1865 August 5: Battle of Platte Bridge, Rebel Pirate “Shenandoah” Still Doing Serious Damage, and More

The smaller items from both newspapers—The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal—of August 5, 1865, follow.

The fourth item refers to the Battle of Platte Bridge, or Platte Bridge Station, which took place on July 26, 1865, between the U.S. Army and Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho Indians.  In late July, the Indians assembled an estimated 1,000-3,000 warriors, and descended upon Platte Bridge.

The bridge, a key crossing point across the North Platte River for wagon trains of emigrants traveling the Oregon and Bozeman Trails, was located near present day Casper, Wyoming.   Platte Bridge Station was a military outpost on the south bank of the North Platte River near the 1,000-foot-long bridge.

The Civil War had drained fighting power from the western outposts and only 120 soldiers were at the military station on July 26.  In the engagement at the bridge—and another one a few miles away—the Indians killed 29 soldiers, plus seriously wounding another 10.  Twenty-year-old 2nd Lieutenant Caspar W. Collins of Company G, 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, led the small detachment across the Platte River Bridge and was ambushed by a group of Indians much larger than was visible from the military station.  Five of that party were killed, including Collins.

Lt. Collins’ Drawing of Platte Bridge and Station¹

From The Polk County Press:

WISCONSIN AHEAD.—Adj’t Gen. Gaylord [Augustus Gaylord] states that when he was at Washington, Provost Marshal General Fry [James B. Fry] told him that up to the time recruiting was stopped, Wisconsin had furnished a larger proportion of men, according to her enrollment, than any other State under the call.

— The rebel pirate Shenandoah is still afloat and is doing serious damage among our whalers.  She captured and burnt ten ships last month.  Her commander was informed of the surrender of Lee and the collapse of the rebellion, but would not believe it.  She has an English crew and is said to be a very powerful vessel.  [Robert E. Lee]

— The slaves in Kentucky are flocking to the opposite sides of the Ohio, Gen. Palmer promising freedom to all who shall leave the State, and giving every facility to enable them to depart.  [John M. Palmer]

— The Indians on the plains in the vacinity [sic] of Fort Laramie are very troublesome.  A battle was recently fought with them, at Platt Bridge Station.  The fight lasted two days and resulted in great loss to the Indians.  Loss on our side Lieut. Collins and one enlisted man of the 11th Ohio, nine killed and 25 wounded of the 11th Kansas.  The Indians retreated West, tearing down the telegraph wire.  Lieut. Collins was horribly mutilated.  His hands and feet were cut off, his throat cut and his heart torn out.

— A working party of thirty-five men, commanded by a Quartermaster, is on the way to Andersonville, Ga., to enclose and mark as far as possible the graves of Union soldiers who perished at that place.  They carry 7,000 headboards and 14,000 feet of lumber for fences.

— President Johnson is reported to be seriously ill at Washington.  [Andrew Johnson]

— Jay Cooke has disposed of the Seven-Thirty Loan.

COMING HOME.—The 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th Minnesota regiments are expected to arrive at St. Paul on the 10th inst.

— The Pierce County folks gave their returned soldiers a grand welcome at Prescott yesterday.  There were speeches, music, a good dinner, and a grand dance in the evening.

— Andrew Fee, 11th Wis. Cavalry, has received his discharge and returned home on Tuesday.  We regret to learn that he has been very sick, and that he is still suffering from disease contracted in the army.

ANOTHER POLK CO. SOLDIER GONE TO HIS LAST HOME.—LUCIAN PERKINS, formerly of Alden, this county, member of Co. H. 3d Minn.  Volunteers, died at Duval’s Bluff, Ark., on the 4th day of May, 1865, of lung fever.  He leaves many friends and relatives to mourn his loss.

THE CHIP BASKET.

— Yale College has sent five hundred and ninety-six of her graduates to the war.

— The log cabin which General Grant occupied at City Point is to be placed in one of the public squares in Philadelphia.  [Ulysses S. Grant]

— General Grant is reported to have said, in conversation with the Mexican Minister a few days ago :—“The French will have to leave Mexico.”

— The Boston Transcript is authorized to say that the estate of President Lincoln, with addition of contributions made in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, will amount to one hundred thousand dollars, and that the active labors of those obtaining subscriptions to the Lincoln Fund have now ceased.

— General Robert E. Lee is writing an elaborate history of his campaigns from the time he assumed command of the rebel army of Northern Virginia, after the battle of Seven Pines to the capitulation at Appomattox Court House on the 9th of April.—The Richmond Bulletin says it will be “a truthful and impartial narrative, by the greatest actor of the war.”

From The Prescott Journal:

— The telegraph office here is open for business.  It is in Beardsely and Lyford’s store.

PERSONAL.—The last remnant of Co. B. 6th Reg., five in number arrived home this week.  Capt. Smyzer [sic: Henry E. Smyser] and Lt. KINNEY [Darwin W. Kinney] are in poor health, Lt. Holman [Solomon B. Holman] is hale and hearty.

— Brig. Gen. SAM. HARRIMAN, Major ELLSWORTH BURNETT and Lt. J. W. WINCHESTER [Judson W. Winchester], of the 37th, arrived last night, looking finely.  The Gen. and Major don’t need any praises here ;  if they did, we would give it muchly.

— Lt. Col. MYRON REED, brother of Prof. REED, is spending a few days here.  For nearly two years past he has had charge of scouting parties in the Southwest, and led a life of great excitement and danger.  When a boy, MYRON “co’d do some things as well as others,” and he holds his size.²

THE CENSUS.—Last week we published the census returns of all the towns in this county, excepting El Paso, which are as follows :  White, male, 78 ;  female, 79.  Colored, male, 4 ;  female, 3.  Foreign birth, 38.

This makes the total population of the county 6,324, divided as follows :  White, male, 3,203 ;  female, 3,054.  Colored, male, 32 ;  female, 35.  Foreign birth, 1,052.  There are in the county 4 insane person, 4 deaf and dumb, and 1 blind.  The populations of Pierce county in 1860 was 4,672.

1.  From the Fort Caspar Museum’s temporary exhibit of “The Artwork of Caspar Collins,” showing from November 21, 2014, to November 7, 2015. The exhibit was in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Platte Bridge.
2.  Myron Winslow Reed (1836-1899) was in the 18th Michigan Infantry. After the War, he was a social reformer and religious leader. He moved to Denver, Colorado, where he was the minister of the First Congregational Church. In 1887, he co-founded and was the first president of Denver’s Charity Organizations Society, which became the United Way. Protestent, Catholic, and Jewish leaders cooperated for a united campaign to raise funds for 22 different health and welfare agencies. He also fought for the rights of working class people in Colorado and was called the “Christian Socialist of the American West.” His sermons were reprinted in over 50 newspapers nationwide. With growing popularity, he was nominated for congress in 1886 and 1892. In 1894, he sided with a Cripple Creek miners strike, that many of his middle-class parishioners disagreed with. Later that year he left the Congregational Church to found a nondenominational church in Denver. His brother was Rollin Lyman Reed (1832-1912), of Prescott.

1865 June 20: “You seemed to think the soldiers were all coming home, I am sorry to say they are not”

Edwin Levings with the 12th Wisconsin Infantry writes to one of his cousins.  The original letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Hd. Qrs. 3rd Div, 17^th A. C.
Near Louisville Ky, June 20^th 1865.

Dear Cousin Emma;¹

                                       Your letter of the 6^th May was rec’d near Washington, and read by me with much pleasure.  Like one awaiting the return of some long absent friend, it seemed to have been in waiting there to greet me at the end of a long, toilsome march.  Coming back from the war, my mind filled with bright visions of home and friends, the arrival of your letter was a most pleasing — incident — a compliment — an honor, as are all your letters.

And now while you are looking for “another army letter”, I gladly pen these lines, hoping they may confer as much pleasure and interest as felt by me when tracing yours.

Now that an armed foe no longer assails the Old Flag, I must write of other things than the scenes and incidents of war, and what shall they be?  My purpose was to write a short sketch of our march from Raleigh N.C. to Washington; but the thought occurs that from previous letters you must be quite familiar with the features of interest in a march, for though varied, they are much alike in each instance, and therefor I will not invite you to a perusal of what might be but little better than an old story.  I will say it was the most pleasant and agreeable march ever performed by us.  We had been detailed for Provost duty at Division Head Quarters, and being mounted on horses, with the privilege of going where we wished, had an excellent chance to see the country and the people, remaining as safeguards at the houses during the passing of the troops, and sometimes stopping over night.  Every body was  seemingly glad the war was ended.  Numerous questions were asked about the North and the Yankees, and more than once I tired with talking.  By the way would you believe it —some of the fair ones asserted their liking for the Yankees, and said they would marry the first favorable chance.  Further, some of Raleigh’s daughters actually made peace with some of Uncle Sam’s boys by marrying them.  This demonstrates conclusively that there is yet in Dixie a real love for the union.  Now who says the war was a failure, when it ended by making lovers of enemies?  A different turn of the wheel of Fortune some of the northern girls may think, and what do you suppose they will say?  The trip I shall always remember with satisfaction.  I would give some of the conversation but for the fear of spinning this out to too great a length.—While in Washington we visited all the sights.  The Patent Office, Capitol Buildings and Smithsonian Institute are the principal places of interest and are well worth going to see.  I must not attempt to say what we saw, as my letter would be too long, so you must excuse me.

You seemed to think the soldiers were all coming home, I am sorry to say they are not, that the veteran portion must remain awhile longer.  The Government determined to retain us till such time as it should be deemed prudent to disband us.  We hardly knew how to endure the disappointment, but are now somewhat resigned to the decree, hoping the “good time coming” is not far distant.  I presume we shall be held till the different States can reorganize their government and assume the control now exercised by the military authority.  So you see our going home soon is all illusion.  But I can not but think our services will not be required more than six or eight months longer.

At Washington we saw cousin Ellsworth [Ellsworth Burnett].  He looks well, and has a high reputation in his Co. and Regt.  Dwight, who lives in Alexandria, we did not see.  Myron [Myron W. Packard], in the 3oth Wis., is here on duty at the military prison as Commissary Serg’t.²—The Div. is now being paid, and a liberal percentage of furloughs granted.  We drew lots for them here, but neither of us got one.  I never was lucky at that business and don’t suppose I ever will be.  Our duty here at Hd. Qrs. is mostly pacing to and fro before the officers’ tents, saluting when necessary, or I should say, whenever you can not avoid it.  All style.  Like unto the contraband’s³ duty —”brushing the flies off from missus”.  You can guess whether that suits a Levings.  The time we must remain in the army will be long to us, and I shall have to call into exercise more than usual patience to stand it.  Now, Dear Cousin, as I have before told you, letters are the life of a soldier, in an important sense &, I hope you will let your and Cousin Louisa’s letters will come faster.  I have no idea that mine will be worthy your attention, but I shall ever be grateful for your correspondence, as having made many an otherwise lonely hour in my soldier-life happy.  I am a poor hand to ask questions where I have never been, and you will have to anticipate then for what I would say.  My letter is a sorry looking thing, and can you make out what I have said, I can not, therefore will stop writing.  May we hope to hear from you soon.  Direct via Louisville.  With my well-wishes to you, I am

 Your Cousin
.                     .Edwin

1.  Cousin Emma Eliza Levings (b. 1842), along with sisters Lottie (Charlotte Amelia, b. 1845), Hattie (Harriet Lucinda, b. 1849), and Lucy Louisa (b. 1840), were the daughters of Edwin’s and Homer’s Uncle Alpheus Hall Levings.
2.  Here are some of the male cousins.  Ellsworth Burnett was the son of Edwin’s and Homer’s Aunt Mary Levings Burnett (married Benedict R. Burnett). Myron W. Packard was the son of Edwin’s and Homer’s Aunt Amanda Levings Packard (married Daniel Packard). Dwight was probably Dwight Cornelius Packard (1829-1910), Myron’s brother and also Edwin’s and Homer’s first cousin.
3.  During the War, escaped slaves were considered contraband.

.

Edwin Levings letter of June 20, 1865, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1865 March 30: “This war is to bring us, both North and South, to a willingness to render justice to the downtrodden of our land”

The original letter is in the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO), in the University Archives and Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Goldsboro N. C. March 30^th, 1865

Dear Cousin Lottie,

Your letter of the 3^rd ult came to hand on the 25^th inst. making me glad beyond expression.  It found me just entering upon a rest from a long, weary march; and I could but think how timely the little missive, and how nice to know you sent it.

Now I will try to form an answer thereto, hoping you will not think I have forgotten, or lost any love for you as to care not to know where you are, or what you are doing.  Indeed, what made you think so?  If I love not my cousins, I love nobody, and am unworthy of love.  Yes, I am always pleased to hear from you.

And you are teaching near Maiden Rock.  The news gave one mingled feelings of surprise and regret,—regret that you are thrown among strangers.  It is pleasanter, you know, to hear of our friends from where we have been, or where we possessed some acquaintances. I hope you are not lonely, and hope you have found friends; though it does seem to me you are in a lonely place.  Perhaps it is the association of the name, Maiden Rock, that gives rise to the feeling.  Though historic with interest the place to me was always invested with a lonely grandeur.  But a cheerful, working heart is at home anywhere, and no doubt you find enough in the school room to employ your best energies, so that while you are doing good, you are also receiving it in the consciousness of having done you duty, thus bringing sunshine into you heart and leaving no place there for shadows.  How is it ? Tell me all about you experiences, for the teacher’s calling is a high and noble one

Well, you wished my opinion of the probable duration of the war.  My idea is perhaps not worth much, but I will jot it down for you with pleasure.  I always thought the Almighty had a purpose to work out in the prosecution of this war — the establishment of that great principle laid down in our Constitution, and so little regarded by us as a nation, humanity to the enslaved, or equality of human rights.  Viewed from this standpoint we must see that though man proposes, God disposes events, and that consequently the war will continue by his decree till we as a people no longer deny the oppressed their rights.  This war is to bring us, both North and South, to a willingness to render justice to the downtrodden of our land.  When we reach that step peace honorable and permanent will come.  Who can doubt that our armies backed by loyalty to this principle are to establish it throughout our beloved land.  We are not quite willing to recognize the golden rule but are fast becoming so.  We can read the signs of the times and see that progress is making toward the Rights; and we know that Peace is not far off.  You perceive I consider that obedience to this Heavenly principle is the condition of peace, and that peace will come of obedience, never without it.  Our Constitution has recently been amended so as to forever abolish slavery in the U. S.  That was a grand act.  The other day a colored lawyer was admitted to practice in in [sic] the Supreme Court of the U. S. the first instance of the kind.  Have you read the report of the interview of Sec[’]t Stanton and Gen. Sherman with the colored men of Savannah?  It is exceedingly interesting.  [Edwin M. Stanton, William T. Sherman]

I have not yet told you about our march in the Carolinas.  You must pardon me for my short account of it, as I have almost unconsciously written along forgetting what would most interest you.  Our march began from Pocotaliga S. C. Jan. 30^th, and ended at Goldsboro N. C. occupying fifty three days.  The country is all pine, sandy, and full of swamps and streams.  The two latter we were crossing every day, wading in the water and mud, so that our feet were wet nearly half the time.  Sometimes we had to wade through swamps flooded with two or three ft. of water, and the enemy in front.  This was the case at Orangeburg S. C. where our regiment by a flank movement drove the rebels, an entire brigade, out of town and captured at the Court House a large Secession flag.  We destroyed the R. Roads as we marched, and consumed all the subsistence.  There is not enough provision left the people to last them a month.  Orangeburg, a beautiful town, was burned and Columbia was mostly destroyed by the devouring elements.  We entered it the night of the 17^th Feb. the bands playing Columbia, the gem of the ocean.  Never shall I forget that night scene.  It was the determination of the soldiers never to leave the city without having first burned her to the ground.  There she was, a beautiful city, wealthy and populous, but in her was passed the first Ordinance of Secession, and in her shot and shell had been molded for the destruction of the glorious Union, and now she must be punished.  The wind blew strongly, the flames leaped wildly over the fair city, for the curse of God was upon her.  Thousands of soldiers thronged the streets and buildings appropriating their contents, while citizens rushed along the pavements in terror, the women in their fine dresses of silk, surrounded with furniture, valuables, and their servants, imploringly besought beseeching us to protect their property.  But there was no help for it.  In the morning the sun shone upon a ruined city.  We then destroyed the R. Roads northward, directing our march to Cheraw, on the Great Peedee [Pee Dee] River, where we captured a lot of artillery.  Then we marched rapidly to Fayetteville, communicating there with our fleet and loading up with a little hard tack &c.  Goldsboro was not aimed at, and after several hard battles with Johnson’s [sic] forces, we reached the place [Joseph E. Johnston].  The final battle was fought on the 21st inst. 20 miles west of here, when we overpowered the concentrated forces of the rebels, 35,000, and drove them in disorder across the Neuse River.  Their loss was heavy, they playing their old game of charging our works before completed.  Our loss I do not know.  The loss of my Regt. was 3 wounded in Co. H.¹  My Co. lost one man mortally wounded while foraging.²  We lived well most of the way.

Cousins Louisa & Emma say they have not heard from you in a long time.  We had letters from them the other day.  Cousin Ellsworth [Ellsworth Burnett] is Capt. of the Pioneer Corps.  The peach & plum trees are in blossom.  How is it up there?  You will soon be back at R. F.—will you not write a long letter, pardoning me for this rambling, dull scrawl?  It is now sundown, and are you not glad?  But I will say Good night.

Edwin

1.  Company H’s John Aspenwall, from Weyauwega (right arm amputated), and Mathias Feldhausen, from Wrightstown, are listed in the official roster as being wounded at Bentonville, N.C.
2.  John Ducy, from Moscow, died March 21, 1865, from wounds received at Bentonville.

Edwin Levings letter of March 30, 1865, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 October 15: Soldiers’ Views of the Election, Ellsworth Burnett Sent Home on Sick Furlough, Rebels at Petersburg Badly Demoralized

The following excerpts from two letters written by soldiers appeared in the October 15, 1864, issue of The Prescott Journal.

The Soldiers’ Views.

DAVID JARVIS, known to most of the citizens here, now serving on a gunboat on the Tennessee, writes to a friend here, under date of Oct. 5, as follows :

The condition of our country seems favorable at present, especially in the army. It is now in a state of invincibility, and all that is now requisite for a final triumph over our enemies is a full and hearty support of the Northern States in the fall election. If they will join hands with the soldier and unite in the support of ABRAHAM [Abraham Lincoln], the war will be brought to a speedy termination, and also to the honor of the U. S. A. If we fail in placing ABRAHAM in the next Presidential chair, and choose a peace man, I am afraid we have only experienced the beginning of war.

There are thousands of men in the States of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri, if a peace man is elected to the Presidential chair, will voluntarily present themselves to the rebel ranks, and thereby augment the rebel army, hoping to embarrass the North, and demand formal cessation to hostilities and disgraceful compromise which will be the beginning of wars in America. But I hope the people will awake to their best interests and unanimously proclaim for a vigorous prosecution of the war ;  the only possible way of solving the question.

Capt. “BOB” EDEN, of the 37th Regiment, under date of Oct. 4, writes as follows :

Col. SAM [Samuel Harriman] is in command of the Brigade and Maj. KERSHAW¹ of the Regiment ; Capt. E. BURNETT [Ellsworth Burnett] has been sent home on sick furlough. He is a good officer and a pleasant companion, and his health was much impaired, rendering a furlough absolutely necessary.

As for news as to the progress of the campaign, you get that sooner than we do, and more authentic and reliable at that.

The general opinion here seems to be that Petersburg will very soon be evacuated, and therefore fall into our hands.  The rebels are much disheartened at the many severe repulses they have lately met with, and appear, with but few exceptions, badly demoralized.  Their supplies too, are very short, and taken altogether, the prisoners we take are the happiest act of men alive, apparently ; that is, after they are safe in the rear of our lines.—Their first demand is, “Where can we get something to eat ? They were just going to serve out rations when we left our lines,” etc. They also say that “fighting’s played out, I reckon. You’uns can’t whip we’uns, but we’re tired of fighting and want to go home” Most of the prisoners are old men and young boys—“the cradle and the grave.”

1.  William J. Kershaw, from Big Spring, was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel of the 37th Wisconsin Infantry on September 27, 1864, and resigned on October 19. He had been wounded at Petersburg on June 17, 1864.

1864 May 7: No Draft Needed in Wisconsin, and News of Local Soldiers and Regiments

The following small items of local war-related news come from the May 7, 1865, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

FULL.—Unless the telegraph tells lies, Secretary STANTON [Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton] announces that the quota of Wisconsin is full.—He is good authority.  Bully for Wisconsin. !

MUSTERED OUT.—The First Minnesota Regiment was mustered out of the service on the 4th inst.  Those who re-enlisted, together with the new recruits of the organization, are ordered to report at Washington entirely.

A SUPPER FOR THE GUARDS.—Our patriotic ladies have taken the matter in hand, suggested by last week’s PRESS, and are going to get up a supper on Tuesday evening next at the Osceola House, for the “brave boys in blue” of the Hudson City Guards, now home on furlough.  There will be a merry dance in the evening, at the Osceola House Hall, and we feel confident that the boys will be made to feel that they are remembered.—Let our citizens take hold and make the entertainment as complete as can be.  It is expected that the “boys” from Hudson will be in attendance.

FROM THE 35TH REGIMENT.—A letter from Milwaukee informs us that the 35th Regiment has left for Arkansas.  Dr. GARLICK remains at Milwaukee for the present, having been appointed Post Surgeon of that encampment.  [Carmine “Carmi” P. Garlick]

OSCEOLA HOME GUARDS.

And citizens generally !  Turn out everybody !  There will be a meeting at the Court House, in the village of Osceola, on Monday evening, May 9th, to take into consideration the propriety of tendering the services of the Guards to the Governor for one hundred days, should a call for volunteers be made.
. . . . .By order of
. . . . .FRANK WEBB, 2d Lieut.
CHAS. E. MEARS, Orderly Sergt.

From The Prescott Journal:

  Lt. CHAS. P. HYATT, Co. B, 6th Reg., has been promoted to Capt. of Co. E, same regiment.  The Capt. has won the position by bravery on every field where the “Iron Brigade” has won undying fame.

  The reception of the Hudson City Guards, at Hudson, cleared $100 over the expenses, which was donated to the St. Louis fair, for the benefit of the Sanitary Commission.

  Dr. A. D. ANDREWS has gone into partnership with C. B. COX, in the Grain and Flour business.  The Dr. has merely changed the form, not the nature of his business, as one of the best ways to promote health and prolong life is to have the “PRAIRIE MILLS” Flour.

  Capt. ELLSWORTH BURNET [sic], Co. F, 37th, is here, and wishes a few more recruits for that regiment.  Honors were well bestowed when BURNET [sic] received the two bars.

  P. V. WISE has been recommended  by the Board of Examination for a commission in the regular army.

  Walter Howes is Orderly Sergeant of Co. F, 37th, and John Butcher 2d Sergent.  Good selections both.

The Draft.

The latest intelligence from the War Department is that Wisconsin has furnished her quota on all calls, and there will be no draft in this State.

 

1864 April 23: Ellsworth Burnett Leaves with 37th Infantry Volunteers

The following articles are from The Prescott Journal of April 23, 1864.  For a full list of men from northwest Wisconsin who served in Company F of the 37th Infantry, see our page for Company F.

Volunteers for the 37th Reg.

The following is a list of the volunteers¹ who left with Serg’t. ELLSWORTH BURNETT last week.  He had previously sent seventeen, and there are a few yet to go.  BURNETT has earned a Captain’s commission, and will doubtless receive it :

	Isaac Sellick, [Selleck]	Dennison Hill,
	Thomas Carr,	George Smith,
	W. Bradshaw,	William Hill,
	Walter Howes,	Charles Tupham,*
	John Douglass,	George Peiei, [Pieie]
	Charles Angell,*	John Butcher,
	Hollis Carlton,	Samuel Graham,
	George Chimere,* [Chinnock?]	Peter McMahan,
	George Houston, [Housten]	Charles Brown,
	Alonzo Gray,	Martin McMahon,*
	Zais Oleson, [Lars?]	Ole Peterson,
	O. Weston, [Horatio?]	John Hampton,
	Truman Bayley, [Bagley]	Charles Velzey,
	John Coddington,	Gardner Gordon,
	E. H. Walden,	James Stanley,
	Justin Winchester,	Joseph Rollin, [Rollins]
	David Pulk,	Charles Randall,
	John Goldsberry,	Orland Burdick, [Oscar?]
	Ransom Warner,*	Hollis S. Boyd,*
	P. V. Wise.

Dinner to the Soldiers.

Co. A. 12th Reg., veterans, return to the front next Monday.  A free dinner will be given to them and all other soldiers now in the county on furlough on that day.  There will be speeches, music, etc., and the citizens here are requested to attend.

Concerning the Draft.

GEN’L HEADQUARTERS STATE OF WISCONSIN, }
ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE. }
Madison, April 10, 1864. }

General Order No. 12 :

The following copy of a telegram to Col. Greene, A. A. Provost Marshal General of the State, is published for the information of the public :

[By Telegraph]

WASHINGTON, April 16th, 1864.

To Col. A. D. Greene, A. A. Pro. Mar. Gen. :

Accounts will be made up to include April 15th to determine which sub-districts are deficient, and the number required from each.  The draft will be made in the sub-districts as soon as possible thereafter.  Men enlisted after April 15th from different sub-districts, will be deducted from number required at that date therefrom.Deductions will be made up to the latest moment before the draft.

[signed]               JAS B. FRY,
Provost Marshal General.
By order of the Governor :
AUG[USTUS] GAYLORD,
Adjutant General.

1.  Most of these men ended up in Burnett’s company, F, in the 37th Infantry.  The ones with an asterisk after their name are not on the roster of any Wisconsin regiment.

1864 April 27: Edwin Levings’ Furlough Coming to an End

Company A of the 12th Wisconsin Infantry has been home to Prescott on furlough.  Edwin Levings has gone to Madison in preparation for the regiment leaving Wisconsin to go back to the War.  Ed writes to his brother Homer, who is lingering at Prescott because of illness.

Camp Randall, Madison.
April 27th, 1864.

Bro. Homer,

                        I will improve the evening in writing to you.  For I do not know how else to spend it.  We did not get away from Prescott till 3 o’clock Tuesday morning.  We came down on the “War Eagle” arriving at Prairie-du-Chien this morning  at 5 o’clock, waited there till 9 for the cars and got into Madison at 1 P. M.  I took cabin passage which cost me $3.50, or $8.00 which includes deck passage.  I obtained no sleep Monday night till I got on the boat, & that was not much.  I made it up yesterday.  We had a good time coming down but I thought of home and of you all as I shall often.  Mr. Pickard was one of the passengers.  He is a great hand to amuse children, and I was much amused myself to witness his performance with them.

I took supper at Henry Stone’s house Monday and had a good visit.  Mr. Miller who preached at River Falls last Sabbath was there and I formed his acquaintance—found him a very interesting man.  I took along the box sent to George Miles—left it at the depot with the Capt.’s baggage.

The Capt. left you transportation at his house.  If you prefer you can get cabin passage by paying $3 or $4.  The Capt. said he would try and get you transportation from Pr. du C. [Prairie du Chien] but I do not know whether he did or not.  Apply at the ticket office for it anyway, for possibly he made arrangements for you.  I inclose [sic] you a ticket which the Capt. gave me for you.

Had I known the Capt. would have left transportation behind I should not have left home till to-day, for we are not obliged to be here till Friday night.

The 37th leaves here for Annapolis to-morrow.  Ellsworth [Ed’s cousin Ellsworth Burnett] put on his captain uniform this morning—have not seen him yet.  Justin Winchester is coming down with the measles—guess he will not go with the regiment.

I hope you are getting better and will join us ere a great while but stay till you are thouroughly [sic] well and have a good visit; and if you are able, write write to me, for I shall be lonesome without you and letters will be a great treat, but I must stop.  Direct to Camp Randall as letters will follow if we are not here to get them.  Hoping you are all well tonight and with much love to you all.  I bid you good night.

Yours affectionate brother

Edwin

There is talk of our going away Saturday, but the [___] is Monday will be the day.  I will write before starting & let  you know where our destination is & send photos.  Edwin.

Thursday morning — I have seen Ellsworth this morning.  He is not very well.  He is not yet released from recruiting, he says & will probably go up to Pierce Co. again for more recruits before going to Annapolis.  Justin will be left behind.  Walter Howes is their Orderly Sergt.  I must go up town to-day & get those pictures so I will not write more.

Yours &c.
Edwin

 

Edwin Levings letter of April 27, 1864, from the Edwin D. Levings Papers (River Falls Mss BO) in the University Archives & Area Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls

1864 April 16: P. V. Wise Joins Up Again, Ellsworth Burnett Leaves with Recruits, and Other News

Following are the smaller items from the April 16, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

— The amount paid to veteran volunteers in counties is said to reach ninety millions of dollars.

— At the Fair in New York the married ladies will be distinguished by black aprons, the unmarried by white.  California and other widows by aprons hemmed with yellow.

— Home.—The 11th and 12th regiments of Wisconsin veterans arrived at Madison on the 21st, and are now enjoying a furlough for 30 days within the State.  Ode company is now at Prescott.  [Company A of the 12th]

From The Prescott Journal:

— RECOVERED.—Last week John L. Dale recovered three Government horses in the southern part of this county [Pierce], and delivered them to the U. S. Agent at St. Paul.

Serg’t Burnett left for Madison with his recruits on Friday, on the Buck Eye State.  He has had excellent success having recruited 57 men.  [Ellsworth Burnett]

Lt. P. V. Wise has re-enlisted as a private in the 37th regiment.  He has good pluck—is bound to see the war out or “perish in the attempt.”  Mr. Wise has been severely wounded himself and and [sic] lost two brothers and two cousins in the war.

NO TERMS BUT SEPARATION.—The Richmond Dispatch, of a recent date, in an editorial on the President’s offer of amnesty, says :

No one, however, knows better than Abraham Lincoln, that any terms he might offer the Southern people, which contemplate their restoration to his bloody and brutal government, would be rejected with scorn and execration.  If, instead of devoting to death our President and military and civil officers, he had proposed to make Jeff. Davis his successor, Lee Commander in Chief of his Yankee armies, and our domestic institutions not only recognized at home but re-adopted in the Free States, provided the South would once more enter the Yankee Union, there is not a man, woman or child in the Confederacy who would not spit upon the proposition.  We desire no companionship upon any terms with a nation of robbers and murderers.  The miscreants whose atrocities in this war have cause[d] the whole civilized world to shudder, must keep henceforth their distance.  They shall not be our masters and we would not have them for our slaves.

1864 March 19: The 37th Wisconsin Infantry and Other News

Following are the smaller items from the March 19, 1864, issues of The Polk County Press and The Prescott Journal.

From The Polk County Press:

— An exchange of prisoners is being made.

— New Hampshire has gone largely Union.

— The rebels advertise the Harriet Lane for sale.¹

— A woman named Haycroft has been arrested in St. Louis as a rebel spy.

— The clothes which Colonel Ellsworth [Elmer E. Ellsworth] wore when he was shot at Alexandria, are on exhibition at the Albany Sanitary fair.

— The Senate has adopted a resolution of inquiry into the cause of the late disaster in Florida, and under whose direction it was made.

— Captains Sawyer and Flynn,² who were sentenced to death in Richmond in retaliation for the hanging by Gen. Burnside [Ambrose E. Burnside] of two rebel spies, have been exchanged.

— Vermont has credit of 2,025 men over all calls to the present time. —The credit will probably be increased by 509 men re-enlisted from the State in the Department of the Gulf, and the total will, it is expected, be sufficient to meet any probably call hereafter.

— The number of rebel prisoners of war now in our hands is upwards of forty-six thousand—about three thousand commissioned officers, and between forty and forty-five thousand non-commissioned officers and enlisted men.

Idaho and the Draft.

The Milwaukee Wisconsin of the 4th contains the following :

“It should be borne in mind by those going to Idaho, that it will be necessary for them to secure passports from the Provost Marshal before going.  The passports must show that that [sic] they have fulfilled all the conditions of the draft, and are not leaving to avoid it.  Otherwise their course will be checked, either at St. Louis or at Fort Benton.  Instructions to this effect have been made public by the Governor of Iowa, and also by Gen. Rosecrans [William S. Rosecrans], at St. Louis.  We presume the Governor of Minnesota has also issued similar instructions.”

FROM MEMPHIS.—We learn from Mr. LEEMAN [sic] CLARK,³ that Mr. E. C. Treadwell, of this place, who enlisted a short time ago in the 2d Cavalry, is sick, in Hospital in Memphis, with small-pox.  We sincerely trust that he will soon recover.

All of the Polk Co. boys that enlisted for the 2d Cavalry are now at Memphis, and went with the celebrated Smith and Grierson raid, recently made.  All but Treadwell are in good health, and like the service.  “Hick” Clark³ writes that he has gained 16 pounds since he left.  “Hardtack” must agree with “Hick.”

JUST NOW.—The following is at present Deputy Provost Marshal Vincent[’]s toast :  Enlist or be drafted.  [William J. Vincent]

GOING.—DR. GARLICK leaves for his regiment the first of next week.  May success attend him wherever he may march.  [Carmine “Carmi” P. Garlick]

OUT OF THE DRAFT.—We see by the Adjutant General’s Report, of Minnesota, that Taylor’s Falls has furnished one man in excess of all calls, and is therefore out of the draft.

EXTENSION.—The Military District of Minnesota, by command of Maj. Gen. POPE [John Pope], has been extended so as to include all the territory east of a line drawn from the head of Pembina River to the western extremity of Devil’s Lake, thence to the head of James River ;  thence following the course of James River southerly, to the forty-fourth (44th) parallel of latitude ;  thence east along that parallel to the Big Sioux River ;  thence along the line of that River to the northern boundary of the State of Iowa.

THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.—Adj. Gen. GAYLORD [Augustus Gaylord] has issued an order organizing a 37th Wis. Regiment.—Capt. SAM. HARRIMAN [Samuel Harriman], Co. A. 30th Regiment,—well known to all our citizens, and a very popular officer throughout the State,—has been appointed Colonel, by Gov. LEWIS [James T. Lewis].

Colonel HARRIMAN will make the 37th a noble regiment.  We are glad to see the North-West District thus honored.

From The Prescott Journal:

Col. Sam. Harriman.

We are pleased to notice the appointment of SAM. HARRIMAN as Colonel of the 37th regiment, now being organized.

Col. Harriman as Capt. of Co. A, 30th, has shown that he possesses the qualifications for a successful officer, and the people of the St. Croix Valley feel a just pride in his promotion.  Success to the Thirty-Seventh.

RECRUITS WANTED.
Large Bounty Still Extended.

Sergeant ELLSWORTH BURNETT has been detailed to this county to recruit for the 37th regiment.

There are several towns in this county whose quota is not full, and now, if ever, is the time to avoid the draft, which will be made the first of April.

It is generally known that the Government Bounty of $300 is extended till that time, and local bounties can be obtained.  The town of Oak Grove will pay $100 cash to each recruit credited there.

Recruits going into this new regiment stand much better chance of promotion than in the old ones, and we hope Serg’t BURNETT will obtain enough here to clear the county from the draft.

NO MORE WOMEN ALLOWED TO VISIT THE FRONT.—The Nashville Union is requested “by the highest authority,” to announce that no more passes will be granted to the wives and families of officers, to the front of any of the armies in this theatre of operation.  Northern papers will save much useless expense and trouble by giving publicity to this statement.

  Gov. Lewis has received  orders from the War Department to organize still another regiment to be designated as the 38th.  James Bentliff [sic: Bintliff],⁴ of Green county, formerly captain in the 22d regiment, is appointed to its command.

THE LAST CALL.
200,000 More.

The President has issued a call for 200,000 more troops.

The St. Paul Press [March 11, 1864], speaking of the call says :

“Our armies in the field already probably number twice those of the enemy, sufficient to carry victory before them wherever the order to advance is given.  Why then this call for 200,000 more ?  They are needed, we suppose, as a grand army of reserve ;  perhaps, to release 200,000 veterans from guard duty along lines of communication, as the army in front moves onward ;  needed to make ossurance [sic: assurance] doubly sure ;  to take a bond of fate against all the possible mischances of war ;  needed to give the weary nation and the world a guarantee that the Rebellion will be crushed beyond a peradventure during the coming summer and fall.”

1.  The Harriet Lane had been captured by the Confederates in 1863 and converted to a trade ship after failing to sell it. She was promptly recaptured by the Union forces, declared unfit for service, sold, and rechristened the Elliot Ritchie.
2.  Henry Washington Sawyer (1829-1893), captain of Company K of the 1st New Jersey Cavalry, and John M. Flinn (1833 or 34-1872), captain of Company F of the 51st Indiana Infantry, were chosen by lot for the execution.
3.  Leman G. Clark was the older brother of Andrew J. Clark and George S. Clark, both of whom enlisted in Company D of the 2nd Wisconsin Cavalry. Which of the Clark brothers was known as “Hick” is unknown to us.
4.  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.

1864 February 16: “I am not certain whether I shall re-enlist or not … should I get a commission I shall surely stay”

Jerry Flint, currently a sergeant in Company G of the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry (the Hudson City Guards), is still in Wisconsin on his recruiting trip.  He is in Madison, with his recruits, getting ready to head back to the regiment.

The original letter is in the Frank D. Harding Papers (River Falls Mss AB), University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Archives & Area Research Center.

American House
Madison Wis. Feb. 16 ’64

Dear Brother¹

                           Here we are yet at the Capital of our glorious State paying $10.50 per week for board, and getting as usual 17 dollars per month.  But never mind, the decree has gone forth, and we start for the Department of the Gulf tomorrow.  I have got my own board bill paid.  The bill for my men I shall not be able to collect just now but shall leave it with Joe Elwell [Joseph S. Elwell] which will be all right.  You know I shall have six months pay due the 1^st of March but we cannot get a cent until we get to the Regt.  I found all my Party waiting here when I arrived.  I had supposed that I was left all alone.

The first evening after we arrived we met arround [sic] the festal board and had a glorious reunion.  Last Saturday three of us, viz.² Sergt^s Sharpe,³ Cowan⁴ and myself, being tired of lazing too long in one place took a “French” and went to Milwaukee and spent the Sabbath.  Had a splendid time I’ll bet.  Saw all of Co. “A” 30^th and spent a glorious nigh with “Gus.”  I tell you Phin he is a stand by.  Theodore & Al look tough and hearty.  By George it does me good to grip Old Nick by the paw.  He is worth a small fortune in himself.  [paragraph break added]

I have sit [sic] to day for some Photographs.  If I go away tomorrow before I can get them, I shall have them sent to you and you keep them subject to my order.  I have promised several and I will let you know who they are (Except one).  Keep still or I’ll break your neck.  [paragraph break added]

Ellsworth Burnett⁵ came down to night and I had the supreme pleasure of tipping a glass of Beer with him.  He has gone to a Dance to night but as I have been running the machine in tolerably good shape since I have been here I concluded to stay at my room and write to you.  I do not know whether I shall get a chance to see Helen or not.  [paragraph break added]

The Col. [Daniel J. Dill] said he was perfectly willing I should go on and meet the Party at Chicago but the Genl. Supt. would not give his permission.

I am not certain whether I shall re-enlist or not.  Sometimes I feel as though in your present state of health I ought to come home.  I do not think any one can accuse me of being a coward or not doing my duty if I serve three years and get an honorable discharge.  Should I get a commission I shall surely stay.  My sheet is full and I guess I will .  Love to all.  Tell Sarah to write.

Good night, Jerry

Direct your letters to the Regt. at Baton Rouge

Charly has gone to the Regt.⁶

1.  Jerry’s brother, Phineas, who used to be in Company A of the 30th Wisconsin Infantry, but was discharged for a disability.
2.  Viz., an abbreviation for videlicet, meaning “namely,” “that is to say,” “to wit,” “as follows.”
3.  Edward E. Sharpe, from Sheboygan, a sergeant in Company C of the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry.
4.  George F. Cowan, from Dartford, a sergeant in Company B of the 4th. No doubt the two sergeants, like Jerry, had been back home recruiting.
5.  Jerry’s cousin, who was still in Company A of the 30th at this time. The 30th had not yet left Madison.
6.  Probably Charles P. Nichols, from Hudson, who was a corporal in Company G of the 4th.

Jerry Flint letter of February 16, 1864, from the Jerry E. Flint Paper (River Falls Mss BN) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls University Archives & Area Research Center