has
long been asserted, they were to the slaves. Several instances
were noticed by the correspondent where this arrangement has
been effected. One, Mr. Aiken, a cotton planter of Tennessee,
said to him that he and several of his neighbors had already had
a talk with their slaves, and agreed with them to remain and
receive wages. They preferred them to any new set of laborers
that they could obtain. They had advised their slaves to remain,
and they were pleased with the arrangement. Other instances are
narrated sufficient to show that the movement is spreading.
UNION LADIES LEAGUE OF SALEM
Source: Alton Telegraph,
January 25, 1863
We have been requested to say that this
association of patriotic and benevolent ladies will hold a
festival at Mr. Charles Sebastian’s, in the American Bottom near
Wanda, for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers. All those
who feel interested in the object they have in view are invited
to attend.
TWO TRAINS OF SOLDIERS PASS THROUGH ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 16, 1863
Two trains of soldiers passed
through this city, one of them yesterday, and the other this
morning. They were a portion of General Pope’s Division, and
were found south, but to what particular point we are not
advised. We are also informed that there will be more along
tomorrow from the same Division.
ATTEMPT TO KILL OFF COLONEL RUTHERFORD
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 30, 1863
The Alton Democrat of yesterday,
knowing that its commendation would be most damaging to the
character of any loyal man, thus speaks of Colonel Rutherford:
“Since the Colonels’ entering the service, he has been more
of a fighting man than a wire pulling politician, and probably
Secretary Stanton is fearful of his fidelity to the Constitution
and Laws of the old Union being stronger than it is to the
abolition program of the Administration.”
We should
think, the above notice, from such a source, would furnish good
grounds for a suit in court for damages. Or it is possible that
the author of this article is so green, as to believe that the
Colonel holds his principles so lightly as to imitate the writer
of the notice by repudiating them, simply because the
Administration did not give him all the favors he asked?
DESPERATION OF THE COPPERHEADS
Source: Alton Telegraph,
October 30, 1863
We received the following letter from
William Palmer, living three miles south from Rockbridge in
Jersey County, this morning, in which he says he found the
following threatening notice tacked to his gate post:
“A
grand rally of the Democrats of this and adjoining counties have
resolved that the Union Leagues of this country are responsible
for all the unlawful arrests of our citizens, and for each
arrest or attempt to arrest will have to pay for the same with
their lives threefold, and for the destruction of property in
every case, the match box will be consulted and in this there
will be no mistake we are for peace. Signed by Many Democrats,
this October 21st, 1863.”
The above not reflects the
feelings of multitudes of poor deluded creatures in this State,
who have been led to believe from reading such papers as the
Alton Democrat, Jerseyville Union, Carlinville Spectator, &c.,
that the Administration was not prosecuting the war for the
restoration of the Union, but to liberate the slaves, and to
establish a more intolerable despotism over the free people of
the North, than that of Austria. ___________ [unreadable] supply
the deadly bullet to the persons, and the match to the property,
of their peaceable and quiet neighbors. It would be well,
however, for these poor creatures to understand, that the laws
in Illinois can still be enforced, and that unless they wish to
stretch hemp or find lodgings in the Penitentiary, they had
better behave themselves.
REASONS FOR NOT ASSISTING A REBEL PRISONER
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 30, 1863
The following letter, written
from Missouri to a man by the name of Sigler, who is now
confined in the military prison in Alton, will explain itself.
It was handed to us by an officer of the 37th Regiment Iowa
Volunteers. It will be seen that the writer makes some home
thrusts, which is not only calculated to make his Rebel friend
smart, but is also applicable to a great many others. We deem it
best not to publish the author’s name:
Trenton, October
17th, 1863
D. F. M. Sigler, Esq.:
Dear Sir: In reply to
your letters requesting my assistance to get you released from
the Alton prison, I must most respectfully decline for several
reasons. First, I have taken an oath several times since the
Rebellion broke out to support the general government, without
mental reservation or evasion, and not to give aid and comfort
to its enemies. Such you have shown yourself to be by raising
arms against the government. But you say you have seen your
folly, and intend to quit. I ask what right I have to rely on
your promise, when the universal doctrine of those in arms, as
well as friends to rebellion at home, is that an oath is not
binding, and they would not keep it? Yes, have you not violated
your parole and forfeited your oath? But you say your wife and
others persuaded you to it. If you could be persuaded to violate
an oath, may you not be persuaded to forfeit your promise again?
In your first letter, you say you enclose me a letter to your
wife, and before your letter is finished, your mind changes and
you do not send it. Surely your mind changes very suddenly.
Again, I acknowledge I know no person who has been in prison,
and taken the oath, who is not as strong and active a rebel as
ever. But you urge the claims of your innocent children on me
(and surely they have claims). But I ask, have not the widows
and orphan children of those who have lost their lives in the
Union army claims on me? Those poor children in Missouri that
Governor Jackson took their State school fund to arm his rebels
to murder the children’s fathers and drive them from their
homes. Do you not think the insane of our State have claims on
me, who have been turned out of the asylum and their money and
bedding taken by C. F. Jackson for his rebel soldiery? My eyes
have seen them wretched and perishing. I ask what does all this?
The slave power has undertaken to destroy a free Government, and
have robbed poor children of their School money and the lunatic
of what benevolence had provided for them. Yes, slavery has done
all this! For every rebel says he seeks his rights – that is
slavery – and under that pretense can commit every kind of
outrage. Now, don’t you think the rebels of Missouri ought to
make up the poor children’s school fund, and pay indemnity to
the insane, and restore the interest taken by them (the rebels)
due on our State bonds? Please give those things a serious
consideration, and do not forget you have been a co-worker in
the matter, and in making orphans and robbing the poor of their
School fund, in undertaking to fight for the South. That has
brought all this on us. So, excuse me for declining to assist
you under these circumstances. I subscribe myself your Humble
Servant.
COLONEL FRIEND S. RUTHERFORD
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 6, 1863
We are informed on good authority that the
dismissal of this brave and patriotic officer was caused
entirely by a mistake, and that there is no doubt but he will be
honorably restored to his command. This will be very gratifying
information to his many friends in Alton and neighborhood, who
felt that he had been unjustly dealt with when he was dismissed.
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 13, 1863
An order has
been issued from the War Department restoring Colonel Friend S.
Rutherford to the command of the 97th Regiment of Illinois
Volunteers, from which he was dismissed a few days ago by
mistake. He will probably return to his regiment within a few
days, as his health has been very much improved within the last
month.
COLONEL RUTHERFORD BIDS FAREWELL
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 27, 1863
Colonel Friend S. Rutherford of the 97th
Regiment, who has been detained at home for some months on
account of ill health, called upon us this morning to bid us
goodbye, and is off to resume the command of his regiment. His
health is now apparently entirely restored, and he left in fine
spirits, although he could not refrain from feeling sad over the
painful accident which has so lately befallen his regiment.
COPPERHEAD CITY COUNCIL COLLAPSED
Source: Alton Telegraph,
December 4, 1863
The Copperhead City Council has at last
caved in, and “Old Glory” has been flung to the breeze from the
spire of the City Hall. It is a good augury [sign]. It is a
badge of the obituaries of Alton Copperheadism. It shows that
the traitors’ last hope of handing the State over to the tender
mercies of the Pro-Slavery Confederacy has expired, and that the
opportunity for substituting Rebel bunting for the “Old Rag” has
gone forever. It is a good sign for us, and a wholesome
humiliation for the craven Rebel sympathizers who have prolonged
their waiting to see which side was going to win. They have
heard the voice and sulkily bowed to its mandate, and left us
not even the privilege of admiring the courage that would dare
to stand by the infamous ensign they secretly loved. We welcome
the banner for its own sake, and because it must be a sore
application to the eyes of those miserable and unpatriotic
individuals who sought to debase and destroy it. Long may it
wave and flutter its reproaches in the face of its guilty
enemies until grief and repentance make them fit to dwell
beneath its glorious folds.
CAPTAIN RUTHERFORD APPOINTED CHIEF QUARTERMASTER
Source:
Alton Telegraph, December 18, 1863
The Washington
correspondent of the Chicago Tribune, in speaking of the
appointment of Captain G. V. Rutherford as Chief Quartermaster
at Alexandria, says this is an excellent appointment, and
peculiarly fitting, as Captain Rutherford has been engaged for
some weeks in ferreting out the outrageous frauds perpetrated by
Captain Ferguson at Alexandria.
THE NEGRO IS COMPETENT TO TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF
Source:
Alton Telegraph, January 1, 1864
We would invite the special
attention of our grumbling, fault-finding, Rebel-sympathizing
and pro-slavery neighbor of the Alton Democrat to the following
testimony as the ability of slaves to take care of themselves,
and coming as it does, from the Boston Courier, one of the most
intensely copperhead sheets in the United States, he certainly
cannot, therefore, reject the force of the testimony on account
of the source through which it comes.
“They are a race of
practical and experienced agriculturists. Hardly a plantation is
found where there are not black men who are as competent to
conduct with success the whole practical agriculture of the
place as their masters were, for whom they once labored. I
venture the assertion that beginning with the humbler classes in
northern communities, there cannot be found five million of farm
laborers who have more practical skill with farming tools and
more direct knowledge of conducting the main operations in
agriculture than these five million of negro-Americans. Large
numbers of them are found, also, to understand all the main
features of that system of religion so wonderfully adapted to
every grade of human intelligence, that system in which faith in
a crucified and arisen Savior is more than a substitute for
every other knowledge and all other rites. I suppose we are safe
in assuming that there are five hundred thousand of these
blacks, who in point of Christian light and Christian practice,
will compare favorably with the converts from paganism made by
the labors of our foreign missionaries.”
FALL IN, FALL IN
Call Goes Out for More Soldiers
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 1, 1864
Yet a few more days
remain for filling up the quotas for Illinois. A few more days
for the saving of the draft. A few more days for the liberal
bounties and rewards for the volunteer recruit. Let loyal men
fall in, choosing their own branch of the service, and let us
end this rebellion as we first attacked it, by volunteers
rallying round the flag. Never were offered richer premiums on
patriotism. Never the inducements to serve the country better
enforced by reason of personal advantage. Let the next two weeks
see the work accomplished, and the enrollment list made useless,
so far as relates to the present call for troops.
Lieutenant Colonel Martin, or his aid, Sergeant Hazard, of the
97th Regiment, can be found at their room in Mercantile Hall,
ready and willing to attend to all who may wish to come in out
of the draft. The people of Madison County would feel mortified
if all the rest of the State should make up their quota, while a
draft should have to be resorted to in this county to make up
ours. Let every man, therefore, step up during the next two
weeks.
BOUNTY FOR VOLUNTEERS
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 22,
1864
We have been informed the County Court of Madison have
voted to pay $50 bounty for every volunteer enlisting in the
county previous to the first of March next, except to the
citizens of Alton. The Judges of the Court are deserving of much
commendation for their liberal and patriotic appropriation for
this purpose, and it is hoped the Common Council will increase
the bounty which they propose paying to the same figure. With
these liberal inducements held out to recruits, we have no
doubt, with proper activity, old Madison will soon furnish her
quota of soldiers for the army. Let every individual feel that
he is personally interested in this matter and work accordingly,
and the object will soon be accomplished.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE WAR BY A NEGRO
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 22, 1864
We have seen no more masterly
pictures of the horrid character of the Rebellion than the
following passages from the speech of Frederick Douglass, the
colored orator, to an audience in the Cooper Institute, New
York:
“We are now wading deep into the third year of
conflict with a fierce and sanguinary rebellion, one which, at
the beginning of it, we were hopefully assured by one of the
most sagacious and trusted political prophets, would be ended in
less than ninety days; a rebellion which, in its worst features,
stands alone among rebellions a solitary and ghastly horror,
without a parallel in the history of any nation, ancient or
modern; a rebellion inspired by no love of liberty and by no
hatred of oppression, as most other rebellions have been, and
therefore utterly indefensible upon any moral or social grounds;
a rebellion which openly and shamelessly sets at defiance the
world’s judgment of right and wrong, appeals from light to
darkness, from intelligence to ignorance, from the
ever-increasing prospects and blessings of a high and glorious
civilization to the cold and withering blasts of a naked
barbarism; a rebellion which, even at this unfinished stage of
it, counts the number of its slain not by thousands or tens of
thousands, but by hundreds of thousands; a rebellion which in
the destruction of human life and property, has rivalled the
earthquake, the whirlwind and the pestilence that walketh in
darkness and wasteth at noonday. It has planted agony at a
million hearthstones, thronged our streets with the weeds of
mourning, filled our land with mere stumps of men, ridged our
soil with 200,000 rudely formed graves, and mantled it all over
with the shadow of death. A rebellion which, while it has
arrested the wheels of peaceful industry and checked the flow of
commerce, has piled up a debt heavier than a mountain of gold,
to weigh down the necks of our children’s children. There is no
end to the mischief wrought. It has brought ruin at home and
contempt abroad; cooled our friends, heated our enemies, and
endangered our existence as a nation.
Now, for what is
all this desolation, ruin, shame, suffering, and sorrow? Can
anybody want the answer? It has been given a thousand times from
this and other platforms. We all know it is slavery. Less than
half a million of Southern slaveholders – holding in bondage
four million slaves – finding themselves outvoted in the effort
to get possession of the United States Government, in order to
serve the interests of slavery, have madly resorted to the sword
– have undertaken to accomplish by bullets what they failed to
accomplish by ballots. This is the answer.
Whence came
the guilty ambition equal to this atrocious crime. A peculiar
education was necessary to this bold wickedness. Here all is
plain again. Slavery – the peculiar institution – is aptly
fitted to produce just such patriots, who first plunder and then
seek to destroy their country. A system which rewards labor with
stripes and chains! – which robs the slave of his manhood, and
the master of all just consideration for the rights of his
fellow man – has prepared the characters – male and female –
that figure is this rebellion – and for all its cold blooded and
hellish cities. In all the most horrible details of torture,
starvation and murder, in the treatment of our prisoners, I
behold the features of the monster in whose presence I was born
and that is slavery. From no source less foul and wicked could
such a rebellion come. I need not dwell here. The country knows
the story by heart. But I am one of those who think this
rebellion – inaugurated and carried on for a cause so
unspeakably guilty and distinguished by barbarities which would
extort a cry of shame from the painted savage – is quite enough
for the whole lifetime of any one nation, though that lifetime
should cover the space of a thousand years. We ought not to want
a repetition of it, nor can we wisely wish a possible repetition
of it. Looking at the matter from no higher ground than
patriotism, setting aside the high considerations of justice,
liberty, progress, and civilization, the American people should
resolve that this shall be the last slaveholding rebellion that
shall ever curse this continent. Let the war cost much or cost
little, let it be long or short, the work now begun should
suffer no pause, no abatement, until it is done and done
forever.
The hour is one of hope, as well as danger. But
whatever may come to pass, one thing is clear – the principles
involved in the contest, the necessities of both sections of the
country, the obvious requirements of the age, and every
suggestion of enlightened policy, demand the utter extirpation
of slavery from every foot of American soil, and the
enfranchisement of the entire colored population of the country.
Elsewhere we may find peace. Elsewhere we may find prosperity,
but it will be a transient prosperity. Elsewhere we may find
greatness and renown, but if these are based upon anything less
substantial than justice, they will vanish, for righteousness
alone can exalt a nation.”
SUPPER AT COAL BRANCH FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS
Source: Alton
Telegraph, February 19, 1864
We were kindly invited by the
members of the Ladies and Gentlemen’s Leagues at the Coal
Branch, about three miles from this city [Alton], to be present
last evening to partake of a supper gotten up in that place in
honor of the noble veteran soldiers who are now at home on
furlough. These grave boys belong to the old and gallant 10th
Regiment Illinois Volunteers, and having re-enlisted, are now at
home to visit the mothers, wives, and sweethearts. The supper
was also intended as a tribute of respect and affection for some
fifteen or twenty new recruits, who have volunteered to return
to the war with their veteran associates from that vicinity. The
tables were spread in the Methodist Church, a neat and
comfortable building, which will seat about 250 persons. When we
arrived, about half past seven o’clock, we found most of the
seats were removed, and two long tables were spread from one end
of the building to the other. And we speak nothing but the
plain, unvarnished truth when we say they were the neatest
looking tables that we ever beheld. We do not mean by this there
was a greater display of dishes and mere ornament than we have
ever beheld, for that was not the case. But what we mean is that
the tables were groaning under the weight of good things, cooked
in style which at once marked those who got up the supper as
adepts in the art of tickling the palate, while at the same time
there was just sufficient of ornament to make the tables
pleasant and agreeable to look upon. The room even at that early
hour was filled, but before the exercises commenced, it was
literally jammed and packed in every nook and corner, the most
of the audience being compelled to stand. The first exercise was
the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Mr. F. B. Cressey of
Shurtleff College gave a very happy and felicitous speech,
thirty minutes in length. He received the undivided attention of
the audience, and was frequently applauded during its delivery,
showing that he knew how to strike the keynote of his hearers.
After the singing of another song or two, the people were
invited to partake of the rich repast before them, which they
did with a relish. There were many toasts given, and other
interesting exercises to which we would be glad to allude, but
time and space forbids.
COLORED REGIMENT OF ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS
Source: Alton
Telegraph, March 4, 1864
This regiment, authorized to be
raised in this State by the War Department, is rapidly filling
up. Upwards of forty recruits have been enlisted in Alton and
county, with Captain William Flint, who has been authorized to
raise a Company.
Yesterday the committees in charge of
the disbursing of the city and county bounties, commenced paying
the colored recruits. They are mustered into service by Captain
Abbott, Provost Marshal, and upon his certificate the recruits
are paid the same as whites. This morning a detachment of
colored soldiers in charge of Captain Flint left on the Alton
and Chicago Railway for the general rendezvous at Quincy.
The prospects of the regiment are flattering for an early
organization. There are already five companies in camp. Now is
the time, and the opportunity, for colored men to exhibit a
patriotism that will command the respect of all men. Let them
come forward and enlist in a regiment of their own.
A
regular camp is established at Quincy. The regiment occupies
large and extensive barracks, newly built for its use, and they
are supplied with everything in the shape of clothing, camp and
garrison equipage the same as the white soldiers.
At the
recent celebration of the 22nd, in Quincy, we are informed by
Colonel Breye, who has been authorized by the War Department to
get this regiment up, that some of the regular army officers
pronounced the appearance of the men – the cleanliness of the
camp, grounds, and barracks - in every respect equal to that of
any other camp in the State.
NOTES:
The colored
regiment raised in Madison County, was part of Company E of the
29th U. S. Colored Infantry. Not all in this unit were
African-Americans – some were Native Americans and Asians. The
men were sent to Quincy, Illinois, where they mustered in and
learned basic squad and company drills. They were ordered to
Annapolis, Maryland, and from there to Alexandria, Virginia. The
men saw action in the Battle of the Crater, Battle of Globe
Tavern, Battle of Poplar Grove Church, and the Battle of Boydton
Plank Road. They then served on the Bermuda Hundred front and at
Richmond, until participating in the Appomattox Campaign. They
were then assigned garrison duty until they were moved to Texas
in May 1865. They served in the Rio Grande Valley until November
1865, when they were mustered out of service. Three officers and
43 enlisted men were killed in action, while 188 enlisted men
died from disease.
Lewis Martin, shown in the photo, was
a free black man from Alton who served in the 29th Regiment,
U.S. Colored Troops (USCT), during the Civil War. He was
severely wounded in the Battle of the Crater before Petersburg,
VA, on July 30, 1864, and his right arm and left leg had to be
amputated. Martin lived in Springfield later in life and was
well known. He was a member of the John A. Bross Post
(African-American unit) of the Grand Army of the Republic.
During the funeral services for Captain John G. Mack in October
1887, Martin fainted at the cemetery, the walk being too much
for him. He lived on a pension from his military service, and in
1889 he received $6,500 in back pension payments – part of which
he used to buy property along West Jefferson Street in
Springfield. Martin was found dead on January 26, 1892 in a home
on that property. His cause of death was listed as stroke,
however newspaper articles stated he probably died of exposure
and alcoholism. He was known to be a “hard drinker.” Martin was
buried in an unmarked grave in the pauper’s section of Oak Ridge
Cemetery. He finally received a headstone on November 2, 2013.
For a list of those who served in Company E,
please visit this website.
THE ROBERT G. SMITH ROBBERY ON PIASA
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 1, 1864
Robert G. Smith, Esq., the
gentlemen who was robbed the other night, called upon us this
afternoon. He says as near as he could ascertain, there were
some fifty or sixty in the gang which plundered his store, and
thus they represented themselves as belonging to the 37th
Illinois Volunteers. But he thinks that the most of them were
deserters, while there were a few from Missouri and a portion
from Jersey County in this State. He thinks he has discovered
the names of a few of the plunderers, and if the rest of them
entirely escape his vigilance, they will be smart.
Mr.
Smith’s loss is much heavier than we at first supposed. He says
they did not destroy anything, but carried off whatever they
thought would prove of value to them. Among the things taken was
a horse, saddle, bridle and buffalo robe, all the ready-made
clothing he had in his store; also, all of his piece goods and
as many boots and shoes as they could carry; two revolvers and a
shotgun; and $190 in money. All amounting to $1,000.
WAS IT A ROBBERY OR A COPPERHEAD RAID?
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 1, 1864
It is a little strange that while
the Alton Democrat and the Jerseyville Union deny that political
differences had anything to do with the plundering of Robert G.
Smith, that neither of these papers manifest the least regret at
the atrocious act, but on the contrary, burlesque it as though
it was a good joke, with evident relish. The article from the
Democrat of this character, we have already laid before our
readers. And we observe that the Jerseyville Union republishes
the same infamous piece, with the following additional remarks:
“A reliable U. L. says that Bob, being much alarmed, started
for Alton, and the 37th, in his socks and drawers, coming all
covered with lather at the rate of 219, thus distancing every
competitor. On a careful examination of the premises, Colonel De
Funk Sowser remarked that Bob was evidently frightened at his
own shadow, and ordered his brave boys to retire in order to
their refreshments.”
In another article on the same
subject, the Union speaks as follows:
“We are just as
heartily for Law and Order as concerns Bob Smith, as for ‘any
other man.’ To be sure, we have no reason to love him much, and
we candidly say we do not, but what can one expect who will
themselves inaugurats such a state of affairs. Everyone
recollects how the ‘spry and informer,’ as he was then styled by
our contemporary of the Alton Democrat, made an unlawful raid
upon our office upon the 5th of last December, and failed. We
wish him no harm and hope the reason of unlawful force he has
received will cause him to cease such efforts against his
neighbors in the future. His rancorous persecution of Barnard,
who still unjustly suffers, will not soon be forgotten by him or
others, we opine, but now as then our advice is leave him to the
stings of a guilty conscience.”
No one can read these
comments of the Democrat and Union without being satisfied that
the editors rejoiced that the robbery had taken place.
THE SMITH ROBBERY – AGAIN
Source: Alton Telegraph, March
4, 1864
There was a ball at the house of Harrison Dunn, about
half a mile from Mr. Smith’s house, on the 22d, to commemorate
the birth of Washington. It was numerously attended, and Mr.
Smith was there among the others. About an hour after Mr. Smith
arrived at the room, he saw four men approach him with navy
revolvers in their hands. The leader then seized him by the arm
and asked him if he was dancing tonight. Smith answered in the
affirmative, and jumped to his feet, and placed a lady between
himself and the man, whom he recognized at first as one of the
party who robbed him on the night of the 21st of December. There
were a number of other strangers in company with the four whom
Smith recognized, who had pistols in their hands. Smith then ran
into the ladies’ room, drew his revolver and said he would shoot
the first man who should enter the room. By this time there was
great confusion, attended with screams from the ladies, in all
parts of the house. At this crisis, one of the ladies raised a
window, when Smith managed to make his escape from his pursuers
– jumping some ten or fifteen feet to the ground. The robbers
pursued him for some distance, but finally gave up the chase.
Mr. Smith’s workmen, having discovered that he had left the
room, they made haste to reach his house and secure such things
as would be likely to be carried off by the robbers. They just
arrived in time to save Mr. Smith’s horse from falling into
their hands.
During this time, Mr. Smith was making all
haste to reach Alton, which he soon did, and procured a squad of
the 8th Kansas, under Captain Leighton, and another squad under
command of Lieutenant Smith of the 10th Kansas. When he returned
and arrived at Dunn’s house about 3 ½ o’clock Tuesday morning. A
guard was placed around the house, and all who were in the
building were retained – the house was then searched, but
nothing could be found of the robbers.
Mr. Smith then
suggested that the cellar be searched, and he and Youngblood
started down the stairs for that purpose, but when they had
reached the foot of the stairs, they were met by the Rebel,
Meadows (alias Davis) with a pistol in each hand. He fired
instantly at Smith, the shot passing between Smith’s right arm
and his body. Youngblood then fired at him and turned to go back
upstairs, when Meadows shot him in the back. Mr. Smith then
fired at him in order to make his escape from the cellar.
Meadows then fired at Smith as he retired, and wounded him
slightly in the hand. He then fired again and shot one of the
8th Kansas in the hand. The Kansas boys then fired away at him,
when he fell back into the cellar.
Captain Mortimer
Scott then said to Mr. Smith that he would disarm him and
deliver him up to us, if we would not shoot him any more –
stating that Meadow’s was a friend of his. About 30 minutes
after the shooting was over, Captain Leighton called attention
to a rocket that was shot up by some person, and wanted to know
what it meant, which could not be answered except on the
supposition that it was a signal to the confederate of the
robbers who had been at the house.
They robbed one of Mr.
Smith’s men, who took his part of all the money and papers that
he had about him, and also a valuable revolver.
There
have been several skirmishes in that neighborhood since that
time, and we think it is high time that a stop should be put to
these infamous outrages. The military authorities should take
the matter in hand, if the civil law is too weak to arrest the
evil.
THE 10TH KANSAS BAND
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15,
1864
The 10th Kansas band daily discourses the sweetest music
in front of the Franklin House, and are decidedly the best
musicians we have listened to for many days. We understand they
are practicing one or two new pieces which they will shortly
produce.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR ONE HUNDRED DAYS’ SERVICE
Source:
Alton Telegraph, May 6, 1864
There was a large and very
enthusiastic meeting at city hall on Saturday evening for the
purpose of raising men for one hundred days’ service. The
meeting was presided over by the aged and honorable, Cyrus
Edwards.
His remarks upon taking the Chair were
exceedingly patriotic and to the point. He was in favor of the
call for 100,000 men, and thought that all should go to the
front and put an end to this infamous Rebellion. Although he was
far down the vale of declining years, he still felt the warm
current of patriotic feeling and blood tingle in his veins. His
life, his money, influence, and all was pledged to the
maintenance of the Union. His remarks were listened to with
great interest, and he was frequently interrupted by bursts of
applause.
Captain Burbank explained that the absence of
the band was owing to the refusal of Colonel Weer to allow them
to play for any such a party, and stated that although Colonel
Weer still commanded his regiment, it was a matter of
gratification to loyal men to know that he no longer commended
the Post.
Other speakers included:
Brigadier General
Copeland and Mr. Taylor. Colonel Weer came forward and attempted
an explanation of the face of his forbidding the band to play,
citing that he intended to keep military discipline. The
audience went into convulsions of laughter and sneers, during
which the Colonel acknowledged his commission would “run out”
soon, and repeated his offer to resign.
UNION RALLY AT COAL BRANCH
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 6,
1864
As intended and expected, the loyal ones at Coal Branch
had a rousing good time last night. We, that is, the report,
went out about dark and found already a large crowd together. We
found that our enterprising recruiters, Cressey and Johnson of
the Mercantile Hall, with their usual energy, had kindly sent
out a band of martial music, the patriotic strains of which
added much to the interest of the occasion.
The meeting
was called to order by the President, Mr. James Mitchell, who
made a few introductory remarks, full of true and earnest
patriotism. His words and actions showed that he was not a whit
behind his young friends in the good cause of a righteous
freedom.
Next, all joined in singing the “Battle Cry of
Freedom,” and if the manner in which it was sung is any
indication of the purpose of those present, we have no fears
about their springing to the call of one hundred thousand men.
Dr. Rutherford then took the floor, and spoke with his
accustomed energy and effect. As a matter of course, the peace
party did not escape without a warming. Fortunately for them,
however, few of their crowd were present in person, at least as
we had reason to judge. His manner of “putting the case to the
Union boys in regard to doing their duty now, was forcible and
effective. But we all know the Doctor style of doing such
things.
Now came Captain Burbank’s turn, which he
improved to the best advantage. His report from the neighboring
villages was full of encouragement, showing that the loyal sons
of this part of “Egypt” are again raising in the power of their
might. If we of this immediate vicinity would have a share in
the coming struggle, we must be in for it without delay, or we
shall be too late.
We were next favored with the roll of
drums and the fife’s shrill notes, which served as a sort of
interlude to the exercises.
Mr. Edward K. Cressey of
Shurtleff College was next called for and made his appearance.
He spoke for an half hour or so in a manner which gave evidence
that he fully appreciated the nation’s condition, and was
determined to do all in his power, both by talking and going
himself, for the triumph of the right. His speech had the right
ring about it, and like all the others, was received with
continued applause. Our soldier friend, Mr. Mattox, volunteered
a stirring, patriotic song, which was just the thing.
Mr.
Carsten of Coal Branch said a few words in regard to the raising
of men there, urging them to take hold and lend a helping hand.
A call was then made for volunteers to come forward, and prove
their sincerity by putting down their names. While this was
being done, we started for home, well pleased with what we had
seen and heard, and assured that the Coal Branch boys were all
right.
MEN OFF TO WAR
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 13, 1864
A
fine company of men, raised among the students of Shurtleff
College and in Alton and Coal Branch, for the one hundred days’
service, left for Springfield this morning. Many sad hearts were
at the depot to big farewell to husbands, brothers, and kind
friends. We noticed the tear in many eyes, as the brave fellows
shook the hands of their dear kindred.
The organization
of the company is only temporary, and the company is commanded
by Captain John Moore. The first Lieutenant is Mr. John Carson.
There were about ninety men in all, and the company is comprised
of the very best young married and single men.
VOLUNTEERS FROM COAL BRANCH
Source: Alton Telegraph, May
13, 1864
There are but few places in this country where the
people have manifested more practical patriotism than our
neighbors out at the Coal Branch. This small neighborhood or
village, numbering perhaps less than five hundred souls, has
furnished since the war commenced, about one hundred and fifteen
volunteers – thirty-five of whom left this morning for
Springfield with a Company of one hundred days’ men. But our
good friends do not satisfy themselves with giving up their sons
and brothers, but they contribute very liberally towards the
support of the families of those who volunteer.
The
following preamble and resolutions in regard to the brave men
who have volunteered to serve their country for one hundred days
were adopted at a succession of meetings held by the citizens of
the Coal Branch, assisted by Dr. Rutherford, Captain Burbank,
and others, to make provision for their families. There is no
bounty, no relief from the county, and probably no pay till they
are mustered out of the service. We have caused a subscription
to be opened for one hundred days for the relief of their wives
and children. We have succeeded in collection $211. The donors
have our thanks.
Resolved, That the employers of the Coal
Branch employ no men to the exclusion of those who are about to
serve their country in the present emergency.
2d. That
we, the citizens of the Coal Branch and vicinity, do pledge
ourselves to support the wives and families of the men that are
enlisted on the Coal Branch for one hundred days.
3d.
That a levy of ten percent of all the earnings of the employers
and working men of the Coal Branch be collected for the support
of said families.
4th. That any man refusing to comply
with these resolutions shall be considered disloyal to our
country.
Signed,
James Mitchell, Treasurer
James
Maloy, Secretary
H. Maloy, P. Robinson, and W. Smith,
Committee
NOTES:
Coal Branch settlement was in the Elm
Street – Alby Street neighborhood, mostly in Godfrey Township.
There were many coal mines along the Coal Branch stream, which
provided fuel for steamboats and trains. Early coal miners
included James Mitchell, Thomas Dunford, Dennis Noonan, Peter
Robinson, Charles Crowson, William Watts, Henry Camp, Peter
Taylor Nathan Sydel, Henry Conlon, John Rutledge, and Joseph and
Richard Whyers. James Mitchell, a Scotsman, opened the first
coal mine in the summer of 1848. After the Chicago and Alton
Railroad was completed, large quantities of coal were shipped to
Springfield, Bloomington, and Chicago. By 1882, the vein of coal
was nearly exhausted.
The Coal Branch settlement had a
few stores, a church, and a school. Joseph and Richard Whyers
also operated a flour mill. As seen in the article above, about
115 men volunteered to join the war effort during the Civil War.
The families left behind had little money, and the Coal Branch
employers levied ten percent on the earnings of the workers, to
help support the soldiers’ families.
SOLDIER ARRESTED
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 1, 1864
Mr. DeLange, a wide-awake and efficient night watchman,
discovered a soldier this morning about one o’clock, who looked
rather suspicious, and refused to give any satisfactory account
of himself when he observed that he had a bundle with him, which
was afterwards discovered to be wet clothing. Mr. DeLange then,
after considerable difficulty, arrested the soldier and took him
to the military quarters. On an examination of the latter this
morning, it was ascertained that the clothing was stolen, and
Mr. DeLange has requested us to say that the owner can recover
them by calling on him at Mr. R. L. King’s store.
ALTONIANS PROMOTED
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 15, 1864
Joseph F. Baker, son of Hon. D. J. Baker of Alton, has been
promoted to a Captaincy in the Marine Corps. This is a merited
and well-deserved promotion. Captain Baker has been in the
service of his country through the last three years, and has
passed through several of the hardest fought battles of the
east. Among them in the first battle of Bull Run, and the raid
of the Merrimac upon shipping opposite, Fort Monroe. He was a
Lieutenant on the ill-fated Congress.
Mr. Joseph Brown,
son of Thomas Brown, late of Alton, has been appointed an Ensign
in the Navy, and assigned to the gunboat service on the
Mississippi.
ALTON BOYS RECEIVE APPOINTMENTS
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 19, 1864
We are much pleased to learn that two of our
Alton boys have received appointments in the Navy. Mr. Charles
Dimmock Jr. has received the appointment of Master’s Mate in the
regular Navy, and has been ordered to report to Mound City, for
which place he takes his departure this evening. Mr. William
Christie has received the appointment of Purser’s Clerk, and
been assigned on the Gunboat Chillicothe. These fortunate
gentlemen will doubtless fill their respective post with honor
to themselves and to the country, to the service of which they
have devoted themselves. Our best wishes go with them.
HOSPITAL BOAT AT ALTON WHARF
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 19, 1864
The steamer D. A. January is now lying at our
wharf with four hundred sick and wounded soldiers on her. The
boat was bound for Quincy, but the river is so low she had to
return. We understand that she will land them now at Jefferson
Barracks.
MILITARY MEETING AT ALTON CITY HALL
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 19, 1864
The meeting at the city hall last
evening was a perfect success as far as numbers were concerned.
Notwithstanding the very short notice, the hall was very nearly
filled. Mayor Hullister presided, and D. D. Ryrie and Henry G.
McPike acted as Secretaries. We had hoped that we would have
been furnished with the proceedings from the proper officers,
but as they have failed in this part of their duty, we shall
have to content ourselves with publishing our own impressions of
so much of the action of the meeting as we witnessed. We had
another engagement, which detained us from the hall until after
General Rosecrans and General Copeland were through with their
remarks.
Dr. Rutherford was on the stand when we entered,
and how long he had been speaking previous to our entrance, we
cannot say. But he made some very happy and appropriate remarks
after we entered, and also said some things which had been
better left unsaid. After he was through the inevitable Dr.
English took the stand, and the words flowed out of his mouth
with as much ease as water gurgles down the steep falls of a
muddy stream, and with just as little soul in them. He remarked
that everyone was acquainted with his political career, which
was about the only truth he uttered while upon the rostrum. It
is well known that he supported James Buchanan through all of
his imbecile and traitorous career while President. That he
defended him and his Cabinet while they were engaged in
transferring all the arms and munitions of war to the South, so
that they might fall an easy prey into the hands of the Rebels.
That he stood with the old mummy in denying the right of the
general government to use force in enforcing the laws in the
Rebel states. That he was the champion of Kentucky while she was
contending that the national government had no right to use her
territory for the transfer of United States troops to the Rebel
states. Yes, Doctor, your political history is well known, and
will be well remembered, and although you may talk loyalty very
fluently, yet it will require a great deal of hard labor to make
the people believe you are sincere. You are too well known in
this community for that. If there were any persons present last
night who were deceived by your plausible speech, it was
strangers, and not those who are acquainted with you.
After the doctor got through with his remarkably modest speech,
he asked for the reading of a resolution, which had been
prepared for the Common Council, but that body, failing to have
a quorum, it was presented to the public meeting. The resolution
was well enough of itself, and recommended certain men as a
committee to whom the whole matter of raising the regiment was
to be referred.
But certain gentlemen, not finding their
names among those contained in the resolution, constituted
themselves into a committee, and increased the number to
fifteen, and accomplished the very important matter of including
themselves in the list. The names of these individuals had no
sooner been read, then the chairman in hot haste put the
question to vote, without giving anyone of the audience an
opportunity to make a suggestion, or to say a word in reference
to the matter. There are a very few good, reliable Union men on
the committee, and we hope the committee may be guided to wise
conclusions, but the way the matter was conducted, the meeting
really had no more to do with their appointment than the man in
the moon.
RECEPTION OF THE ALTON JAEGERS AS THEY RETURN HOME FROM WAR
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 2, 1864
The survivors of
the Alton Jaegers arrived this morning on the train from
Chicago, and were received by the Society of Turners and the
Mayor and Council, headed by the Murphy’s Band. The war-worn
heroes were received with shouts of welcome, and the hearty
hand-shaking and tokens of joy at the safe return of so many of
this favorite company was universal. Amid the smiles of joy, we
noticed the tear of sorrow on more than one manly cheek, shed to
the memory of those who went to battle, but ne’er came back.
There were parents and brothers to meet these brave veterans,
and not a few former comrades, who having lost limbs in fierce
strife, were obliged to remain at home.
The company was
escorted through our principal streets to the City Hall, where
two long tables were spread with the choicest production of our
market for their consumption. The Mayor, in behalf of the
citizens of Alton, welcomed them in a short speech, after which
the order was given to “fall in” for dinner. After their dusty
and tiresome trip in the cars, it is useless to state that this
order, like all others received by these men, was obeyed with
alacrity. Hilarity and good, cordial feeling was the programme,
and was strictly adhered to. The war-worn and weather-beaten
flag attracted much attention and comment. The men generally
look hearty and robust, but are doubtless pleased to see the
rocks and hills of Alton again. We will publish tomorrow a
roster and historical sketch of the “old 9th” regiment.
THE ALTON GUARDS
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 2,
1864
There is now only one week more left before the draft,
and yet there has been little accomplished in the way of raising
troops, and no field officers have yet been commissioned. We are
not definitely informed, but we are satisfied that no one of the
many who are raising recruits have anything like a company
recruited. Unless there is much more activity and energy used
this week than there has been for the two weeks which are
passed, it is very evident that but comparatively few men will
be raised from the city and county.
From circumstances
which have developed themselves within the last few days, it is
evident that the loyal portion of our community have not
confidence in the men who it is reported has been appointed by
General Rosecrans to superintend the raising of this regiment.
There is no escaping from the fact that men will be judged by
the company they keep, and when an officer finds his particular
and personal associates among those who have never raised their
hands or their voices in behalf of their country, it is not
surprising if loyal men should feel indisposed to confide in
him, let his professions be what they may.
Colonel Andrew
F. Rodgers may be an excellent and brave officer in the field,
but if he is to be judged by his conduct since he has undertaken
to recruit this regiment, he is certainly not the right kind of
a man to take charge of the Alton Guards. For he cannot
certainly expect the support and sympathy of the loyal portion
of Madison County by the course he is now pursuing, and if he
fails to obtain that, he should not be entrusted with the
command.
We have withheld an expression of an opinion on
this subject, hoping and believing that Colonel Rodgers would
prove just the man we wished for the post, but we are now well
satisfied that in these expectations we were mistaken, and that
it would be very unfortunate if he should be commissioned as
Colonel of this regiment.
THE ALTON GUARDS
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 9,
1864
The unlisted men for this regiment were partly mustered
in today, and the balance will be mustered in tomorrow. The
whole number now on the rolls is near 450 men. There is no doubt
that the regiment will be filled at once.
We noticed the
Alton Guards, recruited by Captain DeLange, marching through our
streets to headquarters this morning. They were a fine-looking
body of strong, full-grown men, and will doubtless be a credit
to the service. The companies are being mustered in as fast as
the proper rolls can be made out.
CAPTAIN RUTHERFORD RELIEVED
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 9, 1864
We were informed yesterday that Captain
Rutherford, the Commissary of this post, had been relieved from
duty here, and that an officer by the name of Porter was ordered
to take his place. We have heard no reason assigned for this
strange and unaccountable proceeding, but a day or two will
probably develop the modus operandi by which the result has been
brought about.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL AVIS APPOINTED QUARTERMASTER
Source: Alton
Telegraph, September 9, 1864
We have known for some time past
that Samuel Avis, one of our oldest and most trustworthy and
competent citizens, had received an appointment as
Quartermaster, but deferred noting the fact until it was made
public where he should be assigned. We are now gratified to be
able to state that he has been assigned to duty at this post
[Alton]. This result is very gratifying, not only to Captain
Avis, but also to his many friends in this vicinity.
BLUTHARDT APPOINTED SURGEON OF ALTON GUARDS
Source: Alton
Telegraph, September 16, 1864
Surgeon Bluthardt, formerly
Assistant Surgeon of the 1st Illinois Cavalry, and late Surgeon
of the 23d Missouri Infantry, has received the appointment of
Surgeon of the Alton Guards Regiment – the 144th Illinois
Infantry. Dr. Bluthardt has been practicing for some month’s
past in Alton, and has gained an enviable position among our
physicians.
GENERAL OGLESBY GIVES SPEECH AT EDWARDSVILLE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 7, 1864
The mass meeting at Edwardsville
on yesterday was a perfect success in every respect. Although
the Madison County Fair was in session at the time of the
speaking, engaged in the most exciting and interesting portion
of its exercises, the number around the stand – just outside of
the Fairgrounds – could not have been less than 1,500 or 2,000
persons! The exercises were commenced with singing by the
celebrated Lumbard brothers of Chicago, who are without doubt
the best vocal musical performers in the West.
The Hon.
Mr. Ward of Chicago, who has a wide reputation over the State as
an eloquent and effective speaker, then took the stand, and
although very hoarse from constant speaking for the last month,
yet he elicited from the audience their undivided attention and
most enthusiastic applause during the whole time of his
discourse. But owing to the condition of his throat, he did not
occupy the stand more than thirty minutes. He is well qualified
to do most effective service for the Union cause, as he
possesses fine abilities and shows by his manner that his whole
soul is engaged in the work. Neither is he afraid to call things
by their right names, but expresses himself clearly and
distinctly in language which cannot be misunderstood. He left an
excellent impression on the minds of the people, which they will
be very likely to retain until after old Abe and General Oglesby
are elected.
Then “Rally ‘Round the Flag” was sung, as it
never was before in this county, by the Lumbards, the audience
joining in singing the chorus. Such singing could not be
produced by more art – northing but the deep, warm feelings of
the heart ever prompts such soul-stirring music. If there was
copperhead within hearing distance, he must have felt that it
was no place for him. None but patriots could breathe that
atmosphere.
General Oglesby was then introduced amid the
most enthusiastic applause. His very appearance spoke eloquently
for him, as he stood looking over his audience while their minds
could not well refrain from adverting to his many bloody
conflicts with the enemies of his country, and to the severe
wound which finally compelled him to leave the field, and which
he now bears on his person as a memento of his patriotism and
devotion to his country.
All that we can say of his
speech is that it was a masterly effort, and deeply impressed
the audience. We would no more think of attempting to give an
abstract of it than we would of reporting the streaked lightning
or the rushing and impetuous cataract. No one could hear him,
however, without being thoroughly convinced of his sincerity and
honesty. His rebuke of Peace-sneaks, rebel-sympathizers,
bushwhackers, and rebels was withering and almost annihilating.
No man possessing a soul or any self-respect could listen to
him, and afterwards give his vote to men who acknowledge that
our war thus far has been a failure, and who are willing to
treat with rebels with arms in their hands for an ignominious
peace. No, never!
Oglesby conclusively demonstration that
General McClellan was not only the first man to recommend the
draft, but that he also ordered the first arbitrary arrests to
be made, and was the first man to suspend the writ of Habeas
corpus (we shall at some future time publish the evidence of
these statements). The General’s style of speaking is liable to
criticism in a number of respects, but for power and
effectiveness, he has few superiors in the country. His audience
listened from the beginning to the end of his remarks in
breathless silence, except when they yielded to their feelings
in bursts of applause, although he spoke something over two
hours.
One little incident occurred while he was
speaking, which will illustrate his power over his audience. An
elderly country gentleman, who sat near to the platform, about
the close of the General’s speech, rose up, and after a moment’s
hesitation, with deep emotion remarked: “I must go home now, but
General Oglesby you are right. This war must be prosecuted to a
successful issue. The rebels must be subdued, and if necessary
to this end, I am willing to give my last son, horse, mule, and
hog.” This man, we are satisfied expressed the feelings, in
these few remarks, of the great mass of that audience. Victory
or death was the predominate feeling in that assembly.
After the speech was closed, large numbers of the venerable old
farmers of the county clambered up on the platform ito take the
gallant and brave soldier, and our next Governor, by the hand,
and wish him God speed in his good work.
We never
attended a meeting where everything passed off so pleasantly, or
where we had reason to believe that more good was done than
this. The speakers and the Lumbard brothers returned to Alton
last evening, and took the train at seven o’clock this morning
to attend the great mass meeting at Belleville today.
ALTON GUARD
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1864
Colonel Hall, who has been assigned to the command of the Alton
Guard Regiment, called upon us this morning. He will assume the
command just as soon as the regiment is filled. We understand
that it still requires one more company to complete its
organization, and that company has been accepted, but is now
doing duty in Missouri. The Colonel is from the town of
Shelbyville, and had, when he was appointed to this command,
just completed his three years’ service, acting most of the time
as the Colonel of the old and brave 14th Illinois Regiment, but
the latter portion of the time he had charge of a brigade. Our
citizens have much reason to congratulate themselves, that they
have such an experienced, talented, and gentlemanly officer
assigned to the command of our home regiment.
ALTON COPPERHEADS ARMING
Source: Alton Telegraph, October
28, 1864
We have been very credibly informed that the
candidates of the Peace Democracy (Copperheads) of this county,
in their electioneering perambulations, go heavily armed. Why is
this, if they think it wrong to shoot at the rebels in the South
lest they should become exasperated? Are they not afraid they
may exasperate Union men at home by this war-like display of
firearms? Or are we to understand them as not being opposed to
the prosecution of wars in general, but only to the one being
waged against their erring brethren in the South. But if our
armies would only turn their guns against the abolitionists,
then they would be willing to have it prosecuted with the utmost
vigor. Down on all such whining sentimentality, and base
hypocrisy, say we. If your sympathies are with the rebels and
against the loyal people of the North, say so like men, and stop
your miserable complaining against the government, our generals,
and brave soldiers for lack of humanity.
It does not look
well for men who are eternally crying out against the inhumanity
and cruelty of war, and recommending charity, conciliation, &c.,
to be going about with revolvers in their pockets. It especially
looks bad for a minister of the gospel thus to display his
war-like propensities at the very time that he is advocating the
Chicago platform and a cessation of hostilities.
DR. RUTHERFORD
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 28, 1864
We announced some weeks since that this popular and faithful
officer, who had been acting as Commissary at this post [Alton]
for the last two or three years, had been removed from this
place and ordered to Fort Scott. We now learn that this latter
order has, however, been revoked by the Secretary of War, and
that the doctor will remain in Illinois until he receives
further instructions from the War Department. He has been absent
from here, visiting his family in Quincy for some days, but
returned here this morning, looking hale and hearty, and in the
best of spirits.
COLONEL HALL ASSUMES COMMAND OF ALTON GUARDS
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 28, 1864
This gallant and experienced
officer assumed the command of the Alton Guard Regiment
yesterday. Its corps of officers is now complete, all of whom
have had experience in the army, and have proved themselves well
qualified for the positions to which they have been appointed.
They are all likewise as true as steel to the Union, and in
favor of subduing the rebellion by force of arms. We
congratulate our citizens in their success in securing such
worthy officers to take charge of the regiment which is to be in
our midst for at least a year.
ZEPHANIAH JOB TO SPEAK AT FOSTERBURG
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 28, 1864
Fosterburg, October 11, 1864
It had been announced some six weeks in that miserable
copperhead paper – the Alton Democrat – that Dr. English and
Zephaniah Job would speak in Fosterburg on the 11th inst., on
the great issues of the day. Accordingly, after supper I stopped
over to the Burg to hear what might be said, and not having
learned where the speaking was to be, I inquired of sundry
persons, but no one could tell. In passing Herp’s doggery, a few
persons were seen standing about the steps, and individual, who
had probably “imbibed” more freely than the rest, was talking
and swearing. Passing on, however, in search of the speaking and
visiting every place likely to be used for that purpose, without
success, a lucky idea entered my mind. I thought, perhaps, the
squad seen at Herp’s might have compelled to leave the hall for
want of room, either to sit or stand, and that they could inform
me where the great rally was. I accordingly hastened back, and
found that same individual still going on in the even tenor of
his course, talking and swearing. After listening awhile, I
asked one of them where the speaking was. He said he guessed
there would be no speaking tonight, and then added, that is Job
talking. Here, then, in a nutshell, was the great McClellan
rally of Fosterburg precinct, six weeks advertising in a public,
and the unwearied efforts of the high priest of that profession,
who for several weeks previous, and daily gone out into all the
hedges and highways about Fosterburg and the region round about,
to compel them to come in, but they didn’t come. The above
affair amounted to fourteen men and boys, all told, standing and
laughing about Herp’s doorsteps, indeed, you rarely find there a
____ ______ ______ that on any other night. If any call for
_____ _____ _____, the number, I can very ____ ____ _____. Mr.
Job had gone _____, he invited the copperhead ______ the street
to Ed Bush’s, and had something to drink. After they had all
drank, he called for his bill – sixty cents was the reply. Now
divide seventy-five by five, and see if you don’t have fifteen.
But you said fourteen? I did say there were fourteen at Herp’s,
but they, forming a jubilation with Ed, made fifteen. Mr. Job
declaring it the cheapest liquoring he had done, handed Ed a
dollar bill and started home, thinking, perhaps, that the extra
forty cents might be bread cast upon the water, that might be
gathered sometime in November.
SOLDIERS FROM 144TH ON THE HUNT FOR TWO
Source: Alton
Telegraph, November 18, 1864
A posse of soldiers from the
144th Regiment, returned on Saturday night from Fidelity, where
they had been scouting in pursuit of Simpson and Dr. Jay of that
place, who were implicated in the murders committed in that town
on last Monday. They brought in two prisoners – one by the name
of Simpson, a brother to the man who was with Henderson when the
murders were committed, and the other was a young man by the
name of Blackburn. We have not learned what charges were brought
against them. The soldiers are still seeking after Dr. Jay and
the Simpson who participated in the shooting affair on that
occasion, and it is to be hoped they will succeed in taking
them. They and their wicked comrades have kept that neighborhood
in a perfect state of terror for the last four or five months
past, and it is high time their career was brought to an end.
ALTON GUARD REGIMENT
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 18,
1864
The facility with which the citizen changes from the
routine of civil duties to those of a military character is
wonderful. It is but a few weeks since the organization of the
144th Illinois Volunteers (the Alton Guards), and they now show
a great degree of proficiency in the various maneuvers of the
infantry drill and the manual of arms. Their dress parades are
attended by large numbers of our citizens, and the fairer
portion of them seem to be particularly well pleased with the
soldierly and genteel appearance of both officers and men.
Yesterday, a very large crowd witnessed the parade, and the
universal word was that of approbation and pleasure at the
progress made by our favorite home regiment.
RESIGNATION OF CAPTAIN JOHN E. DETRICH
Source: Alton
Telegraph, December 16, 1864
We regret to inform our readers
that Captain John E. Detrich, who has been a resident of Alton
for something over a year, has resigned his position as
Commissioner of the Board of Enrollment, in the Provost
Marshal’s office, and has returned to his home. He made hosts of
friends the short time that he was among us, and this step which
he has now taken will be regretted by all those who were so
fortunate as to make his acquaintance. He is a man of fine
intellectual ability, unswerving integrity, and of genial and
social feelings, and the good wishes of his friends will follow
him to his retirement, with the confident expectation, however,
that they will soon hear of him occupying a more important
position, and more in accordance with his talent and
qualifications than the one which he has just vacation
Captain Henry of Washington County has been appointed to take
his place, and has already arrived and entered upon his duties.
He is a gentleman of whom we know nothing personally, but have
heard him spoken of as an individual well qualified to fill the
office to which he has been assigned. We welcome him to our
city.
TREATMENT OF UNION PRISONERS
(Civil War era)
Source:
Alton Telegraph, January 13, 1865
There is hardly a day
passes but we hear of some new recital of the terrible
sufferings and deprivations which our prisoners in Rebel hands
are called upon to endure. Thousands and thousands of them have
absolutely perished from want and exposure; and multitudes of
those who have survived have been reduced to mere skeletons, and
have suffered almost every affliction which it was possible for
fiends to inflict. The very recital of their hardships and
deprivations makes the blood tingle in the veins of every
patriotic and humane person. Those atrocities and the cruel
treatment which our prisoners received was for a long time
accounted for on the ground of the scarcity of provisions, which
it was said existed in Dixie, but since the raid which Sherman
has made through Georgia, this flimsy excuse has exploded. It is
now known that food in superabundance is to be found in the
vicinity of Andersonville, where our prisoners have suffered the
most, and there is no excuse, on that score, for the treatment
which our brave boys have received at their hands. It is the
result of the cruel and bitter hatred of the Rebel authorities
against the northern people, and is but the outgrowth of the
system of slavery, which has destroyed every humane feeling in
the hearts of those who were brought up under its withering and
blighting influence. They are as much accustomed, and as really
hardened, to human suffering as the butcher is to that of the
animal creation. And they can never be brought to repentance
except by subjecting their prisoners to some of the hardships
which our men in their hands have to endure. We know that this
course will probably fall hard upon some who are comparatively
innocent, but our government is under solemn obligation to
protect its soldiers against wrong by all the means lying in its
power, and if there must be suffering, let it fall rather on its
enemies than on its friend.
But what surprises us, is
that while the Rebels are treating our prisoners in this way,
that their officers, which have fallen into our hands, are
paroled and are permitted to run footloose; put up at our
first-class hotels, and live upon the fat of the land. This was
the case a short time since in St. Louis, and is so now in this
city [Alton]. We have been credibly informed that there are
several Rebel officers now at large, who have their names and
ranks spread upon the hotel registers, are received into
society, and treated as good, loyal men. And it has been
asserted that at the late ball in this city [Alton], one of
these paroled officers was in the room all evening, with a
Confederate rosette pinned to his bosom. We know nothing of the
truth or falsity of the report. But if it is true, it is an
outrage and insult to loyal people, and demands the immediate
attention of the military authorities.
Familiarity with
treason must certainly, to a great degree, have destroyed its
heinousness in the mind of our population, when they are willing
to associate on terms of equality, with those who are charged
with trying to overthrow the government. If a man has stolen
five dollars, he is at once debarred from all good society,
while those confined for the highest crime known to our laws are
petted and feasted as though they had rendered some valuable
service to their country or their fellow men. This is all wrong.
Things should be called by their right names, and men deserve to
be treated according to the enormity and wickedness of their
crimes, instead of by the texture of their clothing or the
polish of their manners.
No wonder our brave boys in blue
feel like cursing their country, when they are released from the
filthy and dirty prisons of the South – where they have suffered
a hundred deaths – and return home to find those who sanctioned
and encouraged the cruelty visited upon them, feasted and their
society sought, while they are passed by with a sneer or a curl
of the lip, and when the taunt expresses itself in words, it is
that they are nothing but common soldiers. There is a great
wrong here, which calls loudly for a remedy. Will our military
authorities examine into the matter?
NOTES:
Andersonville Prison in Georgia, one of the most notorious of
the South, was established in 1864. It was officially named Camp
Sumter. It was only is use for fourteen months, however, during
that time, 45,000 Union soldiers were imprisoned there, and
nearly 13,000 died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition,
overcrowding, or exposure. The prison was enclosed by a
fifteen-foot-high stockade wall, called the “deadline,” which if
crossed, the soldiers would be shot. The camp was covered with
vermin, mud, maggots, lice, and filth. One soldier reported,
“You could not sit down anywhere. If you pick all the lice off
of you, and sit down for a half a moment, you would be covered
with them again.” Food was scarce, and many died from
starvation. It was so overcrowded, the men were forced to stand
most of the time. In time, gangs were formed inside the
stockade, as desperate soldiers stole what little clothing and
food they had from each other. Usually, the weak and dying were
the victims, until they finally grouped together and fought
back. Some of the gang leaders were tried and hung by other
prisoners.
When the war ended, Captain Henry Wirz, the
stockade commander, was arrested and charged with murder, in
violation of the laws of war. He was hanged in Washington D. C.
on November 10, 1865. The Andersonville National Cemetery now
stands on the property. In 1865, an expedition of laborers and
soldiers, accompanied by former prisoner Dorence Atwater, and
Clara Barton, went to Andersonville to identify and mark the
graves of the Union dead. As a paroled prisoner, Atwater was
assigned to record the names of deceased Union soldiers. Fearing
the loss of the death record at war’s end, Atwater made his own
copy in hopes of notifying the relatives of some 12,000 dead
interred there. Thanks to his list and the Confederate records
confiscated at the end of the war, only 460 of the Andersonville
graves had to marked with “unknown U.S. solder.”
When
Union soldiers were exchanged and released and came back to
Alton, they told the stories of the Southern prisons, and as
seen in the article above, were angered when they saw the
Confederate officers on the streets and hotels of Alton, while
their comrades were dying in the Southern prisons.
In
the Alton prison, Confederate soldiers and other war criminals
suffered from overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, and
rampant disease such as dysentery and smallpox. When the Alton
citizens became alarmed at the smallpox outbreak, the military
was forced to open a smallpox hospital on Sunflower Island
across from Alton to try and contain the disease. Those who died
there were buried on the island. Most of the island was flooded
when the dam was constructed, and the graves were lost forever.
DEATH OF LIEUTENANT JOHN S. ROBINSON OF ALTON
Source:
Alton Telegraph, January 13, 1865
We regret to announce the
death of this gallant and able young man. He was raised in this
city [Alton], and was among the first who responded to the call
of the country when the war broke out, and has been active in
the service ever since. At the terrible battle which took place
at Altoona some months since, where our troops displayed such
unprecedented bravery and skill, and a mere handful of them
foiled Hood’s entire army, he fell wounded through the lungs. It
was hoped for some time that he would recover, but we were
informed this morning that contrary to these hopeful
expectations, he had died, and that his corpse is hourly
expected to arrive in our city. We have been requested to say
that on the arrival of his remains in the city, suitable funeral
services will take place. His aged parents have the heartfelt
sympathy in their sad bereavement of our entire community, and
it is hoped they may receive abundantly of that support and
strength which the Christian religion alone can impart.
Funeral of Lieutenant John S. Robinson
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 20, 1865
There was a very large concourse
of citizens and soldiers attending the funeral services of this
young and lamented officer, yesterday morning at the Baptist
Church. The house was filled to its utmost capacity, and many
were unable to find admittance. Colonel Richard Rowett of the
Seventh Regiment was present on the occasion, having come from
his home in Carlinville, where he is slowly recovering from a
wound received in the Allatoona fight. The Rev. Mr. Jameson, the
pastor of the church, conducted the services on the occasion in
a very fitting and appropriate manner. After the services were
concluded, the many friends of the deceased were permitted to
take a last look upon his remains. His features were remarkably
well preserved considering the number of days that had elapsed
since his death. The military then took possession of his
corpse. A suitable number of Lieutenants being detailed to act
as pallbearers, the procession moving toward the cemetery,
headed by a band of music. Lieutenant Robinson volunteered in
the 7th Illinois Regiment while it was employed in Alton as a
guard for the military prison in 1861, and again reenlisted as a
veteran. He early rose to the rank of Lieutenant, and was soon
made the Adjatant of the regiment, which position he filled with
credit to himself and to the great satisfaction of the regiment.
But for some time previous to his receiving his fatal wound, he
had been acting Adjutant of the brigade, of which Colonel Rowett
was in command. To give some idea of the terrible fighting which
the 7th regiment was engaged when he fell, it is only necessary
for us to state tha tone man out of every two of that regiment
was either killed or taken prisoner at Allatoona. The remainder
of the men are now with Sherman at Savannah. We are requested,
in behalf of the family and friends, to return thanks to
Lieutenant Colonel Kuhn for the military escort and band
furnished on the occasion. [Note: Lieutenant Robinson is buried
in the Alton City Cemetery.]
SAVANNAH BELLE SIDE-STEPS AMERICAN FLAG
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 27, 1865
It is said in an exchange that a
Savannah belle stepped off the sidewalk the other day with a
pouting expression, to avoid walking under an American flag,
which hung in front of an officer’s headquarters. General Geary,
military commandant of Alton, immediately gave orders to have
her promenade back and forth under the hateful symbol for an
hour, as a warning for similar offenders. We have no doubt but
the exercise thus forced upon this fair flower of Southern soil
proved not less beneficial to health than the discipline was
advantageous to her manners.
THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN WILBER HURLBUT
Source: Alton
Telegraph, January 27, 1865
Among the many, in the
vicissitudes of war, whose fates have for months been shrouded
in mystery, few had acquired a more honorable reputation for
those manly qualities that go to make up the true citizen
soldier than Captain Wilber Hurlbut, of the 6th Michigan
Infantry. The uncertainty which succeeded the first report of
his death, encouraged his family to hope that he might still
live, though wounded and a prisoner. But it is now no longer
permitted them to doubt, what seems conclusive evidence that he
fell on the second day’s battle of the Wilderness, on the
morning of the 6th of May, 1864.
Captain Hurlbut was the
only son of Rev. Thaddeus B. Hurlbut, and was born in Upper
Alton, Illinois. He had nearly completed the Junior year of his
college course, when in February 1862, he joined the army as
Lieutenant, and Aide de Camp to the lamented General Richardson,
and while upon his staff, took part in the battle of Fair Oaks,
then of the Peninsular campaign and Antitrain. After General
Richardson’s death, he entered the 5th Michigan Infantry, and
became Captain of Company D, in which capacity he served with
the regiment at the battle of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg (when
he was wounded), Locust Grove, Mine Run, and others, having at
the time of his death participated in nearly a score of battles.
He was in command of the regiment at the time of his fall, owing
to the wounded condition of his superior officers.
During
his college term, he occupied a distinguished position as a
scholar, and his talents, attainments, and character were held
in high estimation by his instructors and fellow students. In
the social circle, his graces of mind and person, and his rare
virtues as a son and brother, made him deservedly the idol of
his family and the center of their hopes and affections. It was
the privilege of the writer to know him intimately during his
connection with the army, and to be placed in close relationship
with him during some of the most arduous campaigns in Virginia,
where constant opportunity was afforded of observing the man and
appreciating his worth. The qualities that adorned him in
private life were exemplified in the fearless soldier and
Christian patriot.
Prompt and courteous in the discharge
of every duty, retiring and gentle in his deportment, he secured
the confidence of his commander and the affection of his fellow
officers. Those who knew him can sympathize deeply with his
family in their great bereavement, as they will ever cherish for
his memory that affectionate regard and friendship which his
rare virtues inspired. His lamented and uncertain fate must ever
add double poignancy in the intense grief of those who were near
and dear to him. To hope against hope and never to know when,
where, and how he died, but always to feel the dread certainty
that he has gone forever in this life. May time soften the
affliction to the bereaved ones, until God in his providence
shall call them together. Signed J. H. T.
NEW COMPANY FORMED FROM EDWARDSVILLE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, February 10, 1865
The citizens of Edwardsville
have recruited and organized a full company of volunteers for
one of the ten regiments called for from Illinois, and they took
the cars for Springfield this morning. The officers are: Captain
Frank C. Springer, First Lieutenant William R. Prickett, Second
Lieutenant H. D. Wilson. The company is composed of as fine a
looking body of men as has ever been recruited from old Madison,
and the officers are men every way worthy of the positions
assigned to them. We hope to learn that this county is not
slighted by the authorities in the organization of the regiment
to which this company may be assigned. Frank Springer has the
talent and energy to fit him for any position in a brigade or
regiment. Shall we have the satisfaction of calling him “Colonel
Springer?”
BLACK LAWS OF ILLINOIS REPEALED!
Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 10, 1865
The colored citizens of Alton intend having
a grand time on Friday next, expressive of their good feelings
because of the repeal of the odious black laws of Illinois, by
the Legislature. Their places of business will be closed at 12
p.m., and all are expected to meet at city hall, when a
procession will be formed and will proceed through the principal
streets of the city, returning again to the hall, when some of
the ablest men of Chicago and St. Louis will address them. A
salute of 62 guns – one for each member of the Legislature who
voted for the repeal – will be fired during the day. It is very
natural that they should feel exultant over the repeal of laws
which have been so oppressive to persons of color, and we hope
their celebration of the event will be enjoyed by all to the
fullest extent. At night, there will be a dance, music and
singing at city hall.
NOTES:
In 1818, Illinois was
admitted into the Union as a free state, but slavery continued
and free blacks were oppressed by a series of restrictive state
laws that denied them fundamental freedoms. These Illinois Black
Laws (also known as Black Codes) were observed from 1819 - 1865.
Under these laws, blacks could not vote; testify or bring suit
against whites; gather in groups of three or more without risk
of being jailed or beaten; and could not serve in the militia
and thus were unable to own or bear arms. Blacks living in the
state were required to obtain and carry a Certificate of
Freedom; otherwise, they were presumed to be slaves. The
Illinois constitution also allowed indentured servitude at the
salt mines in southern Illinois. The mines provided significant
income for the state, and served as an American presence in what
the United States government considered vulnerable frontier
territory.
Illinois Black Laws were repealed in 1865, the
same year the United States Congress ended the legal institution
of slavery with the passage of the 13th Amendment.
In the
State Legislature:
The Illinois General Assembly seemed ready
to repeal the Black Laws in January 1865. Outgoing governor,
Richard Yates, who had resigned to become a United States
senator, urged the legislature to remove the laws from the
statute as quickly as possible. He was one the few whites in the
legislature who had always found slavery abominable. In 1864
Yates openly stated that he favored the abolition of slavery
because he supported humanity, and he knew that the U.S.
Constitution gave all Americans independence. He agreed with
Jones, who had said all along that both the state and federal
laws were in conflict with state and federal constitutions.
Bills to repeal the laws were introduced in the Illinois general
assembly on January 2, 1865. Petitions poured in from throughout
the state, asking for the repeal of the now infamous Black Laws.
Concurrently, the U.S. Congress debated the Thirteenth
Amendment. Congress acted on February 1 and Illinois became the
first state to ratify the amendment, abolishing slavery and
involuntary servitude. On February 7, 1865, after the Senate and
House had voted overwhelmingly in favor of the repeal, Governor
Richard J. Oglesby signed the repeal of the Illinois Black Laws.
The black celebration that followed in Springfield included
recognition of Jones, who ignited the fuse in a cannon that
blacks fired sixty-two times—one for each member of the Senate
and House. Following, Jones and the group went to the local
African Methodist Episcopal Church to continue the celebration,
concluding with a speech by Jones.
CELEBRATION OF THE
REPEAL OF THE BLACK LAWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, February
17, 1865
The festivities of our colored citizens passed of
yesterday without the least incident to mar the good feelings of
the occasion. The procession, headed by the band of the 144th
Illinois Infantry, formed at City Hall about half past twelve
p.m., and proceeded thence to State Street, up State to Third,
up Third to Belle, up Belle to Ninth, up Ninth to Alby, up Alby
to Twelfth, up Twelfth to Henry, halting at the residence of
Mayor Hollister while the band played “Rally Round the Flag.”
The Mayor and General Stone made their appearance, when Mr.
Hollister returned his thanks for their attention. Three rousing
cheers were given for the Mayor and the General, when the
procession again moved down Henry to Second [Broadway], and up
Second to city hall.
The large room was soon filled by an
attentive audience, and appropriate addresses were delivered by
Mr. Jones of Chicago, William Gray and James W. Turner of St.
Louis, and Rev. Mr. Embry of Alton. The following resolutions
were offered and unanimously adopted:
We, the colored
citizens of Madison County and State of Illinois, assembled en
masse, do ordain and proclaim the following preamble and
resolutions:
Whereas, the Senate and House of
Representatives of the State of Illinois, being in session on
the 4th day of February 1865, did, by concurrent resolutions,
repeal the infamous code of laws known as the Black Laws of
Illinois, which laws being a transcript of the slave code of
Virginia, conceived in interests of human slavery, were an
emanation [release] from Hell, and although of no possible
benefit to the State, they were the source of incalculable evil,
and untold injury to us, giving license to the low and vile, to
insult our women, despise our manhood, and abuse and wrong our
people; therefore,
Resolved, 1st, That we hail with joy
this epoch in the history of our State, and herald our
congratulations to our fellow-citizens throughout this
commonwealth.
2nd, That we tender our heartfelt thanks to
those Legislators who, by their speeches and their votes
procured the repeal of these laws, and express the desire that
God may grant them to live in health, in prosperity, and great
honor to see their children’s children, to the third and fourth
generation,
3rd, That we tender our heartfelt thanks to
our fellow citizen, John Jones, to whose persevering efforts and
untiring zeal we are much indebted for the repeal of those laws.
4th, That we send our greetings to our fellow citizens who
are soldiers in the field, and pray that God may bless and
support them, and they be enabled to win many victories.
5th, That we send our friendly greeting to our fellow citizens
of our sister State of Missouri, Maryland, and Tennessee, may
they grow in population, in wealth, in happiness, until they
reach the climax of greatness.
6th, That we owe paramount
allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the United States,
and are unconditionally devoted to the cause of the Union, and
express the hope that there will be a continued and vigorous
presentation of the war until the rebellion is crushed; to this
end we pledge our all, our lives if need be, for freedom and the
Union, in testimony of which, we ask most respectfully of the
government, through his Excellency, Governor Oglesby, permission
to raise ten companies of colored freemen of this State to be
organized as cavalry, to be _____ered by colored men; and
mustered in for the war, and we pledge ourselves to raise the
minimum number in sixty days from the time such permission is
granted.
7th, That we are determined to press this demand
until granted, or until we are flatly denied.
8th, That
we claim this, the land of our birth, as our native home,
secured to us by the blood of our fathers, and the toil and
sweat of our ancestors for more than two hundred years; we are,
therefore, unalterably and inflexibly opposed to any and every
scheme, plan or combination, havingthe view of colonization,
deportation or concentration of our people anywhere, that our
ideas of an American Nationality is in the union of all the
States, each subject to the Constitution and paramount laws of
the general government; that her authority shall be known, and
her people spread, all over the broad continent of North
America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from Greenland to
the Isthmus of Darion.
9th, That our faith is in the
wisdom and goodness of God, that he can and will demonstrate, in
this happy land, that all the nationalities of the earth are
members of one common family, one under free government,
righteous laws, impartially administered, may all live together
happy, speaking one language and worshipping one God. May God
bless American and her rulers; may she grow in knowledge, in
wealth, in population, until a hundred million souls shall
occupy her broad lands. May she be known as the cradle of
liberty, the mistress of learning, the mother of science; that
the poor and oppressed of every clime, from the rising to the
setting of sun, may hail her as the freest, happinest, and most
beneficent government on earth.
10th, That we request
Rev. J. C. Embry to prepare a copy of those resolutions for the
Christian Recorder and Anglo African.
A few pertinent
remarks were made by Moses G. Atwood, Esq., Rev. Mr. Jameson,
and Mr. Johnson, which were received with the greatest attention
and respect. The speaking was continued until 5:30 o’clock p.m.,
when the meeting adjourned until 7 o’clock.
At the stated
time, speaking again commenced, and was continued until 11
o’clock, when the seats were removed, and those so disposed
enjoyed themselves in the many dances until early morn.
MORTIMER SCOTT
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 10, 1865
We announced yesterday that this somewhat notorious individual,
whose name head this article, had been arrested in Missouri,
charged with horse stealing, &c., and was in the hands of the
Deputy Sheriff of Jersey County, on his way to the jail of that
county. It will be recollected that he is an old offender,
having for some time past been implicated with the Rebel
sympathizers of Jersey County, and accused of acting in concert
with such men as Henderson, Carlin, Jay, Simpson, and others, in
resisting the laws, horse stealing, &c. He has been arrested two
or three times previous to this, but managed (owing to the large
number in Jersey County who sympathized with him) to make his
escape. Under this state of the case, we were not much surprised
to learn this morning that while the Sheriff was on his way
yesterday to Jerseyville, he was met by some fifty or sixty men,
supposed to be from Jersey County, who demanded that Scott
should be surrendered up to them. The Sheriff, being
comparatively alone, was compelled to yield him up into their
hands. They took him off in the direction of the Grafton Road
[Rt. 3 or West Delmar], and Scott has not been heard of since.
He has probably suffered the fate of his comrade, Henderson, who
was summarily shot near Fidelity last Fall.
All will
admit that it is a desperate state of society, which apparently
makes such lawless acts as these necessary or justifiable. We
say apparently, because we do not believe that they are either
necessary or justifiable. Better suffer almost any or all kinds
of evils rather than to take the law out of the hands of the
regularly constituted authorities. But this state of things is
nothing but the legitimate consequence of such disorganizing and
Satanic inculcations, as have been published in the Jerseyville
Union for the last two years. If the people will support and
encourage papers in their midst which denounces the Government
as despotic, and as aiming to deprive the people of their
liberties, they must not be surprised if all reverence for law
and authority should cease, and that just such criminals as poor
Scott should become common. And when the courts become so weak
and imbecile that the vilest of criminals escape without
punishment, it is not surprising, although it may not be wise,
that the people should take the matter into their own hands.
We do not regard Scott as half so culpable as we do those
political demagogues, who for the vilest purposes, inflamed the
minds of such men as he, to the commission of these crimes. Men
who sow to the wind must expect sooner or later to reap the
whirlwind. Once destroy the confidence of the people in the
Government, and there is nothing left for us but anarchy,
violence, murder, and rapine. [Note: see article below regarding
Mortimer Scott.]
END OF THE CIVIL WAR – WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED IN FOUR
YEARS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 10, 1865
As this day
is being celebrated in almost every city, village, and town in
the country, except Alton, in honor of the glorious success
which has attended the arms of the Union troops since the last
inauguration day, and especially within the last few months, it
would not be amiss for us to contrast our present condition with
what it was at that time, and in doing so, we shall avail
ourselves liberally of facts furnished by the Chicago Evening
Journal of yesterday.
The 4th of March, 1861, found the
government without an army, without a navy, with little military
leadership, and less military spirit; the rebellion covering
nearly half its territory and coast, and able to marshal an army
of three hundred thousand men, well-armed and equipped for their
wicked and atrocious enterprise.
But when Sumter fell,
the people rose. At last the Shibboleth of the demagogues,
“There is no North,” was turned in the twinkling of an eye, from
the truth into a lie. There had been “no North,” indeed, “to
speak of,” for a half century. There was a South – exacting,
supercilious, domineering, dictatorial, and there was an apology
for a North – cringing, pusillanimous, with no king but Caesar,
and one her master, even the South. But behind that memorable
4th of March, there were hopeful signs of better days. Here and
there, now and then, men came to themselves – a great multitude
of them at last. The manhood of the North gradually returned. It
was not dead, it only slept. The shackles gnawed the flesh, the
chains wore in, the lash cut through. We would stand it no
longer.
On the morning of the 9th of November, 1860, the
North and freedom drew a long breath, as if waking from a long
nightmare, and as if a new day had dawned. We elected our
President, our first President, and on the afternoon of the 4th
of March, 1861, inaugurated him. Then came the beginning of the
end. The South, enraged, mad, furious at her loss of power, flew
to arms, and the North rose, stood erect, and sternly accepted
the dreadful arbitrament. It has been four years since then.
On the 8th of last November, we did again what the
insurgents made war upon us for doing in 1860 – elected Abraham
Lincoln. And today will be done again what the conspirators
plunged us into this bloody sea for doing in 1861 – inaugurate
Abraham Lincoln. Surely, this may go for pretty strong evidence
that there is a North, and a North which, while hard to rouse,
may be aroused, to be an antagonist in earnest and a formidable
foe. Four years ago, then, we were not sure of even the national
capital, while all between that and the Gulf was in possession
of the insurgents. With an extemporized army and extemporized
chiefs to lead it; with a government in chaos and the
administrators of it utterly inexperienced; with the wisest of
our sages at their wit’s end, and the astutest of our statesmen
baffled and perplexed, we set about our work, and the day we
celebrate witnesses the major part of that work done, well done,
and done so as to stay done. We are back to where he started
from; the flag is back on Sumter. The conquered States are
Kentucky, Missouri, Maryland, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana,
Georgia, North and South Carolina – eight out of the thirteen
States that are represented in the rebel congress. The captured
capitals are Annapolis, Lexington, Jefferson City, Little Rock,
Nashville, Natchez, Baton Rouge, Milledgeville, and Columbia.
The fallen cities, harbors, rivers, ports, and forts – you know
their names by heart. Their name is Legion.
Our
achievements of these four years are prodigious. The chronicler
of our history will bear us out in out assertion. It is fitting
that we rejoice, then, and it is fitting that the 4th of March
should be selected to be the day for that rejoicing. All hail
the Fourth of March, 1865! All hail the breaking of the morn of
the day of the slaves’ emancipation, the return of peace, and
the salvation of the Republic!
THE MORTIMER SCOTT AFFAIR
Source: Alton Telegraph, March
10, 1865
We copy the following statement of this affair from
a letter written by one of the “boys,” who took possession of
the body of Scott:
“word came to Jersey County on the
evening of last Tuesday, that the notorious thief and robber,
Mortimer Scott, was to be landed at Alton on the next morning,
in the care of Messrs. Argo and Bird, who had taken the chap at
or near Quincy, where they recovered six horses that had been
stolen from Jersey County, one of them being found in the
possession of Scott. On Wednesday morning, some twenty men
started to meet the men in charge of the Captain of the bandits.
They proceeded as far as the corner of the military prison in
Alton on William Street, where they met a messenger, telling
them Scott had taken the stage in care of Mr. Bird, for
Jerseyville. The men were ordered to right about face, and
overtake the stage as quick as possible. This was done, and Mr.
Bird was ordered to quit the stage and return with the prisoner,
which he, at first, refused to do, but after some plain talk, he
complied. We soon met Captain _______ [left blank], who shortly
made all right between Bird and the Jersey boys. As far as we
(the boys) were concerned, after resting a short time at Mr.
Wendt’s, we left for Jersey with the prisoner. When we arrived
at the Buck Inn [North Alton], the driver of the team conveying
the prisoner, by mistake or otherwise, took the Grafton Road.
Soon, we began to meet squads of men, which continued increasing
until the road presented a line of men apparently half a mile
long. After passing through the bridge over the Piasa to the
Jersey line, we halted. Captain Smith formed the men into a
hollow square, and Esquire Bartlett began to call out the names
of men to serve as a committee to pump Scott, after which Scott
was to be given up to the crowd. After a long time, the
committee rose, but declined to let Scott pass into the hands of
the crowd, saying it would result in more good to the public to
take Scott to Jerseyville, and keep him in jail, and allow him
to point out others, than it would do to hang him. To this the
crowd objected, each one giving his reasons. After discussing
the matter for some time, it was finally decided to take him to
Jerseyville, which was done.”
LIFE OF MAJOR FRANK MOORE SAVED
Source: Alton Telegraph,
March 17, 1865
We were shown yesterday a photograph of a
fine-looking young man named Samuel Harrison, belonging to Co.
B, 26th (?) Illinois Cavalry, who saved the life of Major Frank
Moore lately, by killing a rebel who was leveling his rifle at
him. We are pleased to learn that no harm has, as yet, befallen
the brave Major. May he and his brave comrades soon return to
their homes, with the assurance that their efforts in behalf of
the country have been successful.
THE FALL OF RICHMOND
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 7,
1865
The fall of Richmond, which was officially announced in
all parts of the country yesterday, has probably created more
heartfelt joy and gratitude and thankfulness to Him who
overrules and control all events, among loyal citizens, than any
occurrence which has ever taken place since the formation of the
government. It has everywhere been regarded as the death knell
to the Southern Confederacy.
COLONEL LOREN KENT ON SICK FURLOUGH
Source: Alton
Telegraph, April 7, 1865
This gallant and worthy officer has
been at home on a sick furlough for the last six or eight days.
He had a severe attack of typhoid fever, and he was afterwards
attended with very unfavorable symptoms, but we rejoice to state
that his health began to improve as soon as he left his command
for home. Although quite feeble when he arrived here, he has
improved so fast that he left for his command again at Fort
Gaines this morning. We are also rejoiced to state that while
here, he was informed that he had just been appointed Brigadier
General by brevet, for gallant conduct in the field. This is a
compliment worthily bestowed. Colonel Kent has been in command
of a brigade for some time past, and is regarded as one of the
best officers in the southwest. He entered the army from Alton
in one of the first Companies which was raised on the breaking
out of the war, and has risen step by step, by his intrinsic
merit, without the assistance of any outside influence, to his
present position.
LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED IN THE 97TH ILLINOIS
Source:
Alton Telegraph, April 28, 1865
We have been permitted
through the politeness of our esteemed friend, Charles W.
Dimmock, Esq., to publish the following letter just received by
him from Captain Fred T. Lewis of the 97th Regiment, Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, dated at Blakely, Alabama on the 10th inst.,
giving us a list of the killed and wounded in that regiment. We
extend to the friends in Alton who have lost friends in that
battle, our heartfelt sympathy and condolence.
“Dear
Friend:
Enclosed I send you a list of casualties that have
occurred in our Regiment during the past week, thinking that it
may perhaps be well to have the same published for the
information of the friends of the boys in that regiment. With
three exceptions, these casualties occurred last evening.
For a week, we have been investing this place, slowly
working our way up to the works of the enemy by gradual
approaches – made under the cover of night. Last evening at six
o’clock (Sunday), we were ordered to charge their works, and did
it most successfully. It was a grand and terrible charge over
ground covered with obstruction – with torpedoes concealed in
the brush, which made sad havoc with our men. One of our
Captains had his leg blown off by one of these hellish concerns.
Also, a private in my company – Wyatt Stanton, was killed
instantly by a Minnie ball. The 97th gained for itself a great
and _____ name. Our division attacked the center of their lines,
and our colors were the first from our division to be planted
upon the enemy’s works. The color bearer was shot as he planted
the old flag, and died shortly after. His last words were –
‘Give my compliments to Colonel Vifquain, and tell him I set the
colors before I fell.’ Our Colonel was foremost in the fight,
and a more gallant or brave soldier never lived. Other regiments
suffered equally with ours, and the lose in the brigade will be
250 killed and wounded. The captured General Lidell and
Cockrell, and several Colonels and subordinate officers.
Although not in command of Company G, yet I am told they all did
nobly. In fact, the entire regiment covered itself with glory,
and our State will never have cause to be ashamed of us. I ‘went
in’ with Colonel Spicely, commanding brigade, and an aid-de-camp
who was with me was mortally wounded just as we reached the
parapet. I thought a great deal of him. As he was shot, he says
to me – ‘Captain, I am gone. Send my sword to my mother, and
tell her that I died at my post.’ I helped him to a place where
he could lie down, and bad to leave him to go forward. Such is
war.
This is one of the strong approaches to Mobile.
Spanish Fort was taken day before yesterday, after a most
terrific bombardment.
Very Truly Yours,
Fred T. Lewis
The following is a report of casualties in the 97th Illinois
Volunteers during the investment of Blakely, Alabama, which
commenced April 2, 1865, and resulted in the capture of the
forts, 40 pieces of artillery, and 2,500 prisoners. April 9,
1865”
Company A
Wounded
Captain R. H. Wood;
Sergeant Stephen Smith; Corporal William Patterson; Privates R.
S. Bates, H. R. Duncan, Win. Ketchum, Samuel S. Sprouse, B. F.
Sawyer, William Clayton, Private William Ball, and Charles
Johnson
Killed
Private John Jefferson
Company B
Wounded
James W. House, William B. Eveland, William R. Wade,
Eli Hildebrugh, Private J. W. Nicholson, Sergeant Theo Prideman,
and Sergeant J. N. Neese
Company C
Killed
Philip
Mulkey
Wounded
Privates O. H. Perry, John Hassan, John
Eldridge, A. G. Clark, J. McCafferty, and G. Stead
Company D
Wounded
Captain James Wisher and Private David
Rudley
Company E
Wounded
Captain J. B. Dennan,
Corporal Rice
Company F
Wounded
Privates S. A.
Beck, Elias S. Osborn
Company G
Killed
Corporal
David Stanton
Wounded
First Sergeant C. W. Colby;
Privates John Wyant, Charles Johnson, Frank Depry, John Clarke,
Thomas Doyle, Henry Doyle, and Patrick Finn
Company H
Wounded
Privates John Wiezerman and John M. Tucker
Killed
Privates John Berliew and John Leibfried
Company I
Killed
Martin Scrote
Wounded
Captain
S. R. Howard; Private S. R. Howard Jr.; Sergeant M. Hickman;
Privates Augustus Davis, Jacob Lawson, Charles W. May, C.
Mendose, and Jacob McFArlane
Company K
Wounded and
since died
Sergeant E. D. Lowe
Wounded
Privates
Charles Sush, John Proe, James A. Snyder; Second Lieutenant S.
B. Drew; First Lieutenant and Adjutant J. R. Frierson
Killed
Private ______ Van Pelt
MORTIMER SCOTT AFFAIR
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 12,
1865
The Greene County Patriot says that this notorious
individual who was committed under the charge of horse stealing
in Jersey County, and whose case was transferred to Greene
County, was acquitted last week at the Circuit Court, but was
carried back to Jersey County, to be tried upon another charge,
upon which it is thought he will likely be convicted.
THE CAPTURE OF JEFFERSON DAVIS [President of the Confederate
States]
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 19, 1865
The news of
the capture of the head of the bogus Confederate government and
the grand arch traitor of the Southern rebels, was received in
Alton yesterday morning, about nine o’clock, and was immediately
published in an extra and circulated among our citizens,
creating the most intense joy and gratification. For although
there was but little outward demonstration, still the happiness
of the heart shone forth in the eyes, and the bright and
cheerful countenances of the friends of the government. The
flags in various portions of the city were thrown to the breeze,
and the glorious Stars and Stripes, as they were beautifully
unfolded to the gaze of the beholder, appeared to exult in the
fact that the last lingering hope of the conspirators against
the government had now perished, and they now not only floated
over a united, but also over the freest and best government that
the sun ever shone upon.
The glorious news was also read
in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and heartfelt thanks ascended
to the Father of mercies from many loyal hearts, for His
favoring providences, which had led to the capture of the leader
of the Rebellion, who had caused the death of so many hundreds
of innocent and noble men; clothed so many families in mourning;
and made so many orphans and widows and otherwise produced such
an untold amount of misery and suffering upon innocent parties,
both North and South. The person who loves his country and his
kind, and would not rejoice over the capture of this fiend in
human form, who has given his official sanction to the
diabolical massacre at Fort Pillow, and the systematic
starvation and barbarous treatment practiced upon our prisoners
of war, literally murdering thousands of them by the most
excruciating torture which it is possible for a human creature
to endure, must be as unfeeling and as stolid as a stone.
The great and absorbing question now arises, what will the
authorities do with Jeff Davis? We have heard but one expression
of opinion among Union men, and that is that he should be tried
for treason, and if found guilty – of which there can be no
doubt – that he should be hung as high as Haman. If he should be
permitted to escape, we should think it an outrage if ever
another man was hung in this country for any crime whatever. The
blood of the tens of thousands of Union soldiers who were slain
in this war, is crying to heaven for justice. That mistaken
kindness which would spare the authors of such diabolical acts
would be the most barbarous cruelty to all lovers of peace and
good order.
But someone may ask, if you commence hanging
traitors, when there are so many implicated, where will you
stop? The rebels did not stop to inquire, when they fired on
Sumpter, how many lives might be sacrificed before the war which
they introduced by that act would be stopped. We are willing to
leave the matter as to number of these culprits who should
suffer capitally, to the wise discretion of the executive
officers of the Government. But we have no sympathy with that
class of citizens who never complain of severe inflicted on the
rebels. They could hear with the most unfeigned delight of the
hanging of the infatuated John Brown, of the cold-blooded murder
of hundreds of innocent Union men of the South, of the cruelty
to our prisoners of war, without one word of complaint, but let
it be proposed that the traitors should be made to suffer the
just penalty of the laws, and they are at once perfectly
horrified, at the cold-blooded cruelty of the officers of the
Government, and denounce all who are in favor of enforcing the
laws upon such cut-throats and murderers, as being cruel and
vindictive, and seeking to wreak their vengeance upon these
high-minded and gentlemanly officers from an innate love of
torture and murder. [Note: Jefferson Davis was never tried, and
was released after two years.]
THE DEATH OF SERGEANT WILLIAM HENRY CLAYTON
Civil War
Soldier
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 19, 1865
The subject
of this sketch was born in the State of Missouri, February 7,
1837. He was the third son of P. D. and S. D. Clayton. His
parents now live near Upper Alton, Illinois. William was from
childhood peculiarly fond of home, its pursuits, and enjoyments.
He seldom, for any length of time, left its domestic circle
unless compelled to, and then only to return as soon as
possible. As a son, he was distinguished by subordination to
parental authority, performing with alacrity and cheerfulness
the tasks assigned; ever striving to ascertain the will of his
parents and conforming his life to that will. He was, in a
peculiar sense, “Mother’s boy.”
As a brother, kind,
faithful and affectionate, spreading joy and bliss in his
pathway as a friend, constant and true; as a neighbor, upright
and honorable; as a citizen, loyal and true. Soon after the
rebellion was inaugurated, he was impressed with the duty to
contribute his share in subduing it. Accordingly, he enlisted in
August.
He has passed through a large number of severe
battles, with no other casualty than having the hair from the
top of his head shaved off by a rebel bullet. With Colonel
Straight’s command, he was taken prisoner near Rome, Georgia,
and paroled. He lived until the wicked rebellion was crushed,
and was anticipating great pleasure in mingling again with the
“loved ones at home.”
“But God’s ways are not our ways,”
and when the hearts of parents, brothers, and sister were
animated with the hope of a glorious and joyful meeting, the sad
intelligence of his death was received. He died May 5, 1865,
near Nashville, Tennessee, of disease of the heart. His body was
brought home, and the funeral attending at Mt. Olive Church near
Upper Alton, May 13, by a large concourse of sympathizing
friends, who were addressed by the writer from I Peter, V. 4-7:
“But the end of all things is at hand; Be ye therefore sober,
and watch unto prayer.” Signed by J. Bulkley
From Company
B, 80th Illinois Volunteer Infantry
Camp Harker, Nashville,
Tennessee
May 6, 1865
Bereaved parents:
Although
circumstances will not admit of our being present at the closing
ceremonies of our much-loved friend and Sergeant, permit me, in
behalf of the Company, to blend my sympathies with yours o’er
the loss of one we held dear and true. That poo “Will” is no
more, seems to us but too strangely true. Scarce ten days ago,
he was all life and merriment. There were but very few of us,
indeed, that did not participate in his happiness, little
dreaming then that impatient death was waiting for him.
The nation has scarce ceased to wail o’er the death of her noble
magistrate [President Lincoln], yet his place has been securely
filled. Not so, with our much-loved Sergeant, his place can
never be filled in this life, and hence comes the sorrowing
never to be relinquished ‘till waffed above where sorrow is no
more.
His exemplary conduct as a gentleman has not been
excelled by his soldierly bearing. True to his post, his
friends, and his country, he has lived, only to witness the
fruits of his labor rewarded in the overthrow of that traitors’
scheme, the attempted inauguration of a Confederate Government.
Sorrowfully do our hearts echo these lines:
Sleep today,
thou early fallen,
In thy green and narrow bed;
Dirges of
the pine and cypress
Mingle with the tears we shed.
“Will” has been noble in sacrificing his life upon the alter of
his country; let us be noble in willingly submitting to the
Ruler of destinies. We feel he has been called away to receive
the reward of perpetual bliss, for his good stewardship. And all
we can ask is, but to be placed in his company when our earthly
pilgrimage is o’er. Farewell! May God grant you strength to bear
your Cross, is the prayer of Company B.
Signed Andrew G.
Clifford, In behalf of Company B, 80th Illinois Infantry
THE BOYS ARE COMING HOME
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 16,
1865
A long train, loaded with returning soldiers, passed
down on the Chicago and Alton Road yesterday, and in the evening
several car loads of soldiers w3ent through, going north. Our
citizens should welcome home the heroes of this war, in a manner
that should impress them with a sense of the gratitude we feel
towards brave men who have fought and suffered, while we
remained at home, enjoying life and the society of friends.
OUR BRAVE BOYS ARE COMING HOME
Source: Alton Telegraph,
July 14, 1865
Quite a number of the brave boys connected with
the veteran 10th Illinois Regiment Volunteers arrived at their
homes in Alton and vicinity this morning. Thrice welcome, say we
to those noble braves, to the peaceful walks of life again, and
to their happy homes!
144TH REGIMENT TO MUSTER OUT OF SERVICE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, July 14, 1865
The Missouri Democrat of this
morning, in speaking of the four companies of this regiment on
detached duty in that city, says they “have been doing guard
duty in the city for six months past, and left yesterday for
Springfield to be mustered out of the service. They were under
command of the Major of the regiment – Emil Adam. During the
service in St. Louis, they have demeaned themselves in a most
soldierly manner, and officers and soldiers, they leave with the
good wishes of all citizens with whom they have been thrown in
contact here.”
And in Alton:
Our citizens generally
and particularly those having friends in the 144th Regiment
Illinois Volunteers, stationed in Alton, will be glad to learn
that orders have been received for them to report at Springfield
for the purpose of being paid off and mustered out of the
service. They will probably leave tomorrow morning for that
point, provided the four companies belonging to it now on
detached duty in St. Louis, arrive here in time. The men
composing this regiment have done their duty, faithfully to the
Government, and have conducted themselves with remarkable and
very commendable propriety towards our citizens, ever since they
have been in the service. They may rest assured that their
orderly conduct and courteous intercourse with our citizens is
appreciated, and they leave, as far as we are informed, with the
best wishes of this entire community for their future prosperity
and happiness. We do not pretend to know anything about military
or financial matters, but still it appears very bad economy to
transport a thousand men to Springfield, and then, after paying
them off, return them to Alton, at an expense of two or three
thousand dollars, when a paymaster might have been sent here to
perform the duty, without costing the government any additional
expense. There may, however, be very important reasons for this
strange proceeding, but we cannot see them.
144TH REGIMENT MUSTERED OUT IN SPRINGFIELD
Source: Alton
Telegraph, July 21, 1865
From Springfield, Illinois, July
15th, 1865
To the Editors of the Alton Telegraph:
Thinking
that yourself and some of the many readers of your paper might
be interested in knowing what the officers and men of the 144th
are doing, and how they are enjoying themselves in this pleasant
city of Springfield, I write to you. I think I can still give
them the compliment that as soldiers and as gentlemen, they
here, as they did in Alton, have the respect of those with whom
they have come in contact.
And the “Band!” Language is
inadequate to express the many thanks they receive for the
soul-stirring music they have given us. On last Thursday
evening, they presented to William I. Allen, our efficient and
worthy Adjutant, two beautiful silver goblets, as a token of
their esteem, and from the Adjutant, received his warmest and
most sincere thanks. On Friday evening, we again had the
pleasure of listening to them. Again, was the Adjutant serenaded
at the residence of his brother, where we had the pleasure of
meeting a few of his many friends, and with them partook of the
good things so kindly furnished.
Today the 144th is being
mustered out, and this regiment will cease to be, except in the
memory of those who have made friends among its members. They
expect to be paid off on Wednesday or Thursday of the present
week.
Respectfully, Hammond
144TH REGIMENT RETURN TO ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
July 28, 1865
This Alton regiment, with the exception of two
companies, was paid off at Springfield yesterday, and returned
to Alton last night. They are busy shopping today, and are fast
assuming the garb of peaceable citizens. May good fortune go
with them into the walks of life.
RECEPTION OF THE SOLDIERS IN WOOD RIVER (TOWNSHIP)
Source:
Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1865
The good people of Wood
River (Township), Madison County, gave a grand barbecue
yesterday, and a general welcome home to the boys who have been
periling their lives in defense of our country. The soldiers
present were mainly those from the 80th Illinois Infantry – many
of whom suffered in Andersonville and Libby Prisons. There was
also a few present from the 2nd Illinois Cavalry.
The
meeting was called to order about 11 o’clock, when from five to
six hundred persons took their places around the stand, which
was trimmed with American flags with the portraits of General
Washington (the Father of our country), and Abraham Lincoln (the
Savior of his country), prominently displayed. There also
appeared on the desk in front of the speaker’s stand a rooster
gaily decorated in red, white, and blue, which was captured
somewhere in Tennessee by the boys in blue, and which
accompanied the regiment in all of its peregrinations through
the Southern country, and finally came up North to take a look
at the suckers. There was considerable discussion on the ground
among the uninitiated as to the political straits of this
rooster. The most of those participating in the debate regarded
him as thoroughly loyal, of the Brownlow stamp, but we were of
the opinion that he was one of the subjugated class, which had
been conciliated and had taken the amnesty oath, for he acted
all the time as though he had something lodged in his throat,
which he wished to get out.
The exercises were opened by
prayer, after which the Rev. Mr. Rafferty welcomed the soldiers
home in an address of nearly an hour’s length. Adjutant Newman
of the 80th regiment responded in behalf of the soldiers, in an
eloquent and forcible address, eliciting the closest attention
of his hearers. Captain Hodge of the same regiment also made a
few brief remarks, complimentary to the people at home for their
kindness to the soldiers while in the field and prison. But,
like General Grant, we have no doubt his sort is on the field,
rather than the rostrum.
The audience then adjourned to
the tables, which were spread in one of the most beautiful
groves that it has ever been our privilege to witness – more
beautifully covered with green grass than any parlor spread with
Turkey or velvet carpet. On entering it, one might well imagine
that he had been suddenly ushered into a Mohamedan heaven. The
tables fairly groaned under the luxuries and substantials of
life – everything, in fact, to satisfy and tempt the appetite
was there. Soon, the long roll was sounded, and the brave boys
fell into line, each with a lady, as naturally as the elected
parties of Noah’s ark took their places in that vessel of
safety. After them, the rest of the audience mated off in the
same way, and took their places in the procession – except the
writer, who was always an odd one, and who was compelled to walk
alone, or do what was still worse, permit a gentleman to take
his arm – thus arranged, the procession moved off at
double-quick, and the tables were soon completely flanked, and
all the spoils which they contained were captured and
confiscated for the benefit of the captors. The whole management
at the dinner table was perfect in every respect. Each one was
well attended to, and the supply was ample and of the best, and
“all did eat and were satisfied.”
After getting through
this part of the exercises, the people separated into small
groups, each party enjoying social intercourse to the full,
under the shade of those delightful walnut trees. But of what
was said and done and flashed from eye to eye on this occasion,
even the proverbially impertinent editors have no right to
speak. We are, therefore, mum on this part of the exercises.
About two o’clock, the audience was again called to the
stand, and were addressed by John Fitch, Esq., in a few brief
and patriotic remarks. He made one very important suggestion,
which we hope will not be permitted to pass without further
notice. He proposed that an organization be formed for the
purpose of taking measures towards the erection of a monument at
Edwardsville, as a memento of our appreciation of the worth of
the brave soldiers from Madison County, who fell in battle with
the enemies of their country. Let some steps be immediately
taken for the accomplishment of this object. We suggest that a
public meeting be called, to take place at Edwardsville, during
the sessions of the County Fair, for the purpose of attending to
this important matter. He was followed by a gentleman, whose
name we failed to obtain, in a very forcible speech of nearly an
hour’s length. But if he had possessed the eloquence of a Clay
or the logic of a Webster, he could not reasonably have expected
to produce much of an impression upon an audience wearied and
tired out as this one was at that hour of the day.
After
he concluded, all returned quietly to their homes. Everything
passed off very well and to the satisfaction of all present. The
only criticism we feel disposed to make is that the speeches
were generally too long, and were greatly deficient in humor and
enthusiasm. People do not generally attend such places for the
purpose of being instructed, but rather for the sake of being
amused and having their emotions quickened.
During the
intervals between the speeches, the following young ladies
regaled the audience with some interesting and patriotic songs,
viz: Miss Lucretia Hamilton, Miss Ellen Moore, Miss Mary
Williams, Miss Mary Moore, Miss Delia Kersey, Miss Martha
Beeman, Miss Nancy Culp, and Miss Mary Hamilton. We have no
doubt their melodious voices were much more captivating to the
brave men, who had just arrived at home from the wars, than the
eloquence of any of the speakers.
We were informed that
our brave and personal friend, Mr. Henry Platt, who served three
years in the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, under command of Major Moore,
had a very handsome compliment paid to him at the dinner table,
by having a large and tastily trimmed cake presented to him,
with his name baked in full on it. A well merited gift. We do
not know what became of the cake, but we saw the little flag
which was hoisted over it in the hands of Mr. Platt, and we have
no doubt he made a wise distribution of the cake itself. Our
friends on the Wood River will please accept our thanks for the
kind invitation they extended to us to be present on this
occasion.
NOTES:
This event probably was held just
east of Upper Alton in Wood River Township, near where the
former Alton State Hospital and Gordon Moore Park are located.
The 80th Illinois Infantry was under the command of Colonel
Thomas G. Allen, and Lieutenant Colonels Andrew F. Rodgers and
Erastus Newton Bates. This unit was mustered into service on
August 25, 1862, and assigned to the 33rd Brigade, 10th
Division, Army. They were engaged in the battles of Perryville,
Sand Mountain, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville, Dallas,
Pine Mountain, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, Peachtree Creek,
Atlanta, Jonesboro, Nashville, and Lovejoy’s Station. They were
mustered out on June 10, 1865.
Lt. Colonel Andrew F.
Rodgers was the son of Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers, and brother to
Edward Rodgers, who founded the Alton Brick Company. Lt. Col.
Andrew Rodgers also had served in the Mexican – American War.
Lt. Colonel Erastus Bates first served as a member of the
Minnesota State Senate (1857-1858). He became a resident of
Centralia, Illinois, in 1859, where he set up his law practice.
He entered the Civil War as a Major of the 80th Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, and was promoted to Lt. Colonel, and then
Colonel. He was brevetted Brigadier General in March 1865. For
fifteen months he was a prisoner of war, and escaped from Libby
Prison in Virginia, only to be recaptured and exposed to the
fire of Union troops in South Carolina. After the war, he
returned to Illinois and was elected to the State legislature in
1866. He was treasurer of Illinois from 1868 – January 1873.
UNION SOLDIERS STARVED AT ANDERSONVILLE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 18, 1865
Let it be remembered that more
than 15,000 Union soldiers were starved to death in the
Andersonville prison pen alone. Let it be remembered that the
Democratic party of today are the apologists and friends of the
inhuman fiends who authorized and caused the starvation of
15,000 of the youth and flower of the North. Let it be written
in letters of fire upon the hearts and memories of the men and
women of the North, that the Democratic party are today
perfecting their schemes for an alliance with the blood-thirsty
and heartless men who starved to death during the past four
years, fifteen thousand of their kindred, friends, and
neighbors. Let each mother or father, who has lost sons in this
fiendish rebellion, remember that the Democratic party are today
raising funds throughout the North to aid in procuring the
release of Jefferson Davis, the arch-fiend who authorized the
starvation of 15,000 loyal Americans. Think, you who have lost
your sons in this unholy war, of the agonies and sufferings of
15,000 starved Union soldiers, and then decide whether you will
aid the Democratic party to place in the grasp of the Southern
traitors and inhuman monsters, that which they failed to gain by
the rebellion – the control of the whole government and the
power of veto in every department. The following dispatch from
an officer sent to lay out the soldiers’ cemetery at
Andersonville should now set at rest all doubt, even in the
minds of the infernal copperheads, that near 15,000 of our Union
soldiers were starved to death at Andersonville.
The
following is an extract from a letter received in Washington on
August 9, 1865, from Captain J. M. Moore, A. Q. M., in charge of
the party sent to Andersonville, Georgia, to lay out the
soldiers’ cemetery there. The letter is dated July 20, 1865:
“We are encamped within one hundred yards of the prison pen
of Andersonville, and it is, in the fullest sense of the term,
nothing more than a pen – a human pen, wherein thousands of our
soldiers were huddled together in an enclosure less than 200
yards long and 100 yards wide, where they were exposed to the
rays of an almost tropical sun and the shivering winds of
winter. No less than fifteen thousand men worn out by exposure
and suffering are buried here. This prison pen should never be
permitted to be destroyed, but should stand until its stockades
fall to the ground by decay, that unbelievers in the North may
look on this ground and convince themselves of the inhuman
cruelty perpetrated by the Rebels upon our prisoners. There are
about 14,000 headboards yet to letter.”
SOLDIER ROBBED NEAR PIASA CREEK
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 18, 1865
A soldier named Henry S. Lare was robbed near
the Piasa Creek last night. He was riding with a German in a
wagon, and was about turning off to the left of the road to a
farmhouse, when six men halted them, and presenting a revolver,
demanded their money. They got a certificate of deposit for
$90.00, his discharge, and a small amount of money from Mr.
Lare, and only 40 cents from the German. The soldier advertises
his stolen certificate of deposit today.
97TH ILLINOIS INFANTRY ARRIVES IN ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, August 18, 1865
The gallant 97th Illinois Regiment
arrived in Alton yesterday, about one o’clock, on the railroad
cars. The stirring notes of the fife and drum, and the shouts of
joy and gladness from the boys, soon brought the friends and
relatives of the noble fellows to the depot, and many and joyful
were the meetings of friends. They looked as they naturally
would look after a three-year campaign in the South – bronzed
with the exposure to all kinds of weather, and healthy and
robust. Many were so changed – from mere boys to full-grown men,
that they were at first not recognized by old friends. The short
time allowed by the stay of the train barely gave an opportunity
for handshaking all around, and the boys proceeded on route for
Springfield. The regimental flags, all tattered and
weather-beaten, were displayed upon the roof of one of the cars,
and gave sad evidence of the scenes of exposure and peril
through which this noble regiment has passed. It is supposed
that some ten days will intervene at Springfield before the
regiment is paid off.
BOYS OF THE 97TH INFANTRY
Source: Alton Telegraph, August
25, 1865
These brave and gallant boys, who passed through
this city about a week since to Springfield, to be paid off,
returned home on Saturday night last, and we have had the
pleasure of taking a good many by the hand and welcoming them
home again. The most of those who went from Alton have enjoyed
good health, and are looking exceedingly well. We also had the
pleasure of meeting their accomplished and popular commander,
Colonel Vifquain. He is comparatively a young officer, but he is
spoken of as being one of the very best disciplinarians and
military men in the Southwest, and has won the affections of his
men to a wonderful extent. He is to leave today for his home.
The return of these men, however, brings to our mind some
painful memories. Young Samuel Matthews, who left his situation
in our office [Telegraph], so full of life and hope, is not
among them. He was shot at Arkansas. Captain Trible is also
missing. He was wounded at the same battle, but reached his home
before he died. Colonel Rutherford also surrendered his life on
the altar of his country in this regiment. And last, but not
least regretted, was David Stanton. There may have been others,
but these are all that we can call to mind, as being lost in
this regiment from Alton. The foul fiend of slavery has exacted
a costly sacrifice from the country, and yet it cries out
continually – Give! Give! Give!
RECEPTION FOR SOLDIERS IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 1, 1865
On August 31, 1865, a reception was given
by Alton citizens to the returned soldiers of Alton and
vicinity. The day was most propitious, being clear, with a very
cool and bracing breeze. The Committee of Arrangements made a
most wise and judicious selection of a location. The grove was
all that could have been desired – in fact, could not have
answered the purpose better if it had been made to order. The
road leading to the grounds was in most excellent order, being
smooth and almost entirely free from dust. The crowd began to
assemble soon after ten o’clock, and by twelve, there were
probably from 1,200 to 1,500 persons present. At that hour, the
meeting was called to order by Mayor Hollister. The Silver
Cornet Band then discoursed some sweet and good music, after
which the exercises were opened with a very appropriate prayer
by the Rev. J. A. Robinson, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor, who had been selected by the
committee to welcome the soldiers home, in the name of our
citizens, on being introduced to the audience by Mayor
Hollister, commenced his eloquent discourse by inviting the
soldiers to the front, remarking that as they had stood in the
front before the Rebel hosts, and between them and the loved
ones at home, it would only be proper that they should occupy
the front on the present occasion. But owing to the extreme
modesty of the brave boys who had fought our battles, only a few
of them came forward. In addressing them, he said in substance
that in welcoming to the bosom of society, the veterans, who as
our representatives, have defended and preserved our homes and
our institutions, he was discharging a pleasant duty. The
dearest of all welcomes to those long absent and in peril, they
had already resolved from the extended arms and loving lips of
fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, and children in a
thousand happy homes. The welcome he extended was the grateful
tribute of a community whose battles they have fought, whose
honor they have vindicated, and of whose loved and cherished
principles and institutions they were the champions.
While the living have returned, bringing the olive branch of
glorious peace, crowned with victory and honor, to receive the
expression of our gratitude, those who were borne from the
battlefield and hospital to fill the consecrated graves of
freedom’s martyrs have a stronger claim to our grateful
remembrance. They are the nation’s dead, and in the tears of a
grateful nation shall their memory be embalmed.
When our
brave boys went forth clad in the glorious hue of heaven, and
their country burring to avenge us of traitors and maintain our
high place among the nations of the earth, their shouting was
like the voice of Omnipotence, speaking terror to evil doers.
When they went forth, it was the wonder of the world to see the
mighty army in the garb of battle, and to know whence they came.
With the dawn of peace, they have as suddenly and mysteriously
melted away. If we seek for them, they answer us from peaceful
homes, from the industries of civil life, and they appear among
us in the garb of citizens, and better citizens, because of the
fiery discipline through which they have passed, and prizing
more highly our common glorious birthright, because of the price
they have paid to maintain it. God’s blessing was invoked to
rest upon them, as it does upon us, because of their sufferings
and sacrifices, and still more abundantly.
It was vain to
attempt to analyze the tears that would gather in the eyes of
the brave men as these words of greeting and of thanks were
uttered.
Captain W. H. Collins, Provost Marshal of the
12th Congressional District, who responded to the first call
made by the President for troops by volunteering, in compliance
with a request from the committee, replied to Mr. Taylor’s
address in behalf of the soldiers, in a most happy, eloquent and
forcible manner. He said, as near as we can remember, that he
had spent four years in the service of the government, three
years of the time having been spent at the front in command of a
company. At Chickamauga, a Captain fell at his side, pierced by
three bullets, and as he was borne dying from the field, he
said, “Tell my mother I died like a soldier for my country, and
tell her I believe I die a Christian.” When our troops had
gained Lookout Mountain, and planted the Stars and Stripes upon
its summit, a Sergeant caught the signal of triumph, and tears
stood in his eyes at the thought that the flag he had left home,
and friends and all he held dear, to uphold, was waving over the
fortress of treason. Such was the spirit, the motive of the
American volunteer.
Theirs was no menial service. They
loved their country, they loved their flag – for those they
fought, for those many gave their lives. Those who had been
permitted to return with the dawn of peace, returned with warm
and bright anticipations to greet home and friends. That their
welcome was cordial, he could attest, in behalf of his own wife
and family, and judging from the number of young ladies who had
come to join in the welcome of today, they were all like-minded.
The brave soldiers in all ages had been ideal and practical
beaux, and he supposed Othello’s apology for his marriage with
the fair Desdemonia explained the phenomenon: “She loved me for
the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity
them. This is the only witchcraft that I’ve used.”
When
in the field, reading northern papers as they occasionally came
to hand, they read that they were termed Lincoln hirelings and
Old Abe’s minions, that the nation was bankrupt, that Union
soldiers were continually murdered, and the war a failure. They
thought their greetings as they came home would be with bowie
knives and pistols, and that go which way they might, they must
be still at the front. They were happy to find on the contrary,
their friends on the day of enlistment were their friends still
in a new and stronger sense and hosts of new friends have arisen
to welcome their return. After the toils of long and weary
marching and desperate battles, they have returned to rest, but
soldiers still in our country’s need, should it be her pleasure
to remove crowned heads from the continent, the American soldier
is still a living reality, and his name is legion.
The
first piece sung was “America,” by the audience, let by Mr.
Packer of Upper Alton. Second was “The Battle Hymn of the
Republic,” solo by Mr. Packer, chorus by the audience. Executed
with fine effect. Third was “The Prisoners Hope,” solo by Miss
Kate Beiler, chorus by the audience. The alto was admirably
carried by Miss Sallie Miller.
Miss Beiler, one of the
most accomplished singers in this part of the West, and withal,
as modest as she is accomplished, merited, as she received the
hearty commendation of the large audience. In our judgment,
while we admit that many of Alton’s fair daughters have acted a
noble part in welcoming those who have for four years been their
brave defenders, the young ladies above mentioned deserve the
special gratitude of the community.
After dinner was
over, there was another impromptu singing company got together,
who entertained the audience with a number of patriotic and
popular airs. The music on this occasion was led by Mr. James
Newman, who, by the way, had the management of all the singing
done on the occasion – Mrs. Malcolm, Miss Mattie Flagg, and
several other Misses. The pieces were touchingly executed, and
the performance was highly appreciated by the audience.
The dinner was pronounced by all present to have been one of the
most bountiful and magnificent ever spread on any public
occasion in Alton or vicinity. The provisions were so abundant,
that there was enough left after all present – both soldiers and
citizens – had partaken, to have fed a thousand or more. The
eatables were not only abundant, but it consisted of the very
best to be found in the market. An epicure from Upper Alton, who
had had much opportunity for testing such matters, remarked to
us that he never before witnessed such an ample provision of
good things, spread on any public table in all of his
experience.
SOLDIERS WELCOMED HOME AT PADDOCK’S GROVE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, September 1, 1865
Today will long be remembered by
the returned soldiers of this vicinity. We had for some time
understood that our friends at home were preparing a dinner to
welcome us back to citizen’s life. And the long line of buggies
and wagons that assembled this clear, cool and beautiful morning
at Paddock’s Grove, realized our hope. The neighborhood was
present en masse. Feeble old age welcoming a loved and long
absent son; bright and blooming beauty tranquilly happy in the
presence of a dear brother returned from “hair breadth escapes,”
or bewitching and gay ‘neath the glance of true lover come home.
All happy in the return of friends’ victories, and the prospect
of national repose. The tables were laden with bread, wholesome
and palatable. Ham, most delicious, chickens without number,
cakes – beautiful and tempting to the taste, pies of all kinds,
and of the quality which has rendered our women illustrious, and
other delicacies too numerous to mention, till they groaned with
the weight of the feast.
A choir of beautiful young
ladies, assisted by our talented friend, R. Price Rider, sang
many patriotic and popular songs and added much to the interest
of the day.
We were favored by a patriotic and eloquent
address by Judge Gillespie, which made the heart of many a
soldier and citizen proud, and which, coming from a true and
tried friend of our country and our cause, was highly
appreciated by the soldiers present.
Next in order was
dinner, to which we did ample justice, but after 400 citizens
and soldiers had satisfied a sharp appetite, the pile of
commissaries seemed scarcely less. Many a time have we longed
for these fair bakers when eating parched corn in the South.
After dinner, the meeting was entertained by some
appropriate toasts. Rev. J. Moore expressed the views of the
soldiers present in an eloquent speech, in response to the
toasts. The day will long be remembered by those present. As
soldiers, we return our thanks for some tasteful bouquets, the
flowers will soon wither, but the memory of the gift will be
perpetual. We left the scene of festivity and joyousness fully
realizing that we had been readmitted to the society of home,
with its pure and ennobling influences. Long live our patriotic
friends!
Signed, A Returned Soldier
Paddocks Grove,
August 26, 1865
ANDERSONVILLE BARBARITY
Source: Alton Telegraph, September
8, 1865
In the trial of Captain Wirz yesterday, a number of
Union soldiers, who had been prisoners at Andersonville,
testified that among the varieties of barbarity practiced at
that place were shooting, starvation, robbery, laceration by
hounds, and vaccination with poisonous matter.
CAPTAIN JOHN P. BAKER PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1865
Captain John P.
Baker, son of the Hon. David J. Baker of Alton, of the First
United States Cavalry, has just received from the President two
brevets – first as Major, and then as Lieutenant Colonel – for
gallant and meritorious services during the war, to date from
the 13th of March, 1865. The Captain is deserving of this
complimentary recognition of his services. He has been through
the war from the beginning. Before actual hostilities commenced,
he assisted in guarding the approaches to Washington; was in the
first Bull Run fight; in the battle of West Point; in the
battles of the Peninsular Campaign; at the battle of Antietam;
at the battle of Fredericksburg; in Franklin’s Texas Expedition;
in Banks’ Red River Expedition; with General Grover in Georgia;
conducted the expedition which captured Augusta; and for the
last six months, has been on duty with his regiment which is
acting as bodyguard to General Sheridan in Texas. He is now in
Springfield awaiting further orders, and expects to return to
the South next week, and will probably spend the winter on the
Rio Grande.
ARTICLE FROM MAJOR FRANK MOORE
Recollections of the Battle
at Merriwether’s Ferry
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 6, 1886
Major Frank Moore has received from John Cox, a Sergeant of
Company F, Second Illinois Cavalry, during the War of the
Rebellion [Civil War], a copy of paper called the War Eagle,
November 28, 1863, edited and published by Sergeant H. L.
Goodall, Company D, Second Illinois Cavalry, Columbus, Kentucky.
This little newspaper contains a communication from Major (then
Captain) Moore, giving an account of a lively little fight about
November 21, 1863, in which a detail of 65 picked men under
Captain Moore defeated a party of rebel raiders at Merriwether’s
ferry on the Obion River in Tennessee. Sergeant Cox was wounded
at the fight mentioned, and sent the paper as part of the proof
to show him entitled to a pension. The War Eagle contains a
General Order from Brigadier General A. J. Smith, and one from
General S. A. Hurlbut; also, an item stating that the rebels who
were defeated at Merriwether’s Ferry had, the previous day, made
a descent upon Hickman, Kentucky, and plundered the stores and a
number of houses of prominent citizens. Complaint is made that
an officer who was not at the ferry fight at all was given all
the credit for the affair in certain quarters. Accounts are
given of various Thanksgiving celebrations among the boys in
blue and others. The paper is considerably discolored by age,
and though small in size, contains a lot of interesting news. H.
L. Goodall, the editor and publisher, now holds the same
relation to Goodall’s Sun in Chicago. [Frank Moore Jr. held a
position on Goodall’s Sun in Chicago.]
EXPERIENCE IN REBEL PRISONS
By Captain James T. King
Source: Alton
Telegraph, November 18, 1886
It was a week after the Battle
of Chickamauga, for weeks we had been marching and
counter-marching, every day expecting the next to bring on a
general engagement between the two armies, and at last
Company F received its fiery baptism. We had been skirmishing
two days, and on Sunday, September 20(?), received orders that
we knew meant fight to the death for some of us. Knap sacks and
blankets had been piled, and extra rations and ammunition
issued. First the long roll called our division into line; then
a double-quick of four miles through stifling clouds of dust,
past and over the dead of Thomas’ corps that lay in squads as
they fell. Our last half-mile across a little open space, on
which rebel batteries played at short range with grape and
cannister, was a rush for shelter. General officers and staff,
with pennants down, line officers and men with head and
shoulders a little lower than when on dress parade; it was run
for the rebs and death to some of us. My rifle was cut through
by a shell that also killed the Captain of Company D, just
behind me. I grabbed the rifle from a rebel we just then
captured, stripped off his belt and cartridge box, and fought
the battle out with rebel gun and powder. The gun was a good
one, but the powder was miserable stuff. Next came a charge up a
hill some three hundred feet high, against infantry and
artillery. Elbow to elbow, as when on drill, guiding on the
colors, we went up on the double-quick with a yell, over Thomas’
lines lying flat on the ground. They were almost too badly
punished to fight, and much too brave to retreat. The rebel line
broke, and we chased them with bullets, but a little later we
came down that same hill, also on the double-quick, but without
the yell, and not so much attention to guide center. From one
o’clock until dark, it was charge and counter-charge, advance,
retreat. Deploy as skirmishers and rally on the regiment,
“Steady! Forward! 11th Illinois” sang but old Colonel Moore.
“Let’s die boys, but not run,” said Sergeant Shively in a low
undertone, as though he was afraid we might think he was posting
for a hero. When he was shot through the breast, a few minutes
later, we knew he meant it. “Thank God I got that fellow.” “Give
them ____ Tom.” “Getting hot aint it?” “Oh, God!” “D___ them.”
“I’m hit.” The spiteful spitting of the bullets as they zip past
our ears. The dull thud as they strike comrades on either side
of us, the patter on the leaves like heavy raindrops with
exploding shells; the bugle calls, the furgeon and assistants
with their long knives and themselves colored with blood; the
musicians bearing off the wounded on stretchers – these are a
few of the things a Private sees and hears in battle. To me they
were only a sort of introduction to what I was to see and feel
for more than a year to follow. Company F went into action at
one o’clock with forty-four men, at dark it numbered but
thirty-one.
One week later, I was detailed for a scout
and forager on the south side of the Tennessee. With one
comrade, I paddled across the river in a small dug out, and was
captured at the foot of Lookout Mountain by a detachment of
Longstreet’s Sharp Shooters. I was taken before an officer, the
stars on his collar indicating the rank of Major General, and we
were made to tell some lies about the position of our division
on the other side, and were rewarded by threats of hanging as
they claimed we were captured inside their lines. They did not
hang us, but compelled us at the point of the bayonet to repair
some railroad track we had burned a week before. The incidents
of my capture were striking, but not fit for publication. From
Chattanooga we were shipped in box cars to Richmond, via
Atlanta, Augusta, Columbia, and Raleigh. We were ten days on the
road, and the close, filthy cars were not to be endured in their
crowded condition. There were fifty of us in each, and a few of
us got permission to sleep on top, which we did all night long.
Why we did not roll off I do not know, but if we had, it would
have been better than the stifling air inside. We were without
food two days on our arrival, and were systematically searched
and robbed of money, watches, jewelry, pocket knives, table
knives, spoons, match safes, and trinkets. Good boots we had to
exchange for cowhide, because they had the hair on fine fur hats
with gold cord we exchanged for a sort of monstrosity made of
quilted calico. If there is anything to make a man thank God he
lives under the government of the United States, it is the
recollection of one of those guards from the turpentine district
of North “Calina,” with butternut pants, grey coast, and calico
hat, saying, “How did you all git ketched?!”
In Richmond,
the daily ration was, as near as I could guess, about four
ounces of beef and six or eight ounces of good wheat bread, and
sometimes a pint of pea soup. The meat was sometimes good, but
often putrid, having turned blue. The soup would be thick with
bugs, and could not be separated, for the bugs extended to the
bottom. I do not think they were unhealthy, and they tasted
good, as did also the putrid meat, for we were very hungry men.
I do not think we could have lived very long on the ration we
there received, and some of the most robust, to my certain
knowledge, died of starvation only. We became infested with
vermin in a very short time, and as there were no means of
fighting them except with our thumb nails, we were literally
eaten by them. Day and night for nearly fifteen months I had no
relief from this pest, that, it seemed to us, must have improved
its pedigree from the time of Pharaoh. The prison floor would
have been a palace but for them. There were four hundred men in
our two-story building, and when we lay down at night there was
hardly room for all. We got some bricks in our squad, and had
each one for a pillow. It was a luxury, and we had to watch that
they were not stolen. The guards used to throw us potato rinds
and refuse pieces of bone and meat, and we fought for them. Our
building was a tobacco factory, and one of the presses had been
left screwed hard down on a box of plug. WE had no lever and no
tools, but we got the tobacco. Our guards and their officers
were always on the alert for green backs, offering at that time
$10 “Confed” for $1 in green backs. Later, they offered $20 for
$1, $50 for $1. Maybe this helped Grant to bring about
Appomattox. I know we thought it would. There were a few
greenbacks that escaped our searchers, and one dollar and ten
cents found its way to my squad, composed of myself and three
members of an East Tennessee regiment, whose loyalty was only
equaled by their hate of the rebellion. By a little
manipulating, we converted this into a ten-dollar bill, and that
bought ninety-pound loaves of bread. It was the only time, while
in the Confederacy, that I had enough to eat. Our trick was
discovered just as the bread had been delivered, and nearly cost
the life of one of the Tennesseans.
We had orders to be
ready to move next morning, and were told it was for exchange.
Jenkins, one of the Tennesseans, said, “They are not going to
exchange us, Jim, they are going to take us south, and to a
worse place than this, and we are going to jump from the train
and run, and we want you to go. They will shoot, but _____ them,
they can’t hit us, they have shot at us before. We will die
anyhow.” The next morning, we took the cars, but the train
pulled south, and then our guards told us we were going to
Danville, Virginia. At dusk it was raining. The train running
ten or fifteen miles an hour. I stole the cap from the musket of
the guard nearest me while he held his piece at order arms. The
fellow wore a calico hat. It took perhaps an hour of stealthy
work, but I got it and tried the same tactics on his companion.
His gun was not capped. I whispered to the other three, and we
four jumped. After eluding the hounds and patrols for five days
and nights, we were recaptured and taken to Danville, where our
quarters were again the floors of the tobacco factories and ware
rooms. The winter of 1863-4 was severe, and as we had no fire we
suffered intensely. Our government at Washington at this time
sent, under flag of truce, a suit of clothes, including a
blanket and overcoat for each one of us. We heard of their
arrival, and expected soon to be warmly clad. The next morning
blue overcoats were so thick among the guards and their officers
as to resemble a Union camp. The oaths that were sent out
through chattering teeth against the thieves were deep and
strong, however, we got a portion of the clothing, and as the
ration was a little larger than at Richmond, our condition was
more endurable, though we were crowded to the same extent, and
smallpox was epidemic. We spent the winter making pipes,
toothpicks, shawl pins, chess men, debating, praying, preaching,
holding mock court, etc. It was during this time I got a
Richmond paper containing an article relative to the
interruption of the cartel in which it was proposed to
“establish a general prison in the heart of the Confederacy,
remote from the Union lines, where the Yankee prisoners might be
more economically guarded, the chances of escape reduced to a
minimum, and where their ranks would be so rapidly thinned by
the diseases peculiar to the locality that the Yankee government
would be compelled to submit to the terms of exchange proposed
by the authorities at Richmond.” We soon began to hear our
guards talking of Camp Sumpter, sometimes Andersonville, and
soon knew the names were synonymous. It was down in Georgia. The
Yanks there are dying twenty a day, and “you’ns all will soon be
sent there too.” The news horrified us more than when we were
there, and one hundred dead bodies were daily carried from the
south gate. It was while we were in Danville that Colonel
Streight made his escape from Richmond, and forthwith we had a
tunnel completed, large enough to contain a small mule, but
while waiting for a dark night, some spy among our own men gave
the think away, and we were starved forty-eight hours for
punishment.
A few nights after, some of the boys in my
room made a bold break through one of the barred windows. They
reached the ground, but were filled with buckshot, and not one
got a hundred yards. They were brought in again, those that were
not killed, and one sat near me shot through the breast, until
we could feel the shot between his shoulders. He sat up while we
dug them out with such knives as we had, and never moaned, but
cursed the rebs because, he said, they shot him again after he
fell. On May 16, we were again loaded in box cars, as they said
for exchange. We felt it meant Andersonville, and laid a plot to
capture the guards in the several cars and then run for it, or
fight the relief, as occasion required. They placed all the
guards outside, and told us to run if we felt like it. We did
not run. I think that every one of us entering the gate at
Andersonville left hope of home outside, one glance was enough.
We thought we knew what misery was before, but what we had
experienced in Richmond and Danville was happiness to this, and
this was only the beginning of what was to come. There were
eight thousand men here on eighteen acres of ground. Two months
later, there was 23,000 men on the same space, and when they
could crowd in no more, they changed the pen to thirty-five
acres, and a month later there were thirty-five thousand men
here, and one-third of the space was swamp and covered by the
ground bounded by the dead line, which it was death to cross and
death to touch if the guard was true to his aim. I have often
thought that among all this army there was not one perfectly
sane. Without shelter, without wood, with scant food and
clothes, swarming with vermin. The rain beat us into the sand at
night, the Georgia sun blistered us during the day. One incident
is the parallel of a thousand. I saw a young fellow one morning,
sitting on the sand where he had laid that night. The sun was
burning hot on his bare head, the little clothing he had
spattered full of sand from last night’s storm. He was scraping
with a little twig the maggots from sun cracks in his bare feet,
that seemed to have bred during the night. “Can’t you keep them
out, partner?” I said. He made no answer, but looked at me with
a hopeless despair I can never forget. My chum, named Reese,
from an Ohio regiment, became moon-eyed, that is he could not
see after the sun went down. I used to lead him about that he
might not wander against the dead line. He had the scurvy badly,
and was nearly gone, when we tried to rally him by telling him
he thought he was going to die because he was moon eyed. He
would say, “By _____, I’m not going to die. I’m going to outlive
the _____ Confederacy.” He died at Florence. Another chum named
Williams made a hard fight for life, but had given it up at the
time we left Andersonville for Charleston. He said he was going
to escape or die. I told him I would go too, if there was any
chance, but had tried it once and would not throw my life away.
He jumped from the train in the bright moonlight, and was killed
by the guard. I went to the creek as usual, one day, for a cup
of water. We used to dip from near the dead line, where it was
clearer. Just ahead of me a ma, by some chance, touched the dead
line. I think he was crowded against it. The guard scattered his
brains by a center shot.
The virus with which we were
vaccinated poisoned our blood, and arms rotted off by hundreds.
The surgeons, or rather parties purporting to be such, burned
these ulcerations with some preparation using the same rag and
stick on a hundred cases. I think they spread the trouble rather
than checked it. Scurvy attacked all. My teeth became loose and
broke off like chalk, the gums broke away. It was very hard to
eat the cornbread, as it was baked four inches thick and very
hard. It had no salt, and was as full of flies as a plum pudding
of fruit. As we drew rations after dark and ate them
immediately, we ate the flies too, and then there was nothing
until twenty-four hours later. My limbs became swollen and
turned yellow. I used to bury my legs in the sand during the day
to cool the fever in them, and drank a decoction of pine boughs
when I could get them, for the acid contained in them.
In June and July, we had reached the very lowest depths of
misery. The strong began to prey upon the weak. There was no
law, no order, no government; only the stockade, the guards, the
sun, the rain, the dying, and the dead. Hundreds of the
strongest were raiding the thousands of the weak. It was only a
little ration of cornbread and meat once daily, and that was
taken away from the weaker ones by our own comrades. It began
among some New York roughs, and spread until something had to be
done. The rebels looked on in glee to see us murdering each
other. Some had been killed, and many badly beaten, and the
raiders went about in gangs taking what they pleased. The
law-and-order prisoners began to organize, and armed with sticks
where they could get them. The raiders turned regulators, and
began to arrest regulators and even non-combatants, to turn
attention from themselves. Wirz had orders posted that if there
was any commotion, he would fire into the camp with grape and
cannister. It was all commotion, these gaunt, starved,
half-naked men by hundreds here and hundreds there, swaying to
and fro with sticks and fists for weapons, the dead and dying
all around, trampled on and uncared for; the rebel regiments
under arms and the guns manned, the guards with pieces cocked
and at a ready, waiting for orders to fire; even the rations
neglected. Camp Sumpter was pandemonium those few days – it was
wild. No one can tell what was done. The dense crowds hid the
acts of individuals, and it were better could they have been
hidden from heaven. After several days it ended, with law and
order victorious. A large number of raiders were under arrest.
We took the most guilty of these, organized a court, had a
regular trial, sentenced six of them to be hung, and July 11,
1864, hung them until they were dead. Captain Wirz kindly
furnished the lumber for the scaffold – the only kind thing I
knew him to do. Order was maintained from that time, and every
man’s right to his bread and meat. The dead were carried daily
to the south gate. I used to count there 20, 40, 60, and more
coming from all parts of the stockade. They were stripped
almost, or quite naked. In some instances, where they had
comrades, the eyes closed and jaws tied together with a big of
rag, also the great toes, all to economize the precious
clothing, but in the majority of cases, though, in that dense
crowd, they died alone – the lice, the flies, and the maggots
their only attendants, while the pitiless rain beat full in
their upturned faces. There was much quarreling and some
fighting for the privilege of carrying the bodies out, as we
could sometimes pick up a stick, a bit of paper, or some
information about the armies, and if nothing else, it was
something to be talked of for a month that for fifteen minutes
we had been outside of the cursed stockade. It is impossible to
enter into a minute description of many things that occur to me;
things our wives and daughters should not know. The sick call,
the hospital, the dead house, and only volumes could describe
the many incidents that I remember while many I have forgotten.
The tunneling, the stocks, Captain Wirz, old General Winder, and
the most pitiful of all, the chain gang.
Florence was a
decidedly worse place than Andersonville, as the rations were
very scant. We had no meat while there. The weather was very
cold, and our sufferings intense. Much that happened there is a
blank to me, as I was very weak at that time. We lay at
Charleston, heavily guarded, while our fleet was shelling the
city. Every few minutes, all night long, a shell, angels of
peace, we called them, would come over, and as they would crash
through the brick walls, I felt a little nearer home because of
them. We left Andersonville, September 10, 1864, for Charleston,
from there to Florence, at which place I was paroled, December
7, and passed the lines in Charleston harbor on December 10,
having been within the rebel lines fourteen months and thirteen
days. To go on board a clean United States transport, throw our
vermin-infested rags into the sea, don a clean new suit of blue,
fall into line and get each a loaf of bread and a great hunk of
meat, raw (the first I had tasted for three months), a pint of
coffee, and then to fall in again and again, and get the same,
was happiness enough, and we began to realize what a great, good
country we had been suffering for. The Captain and his wife, God
bless them, took some of the weakest ones, myself among the
number, into his cabin, dosed us with port wine, and they and
the sailors went among us with little comforts and cheering
words. Only five or six out of the thousand men died on the
voyage to Annapolis. Here we were admitted to the hospital,
which was another step heavenward. What care they took for our
comfort there, how they cut off our filthy hair and scrubbed off
the prison dirt – the first soap we had scented for many months.
They placed us between the clean sheets and fed and watched us.
The surgeons, nurses, and ladies of the Christian and Sanitary
Commissions bade us rest and sleep and dream of home. These have
made impressions that the ex-prisoners of war will carry with
them into eternity. WE have a better appreciation of the
comforts of peace and citizenship, and home and wife and
children, and the flag we fought for, perhaps, than our more
fortunate comrades. We cherish no hatred, I think, against those
who fought against us. Some of our guards were as honest and
noble men as ever wore the blue, and if living, are loyal
citizens today. There are those, however, reaching from the head
of the Confederacy down through the Winders, the Captain Wirz’s,
and the Lieutenant Barretts, who carried out the suggestions of
their Commander-in-Chief with such additional cruelties as their
invention could add, whose crimes I do not believe can ever be
forgiven. Thirteen thousand of our number lie buried at
Andersonville, these with the additions of Charleston, Florence,
Savannah, Millen, Richmond, Danville, and Belle Island, form a
record that eternity will not blot out. An ex-Confederate, a
short time again, in a public speech, said (and he belongs to
the class above noted), “We were over-powered, but we take
nothing back.” By all these graves they do take something back,
they take it all back, and the Union that cost so much is going
to stand, and we shall not beat our muskets into plowshares, nor
swords into pruning hooks. Steel is too cheap to make it
necessary, but shall oil them carefully and put them in a safe
place and forget that they are there. But if the time again
comes – heaven grant it never may – when they are needed,
perhaps we shall remember, and they will be ready.
NOTES:
Captain Heinrich “Henry” Hartmann Wirz, born in 1823 in Zurich,
Switzerland, was assigned to the staff of General John H.
Winder, who was in charge of Confederate prisoner-of-war camps.
In February 1864, Camp Sumter was established near the small
railroad depot of Anderson (now Andersonville) in Georgia. Wirz
remained there for over a year, holding the post of commandant
of the stockade. At its peak, Camp Sumter held approximately
32,000 Union prisoners. The monthly mortality rate reached
3,000. Close to 13,000 (28%) prisoners died there. Captain Wirz
was arrested on May 7, 1865, by a contingent of the 4th U.S.
Cavalry. He was taken to Washington D. C., arriving there on May
10, 1865, where he was held in the Old Capitol Prison. Wirz was
charged with “combining, confederating, and conspiring with John
H. Winder, Richard B. Winder, Joseph White, W. S. Winder, R. R.
Stevenson, and others, to injure the health and destroy the
lives of soldiers in the military service of the United States,
in violation of the laws and customs of war.” He was accused of
committing 13 acts of personal cruelty and murders, confining
prisoners in stocks, beating a prisoner with a revolver, and
chaining prisoners together. He was also charged with ordering
guards to fire on prisoners and to have dogs attack escaped
prisoners. Wirz was found guilty of all charges except murder.
Wirz was hanged on November 10, 1865, at the Old Capitol Prison
in Washington D.C. His neck did not break, and the crowd of 200
spectators, guarded by 120 soldiers, watched as he writhed and
slowly strangled. He was buried in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in
Washington, D.C. In 1869, President Johnson gave permission to
rebury Wirz’s body. While the body was being transferred, it was
discovered that the right arm and parts of the neck and head had
been removed during autopsy. As of the late 1990s, the National
Museum of Health and Medicine still had two of his vertebrae.
Even today there is controversy over his guilt.
CIVIL WAR REMINISCENCE
By Captain Harrison Beard Starr
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 30, 1886
On June 15, 1864,
Captain Harry B. Starr, now of the ferry boat Altonian, but then
in command of the government transport, J. R. Williams, on the
Arkansas River, was captured by the rebels and confined for 11
months, or until the close of the war. The circumstances of the
capture are briefly these:
On June 15, 1864, while the J.
R. Williams was steaming up the river about 80 miles above Fort
Smith, and a similar distance below Fort Gibson, a rebel battery
of three guns, which were masked on the riverbank, suddenly
opened fire, the steamer making about six miles an hour at the
time. The first shot hit the pilot house, carrying away a
stanchion, while almost instantly succeeding shots killed the
engineer, fireman, and one of the crew. The escort of 25
infantry returned the rebel fire for 20 minutes, but
ineffectually, and at the end of that time, the transport
surrendered to a force of 1,200 Confederate artillery and
infantry. The boat was then burned by the captors, and Captain
Starr and the other prisoners were taken by General Stanweide,
about 50 miles west of the scene of the fight, whence in three
days’ time, they were taken to Fort Wachter, where they remained
30 days. Then they were marched to Doxville, and then to Camp
Ford, which was reached about the middle of September. There the
Federal prisoners remained until the close of war, being
released in the latter part of May 1865, when Captain Starr
returned to Alton. While in the prison, Captain Starr and party
were treated the same as the other 5,000 odd Federals, the bill
of fare being one pound of beef and one pound of cornmeal per
diem, with one-fourth pound of salt weekly. The only drink was
water, which was obtained from a spring, and in hot weather, the
supply was limited. At the time of the capture, the J. R.
Williams’ cargo consisted of 50 tons of flour, 40 tons of corn,
and 20 tons of clothing for the troops at Fort Gibson. At the
time of their release from Camp Ford, which was near Tyler,
Texas, the Federals were so badly off for clothing that they
were almost literally naked, having nothing on but breech
clouts.
REMEMBERING ANDERSONVILLE PRISON
By Captain Joseph H.
Weeks
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 16, 1886
[Captain
Weeks of Upper Alton is a very modest man, and the article below
was not volunteered by him, but was related to a Telegraph
reporter after persistent urging by the latter, and
protestations of reluctance on the part of the gallant Captain.]
The boys of the old Thirty-Second Illinois Infantry will
never forget the return to the front after their veteran
furlough. Having feasted and enjoyed all that mothers, wives,
and sisters could do for them, they were not in a good condition
to make a 390-mile forced march over rough roads, on short
rations.
They left Cairo on May 10, 1864, on an
expedition under command of General Frank Blair (composed of the
veterans from the 4th and 5th Divisions of the 17th Army Corps),
who had orders to hasten to the front and reinforce Sherman.
They embarked on two gunboats and 12 transports, and arrived at
Clifton on the Tennessee River on May 14. On May 16, they
started on a march across the State of Alabama, by way of
Huntsville and Decatur. The route was over a very mountainous
region, Sand Mountain the most prominent. Some places the
roadway was out in the sides of the mountain overlooking a
precipice, and so narrow that it was difficult for a team to
pass. A sudden pitch or a rough jolt against one of the many
boulders which lay in the roadway was sufficient to upset a
wagon and send it down the mountainside. Several such accidents
occurred, but no lives were lost. During a greater part of the
route they were annoyed by Roddy’s rebel cavalry. Having some
200 head of cattle and a large supply train, they had to be
continually on the alert. Near Decatur, the Federal cavalry,
under Colonel Long, had a brisk fight with Roddy’s command,
which resulted in favor of the Union soldiers, who captured
forty prisoners. They joined Sherman’s army at Ackworth,
Georgia, about June 10.
The 32nd found the Union army in
line of battle within sight of Kennesaw Mountain. The Federal
and Confederate forces were daily in conflict, and had been for
many days, and there was scarcely a day that the 32nd was not
under fire, from June 10 until early in September, a period of
more than three months. After the fall of Atlanta, the 32nd was
sent to guard a water tank. On October 3, Hood’s army, having
flanked Sherman, captured and destroyed the railroad between Big
Shanty and Altoona, at which time Captain Weeks, while in
command of Company F, and while in advance picket duty, was
captured within a few yards of the rebel rifle pits. Briefly,
the facts were these: Captain Weeks had taken five picked men of
his company, and was feeling his way towards the enemy when a
sudden charge was made by the rebels, and the scouting party
retired, Captain Weeks being the last to retreat. In crossing a
creek at the foot of a ravine, Captain Week’s foot slipped and
he fell, and on rising was confronted by a rebel officer’s
cocked revolver, so he had to submit to the exigencies of the
occasion and yield as gracefully as possible. The following
morning, October 4, Captain Weeks, in company with 300 other
Federal prisoners of the 14th and 15th Illinois, and 4 of
Company C of the 32nd Infantry, who were captured under somewhat
similar circumstances to Captain Weeks’, were marched by a rebel
guard to Lost Mountain, a distance of 20 miles. They were
quartered for the night in a hog pen near General Hood’s
headquarters, scanty rations of cornmeal and raw beef being
issued, which were cooked without any cooking appliances in the
embers of the campfires. The next morning, the march was
continued via West Point and Columbus, to Andersonville,
Georgia. While marching through Columbus, the rebels seemed to
take great delight in showing their Yankee prisoners to the
admiring citizens, who manifested as much curiosity as if the
Federals formed part of an itinerant menagerie of wild beasts.
The prisoners were first taken to the Columbus Cemetery, where
they were on view during the day, and at night they were
quartered in a stable yard, with only two blankets for every six
prisoners, and the nights were already cold and disagreeable. On
October 11, the weary prisoners reached Andersonville, and were
at once placed in the Bull Pen, which was a piece of swampy
ground about thirty acres in extent, enclosed by three
stockades. There were about 3,000 Federal prisoners in the
stockade at this time, a large proportion of whom were sick with
scurvy and diarrhea, and all were reduced to mere skeletons, and
the average number of deaths among the captives was about 40 per
diem, that is in the stockade and at the hospital. The hospital
was such only in name, as it consisted solely of a shed with
open sides. In fact, only a roof perched on poles. Men only went
to this place as a dernier resort, the majority preferring to
stand outside rather than to enter the medical post house, where
their treatment was simply dreadful, no attention being paid to
the sanitary state of the inmates. At the time of Captain Weeks’
arrival at Andersonville, the rations for the prisoners were
cooked outside the camp, and consisted of four inches square of
cornbread, a spoonful of rice, and a spoonful of molasses with a
few black beans occasionally. Subsequently, the prisoners
claiming that even these scant rations were not honestly
supplied them, the raw cornmeal and rice were issued in an
uncooked state. The cornmeal was the only part of the ration
regularly supplied, the rice and molasses being served out about
once a week. About once in a month, a handful of salt was
issued, but the quantity was not more than sufficient to cook
one meal per man. About once in five or six weeks, a ration of
one ounce of bacon was issued to each prisoner, but this was in
such a state as to be unfit for human food. The water in which
the prisoners’ food had to be cooked passed through the rebel
camp, and was used by the Confederates as a common sewer. The
prisoners, by this dreadful treatment, were reduced to a state
of despair and cared for nothing. The first thought of the
prisoners on entering the stockade was to find shelter. This
consisted of holes in the ground dug out as best they could with
half pieces of empty canteens and scraps of any old metal that
could be got. The holes were covered with boughs of trees in
some cases, and some were mere furrows in the side of a bank.
The men were literally in rags and tatters, and their condition
was simply intolerable. Their clothings, such as was in any ways
comfortable, was taken from them, only enough being left to
actually cover sufficient of their bodies to comply with the
demands of ordinary decency. On account of continued hardship,
Captain Weeks eventually became totally blind, and it was many
weary months before his sight was restored. He also suffered
terribly from scurvy and from chronic diarrhea. At the
expiration of his term of captivity, Captain Weeks was so
emanciated, that his hip bones projected through the skin, and
it was several years after the war before he enjoyed a tolerable
degree of health. Captain Weeks was seven months at
Andersonville, and it is wonderful that at this time he is able
to so well attend to his business, and this fact speaks well for
his constitutional vitality.
At one time during the
imprisonment of Captain Weeks, a Southern lady, from motives of
pure humanity, tried to supply the Yankee prisoners with sausage
meat, prepared by herself, but she was stopped in her humane
labor by the cowardly Major Birch, who vilified her in every way
and finally used his drawn revolver, pointed at her head, before
he could compel her to desist in her charitable undertaking.
With regard to Major Wirz, the notorious commander of
Andersonville, Captain Weeks does not hold him personally
responsible at all, but says he was simply the tool of the rebel
generals, some of whom are now in the United States Congress,
and others representing this country abroad. This fact is
Captain Weeks’ reason for thus briefly allowing his prison
record to appear in print. Otherwise, he would prefer to say
nothing of what he went through while doing his part to sustain
the honor of the American flag and the integrity of the Union.
LIBBY PRISON REMINISCENCE
By Captain William R. Wright
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1886
Captain William R.
Wright of Upper Alton first entered the service of his country
during the Mexican-American War, in May 1846, when he enlisted
as a private in Company E and Illinois Infantry. Private Wright
served fourteen months, and took part in the battle of Buena
Vista, in which engagement six men were killed and eight men
wounded, belonging to Company E. Private Wright’s only mishap in
the battle was his being hit in the body by a spent rifle ball
from the weapon of a Mexican sharpshooter.
On May 22,
1862, Captain Wright entered the Federal service as a First
Lieutenant of Company B, 80th Illinois Infantry, Colonel Andrew
Fuller Rodgers of Upper Alton commanding. One year later,
Lieutenant Wright was promoted to the command of his company.
Captain Wright participated in the battles of Perryville,
Kentucky, and Milton, Tennessee, both engagements terminating in
victory for the Union arms. During the Spring of 1863, the 80th
Illinois was put into General Streight’s brigade of mounted
infantry. On April 30, 1863, at Day’s Gap, the brigade engaged
the enemy under the celebrated General N. B. Forrest. Two
actions were fought during the day, both resulting favorably to
the Federal arms. Private Frank McIntosh of Alton Junction [East
Alton] was shot in the head by a rebel bullet, and his skull
badly fractured. He is still living. On May 2, 1863, at Blunt
Farm, the brigade had another brush with the enemy and repulsed
them, but the next day, while skirmishing with General Forrests’
command, Streight’s entire brigade, 1,400 strong, was surrounded
can captured by three Confederate brigades. The fighting was
desultory, the weather wet, and unfortunately, all the Federal
ammunition had become wet and unserviceable through the fact of
the men having had to cross several swollen creeks. On the other
hand, the rebels had managed to keep their powder dry, and then
had the Union men at their mercy. For three days, the
unfortunate captives were held at Rome, Georgia, whence they
left for Libby Prison at Richmond, Virginia, reaching that
notorious prison on June 16, 1863. At the Libby prison, Captain
Wright was confined for twelve months, only seeing daylight
through the prison bars for that period, except on one memorable
occasion when, in company with sixty-two other Federal captains,
he was marched out to take his chance in a lottery drawing,
where the two officers drawing the black bean were sentenced to
be hung. Captain Wright was one of the sixty who drew blanks,
and it is gratifying to know that the death sentence was not
carried into effect upon the officers who drew the two black
beans.
In company with one hundred and thirty-five
others, Captain Wright was imprisoned in a room forty-five feet
square. Prisoners were not allowed blankets, and slept in their
clothes. The daily ration per man per diem was one-quarter pound
of beef, one-half pound of bread, one-half gill of rice (or
black peas). This diet was barely sufficient to sustain life.
Scurvy soon developed among the unfortunates, and the death rate
was high. The suffering of the prisoners was terrible. No glass
in the windows, no fire, no blankets. The only way of keeping
warm was by indulging in as much exercise as was compatible with
the dimensions of the room. General John Morgan, General A. P.
Hill, and the Confederate Congressman Bruce, visited the prison,
and through the exertions of the latter, the condition of the
prisoners was very greatly ameliorated – he using all of his
influence to aid them. This relief was of necessity only
temporary. When General Kilpatrick was threatening Richmond, the
rebels placed a torpedo loaded with 1,000 lbs of powder under
the Libby Prison, the intention being to blow the inmates into
eternity if the city was captured. On May 6, 1864, the prisoners
left for Charleston, South Carolina, arriving there on July 18,
after encountering every description of privation and suffering.
At Charleston, Captain Wright and his comrades were first put in
the old, unsheltered jail yard, originally built by the British
troops during the War of the Revolution. The first rations
served the federals here were one-half pound of cornmeal, one
spoonful of lard, and a little molasses. Ten days later, the
prisoners were sent to Roper’s Hospital, where they were housed
until October 1864. Here, they were constantly under the fire of
the heavy Federal batteries, and the prison was twice struck by
Union shells, but no one was hurt. From Charleston, the
prisoners were taken to Camp Sorghum near Columbia, South
Carolina, where they stayed till Christmas 1864. Here, the
rebels kept fifty bloodhounds, which they used most successfully
in tracking escaping prisoners, as no one ever succeeded in
eluding the hounds. Many were wounded by the dogs, and two died
from the effects of the bites of the savage brutes. The water
used here was no better than sewage.
In February 1865,
the captives were removed to Charlotte, North Carolina, then to
Raleigh, and subsequently to Goldsboro. At Wilmington, they were
released from their long captivity, paroled and sent to
Annapolis, Maryland, whence they shortly departed for their
homes, the war being over. Out of thirty-six months service,
Captain Wright spent twenty-two months in prison, and has nobly
earned the pension he, in common with other comrades now enjoy,
but which should, by right, be trebled in amount, as the least
that a grateful country could do in recognition of her brave
defenders.
WAR
REMINISCENCE
By Colonel Andrew Fuller Rodgers
80th
Illinois Volunteer Infantry
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
January 10, 1887
Colonel Andrew Full Rodgers was born in
Howard County, Missouri, and is a son of Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers.
Fifty-two years ago, when a mere child, Colonel Rodgers came to
Madison County, and with the exception of five years spent in
his country’s service, has ever since resided here. But
comparatively few of the settlers of 1834 are now left with us,
but of those who remain, none are better known or more highly
respected than the gentleman whose war record is here
epitomized.
Colonel Rodgers, who was intimately
acquainted with the lamented and gallant Logan, now also finally
mustered out, says that the current reports with regard to the
late General’s Mexican-American War services are incorrect, as
General Logan served during that war in the Quarter Master’s
department. This statement is correct, and was what General
Logan personally told Colonel Rodgers. As a memento of Buena
Vista, Colonel Rodgers brought home a grape-shot, which he
picked up on the battlefield.
In August 1862, Colonel
Rodgers entered the service for the second time [Civil War], and
was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 80th Illinois Infantry,
being commissioned as such by Governor Yates, and on the
following April, he was promoted to Colonel of the regiment,
upon the resignation of its first commander, Colonel Thomas G.
Allen of St. Louis. It was at Murfreesboro that Colonel Rodgers
succeeded to the command of the 80th, and at that time the
regiment had rather an unenviable reputation, the precision of
its regimental movements and maneuvers not being all that could
be desired, besides being deficient in the manual of arms and
other details. This state of affairs was very shortly changed,
for in two weeks after Colonel Rodgers took command, his
regiment was complimented in general orders as being the best
drilled and disciplined regiment in Major General Reynolds’
division of the army of the Cumberland, and as having the
neatest and best kept camp.
At the battle of Perryville,
Kentucky, while leading his regiment in that hot engagement, a
shell from a rebel battery burst directly over his head, and a
fragment struck the gallant officer on the head, fracturing his
skull. The Colonel was immediately carried to the field
hospital, where his own brother, Dr. Ebenezer Rodgers, then
Assistant Surgeon of the 80th, dressed his wound. From the
effects of this injury, Colonel Rodgers’ right side became
partially paralyzed, and still remains so, the wound being of
such a nature that the Colonel will always suffer from it. After
leading his regiment in many engagements, notably the Union
victories at Perryville and Milton, and after whipping the noted
Morgan twice, the 80th regiment was, in April 1863, assigned to
General Streight’s brigade of mounted infantry, and assisted in
winning two victories in one day at Day’s Gap on April 30. But
on May 3, 1863, General Streight’s brigade was surrounded near
Rome, Georgia, by three times its number of rebel troops, and
the entire command was compelled to surrender to General
Forrest. Soon after his capture, Colonel Rodgers and his
officers were taken via Atlanta to Libby Prison at Richmond. The
non-commissioned officers and men of the 80th were almost
immediately exchanged and resumed active service, being known as
the “orphan” regiment, from the fact of its being without
commissioned officers, several companies being commanded by
Sergeants for some time.
For twelve months, Colonel
Rodgers suffered imprisonment in the horrible Libby Prison, in
company with 1,200 other officers of all ranks from General to
Second Lieutenant, and all were treated alike. At night, the
room was so crowded that it was impossible to step without
treading on someone. Indeed, the prisoners were crowded together
in a most inhuman way. It was on rare occasions that the
captives ever had enough to eat, their scanty rations being only
sufficient to keep soul and body together.
From the
Libby Prison, Colonel Rodgers was sent to Macon, Georgia, where
he remained with his fellow officers five weeks, suffering much
from hardship, exposure, and insufficient food. At Macon, the
Confederates selected from 1,200 Union officers fifty of the
highest rank, and took them to Charleston, where they were
placed under the fire of the Union heavy artillery, which was
daily engaged in pounding away at the city with 100-pounder
shells, which very fortunately injured none of the Union men.
Among Colonel Rodgers’ comrades at Charleston were Generals
Shaler, Schofield, Wessells, Neal Dow, Scammon, Seymour, and
Hickman. At his residence, Colonel Rodgers has the autographs of
the fifty officers who were under fire at Charleston with him.
The list includes fifteen Brigadier Generals. At Charleston, the
prisoners had a chance to buy food, and for fifty dollars,
Federal money, the rebels would gladly give one thousand dollars
of Confederate money. After sixteen months’ imprisonment,
Colonel Rodgers was exchanged.
NOTES:
Colonel Andrew
Fuller Rodgers was born October 13, 1827. He was the son of a
pioneer Baptist minister, Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers, who came to
America in 1818, located first in Kentucky. In 1819, Rev.
Rodgers accompanied Cyrus Edwards to Howard County, Illinois. In
1834, Rev. Rodgers moved to Upper Alton. He was one of the early
trustees of Shurtleff College in Upper Alton, where Colonel
Rodgers attended school. At the beginning of the
Mexican-American War, he enlisted in Colonel Bissell’s Second
Illinois Infantry under Captain Lott. Colonel Rodgers was the
ideal soldier, brave and full of fire. After the war, he
returned home, but joined the gold rush to California in 1849.
After a year searching for gold, he became Deputy Sheriff of
Sacramento County, and was a member of the famed Sutter Rifle
Company. He returned to Upper Alton for a visit, and on his way
back to California, became shipwrecked in the Pacific in 1853,
with a loss of 250 passengers. Rodgers and a few other survivors
were cast on Margueretta Island. He saved the life of a girl,
and fifty years later, when she was living in St. Louis, she
learned of Colonel Rodgers and paid him a visit, thanking him
for saving her life. Colonel Rodgers returned to Upper Alton to
live, and married Jane E. Delaplain in 1860. In 1862, he entered
the military service once again as Captain of Company B, 80th
Illinois Infantry. He was appointed Lt. Colonel of the regiment.
Before he left home, his mother presented him with a sword with
his name engraved on it. His service during the Civil War was
eventful and distinguished. When he was captured and made a
prisoner, his sword from his beloved mother was confiscated.
Returning home, he recruited 500 men for the 144th Illinois
Regiment at the request of Governor Yates. He resigned from the
army on November 25, 1864. Years later, the sword given to him
by his mother was returned to him. It had found a home in a
G.A.R. Post, and when they discovered who he was, brought the
sword to him.
Colonel Rodgers lived on Rodgers Avenue in
Upper Alton for his remaining years. His brother, Edward,
purchased land east of Upper Alton (where the Alton State
Hospital was later erected), and also founded the Alton Brick
Company. Colonel Rodgers died at the age of 94 years in January
1922, and is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.
WILLIAM A. HILDEBRAND
Gallant Civil War Soldier
Source:
Alton Daily Telegraph, February 26, 1887
William A.
Hildebrand was at New Orleans on April 12, 1861, when Fort
Sumter was attacked. He immediately took passage on the steamer,
John J. Roe, the last boat that arrived in port of St. Louis
before the blockade was established on April 24. His mother
lived at Alton, and fearing lest she would feel bad to have her
only son go to the war, he enlisted in Co. K, first Missouri
Infantry, Colonel Blair’s regiment, on April 25, then at the
Arsenal, without first going home. He was swapped off for
another man in an independent rifle company called Lyon’s Body
Guard, also of St. Louis. He was mustered out about August 12.
His age was 19; weight, 140.
On September 1, 1861, he
enlisted in Company F, 32nd Illinois Infantry; drilled the
company and officers, and went through twenty-two battles and
skirmishes. He was wounded and carried off the battlefield at
Shiloh, after using up seven or eight muskets. He refused a
recommendation for a commission by Lieutenant Colonel Hunter,
preferring to remain non-commissioned. He had many diseases that
killed others, but was never a day in a hospital, mistrusting
the competency of average army surgeons. He never rode a mile in
an ambulance, as horses had enough to pull without an additional
hundred pounds or so in muddy roads. He trudged it through thick
and thin, and paid as high as $5 for a hard tack on Sherman’s
famous March to the Sea. He was honorably discharged at
Savannah, Georgia on January 1, 1865, having served this latter
term three years and four months, and serving in all about three
years and eight months. He came out weighing 110 pounds with
nasal catarrh and affected lungs. He paid Drs. Hunter and
Dunham, at that time in St. Louis, $35 per month for treatment,
and also had treatment from Dr. O’Leary of Boston, as well as
others. His friends wanted him to apply for a pension, stating,
“You are a fool. You can get it without trouble.” Hildebrand
told them, “No! I will first try and get well, and then see if
Uncle Sam owes me anything. I believe I had as many pleasures as
hardships, and as much mental gain from books captured from
southern cities as physical loss from exposure. So I will first
draw a balance sheet, and see later.”
Hildebrand took the
ground that it is one’s bounden duty to not only rally to the
rescue of one’s country, but to cheerfully die in its defense if
need be. Having the conviction of having done his whole duty
towards his country is a patriotic comfort, the lustre of which
he would not tarnish for any consideration or reward. “Though I
gladly helped many of the dear comrades by my knowledge of facts
observed in the service, to a well-deserved pension, I waived my
own.”
Soon after the war, Hildebrand started in business
with a cash capital of 50 cents, in the solid little city of
Alton, and in course of a few years, he was able to get partly
even with Uncle Sam by paying to his internal revenue collector
for one year’s income tax, the sum of $35, to balance their
accounts, and a cheerful payment it was.
“I now weigh 190
pounds, Hildebrand said, “have three boys, either of whom weighs
more than I did on coming out of the war, and if Uncle Sam gets
into any trouble while my health lasts, I will wind up my
business on short notice, and shoulder a much-improved gun.
President Cleveland’s veto is in harmony with his policy of
economic government, and in accord with the wishes of an already
overtaxed people, whereas his signature would have plunged the
government into a position of protracted continuance of war
taxes, whereas it is near time the late war should be
forgotten.”
[William A. Hildebrand died in July 1887, at
the age of 47. He is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.]
RECOLLECTIONS OF THE BATTLE OF SHILOH
Written by Francis
Marion Johnson of Alton,
Member of the 32nd Illinois
Infantry
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 22, 1890
Benny
Harrison’s death occurred but a short time before the great
Shiloh battle, and I had got comparatively well and was in that
great battle, April 6 and 7, 1862. Our regiment (32nd Illinois)
was terribly depleted on that ever-to-be-remembered spot of
ground, by death from sickness and bullets. Our regiment, in
line for inspection a day or so after the battle, was only
one-third as long as when we marched off the boat (steamboat
Empire) on first landing there. All of the boats (15 or more)
had left loaded to crowding with the wounded but one, the
Champion, by Thursday evening, the 19th. She was crowded with
the last of the wounded who had been carried back by the Rebs on
the first day’s fight (April 6, 1862), and left by them on their
retreat on April 7 and 8. Among them was a number of our
regiment (32nd Illinois) – one of them being my cousin and
adopted brother, A. J. Johnson, who received two severe flesh
wounds, at about half past two o’clock p.m., Sunday, April 6.
The surgeon requested that nurses should be detailed from
the regiments having numbers of wounded aboard. Our boys
requested that I should be detailed to go with them, and I was.
Because of my position in the regiment, I was well known to
every man and boy in it. The boat started north at sundown,
Thursday evening, April 10, and landed at the foot of Chestnut
Street, St. Louis, at 4 o’clock Sunday morning, April 13. On the
trip, the diarrhea and a touch of the flux came back upon me,
caused by drinking the Tennessee River water, and neglect of
self in helping to care for the wounded. Myself and cousin were
taken to the Fifth Avenue Hospital [in St. Louis], where we met
my father, who was waiting to take us home. I had written and
posted a letter to him, giving the name of our boat, and he knew
by the dispatches in the papers about when the boat would arrive
at St. Louis. We were reported at the hospital, underwent a
brief examination, were given a 30-day furlough, and were turned
over to a private, free of charge, repair firm (the folks at
home) to be put into good repair again. Hundreds of fathers,
mothers, brothers, sisters, and other relatives and friends were
about the hospital to care for and to take to their homes their
sick and wounded boys and friends. Tears come to my eyes every
time I think of the piteous, pleading, yearning look, that came
to the eyes of those poor mangled and maimed or badly sick boys,
whose folks or friends had not come yet, or those that had none
to come, upon the witnessing the meeting of us that were more
fortunate with our anxious relatives and friends and our
departure home with them. There were also those that were
considered peculiar cases, or in a too badly injured condition
to be permitted to be moved, and were retained in the hospital
to be experimented upon with an attempt at cure. The soldier
sections in our cemeteries show how many were not cured.
On the way around from Pittsburg Landing, I had 20 men and boys
to wait upon to food and water, and to wash and clean their
wounds until such a time as the insufficient force of surgeons
could attend to them. I had my crowd lying along the larboard
side, center of the cabin, and in the center of the cabin by us
was the amputating tables, using the boat dining tables, and it
was saw and slash, night and day, from Thursday evening to
Sunday morning, and numbers had not yet been touched (only by us
as nurses) when they were moved off of the boat to the hospital.
We, that at times had to assist the surgeons, would carry and
cord up on the boat guards each in a separate pile – arms, legs,
hands, feet, fingers, toes, and chunks of the flesh from almost
every part of the human body that was cut out to get rid of
gangrene, and on coming to deep places in the river, we would
shovel them all overboard. The worst wounded among my twenty was
an orderly sergeant, a wiry little fellow of 20 years of age.
His right arm had been torn off at the shoulder by grape shot,
his windpipe had been almost completely severed by a bullet, and
another had passed through his mouth, knocking out all of his
front teeth and coming out just under the base of his brain. I
had to feed him soups, and always be on the lookout for fear
that he would die because of his windpipe being cut. I kept a
handkerchief tied tightly around his throat, and whenever it
would slip out of place, the wind in breathing would escape, so
as to endanger his life. At the very best that I could do for
him, it was difficult for him to breathe, and in feeding him, I
had to be very careful not to strangle him. He gave me so much
uneasiness, that I kept after the surgeons to attend to him, but
it was Saturday forenoon before they could because of the
gangrene cases, and he was the only one out of my twenty boys
that they did attend to on the boat. I did it all myself, and
kept them in good condition. None of them had gangrene, and all
had been wounded on Sunday, April 6, and the Orderly Sergeant
was not attended to by the surgeons until April 12 – six full
days. They had to unjoint his shoulder socket because of the arm
portion of the bone being shattered. His windpipe was pasted up,
and the mouth and neck wound dressed and he was set back in his
old place, against the side of the cabin. He had a number of
times previous to this beckoned me to hold my ear to his mouth,
and he would, with great effort, beg me to get him a cigar to
smoke. I told him no, the smoke would strangle him. Now that he
was fixed up, he could talk in a tolerably loud whisper, and he
said, “now get me a cigar.” I went to the bar and got a half
dozen (I had been getting them every day for the other boys that
smoked). I lit one and placed it in his mouth, he leaned back,
puffing his cigar, and I can never forget that peaceful, happy,
thoroughly satisfied expression that came into his countenance,
such as ‘tis said those have that are about to enter the pearly
gates of Heaven. I do not smoke myself, but I do not begrudge
the comfort that others may have in doing it, as this poor,
unfortunate boy did.
Nearby my boys, another nurse had
two badly wounded men. One a big, stout German, about thirty
years old, and who had left a wife and children at home, had his
left leg badly shattered below the knee. On examining him, the
surgeons said “his leg would have to come off above the knee.”
The German raved and swore that it should not come off at all.
Next day, a number of the surgeons and nurses seized him and
threw him upon the table, holding him until ether and then
chloroform were applied. Neither of them had the desired effect,
and he had to be held by main force until his leg was cut off.
Of all the heart-rending scenes that I ever went through, that
was the worst. The ravings, the piteous pleadings, the bewailing
of the condition of his poor wife and children. Why, people, it
was enough to unstring the nerves of a man of iron. When it was
done, and he was placed back in his place on the cabin floor, he
sobbed and sobbed, his heart was broke, and just because of his
love for wife and children. Probably, and I think certainly,
that the loving wife and children restored that broken heart, if
not the amputated limb.
Another poor, badly wounded
soldier, an American about 25 years of age, lay near to this
German. His left leg was very badly shattered just above the
knee. He lay there so uncomplaining that it was thought that he
was not hurt very bad. When he was taken up and operated upon,
the surgeons made three different amputations to get ahead of
gangrene – the third time cutting up into his body, and it was
still ahead of them. He was laid back in his place on the cabin
floor, and soon died. That night he was tied up with some
weights in a blanket, and thrown overboard. If he could have had
attention in time, his life could have been saved. Such are the
horrors of war, and this is but a very, very little of it.
My father was taking the Alton Daily Telegraph, and the next
evening after getting home, I saw an account where I had arrived
at home wounded, and my cousin sick. As soon as I was able, I
rode downtown and called upon Mr. Parks (editor of the
Telegraph) to correct his mistake. He said, “I do not see the
use of doing that – it is all in the same family, is it not?”
Yes, I said, but I want the honor to be to him, to whom it is
due. Foolish wasn’t it? There has proved to be no honor in it
now-a-days, especially.
NOTES:
Francis M. Johnson’s
hometown was listed as Upper Alton. His rank was listed as
Musician. He was mustered in December 31, 1861, with his cousin,
Corporal Andrew J. Johnson. The rank of Musician was a position
just below Corporal, and just above Private. During the Civil
War, military leaders on both sides depended on military
musicians to entertain troops, position troops in battle, and
stir them on to victory. Some performed concerts in forward
positions during the fighting. At times, musicians from both
sides played against each other on the night before a battle.
Francis M. Johnson was born in Alton in 1843, making him
18 years of age when he mustered in. During his lifetime, he
became a historian of the old No. 2 school building (the first
free school in Alton – later called Lincoln School). Johnson was
filled with patriotism, and marched in every Memorial Day
parade, beating the old drum which he had carried with him
during the war. He married and had two sons – William and Frank
Jr. – and three daughters – Fanny May Johnson, Mrs. Foreline,
and Mrs. Grace Layton. He was a long-standing member of the
G.A.R. at Alton. He died in 1912 at the age of 67, and is buried
in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery.