1864 March 26: Local, Regional, and National War Items and Indian News

Following are the remaining smaller items from the March 26, 1864, issue of The Polk County Press.

GONE.—Dr. GARLICK [Carmine “Carmi” P. Garlick] left for his regiment, the 35th, on Wednesday morning.

NOTICE—is hereby given to all whom it may concern, that my books, bills and accounts, are in the hands of STEPHEN ROWCLIFFE, who is fully authorized [to] settle and receipt the same.
.    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    .    . C. P. GARLICK.
…..Osceola, March 22d, 1864.

APPOINTED.—Hon. ANSEL SMITH, of Franconia [Minnesota], has been appointed one of the Commissioners to receive the soldier’s vote, in the Department of the Cumberland, at the coming Fall election, by GOV. MILLER [Stephen Miller], of Minnesota.  A good appointment.

NEW CAVALRY REGIMENT.—We understand that the President has authorized the organization of a new cavalry regiment in this State.  The officers of course will receive their appointment from the Governor.—Milwaukee Wisconsin, 17th.

RE-ENLISTED.—JOHN McCOURT writes to his father that he has re-enlisted for the war.  He says that his company (Co. D, 2d Wis. Cavalry,) have nearly all re-enlisted, and will soon be at home on a thirty day’s furlough.

RECRUITS.—Recruiting Officer DAVIS brought in four more men on Monday last.  This makes twelve in all.  DAVIS is doing well.

Later.—Since the above was in type five more men have been sworn in by Dep. Pro. Marshal Vincent [William J. Vincent], which swells the number to sixteen.

LEGISLATIVE.—Since our last issue the following items of interest have been introduced into the Legislature : . . . Also the following petitions, memorials, etc. : A memorial from W. A. TALBOYS, and others, for legislative action to remove the Chippewa Indians.

— The new barracks at Camp Randall are nearly completed, and these, with the old barracks, are sufficient to accommodate 5,000 officers and men.

— Lieut. Col. Hobart [Harrison C. Hobart] has been promoted to the Colonelcy of the 21st Wisconsin regiment, vice Col. Sweet, whose severe wounds disqualify him for active service.

— Gov. Lewis [James T. Lewis] has received orders from the War Department to organize still another regiment, to be designated as the 38th.  James Bentliff [sic: Bintliff],¹ of Green county, formerly captain in the 22d regiment, is appointed to its command.  [If this sounds familiar, it appeared in The Prescott Journal last week.]

THE 4th MINNESOTA.—This regiment numbering some 300 or 400 men arrived in St. Paul on the 18th.  They have re-enlisted for the war and have come home to recruit, and enjoy a short furlough.

— Gen. Butler [Benjamin F. Butler] sent a portion of Kilpatrick’s cavalry, with Colonels Onderdonk and Spears,² to King and Queen’s Court House, to deal with the citizens claiming to be non-combatants, who ambushed Col. Dahlgren [Ulrich Dahlgren].  Col. Onderdonk reports that the Fifth and Ninth Virginia Cavalry, with citizens, 1,200 in all, were driven from their camp near Carrolton’s Store.  The camp was taken and a number killed.  Twenty prisoners were taken.  The enemy was also driven from the Court-house. A large amount of grain, mills and store-houses were burned.

— Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rode [sic] Island, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Iowa have raised their full quotas under the 500,000 call ;  Ohio, Wisconsin and Missouri nearly so ;  Pennsylvania and Kentucky make the worst show.  [bold emphasis added]

— The Committee on the Conduct of the War are investigating the Florida expedition.  The evidence already given establishes the fact that neither the President nor any one else in Washington is responsible for its disastrous termination.

— The rebel military authorities in North Carolina, have hung twenty three citizens of that Sate, who had enlisted in the Union army, and were captured as prisoners of war.  They met their fate bravely.  The native Union troops threaten retaliation.

NEW YORK, March 17.—The late calls of the President for 300,000 and 500,000, the quota of which was fixed by the government from this city, has been filled, and the business of the supervisors of the Volunteer Bounty Paying Committee was finished for those quotas to-day.

— An election was held in New York on the 8th to decide whether the constitution should be so amended as to allow soldiers to vote.  In New York City the total vote cast was 23,280, of which 16,401 were in favor of the amendment to the constitution allowing soldiers to vote, and 6,879 against.

NEW YORK, March 18.—The “World’s” Washington dispatch has a report that Stuart [J.E.B. Stuart], with 5,000 cavalry crossed the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  Our army is well in hand ready for a raid or any engagement of the enemy.  It is thought the rebel cavalry will make a demonstration towards Baltimore.

— The county elections, under loyal auspices, took place in Tennessee Saturday.  The vote was unexpectedly large.  Nashville elected the out-and-out emancipation ticket.  Memphis elected copperheads.

THE SOLDIERS AND THE SUCCESSION.—A letter at Washington from Gen. GRANT’S army [Ulysses S. Grant], says that nine-tenths of the men composing it are in favor of Mr. LINCOLN’S re-election [Abraham Lincoln], and will vote for him if they have the opportunity.  On the 22d of February votes were taken in several brigades and divisions, and out of nearly thirteen thousand ballots polled, only five hundred and eighty two were cast against him.

FROM MEMPHIS, March 14th.—There was quite a battle at Yazoo City on the 5th between the negro troops stationed there and a large force of rebels, who made an attack on the place.  The rebels gained possession of part of the city, but a gunboat coming up opened fire upon them, encouraging the negroes, who charged and drove them back.  Our loss was slight.  The rebel loss is unknown.

Upwards of 5,000 bales of cotton arrived from below yesterday.  The receipts by wagon continue large.

Gen. Veachy³ and staff arrived here to-day.  He is en route to General Dodge’s [Grenville M. Dodge] division now at Huntsville, Alabama.

THE SIOUX PRISONERS.

Disease is rapidly settling the question as to the fate of the Sioux prisoners confined at Camp McClellan in Iowa.  There are about 250 left, fifty of whom are in the hospital and pest-house.  Small-pox is diminishing their number at the rate of fifteen or twenty per week.  At this rate the government will soon be relieved of them, and the St. Paul papers will probably stop howling for their blood. — Chicago Post.

The St. paul [sic] papers don’t want the blood of these wretches—they will be satisfied with a large and commodious lock of hair from each head—and a pound of flesh nearest the heart.  Oh, no—we don’t want their blood—we don’t. — St. Paul Pioneer.

1.  James Bintliff (1824-1901) was a newspaper editor from Monroe, Wisconsin, who rose from company captain to brigadier general during the Civil War. For a full biography, see the Col. James Bintliff entry in the Dictionary of Wisconsin History.
2. Benjamin Franklin Onderdonk, 1st New York Mounted Rifles, and Samuel Perkins Spear (1815-1875), 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
3.  Probably James Clifford Veatch (1819-1895), a lawyer, county auditor, and Indiana state legislator. He was colonel of the 25th Indiana Infantry and led the regiment at the Battle of Fort Donelson. At the Battle of Shiloh he led the 2nd Brigade in Hurlbut’s division. In April 1862 Veatch became a brigadier general of volunteers. He commanded a brigade during the siege of Corinth and the battle of Hatchie’s Bridge, where he was wounded. For the next year General Veatch commanded the District of Memphis. Veatch led the 4th Division of the XVI Corps during the Meridian Expedition, and joined Sherman’s forces for the Atlanta Campaign. He commanded of the 1st Division in the XIII Corps and participated in the Battle of Fort Blakely. He was brevetted to major general of volunteers in March 1865.

1863 December 9: Camp Randall “now looks quite lively as the Drafted men are coming in every day”

Frederick A. Dresser, from Osceola, enlisted July 22, 1862, in what became Company K of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry.  He was promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant.  The original letter is in the W. H. C. Folsom Papers (River Falls Mss S), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Quarter Masters Office. . . . . . . . . .
Camp Randall Madison Wis
December 9^th 1863

Mr. W. H. C. Folsom

                                Dear Friend,

                                                            I received your kind letter this morning and was very glad to hear from you once more.  I have nothing new to write you at present.  We are still here doing the best we can.  I have been quite busy for the last week two weeks as the Q. M. has been gone since the 21^st of Nov. and everything has been on my hands and having no help with me that understood the Business.  I have had all my writing to do myself.  Our Camp now looks quite lively as the Drafted men are coming in every day.  There is now about Five Hundred in Camp and it is fun to see them Drill, it does not seem as though we ever acted so when we commenced Drilling but I rather think we were no far behind.  Recruiting is very Brisk in this State, there is about Six Hundred in camp now that have not been mustered into the service, and to find Quarters and get them fitted up so they could get into them is a Job for one man and attend to other Business besides, but it Just suits me to keep busy for I do not get so lonsome [sic].  I have lived to [sic] Lazy all summer and such dull monotony will spoil a fellow for anything but the Prospects are now we shall get away from here between this and the next Fourth of July and I do Hope it will be before long.

I was supprised [sic] to hear that Wyman¹ had gone into the Hospital.  I guess he must have thrown all Ambition to the winds for there is now [no?] chance in a Hospital for Promotion.  Andrew Colby² wrote me he was going into the Hospital.  I advised him not to if he aspired to any Position in the army.

You say that Frank Pratt stands a chance to be Capt of that Co as Capt Burt is Promoted.  Where is Winslow, is he not First Lieut?  I hope Henry F. will get his Position but the Sergt Major or QM Sergeant is ahead of him by rank.³

I should have thought you might have called up to Madison after you had got to Chicago.  I should have liked to see you very much, but I suppose you could not afford the time very well.  You are not apt to make visits when Business drives you.  I hope you will not consider that as a Compliment for your Business Capacity.

What do you think of Mead’s [sic] Line of March [George C. Meade].  I think that he and Lee [Robert E. Lee] is keeping up that Telegraph Line that Artemus Ward speaks off.  I cannot see the reason for his advance and then to Retreat so suddenly without it was to keep Lee from sending Reenforcements to Chattanooga When Grant [Ulysses S. Grant] was downing them before him like so many sheep.  The Potomac Army is so near Washington to ever do much service, but enough of this for this time.

I am glad to hear that Business has got to be good again.  I sometimes wish I was up there but then I would not if I could at Present.  but still I will get Homesick.  I do not see many of the Fair Sex about here although there is a plenty here.  I have yet to say I can not acquainted with one, don’t you think I have done well?  I think I shall be satisfied to settle down and be a quiet Old Bachelder [sic] when I Return from the War, if I ever do, as Louise is named now.  Well enough of this nonsense.  Give my best Respects to Mrs. F. and tell her I shall always remmember [sic] her good Advice she has given me and shall try to follow it while I live.    Write again soon⁴

Yours as Ever
. . . . . . .Fred A. Dresser

Direct F. A. Dresser
. . .Q M Sergt
. . . . . . .30th Reg W V
. . . . Camp Randall Madison Wis

1.  Wyman X. Folsom, W. H. C. Folsom’s son.
2.  Andrew C. Colby, from Taylor’s Falls, was in Company C of the 7th Minnesota Infantry, which is the company that Wyman was also in. Colby was the 1st sergeant. He will die July 14, 1864, from wounds received on the first day of the Battle of Tupelo in Mississippi.
2.  Dresser is talking about Company C of the 7th Minnesota Infantry.

• Frank H. Pratt, from St. Paul, Minn., was the 1st lieutenant and became captain of the company on April 25, 1864,
• William H. Burt was the captain until he was promoted to major on March 30, 1864,
• Carpenter Winslow, from Taylor’s Falls, resigned on May 26, 1863; he was the 1st lieutenant before resigning,
• Henry F. Folsom, also from Taylor’s Falls, moved up to 2nd lieutenant on April 25, 1864.

4.  W. H. C. Folsom answered this letter about a month later, noting on the back “Answered January 13/64.”

Frederick A. Dresser letter of December 9, 1863, from the H. W. C. Folsom Papers (River Falls Mss S) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1863 March 18: News from the 30th Wisconsin Infantry at Camp Randall

Following are two articles from the March 18, 1863, issue of The Prescott Journal, giving news about the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, which is still at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin.  The author is not named and so we do not know if these are excerpts from one letter or two.

 One of our correspondents in the 30th, thus writes of MEASLES :

Measles, though it be the Camp Randall, adult measles, is an exceedingly unromantic disease.  Brain fever now is an aristocratic ailment.  A man perisheth of the brain fever ;  ’tis well ;  his obituary reads well ;  his friends are grieved ;  they mournfully mention his demise.  “He died of brain fever ;  but measles—faugh !  What consolation has a man who dies of measles ?  None, my boy—nary stiver !  Veni, vidi, vinci.  I have met the measles, and I am theirs.  I am a victim.  My mouth, even now, but faintly distinguisheth the taste, yea, the flavor of egg-nogg from that of poor whiskey.  I resort in all kinds of strategic movements to see.  This object and that object are mixed in woeful confusion.—I’m spelling away at the last French novel Les Miserables, and I appreciate the work.  If Jean Valjean had only had the measles, or withstood ’em bravely, as he did other misfortunes and afflictions, I could worship him.  Cosette never had measles.  Marius Pontmercy never had measles ;  he took Cosette and many thousand francs.  He should have had measles.  The all should have had measles, for they are les miserables.

Our correspondent in the 30th, thus writes :

There is quite a feeling of resentment felt among the soldiers towards the Dirty Ragged, Secesh, Copperhead Democrats in this vicinity—Regiments of them being harbered [sic] in and about Madison.  Vengeance has been sworn against them, and I presume it a sufficient number could pass out some eveing, they would, without hesitation, attend their secret club meetings, to the unprofitable dissatisfaction of the royal circle.

They have gone so far as to offer some of the 30th citizens clothing, in order to induce them to desert.  But they must beware.—There will be a day of retribution when we return, and their own castles shall tumble upon their own heads.

The health of the regiment is much improved, aside from the mumps, (a few cases still existing,) and those that are yet lingering along from the effects of the measles, the men are healthy.  What are well are heartier and healthier than they have ever been.  And while I write the boys are having a grand dance.  Co. A have joined in.  The tables are swung overhead, and every one seems to enjoy himself.  Those dancing the part as lady take off their caps.  I have just had a good waltz and quadrille.

1.  Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables was first published in 1862.

1863 March 4 and 7: News About Area Soldiers and Other Local News Items

From the March 4, 1863, issue of The Prescott Journal and the March 7, 1863, issue of The Polk County Press.

From The Prescott Journal:

EDITOR JOURNAL :—To-day we have had a shake hands with our old friend J. D. Brown, a member of the 20th Reg. Wis. Vols.  Sergeant J. D. looks well, and he gives a good account of the 20th, and speaks well of its officers—especially of Col. Starr.  He gave also a good account of the Reg. at the battle of Prairie Grove, Ark.  He says men could do no more than was done there.  There was no flinching, no skulking.  Every man stood up to the work like old veterans of  ’76.¹
T., Ellsworth, Feb. 26 1863.

A letter from Capt. Maxon [sic] brings the news that there is but little doubt, but Joseph Copp,² son of Hon. Wm. Copp, of Clifton has been hung by the guerrullas [sic].

The Madison Journal thus speaks of Chaplin GREEN of the 30th:

“Mr. GREEN was formerly a steamboat captain on the Mississippi, and while he is truly a christian gentleman, he has by no means lost the keen insight into human nature which his former position gave him.”

ARRESTED.—Lieut. E. L. Buttrick,³ of the Thirty-First Regiment, on the of the parties engaged in the late arrests at Racine, (at the order of Col. Messmore) was yesterday morning arrested at the instance of Mr. Jared Thompson, Jr. (first arrested by Buttrick,) of this city, and held to bail in the sum of $10,000 to answer charges to be preferred against him.  He gave the required bail.

HOSPITAL.—The State Journal thus describes the new hospital at Camp Randall:

—The main hospital building is 440 feet in length, including two wings.  The main part and the wings are each 22 feet in width.—Each wing has a ward, and the main part of the building is divided into two wards.—There are now about 150 bunks placed in their proper position in the hospital, and there is sufficient room to accommodate 50 more.  The walls of the entire structure are substantially built of inch boards placed upright, and batened [sic] both inside and out.  Ample arrangements for ventilation are made in the roof.  Each ward is heated by two large stoves, the pipes of which are extended overhead the entire length of the room, and the temperature kept up is equable and agreeable.  The kitchen arrangements are ample, and seem to be particularly well adapted to the ends sought.

JOHN L. DALE, Sutler 30th [Wisconsin Infantry], returned home last week, and will remain a few weeks.  He reports the health of the 30th is good.

A GOOD CHANCE TO SECURE HOMESTEADS.—By a recent decision at the General Land Office at Washington, nearly all the well known Fox and Wisconsin Improvement Lands in this county [Pierce] except the odd numbered sections reserved for railroads, have been restored to market.  All the even numbered sections in township 26 range 15 are therefore subject to entry.  These lands are as fine timbered lands as any in the world ;  the timber consists of sugar maple rock, red and swamp elm, basswood, oak, butternut, etc. ;  soil well adapted to the cultivation of all sorts of root crops and cereals raised on the prairies, and a sure thing on winter wheat.  This section is also well watered by creeks and springs.

Parties wishing timber farms can now get as fine locations as could be desired, within twelve to twenty miles of the County Seat, by purchase from the Government, or by settlement under the provisions of the Homestead Law.

From The Polk County Press:

Lieut. Frank H. Pratt, 7th Minnesota Regiment is at Taylors Falls, on a short visit.  Lieutenant Pratt has been quite sick with diptheria [sic], but is now gaining his usual health.  He returns to Mankato, in a few days.

We understand that counterfeit $5 U. S. Treasury Notes are in circulation in this vicinity.  While at Taylor Falls this week, we were informed that Elder Reynolds, Receiver at the St. Croix Land Office had taken a few by mistake, and had succeeded in detecting them.  We would suggest to our people to be on the lookout for them.

— Union meetings are being held all over the country, and great enthusiasm prevails.  At Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, Louisville, St. Louis and several other cities, Union meetings and leagues are in full blast.  At Cincinnati, recently, a Democratic Club, and several Republican Clubs adjourned in a body to a Union League, and enrolled their names with the union party.  This is the right spirit.  Let party drop and “all lend a hand to work ship,” and help crush this rebellion.

BALL AT HUDSON.—On Wednesday evening last, together with eight couple[s] from this place, we attended the Union Ball at Hudson.  We cannot say too much in praise of the party, the Hudson “boys,” and the landlord of the City Hotel.  The “boys” done the “fair thing by Osceola,” and so did “Uncle” Anderson of the “City.”

1.  Company A of the 20th Wisconsin Infantry was composed of mainly of men from Pierce County. Joshua D. Brown was from Maiden Rock. Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Starr was from Milwaukee.
2.  Joseph M. Copp was a corporal in Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry, the Lyon Light Guards. He was a prisoner in Atlanta, not hanged, and will be mustered out in January 1865.
3.  Edward K. Buttrick, from Milwaukee, was the captain of Company H of the 31st Wisconsin Infantry. He is the only man with the surname Buttrick in the 31st. The arrests in Racine probably refers to draftees being arrested for not showing up at the draft rendezvous in Racine, which the 31st was in charge of guarding.

1863 February 21 (and 14): Colonel Dill’s Report to the Legislature

The February 21, 1863, issue of The Polk County Press contains a small article about Colonel Daniel J. Dill and the Wisconsin Assembly (legislature).  We are now also printing a much longer article from the February 14, 1863, issue of The Prescott Journal—which we did not have space to print last week—that includes Dill’s actual response.  Dill is the colonel of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, which is currently in training at Camp Randall in Madison.

From The Polk County Press:

— A resolution has been introduced into the Assembly requiring COL. DILL to report to the Legislature the condition of the 30th.  COL. DILL informs them that he makes his reports to his superior officers.

From The Prescott Journal:

Col. Dill and the Assembly.

The Assembly has had spasms of anxiety about Camp Randall, and sent committees there, who instead of going to headquarters and making themselves known, went smelling and tasting around on the sly, hunting for condemned bread and beans below the average.

At last the Assembly passed a resolution requesting Col. Dill to report to it, in which “DAN” replies in the following neat style, which will probably wind up that bobbin.

HEADQUARTERS, CAMP RANDALL }
Near Madison, Feb. 9, 1863. }

Hon. JOHN S. DEAN, Chief Clerk of Assembly ;

Sir:—I received your notice of the passage of resolution No. 44, A, on Saturday last, and in reply I have to say that I make my morning reports to the headquarters of the Department of the Northwest, which report shows the condition of the each command at this post ;  to which I would refer your body, also to the report of the board of U. S. military officers appointed by the commander of the department to examine the hospital barracks, rations, &c.

If your honorable body would consult the Revised Army Regulations for the government of United States troops, and the only law known to military men, they would learn that military commanders are precluded from reporting their commands to any other parties than their superior officers in the U. S. service.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your ob’t servant,

DANIEL J. DILL Col.
Com’d’g Camp Randall.

1863 February 14: Letter from the 30th Wisconsin Infantry at Camp Randall

The following undated and unattributed letter from a soldier in the 30th Wisconsin Infantry appeared in the February 14, 1863, issue of The Prescott Journal.

LETTER FROM THE 30TH.

[The following letter, though not written for publication, gives so good a description of things in camp, that we publish it entire.]

Until recently all the commissioned officers have had the privilege of passing out and into camp, at their pleasure ;  and they took advantage of this privilege to such an extent—as report has it—that a few days ggo [sic: ago], mistrusting how the plan was working the Col. [Daniel J. Dill] went all over the camp, and not an officer, except those on guard duty, was to be found for several hours.  The consequence of this was an order read on dress parade, giving only three commissioned officers in the regiment the privilege of going out each day.  They now have to stop and show their pass, the same as the rest of us, instead of merely saluting the sentinels, as formerly.  You have no idea how much good it does the boys, when on guard, to stop a pair of shoulder straps.

We have battalion drill in the forenoon, and no one can get a pass till afternoon.  As the parade ground is not large enough to accommodate two regiments at once, the Thirtieth drills in the forenoon and the Twenty-fifth in the afternoon.  Our battalion drill generally lasts from ten o’clock till noon ;  but there has been so much cold weather lately, we have not drilled as much as we ought for our own good.  And I am sorry to say we are not very proficient, considering the time we have been in camp.  In the afternoon we generally have company drill, from two till half past three o’clock.  Besides drilling we have considerable fatigue work to do ;  such as packing wood and cutting it for the Hospital, and other purposes ;  but we do not have to work hard enough to hurt any one.  As far as that is concerned, it is no more than is necessary to keep us healthy.  We have been drilling a little in the skirmish drill, and also in the bayonet exercise, but are not yet perfect in either one.  The parade ground is now in excellent condition to drill on, it being frozen very smooth, and the weather is also as nice as any one could wish.

And now for the particulars in regard to company F :  As you well know, we left P. [Prescott] with upwards of one hundred men who styled themselves the “Tiger Guards.”  And as I look around me now, and compare the present condition of our company with its flourishing condition at that time, and think how short a time we have been gone from home, it reminds me of the saying that “change is stamped upon every thing.”¹  Out of those one hundred and four healthy, hearty men, only about forty are now fit for duty.  One has been transferred to Berdan’s Sharp Shooters, ten have been transferred to company I, two have deserted, and two discharged.  And three have been called away by the Messenger of Death, and are now sleeping their last sleep beneath the cold clods of the valley ;  and the afflicting hand of Providence is still upon us.  Sickness is still in our midst.  Nearly half of the remainder of our company are reported sick, and several of them are in a very bad condition too.  The measles and mumps are the prevailing diseases, but some are afflicted with diseases of a more serious nature than either of these.  There are six or seven more in the company who have been sick nearly ever since we entered camp, and have complaints from which they will never recover as long as they live ;  and what Uncle Sam wants of such men is more than I can tell.  Some of them ought never to have enlisted.  But probably they were anxious to do something to help sustain that government which had so long sheltered them, and hoped to be able to ensure the hardships of a soldier’s life ;  and if they were unable to endure its privations, they supposed they would be sent home, and not kept here to suffer after there was no prospect of their ever being able to do duty.  But getting discharged from Uncle Sam’s service is a trifle harder to do than getting into the service.  If it were not, I fear the army would be sadly diminished in size very soon.  Many would be ready to feign sickness, if by so doing they could get a discharge.  And so it is always the case; the innocent are debarred from enjoying privileges which they might enjoy, if those privileges were not abused by the guilty ;  and it is sometimes difficult to detect the counterfeit from the genuine.  We have so little hospital room here, that afer [sic] filling up every suitable building with the sick, every company has from ten to twenty sick ones in their barracks.  We provide for them here the best we can ;  but with the best of care, it is a poor place for a sick person, amide the noise and confusion which necessarily results from so many men being brought together under one roof, however ample it may be.  But the new hospital now in process of erection, I think will be large enough to accommodate the sick in one regiment at least.  The outside of the building is completed, and they are at work on the inside now.  As I have not yet been inside, I do not know how it is to be arranged.

You have asked in one of your letters how we spend our time here in camp.  I have already accounted to you for a certain portion of each day.  The remainder of the time is spent in various ways, according to the dispositions of the different persons.  Now we are away from home, you know we are dependent on our own skill to do our mending, washing, and so on, unless we prefer to hire it done.  Some employ nearly all the time that can be spared from these duties in playing cards ;  some in playing checkers, and some in reading and writing.  We have a building comfortably fitted up, in which prayer meetings are held every evening, and when the weather is not too cold, services in the open air on the Sabbath, by Chaplain Green.  Report has set several times for us to go, but we are still here, with but very little more prospect of leaving than there was when we first came.

MORE ANON.

1.  From Observations Designed as a Reply to the “Thoughts” of Dr. Maltby, on the Dangers of Circulating the Whole of the Scriptures Among the Lower Orders, by J. W. [John William] Cunningham, A. M. (London: J. Hatchard, 1812): 61. Available digitally on Google Books.
2.  A perusal of the official roster of Company F, 30th Wisconsin Infantry, does not reveal exactly the same numbers as listed in this letter. One private was transferred to the Sharpshooters but another one was transferred simply to “U.S.A.”  Only eight were transferred to Company I of the 30th, all of them on October 23, 1862. No one is officially listed as deserting, probably because the two individuals eventually are returned and serve. Three are discharged for a disability, but perhaps this letter was written before Eli Preble died on January 31, 1863.

• transferred to Company G, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters: Joseph Sleeper, November 24, 1862
• transferred to U.S.A.: James McDonald, February 3, 1863
• 10 transferred to Company I:
  • Frank J. Birkel
  • Joseph Dauser
  • Frank Keriger
  • Nicholas Nopp
  • Joseph Reichert
  • John Schommer
  • Peter M. Simons
  • Leland J. Webb
• 2 discharged:
  • Joseph D. Hilton, December 2, 1862, disability
  • Eli Preble, January 31, 1863, disability
  • Philetus S. Sutton, January 9, 1863, disability
• 3 died:
  • Charles W. Danforth, died January 13, 1863
  • Corwin Gregory, died December 13, 1862
  • John M. Miller, died November 24, 1862.

1863 January 4: “The boys have substituted the time-step call, left! left! for that of mud! mud!”

From the January 14, 1863, issue of The Prescott Journal comes this letter from Company F of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry—the Salomon Tigers.  There is no soldier in Company F with the initials O. S. G., but this could possibly be L. Dow Gunn, who was a sergeant at this time.  The O. S. G. could stand for Orderly Sergeant Gunn.

Camp Correspondence.

From the Thirtieth Regiment.

HEAD QUARTERS, 30th REG. W. V. }
Camp Randall, Jan. 4th, 1’63. }

Friend Lute :—The dark, shadowy, clouds of the few past stormy days have blown over Camp Randall leaving a sky clear and serene with a sun, bright and spring-like, so desirable in our present circumstances; in our conversation when we for a moment forget the vast field of mud that surrounds us, we call it pleasant—the weather is mild and has by far more the appearance of Spring than Winter.  During the night it freezes sufficiently hard to dry up the unpleasant element beneath, but by noon the frost is all out, leaving the ground the same as the day before, mud all over.

The boys have substituted the time-step call, left! left! for that of mud! mud! and through the day can be heard the fatigue duty men, as they carry wood or water, calling out, mud! mud! they thinking it more appropiate [sic] than any other at the present time.

The holidays (as the hoosier wrote in his letter to his sweetheart,) “has bin and went and oh, how lonesome!” and I must say with what little real enjoyment were they appreciated in camp—like all other days.  The Guard were mounted, Sentinels walked their beats with their usual tread, and that much dreaded Fatigue-duty, went on as ever and with but few exceptions, the day passed by with but little to mind us, that this was a day of unusual interest, more than yesterday; there being no company drill, we had free use of the field to roam around, and peek through the cracks of the high board fence if we wished.

It had been announced that in the evening the Union Vocalists (from River Falls) would give an entertainment with a free dance afterwards, all for 25 cts without supper included; this suited me being a lover of “tripping the light fantastic toe,” of course I attended, on arriving at the door I deposited with the gentleman, O. S. P. a peculiar 25 ct. Madison check, (having 15 cts. left) and walked in feeling as well pleased but not quite so portly as did our friend McIndoe [Walter D. McIndoe] and lady, who just preceded me.  By the way, we think he is the right man in the right place—she too.  The house was well filled with a first-class audience, the singing was pronounced superb and not often to be excelled; the dance like all good dances was grand and gave perfect satisfaction.

Did you hear we had moved?  Well its so.  On Tuesday we began to convey our personal property into the new barracks while the rain came down in drenching sheets.  Knapsacks, gun accoutrements, blankets and everything pertaining to a soldier’s outfit was hastily moved, and we are now comfortably situated in good pleasant quarters, with tables, benches, stoves and bunks, tastefully arranged.

The kitchen and pantry are attached to the rear of the quarters and are furnished with the large Chicago cooking stove with fixtures which has the appearance of a first rate 2d class boarding house.

The health of Co. F. appears to be gradually improving while other companies have reported as many as 48 unfit for duty.  A few cases of both Measles and Mumps are yet in camp, the Small-pox seeming to have been checked; Erysipolas [sic: Erysipelas]¹ seems to have taken the place of sore throat and is now the prevailing disease, that cause the appearance of small companies on dress parade, and the erecting of additional tents for hospitals.  Captain Meacham [Edgar A. Meacham] has been sick for a few days with severe cold and sore throat, but we hope to see him in camp tomorrow; below I give you a list of the company sick in quarters or hospital which may be a better way of informing their friends as to their situation.

The election news of McIndoe’s success and the Proclamation was received last evening with the greatest interest and applause; guns were fired in the city, and as the report reverberated along the still night air the excitement spread among the soldiers and huzzahs and cheers went up from hundreds of tongues and many exclamations; Thank God!  Old Abe’s all right yet, were halloed aloud.

Many by-words and phrases have originated since the Proclamation and have come into general use.  Our wits, Corporals B. and R. say Lincoln has ordered four hundred negroes up here to be servants for us; they have told the story to our washwoman who feels very sorry to think she will lose so much washing.

Lute, rumors are that you are an altered man, this we are all happy to hear.  I thought you would heed Mrs Micawber’s² advice at last; united in wedlock to a true and gentle woman you will receive the kindest wishes of many a married soldier.

We know not as to when we will leave here, we have seen pay-day pass by, but nary a red was left us and we begin to feel blue—officers are straped [sic]—and men are destitute of the cash.  Sutler’s checks are all the go now, and we find John [Dale] and Snyder as liberal and kind as ever; they furnish us with sutler’s goods and take trust for pay, we have borrowed from one another till we are in debt all around.  I have been thinking of sending up for Pierce Co. pocket printing press, (the one you and John used in striking off Co. orders) and go to issueing [sic] Script to pay up.  The 25th Reg. are to be paid soon and start for Dixie.  Our inquiries are answered with the same old promise, “in a few days.”

	NAME.	WHERE SICK	DISEASE.
	C W Brown	in quarters	severe cold
	L B Bickford	”	gen. debility
	A Campbell	”	liver comp’t.
	H S Hamblin³	Hospital	measles
	G W Houghtaling	”	liver comp’t.
	L Marsh	in quarters	severe cold
	E Preble³	Hospital	rheumatism
	P S Sutton³	”	getting dis.
	T J West	”	breached
	A Stowell	in quarters	sprain. ankle
	E Harmond [sic]	”	cold
	W W Hall	”	cold
	W M Shafer	Hospital	severe cold
	H G Carr	in quarters	spinal comp’t.
	C Danforth³	”	consumption
	A Cudd	”	rheumatism bad
	B D Maynard	”	severe cold
	E P Smith	”	rheumatism
	C L Beardsly	”	cold
	J G White	”	”
	L Bossott [sic]	”	”
	A C Hathway [sic]	”	”
	F H Lord	Hospital	measles

Those sick are doing well, and receive the best medical attendance.

O. S. G.

1.  Erysipelas is a type of skin infection with blisters, fever, shaking, chills, swollen red skin, and sores on the cheeks and bridge of the nose, among other symptoms. It is caused by a type of Streptococcus bacteria.
2.  Mrs. Micawber is a character in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield.
3.  All of the men will survive their current medical conditions except for Charles W. Danforth, who will die from disease on January 13, 1863, in Madison. He was from Prescott. Consumption was an old term for pulmonary tuberculosis.
Harry S. Hamblin, from River Falls, will be discharged March 24, 1863, for a disability.
Eli Preble, from Prescott, will be discharged January 31, 1863, for a disability.
Philetus S. Sutton, from Red Wing (Minn.), will be discharged January 9, 1863, for a disability.

1862 December 14: Another Letter from the 30th Wisconsin at Camp Randall

A letter from the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, currently in training at Camp Randall.  It comes from The Prescott Journal of December 24, 1862.

CAMP CORRESPONDENCE.

FROM THE THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.

CAMP RANDALL, MADISON, WIS., }
December 14, 1862. }

Friend Lute:—Since I last wrote you, nothing of peculiar interest in Camp has transpired to please or amuse us; but a few statements of facts, as to the health and general interest of Co. F, may not fail to please many readers of your paper.

This Sabbath is a sad one here; a feeling of loneliness pervades the Camp, and a veil of sadness seems to hang at the threshold of every heart.

Death has again knocked at the door of our camp home and demanded the spirit of one of our most promising and best comrades.

CORWIN GREGORY was one of the best of soldiers; ever good-natured and friendly, he has never failed to win the warmest sympathies and friendship of every man in the company.  He had been in the hospital but three days before he died.  Yesterday morning, about seven o’clock, Chaplan Green [Asa B. Green] came down and requested that we should go to the Hospital, as he feared CORWIN was dying, which was the first intimation we had that he was dangerously ill.  He died with apparent ease, and seemed to have his senses.

I was too unwell to follow in the procession to the grave; but while I write I plainly bear the dull sound of the muffled drum as they beat the solemn march to the soldiers grave, telling that another spirit had been called from us.

The health of the company, I am sorry to say, is in a much worse state than when I wrote to you last.  Severe colds seem to be the prevailing disease; and I should be a will to be discouraged, but I am told that all other regiments, at this season of the year, have been the same.

Yesterday afternoon, at Battalion Drill, 27 men were all that could be mustered in the ranks, the remainder being either on guard or unfit for duty.

There are but seven companies of the 30th Regiment now in Camp, Co. A being at Green Bay, and B and G at West Bend, where we left them two weeks ago, to collect the drafted men together.

I presume you have often, in reading of engagements where some companies have went into the field with fifty or sixty men, asked the question why companies of a hundred men were not able to get out with a greater number.  I have often heard the question asked, and it can be plainly answered by giving a copy of some morning report to headquarters.

Take for instance, a company of ninety men, seventeen of whom are in the morning detailed for guard, leaving them seventy-three men, out of which say twenty-four report themselves sick—some lame, and others playing lame, which makes up the above number, and often many more.  This leaves the number reduced to fifty nine, out of which the cooks, wood and water detail is made, leaving the number still smaller.  I said some play sick.  It seems to be a common thing for some, after living in Camp some time, living well, with but little hard labor to perform, they seem to become endowed with a spirit of disinclination to do duty, and report themselves as sick, and are marched off to the Surgeons for examination.

A good joke, I understand, was played a few days ago on a man in some other company, by Surgeon Hoyt [Otis Hoyt], whose skill and long practice enables him to tell a case of rheumatism from the measles readily.  The patient had been cupped on the knee the morning before, but it had failed to cure him of his disease.—Consequently, when the Doctor examined him the next morning he pronounced him very bad, and said he should have to cup him all over, and began to prepare, at the same time telling him to strip.  This was more than he could stand, and backing up to the door, made his exit, and with a double-quick was soon at his quarters, and considered himself well enough to go into the ranks.  He has not been troubled with the rheumatism since.

You have heard ere this of the resignation of our Captain [Martin A. Driebelbis], and that our first Lieut. Meacham [Edgar A. Meacham] has been commissioned in his stead.

Lieut. Strong [Ezra B. Strong] and our Orderly Serg’t Gunn [L. Dow Gunn] are now the 1st and 2d Lieutenants.  Serg’t Grant has been appointed Orderly Sergt, 1st Corporal McCarty [Augustus E. McCarty] as 3d Serg’t, and Private Wiser [George H. Weiser] as Corporal.¹  The changes appear to give general satisfaction, and all goes on smoothly in military order.

I feel as though I ought not close this without speaking in praise of the diligent attention and interest with which the duties are performed in the Sick Department by the Surgeons and Rev. Mr. Greene [sic] our Chaplain.  Surgeon Hoyt is a man who has had experience in the service as well as a practical physician at home.  At times he seems tough in his ways; but after becoming acquainted with his disposition and mode of treatment, no one would say but what he was a man of judgement, giving to the patient his kindest attention and best of care.—His assistants, Farr and Baker,² are no less attentive, and their friendly sympathies have won the respect of the regiment.

Chaplain Green is an energetic in the discharge of his duties as when steam boating on the St. Croix.  Whether in the Hospital or Quarters he is always to be found with the sick, attending to their wants and endeavoring to alleviate their pains with, apparently, a father’s care.  He attends also to the receiving and distributing the mail, of which a goodly amount is received.  To a stranger, on seeing our daily mail, he would with truth conclude that our friends at home had not forgotten us, and indeed they have not.

Our friends need have no fears but what we are well fed and clothed.  We know what we volunteered for, and we will now endure all we anticipated without a word or expression of dissatisfaction.  Our constant wish is that we may soon be led to the field of action, and we shall not consider ourselves fully paid until we have seen a skirmish.

Until again heard from
I am yours,
O. S. G.

1.  Augustus E. McCarty was from Prescott, as was George H. Weiser.
2.  Edwin J. Farr, from Mauston, was the regiment’s second assistant surgeon, and Edwin O. Baker, from Durand, was the first assistant surgeon.

1862 November 26: The 30th Wisconsin Infantry at Camp Randall

The following article on the 30th Wisconsin Infantry at Camp Randall in Madison, Wisconsin, comes from the November 26, 1862, issue of The Prescott Journal.

A LOOK AT CAMP.

It was our good fortune to recently spend a few days at Camp Randall.  The boys were glad to see us, and we were glad to see them, and the result was a good time generally.

The companies from this valley are the pride of the regiment.  The boys have generally enjoyed excellent health, and are strong and hearty.  Co. A, Capt. Sam. Harriman and Lt. A. L. Cox have received the significant cognomen of “Babes in the Woods.”  They are also known as “husky cusses.”  Well drilled, proud of themselves and their officers, they deservedly stand A. No. 1.  The Salomon Tigers [Company F] are worthy of old Pierce [County].  Capt. Dreibelbis and Lt. Meacham were absent during our stay there, but Lt. STRONG and Orderly DOW GUNN “ran the machine” to general satisfaction.  Capt. Fulton’s company [Company D], 1st Lt. Charley Darling, has made good progress in drill, and officers and men are well liked.¹

Col. DILL² is deservedly popular.  Quiet, but efficient, supported by an excellent staff, his regiment is already one of the best drilled ever in Camp Randall.

John L. Dale runs the Sutlers establishment to the satisfaction of all concerned.  The officers of the regiment board with him, and a more pleasant lot of fellows never wore shoulder straps.  The Hospital is under the care of Surgeon Hoyt,³ who is an old hand at army practice and “knows his regular biz.”  Altogether we had a pleasant time with the boys and left them with regret.

Several interesting episodes occurred on the journey home, concerning which this witness will not depose.

1.  Company A: Samuel Harriman (from Somerset) and Arthur L. Cox (from River Falls).
Company F: Martin A. Dreibelbis (from Prescott) and Edgar A. Meacham (from Prescott), Ezra B. Strong (listed as being from Somerset, Mich.) and L. Dow Gunn (from Prescott).
Company D: David C. Fulton (from Hudson) and Charles E. Darling (from Hudson).
2.  Daniel J. Dill (from Prescott).
3.  Otis Hoyt (from Hudson).

1862 October 22: Visiting the 30th Wisconsin Infantry at Camp Randall

“Flotsam and Jetsam” was a semi-regular column written by Robert Eden for The Prescott Journal.  Usually it does not include anything military-related, but in the October 22, 1862, issue of the Journal Eden includes a description of his visit to the 30th Wisconsin Infantry which was training at Camp Randall in Madison.  John Dale, the sutler for the 30th Wisconsin, accompanied Eden on his visit.  We reprint only the portion of the column detailing the visit to the 30th Wisconsin.

Written for the JOURNAL.

FLOTSAM AND JETSAM.

NO. SIX—BY BOB EDEN.

Thirtieth Wis. Vol.—The Camp—Proficiency of Thirtieth in Drill.

DEAR LUTE:—On Monday last I thought I would pay a visit to the city situated on the two lakes, the fair Capital of the State of Wisconsin. . . .

On enquiry we [John Dale and Robert Eden] found that the 30th Wis. Vol. had that evening arrived in Madison.  A fond recollection of many a good man and true who we knew were to be found there, urged us to the camp, thitherwards we accordingly directed our steps.  We found the boys “virtuous and happy,” a little used up by the fatigues of the road ;  but there was no fatigue in the kind, hearty welcome of Arthur “Kox” [Cox], Sid. Starr, George Merrick, Dav. Fulton, and many other “star performers,”—(nothing personal to Sid.) of “Gideon’s Band.”

Our military education, LUTE, has been somewhat neglected, the drilling portion of it having been mainly confined to the blue article generally used for over-alls ;  but still, we have, here and there, seen troops drilled, and in our private opinion, the drill of the two companies from St. Croix and Pierce counties, Capts. HARRIMAN [Samuel Harriman] and FULTON [David C. Fulton], can’t be beat, for the time they have been at it.  We did not see a company in the 29th, which was on Battalion Drill shortly after, that could anything like come up to it.  I have the less hesitation in saying this from the fact that I heard the same opinion expressed by an officer of the 29th, who was standing near me, to a friend.

The Fair Grounds at Madison, is a beautiful site for a camp, as from the rolling nature of the ground ;  the barrcks [sic] are well drained and dry, and the same peculiarity gives a fine view of the men at drill, parade, etc.

After having inspected the various beauties and celebrities of Camp Randall, and in company with the Great John [Dale], I retreated slowly on the city.  As we mounted the little hill, just outside the gates of the camp, and turned to look on the scene behind us, I could not help thinking, as I saw the long blue line, topped with the glistening bayonets, wheel, march, and counter-march, and reflected on the material of which that and most of the regiments formed the response to this last call were composed, I could not, I say, help thinking what an awful solemn thing this war is.

Not that the thought then presented itself to me for the first time, but a knowledge of the high talents and abilities of many who stood in those ranks, ready and willing to lay aside all that those talents entitle them to, and to take their chance with the many, brought the fact nearer home to me than it perhaps ever has been before.  But one more last look, and then farewell to Camp Randall.

R. C. E.