1865 September 30: Telegraphic Summary

The following summary of news comes from the September 30, 1865, issue of both The Prescott Journal and The Polk County Press.  Both papers have identical inside pages, with Milwaukee advertisements.

Telegraphic Summary.

A delegation from Texas is in Washington, urging the release of Jeff Davis.  [Jefferson Davis]

The South Carolina convention has repealed the ordinance of succession—there being three votes in the negative.

The trial of the rebel burners of steamboats commenced in St. Louis, before a military commission, Tuesday.  The counsel for one of the defendants gave notice that he should summon, among his witnesses, Jeff. Davis, the rebel secretaries Seddon [James Seddon] and Mallory [Stephen R. Mallory], and Admirals Farragut [David G. Farragut] and Porter [David D. Porter].

Champ Ferguson’s¹ trial, at Nashville, was closed Tuesday, and the decision of the court has been forwarded to General Stoneman.  [George Stoneman]

In the Indian council at Fort Smith, on Monday, the treaty was signed by the rebel Creeks, Cherokees, Osages, Comanches, Choctaws and Chickasaws.

The late rebel Gen. Pillow is in Washington seeking pardon.  [Gideon J. Pillow]

The total number of colored troops enlisted in the army was 180,000.  Of these, 50,000 have died or been killed, and 60,000 of the remainder have been ordered mustered out.

The Secretary of the Treasury has addressed addressed [sic] a letter to officers of customs, allowing the shipment to the Southern States of firearms and ammunition for sporting, and blast powder for mining purposes, the amounts to be left at their own discretion.

The notorious John H. Surratt, one of the assassination conspirators, and son of Mrs. Surratt [Mary Surratt] who was executed, was recently seen in Montreal where he has been concealed.  He is on the eve of leaving for Scotland.

Private letters from the 12th Illinois cavalry, of September 3d, announce the arrival of Custar’s [sic] Division at Hempshead, Texas,  on the Texas central railroad, forty miles north of Houston, where the command would remain three weeks.  The division is composed of the 5th and 12th Illinois, 7th Indiana, 2d Wisconsin [emphasis added], and 1st Iowa, all cavalry, in two brigades.  It left Alexandria, La., August 8th, and performed the march of nearly 350 miles in nineteen days.  It was expected next to proceed to Austin, 175 miles, stay several weeks, and afterwards to San Antonio, 80 miles, at which latter place Gen. Merritt’s cavalry division is already arrived.   [Wesley Merritt]

In the Alabama State Convention, on the 20th, the provisional Governor was requested, by resolution, to call out the militia for the suppression of prevalent lawlessness.  The consideration of the ordinance abolishing slavery was postponed, after debate, till the following day.

A dispatch from Washington says it is understood that the President regards with disfavor the extent of power exercised by agents of the Freedmen’s Bureau; and he is expected to make some changes in this regard.

The report that Jeff. Davis’ quarters at Fortress Monroe had been changed is contradicted.

Hannibal Hamlin, Horace Greeley, General Fremont and other notabilities, are expected to arrive at Detroit to-day, on board the revenue cutter Commodore Perry.  [Horace Greeley, John C. Fremont]

Fayette McMullen, of Virginia, who was formerly a member of the federal, and latterly of the rebel congress, has received a pardon.

Kenneth Raynor and Alfred Dockery, of North Carolina, and John McQueen, of South Carolina, all formerly members of the United States congress, have also been pardoned.

General Blair, who is in temporary command of the department of the Missouri, during the temporary absence of General Pope, has been assigned to the command of the cavalry in that department.  [Francis P. Blair, John Pope]

Iowa is credited by the provost marshal general with 76,000 troops—3,000 less than she claims.

In the case of the steamboat burner Murphy, at St. Louis, Friday, the motion of his cou[n]sel to summon Jeff. Davis and his cabinet as witnesses, was overruled.

A mutiny has occurred among the troops at Fort Rice, and some of them decamped on government horses.

General Sully’s force has returned from Devil’s lake to Fort Rice.  Nothing was accomplished by the expedition.  [Alfred Sully]

1.  Irregular guerrilla forces under the notorious Champ Ferguson murdered white and black Union soldiers who had been wounded and captured. Ferguson was tried after the War for these and other non-military killings and was found guilty and executed.

1865 July 1: “The Conquering Heroes Come Home,” More Obituaries of Local Soldiers, and Other News

Following are the smaller items, many local, from the July 1, 1865, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

THE CONQUERING HEROES COME [HOME.— . . . ]¹ are daily returning to their homes, and are welcomed by our citizens with hearty greetings.

Below will be found a list of arrivals during the past week :

Albert Nason, David Orme, William Moody, John Brawn [sic: Braun], Hiram Fay, Benj. Conners, Julius Dohm, John Demling [sic: Demulling], Samuel Tamset, Charles Vassau, Charles Scott, Alexander Bildo, Silas Emery [sic: Cyrus Emery], Henry Worth, William D. Kent, Charles Fenlason, Geo. Hays, Gus. Peterson, J. Wright, Francis Pigenot, Mark Walton, David Turket, Chas. Tewksbury, John McDonald, Oloff Swain, John Christie, and Thomas Peck.

Welcome home brave boys !

DANCE.—There was an old fashioned good time at the Osceola House hall on Friday evening in honor of our returned soldiers, and all were gay and happy “when this cruel war is over.”

SECOND CAVALRY.—That portion of the 2d Wis. cavalry, which has recently been on service in Memphis, Tenn., has been ordered to move to Alexandria, on Red River, La.—La Crosse Democrat.

DEATH OF BROTHER CARMI P. GARLICK.—The following telegraphic dispatch announces the painful intelligence of the death of Dr. CARMI P. GARLICK, of this place, at Milwaukee yesterday morning :

By telegraph from Milwaukee, June 30th.

To W. A. TALBOYS, Osceola :

Brother Garlick died this morning.  Will send body by to-morrow afternoon train directed to you at Prescott.

JAS. HAMILTON.

There will be a Special Communication of Osceola Lodge No. 134, A. F. & A. M.,² at the Lodge Room, this Friday evening, at 6½ o’clock.  A full attendance is earnestly requested.

W. A. TALBOYS, W. M.

DEATH OF LIEUT. CHARLEY EMORY.—We learn from SAMUEL EMORY, Esq., the painful particulars of the death of his son, CHARLES D. EMORY, formerly of the First Minnesota Battery, and subsequently 2d Lieut. of the 8th U. S. Colored Artillery.  Lieut. EMORY resigned his commission and was residing at Vicksburg, where he had but recently married.  While there waiting for his pay, he engaged as 2d mate on one of the Vicksburg and New Orleans packets, and while making his first trip down the river, being broken of his rest by constant duty until exhausted, he laid down on a bundle of hay to sleep.  On being aroused to stand his watch by the 1st mate, he walked half asleep too near the edge of the guard, lost his ballance [sic] and fell overboard, and although desperate efforts were made to save him, the night being dark, he could not be found, and is supposed to have drowned.

This painful news reached his parents, who reside at St. Croix Falls, on the 18th inst.  He leaves a young wife and many friends to mourn his loss.

He was a good soldier, and one of the first to volunteer in defense of his country.

— The assassination trial is over and the decision of the Commission has been laid before the President for his consideration.  [Andrew Johnson]

— The population of the city of Hudson, according to the census just completed, foots up 1,065.  [1865 Wisconsin State Census]

— Ford’s theatre, under the new proprietorship, has been name The Lincoln Memorial Temple, and will be opened on the Fourth of July for religious services.

HALF FARE.—All the railroads in the State have generously agreed to charge only half fare for those wishing to visit the Soldiers’ Home State Fair at Milwaukee.

— A letter in the Rochester Democrat from Fortress Monroe says of Jeff. Davis [Jefferson Davis] :

“He now walks his cell almost constantly, and amuses himself as he approaches either wall by trying to put his finger on the careless flies that dot the whitewashed surface, but they invariably, like the throne he sought to grasp, elude him.  He talks in a loud, strong voice, and is inquisitive.  The privates had strict orders not to speak to him, yet occasionally they will answer a question.”

From The Prescott Journal:

  Gen. BUTLER [Benjamin F. Butler] says :

“I know, from having seen the rolls of 100,000 of the rank and file of the Confederate army, prisoners, that only one in eight was able to sign his name.”

How much better qualified to exercise the right of suffrage are these ignorant rebel soldiers than the loyal blacks ?”

That is the question.

  Dr. CAMERON, late Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment, has resumed the practice of his profession at La Crosse.  True to his promise last winter, as soon as the war closed, the Dr. sent us a certificate of exemption from the draft.  The Dr. is a kind man—very.—He remembers his friends.

— The latest story about the assassin Payne [aka Lewis Powell] is, that he is an illegitimate son of Jeff. Davis.

  The total rece[i]pts of the Chicago Fair were about $300,000.

Chicago Fair.—The total cash receipts of the great Fair, up to the hour of closing on Saturday night, exceeded $232,000.  The New England Farm House part of the Fair has been closed.  There is a good [?] and [?] in the Fair buildings to-day.³  To-morrow is the last day exhibition.  The Fair will be open every evening this week, closing finally on Saturday night.  The Arras and Trophy Department, in Bryan Hall, will close to-morrow night; but the Art Galley, Zenobia and the Signing of the Emancipation Proclamation will remain open for an indefinite period.—Chicago Journal, 19th.

1.  A fold in the newspaper obliterates one sentence.
2.  Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
3.  There is too much type coming through from the other side of the newspaper to make out these words.

1864 December 24: Daring and Successful Raid by the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry

From The Prescott Journal of December 24, 1864.  During the months of October, November, and December, 1864, the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry was engaged in “heavy scouting duty.”  Lieutenant Colonel Dale, along with 250 men, “encountered a large body of the enemy on the Vicksburg road, near Yazoo City on December 2.  After fighting some time, the enemy appeared in such numbers as to outflank the force of Lieutenant Colonel Dale.  After twice repelling the charges of the enemy, Dale’s forces were withdrawn, the Lieutenant Colonel being wounded in the ankle. . . . Twenty-seven were reported as taken prisoners.”

Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry was the Saint Croix Lancers/Rangers, Company L was the Eau Claire Rangers, and Company M, while not a company composed mainly of men from our counties, contained many men from Prescott.  From the list of wounded, it would appear that of these only Company L was along for the “raid.”

Daring and Successful Raid.

Losses of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry.

The telegraph brought a brief account  of a recent raid by our troops from Vicksburg.  The Herald of that city brings a fuller report.  The expedition, under command of Col. OSBAND, left Vicksburg November 25th, and returned on the 4th inst.  It was designed to cut off the supplies which the enemy were drawing over the Mississippi Central Railroad from the rich districts of the Yazoo and the Big Black rivers.  After a sharp-fight, it was successful in burning the railroad bridge across the Big Black, and tore up a mile of track.  the 2d Wisconsin, Major DALE commanding, burnt Vaughn’s Station, warehouse, steam-water tank, destroyed a mile and a half of track, with $70,000 worth of railroad supplies, 100 bales of cotton, 20 barrels of salt, with a considerable amount of corn and wheat.

On the 29th ult. the expedition destroyed still more of the road, 1,200 bales of cotton, and a large amount of wheat and corn.  They next proceeded to Goodman’s Station, burnt the railroad buildings and 1,300 bales of cotton, two engines, four cars, and a large amount of other supplies.  Thirty miles of road was left a ruin, which cannot be put in order in less than sixty days.

Having accomplished their object, the expedition returned to Yazoo City on the 29th, in time to baffle the enemy who were seeking to occupy the point before our troops could reach it.  After resting on the 30th, Colonel OSHAND, hearing that the rebels were advancing sent out scouts on all the roads at daylight the following day, for information.—The Herald’s account continues :

The enemy were found on each road in more or less force, but strongest on the Vicksburg road, on which Major N.H. Dale, with 250 men of the 2d Wis. cavalry had been sent.  Major Dale drove the enemy beyond the junction of the Yazoo City and Benton roads.  Here, at some negro quarters, the enemy developed more strength, and two companies were dismounted to dislodge them.  Finding them about to be flanked, two other companies were dismounted and sent forward to cover the flanks of those now fighting.—Just beyond these quarters was a dense under growth of scrub oak in which quite a large force of the enemy were concealed, who now made a furious assault on the small force of Major Dale, whose gallantry was conspicuous, was wounded in the ankle and fainted from loss of blood and pain, while rallying his men, who were somewhat surprised by this sudden and unexpected attack.  The gallant men, however, reformed, and twice repulsed charges of the enemy with considerable loss.  The command was then withdrawn.

The best informed officers estimated the number of the enemy at this place from 1,5000 to 3,000, and his loss at 75 killed and wounded.

The enemy being in strong force, and partly infantry, Col. OSHAND did not deem it prudent to risk general engagement, and accordingly fell back across the Yazoo, and returned to Vicksburg without further loss.

HENRY R. BOARDMAN, Esq., of the 2d Wisconsin, sends the following list of the casualties in that regiment:

Company C.

Wounded—Albert M. Parker, in hand; Richard Ladd, in leg.

Prisoners—Lieut. S. Woodard; Sergeants Bellrode, Fisher, Alby, and Ellison; Corporals Donerar, Goodwin and West; W. Lasuer farrier; M. Mott, blacksmith; W. McCormick, saddler; Privates John A. Brown, H.J. Cook, J. Corning, W.P. French, T. Howard, M. Landgraff, M Oleson, H. Gibbs, W. Whiting, J. Lowden, Pierce S. Ransomer.

 This company, which was dismounted, except every fourth man who held the horses in the rear, and formed the left of the line of battle, was out-flanked and captured in a body.  Many of the men cannot but be wounded or killed as they were last observed in the face of the enemy and in the heat of fierce conflict.

Company F.

 Wounded—Ira Burton, in shoulder; Stuart Craig, in side; William Noble, in side—all severe, but not thought mortal.

Prisoners—Corp. James Logne; privates Henry Cate and Josiah Williams, the latter known to be severely, if not mortally wounded in the hip.

Company F occupied the right of the dismounted line of battle, and led on by Lieut. Hamilton gained an advanced position and being covered by a fence held their ground until the “recall” was sounded, when they reluctantly fell back to their horses.

Company I.

 Wounded—Lieut. Tinkham, slightly in ankle; Amos Sperry, in arm, slightly.

Prisoners—Joseph Vangarder, James Cullen,—both severely wounded.

Company I occupied the center, and officers and men deserve great credit for their stubborn resistance of two rebel charges, never flinching until ordered back by Maj. Dale.

Company L.

Killed—Joshua T. Thompson and George Gray, both left on the field.

Wounded—Anton Zittel, slightly in shoulder.

Company L also lost eight horses killed on the spot, as they were formed mounted across the road in rear of the center, to cover the retreat of the dismounted companies.  Orderly Sergeant P. Hartman had command of the company in the absence of the Captain, and is well spoken of by the boys.

Companies H and B, the latter temporarily under command of Lieut. Poynter, of Co. F, did all that the time and ground would permit in holding the rebels at bay until the command could form an orderly retreat.

1.  Military History of Wisconsin, by E. B. Quiner (Chicago, 1866), chapter 51, page 907 (available in the UWRF Archives and in the Chalmer Davee Library main stacks, E537 .Q56 1866).

1864 October 22: News from the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry in Vicksburg

This letter from the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry in Vicksburg first appeared in Madison’s State Journal, and was reprinted in The Prescott Journal on October 22, 1864.  Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry was the St. Croix Lancers or Rangers; Company L was the Eau Claire Rangers; and Company M contained many men from Prescott.

A Letter from Vicksburg.

Presentation by the Second Cavalry to Mrs.
Harvey—The Regiment Reunited—Northern
Copperheads taking the Oath—Miscellaneous Items.

Correspondence of the State Journal.

VICKSBURG, Oct. 1.

EDS. STATE JOURNAL :—Yesterday witnessed a pleasant scene at the camp of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry.  As you know, Mrs. Gov. Harvey [Cordelia A. P. Harvey] has been unceasing in her efforts to relieve the sick and wounded soldiers from our State, and has frequently been so located as to be of great service to the Second Wisconsin Cavalry.  The boys of the regiment, officers and men, appreciated her efforts and felt that they must give her some token of their regard and esteem, which culminated yesterday in the presentation of a watch, chain, and “accompanying documents” in the shape of charms, pin, &c.

Mrs. Harvey was invited to visit the regiment yesterday, about 1½ miles from the city.  On her arrival the bugle sounded the “call,” when the regiment formed in front of the officers’ quarters under the command of Major Woods, and as the carriage of Mrs. Harvey arrived in front of the regiment they saluted her by presenting sabres, when Capt. Ring, of Co. G, stepped forward and presented Mrs. Harvey with a beautiful watch, accompanied with the following remarks :

MRS. HARVEY:—To me has been assigned the pleasing duty of presenting to you in behalf of the officers and men of the 2d Wisconsin Vol. Cavalry, this little token of their esteem.  Since our first acquaintance, we have known you as a warm and untiring friend.  From the commencement of this great rebellion your time has been devoted to the soldier; his welfare, body and soul, has been your constant study, and to none more than the 2d Wisconsin Vol. Cavalry has your care been extended.  It is natural, then, that we should feel toward you the deepest gratitude and a keen desire to express it.  Accept, therefore, this watch as an emblem of our love and gratitude.  May it serve to remind you of the great good you have done, and thus in a measure prove a reward for the sacrifices you have made for the soldier.

On receiving which Mrs. Harvey replied as follows :

CAPT. RING—My friends of the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry:  My heart is full of grateful words to you to-day, but I cannot speak them here.  My position seems very strange to me.  I cannot talk much.  In every face before me I recognize a brave defender of my country, and as such I am glad to see you.  I know that you had not forgotten me, however, as a recognition of the spirit in which I have tried to serve you and others of our brave soldiers.  It has been little that I could do, but that little I have done gladly.  I have tried to be hopeful myself, and to speak cheering words to you, and this has often been all that I could do.

God bless you for the spirit which prompted this thought for me.  I know while I receive this that the humblest friend among you who has tried to do his duty, is more deserving than I am, and it delights me to know that to every true soldier of our country Heaven has granted a prize worthier and more imperishable, even than your gift to me—in his own loyal heart.  Of this I shall henceforth preserve this beautiful memento.

Soldiers: may your every heartthrob be as strong, steady and true as the tick of your treasured gift; your every wish pure as its polished gold; every loyal aspiration, full and free, as my gratitude is to you.

Mrs. Parsons, of New Orleans, then came forward, and presented Mrs. Harvey with a beautiful and exquisite boquet [sic] of flowers, arranged by herself ;  after which, a pleasant social hour was spent by the guests in examining the beautiful present, and in listening to the “music by the band.”  By the way, the post band here is made up largely of the old 16th Wisconsin band, and is led by Mr. Slater.  It is a splendid band, and played finely on this occasion.

I must give you a description of the watch.  It is of gold, with blue enamel on each side, set with diamonds, on one side in the form of a harp, on the other a boquet [sic] ;  the diamonds are very fine ;  attached is a heavy chain of exquisite workmanship and design, accompanying which was a pin with cross and crescent, set in pearly rich and beautiful.  At the end of the chain were also attached numerous charms, as follows : ___, anchor, saber, carbine, drum, compass, cannon, Howitzer, cross, pistol, key, and field glass.  The field glass is less than half an inch in length and eighth of an inch in diameter ;  in one side you see a fine photograph of Gen. Grant with his name underneath, and in the other the Lord’s Prayer, which you can read as plainly as in the prayer-book.  The whole forms one of the most rich and beautiful remembrances I ever saw, and there is no one more worthy to received such a present than Mrs. Harvey.—With the watch the boys add their heartfelt payers for health, prosperity and future happiness.  The inscription on the inside of the watch case is as follows :  “Presented to Mrs. Louis P. Harvey, of Wis., with the Love, Gratitude and Admiration of the 2d Wis. Veteran Vol. Cav. Regt.”  The boquet [sic] I will not attempt to describe, as I am not gifted in that line, although it was some time in my possession.

Altogether the affair was a very pleasant one for all concerned.  The speeches as you will see were neat and appropriate.  Capt. Ring is a perfect pattern of a gentleman and officer.  There were several Wisconsin men present on the occasion, among whom I noticed D. K. Tenney, Vandercook, Rasdall, Dr. Wilson, and numerous citizens and also officers from other regiments.

The battalion of the second cavalry which has been detached for the past two years, arrived here on Wednesday last in good health and well mounted.  They left again the next day on an expedition which went down to Grand Gulf and Port Gibson, and are now there “seeking whom they may devour.”  This morning they sent back an installment of cattle, household furniture, refugees, prisoners, &c.  The whole expedition is expected back in a day or two.

Speculation and militia orders are rife here now.  Since the Memphis scare, the militia arm of the service is most relied upon.  A few days since an order was issued to enroll and organize, but as soon as perfected it was discovered that no arrangements had been made for “pocket money,” and yesterday a new order was issued revoking all exemptions, and requiring new ones to be applied for ;  but before any application could be made, a fee of two dollars must be paid to the “militia fund,” (it should be called the cripples’ fund,) for the benefit of the field officers, as I am informed.  I will post you on the “general trainings.”  Of course, if a cripple can’t pay two dollars, he must “train ;”  and if he does pay, then the officers can “train.”

Two citizens of Dane county, noted there for their opposition and Democratic proclivities, (a la Copper,) arrived here the other day and took the amnesty oath, very quietly and demurely, including the emancipation proclamation and other orders.

A vote at the Soldiers’ Home on Friday, of soldiers, resulted for Lincoln 49 and for McClellan 11.

Yours, &c.,               GEO. C. SMITH.

1864 August 27: The 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry and General Slocum’s Expedition to Jackson

The following column is from the August 27, 1864, issue of The Prescott Journal.  Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry was primarily from northwestern Wisconsin, Company L was from Eau Claire, and Company M had a lot of men from Prescott.

By way of a quick explanation of the expedition this letter describes, the following is from Dunbar Rowland’s Military History of Mississippi, 1803-1898:¹

“When General Slocum [Henry W. Slocum] made his expedition from Vicksburg to Jackson, in July, 1864, Scott² and Powers³ moved at the call of General Adams [Wirt Adams], and skirmished with the advancing enemy near Clinton.  Slocum pushed on and occupied Jackson July 5, and Adams collected the Scott and Powers Regiments and Gholson’s⁴ Brigade, north of the city, and moved to intercept Slocum on the retreat to Clinton, bringing on the engagements of July 6-7.  The enemy was severely punished and Scott and Powers pursued as far as Edwards.”

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

From the Second Cavalry—Its part in General Slocum’s Expedition.

CAMP 2D WIS. CAV., VICKSBURG, MISS, }
July 27th, 1864. }

Eds. State Journal :—I see by reading a letter written by a correspondent of a Chicago paper giving an account of an expedition which started from this place on the first of this month for Jackson, Miss., under command of Brig. Gen. Dennis,⁵ that the troops that took the most active part in skirmishes and did some of the most stubborn fighting while out, were left entirely out of the ring and that none got praise or scarcely mention save Illinois regiments.  Therefore, I may not present much that is new in regard to the general details of the expedition, yet I hope to show that the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry has been “tried in the fire” and not found wanting.  The following are some items from a journal kept by one of the soldiers :

On the 1st of July, ’64, our regiment with two days rations, took the advance of the grand column of cavalry, artillery and infantry, beside a large train of wagons.  Co. “C” taking the advance of the regiment, met the enemy’s pickets about three miles to the other side of Big Black River, skirmishing with them, drove them back to Champion Hill, and from the road where the command camped.  On the morning of the 4th the 2d Cavalry formed the rear of the column ;  Co. “F” the rear guard.  The advance by a brisk little fight, drove the enemy from Clinton.  The enemy appearing in the greatest force in the advance, the Second was ordered to the front and took up a position three-fourths of a miles in advance of the column on the Jackson road and prepared to camp for the night.  The enemy fell back out of sight, when the boys began strolling out from camp for blackberries which were abundant, when the rebels advanced, fired a volley in among the unsuspecting straglers [sic] when they ran back for their arms and rallied under command of Lt. Hamilton,⁶ of Co. “F,” and drove the rebels back about two miles.  The enemy formed in line to check them, but lost both ground and men, seven of them being killed to one wounded on our side.  Our men returning to camp the rebels soon followed and secured a safe position behind a railroad grading.  Capt. Ring,⁷ with about seventy-five men, relieved the Lieutenant with his volunteer force, and finally thinking that as it was near night, the rebels would not make further demonstration, fell back to camp, when to the surprise of all, Col. Scott,² (rebel) with about six hundred men, charged into the camp of the Second, compelling the men to saddle their horses and form their line of battle under the enemy’s fire.  Cos. C, M, F, forming quickly, held the enemy at bay from their own ground, but the left, more unfortunate, gave back when the rebels took possession of their supper of hot coffee, hard tack, forage for horses, &c.  A few volleys from the companies that held the ground on the enemy’s flank compelled him to fall back, and then the whole regiment charged in line, breaking that of the rebels, and the 5th Illinois cavalry on the left of our line, being all mounted, followed up the rout.  All hostilities then ceased for the night.

On the morning of the 5th the 11th Illinois cavalry taking the advance, skirmishing immediately commenced, and one of their Captains and a sergeant were killed.  Infantry now took the front, and cavalry took another road to protect the infantry’s flank ;  the 5th Illinois still keeping the main advance of the cavalry, while the 11th Illinois cavalry and Companies L, H and B of the 2d Wisconsin were deployed on the right of the road as skirmishers.  After advancing about three miles, Companies I and C of the 2nd reinforced the right and advanced still another mile, when the rebels were discovered in considerable force on a commanding eminence, and in possession of a peach orchard, across an open field.  Lieut. Hamilton in command of Companies M, F, I and C to the right, and the 11th Illinois on the left, our gallant men moved on in the shower of bullets as though it was a hail storm though they brought death to many as they “zipped” through the air, and the wounded pressed back to the rear.  Our boys fought rapidly and long enough to empty their cartridge boxes.  The rebels fell back, slowly until they could support and use their artillery.  Our men then advanced dismounted, in support of our artillery, under a severe fire from the enemy.  The infantry making a flank movement on the rebels, they were compelled to abandon their position and retreated through the city of Jackson, a part of them across Pearl river.  The Mayor come out to our forces with a flag of truce and surrendered the city to them and we marched in and took possession.

Major Gen. Slocum, who with his staff officers overtook the expedition at Champion Hill, and had assumed chief command, learned by rebel dispatches from Gen. Adams to Col. Scott, and captured by our scouts, that the former would reinforce the other with three thousand men if he could hold the Yankees a short time.

Having accomplished all that was intended by the expedition and having a limited supply of rations, our forces on the afternoon of the 6th, commenced the march back towards Vicksburg.

Gen. Slocum ordered Major Richmond,⁸ who was in command of the 2d cavalry, to move to the front, and subsequently ordered Lieut. Hamilton, in command of five companies, to remain as rear guard to the main column.  As soon as our forces were on the move the rebels dashed upon them from all sides.  Fierce fighting commenced in front, and the Lieutenant with his five companies being ordered to the front moved along by a road on the left of the main force, when the rebels opened upon him with shell from their battery, many of the shots striking on all sides but doing no great damage, and he formed for battle under cover of a grove of timber.  The 5th Ill. and 3d Miss. (colored) cavalry were in line of battle on the crest of a hill, and protected somewhat by a fence repulsed three desperate charges made by the rebels.  They, in one of these, discovering that a portion of our forces were negroes, the rebel commander leading the charge was heard to give the order to kill every d–d one of them, when a negro sergeant shot him dead on the spot, and a well-timed volley from these troops staggered the rebels and they fell back in disorder.  Lieut. Hamilton with his detachment of the 2d received orders and formed his men near a railroad embankment, while shell from the rebel battery was passing through his line, and he then moved under constant fire farther to the front to hold in check an expected charge by the enemy, and in his new position was exposed in open and easy range of their guns, but the boys with great coolness closely watched the shells as they came with their scream of death and avoided them as much as possible by running to the right or left to give them room to pass, but did not break their line of battle.  There were only five horses injured, and the men escaped unhurt.  The whole line continued [_] rapid and fierce fire until after dark.  The cavalry having done most of the fighting this day, were relieved by the infantry and fell back and rested for the night on their arms.

On the morning of the 7th, as soon as barely light, the ball opened again, and Gen. Slocum with true courage and ability, disposed of his forces that he succeeded in cutting through the enemy’s line, and saving his long train of wagons and his troops from disaster.  Companies F and M, on the right, and C and I on the left of the road, advanced on the enemy dismounted, and closely followed by our reserved forces, forced the rebels back four miles when they fell upon the rear of the column and by a desperate charge on the train, succeeded in cutting our forces in two, despite the efforts of the 5th Illinois’ cavalry to prevent it, when the 3d Battallion [sic] of the 2d Wisconsin cavalry was ordered back and opened the communication by blank movements on the rebels.  Brisk skirmishing continued at various points, until our forces reached Clinton, when the 2d was again ordered to the advance, and drove the enemy across Baker’s Creek where the rebels succeeded in destroying the bridge, and Capt. Ward [sic],⁹ of Co. C, with a volunteer force from the regiment, in about two hours, succeeded in reconstructing a temporary crossing, and our forces moved on without any other important event except to be constantly harrassed [sic] on all sides by small squads of the enemy, until they reached Big Black River where they found quiet and safety.

The total loss to our forces was then supposed to be about one hundred and seventy-five in killed, wounded and missing, and that of the enemy was acknowledged to be more than three hundred.  By the above, which I believe to be correct, your readers can see that the gallant 2d Cavalry played a very conspicuous part, never flinching at any place and really deserving more credit than the troops who were the especial favorites of a correspondence who could not chronicle gallantry save that exhibited by the troop0s from his own State.  All who were with this expedition deserve all honor for their bravery.

Yours respectfully,               H. B.

1.  Military history of Mississippi, 1803-1898: Taken from the Official and Statistical Register of the State of Mississippi, compiled by Dunbar Rowland (originally published 1908; reprint in 1978 by Reprint Co. of Spartanburg, S.C.).
2.  John Sims Scott, colonel of the 1st Louisiana Cavalry. Scott raised the 1st Louisiana cavalry regiment starting in June 1861, and the regiment was mustered in September. The 1st Louisiana Cavalry was one of the most heavily endowed regiments, receiving some $500,000, largely from Louisiana planters, as many of the troopers of the Regiment were sons of planters or their relatives. Some of the more notable engagements the regiment participated in were Nashville, Elk River, Richmond (Ky.), Munfordville, Stone’s River, Murfreesborough, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Big Hill (Ky.), Perryville, and Danville (Ky.).  General Richard Taylor surrendered his army, which included the 1st Louisiana Cavalry Regiment, to General E.R.S. Canby near Citronelle, Alabama, on May 5, 1865. Final parole was at Gainesville, Alabama, on May 12, 1865. For more on Scott and the 1st Louisiana Cavalry, see They Rode with Forrest, by Michael R. Bradley (Pelican Publishing Co., 2012).
3.  Frank P. Powers, colonel of the 14th Arkansas. There are few records of Powers’ service during the Civil War, with the exception of his leadership at the Battle of Plains Store during the Siege of Port Hudson. On May 21, 1863, Powers commanded his forces in the Battle of Plains Store (La.). This Union victory closed the last Confederate escape route from Port Hudson.
4.  Samuel Jameson Gholson (1808-1883) was a lawyer in Mississippi before the Civil War and served multiple terms in the Mississippi House of Representatives (1835, 1836, 1839) and also in the U.S. House of Representatives (1836-1838). His had an often stormy tenure, including a severe dispute with Henry A. Wise of Virginia that nearly resulted in a duel. Gholson next served as federal judge in Mississippi (1839-1861), resigning when Mississippi seceded. He was an advocate of states’ rights and served as a member of Mississippi’s secession convention. When the Civil War broke out, Gholson enlisted as a private in the Monroe County Volunteers, which became Company I of the 14th Mississippi Infantry. He rose through the ranks to captain, colonel, and brigadier general. At the Battle of Fort Donelson, he was severely wounded and surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant’s forces. After his exchange, Gholson returned to active duty and fought at Iuka and Corinth. By mid-1863 he was a major general of Mississippi State Troops and in 1864 became a brigadier general in the Provisional Army of the Confederate States. He was placed in command of a brigade of cavalry attached to the division of General James Chalmers (under General Nathan B. Forrest). While serving in the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, Gholson was severely wounded in a fight with Union cavalry on December 27, 1864, at Egypt, Mississippi. The amputation of his left arm ended his combat duty for the rest of the War.
5.  Elias Smith Dennis (1812-1894) served in the Illinois House of Representatives (1842-1844) and in the Illinois State Senate (1846 -1848). In 1857 President Buchanan appointed him Kansas Territory Marshal for the Leavenworth area, but was dismissed in 1858. When the Civil War started, Elias was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 30th Illinois Infantry. He was promoted to colonel in May 1862 and to brigadier general of Volunteers in November 1862. During the 1863 Vicksburg Campaign, he was accused of selling army provisions to the Confederates while his own men were underfed. Despite that, he was placed in command of the District of Northeast Louisiana. Troops from his command participated in the Battle of Milliken’s Bend (June 7, 1863). Elias served as the commanding officer of Union militia in Louisiana until the end of the war.
6.  Roswell R. Hamilton, from Richland Center, was commissioned 1st lieutenant of Company F, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry, on December 23, 1861, and served until his term expired on February 5, 1865.
7.  George W. Ring, from Milwaukee, was the captain of Company I, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. He enlisted October 25, 1861, promoted 1st lieutenant November 26, 1861, promoted captain September 24, 1862, and promoted major of the 2nd February 15, 1865. He mustered out when his term expired on February 25, 1865.
8.  George N. Richmond, from Portage, was originally the captain of Company E. He became the major of the Third Battalion on March 4, 1863. Richmond was “dismissed” November 17, 1864.
9.  Myron W. Wood, from Lancaster, was the captain of Company C, 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. He enlisted October 31, 1861, promoted to 1st lieutenant December 7, 1861, promoted to captain July 21, 1862, and promoted to major February 1, 1865. He was “dropped” October 19, 1865, and then honorably discharged by order of the War Department.

1864 June 4: Battle of North Anna, Plus News from Other Fronts

A very brief summary of the week’s war news from both of our local newspapers for June 4, 1864, is followed by the “very latest” news from The Polk County Press.

The Overland Campaign consisted of several battles after Spotsylvania, including the Battle of North Anna on May 23-26.  It was a series of small engagements near the North Anna River in central Virginia.  After two days of skirmishing, the inconclusive battle ended when Union General Ulysses S. Grant ordered a movement to the southeast in the direction of the crossroads at Cold Harbor.

From The Prescott Journal:

THE NEWS.

The news from Gen. Grant is interesting as it shows his continued progress towards Richmond, and Lee’s [Robert E. Lee] movements for its defence, but as yet no great battle has taken place, although the armies must be in close proximity to each other.  Lee’s right is represented at Shady Grove, only three or four miles from Richmond, and a late dispatch says General Grant’s advance is only seven miles distant.  Grant says there is a prospect that Lee will make a stand north of the Chichahominy.  The crisis draws near, and we feel confident of continued and complete success.

From The Polk County Press:

The News.

The News still continues to be very cheering from the seat of war.  Gen. GRANT still wins. SHERMAN [William T. Sherman] has thus far been successful.  In another column will be found the important dispatches of the week, up to Thursday, which are the latest we are able to lay before our readers this week.

[Those dispatches follow:]

The Very Latest.

NEW YORK, May 30.— “Time’s” special says Ledley’s [sic]¹ brigade of the 10th regulars, 35th, 56th, 57th and 59th Massachusetts, and 14th regulars met with a repulse on crossing the North Anna.  They had crossed the river and were driving in the rebel skirmishers when a charge was made instantly from a concealed battery of four or six guns, and the battery opened a terrible fire of grape and cannister.  The brigade fell back to a cover in a piece of woods, when in the height of a thunder storm the rebels charged and drove our men towards the river, just as another brigade came up and checked the advance of the enemy.  Four hundred and fifty of the brigade were killed, wounded and missing.

Gen. Kilpatrick [Judson Kilpatrick], in a dispatch to his family at Buttermilk Falls, N. Y., says that, although his wounds are slight, they will compel him to give up his command, and his is, therefore, on his way home.  He was wounded near Summerville, Ga., while leading a cavalry charge in the rear of Johnston’s army.

Hunter [David Hunter] vice Sigel [Franz Sigel], has stripped himself for a fight.  Sigel’s apology for being beaten by Breckenridge [sic: John C. Breckinridge], was his train, which it took half his force to guard, while the other half was being licked.  Hunter, like Sherman, has disencumbered his army of these impediments, and tells his army they must live upon the enemy’s country—all which means rapid marches—where is not so obvious—perhaps to Lynchburg, to cooperate with Crook [George R. Crook] and Averill [sic: William W. Averell] in the capture of that place.

NEW YORK, May 30.

The “Times” special says :  Grant’s reconnaissance Wednesday showed the rebels in full force, and holding a powerful position in our immediate front, somewhat in advance of Little River.  The ground was also very favorable to him, and he had occupied every hour in fortifying.  If driven back from here even, he had the elaborately prepared line of South Anna to fall back upon.

Grant therefore determined to recross the North Anna, swing round to the left, over the Pamunky [sic], and leave Lee to enjoy his position.  A cavalry demonstration made strong diversion on the enemy while Grant’s movement took place, which proved successful—when it was accomplished the rebels were completely taken by surprise.

A “Herald” correspondent says a wounded rebel officer says their loss in the late battles reach thirty thousand.

NEW YORK, May 30.

The “Herald’s” special says there was considerable skirmishing Friday but no heavy fighting near Hanover Court House.  Grant’s movements are progressing well and rapidly.—Most of the causalities were among New England Regiments.

WASHINGTON, May 30, 9 A. M.

To Major-General Dix :

No official dispatches have been received from the army of the Potomac since my telegram of Saturday evening.

A telegram from Sherman, near Dallas, the 29th, reports that on Saturday an engagement occurred between the enemy and McPherson’s corps [James B. McPherson].  The enemy were driven back with a loss of 2,500 killed and wounded left in our hands, and about 200 prisoners.  Our loss is not over 300.

(Signed) E. M. STANTON [Edwin M. Stanton].
Secretary of War.

WASHINGTON, May 30, 3 P. M.

To Major-General Dix, N. Y.

A dispatch from General Grant has just been received, dated yesterday, (29th) at Hanovertown, which states that the army has successfully crossed over the Pamunkey, and now occupies a front about three miles south of the River.

Yesterday two divisions of our cavalry had an engagement with the enemy south of Howe’s store, driving him about a mile upon what appears to be his new line, and we will find out all about it to-day.  Our loss in the cavalry engagement was 300 killed and wounded, of whom but 44 are asserted to have been killed.

We have been driving the enemy, most of their killed and many of their wounded fell into our hands.

Another official dispatch dated yesterday P. M. at 2 o’clock, details the movements of the several corps then in progress, but up to that time there was no engagement.  Earlier dispatches from Headquarters had been sent but failed to reach Washington.

(Signed) E. M. STANTON.

ST. LOUIS, June 1.—A telegram to headquarters from Rolla, Mo., 30th, says a train of Union refugees from Jacksonport, Ark., under escort of seventy men from the 2d Missouri cavalry, was attacked at Salem, Ark., by 300 guerrillas, the entire train burnt, and about 80 men and some women killed.

On Friday last ten men of the detachment of the Second Wisconsin cavalry out on a scout from Rolla, becoming separated from the main body were surrounded by guerrillas and five were killed, the others making their escape.  The bodies of those killed were found stripped and their throats cut.

A gentleman just arrived from Little Rock represents all quiet in that direction.  Joe Shelby [Joseph O. Shelby] had left Brownsville about two weeks ago with a force estimated at from 1,500 to 3,000 for southwest Missouri.

Gen. West,² with several companies of cavalry, had been sent against him.  Shelby is represented as being well mounted, and had been joined with 500 cavalry in addition.

WASHINGTON, May 31, 8 P. M.

To Governor Lewis :

The department has received dispatches from Gen. Grant dated 6 o’clock this morning.

Yesterday morning his advanced corps was attacked by the enemy, who, after a sharp, short and decisive contest were repulsed.

Gen. Warren [Gouverneur K. Warren], at the date of the dispatch, held a position within seven miles of Richmond.

(Signed) E. M. STANTON

A portion of Gen. Butler’s [Benjamin F. Butler] forces at Bermuda Hundreds, not required for defensive operations, had been transferred, under command of Gen. Smith [William F. Smith], to the Army of the Potomac, and is supposed by this time to have formed a junction.

WASHINGTON, June 1— 7:30 A. M.

To Gen. Dix :

Have nothing from General Grant later than yesterday at 6 A. M.

An unofficial dispatch received here at four this morning, dated yesterday at Kingston, represents that Major Hopkins, of Gen. Stoneman’s staff [George Stoneman], came from the front this P. M., says rebels attacked at 7:30 this morning, and at 10 o’clock the affair was over.  The enemy was repulsed, and our line reached to the railroad at Marietta.  To accomplish this object has been for several days the purpose of General Sherman’s movements.  Additional forces and ample supplies can reach him.

E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War.

Dispatches from Gen. Canby [Edward R.S. Canby] have been received to-day.  He is actively engaged in resupplying the troops brought back by Generals Steele [Frederick Steele] and Banks [Nathaniel P. Banks] and organizing the forces of the West Mississippi Division, which now comprises the departments of Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Gens. Rosecrans [William S. Rosecrans], Steele and Banks remain in command of their respective departments under the orders of Gen. Canby as division commander, his military relation being the same as formerly exercised by Gen. Grant, and now exercised by Gen. Sherman over the departments of the Ohio and Cumberland.

(Signed) E. M. STANTON.

FORTRESS MONROE, May 31.— Lieut. Gen Grant’s communication with the White House is complete and all works well.

Richmond papers of the 30th have been received here.  They have changed their views with regard to the military ability of General Grant and say they have been underrating him.  They say he is smarter than they had dreamed of, and manifest some fears in regard to the safety of Lee or rather as to his success in repelling the Yankee army.

1.  James Hewett Ledlie (1832-1882) worked as a civil engineer on the Erie Canal and in railroad construction before the Civil War. After the War started, he was appointed major of the 19th New York Infantry, which became the 3rd New York Artillery, and in December 1861 he was promoted to colonel. In December, 1862, he was promoted to brigadier general in command of the Artillery Brigade of the Department of North Carolina and served primarily in garrison positions with North Carolina coastal artillery. Just after the start of the Overland Campaign in 1864, Ledlie transferred to the Army of the Potomac and assumed command of a brigade in General Ambrose Burnside’s IX Corps. At the Battle of North Anna, a brigade under the drunken Ledlie was repulsed from an ill-conceived assault against a strong position at Ox Ford on May 24. During the Siege of Petersburg, Ledlie and his division drew the short straw to replace troops that had been trained to enter a crater to attack Confederate troops; his untrained troops were slaughtered while he stayed behind the lines drinking. He was dismissed from the army after a court of inquiry and formally resigned on January 23, 1865. After the War, Ledlie resumed his civil engineering career working for the Union Pacific’s construction of the transcontinental railroad.
2.  Joseph Rodman West (1822-1898) was born in New Orleans, grew up in Pennsylvania, was a captain attached to Maryland and District of Columbia Volunteers in the Mexican War, and then engaged in newspaper work in San Francisco, California. During the Civil War West jointed the 1st California Infantry as a lieutenant and was later promoted to colonel. He then was promoted to brigadier general of Volunteers. He spent much of his service in New Mexico and Arizona territories. In April 1864, West was ordered to Arkansas to take command of the 2nd Division, VII Corps, which he led through the Red River Campaign. In the fall of 1864, West fought against Confederate General Sterling Price. He next commanded the cavalry in the Department of the Gulf (May-June 1865). He commanded the 1st Division of Cavalry in the Military Division of the Southwest, composed of two small brigades (six regiments) of volunteer cavalry exempted from mustering out. He led the division from Shreveport, Louisiana, to San Antonio, Texas, in July 1865, for Reconstruction duty and as a counter to Mexican forces along the Rio Grande. West was mustered out of volunteer service as a brevetted major general in San Antonio on January 4, 1866. After the War, West was deputy United States marshal and auditor for customs in New Orleans (1867-1871) and a U.S. senator from Louisiana (1871-1877).

1864 February 20: Harrison Hobart Escapes; Jerry Flint a “true gentleman and soldier;” and Other News

Following are the smaller items from the February 20, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

— A telegram from Dalton, Jan. 20th, says several brigades of the rebel army have re-enlisted for the war.

— The rebel General Vance [Robert B. Vance] has been sent to Johnson’s Island¹ as a prisoner of war.

— The rebel Congress on the 21st inst., passed a bill for an Assistant Treasurer of the Trans-Mississippi Department.

— Gov. Clarke [sic: Charles Clark], of Mississippi, has notified all aliens that they must enter the military service before the first of March, or leave the country.

— During the last two years 6,416 prisoners have been confined at Johnson’s Island,¹ in the Ohio river and there are 1,612 still remaining there.

— 450 men have been recruited for the 2d Wisconsin Cavalry since the first of December.  The veteran 3d Wisconsin Infantry left Madison on the 4th inst. for the seat of war.  The recruits which have joined this regiment since its return home swell the number to over six hundred men.

— We had the pleasure one day this week of taking by the hand our old friend WEBB SEAVEY, 2d Lieut. of Company H, 5th Iowa Cavalry.—Lieut SEAVEY enlisted in Nebraska, in the fall of 1861, when returning from Pike’s Peak, where he had been the year previous.  His company was assigned to the above regiment.  He enlisted as a private, was promoted to 1st Sergeant, and has lately been commissioned.  He has re-enlisted for “three years or the war,” from the 1st of January last.  Success to you, WEBB.

From The Prescott Journal:

 A few days since about one hundred Union prisoners, mostly officers, escaped from the Richmond prison, and reached Gen. Butler’s line in safety [Benjamin F. Butler].  Among them was Col. HARRISON C. HOBART,² of this State.

 While a Union soldier was bathing in Elk River, five of Braggs’s soldiers came to the back and took aim at him, one of them shouting “Come here, you d—d Yank, out of the wet.”  The poor fellow felt quite sure he was done for, but obeyed the order.  “You, surrender our prisoner, do you?”  “Yes, of course I do.”  “That’s kind.  Now we’ll surrender to you!”  And the five stacked arms before him, their spokesman adding :  “We’ve done with them, and have bid old Bragg good bye.  Secesh is played out.  Now you surround us and take us into camp.”  [Confederate General Braxton Bragg]

 Lt. P. V. Wise has received his discharge, and returned home, and will renew the practice of his profession.  His wound does not disable his organs of speech in the least.  [see his letter to the Journal, dated February 20, 1864]]

 The Hudson Times pays the following well deserved compliment to Serg’t JERRY E. FLINT, of River Falls, who has just returned to his regiment, the 4th:

“We cannot let this occasion pass without mentioning the fact that Jerry conducted himself while here like the true gentleman and soldier.  He seemed to appreciate the fact that he was sent here to work, and not to loaf about the streets and saloons.  We hope that Jerry may receive at the hands of his superiors, a fitting reward for his services.”

REBELS PAYING TAXES.—A Memphis dispatch to the Chicago Tribune says:

On the 6th inst., Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, through his agent, paid his United States tax, on property in this city, amounting to over one hundred dollars.  This clearly indicates that, even if he has faith in the establishment of a Southern Confederacy, he has no hopes that Tennessee will constitute a portion thereof.  Over $50,000 have been paid to collectors of internal revenue during the past sixty days, in Memphis.  Such alacrity in paying taxes has never before been witnessed, and is a matter of great astonishment, especially to the city and county collectors, who assist the United State officers in the collection.  The Memphis office is crowded from 9 A. M. to 4 P. M., and when the office closes each day, a large number are turned off until the next morning.  Ostensibly the tax is paid very cheerfully, although the officers are well aware that a majority of the tax-payers are rebels, and hate the “Lincoln Government” and its “hirelings” very bitterly.

1.  During the forty months of the existence of the Depot of Prisoners of War on Johnson’s Island in Sandusky Bay, Ohio, “approximately 10,000 men were processed into the stockade. Most were Confederate officers. Twenty-six were either generals or officers who became generals during or after their imprisonment.  Others confined there were a small number of privates, bushwhackers, guerrillas, and citizens suspected of disloyalty to the Union. The maximum number of prisoners at any one time was about 3,224 in January of 1864.” For more on Johnson’s Island, including listings of Confederate prisoners of war and Union guard garrison, and POW letters see the Depot of Prisoners of War on Johnson’s Island, Ohio, website.
2.  Harrison Carroll Hobart (1815-1902), from Chilton, was lieutenant colonel of the 21st Wisconsin Infantry and had been a prisoner of war since September 20, 1863. On March 1, 1864, he will become the colonel of the 21st and Michael H. Fitch, from Prescott, will become the lieutenant colonel.
Hobart, a lawyer, had served in the Wisconsin Territorial House of Representatives and in the Wisconsin State Senate and the Wisconsin State Assembly. He was appointed captain in the 4th Wisconsin Infantry in July 1861, and in October 1862 was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 21st Wisconsin. Hobart fought at the battles of Stones River and Hoover’s Gap. At the Battle of Chickamauga he was wounded and taken prisoner, and was sent to Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. There he helped lead the escape of 109 Union prisoners through a tunnel out of the prison on February 9, 1864. For more information on Hobart, see his entry in the Dictionary of Wisconsin History.

1863 December 5: How Wisconsin Regiments Voted, Including Using a Boot for the Ballot Box

The following articles are from The Polk County Press, December 5, 1863.  For reference, the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry included the Saint Croix Rangers (Company D); the Saint Croix Rifles were Company F of the 1st Wisconsin Infantry; the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry included the Hudson City Guards (Company G); and the 10th Battery of Wisconsin Light Artillery was composed of mostly northwest Wisconsin men.

HOW THE 2ND CAVALRY VOTED.—Captain Bently [sic],¹ of La Crosse, writes the particulars of the election in the 2nd cavalry, describing the modus operandi² as follows.  They had no ballot box, and he says:

A camp in the woods with the present army allowance of baggage, is a poor place to find boxes suitable for such purposes.  In our case one could not be found, but we have long since, in the army, learned to surmount difficulties, and we hit upon the following :  A cavalry boot nailed by one of the straps to the table, with a cover attached, was just the thing.  The polls were now declared open, and voting commenced.  Our next difficulty, and almost a dilemma, was to know how, in closing the polls for dinner to lock our ballot boot and secure the votes cast from intrusion.  To place a guard over the box (boot) perhaps would have been military, but was not according to “chapter 11.”  We constituted and agreed that the chairman of the board to whom the boot belonged, should “lock the box” by inserting his foot and wearing it until the polls should again  be opened!  This proved a success. the ballots kept safe; election over; votes cast.  The “copperheads,” “waxed we they there them,” by a unanimous Union vote of thirty-three.”

VOTE OF CO. F, 1ST WISCONSIN.—A letter from Co. F. gives the result of the election as far as that company is concerned :  The whole number of votes polled for Polk county was nine—all straight Union ticket except on sheriff.  KIMBALL received eight votes.

— The boys in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry, at Baton Rouge, polled thirteen votes for the straight Union ticket, except on District Attorney, Mr. FREELAND receiving one vote.

— The election of some of the County officers will be decided by the returns from the 10th Battery.  As the vote stands, as far as heard from, every candidate on the Union ticket is elected.

1.  Charles S. Bentley, from La Crosse, Company D’s third captain. He won’t officially become the captain until June 27, 1864.
2.  A Latin phrase approximately translated as “method of operation.” We are used to hearing it used in TV crime dramas when the detectives talk about the criminal’s M.O., or modus operandi.

1862 July 2: “They should send a regiment of school teachers here, they would do more good than 40,000 well disciplined troops”

A letter from “ADD” dated July 2 and published in the July 16, 1862, Hudson North Star.  The Saint Croix Rangers were Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry.

FROM  THE  ST.  CROIX  RANGERS

                   CASSVILLE, Mo.,¹ July 2nd 1862

Mr. EDITOR : — We arrived at this place on the 19th, direct from Bolivar,² at which place we had over one hundred take the oath of allegiance, and three we took to Springfield, the Captain considering them fit representatives for the Springfield prison.  There are about two hundred prisoners at Springfield.

After leaving the latter place, we encamp on the very ground where Gen. Lyon encamps the night previous to the battle of Wilson Creek.  After remaining at this place two days we were informed by a courier, that 150 secessionist soldiers were at Pinesville [sic],³ forty-five miles  southwest of t his place.  Accordingly, Lieutenant Col. Barnes (commander of the post) ordered Major Miller (of our Battallion [sic]) to take 15 men with the necessary rations, and  go after them.  We received orders to be ready for marching in two hours, which time found us on the plat in front of our tents, with one horse ready for the march.  The Major drew us up in line and made a short speech.  He told us that he was going to give us a hard march, hard bed, hard fare, and should try and give us a hard fight.  The speech was received with three hearty cheers.  One hour later, 9 P. M. could be seen 150 mounted troops slowly wending their way through the woods.  We traveled all night without any interruption until about 3 A. M., when three reports of a gun was heard, which appeared to us to be the alarm of the enemies pickets.  We immediately formed in line of battle, and, after we had remained in this position about twenty minutes, were again ordered to mount and continue our journey.—Upon inquiry we found the alarm was occasioned by our advance guard firing at a bushwhacker that was seen rushing through the bushes.  We arrived within two miles of Pinesville [sic] a half past six A. M., when we were commanded to halt, examine our fire-arms and sabres to see that that all was in readiness, when we continued our march.  When within about a mile of the city the major commanded a charge, and with carbines in hand, the whole troop set off in a full gallop for the city.  The men hid, the women screamed, all was for a few moments confusion and uproar.  We took 32 prisoners, and also administered the oath to about as many more.  The major then told us we could have three or four hours to rest ;  for which we all felt in great need, and took advantage of the time by sleeping wherever we could get a chance to lie down the shade.

About 12 M., we were on the march for Bentonville,⁴ Arkansas, a distance of fifteen miles, at which place we arrived at 6 P. M.  After attending to our horses we wrapped ourselves in a blanket, with nothing at the starry Heavens for a covering, and never, I think, did the same number of boys sleep mere sweet’y.  We were awakened the next morning to prepare ourselves to march to Fayettville [sic],⁵ a distance of thirty-five miles, the County Seat of Washington Country.  Previous to marching from Bentonville, we received reinforcements of 200 of the 1st Missouri Cavalry, under Major Hubbard, also one twelve pounder.  We heard at Bentonville that they were pressing men into the service under the conscription act, at Fayettville [sic].  When within about four miles of the latter place we arrested a secesh Captain with two Lieutenants, who were put in charge of a guard when we commenced our charge, Major Miller leading.  The day was unusually warm, and never did a tornado raise more dust than we did.  For four miles we rode on a full gallop.  We were truly a frightful looking set, nothing of our faces could be seen but the white of our eyes and our teeth.  At Fayettville [sic], we killed three, wounded three, and took 150 prisoners, among whom was a secesh Colonel, one Lieutenant Col., one Capt., four Lieutenants, some non-commissioned officers and privates.  We also captured some firearms, lead, shot, powder, sugar, and  bacon.—Among the rest that we captured was Judge Walker,⁶ the most prominent man of Arkansas, and the President of the Sate Convention when it seceded.  He did not come back with us but gave bonds in the sum of $10,000 to appear at this place in one week.  We stayed at Fayettville [sic] until 5 P. M., the next day, when the report came that Col. Coffee (secesh) with 5,500 troops was within twelve miles of the place.  We left and marched about four miles and stopped for the night.  We laid on our arms with our horses all saddled to be ready at a moments warning.  At five in the morning we were again on our march, and when about fifteen miles, the  advance guard came back with word that a regiment of cavalry was advancing on a cross road toward us, apparently with the intention of cutting us off.  We immediately formed for battle.  Our twelve pounder commenced belching away, throwing grape and canister through the brush ;  when word came that they were the 3d Missouri infantry, mounted under Col. King.  We again formed in line of march and arrived at Pea Ridge,⁵ where we stopped for the night about one mile from where the battle was fought.  Next morning we were again on our journey for Cassville, and passed over the battle ground of Pea Ridge, the effects of which could be seen on every side of us.  Bones of animals lay bleaching in the sun, trees were shattered to pieces, and occasionally a grave with a rude, board to mark the spot.  But a sight that made us shudder, was witnessed as we passed the foot of Pea Ridge.  The graves of the brave soldiers and been rooted up by the hogs, and nothing remained but the few scattering bones and clothes that were strewn in every direction.

We arrived at this place Thursday afternoon, after an absence of five days and six nights.  Our company had charge of the prisoners, and they were delivered up to the authorities of this place.  They speak in the highest terms of the treatment they received from the Wisconsin boys.

The boys are all in good health.  We left at Springfield in the hospital ;   S. Ramsey and Charles Mears of St. Croix Falls ;  Wm. Holman and Lewis Johns of St. Croix County.⁷

The weather is very warm and the country is greatly in need of rain.  But why do they keep us in this miserable State?  I have not seen any land worth fighting for, nor men worth killing.  I think if they should send a regiment of school teachers here, they would do more good than 40,000 well disciplined troops.

                              Yours truly,                                        ADD

1.  Cassville is the county seat of Barry County, Missouri, which is one county east of McDonald County on the border with Arkansas. This entire region mentioned here is part of the Ozarks.
2.  Bolivar is the county seat of Polk County, Missouri. Today it is part of the Springfield metropolitan area.
3.  Pineville is the county seat of McDonald County, Missouri, the most southwestern county in Missouri.
4.  Bentonville is the county seat of Benton County, Arkansas, which is the most northwestern county in Arkansas. Today is the home of Walmart’s corporate offices.
5.  Fayetteville is the county seat of Washington County, Arkansas, just south of Benton County. The Battle of Pea Ridge took place a northeast of Fayetteville. Fayetteville is the home of the University of Arkansas.
6.  David Walker (1806-1879) was a lawyer, a jurist, an early settler of Fayetteville, and the leading Whig in the northwest part of the state for nearly fifty years. He was a member of the convention that wrote the state’s first constitution in 1836, and was president of the Arkansas’ Secession Convention in 1861. In 1862 he accepted an appointment as colonel assigned to a Confederate military court whose death-sentence decisions raised legal issues that carried over into Reconstruction. For more information, see Walker’s entry in the online Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture.
7.  Samuel Ramsey from Osceola, and Lewis Johns from Hudson, will both be discharged on July 6, 1862, with a disability. Charles E. Mears from Osceola will be discharged on August 1, 1862, also with a disability. William W. Holman was from Hudson and will desert in early 1863.

1862 April 30: “The 1st Wisconsin Cavalry leave here this week for Cape Girardeau”

This “Add” letter is comes from The Hudson North Star of May 7, 1862.

FROM THE ST. CROIX RANGERS.

BENTON BARRACKS, }
ST.LOUIS, Mo., April 30. }

EDITORS STAR:—Again I send you a few items, which may be of interest to our friend—your readers.  Your paper comes to us regularly and for them the boys feel very grateful to you.  The STAR is the only paper we get from the St. Croix Valley, and its arrival in camp is looked for as anxiously as any mail.

The health of the members of our company is good now.  In fact the whole company is good now.  In fact the whole regiment is well high freed from the “ills the flesh is heir to.”  This forenoon the different regiments at this place were all mustered for a pay and inspected.  The 1st Wisconsin Cavalry leave here this week for Cape Girardeau, and the 3d received their marching orders today.  They go to Fort Leavenworth.  We are receiving our horses every day— have about 600, and expect to be all mounted by next Monday.  We have received our mules—12 to each company.

The wounded troops from the late bloody contest at Pittsburg are arriving here almost daily in large numbers.—There are about a thousand here now.  A boat load arrived last night and I assisted in preparing their beds and conversed with some of them from the 8th Ill., 16th and 18th Wis. Regiments.  The boys of the 16th all praise Col. BEN ALLEN for bravery, which they say was unsurpassed by any officer on the field.

The news of Governor HARVEY’s death created considerable sensation in this camp.  Rev. Brisbane preached his funeral sermon to the Wisconsin boys on Sunday last.

We had a call today from JOHN G. PUTNAM an old Hudsonian who took dinner with us and made quite a visit.—He resides at present in St. Louis.

Dan Mears¹ has resigned his position as 2d Lieutenant of this company and gone home.  The boys gave him three cheers when he was leaving.  The vacancy has not been filled.

Yours Truly,
ADD

1.  Daniel Mears, from Osceola (Polk County), enlisted October 25, 1861, and was mustered into Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment. On December 22, 1861, he became a 2nd lieutenant, and he resigned on April 25, 1862. He was replaced by Charles H. Cox, of Mineral Point, listed in the records as of April 28.